Graphene oxide-DNA based sensors.

PubMed

Gao, Li; Lian, Chaoqun; Zhou, Yang; Yan, Lirong; Li, Qin; Zhang, Chunxia; Chen, Liang; Chen, Keping

2014-10-15

Since graphene oxide (GO) is readily available and exhibits exceptional optical, electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, it has attracted increasing interests for use in GO-DNA based sensors. This paper reviews the advances in GO-DNA based sensors using DNA as recognition elements. In solution, GO is as an excellent acceptor of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to quench the fluorescence in dye labeled DNA sequences. This review discusses the emerging GO-DNA based sensors related to FRET for use in the detection of DNA, proteins, metal ions, cysteine (Cys), and others. The application of the electrochemical GO-DNA based sensors is also summarized because GO possesses exceptional electrochemical properties. The detection mechanisms and the advantages of GO are also revealed and discussed. GO-DNA based sensors perform well at low cost, and high sensitivity, and provide low detection limits. Additionally, GO-DNA based sensors should appear in the near future as scientists explore their usefulness and properties. Finally, future perspectives and possible challenges in this area are outlined. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew; Sun, Pei; Butler, Brady G.

2017-02-01

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wrought-like microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistant microstructures via simple heat treatments. The exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing.

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

DOE PAGES

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew; ...

2017-02-01

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wroughtlike microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistantmore » microstructures via simple heat treatments. Finally, the exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing.« less

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

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

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wroughtlike microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistantmore » microstructures via simple heat treatments. Finally, the exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing.« less

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

PubMed Central

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew; Sun, Pei; Butler, Brady G.

2017-01-01

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wrought-like microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistant microstructures via simple heat treatments. The exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing. PMID:28145527

Regenerated silk materials for functionalized silk orthopedic devices by mimicking natural processing

PubMed Central

Li, Chunmei; Hotz, Blake; Ling, Shengjie; Guo, Jin; Haas, Dylan S.; Marelli, Benedetto; Omenetto, Fiorenzo; Lin, Samuel J.; Kaplan, David L.

2016-01-01

Silk fibers spun by silkworms and spiders exhibit exceptional mechanical properties with a unique combination of strength, extensibility and toughness. In contrast, the mechanical properties of regenerated silk materials can be tuned through control of the fabrication process. Here we introduce a biomimetic, all-aqueous process, to obtain bulk regenerated silk-based materials for the fabrication of functionalized orthopedic devices. The silk materials generated in the process replicate the nano-scale structure of natural silk fibers and possess excellent mechanical properties. The biomimetic materials demonstrated excellent machinability, providing a path towards the fabrication of a new family of resorbable orthopedic devices where organic solvents are avoided, thus allowing functionalization with bioactive molecules to promote bone remodeling and integration. PMID:27697669

Antibacterial, mechanical, and barrier properties of sago starch film incorporated with Betel leaves extract.

PubMed

Nouri, Leila; Mohammadi Nafchi, Abdorreza

2014-05-01

The antimicrobial, mechanical and barrier properties and light transmission of sago starch film incorporated with different percentage of Betel leaf extract (5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were evaluated. With regard to mechanical properties, tensile strength decreased when the percentage of extract increased. Elongation at break (%) and seal strength (N/m) increased with increasing percentage of extract from 5% to 20%, while decreased for films containing 30% extract due to heterogeneity of films in this percentage. With regard to barrier properties, water vapour and oxygen barrier properties decreased in all samples when percentage of the extract increased. Antimicrobial activity of all the films increased against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as percentage of Betel leaf extract increased, except for Psuedomonas aeruginosa, which was not susceptible at any percentage of the extract. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of solution treatment on the mechanical properties of age-hardened A-286 bar stock at elevated and cryogenic temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montano, J. W.

1972-01-01

The mechanical properties are presented of solution treated and age hardened A-286 corrosion resistant steel bar stock. Material solution treated at 899 C or 982 C, each followed by an age hardening treatment of 718 C, was evaluated. Test specimens manufactured from 1.50 inch (3.81 cm) diameter bar stock were tested at temperatures from +649 C to -253 C. The test data indicated excellent tensile, yield, elongation and reduction-in-area properties at all testing temperatures for both solution treated and aged materials. Cryogenic temperature notched tensile, impact, and shear tests indicated excellent notch strength, ductility, and shear values. There was very little difference in the mechanical properties of the two solution treated and aged materials. The only exception was that the 962 C solution treated and aged material had superior stress rupture properties at 649 C.

Effect of substituted phenylnadimides on processing and properties of PMR polyimide composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alston, W. B.; Lauver, R. W.

1985-01-01

Three nitrophenylnadimide cure initiators and two phenylnadimides (without nitros) were evaluated as additives to PMR-15 resins and Celion 6000 graphite fiber composites. The results of a resin screening study eliminated all of the additives except 3-nitrophenylnadimide (NO2PN) for use as a low temperature curing additive for PMR-15. Thus, NO2PN and the two control additives were investigated in PMR-15 formulations from which Celion 6000 graphite fiber/PMR-15 composites were processed both with low temperature (274 C) and normal (316 C) cure cycles. Comparisons of the two processing cycles, the resultant glass transition temperatures (Tg), the ambient, 274 and 316 C composite mechanical properties determined before and after 316 C postcure, the 316 C thermo-oxidative weight losses and the retention of 316 C composite mechanical properties are presented. Empirical correlations of the type and amount of nadimide additives with processing parameters, Tg, composite mechanical properties, composite thermo-oxidative stability and long term retention of 316 C composite mechanical properties are also presented.

Multiply Degenerate Exceptional Points and Quantum Phase Transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisov, Denis I.; Ružička, František; Znojil, Miloslav

2015-12-01

The realization of a genuine phase transition in quantum mechanics requires that at least one of the Kato's exceptional-point parameters becomes real. A new family of finite-dimensional and time-parametrized quantum-lattice models with such a property is proposed and studied. All of them exhibit, at a real exceptional-point time t = 0, the Jordan-block spectral degeneracy structure of some of their observables sampled by Hamiltonian H( t) and site-position Q( t). The passes through the critical instant t = 0 are interpreted as schematic simulations of non-equivalent versions of the Big-Bang-like quantum catastrophes.

Damage-tolerant metallic composites via melt infiltration of additively manufactured preforms

DOE PAGES

Pawlowski, Alexander E.; Cordero, Zachary C.; French, Matthew R.; ...

2017-04-22

A facile two-step approach for 3D printing metal-metal composites with precisely controlled microstructures is described. Composites made with this approach exhibit tailorable thermal and mechanical properties as well as exceptional damage tolerance.

Damage-tolerant metallic composites via melt infiltration of additively manufactured preforms

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

Pawlowski, Alexander E.; Cordero, Zachary C.; French, Matthew R.

A facile two-step approach for 3D printing metal-metal composites with precisely controlled microstructures is described. Composites made with this approach exhibit tailorable thermal and mechanical properties as well as exceptional damage tolerance.

Nonlinear Loading-Rate-Dependent Force Response of Individual Vimentin Intermediate Filaments to Applied Strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Block, Johanna; Witt, Hannes; Candelli, Andrea; Peterman, Erwin J. G.; Wuite, Gijs J. L.; Janshoff, Andreas; Köster, Sarah

2017-01-01

The mechanical properties of eukaryotic cells are to a great extent determined by the cytoskeleton, a composite network of different filamentous proteins. Among these, intermediate filaments (IFs) are exceptional in their molecular architecture and mechanical properties. Here we directly record stress-strain curves of individual vimentin IFs using optical traps and atomic force microscopy. We find a strong loading rate dependence of the mechanical response, supporting the hypothesis that IFs could serve to protect eukaryotic cells from fast, large deformations. Our experimental results show different unfolding regimes, which we can quantitatively reproduce by an elastically coupled system of multiple two-state elements.

Analysis of Arterial Mechanics During Head-Down-Tilt Bed Rest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, Morgan B.; Martin, David S.; Westby, Christian M.; Stenger, Michael B.; Platts, Steven H.

2014-01-01

Carotid, brachial, and tibial arteries reacted differently to HDTBR. Previous studies have not analyzed the mechanical properties of the human brachial or anterior tibial arteries. After slight variations during bed-rest, arterial mechanical properties and IMT returned to pre-bed rest values, with the exception of tibial stiffness and PSE, which continued to be reduced post-bed rest while the DC remained elevated. The tibial artery remodeling was probably due to decreased pressure and volume. Resulting implications for longer duration spaceflight are unclear. Arterial health may be affected by microgravity, as shown by increased thoracic aorta stiffness in other ground based simulations (Aubert).

Effect of water on mechanical properties and stress corrosion behavior of alloy 600, alloy 690, EN82H welds, and EN52 welds

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

Brown, C.M.; Mills, W.J.

1999-02-01

The fracture toughness and tensile properties of alloy 600 (UNS N06600), alloy 690 (UNS N06690), and their welds (EN82H [UNS N06082] and EN52 [UNS N06052]) were characterized in 54 C and 338 C water with an elevated hydrogen content. Results were compared with air data to evaluate the effect of low- and high-temperature water on the mechanical properties. In addition, the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of EN82H and EN52 welds was evaluated in 360 C water. Elastic-plastic (J{sub IC}) fracture toughness testing revealed that the fracture resistance of all test materials was exceptionally high in 54 C and 338more » C air and 338 C water, demonstrating that fracture properties essentially were unaffected by the high-temperature water environment. In 54 C water, however, J{sub IC} values for EN82H and EN52 welds were reduced by an order of magnitude, and alloy 690 showed a fivefold decrease in J{sub IC}. Scanning electron fractography revealed that the degraded fracture properties were associated with a fracture mechanism transition from ductile dimple rupture to intergranular cracking. The latter was associated with hydrogen-induced cracking mechanism. The fracture toughness for alloy 600 remained high in 54 C water, and microvoid coalescence was the operative mechanism in low-temperature air and water. Tensile properties for all test materials essentially were unaffected by the water environment, except for the total elongation for EN82H welds, which was reduced significantly in 54 C water. Constant-load testing of precracked weld specimens in 360 C water resulted in extensive intergranular SCC in EN82H welds, whereas no SCC occurred in EN52 welds under comparable test conditions.« less

Regenerated silk materials for functionalized silk orthopedic devices by mimicking natural processing.

PubMed

Li, Chunmei; Hotz, Blake; Ling, Shengjie; Guo, Jin; Haas, Dylan S; Marelli, Benedetto; Omenetto, Fiorenzo; Lin, Samuel J; Kaplan, David L

2016-12-01

Silk fibers spun by silkworms and spiders exhibit exceptional mechanical properties with a unique combination of strength, extensibility and toughness. In contrast, the mechanical properties of regenerated silk materials can be tuned through control of the fabrication process. Here we introduce a biomimetic, all-aqueous process, to obtain bulk regenerated silk-based materials for the fabrication of functionalized orthopedic devices. The silk materials generated in the process replicate the nano-scale structure of natural silk fibers and possess excellent mechanical properties. The biomimetic materials demonstrate excellent machinability, providing a path towards the fabrication of a new family of resorbable orthopedic devices where organic solvents are avoided, thus allowing functionalization with bioactive molecules to promote bone remodeling and integration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Consideration of critical axial properties of pristine and defected carbon nanotubes under compression.

PubMed

Ranjbartoreh, A R; Su, D; Wang, G

2012-06-01

Carbon nanotubes are hexagonally configured carbon atoms in cylindrical structures. Exceptionally high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, surface area, thermal stability and optical transparency of carbon nanotubes outperformed other known materials in numerous advanced applications. However, their mechanical behaviors under practical loading conditions remain to be demonstrated. This study investigates the critical axial properties of pristine and defected single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes under axial compression. Molecular dynamics simulation method has been employed to consider the destructive effects of Stone-Wales and atom vacancy defects on mechanical properties of armchair and zigzag carbon nanotubes under compressive loading condition. Armchair carbon nanotube shows higher axial stability than zigzag type. Increase in wall number leads to less susceptibility of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to defects and higher stability of them under axial compression. Atom vacancy defect reveals higher destructive effect than Stone-Wales defect on mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. Critical axial strain of single-walled carbon nanotube declines by 67% and 26% due to atom vacancy and Stone-Wales defects.

Reinforcement of SBR/waste rubber powder vulcanizate with in situ generated zinc dimethacrylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. P.; Cheng, B. K.; Zhang, X.; Jia, D. M.

2016-07-01

Methyl acrylic acid/zinc oxide (MAA/ZnO) was introduced to modify styrene- butadiene rubber/waste rubber powder (SBR/WRP) composites by blending. The enhanced mechanical properties and processing ability were presumably originated from improved compatibility and interfacial interaction between WRP and the SBR matrix by the in situ polymerization of zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA). A refined interface of the modified SBR/WRP composite was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The formation of ZDMA significantly increased the ionic bond content in the vulcanizate, resulting in exceptional mechanical performance. The comprehensive mechanical properties including tensile strength, tear strength and dynamic heat-building performance reached optimum values with 16 phr MAA.

Recent advances in clay mineral-containing nanocomposite hydrogels.

PubMed

Zhao, Li Zhi; Zhou, Chun Hui; Wang, Jing; Tong, Dong Shen; Yu, Wei Hua; Wang, Hao

2015-12-28

Clay mineral-containing nanocomposite hydrogels have been proven to have exceptional composition, properties, and applications, and consequently have attracted a significant amount of research effort over the past few years. The objective of this paper is to summarize and evaluate scientific advances in clay mineral-containing nanocomposite hydrogels in terms of their specific preparation, formation mechanisms, properties, and applications, and to identify the prevailing challenges and future directions in the field. The state-of-the-art of existing technologies and insights into the exfoliation of layered clay minerals, in particular montmorillonite and LAPONITE®, are discussed first. The formation and structural characteristics of polymer/clay nanocomposite hydrogels made from in situ free radical polymerization, supramolecular assembly, and freezing-thawing cycles are then examined. Studies indicate that additional hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, coordination bonds, hydrophobic interaction, and even covalent bonds could occur between the clay mineral nanoplatelets and polymer chains, thereby leading to the formation of unique three-dimensional networks. Accordingly, the hydrogels exhibit exceptional optical and mechanical properties, swelling-deswelling behavior, and stimuli-responsiveness, reflecting the remarkable effects of clay minerals. With the pivotal roles of clay minerals in clay mineral-containing nanocomposite hydrogels, the nanocomposite hydrogels possess great potential as superabsorbents, drug vehicles, tissue scaffolds, wound dressing, and biosensors. Future studies should lay emphasis on the formation mechanisms with in-depth insights into interfacial interactions, the tactical functionalization of clay minerals and polymers for desired properties, and expanding of their applications.

Has the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement in Latin America and the Caribbean produced intellectual property legislation that favours public health?

PubMed

Oliveira, Maria Auxiliadora; Bermudez, Jorge Antonio Zepeda; Chaves, Gabriela Costa; Velásquez, Germán

2004-11-01

The World Trade Organization's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement establishes minimum standards for intellectual property rights, including patent protection for pharmaceuticals; therefore, it may make it difficult for developing countries to gain access to medicines, especially those countries that are the least developed. This study aims to determine whether implementation of the TRIPS Agreement in Latin American and Caribbean countries has generated patent legislation that is sensitive to public health needs. Legislation in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries was analysed. The variables considered in the analysis were: the term of patents issued, patentable subject matter, transition periods (that is, time until legislation was enacted), reversal of the burden of proof of patent infringement, exhaustion of rights, compulsory licensing and the early working exception (which allows a country to complete all procedures necessary to register a generic product before the original patent expires). By 2000, all of the countries studied had reformed their legislation to conform to the agreement. Brazil and Argentina used the transition period until 2005 to grant patents in the pharmaceutical industry. All countries, except Panama, made use of the safeguards and flexibilities available through the agreement by including mechanisms for compulsory licensing in their legislation. Argentina; Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela (countries that represented the Andean community); the Dominican Republic; and Panama included mechanisms to allow parallel importation. Mexico did not. Brazil only permits parallel importation after a compulsory licence has been issued. The early working exception is included in legislation in Brazil and the Dominican Republic. The countries in this study did not incorporate all of the mechanisms allowed for by the Agreement and are not adequately using the provisions that enable World Trade Organization (WTO) members to obtain better health for the public, particularly in regard to gaining access to medicines. This situation may deteriorate in future if other agreements establish more restrictive rules for intellectual property rights.

Report on Carbon Nano Material Workshop: Challenges and Opportunities

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-22

trolyte fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) utilize the ability of the catalysts to initiate and maintain the oxygen reduction reaction on the cathode and the fuel...oxidation reaction on the anode. In order to increase the efficiency of the PEMFC catalysts, high-surface-area mesoporous carbons, carbon blacks, carbon...mechanical and thermal properties derived from a three-dimensional intercon- nected nanonetwork structure. The exceptional properties of CAs for PEMFC

Simple Graphene Synthesis via Chemical Vapor Deposition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobberger, Robert M.; Machhi, Rushad; Wroblewski, Jennifer; Taylor, Ben; Gillian-Daniel, Anne Lynn; Arnold, Michael S.

2015-01-01

Graphene's unique combination of exceptional mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties makes this material a promising candidate to enable next-generation technologies in a wide range of fields, including electronics, energy, and medicine. However, educational activities involving graphene have been limited due to the high expense and…

Outdoor weathering of facial prosthetic elastomers differing in Durometer hardness.

PubMed

Willett, Emily S; Beatty, Mark W

2015-03-01

Facial prosthetic elastomers with wide ranges in hardness are available, yet material weatherability is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess color, Durometer hardness, and tensile property changes after 3000 hours of outdoor weathering. Unpigmented elastomers with Durometer hardness 5, 30, 50, 70, and A-2186 were polymerized into dumbbells (ASTM D412) and disks, 34 mm in diameter by 6 mm thick. Materials were subjected to outdoor or time passage environments for 3000 hours. CIELab color (n=5), Durometer hardness (n=5), and tensile mechanical properties (n=10) were measured at 0 and 3000 hours, and group differences were assessed by material and weathering condition (ANOVA/Tukey, α=.05). Except for A-2186, the mean Durometer changes for all materials were 1 unit or less, with no significant differences observed between time passage and weathered groups (P≥.05). Three-thousand-hour tensile mechanical property results demonstrated nonsignificant differences between time passage and weathered materials but significantly changed properties from immediately tested materials (P<.001). Outdoor weathering induced perceptible but acceptable color changes (1.7≤ΔE*≤2.6) for elastomers with Durometer hardness 5 and 30 and A-2186. With a few exceptions, outdoor weathering produced relatively small changes in color, Durometer hardness, or tensile properties compared with time passage. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of mechanical properties for open cellular structure CoCrMo alloy fabricated by selective laser melting process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azidin, A.; Taib, Z. A. M.; Harun, W. S. W.; Che Ghani, S. A.; Faisae, M. F.; Omar, M. A.; Ramli, H.

2015-12-01

Orthodontic implants have been a major focus through mechanical and biological performance in advance to fabricate shape of complex anatomical. Designing the part with a complex mechanism is one of the challenging process and addition to achieve the balance and desired mechanical performance brought to the right manufacture technique to fabricate. Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) is brought forward to the newest fabrication technology in this field. In this study, selective laser melting (SLM) process was utilized on a medical grade cobalt-chrome molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy. The work has focused on mechanical properties of the CoCrMo open cellular structures samples with 60%, 70%, and 80% designed volume porosity that could potentially emulate the properties of human bone. It was observed that hardness values decreased as the soaking time increases except for bottom face. For compression test, 60% designed volume porosity demonstrated highest ultimate compressive strength compared to 70% and 80%.

A general contact mechanical formulation of multilayered structures and its application to deconvolute thickness/mechanical properties of glue used in surface force apparatus.

PubMed

Math, Souvik; Horn, Roger; Jayaram, Vikram; Biswas, Sanjay Kumar

2007-04-15

Currently data obtained from surface force apparatus experiments are convoluted with the mechanical response of glue of unknown thickness, used to bond mica sheets to the substrates. This paper describes a formulation to precisely deconvolute out the forces between the mica sheets by determining the thickness of glue, knowing the mechanical properties of the glue. The formulation consists of a general solution based on the noniterative Hankel transform of the Laplace equation. The generality is achieved by treating all the layers except the one in contact as an effective lumped system consisting of a set of springs in series, where each spring represents a layer. The solution is validated by nanoindentation of trilayer systems consisting of layers with widely diverse mechanical properties, some differing from each other by three orders of magnitude. SFA experiments are done with carefully metered slabs of glue. The proposed method is validated by comparing the actual glue thicknesses with those determined using the present analysis.

Effects of strain rate and temperature on the mechanical behavior of carbon black reinforced elastomers based on butyl rubber and high molecular weight polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussein, M.

2018-06-01

The influence of the mechanical property and morphology of different blend ratio of Butyl rubber (IIR)/high molecular weight polyethylene (PE) by temperature and strain rate are performed. Special attention has been considered to a ductile-brittle transition that is known to occur at around 60 °C. The idea is to explain the unexpected phenomenon of brittleness which directly related to all tensile mechanical properties such as the strength of blends, modulus of elasticity of filled and unfilled IIR-polyethylene blends. In particular, the initial Young's modulus, tensile strength and strain at failure exhibit similar dependency on strain rate and temperature. These quantities lowered and increased with an increment of temperature, whereas the increased with increasing of strain rate. Furthermore, the tensile strength and strain at failure decreases for all temperatures range with the increase of PE content in the blend, except Young's modulus in reverse. The strain rate sensitivity index parameter of the examined polymeric materials is consistent with the micro-mechanisms of deformation and the behavior was well described by an Eyring relationship leading to an activation volume of ∼1 nm3, except for the highest value of unfilled IIR ∼8.45 nm3.

Thermal activated ("thermal") battery technology. Part IIIb. Sulfur and oxide-based cathode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masset, Patrick J.; Guidotti, Ronald A.

This article presents an overview of cathode materials (except the pyrite FeS 2) used or envisaged in thermally activated ("thermal") batteries. The physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance of different cathode families (oxides, sulfides) are reviewed, including discharge mechanisms, when known.

The mechanical behavior of nanoscale metallic multilayers: A survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Q.; Xie, J. Y.; Wang, F.; Huang, P.; Xu, K. W.; Lu, T. J.

2015-06-01

The mechanical behavior of nanoscale metallic multilayers (NMMs) has attracted much attention from both scientific and practical views. Compared with their monolithic counterparts, the large number of interfaces existing in the NMMs dictates the unique behavior of this special class of structural composite materials. While there have been a number of reviews on the mechanical mechanism of microlaminates, the rapid development of nanotechnology brought a pressing need for an overview focusing exclusively on a property-based definition of the NMMs, especially their size-dependent microstructure and mechanical performance. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review on the microstructure, mechanical property and plastic deformation physics of NMMs. We hope this review could accomplish two purposes: (1) introducing the basic concepts of scaling and dimensional analysis to scientists and engineers working on NMM systems, and (2) providing a better understanding of interface behavior and the exceptional qualities the interfaces in NMMs display at atomic scale.

Disconjugacy, regularity of multi-indexed rationally extended potentials, and Laguerre exceptional polynomials

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

Grandati, Y.; Quesne, C.

2013-07-15

The power of the disconjugacy properties of second-order differential equations of Schrödinger type to check the regularity of rationally extended quantum potentials connected with exceptional orthogonal polynomials is illustrated by re-examining the extensions of the isotonic oscillator (or radial oscillator) potential derived in kth-order supersymmetric quantum mechanics or multistep Darboux-Bäcklund transformation method. The function arising in the potential denominator is proved to be a polynomial with a nonvanishing constant term, whose value is calculated by induction over k. The sign of this term being the same as that of the already known highest degree term, the potential denominator has themore » same sign at both extremities of the definition interval, a property that is shared by the seed eigenfunction used in the potential construction. By virtue of disconjugacy, such a property implies the nodeless character of both the eigenfunction and the resulting potential.« less

Combination of Functional Nanoengineering and Nanosecond Laser Texturing for Design of Superhydrophobic Aluminum Alloy with Exceptional Mechanical and Chemical Properties.

PubMed

Boinovich, Ludmila B; Modin, Evgeny B; Sayfutdinova, Adeliya R; Emelyanenko, Kirill A; Vasiliev, Alexander L; Emelyanenko, Alexandre M

2017-10-24

Industrial application of metallic materials is hindered by several shortcomings, such as proneness to corrosion, erosion under abrasive loads, damage due to poor cold resistance, or weak resistance to thermal shock stresses, etc. In this study, using the aluminum-magnesium alloy as an example of widely spread metallic materials, we show that a combination of functional nanoengineering and nanosecond laser texturing with the appropriate treatment regimes can be successfully used to transform a metal into a superhydrophobic material with exceptional mechanical and chemical properties. It is demonstrated that laser chemical processing of the surface may be simultaneously used to impart multimodal roughness and to modify the composition and physicochemical properties of a thick surface layer of the substrate itself. Such integration of topographical and physicochemical modification leads to specific surface nanostructures such as nanocavities filled with hydrophobic agent and hard oxynitride nanoinclusions. The combination of superhydrophobic state, nano- and micro features of the hierarchical surface, and the appropriate composition of the surface textured layer allowed us to provide the surface with the outstanding level of resistance of superhydrophobic coatings to external chemical and mechanical impacts. In particular, experimental data presented in this study indicate high resistance of the fabricated coatings to pitting corrosion, superheated water vapor, sand abrasive wear, and rapid temperature cycling from liquid nitrogen to room temperatures, without notable degradation of superhydrophobic performance.

Hierarchical Structure Controls Nanomechanical Properties of Vimentin Intermediate Filaments

PubMed Central

Qin, Zhao; Kreplak, Laurent; Buehler, Markus J.

2009-01-01

Intermediate filaments (IFs), in addition to microtubules and microfilaments, are one of the three major components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells, playing a vital role in mechanotransduction and in providing mechanical stability to cells. Despite the importance of IF mechanics for cell biology and cell mechanics, the structural basis for their mechanical properties remains unknown. Specifically, our understanding of fundamental filament properties, such as the basis for their great extensibility, stiffening properties, and their exceptional mechanical resilience remains limited. This has prevented us from answering fundamental structure-function relationship questions related to the biomechanical role of intermediate filaments, which is crucial to link structure and function in the protein material's biological context. Here we utilize an atomistic-level model of the human vimentin dimer and tetramer to study their response to mechanical tensile stress, and describe a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties and associated deformation mechanisms. We observe a transition from alpha-helices to beta-sheets with subsequent interdimer sliding under mechanical deformation, which has been inferred previously from experimental results. By upscaling our results we report, for the first time, a quantitative comparison to experimental results of IF nanomechanics, showing good agreement. Through the identification of links between structures and deformation mechanisms at distinct hierarchical levels, we show that the multi-scale structure of IFs is crucial for their characteristic mechanical properties, in particular their ability to undergo severe deformation of ≈300% strain without breaking, facilitated by a cascaded activation of a distinct deformation mechanisms operating at different levels. This process enables IFs to combine disparate properties such as mechanosensitivity, strength and deformability. Our results enable a new paradigm in studying biological and mechanical properties of IFs from an atomistic perspective, and lay the foundation to understanding how properties of individual protein molecules can have profound effects at larger length-scales. PMID:19806221

Hierarchical structure controls nanomechanical properties of vimentin intermediate filaments.

PubMed

Qin, Zhao; Kreplak, Laurent; Buehler, Markus J

2009-10-06

Intermediate filaments (IFs), in addition to microtubules and microfilaments, are one of the three major components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells, playing a vital role in mechanotransduction and in providing mechanical stability to cells. Despite the importance of IF mechanics for cell biology and cell mechanics, the structural basis for their mechanical properties remains unknown. Specifically, our understanding of fundamental filament properties, such as the basis for their great extensibility, stiffening properties, and their exceptional mechanical resilience remains limited. This has prevented us from answering fundamental structure-function relationship questions related to the biomechanical role of intermediate filaments, which is crucial to link structure and function in the protein material's biological context. Here we utilize an atomistic-level model of the human vimentin dimer and tetramer to study their response to mechanical tensile stress, and describe a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties and associated deformation mechanisms. We observe a transition from alpha-helices to beta-sheets with subsequent interdimer sliding under mechanical deformation, which has been inferred previously from experimental results. By upscaling our results we report, for the first time, a quantitative comparison to experimental results of IF nanomechanics, showing good agreement. Through the identification of links between structures and deformation mechanisms at distinct hierarchical levels, we show that the multi-scale structure of IFs is crucial for their characteristic mechanical properties, in particular their ability to undergo severe deformation of approximately 300% strain without breaking, facilitated by a cascaded activation of a distinct deformation mechanisms operating at different levels. This process enables IFs to combine disparate properties such as mechanosensitivity, strength and deformability. Our results enable a new paradigm in studying biological and mechanical properties of IFs from an atomistic perspective, and lay the foundation to understanding how properties of individual protein molecules can have profound effects at larger length-scales.

Increased Mechanical Properties Through the Addition of Zr to GRCop-84

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, David L.; Lerch, Bradley A.

2011-01-01

GRCop-84 (Cu-8 at.% Cr-4 at.% Nb) has shown exceptional mechanical properties above 932 F (773 K). However, its properties below 932 F (773 K) are inferior to precipitation strengthened alloys such as Cu-Cr, Cu-Zr and Cu-Cr-Zr when they are in the fully aged, hard-drawn condition. It has been noted that the addition of small amounts of Zr, typically 0.1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%, can greatly enhance the mechanical properties of copper-based alloys. Limited testing was conducted upon GRCop-84 with an addition of 0.4 wt.% Zr to determine its tensile, creep and low cycle fatigue (LCF) properties. Very large increases in strength (up to 68%) and ductility (up to 123%) were observed at both room temperature and 932 F (773 K). Creep properties at 932 F (773 K) demonstrated more than an order of magnitude decrease in the creep rate relative to unmodified GRCop-84 with a corresponding order of magnitude increase in creep life. Limited LCF testing showed that the modified alloy had a comparable LCF life at room temperature, but it was capable of sustaining a much higher load. While more testing and composition optimization are required, the addition of Zr to GRCop-84 has shown clear benefits to mechanical properties.

Effect of addition of plants-derived polyamide 11 elastomer on the mechanical and tribological properties of hemp fiber reinforced polyamide 1010 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukaida, Jun; Nishitani, Yosuke; Kitano, Takeshi

2015-05-01

For the purpose of developing the new engineering materials such as structural materials and tribomaterials based on all plants-derived materials, the effect of the addition of plant-derived polyamide 11 Elastomer (PA11E) on the mechanical and tribological properties of hemp fiber(HF) reinforced polyamide 1010 (HF/PA1010) composites was investigated. PA1010 and PA11E (except the polyether groups used as soft segment) were made from plant-derived castor oil. Hemp fiber was surface-treated by two types of treatment: alkali treatment by NaOH solution and surface treatment by ureido silane coupling agent. HF/PA1010/PA11E ternary composites were extruded by a twin screw extruder and injection-molded. Their mechanical properties such as tensile, bending, Izod impact and tribological properties by ring-on-plate type sliding wear testing were evaluated. The effect of the addition of PA11E on the mechanical and tribological properties of HF/PA1010 composite differed for each property. Izod impact strength and specific wear rate improved with the addition of PA11E although tensile strength, modulus, and friction coefficient decreased with PA11E. It follows from these results that it may be possible to develop the new engineering materials with sufficient balance between mechanical and tribological properties.

Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties and Effectiveness of Countermine Boots.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-03-01

regarding comfort except that the 60 shanks overall length of approximately 5.7 in should allow normal flexure of the forefoot . Weight, however, is...When the electron beam strikes an element in the sample, electrons are ejected from inner atomic shells to outer shells resulting in ions in the

Size of graphene sheets determines the structural and mechanical properties of 3D graphene foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Zhiqiang; Ye, Huilin; Zhou, Chi; Kröger, Martin; Li, Ying

2018-03-01

Graphene is recognized as an emerging 2D nanomaterial for many applications. Assembly of graphene sheets into 3D structures is an attractive way to enable their macroscopic applications and to preserve the exceptional mechanical and physical properties of their constituents. In this study, we develop a coarse-grained (CG) model for 3D graphene foams (GFs) based on the CG model for a 2D graphene sheet by Ruiz et al (2015 Carbon 82 103-15). We find that the size of graphene sheets plays an important role in both the structural and mechanical properties of 3D GFs. When their size is smaller than 10 nm, the graphene sheets can easily stack together under the influence of van der Waals interactions (vdW). These stacks behave like building blocks and are tightly packed together within 3D GFs, leading to high density, small pore radii, and a large Young’s modulus. However, if the sheet sizes exceed 10 nm, they are staggered together with a significant amount of deformation (bending). Therefore, the density of 3D GFs has been dramatically reduced due to the loosely packed graphene sheets, accompanied by large pore radii and a small Young’s modulus. Under uniaxial compression, rubber-like stress-strain curves are observed for all 3D GFs. This material characteristic is dominated by the vdW interactions between different graphene layers and slightly affected by the out-of-plane deformation of the graphene sheets. We find a simple scaling law E˜ {ρ }4.2 between the density ρ and Young’s modulus E for a model of 3D GFs. The simulation results reveal structure-property relations of 3D GFs, which can be applied to guide the design of 3D graphene assemblies with exceptional properties.

Effect of simulated Earth reentry exposure on mechanical properties of several oxide dispersion strengthened and superalloy sheet materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. D.

1977-01-01

The effects of simulated multiple reentry into the earth's atmosphere on the mechanical properties of several high temperature metallic sheet materials were evaluated. The materials included five tin-gage (nominally 0.025- or 0.037-cm) oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys and two thin-gage (nominally 0.037-cm) superalloys. Multiple reentry conditions were simulated through cyclic Plasma Arc Tunnel (PAT) exposure. PAT exposure generally consisted of 100 cycles of 600 second duration at 1255, 1366, or 1477 K in a Mach 4.6 airstream with an impact pressure of nominally 800 N/m2. PAT exposure generally produced a uniform oxide scale, oxide pits or intergranular oxidation, Kirkendall porosity, and alloy depletion zones except for the aluminum-containing ODS alloys. Only a uniform oxide scale was formed on the aluminum-containing ODS alloys. PAT exposure did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of the thin-gage (nominally 0.025- or 0.037-cm) alloys evaluated. Thus it appears that the microstructural changes produced by Plasma Arc Tunnel exposure has little influence on mechanical properties.

Study of mechanism involved in synthesis of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide from graphene nanoplatelets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Bhasha; Shekhar, Shashank; Malik, Parul; Jain, Purnima

2018-06-01

Graphene, a wonder material has inspired quest among researchers due to its numerous applications and exceptional properties. This paper highlights the mechanism and chemistry behind the fabrication of graphene oxide by using phosphoric acid. Chemical functionalization is of prime importance which avoids agglomeration of nanoparticles to attain inherent properties. As non-homogeneous dispersion limits its utilization due to interfacial interactions which restrict reactive sites to produce intercalated network. Thus, chemically functionalized graphene leads to stable dispersion and enhances thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the resultant polymer composite materials. Solubility of graphene in aqueous solution is the major issue because graphene is hydrophobic, to rectify this oxygen containing hydrophilic groups must be introduced to make it compatible and this can be attained by covalent functionalization. Among all nanofiller GO has shown average particle size i.e. 95 nm and highest surface charge density. The characteristic changes were estimated using Raman spectra.

Bioinspired Ultrastrong Solid Electrolytes with Fast Proton Conduction along 2D Channels.

PubMed

He, Guangwei; Xu, Mingzhao; Zhao, Jing; Jiang, Shengtao; Wang, Shaofei; Li, Zhen; He, Xueyi; Huang, Tong; Cao, Moyuan; Wu, Hong; Guiver, Michael D; Jiang, Zhongyi

2017-07-01

Solid electrolytes have attracted much attention due to their great prospects in a number of energy- and environment-related applications including fuel cells. Fast ion transport and superior mechanical properties of solid electrolytes are both of critical significance for these devices to operate with high efficiency and long-term stability. To address a common tradeoff relationship between ionic conductivity and mechanical properties, electrolyte membranes with proton-conducting 2D channels and nacre-inspired architecture are reported. An unprecedented combination of high proton conductivity (326 mS cm -1 at 80 °C) and superior mechanical properties (tensile strength of 250 MPa) are achieved due to the integration of exceptionally continuous 2D channels and nacre-inspired brick-and-mortar architecture into one materials system. Moreover, the membrane exhibits higher power density than Nafion 212 membrane, but with a comparative weight of only ≈0.1, indicating potential savings in system weight and cost. Considering the extraordinary properties and independent tunability of ion conduction and mechanical properties, this bioinspired approach may pave the way for the design of next-generation high-performance solid electrolytes with nacre-like architecture. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Role of differential physical properties in the collective mechanics and dynamics of tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Moumita

Living cells and tissues are highly mechanically sensitive and active. Mechanical stimuli influence the shape, motility, and functions of cells, modulate the behavior of tissues, and play a key role in several diseases. In this talk I will discuss how collective biophysical properties of tissues emerge from the interplay between differential mechanical properties and statistical physics of underlying components, focusing on two complementary tissue types whose properties are primarily determined by (1) the extracellular matrix (ECM), and (2) individual and collective cell properties. I will start with the structure-mechanics-function relationships in articular cartilage (AC), a soft tissue that has very few cells, and its mechanical response is primarily due to its ECM. AC is a remarkable tissue: it can support loads exceeding ten times our body weight and bear 60+ years of daily mechanical loading despite having minimal regenerative capacity. I will discuss the biophysical principles underlying this exceptional mechanical response using the framework of rigidity percolation theory, and compare our predictions with experiments done by our collaborators. Next I will discuss ongoing theoretical work on how the differences in cell mechanics, motility, adhesion, and proliferation in a co-culture of breast cancer cells and healthy breast epithelial cells may modulate experimentally observed differential migration and segregation. Our results may provide insights into the mechanobiology of tissues with cell populations with different physical properties present together such as during the formation of embryos or the initiation of tumors. This work was partially supported by a Cottrell College Science Award.

Local Structures of High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) on Atomic Scales: An Overview

DOE PAGES

Diao, Haoyan; Santodonato, Louis J.; Tang, Zhi; ...

2015-08-29

The high-entropy alloys (HEAs), containing several elements mixed in equimolar or near-equimolar ratios, have shown exceptional engineering properties. Local structures on atomic level are essential to understand the mechanical behaviors and related mechanisms. In this paper, the local structure and stress on the atomic level are reviewed by the pair-distribution function (PDF) of neutron-diffraction data, ab-initio-molecular-dynamics (AIMD) simulations, and atomic-probe microscopy (APT).

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Recombinant Spider Silk Films Using Organic and Aqueous Solvents

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Spider silk has exceptional mechanical and biocompatibility properties. The goal of this study was optimization of the mechanical properties of synthetic spider silk thin films made from synthetic forms of MaSp1 and MaSp2, which compose the dragline silk of Nephila clavipes. We increased the mechanical stress of MaSp1 and 2 films solubilized in both HFIP and water by adding glutaraldehyde and then stretching them in an alcohol based stretch bath. This resulted in stresses as high as 206 MPa and elongations up to 35%, which is 4× higher than the as-poured controls. Films were analyzed using NMR, XRD, and Raman, which showed that the secondary structure after solubilization and film formation in as-poured films is mainly a helical conformation. After the post-pour stretch in a methanol/water bath, the MaSp proteins in both the HFIP and water-based films formed aligned β-sheets similar to those in spider silk fibers. PMID:25030809

Nanolattices: An Emerging Class of Mechanical Metamaterials.

PubMed

Bauer, Jens; Meza, Lucas R; Schaedler, Tobias A; Schwaiger, Ruth; Zheng, Xiaoyu; Valdevit, Lorenzo

2017-10-01

In 1903, Alexander Graham Bell developed a design principle to generate lightweight, mechanically robust lattice structures based on triangular cells; this has since found broad application in lightweight design. Over one hundred years later, the same principle is being used in the fabrication of nanolattice materials, namely lattice structures composed of nanoscale constituents. Taking advantage of the size-dependent properties typical of nanoparticles, nanowires, and thin films, nanolattices redefine the limits of the accessible material-property space throughout different disciplines. Herein, the exceptional mechanical performance of nanolattices, including their ultrahigh strength, damage tolerance, and stiffness, are reviewed, and their potential for multifunctional applications beyond mechanics is examined. The efficient integration of architecture and size-affected properties is key to further develop nanolattices. The introduction of a hierarchical architecture is an effective tool in enhancing mechanical properties, and the eventual goal of nanolattice design may be to replicate the intricate hierarchies and functionalities observed in biological materials. Additive manufacturing and self-assembly techniques enable lattice design at the nanoscale; the scaling-up of nanolattice fabrication is currently the major challenge to their widespread use in technological applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of Sintering on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung R.; Zhu, Dong-Ming; Miller, Robert A.

2004-01-01

The effect of sintering on mechanical and physical properties of free-standing plasma-sprayed ZrO2-8 wt% Y2O3 thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) was determined by annealing them at 1316 C in air. Mechanical and physical properties of the TBCs, including strength, modes I and II fracture toughness, elastic modulus, Poisson s response, density, microhardness, fractography, and phase stability, were determined at ambient temperature as a function of annealing time ranging from 0 to 500 h. All mechanical and physical properties, except for the amount of monoclinic phase, increased significantly in 5 to 100 h and then reached a plateau above 100 h. Annealing resulted in healing of microcracks and pores and in grain growth, accompanying densification of the TBC s body due to the sintering effect. However, an inevitable adverse effect also occurred such that the desired lower thermal conductivity and good expansivity, which makes the TBCs unique in thermal barrier applications, were degraded upon annealing. A model was proposed to assess and quantify all the property variables in response to annealing in a normalized scheme. Directionality of as-sprayed TBCs appeared to have an insignificant effect on their properties, as determined via fracture toughness, microhardness, and elastic modulus measurements.

Nanomechanical properties of single amyloid fibrils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweers, K. K. M.; Bennink, M. L.; Subramaniam, V.

2012-06-01

Amyloid fibrils are traditionally associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. However, the ability to form amyloid fibrils appears to be a more generic property of proteins. While disease-related, or pathological, amyloid fibrils are relevant for understanding the pathology and course of the disease, functional amyloids are involved, for example, in the exceptionally strong adhesive properties of natural adhesives. Amyloid fibrils are thus becoming increasingly interesting as versatile nanobiomaterials for applications in biotechnology. In the last decade a number of studies have reported on the intriguing mechanical characteristics of amyloid fibrils. In most of these studies atomic force microscopy (AFM) and atomic force spectroscopy play a central role. AFM techniques make it possible to probe, at nanometer length scales, and with exquisite control over the applied forces, biological samples in different environmental conditions. In this review we describe the different AFM techniques used for probing mechanical properties of single amyloid fibrils on the nanoscale. An overview is given of the existing mechanical studies on amyloid. We discuss the difficulties encountered with respect to the small fibril sizes and polymorphic behavior of amyloid fibrils. In particular, the different conformational packing of monomers within the fibrils leads to a heterogeneity in mechanical properties. We conclude with a brief outlook on how our knowledge of these mechanical properties of the amyloid fibrils can be exploited in the construction of nanomaterials from amyloid fibrils.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Novel mechanism for nanoscale catalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Msezane, Alfred Z.; Felfli, Zineb; Sokolovski, Dmitri

2010-10-01

The interplay between Regge resonances and Ramsauer-Townsend minima in the electron elastic total cross sections for Au and Pd atoms along with their large electron affinities is proposed as the fundamental atomic mechanism responsible for the observed exceptional catalytic properties of Au nanoparticles and to explain why the combination Au-Pd possesses an even higher catalytic activity than Au or Pd separately when catalyzing H2O2, consistent with recent experiments. The investigation uses the recent complex angular momentum description of electron scattering from neutral atoms and the proposed mechanism in general.

Characterization and quality assessment of recycled post-consumption poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

PubMed

Masmoudi, Fatma; Fenouillot, Françoise; Mehri, Afef; Jaziri, Mohamed; Ammar, Emna

2018-06-05

In the present study, the recycled post-consumption polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes were investigated as possible raw materials for the production of food packaging. After heating at 220 °C for 1 h, a steaming stage was conducted as a control test to assess the quality of the product. Different samples were characterized by 1 H-NMR, FT-IR, DSC/TGA analysis, viscosity index (VI), and trace metals analysis. The results showed that the recycled post-consumed PET flakes' properties were generally conform to the standard norms of PET except the color of some flakes turned to yellow. Subsequently, a complementary study was undertaken to assess whether the material could be possibly reused for food packaging. For this purpose, rheological, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were performed. The results of the comparative study between the virgin and the recycled PET flakes concluded that the PET recycling affected the rheological properties but did not have any significant effect on their thermal and mechanical characteristics. Hence, it was deduced that the post-consumed PET flakes could be reused as a packaging material except food products.

Influence of beta-radiation sterilisation in properties of new chitosan/soybean protein isolate membranes for guided bone regeneration.

PubMed

Silva, R M; Elvira, C; Mano, J F; San Román, J; Reis, R L

2004-04-01

Novel chitosan (cts) and soybean protein isolate (SI) blended membranes were prepared. These membranes were produced by solvent casting. Besides combining the advantages of both materials, cts/SI membranes exhibit a biphasic structure that will eventually originate in situ porous formation, through a two-step degradation mechanism. In this particular work the effect of beta-radiation over the properties of these membranes was evaluated. beta-radiation sterilisation was performed at three different doses (25, 50 and 100 kGy) and eventual surface chemical changes were evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared--with attenuated total reflection and contact angle measurements. Moreover, eventual bulk properties changes due to beta-radiation were assessed by means of mechanical tensile tests and water uptake measurements. In general, no substantial changes were detected on the studied properties, with the exception of the surface energy that was found to be slightly increased for higher applied doses.

Ionocovalency and Applications 1. Ionocovalency Model and Orbital Hybrid Scales

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yonghe

2010-01-01

Ionocovalency (IC), a quantitative dual nature of the atom, is defined and correlated with quantum-mechanical potential to describe quantitatively the dual properties of the bond. Orbiotal hybrid IC model scale, IC, and IC electronegativity scale, XIC, are proposed, wherein the ionicity and the covalent radius are determined by spectroscopy. Being composed of the ionic function I and the covalent function C, the model describes quantitatively the dual properties of bond strengths, charge density and ionic potential. Based on the atomic electron configuration and the various quantum-mechanical built-up dual parameters, the model formed a Dual Method of the multiple-functional prediction, which has much more versatile and exceptional applications than traditional electronegativity scales and molecular properties. Hydrogen has unconventional values of IC and XIC, lower than that of boron. The IC model can agree fairly well with the data of bond properties and satisfactorily explain chemical observations of elements throughout the Periodic Table. PMID:21151444

Characterizing the exceptional 2014 drought event in São Paulo by drought period length

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Yong; Macau, Elbert E. N.; Sampaio, Gilvan; Ramos, Antônio M. T.; Kurths, Jürgen

2017-09-01

In the last decade, the southeast region of Brazil has been suffering severe water shortages. Here, we propose to compute the expected drought period length to characterize the drought events in the region of São Paulo. We report the unique properties of the exceptional drought event during the austral summer 2014 by showing the differences and similarities to the very dry season in 2001 and the mild dry seasons in 2006 and 2015. Furthermore, we investigate the correlations of the abnormal precipitation deficit with the ocean and atmospheric patterns. In comparison to other drought events, we validate the hypothetical mechanism that underlies the exceptional drought 2014: (1) The existence of an anomalous high pressure center in the area acts as a blocking mechanism that prevents moisture transport from the Amazon and passage of cold front systems from south Brazil. This blocking high has been observed in all dry seasons considered, with much larger magnitude in 2014. (2) The much faster increasing trend of the anomalous sea surface temperature acts as a strong feedback which intensified the extreme climate conditions. The unprecedented increasing trend of the SST in 2014 was not observed in other climate variables representing a high pressure center. Therefore, we conclude that the exceptional drought 2014 was enhanced by the feedback mechanism of anomalous warming of SST in the South Atlantic Oceans, which was resulted from the anomalous high pressure.

Has the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement in Latin America and the Caribbean produced intellectual property legislation that favours public health?

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Maria Auxiliadora; Bermudez, Jorge Antonio Zepeda; Chaves, Gabriela Costa; Velásquez, Germán

2004-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The World Trade Organization's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement establishes minimum standards for intellectual property rights, including patent protection for pharmaceuticals; therefore, it may make it difficult for developing countries to gain access to medicines, especially those countries that are the least developed. This study aims to determine whether implementation of the TRIPS Agreement in Latin American and Caribbean countries has generated patent legislation that is sensitive to public health needs. METHODS: Legislation in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries was analysed. The variables considered in the analysis were: the term of patents issued, patentable subject matter, transition periods (that is, time until legislation was enacted), reversal of the burden of proof of patent infringement, exhaustion of rights, compulsory licensing and the early working exception (which allows a country to complete all procedures necessary to register a generic product before the original patent expires). FINDINGS: By 2000, all of the countries studied had reformed their legislation to conform to the agreement. Brazil and Argentina used the transition period until 2005 to grant patents in the pharmaceutical industry. All countries, except Panama, made use of the safeguards and flexibilities available through the agreement by including mechanisms for compulsory licensing in their legislation. Argentina; Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela (countries that represented the Andean community); the Dominican Republic; and Panama included mechanisms to allow parallel importation. Mexico did not. Brazil only permits parallel importation after a compulsory licence has been issued. The early working exception is included in legislation in Brazil and the Dominican Republic. CONCLUSION: The countries in this study did not incorporate all of the mechanisms allowed for by the Agreement and are not adequately using the provisions that enable World Trade Organization (WTO) members to obtain better health for the public, particularly in regard to gaining access to medicines. This situation may deteriorate in future if other agreements establish more restrictive rules for intellectual property rights. PMID:15640916

Recent Advances in Nickel Catalysis

PubMed Central

Tasker, Sarah Z.; Standley, Eric A.; Jamison, Timothy F.

2015-01-01

Preface The field of nickel catalysis has made tremendous advances in the past decade. There are several key properties of nickel that have allowed for a broad range of innovative reaction development, such as facile oxidative addition and ready access to multiple oxidation states. In recent years, these properties have been increasingly understood and leveraged to perform transformations long considered exceptionally challenging. Herein, we discuss some of the most recent and significant developments in homogeneous nickel catalysis with an emphasis on both synthetic outcome and mechanism. PMID:24828188

Characteristics of W-26% Re Target Material(LCC-0103)

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

Sunwoo, A.

2003-10-07

The W-26 wt-% Re alloy was selected as a Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) target material for its exceptional physics properties and for the high strength and good ductility at the anticipated target operating temperatures, above the DBTT. After several years of operation, the target failed catastrophically. A detailed microstructural and mechanical characterization of the non-irradiated disk indicates that the material has been PM processed, nonuniformly mechanically worked and stress relieved. As a result, the ductility of the material varies through the thickness of the disk, making it difficult to determine the DBTT. The results of tensile and fatigue properties aremore » reported with the corresponding fractography of the fracture surfaces.« less

Mechanical properties of silicate glasses exposed to a low-Earth orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiedlocher, David E.; Tucker, Dennis S.; Nichols, Ron; Kinser, Donald L.

1992-01-01

The effects of a 5.8 year exposure to low earth orbit environment upon the mechanical properties of commercial optical fused silica, low iron soda-lime-silica, Pyrex 7740, Vycor 7913, BK-7, and the glass ceramic Zerodur were examined. Mechanical testing employed the ASTM-F-394 piston on 3-ball method in a liquid nitrogen environment. Samples were exposed on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) in two locations. Impacts were observed on all specimens except Vycor. Weibull analysis as well as a standard statistical evaluation were conducted. The Weibull analysis revealed no differences between control samples and the two exposed samples. We thus concluded that radiation components of the Earth orbital environment did not degrade the mechanical strength of the samples examined within the limits of experimental error. The upper bound of strength degradation for meteorite impacted samples based upon statistical analysis and observation was 50 percent.

Effect of plasticizers on properties of pregelatinised starch acetate (Amprac 01) free films.

PubMed

Bonacucina, Giulia; Di Martino, Piera; Piombetti, Martina; Colombo, Angela; Roversi, Francesco; Palmieri, Giovanni F

2006-04-26

Film coating is a technique widely used in the pharmaceutical field to improve and modify technological and release characteristics of capsules, tablets and granules. In this paper physical and mechanical properties of free films of Amprac 01, obtained by the solvent cast method, were studied in order to investigate the film forming ability of this modified starch and the effects of the addition of different plasticizers. A morphological microscopical analysis (SEM) was performed to study surface properties of the films, while thermal analysis (DSC) was carried out to investigate the influence of different types of plasticizers on the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Then a mechanical characterization permitted to evaluate important parameters such as film crack resistance and deformation at break. Extensional creep/relaxation tests were also performed to investigate the viscoelastic characteristics. As clearly demonstrated by the T(g) values, the residual water present in the films acted as plasticizers, making possible the formation of free films characterised by good macroscopical and mechanical properties. Except glycerol, the kind and amount of the other tested plasticizers did not markedly improve the mechanical and crack resistance of the films.

Influence of lactation and pregnancy + lactation on mechanical properties and mineral content of the rat femur.

PubMed

Peng, T C; Kusy, R P; Garner, S C; Hirsch, P F; De Blanco, M C

1987-06-01

The quality of bone was assessed from femurs of rats both during lactation and after pregnancy + lactation. Mechanical properties of stiffness, strength, toughness, and ductility were measured, along with standard measurements of dry weight, ash weight, and total bone mineral. No changes occurred during the first week of lactation. During the second and third weeks of lactation all bone parameters except ductility decreased significantly. These data are consistent with bone losing mineral in order to supplement the dietary calcium intake necessary for milk production. In other experiments, femurs were collected from nulliparous rats and from rats that had previously undergone 1-3 pregnancy + lactations. The largest changes in bone mineral and mechanical properties occurred after a single pregnancy + lactation period, although significant further decreases in stiffness and strength occurred after the second pregnancy + lactation. No additional losses occurred following the third pregnancy + lactation. Even 5 months after only one pregnancy + lactation period, the bone quality was still impaired as all bone properties were lower than in nulliparous controls. Because the changes, especially stiffness and strength, were relatively larger than the changes in dry and ash weights of bone, measurements of these mechanical properties provide a more sensitive method to evaluate the quality of bone.

Mechanical properties of silk of the Australian golden orb weavers Nephila pilipes and Nephilaplumipes.

PubMed

Kerr, Genevieve G; Nahrung, Helen F; Wiegand, Aaron; Kristoffersen, Joanna; Killen, Peter; Brown, Cameron; Macdonald, Joanne

2018-02-22

Silks from orb-weaving spiders are exceptionally tough, producing a model polymer for biomimetic fibre development. The mechanical properties of naturally spun silk threads from two species of Australian orb-weavers, Nephila pilipes and Nephila plumipes , were examined here in relation to overall thread diameter, the size and number of fibres within threads, and spider size. N. pilipes , the larger of the two species, had significantly tougher silk with higher strain capacity than its smaller congener, producing threads with average toughness of 150 MJ m -3 , despite thread diameter, mean fibre diameter and number of fibres per thread not differing significantly between the two species. Within N. pilipes , smaller silk fibres were produced by larger spiders, yielding tougher threads. In contrast, while spider size was correlated with thread diameter in N. plumipes , there were no clear patterns relating to silk toughness, which suggests that the differences in properties between the silk of the two species arise through differing molecular structure. Our results support previous studies that found that the mechanical properties of silk differ between distantly related spider species, and extends on that work to show that the mechanical and physical properties of silk from more closely related species can also differ remarkably. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Mechanical Properties of Stable Glasses Using Nanoindentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Sarah; Liu, Tianyi; Jiang, Yijie; Ablajan, Keyume; Zhang, Yue; Walsh, Patrick; Turner, Kevin; Fakhraai, Zahra

Glasses with enhanced stability over ordinary, liquid quenched glasses have been formed via the process of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) by using a sufficiently slow deposition rate and a substrate temperature slightly below the glass transition temperature. These stable glasses have been shown to exhibit higher density, lower enthalpy, and better kinetic stability over ordinary glass, and are typically optically birefringent, due to packing and orientational anisotropy. Given these exceptional properties, it is of interest to further investigate how the properties of stable glasses compare to those of ordinary glass. In particular, the mechanical properties of stable glasses remain relatively under-investigated. While the speed of sound and elastic moduli have been shown to increase with increased stability, little is known about their hardness and fracture toughness compared to ordinary glasses. In this study, glasses of 9-(3,5-di(naphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)anthracene were deposited at varying temperatures relative to their glass transition temperature, and their mechanical properties measured by nanoindentation. Hardness and elastic modulus of the glasses were compared across substrate temperatures. After indentation, the topography of these films were studied using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in order to further compare the relationship between thermodynamic and kinetic stability and mechanical failure. Z.F. and P.W. acknowledge funding from NSF(DMREF-1628407).

The Effect of Moisture and Fungus on Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Plastic Insulating Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1945-10-01

0110 106 280000 46000 7.6 30000 6.2 27000 4.2 24000 1.2 10000 Samples and eleotrode arrangement were humidity exposure tests« aa...VARIOUS INSULATING MATERIALS TEMPERATURE 25°C.; RELATIVE HUMIDITY 979b; EXCEPT WHERE NOTED OTHERWISE 140 160 ISO 200 220 240 260 270

Effect of cooking conditions on fiber bonding in dry-formed binderless hardboard

Treesearch

Otto Suchsland; George E. Woodson; Charles W. McMillin

1987-01-01

Binderless dry-formed hardboards were manufactured in the laboratory from refined Masonite pulp cooked for 2.5 minutes at steam pressures varying from 200 to 500 psi. Increasing steam pressure caused a general improvement in mechanical and physical properties except that linear expanaion increased with increasing steam pressures and that bending strength and stiffness...

A novel multifunctional NiTi/Ag hierarchical composite

PubMed Central

Hao, Shijie; Cui, Lishan; Jiang, Jiang; Guo, Fangmin; Xiao, Xianghui; Jiang, Daqiang; Yu, Cun; Chen, Zonghai; Zhou, Hua; Wang, Yandong; Liu, YuZi; Brown, Dennis E.; Ren, Yang

2014-01-01

Creating multifunctional materials is an eternal goal of mankind. As the properties of monolithic materials are necessary limited, one route to extending them is to create a composite by combining contrasting materials. The potential of this approach is neatly illustrated by the formation of nature materials where contrasting components are combined in sophisticated hierarchical designs. In this study, inspired by the hierarchical structure of the tendon, we fabricated a novel composite by subtly combining two contrasting components: NiTi shape-memory alloy and Ag. The composite exhibits simultaneously exceptional mechanical properties of high strength, good superelasticity and high mechanical damping, and remarkable functional properties of high electric conductivity, high visibility under fluoroscopy and excellent thermal-driven ability. All of these result from the effective-synergy between the NiTi and Ag components, and place the composite in a unique position in the properties chart of all known structural-functional materials providing new opportunities for innovative electrical, mechanical and biomedical applications. Furthermore, this work may open new avenues for designing and fabricating advanced multifunctional materials by subtly combining contrasting multi-components. PMID:24919945

Improving mechanical properties of carbon nanotube fibers through simultaneous solid-state cycloaddition and crosslinking

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

Lu, Xinyi; Hiremath, Nitilaksha; Hong, Kunlun

Individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit exceptional mechanical properties. However, difficulties remain in fully realizing these properties in CNT macro-assemblies, because the weak inter-tube forces result in the CNTs sliding past one another. Here in this study, a simple solid-state reaction is presented that enhances the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) through simultaneous covalent functionalization and crosslinking. This is the first chemical crosslinking proposed without the involvement of a catalyst or byproducts. The specific tensile strength of CNTFs obtained from the treatment employing a benzocyclobutene-based polymer is improved by 40%. Such improvement can be attributed to a reduced numbermore » of voids, impregnation of the polymer, and the formation of covalent crosslinks. This methodology is confirmed using both multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) powders and CNTFs. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy of the treated MWNT powders confirm the covalent functionalization and formation of inter-tube crosslinks. This simple one-step reaction can be applied to industrial-scale production of high-strength CNTFs.« less

Achieving large linear elasticity and high strength in bulk nanocompsite via synergistic effect

DOE PAGES

Hao, Shijie; Cui, Lishan; Guo, Fangmin; ...

2015-03-09

Elastic strain in bulk metallic materials is usually limited to only a fraction of 1%. Developing bulk metallic materials showing large linear elasticity and high strength has proven to be difficult. Here, based on the synergistic effect between nanowires and orientated martensite NiTi shape memory alloy, we developed an in-situ Nb nanowires-orientated martensitic NiTi matrix composite showing an ultra-large linear elastic strain of 4% and an ultrahigh yield strength of 1.8 GPa. This material also has a high mechanical energy storage efficiency of 96% and a high energy storage density of 36 J/cm 3 that is almost one order ofmore » larger than that of spring steel. It is demonstrated that the synergistic effect allows the exceptional mechanical properties of nanowires to be harvested at macro scale and the mechanical properties of matrix to be greatly improved, resulting in these superior properties. This research provides new avenues for developing advanced composites with superior properties by using effective synergistic effect between components.« less

Improving mechanical properties of carbon nanotube fibers through simultaneous solid-state cycloaddition and crosslinking

DOE PAGES

Lu, Xinyi; Hiremath, Nitilaksha; Hong, Kunlun; ...

2017-03-13

Individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit exceptional mechanical properties. However, difficulties remain in fully realizing these properties in CNT macro-assemblies, because the weak inter-tube forces result in the CNTs sliding past one another. Here in this study, a simple solid-state reaction is presented that enhances the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) through simultaneous covalent functionalization and crosslinking. This is the first chemical crosslinking proposed without the involvement of a catalyst or byproducts. The specific tensile strength of CNTFs obtained from the treatment employing a benzocyclobutene-based polymer is improved by 40%. Such improvement can be attributed to a reduced numbermore » of voids, impregnation of the polymer, and the formation of covalent crosslinks. This methodology is confirmed using both multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) powders and CNTFs. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy of the treated MWNT powders confirm the covalent functionalization and formation of inter-tube crosslinks. This simple one-step reaction can be applied to industrial-scale production of high-strength CNTFs.« less

Fibrin mechanical properties and their structural origins.

PubMed

Litvinov, Rustem I; Weisel, John W

2017-07-01

Fibrin is a protein polymer that is essential for hemostasis and thrombosis, wound healing, and several other biological functions and pathological conditions that involve extracellular matrix. In addition to molecular and cellular interactions, fibrin mechanics has been recently shown to underlie clot behavior in the highly dynamic intra- and extravascular environments. Fibrin has both elastic and viscous properties. Perhaps the most remarkable rheological feature of the fibrin network is an extremely high elasticity and stability despite very low protein content. Another important mechanical property that is common to many filamentous protein polymers but not other polymers is stiffening occurring in response to shear, tension, or compression. New data has begun to provide a structural basis for the unique mechanical behavior of fibrin that originates from its complex multi-scale hierarchical structure. The mechanical behavior of the whole fibrin gel is governed largely by the properties of single fibers and their ensembles, including changes in fiber orientation, stretching, bending, and buckling. The properties of individual fibrin fibers are determined by the number and packing arrangements of double-stranded half-staggered protofibrils, which still remain poorly understood. It has also been proposed that forced unfolding of sub-molecular structures, including elongation of flexible and relatively unstructured portions of fibrin molecules, can contribute to fibrin deformations. In spite of a great increase in our knowledge of the structural mechanics of fibrin, much about the mechanisms of fibrin's biological functions remains unknown. Fibrin deformability is not only an essential part of the biomechanics of hemostasis and thrombosis, but also a rapidly developing field of bioengineering that uses fibrin as a versatile biomaterial with exceptional and tunable biochemical and mechanical properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Origin of Hierarchical Structure in Self-Assembled Graphene Oxide Papers and the Effect on Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandy, Krishanu

The quest for new materials with ever improving properties has motivated interest in bulk nanostructured materials. Graphene, a two-dimensional sheet of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms, has been of particular interest given its exceptional mechanical, thermal, optical and electrical properties. Graphene oxide is a chemically modified form of graphene in which the honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms is decorated with oxygen bearing functional groups. Graphene oxide represents a facile route for the production of large quantities of graphene based materials, is stable in aqueous and polar organic solvents and has the potential for further chemical modification. In this dissertation, the origin and influence of hierarchical structure on the mechanical properties of graphene oxide paper and graphene oxide paper based materials has been investigated. Free-standing papers derived from graphene oxide are of interest as structural materials due to their impressive mechanical properties. While studies have investigated the mechanical properties of graphene oxide papers, little is known about the formation mechanism. Using a series of flash-freezing experiments on graphene oxide papers undergoing formation, a stop-motion animation of the fabrication process was obtained. The results explain the origin of the hierarchical nature of graphene oxide papers and provide a method for the tailoring of graphene oxide based materials. An in depth study of fusion of graphene oxide papers demonstrates a simple single-step route for the fabrication of practical materials derived from graphene oxide papers. Fused papers retain the properties of constituent papers allowing for the fabrication of mechanical heterostructures that replicate the hierarchical nature of natural materials. The contribution of the hierarchical nature of graphene oxide papers to the mechanical properties was examined by comparing papers formed by two different mechanisms. The intermediate length scale structures were found to play a key role in yielding tough papers with high failure stress. Finally, efforts to investigate the microstructural mechanisms that govern the mechanical properties of graphene oxide papers by 3D printing of a tensile tester are detailed. It is intended to release the design of the tensile tester to the community in an effort to reduce cost and improve availability of lab equipment.

Laser additive manufacturing bulk graphene-copper nanocomposites.

PubMed

Hu, Zengrong; Chen, Feng; Lin, Dong; Nian, Qiong; Parandoush, Pedram; Zhu, Xing; Shao, Zhuqiang; Cheng, Gary J

2017-11-03

The exceptional mechanical properties of graphene make it an ideal nanofiller for reinforcing metal matrix composites (MMCs). In this work, graphene-copper (Gr-Cu) nanocomposites have been fabricated by a laser additive manufacturing process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the fabricated nanocomposites. The XRD, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and TEM results demonstrated the feasibility of laser additive manufacturing of Gr-Cu nanocomposites. The microstructures were characterized by high resolution TEM and the results further revealed the interface between the copper matrix and graphene. With the addition of graphene, the mechanical properties of the composites were enhanced significantly. Nanoindentation tests showed that the average modulus value and hardness of the composites were 118.9 GPa and 3 GPa respectively; 17.6% and 50% increases were achieved compared with pure copper, respectively. This work demonstrates a new way to manufacture graphene copper nanocomposites with ultra-strong mechanical properties and provides alternatives for applications in electrical and thermal conductors.

Nanoarchitectured materials composed of fullerene-like spheroids and disordered graphene layers with tunable mechanical properties.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhisheng; Wang, Erik F; Yan, Hongping; Kono, Yoshio; Wen, Bin; Bai, Ligang; Shi, Feng; Zhang, Junfeng; Kenney-Benson, Curtis; Park, Changyong; Wang, Yanbin; Shen, Guoyin

2015-02-04

Type-II glass-like carbon is a widely used material with a unique combination of properties including low density, high strength, extreme impermeability to gas and liquid and resistance to chemical corrosion. It can be considered as a carbon-based nanoarchitectured material, consisting of a disordered multilayer graphene matrix encasing numerous randomly distributed nanosized fullerene-like spheroids. Here we show that under both hydrostatic compression and triaxial deformation, this high-strength material is highly compressible and exhibits a superelastic ability to recover from large strains. Under hydrostatic compression, bulk, shear and Young's moduli decrease anomalously with pressure, reaching minima around 1-2 GPa, where Poisson's ratio approaches zero, and then revert to normal behaviour with positive pressure dependences. Controlling the concentration, size and shape of fullerene-like spheroids with tailored topological connectivity to graphene layers is expected to yield exceptional and tunable mechanical properties, similar to mechanical metamaterials, with potentially wide applications.

Nanoarchitectured materials composed of fullerene-like spheroids and disordered graphene layers with tunable mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhisheng; Wang, Erik F.; Yan, Hongping; Kono, Yoshio; Wen, Bin; Bai, Ligang; Shi, Feng; Zhang, Junfeng; Kenney-Benson, Curtis; Park, Changyong; Wang, Yanbin; Shen, Guoyin

2015-02-01

Type-II glass-like carbon is a widely used material with a unique combination of properties including low density, high strength, extreme impermeability to gas and liquid and resistance to chemical corrosion. It can be considered as a carbon-based nanoarchitectured material, consisting of a disordered multilayer graphene matrix encasing numerous randomly distributed nanosized fullerene-like spheroids. Here we show that under both hydrostatic compression and triaxial deformation, this high-strength material is highly compressible and exhibits a superelastic ability to recover from large strains. Under hydrostatic compression, bulk, shear and Young’s moduli decrease anomalously with pressure, reaching minima around 1-2 GPa, where Poisson’s ratio approaches zero, and then revert to normal behaviour with positive pressure dependences. Controlling the concentration, size and shape of fullerene-like spheroids with tailored topological connectivity to graphene layers is expected to yield exceptional and tunable mechanical properties, similar to mechanical metamaterials, with potentially wide applications.

Laser additive manufacturing bulk graphene-copper nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zengrong; Chen, Feng; Lin, Dong; Nian, Qiong; Parandoush, Pedram; Zhu, Xing; Shao, Zhuqiang; Cheng, Gary J.

2017-11-01

The exceptional mechanical properties of graphene make it an ideal nanofiller for reinforcing metal matrix composites (MMCs). In this work, graphene-copper (Gr-Cu) nanocomposites have been fabricated by a laser additive manufacturing process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the fabricated nanocomposites. The XRD, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and TEM results demonstrated the feasibility of laser additive manufacturing of Gr-Cu nanocomposites. The microstructures were characterized by high resolution TEM and the results further revealed the interface between the copper matrix and graphene. With the addition of graphene, the mechanical properties of the composites were enhanced significantly. Nanoindentation tests showed that the average modulus value and hardness of the composites were 118.9 GPa and 3 GPa respectively; 17.6% and 50% increases were achieved compared with pure copper, respectively. This work demonstrates a new way to manufacture graphene copper nanocomposites with ultra-strong mechanical properties and provides alternatives for applications in electrical and thermal conductors.

Mechanical features of various silkworm crystalline considering hydration effect via molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Kim, Yoonjung; Lee, Myeongsang; Choi, Hyunsung; Baek, Inchul; Kim, Jae In; Na, Sungsoo

2018-04-01

Silk materials are receiving significant attention as base materials for various functional nanomaterials and nanodevices, due to its exceptionally high mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradable characteristics. Although crystalline silk regions are composed of various repetitive motifs with differing amino acid sequences, how the effect of humidity works differently on each of the motifs and their structural characteristics remains unclear. We report molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on various silkworm fibroins composed of major motifs (i.e. (GAGAGS) n , (GAGAGA) n , and (GAGAGY) n ) at varying degrees of hydration, and reveal how each major motifs of silk fibroins change at each degrees of hydration using MD simulations and their structural properties in mechanical perspective via steered molecular dynamics simulations. Our results explain what effects humidity can have on nanoscale materials and devices consisting of crystalline silk materials.

Effect of stacking fault energy on mechanism of plastic deformation in nanotwinned FCC metals

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

Borovikov, Valery; Mendelev, Mikhail I.; King, Alexander H.

Starting from a semi-empirical potential designed for Cu, we have developed a series of potentials that provide essentially constant values of all significant (calculated) materials properties except for the intrinsic stacking fault energy, which varies over a range that encompasses the lowest and highest values observed in nature. In addition, these potentials were employed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how stacking fault energy affects the mechanical behavior of nanotwinned face-centered cubic (FCC) materials. The results indicate that properties such as yield strength and microstructural stability do not vary systematically with stacking fault energy, but rather fall into twomore » distinct regimes corresponding to 'low' and 'high' stacking fault energies.« less

Effect of stacking fault energy on mechanism of plastic deformation in nanotwinned FCC metals

DOE PAGES

Borovikov, Valery; Mendelev, Mikhail I.; King, Alexander H.; ...

2015-05-15

Starting from a semi-empirical potential designed for Cu, we have developed a series of potentials that provide essentially constant values of all significant (calculated) materials properties except for the intrinsic stacking fault energy, which varies over a range that encompasses the lowest and highest values observed in nature. In addition, these potentials were employed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how stacking fault energy affects the mechanical behavior of nanotwinned face-centered cubic (FCC) materials. The results indicate that properties such as yield strength and microstructural stability do not vary systematically with stacking fault energy, but rather fall into twomore » distinct regimes corresponding to 'low' and 'high' stacking fault energies.« less

Watering Graphene for Devices and Electricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wanlin; Yin, Jun; Li, Xuemei; Zhang, Zhuhua

2013-03-01

Graphene bring us into a fantastic two-dimensional (2D) age of nanotechnology, which can be fabricated and applied at wafer scale, visible at single layer but showing exceptional properties distinguished from its bulk form graphite, linking the properties of atomic layers with the engineering scale of our mankind. We shown that flow-induced-voltage in graphene can be 20 folds higher than in graphite, not only due to the giant Seebeck coefficient of single layer graphene, but also the exceptional interlayer interaction in few layer graphene. Extremely excitingly, water flow over graphene can generate electricity through unexpected interaction of the ions in the water with the graphene. We also find extraordinary mechanical-electric-magnetic coupling effects in graphene and BN systems. Such extraordinary multifield coupling effects in graphene and functional nanosystems open up new vistas in nanotechnology for efficient energy conversion, self-powering flexible devices and novel functional systems.

Graphene Oxide Papers Simultaneously Doped with Mg(2+) and Cl(-) for Exceptional Mechanical, Electrical, and Dielectric Properties.

PubMed

Lin, Xiuyi; Shen, Xi; Sun, Xinying; Liu, Xu; Wu, Ying; Wang, Zhenyu; Kim, Jang-Kyo

2016-01-27

This paper reports simultaneous modification of graphene oxide (GO) papers by functionalization with MgCl2. The Mg(2+) ions enhance both the interlayer cross-links and lateral bridging between the edges of adjacent GO sheets by forming Mg-O bonds. The improved load transfer between the GO sheets gives rise to a maximum of 200 and 400% increases in Young's modulus and tensile strength of GO papers. The intercalation of chlorine between the GO layers alters the properties of GO papers in two ways by forming ionic Cl(-) and covalent C-Cl bonds. The p-doping effect arising from Cl contributes to large enhancements in electrical conductivities of GO papers, with a remarkable 2500-fold surge in the through-thickness direction. The layered structure and the anisotropic electrical conductivities of reduced GO papers naturally create numerous nanocapacitors that lead to charge accumulation based on the Maxwell-Wagner (MW) polarization. The combined effect of much promoted dipolar polarizations due to Mg-O, C-Cl, and Cl(-) species results in an exceptionally high dielectric constant greater than 60 000 and a dielectric loss of 3 at 1 kHz by doping with 2 mM MgCl2. The excellent mechanical and electrical properties along with unique dielectric performance shown by the modified GO and rGO papers open new avenues for niche applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding materials.

Strain transfer across grain boundaries in MoS2 monolayers grown by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niehues, Iris; Blob, Anna; Stiehm, Torsten; Schmidt, Robert; Jadriško, Valentino; Radatović, Borna; Čapeta, Davor; Kralj, Marko; Michaelis de Vasconcellos, Steffen; Bratschitsch, Rudolf

2018-07-01

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) mechanically exfoliated from bulk crystals have exceptional mechanical and optical properties. They are extremely flexible, sustaining mechanical strain of about 10% without breaking. Their optical properties dramatically change with applied strain. However, the fabrication of a large number of mechanical devices is tedious due to the micromechanical exfoliation process. Alternatively, monolayers can be grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on the wafer scale, with the drawback of cracks and grain boundaries in the material. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanical properties of CVD-grown material and its potential as a material for mass production of nanomechanical devices. Here, we measure the optical absorption of CVD-grown MoS2 monolayers with applied uniaxial tensile strain. We derive a strain-dependent shift for the A exciton of  ‑42 meV/%. This value is identical to MoS2 monolayers, which are mechanically exfoliated from natural molybdenite crystals. Using angle-resolved second-harmonic generation spectroscopy, we find that the applied uniaxial tensile strain is fully transferred across grain boundaries of the CVD-grown monolayer. Our work demonstrates that large-area artificially grown MoS2 monolayers are promising for mass-produced nanomechanical devices.

Nacre in Abalone Shell: Organic and Inorganic Components and their effects to the Formation and Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, Maria Isabel

Abalone nacre is a natural composite that exhibits exceptional mechanical properties due to its organization that extends to various levels of hierarchy. Most of the toughness has been attributed by nacre's third level of hierarchy which entitles a brick and mortar structure consisting of the CaCO3 tiles and organic interlayers. However, there are other important components that are vital to the structure and strength of red abalone nacre. The process of formation of red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) nacre following periods of growth interruption, taking into consideration important environmental factors (access to food and temperature) and to employ high-magnification characterization techniques (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) to better understand how the soft tissue (e.g. epithelium and organic membrane) influences the mechanism of growth. The structure-property relationship of red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) nacre, focusing in the individual constituents (isolated mineral and isolated organic component) and comparing that to the integrated structure. Mechanical tests such as, tensile tests, microscratch, and nanoindentation is performed on the isolated organic constituent and the isolated mineral of red abalone shell. Specimens are characterized by SEM to verify the toughening and deformation mechanisms. Results obtained from the isolated mineral validate the importance of the organic constituent as the mechanical properties decline greatly as the organic component is removed. This approach forms a general picture of the mechanical response of the organic interlayers and growth bands and their effect on the toughness of the abalone nacre. These results are significant to understand the important characteristics of abalone nacre, such as the structure and mechanical properties, and an attempt to aid in improving the latest attempts to produce novel nacre-inspired materials.

Influence of Rapid Freeze-Thaw Cycling on the Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Strain-Hardening Cement Composite (2SHCC)

PubMed Central

Jang, Seok-Joon; Rokugo, Keitetsu; Park, Wan-Shin; Yun, Hyun-Do

2014-01-01

This paper provides experimental results to investigate the mechanical properties of sustainable strain-hardening cement composite (2SHCC) for infrastructures after freeze-thaw actions. To improve the sustainability of SHCC materials in this study, high energy-consumptive components—silica sand, cement, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers—in the conventional SHCC materials are partially replaced with recycled materials such as recycled sand, fly ash, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, respectively. To investigate the mechanical properties of green SHCC that contains recycled materials, the cement, PVA fiber and silica sand were replaced with 10% fly ash, 25% PET fiber, and 10% recycled aggregate based on preliminary experimental results for the development of 2SHCC material, respectively. The dynamic modulus of elasticity and weight for 2SHCC material were measured at every 30 cycles of freeze-thaw. The effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical properties of sustainable SHCC are evaluated by conducting compressive tests, four-point flexural tests, direct tensile tests and prism splitting tests after 90, 180, and 300 cycles of rapid freeze-thaw. Freeze-thaw testing was conducted according to ASTM C 666 Procedure A. Test results show that after 300 cycles of freezing and thawing actions, the dynamic modulus of elasticity and mass loss of damaged 2SHCC were similar to those of virgin 2SHCC, while the freeze-thaw cycles influence mechanical properties of the 2SHCC material except for compressive behavior. PMID:28788522

Ab initio simulation of elastic and mechanical properties of Zn- and Mg-doped hydroxyapatite (HAP).

PubMed

Aryal, Sitaram; Matsunaga, Katsuyuki; Ching, Wai-Yim

2015-07-01

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is an important bioceramic which constitutes the mineral components of bones and hard tissues in mammals. It is bioactive and used as bioceramic coatings for metallic implants and bone fillers. HAP readily absorbs a large amount of impurities. Knowledge on the elastic and mechanical properties of impurity-doped HAP is a subject of great importance to its potential for biomedical applications. Zn and Mg are the most common divalent cations HAP absorbs. Using density function theory based ab initio methods, we have carried out a large number of ab initio calculations to obtain the bulk elastic and mechanical properties of HAP with Zn or Mg doped in different concentration at the Ca1 and Ca2 sites using large 352-atom supercells. Detailed information on their dependece on the concetraion of the substitued impurity is obtained. Our results show that Mg enhances overall elastic and bulk mechanical properties whereas Zn tends to degrade except at low concentrations. At a higher concentration, the mechanical properties of Zn and Mg doped HAP also depend significantly on impurity distribution between the Ca1 and Ca2 sites. There is a strong evidence that Zn prefers Ca2 site for substituion whereas Mg has no such preference. These results imply that proper control of dopant concentration and their site preference must carefully considered in using doped HAP for specific biomedical applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials on the initial force of thermoplastic appliances.

PubMed

Kohda, Naohisa; Iijima, Masahiro; Muguruma, Takeshi; Brantley, William A; Ahluwalia, Karamdeep S; Mizoguchi, Itaru

2013-05-01

To measure the forces delivered by thermoplastic appliances made from three materials and investigate effects of mechanical properties, material thickness, and amount of activation on orthodontic forces. Three thermoplastic materials, Duran (Scheu Dental), Erkodur (Erkodent Erich Kopp GmbH), and Hardcast (Scheu Dental), with two different thicknesses were selected. Values of elastic modulus and hardness were obtained from nanoindentation measurements at 28°C. A custom-fabricated system with a force sensor was employed to obtain measurements of in vitro force delivered by the thermoplastic appliances for 0.5-mm and 1.0-mm activation for bodily tooth movement. Experimental results were subjected to several statistical analyses. Hardcast had significantly lower elastic modulus and hardness than Duran and Erkodur, whose properties were not significantly different. Appliances fabricated from thicker material (0.75 mm or 0.8 mm) always produced significantly greater force than those fabricated from thinner material (0.4 mm or 0.5 mm). Appliances with 1.0-mm activation produced significantly lower force than those with 0.5-mm activation, except for 0.4-mm thick Hardcast appliances. A strong correlation was found between mechanical properties of the thermoplastic materials and force produced by the appliances. Orthodontic forces delivered by thermoplastic appliances depend on the material, thickness, and amount of activation. Mechanical properties of the polymers obtained by nanoindentation testing are predictive of force delivery by these appliances.

Effects of annealing conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon, manganese transformation-induced plasticity steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Jae-Myeong; Kim, Sung-Joon; Kang, Nam Hyun; Cho, Kyung-Mox; Suh, Dong-Woo

2009-12-01

The effects of annealing conditions on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties have been investigated in low carbon, manganese TRIP (Mn TRIP) steel based on a 0.12C-6Mn-0.5Si-3Al alloy system. The microstructure of cold-rolled sheet subjected to annealing at 760 °C to 800 °C for 30 s to 1800 s consists of a recrystallized ferrite matrix and fine-grained austenite with a phase fraction of 25 % to 35 %. Variation of the annealing conditions remarkably influenced the characteristics of constituent phases and thus affected the tensile strength and elongation. Optimization of microstructural parameters such as grain size and fraction of constituent phases, which control the yield strength, overall work hardening, and the kinetics of strain-induced martensite formation, is thus critical for obtaining an exceptional mechanical balance of the alloy.

41 CFR 50-201.602 - Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions. 50-201.602 Section 50-201.602 Public Contracts and Property Management Other...-201.602 Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions. Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions...

41 CFR 50-203.14 - Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions. 50-203.14 Section 50-203.14 Public Contracts and Property Management Other... Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions. Decisions concerning exceptions and exemptions shall be in...

Photochromic Inorganic/Organic Thermoplastic Elastomers.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiuyang; Li, Jing; Huo, Mengmeng; Li, Naixu; Zhou, Jiancheng; Li, Tuoqi; Jiang, Jing

2017-08-01

Photochromic materials are an important class of "smart materials" and are broadly utilized in technological devices. However, most photochromic materials reported so far are composed of inorganic compounds that are challenging to process and suffer from poor mechanical performance, severely limiting their applications in various markets. In this paper, inorganic photochromic tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) nanocrystals are conveniently grafted with polymers to hurdle the deficiency in processability and mechanical properties. This new type of photochromic material can be thermally processed into desired geometries like disks and dog-bone specimens. Fully reversible photochromic response under UV light is also achieved for WO 3 -graft polymers, exhibiting tunable response rate, outperforming the pristine WO 3 nanocrystals. Notably, the resulted graft polymers show extraordinary mechanical performance with excellent ductility (≈800% breaking strain) and relatively high breaking strength (≈2 MPa). These discoveries elucidate an effective pathway to design smart inorganic/organic hybrid thermoplastic elastomers endowed with outstanding photochromic and mechanical properties as well as exceptional processability. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of compression parameters on mechanical behavior of mozzarella cheese.

PubMed

Fogaça, Davi Novaes Ladeia; da Silva, William Soares; Rodrigues, Luciano Brito

2017-10-01

Studies on the interaction between direction and degree of compression in the Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of cheeses are limited. For this reason the present study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of Mozzarella cheese by TPA at different compression degrees (65, 75, and 85%) and directions (axes X, Y, and Z). Data obtained were compared in order to identify possible interaction between both factors. Compression direction did not affect any mechanical variable, or rather, the cheese had an isotropic behavior for TPA. Compression degree had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on TPA responses, excepting for chewiness TPA (N), which remained constant. Data from texture profile were adjusted to models to explain the mechanical behavior according to the compression degree used in the test. The isotropic behavior observed may be result of differences in production method of Mozzarella cheese especially on stretching of cheese mass. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) is a technique largely used to assess the mechanical properties of food, particularly cheese. The precise choice of the instrumental test configuration is essential for achieving results that represent the material analyzed. The method of manufacturing is another factor that may directly influence the mechanical properties of food. This can be seen, for instance, in stretched curd cheese, such as Mozzarella. Knowledge on such mechanical properties is highly relevant for food industries due to the mechanical resistance in piling, pressing, manufacture of packages, and food transport, or to melting features presented by the food at high temperatures in preparation of several foods, such as pizzas, snacks, sandwiches, and appetizers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Communication: Many-body stabilization of non-covalent interactions: Structure, stability, and mechanics of Ag3Co(CN)6 framework.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaofei; Hermann, Jan; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

2016-12-28

Stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and other framework materials exhibit a broad variety of useful properties, which mainly stem from an interplay of strong covalent bonds within the organic linkers with presumably weak van der Waals (vdW) interactions which determine the overall packing of the framework constituents. Using Ag 3 Co(CN) 6 as a fundamental test case-a system with a colossal positive and negative thermal expansion [A. L. Goodwin et al., Science 319, 794 (2008)]-we demonstrate that its structure, stability, dielectric, vibrational, and mechanical properties are critically influenced by many-body electronic correlation contributions to non-covalent vdW interactions. The Ag 3 Co(CN) 6 framework is a remarkable molecular crystal, being visibly stabilized, rather than destabilized, by many-body vdW correlations. A detailed comparison with H 3 Co(CN) 6 highlights the crucial role of strongly polarized metallophilic interactions in dictating the exceptional properties of denser MOFs. Beyond MOFs, our findings indicate that many-body electronic correlations can substantially stabilize polarizable materials, providing a novel mechanism for tuning the properties of nanomaterials with intricate structural motifs.

Mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvetat, J.-P.; Bonard, J.-M.; Thomson, N. H.; Kulik, A. J.; Forró, L.; Benoit, W.; Zuppiroli, L.

A variety of outstanding experimental results on the elucidation of the elastic properties of carbon nanotubes are fast appearing. These are based mainly on the techniques of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine the Young's moduli of single-wall nanotube bundles and multi-walled nanotubes, prepared by a number of methods. These results are confirming the theoretical predictions that carbon nanotubes have high strength plus extraordinary flexibility and resilience. As well as summarising the most notable achievements of theory and experiment in the last few years, this paper explains the properties of nanotubes in the wider context of materials science and highlights the contribution of our research group in this rapidly expanding field. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the structural order of the nanotubes and their mechanical properties will be necessary for the development of carbon-nanotube-based composites. Our research to date illustrates a qualitative relationship between the Young's modulus of a nanotube and the amount of disorder in the atomic structure of the walls. Other exciting results indicate that composites will benefit from the exceptional mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes, but that the major outstanding problem of load transfer efficiency must be overcome before suitable engineering materials can be produced.

Exposure to buffer solution alters tendon hydration and mechanics.

PubMed

Safa, Babak N; Meadows, Kyle D; Szczesny, Spencer E; Elliott, Dawn M

2017-08-16

A buffer solution is often used to maintain tissue hydration during mechanical testing. The most commonly used buffer solution is a physiological concentration of phosphate buffered saline (PBS); however, PBS increases the tissue's water content and decreases its tensile stiffness. In addition, solutes from the buffer can diffuse into the tissue and interact with its structure and mechanics. These bathing solution effects can confound the outcome and interpretation of mechanical tests. Potential bathing solution artifacts, including solute diffusion, and their effect on mechanical properties, are not well understood. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of long-term exposure of rat tail tendon fascicles to several concentrations (0.9-25%) of NaCl, sucrose, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and SPEG (NaCl+PEG) solutions on water content, solute diffusion, and mechanical properties. We found that with an increase in solute concentration the apparent water content decreased for all solution types. Solutes diffused into the tissue for NaCl and sucrose, however, no solute diffusion was observed for PEG or SPEG. The mechanical properties changed for both NaCl solutions, in particular after long-term (8h) incubation the modulus and equilibrium stress decreased compared to short-term (15min) for 25% NaCl, and the cross sectional area increased for 0.9% NaCl. However, the mechanical properties were unchanged for both PEG and SPEG except for minor alterations in stress relaxation parameters. This study shows that NaCl and sucrose buffer solutions are not suitable for long-term mechanical tests. We therefore propose using PEG or SPEG as alternative buffer solutions that after long-term incubation can maintain tissue hydration without solute diffusion and produce a consistent mechanical response. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unraveling the Molecular Requirements for Macroscopic Silk Supercontraction.

PubMed

Giesa, Tristan; Schuetz, Roman; Fratzl, Peter; Buehler, Markus J; Masic, Admir

2017-10-24

Spider dragline silk is a protein material that has evolved over millions of years to achieve finely tuned mechanical properties. A less known feature of some dragline silk fibers is that they shrink along the main axis by up to 50% when exposed to high humidity, a phenomenon called supercontraction. This contrasts the typical behavior of many other materials that swell when exposed to humidity. Molecular level details and mechanisms of the supercontraction effect are heavily debated. Here we report a molecular dynamics analysis of supercontraction in Nephila clavipes silk combined with in situ mechanical testing and Raman spectroscopy linking the reorganization of the nanostructure to the polar and charged amino acids in the sequence. We further show in our in silico approach that point mutations of these groups not only suppress the supercontraction effect, but even reverse it, while maintaining the exceptional mechanical properties of the silk material. This work has imminent impact on the design of biomimetic equivalents and recombinant silks for which supercontraction may or may not be a desirable feature. The approach applied is appropriate to explore the effect of point mutations on the overall physical properties of protein based materials.

Mechanical design in arteries.

PubMed

Shadwick, R E

1999-12-01

The most important mechanical property of the artery wall is its non-linear elasticity. Over the last century, this has been well-documented in vessels in many animals, from humans to lobsters. Arteries must be distensible to provide capacitance and pulse-smoothing in the circulation, but they must also be stable to inflation over a range of pressure. These mechanical requirements are met by strain-dependent increases in the elastic modulus of the vascular wall, manifest by a J-shaped stress-strain curve, as typically exhibited by other soft biological tissues. All vertebrates and invertebrates with closed circulatory systems have arteries with this non-linear behaviour, but specific tissue properties vary to give correct function for the physiological pressure range of each species. In all cases, the non-linear elasticity is a product of the parallel arrangement of rubbery and stiff connective tissue elements in the artery wall, and differences in composition and tissue architecture can account for the observed variations in mechanical properties. This phenomenon is most pronounced in large whales, in which very high compliance in the aortic arch and exceptionally low compliance in the descending aorta occur, and is correlated with specific modifications in the arterial structure.

Mechanical properties of direct core build-up materials.

PubMed

Combe, E C; Shaglouf, A M; Watts, D C; Wilson, N H

1999-05-01

This work was undertaken to measure mechanical properties of a diverse group of materials used for direct core build-ups, including a high copper amalgam, a silver cermet cement, a VLC resin composite and two composites specifically developed for this application. Compressive strength, elastic modulus, diametral tensile strength and flexural strength and modulus were measured for each material as a function of time up to 3 months, using standard specification tests designed for the materials. All the materials were found to meet the minimum specification requirements except in terms of flexural strength for the amalgam after 1 h and the silver cermet at all time intervals. There proved to be no obvious superior material in all respects for core build-ups, and the need exists for a specification to be established specifically for this application.

Mechanical properties of the fiberglass prepreg system used for the National Transonic Facility replacement blade set

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Clarence P., Jr.; Wallace, John W.

1991-01-01

The results are presented of mechanical and physical properties characterization testing for the fiber glass prepreg system used to fabricate 15 of the replacement set of 25 fan blades for the National Transonic Facility. The fan blades were fabricated to be identical to the original blade set with the exception that the 7576 style E glass cloth used for the replacement set has a different surface finish than the original 7576 cloth. The 7781 E glass cloth and resin system were unchanged. The data are presented for elevated, room, and cryogenic temperatures. The results are compared with data from the original blade set and evaluated against selected structural design criteria. Test experience is described along with recommendations for future testing of these materials if required.

Elution kinetics, antimicrobial activity, and mechanical properties of 11 different antibiotic loaded acrylic bone cement.

PubMed

Gálvez-López, Ruben; Peña-Monje, Alejandro; Antelo-Lorenzo, Ramón; Guardia-Olmedo, Juan; Moliz, Juan; Hernández-Quero, José; Parra-Ruiz, Jorge

2014-01-01

Antibiotic-loaded acrylic bone cements (ALABC) spacers are routinely used in the treatment of prosthetic joint infections. The objectives of our study were to evaluate different ALABC for elution kinetics, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. A 10 or 20% mixture (w/w) beads of medium viscosity bone cement (DePuy, Inc) and vancomycin (VAN), gentamycin (GM), daptomycin (DAP), moxifloxacin (MOX), rifampicin (RIF), cefotaxime (CTX), cefepime (FEP), amoxicillin clavulanate (AmC), ampicillin (AMP), meropenem (MER), and ertapenem (ERT) were formed and placed into wells filled with phosphate-buffered saline. Antibiotic concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 or Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. AmC, AMP, and FEP concentration rapidly decreased after day 2, being almost undetectable at day 4. Sustained and high elution rates were observed with VAN, GM, MOX, and RIF for the 30-day duration of the experiment. DAP, MER, ERT, and CTX elution rates constantly decreased from day 4. All antibiotics tested retained antimicrobial activity proving thermal stability. Mechanical properties of ALABC were maintained except when RIF was used. © 2013.

Low temperature mechanical properties, fractographic and metallographic evaluation of several alloy steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montano, J. W.

1973-01-01

The mechanical properties are presented of alloy steels, 4130, 4140, 4340, 6150, and 8740. Test specimens were manufactured from approximately 1.00 inch (2.54 cm) diameter bar stock which had been heat treated to two different hardness levels. The following mechanical tests were performed at temperatures of 80 F (+26.7 C), 0 F (-17.8 C), -100 F (-73 C), and -200 F (-129 C): (1) tensile test (Ultimate, yield, modulus, elongation, and reduction of area), (2) notched tensile test, (3) charpy V-notched impact test (impact energy), and (4) double shear strength test (ultimate and yield). The test data indicate excellent tensile strength, notched/unnotched tensile ratios, ductility, impact, and shear properties at all test temperatures, except at -200 F (-129 C) where the impact strength of the higher strength group of alloy steels, 4130 (Rc-37) and 4140 (Rc-44) decreased to approximately 9 ft. lbs. (12 joules) and 6 ft. lbs. (8 joules), respectively. Chemical, metallographic, and fractographic analyses were also performed to evaluate microstructure, microhardness and the effect of decrease in temperature on the ductile to brittle failure transition.

Mechanical properties of asthmatic airway smooth muscle.

PubMed

Chin, Leslie Y M; Bossé, Ynuk; Pascoe, Chris; Hackett, Tillie L; Seow, Chun Y; Paré, Peter D

2012-07-01

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is the major effector of excessive airway narrowing in asthma. Changes in some of the mechanical properties of ASM could contribute to excessive narrowing and have not been systematically studied in human ASM from nonasthmatic and asthmatic subjects. Human ASM strips (eight asthmatic and six nonasthmatic) were studied at in situ length and force was normalised to maximal force induced by electric field stimulation (EFS). Measurements included: passive and active force versus length before and after length adaptation, the force-velocity relationship, maximal shortening and force recovery after length oscillation. Force was converted to stress by dividing by cross-sectional area of muscle. The only functional differences were that the asthmatic tissue was stiffer at longer lengths (p<0.05) and oscillatory strain reduced isometric force in response to EFS by 19% as opposed to 36% in nonasthmatics (p<0.01). The mechanical properties of human ASM from asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects are comparable except for increased passive stiffness and attenuated decline in force generation after an oscillatory perturbation. These data may relate to reduced bronchodilation induced by a deep inspiration in asthmatic subjects.

The effects of axial displacement on fracture callus morphology and MSC homing depend on the timing of application.

PubMed

Weaver, Aaron S; Su, Yu-Ping; Begun, Dana L; Miller, Joshua D; Alford, Andrea I; Goldstein, Steven A

2010-07-01

The local mechanical environment and the availability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have both been shown to be important factors in bone fracture healing. This study was designed to investigate how the timing of an applied axial displacement across a healing fracture affects callus properties as well as the migration of systemically introduced MSC. Bilateral osteotomies were created in male, Sprague-Dawley rats. Exogenous MSC were injected via the tail vein, and a controlled micro-motion was applied to one defect starting 0, 3, 10, or 24 days after surgery. The results showed that fractures stimulated 10 days after surgery had more mineral, less cartilage, and greater mechanical properties at 48 days than other groups. Populations of MSC were found in osteotomies 48 days after surgery, with the exception of the group that was stimulated 10 days after surgery. These results demonstrate that the timing of mechanical stimulation affects the physical properties of the callus and the migration of MSC to the fracture site. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Mechanical strength and microstructure of laser-welded Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy castings.

PubMed

Srimaneepong, Viritpon; Yoneyama, Takayuki; Kobayashi, Equo; Doi, Hisashi; Hanawa, Takao

2005-12-01

Mechanical properties of laser-welded castings of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy, CP Ti, and Co-Cr alloy were investigated and compared to the unwelded castings using a tensile test. Dumbbell-shaped specimens were cut at the center, and two halves of the specimens were welded with an Nd:YAG laser welding machine at 220 or 260 V of laser voltage. The mechanical strength of 260 V groups was higher than that of 220 V groups for Ti-6Al-7Nb and Co-Cr alloys except for CP Ti. All 260 V laser-welded castings of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy and CP Ti, which fractured outside the welded joints, exhibited ductile characteristics, while all laser-welded Co-Cr alloy castings, which fractured within the welded joints, showed brittle characteristics. This study proved that the mechanical strength of laser-welded Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy and CP Ti castings was as high as that of unwelded castings, while the mechanical properties of laser-welded alloy joints were influenced by microstructural changes.

Mechanical characteristics of hardened concrete with different mineral admixtures: a review.

PubMed

Ayub, Tehmina; Khan, Sadaqat Ullah; Memon, Fareed Ahmed

2014-01-01

The available literature identifies that the addition of mineral admixture as partial replacement of cement improves the microstructure of the concrete (i.e., porosity and pore size distribution) as well as increasing the mechanical characteristics such as drying shrinkage and creep, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity; however, no single document is available in which review and comparison of the influence of the addition of these mineral admixtures on the mechanical characteristics of the hardened pozzolanic concretes are presented. In this paper, based on the reported results in the literature, mechanical characteristics of hardened concrete partially containing mineral admixtures including fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin (MK), and rice husk ash (RHA) are discussed and it is concluded that the content and particle size of mineral admixture are the parameters which significantly influence the mechanical properties of concrete. All mineral admixtures enhance the mechanical properties of concrete except FA and GGBS which do not show a significant effect on the strength of concrete at 28 days; however, gain in strength at later ages is considerable. Moreover, the comparison of the mechanical characteristics of different pozzolanic concretes suggests that RHA and SF are competitive.

A biopolymer-like metal enabled hybrid material with exceptional mechanical prowess

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Junsong; Cui, Lishan; Jiang, Daqiang; ...

2015-02-10

In this study, the design principles for naturally occurring biological materials have inspired us to develop next-generation engineering materials with remarkable performance. Nacre, commonly referred to as nature's armor, is renowned for its unusual combination of strength and toughness. Nature's wisdom in nacre resides in its elaborate structural design and the judicious placement of a unique organic biopolymer with intelligent deformation features. However, up to now, it is still a challenge to transcribe the biopolymer's deformation attributes into a stronger substitute in the design of new materials. In this study, we propose a new design strategy that employs shape memorymore » alloy to transcribe the "J-curve'' mechanical response and uniform molecular/atomic level deformation of the organic biopolymer in the design of high-performance hybrid materials. This design strategy is verified in a TiNi-Ti 3Sn model material system. The model material demonstrates an exceptional combination of mechanical properties that are superior to other high-performance metal-based lamellar composites known to date. Our design strategy creates new opportunities for the development of high-performance bio-inspired materials.« less

A biopolymer-like metal enabled hybrid material with exceptional mechanical prowess

PubMed Central

Zhang, Junsong; Cui, Lishan; Jiang, Daqiang; Liu, Yinong; Hao, Shijie; Ren, Yang; Han, Xiaodong; Liu, Zhenyang; Wang, Yunzhi; Yu, Cun; Huan, Yong; Zhao, Xinqing; Zheng, Yanjun; Xu, Huibin; Ren, Xiaobing; Li, Xiaodong

2015-01-01

The design principles for naturally occurring biological materials have inspired us to develop next-generation engineering materials with remarkable performance. Nacre, commonly referred to as nature's armor, is renowned for its unusual combination of strength and toughness. Nature's wisdom in nacre resides in its elaborate structural design and the judicious placement of a unique organic biopolymer with intelligent deformation features. However, up to now, it is still a challenge to transcribe the biopolymer's deformation attributes into a stronger substitute in the design of new materials. In this study, we propose a new design strategy that employs shape memory alloy to transcribe the “J-curve” mechanical response and uniform molecular/atomic level deformation of the organic biopolymer in the design of high-performance hybrid materials. This design strategy is verified in a TiNi-Ti3Sn model material system. The model material demonstrates an exceptional combination of mechanical properties that are superior to other high-performance metal-based lamellar composites known to date. Our design strategy creates new opportunities for the development of high-performance bio-inspired materials. PMID:25665501

A biopolymer-like metal enabled hybrid material with exceptional mechanical prowess.

PubMed

Zhang, Junsong; Cui, Lishan; Jiang, Daqiang; Liu, Yinong; Hao, Shijie; Ren, Yang; Han, Xiaodong; Liu, Zhenyang; Wang, Yunzhi; Yu, Cun; Huan, Yong; Zhao, Xinqing; Zheng, Yanjun; Xu, Huibin; Ren, Xiaobing; Li, Xiaodong

2015-02-10

The design principles for naturally occurring biological materials have inspired us to develop next-generation engineering materials with remarkable performance. Nacre, commonly referred to as nature's armor, is renowned for its unusual combination of strength and toughness. Nature's wisdom in nacre resides in its elaborate structural design and the judicious placement of a unique organic biopolymer with intelligent deformation features. However, up to now, it is still a challenge to transcribe the biopolymer's deformation attributes into a stronger substitute in the design of new materials. In this study, we propose a new design strategy that employs shape memory alloy to transcribe the "J-curve" mechanical response and uniform molecular/atomic level deformation of the organic biopolymer in the design of high-performance hybrid materials. This design strategy is verified in a TiNi-Ti3Sn model material system. The model material demonstrates an exceptional combination of mechanical properties that are superior to other high-performance metal-based lamellar composites known to date. Our design strategy creates new opportunities for the development of high-performance bio-inspired materials.

Structure and topology of three-dimensional hydrocarbon polymers.

PubMed

Kondrin, Mikhail V; Lebed, Yulia B; Brazhkin, Vadim V

2016-08-01

A new family of three-dimensional hydrocarbon polymers which are more energetically favorable than benzene is proposed. Although structurally these polymers are closely related to well known diamond and lonsdaleite carbon structures, using topological arguments we demonstrate that they have no known structural analogs. Topological considerations also give some indication of possible methods of synthesis. Taking into account their exceptional optical, structural and mechanical properties these polymers might have interesting applications.

7 CFR 1955.81 - Exception authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2010-01-01 2009-01-01 true Exception authority. 1955.81 Section 1955.81 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS...) PROGRAM REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Management of Property § 1955.81 Exception authority...

41 CFR 109-38.403-3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Exceptions. 109-38.403-3 Section 109-38.403-3 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AVIATION, TRANSPORTATION, AND...

41 CFR 109-38.403-3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Exceptions. 109-38.403-3 Section 109-38.403-3 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AVIATION, TRANSPORTATION, AND...

Mechanical properties of several neat polymer matrix materials and unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coguill, Scott L.; Adams, Donald F.

1989-01-01

The mechanical and physical properties of three neat matrix materials, i.e., PEEK (polyetheretherketone) thermoplastic, Hexcel F155 rubber-toughened epoxy and Hercules 8551-7 rubber-toughened epoxy, were experimentally determined. Twelve unidirectional carbon fiber composites, incorporating matrix materials characterized in this or earlier studies (with one exception; the PISO(sub 2)-TPI matrix itself was not characterized), were also tested. These composite systems included AS4/2220-1, AS4/2220-3, T500/R914, IM6/HX1504, T300/4901A (MDA), T700/4901A (MDA), T300/4901B (MPDA), T700/4901B (MPDA), APC2 (AS4/PEEK, ICI), APC2 (AS4/PEEK, Langley Research Center), AS4/8551-7, and AS4/PISO(sub 2)-TPI. For the neat matrix materials, the tensile, shear, fracture toughness, coefficient of thermal expansion, and coefficient of moisture expansion properties were measured as a function of both temperature and moisture content. For the unidirectional composites, axial and transverse tensile, longitudinal shear, coefficient of thermal expansion, and coefficient of moisture expansion properties were determined, at room temperature and 100 C.

Do Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of Orthodontic NiTi Wires Remain Stable In Vivo?

PubMed Central

Rutkowska-Gorczyca, Małgorzata; Detyna, Jerzy; Zięty, Anna; Kawala, Maciej; Antoszewska-Smith, Joanna

2016-01-01

Introduction and Aim. Exceptional properties of the NiTi archwires may be jeopardized by the oral cavity; thus its long-term effect on the mechanical and physiochemical properties of NiTi archwires was the aim of work. Material and Methods. Study group comprised sixty 0.016 × 0.022 NiTi archwires from the same manufacturer evaluated (group A) after the first 12 weeks of orthodontic treatment. 30 mm long pieces cut off from each wire prior to insertion formed the control group B. Obeying the strict rules of randomization, all samples were subjected to microscopic evaluation and nanoindentation test. Results. Both groups displayed substantial presence of nonmetallic inclusions. Heterogeneity of the structure and its alteration after usage were found in groups B and A, respectively. Conclusions. Long-term, reliable prediction of biomechanics of NiTi wires in vivo is impossible, especially new archwires from the same vendor display different physiochemical properties. Moreover, manufacturers have to decrease contamination in the production process in order to minimize risk of mutual negative influence of nickel-titanium archwires and oral environment. PMID:28097137

Recent advances in aptasensors based on graphene and graphene-like nanomaterials.

PubMed

Ping, Jianfeng; Zhou, Yubin; Wu, Yuanyuan; Papper, Vladislav; Boujday, Souhir; Marks, Robert S; Steele, Terry W J

2015-02-15

Graphene and graphene-like two-dimensional nanomaterials have aroused tremendous research interest in recent years due to their unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties associated with their planar structure. Aptamers have exhibited many advantages as molecular recognition elements for sensing devices compared to traditional antibodies. The marriage of two-dimensional nanomaterials and aptamers has emerged many ingenious aptasensing strategies for applications in the fields of clinical diagnosis and food safety. This review highlights current advances in the development and application of two-dimensional nanomaterials-based aptasensors with the focus on two main signal-transducing mechanisms, i.e. electrochemical and optical. A special attention is paid to graphene, a one-atom thick layer of graphite with exceptional properties, representing a fastgrowing field of research. In view of the unique properties of two-dimensional nanostructures and their inherent advantages of synthetic aptamers, we expect that high-performance two-dimensional nanomaterials-based aptasensing devices will find extensive applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and food safety. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antistaphylococcal and biofilm inhibitory activities of gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids.

PubMed

Luís, Ângelo; Silva, Filomena; Sousa, Sónia; Duarte, Ana Paula; Domingues, Fernanda

2014-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive pathogen which is able to form biofilms, exhibiting a more pronounced resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants. The hurdles posed in eradicating biofilms have driven the search for new compounds able to fight these structures. Phenolic compounds constitute one of the most numerous and ubiquitous group of plant secondary metabolites with many biological activities. The aim of the present work was to study the potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids against S. aureus as well to elucidate its mechanism of action. It was concluded that the phenolic acids studied in this work have antistaphylococcal properties. For instance, gallic acid is able to influence the adhesion properties of S. aureus. The phenolic acids tested were also able to inhibit the production of α-hemolysin by this microorganism, with the exception of chlorogenic acid. Regarding its mechanism of action, caffeic acid interferes with the stability of the cell membrane and with the metabolic activity of the cells of S. aureus.

Nacre-like hybrid films: Structure, properties, and the effect of relative humidity.

PubMed

Abba, Mohammed T; Hunger, Philipp M; Kalidindi, Surya R; Wegst, Ulrike G K

2015-03-01

Functional materials often are hybrids composed of biopolymers and mineral constituents. The arrangement and interactions of the constituents frequently lead to hierarchical structures with exceptional mechanical properties and multifunctionality. In this study, hybrid thin films with a nacre-like brick-and-mortar microstructure were fabricated in a straightforward and reproducible manner through manual shear casting using the biopolymer chitosan as the matrix material (mortar) and alumina platelets as the reinforcing particles (bricks). The ratio of inorganic to organic content was varied from 0% to 15% and the relative humidities from 36% to 75% to determine their effects on the mechanical properties. It was found that increasing the volume fraction of alumina from 0% to 15% results in a twofold increase in the modulus of the film, but decreases the tensile strength by up to 30%, when the volume fraction of alumina is higher than 5%. Additionally, this study quantifies and illustrates the critical role of the relative humidity on the mechanical properties of the hybrid film. Increasing the relative humidity from 36% to 75% decreases the modulus and strength by about 45% and triples the strain at failure. These results suggest that complex hybrid materials can be manufactured and tailor made for specific applications or environmental conditions. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comparative study of mechanical properties of direct core build-up materials

PubMed Central

Kumar, Girish; Shivrayan, Amit

2015-01-01

Background and Objectives: The strength greatly influences the selection of core material because core must withstand forces due to mastication and para-function for many years. This study was conducted to evaluate certain mechanical properties of commonly used materials for direct core build-up, including visible light cured composite, polyacid modified composite, resin modified glass ionomer, high copper amalgam, and silver cermet cement. Materials and Methods: All the materials were manipulated according to the manufacturer's recommendations and standard test specimens were prepared. A universal testing machine at different cross-head speed was used to determine all the four mechanical properties. Mean compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus with standard deviations were calculated. Multiple comparisons of the materials were also done. Results: Considerable differences in compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, and flexural strength were observed. Visible light cured composite showed relatively high compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, and flexural strength compared with the other tested materials. Amalgam showed the highest value for elastic modulus. Silver cermet showed less value for all the properties except for elastic modulus. Conclusions: Strength is one of the most important criteria for selection of a core material. Stronger materials better resist deformation and fracture provide more equitable stress distribution, greater stability, and greater probability of clinical success. PMID:25684905

Lithium aluminosilicate reinforced with carbon nanofiber and alumina for controlled-thermal-expansion materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borrell, Amparo; García-Moreno, Olga; Torrecillas, Ramón; García-Rocha, Victoria; Fernández, Adolfo

2012-02-01

Materials with a very low or tailored thermal expansion have many applications ranging from cookware to the aerospace industry. Among others, lithium aluminosilicates (LAS) are the most studied family with low and negative thermal expansion coefficients. However, LAS materials are electrical insulators and have poor mechanical properties. Nanocomposites using LAS as a matrix are promising in many applications where special properties are achieved by the addition of one or two more phases. The main scope of this work is to study the sinterability of carbon nanofiber (CNFs)/LAS and CNFs/alumina/LAS nanocomposites, and to adjust the ratio among components for obtaining a near-zero or tailored thermal expansion. Spark plasma sintering of nanocomposites, consisting of commercial CNFs and alumina powders and an ad hoc synthesized β-eucryptite phase, is proposed as a solution to improving mechanical and electrical properties compared with the LAS ceramics obtained under the same conditions. X-ray diffraction results on phase compositions and microstructure are discussed together with dilatometry data obtained in a wide temperature range (-150 to 450 °C). The use of a ceramic LAS phase makes it possible to design a nanocomposite with a very low or tailored thermal expansion coefficient and exceptional electrical and mechanical properties.

GGA + U studies of the early actinide mononitrides and dinitrides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obodo, K. O.; Chetty, N.

2013-11-01

We present a detailed comparative study of the electronic and mechanical properties of the early actinide mononitrides and dinitrides within the framework of the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (GGA [PBE]) and GGA + U implementations of density functional theory with the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling. The dependence of selected observables of these materials on the effective U-parameter is investigated in detail. The properties include the lattice constant, bulk modulus, charge density distribution, hybridization of the atomic orbitals, energy of formation and the lattice dynamics. The inclusion of the Hubbard U parameter results in a proper description of the 5f electrons, and is subsequently used in the determination of the structural and electronic properties of these compounds. The mononitrides and dinitrides of the early actinides are metallic except for UN2, which is a semiconductor. These actinide nitrides are non-magnetic with the exception of UN, NpN, PuN, NpN2 and PuN2 that are magnetic systems with orbital-dependent magnetic moments oriented in the z-axis. We observed that ThN2 is elastically unstable to isotropic pressure. We discovered that UN2 is thermodynamically unstable, but may be stabilized by N vacancy formation.

Thermoplastic composites for veneering posterior teeth-a feasibility study.

PubMed

Gegauff, Anthony G; Garcia, Jose L; Koelling, Kurt W; Seghi, Robert R

2002-09-01

This pilot study was conducted to explore selected commercially-available thermoplastic composites that potentially had physical properties superior to currently available dental systems for restoring esthetic posterior crowns. Polyurethane, polycarbonate, and poly(ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) composites and unfilled polyurethane specimens were injection molded to produce shapes adaptive to five standardized mechanical tests. The mechanical testing included abrasive wear rate, yield strength, apparent fracture toughness (strength ratio), flexural strength, and compressive strength. Compared to commercially available dental composites, abrasion wear rates were lower for all materials tested, yield strength was greater for the filled polycarbonates and filled polyurethane resins, fracture toughness testing was invalid (strength ratios were calculated for comparison of the pilot test materials), flexural strength was roughly similar except for the filled ETFE which was significantly greater, and compressive strength was lower. Commercially available thermoplastic resin composites, such as polyurethane, demonstrate the potential for development of an artificial crown material which exceeds the mechanical properties of currently available esthetic systems, if compressive strength can be improved.

The Cyclic Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Ferroanelastic Beta Prime Gold Cadmium. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karz, R. S.

1973-01-01

The fatigue behavior of beta prime Au1.05Cd0.95 alloy was investigated and found to be exceptional for certain orientations with lives of 10,000 to 1,000,000 cycles at total strain amplitudes above 0.05 not uncommon. Fatigue lives were influenced principally by the stress level which controlled the amount of plastic deformation, and stress fatigue resistance was low compared with most metals. Failure always exhibited brittle characteristics. An algorithm was devised to predict mechanical behavior from the twin system orientations and was found in good agreement with experiment for longitudinal strains above 0.04. The cyclic mechanical properties were examined, and a model for the behavior was proposed utilizing previous theories of the restoring force and the Peierls-Nabarro stress for twinning and new concepts. Gold-cadmium was found to have certain strain fatigue resistant applications, particularly in electronics where the alloy's high electrical conductivity is utilized.

Preparation and Exceptional Mechanical Properties of Bone-Mimicking Size-Tuned Graphene Oxide@Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Paper.

PubMed

Oh, Jun Young; Kim, Yern Seung; Jung, Yeonsu; Yang, Seung Jae; Park, Chong Rae

2016-02-23

The self-assembled nanostructures of carbon nanomaterials possess a damage-tolerable architecture crucial for the inherent mechanical properties at both micro- and macroscopic levels. Bone, or "natural composite," has been known to have superior energy dissipation and fracture resistance abilities due to its unique load-bearing hybrid structure. However, few approaches have emulated the desirable structure using carbon nanomaterials. In this paper, we present an approach in fabricating a hybrid composite paper based on graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) that mimicks the natural bone structure. The size-tuning strategy enables smaller GO sheets to have more cross-linking reactions with CNTs and be homogeneously incorporated into CNT-assembled paper, which is advantageous for effective stress transfer. The resultant hybrid composite film has enhanced mechanical strength, modulus, toughness, and even electrical conductivity compared to previously reported CNT-GO based composites. We further demonstrate the usefulness of the size-tuned GOs as the "stress transfer medium" by performing in situ Raman spectroscopy during the tensile test.

Analysis of Silverized Teflon Thermal Control Material Flown on the Long Duration Exposure Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pippin, H. Gary

1995-01-01

Silver backed teflon (Ag/FEP) material used for thermal control on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) has been examined in detail. Optical, mechanical, and chemical properties were characterized for specimens exposed to a variety of space environmental conditions. Recession rates were determined for this material. Samples were obtained from virtually every LDEF location except the Earth-end. Atomic oxygen exposed regions changed from specular to diffusely reflective.

Recent Developments in Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Water Purification and Gas Separation

PubMed Central

Sears, Kallista; Dumée, Ludovic; Schütz, Jürg; She, Mary; Huynh, Chi; Hawkins, Stephen; Duke, Mikel; Gray, Stephen

2010-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanoscale cylinders of graphene with exceptional properties such as high mechanical strength, high aspect ratio and large specific surface area. To exploit these properties for membranes, macroscopic structures need to be designed with controlled porosity and pore size. This manuscript reviews recent progress on two such structures: (i) CNT Bucky-papers, a non-woven, paper like structure of randomly entangled CNTs, and (ii) isoporous CNT membranes, where the hollow CNT interior acts as a membrane pore. The construction of these two types of membranes will be discussed, characterization and permeance results compared, and some promising applications presented.

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2 - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business. 1.367(a)-2 Section 1.367(a)-2 Internal Revenue INTERNAL...) Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)-2 Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a...

Effects of long-time elevated temperature exposures on hot-isostatically-pressed power-metallurgy Udimet 700 alloys with reduced cobalt contents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, F. H.

1984-01-01

Because almost the entire U.S. consumption of cobalt depends on imports, this metal has been designated "strategic'. The role and effectiveness of cobalt is being evaluated in commercial nickel-base superalloys. Udiment 700 type alloys in which the cobalt content was reduced from the normal 17% down to 12.7%, 8.5%, 4.3%, and 0% were prepared by standard powder metallurgy techniques and hot isostatically pressed into billets. Mechanical testing and microstructural investigations were performed. The mechanical properties of alloys with reduced cobalt contents which were heat-treated identically were equal or better than those of the standard alloy, except that creep rates tended to increase as cobalt was reduced. The effects of long time exposures at 760 C on mechanical properties and at 760 C and 845 C on microstructures were determined. Decreased tensile properties and shorter rupture lives with increased creep rates were observed in alloy modifications. The exposures caused gamma prime particle coarsening and formation of sigma phase in the alloys with higher cobalt contents. Exposure at 845 C also reduced the amount of MC carbides.

Physicochemical and mechanical properties of carbamazepine cocrystals with saccharin.

PubMed

Rahman, Ziyaur; Samy, Raghu; Sayeed, Vilayat A; Khan, Mansoor A

2012-01-01

The aim of present research was to investigate the physicochemical, mechanical properties, and stability characteristics of cocrystal of carbamazepine (CBZ) using saccharin (SAC) as a coformer. The cocrystals were prepared by solubility method and characterized by pH-solubility profile, intrinsic dissolution by static disk method, and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystallinity by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and mechanical properties by Heckel analysis. Stability of the cocrystals were assessed by storing them at 60 (°)C for two weeks, 25 (°)C/60%RH, 40 (°)C/75%RH and 40 (°)C/94%RH for one month and compared with the stability of CBZ. The solubility profile of cocrystal was similar to CBZ. The cocrystal and CBZ have shown the same stability profile at all the conditions of studies except at 40 (°)C/94%RH. Unlike the CBZ, cocrystal was stable against dihydrate transformation. The compacts of cocrystal have a greater tensile strength and more compressibility. The Heckel analysis suggested that plastic deformation started at low compression pressure in the cocrystal than CBZ. In summary, the cocrystal form of carbamazepine provides another avenue for product development which is more stable than the parent drug.

Water-based preparation of spider silk films as drug delivery matrices.

PubMed

Agostini, Elisa; Winter, Gerhard; Engert, Julia

2015-09-10

The main focus of this work was to obtain a drug delivery matrix characterized by biocompatibility, water insolubility and good mechanical properties. Moreover the preparation process has to be compatible with protein encapsulation and the obtained matrix should be able to sustain release a model protein. Spider silk proteins represent exceptional natural polymers due to their mechanical properties in combination with biocompatibility. As both hydrophobic and slowly biodegrading biopolymers, recombinant spider silk proteins fulfill the required properties for a drug delivery system. In this work, we present the preparation of eADF4(C16) films as drug delivery matrices without the use of any organic solvent. Water-based spider silk films were characterized in terms of protein secondary structure, thermal stability, zeta-potential, solubility, mechanical properties, and water absorption and desorption. Additionally, this study includes an evaluation of their application as a drug delivery system for both small molecular weight drugs and high molecular weight molecules such as proteins. Our investigation focused on possible improvements in the film's mechanical properties including plasticizers in the film matrix. Furthermore, different film designs were prepared, such as: monolayer, coated monolayer, multilayer (sandwich), and coated multilayer. The release of the model protein BSA from these new systems was studied. Results indicated that spider silk films are a promising protein drug delivery matrix, capable of releasing the model protein over 90 days with a release profile close to zero order kinetic. Such films could be used for several pharmaceutical and medical purposes, especially when mechanical strength of a drug eluting matrix is of high importance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Understanding the Mechanical Properties and Structure Transition of Antheraea pernyi Silk Fiber Induced by Its Contraction.

PubMed

Wang, Yu; Wen, Jianchuan; Peng, Bo; Hu, Bingwen; Chen, Xin; Shao, Zhengzhong

2018-02-23

Like most major ampullate silks of spider, the length of Antheraea pernyi silkworm silk can shrink to a certain degree when the fiber is in contact with water. However, what happens in terms of molecule chain level and how it correlates to the mechanical properties of the silk during its contraction is not yet fully understood. Here, we investigate the water-induced mechanical property changes as well as the structure transition of two kinds of A. pernyi silk fiber, which are forcibly reeled from two different individuals (silkworm a and silkworm b; the silk fiber from either one represents the lower and upper limit of the distribution of mechanical properties, respectively). The tensile test results present that most of the mechanical parameters except the post-yield modulus and breaking strain for both silk fibers have the same variation trend before and after their water contraction. Synchrotron FTIR and Raman spectra show that the native filament from silkworm a contains more α-helix structures than that in silkworm b filament, and these α-helices are partially converted to β-sheet structures after the contraction of the fibers, while the order of both β-sheet and α-helix slightly increase. On the other side, the content and orientation of both secondary structural components in silkworm b fiber keep unchanged, no matter if it is native or contracted. 13 C CP/MAS NMR results further indicate that the α-helix/random coil to β-sheet conformational transition that occurred in the silk of silkworm a corresponds the Ala residues. Based upon these results, the detailed structure transition models of both as-reeled A. pernyi silk fibers during water contraction are proposed finally to interpret their properties transformation.

Electrical potential modulation of dynamic film properties of aqueous surfactant solutions through a nanogap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Guoxin; Luo, Jianbin; Liu, Shuhai; Guo, Dan

2011-01-01

The effect of external electrical potentials (EEPs) on aqueous surfactant films nanoconfined in a ball-plate configuration has been investigated by measuring the dynamic film thickness with an interferometer. Experimental results indicate that the film formation properties of the surfactant solutions in the nanogap under applied EEPs are strongly dependent on the interfacial adsorbed surfactant structure. Effective control over the film formation properties by applying EEPs depends on the signs of the charges on the solid surface and the surfactant headgroups, the surfactant concentration, and the magnitude of EEPs. Remarkable alterations of the film formation properties in the nanogap by EEPs can be observed except when the surface charge is the same in sign as the headgroups and the surfactant concentration is above the critical micelle concentration. Mechanisms of these phenomena have been discussed in this work.

Mechanical Characteristics of Hardened Concrete with Different Mineral Admixtures: A Review

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The available literature identifies that the addition of mineral admixture as partial replacement of cement improves the microstructure of the concrete (i.e., porosity and pore size distribution) as well as increasing the mechanical characteristics such as drying shrinkage and creep, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity; however, no single document is available in which review and comparison of the influence of the addition of these mineral admixtures on the mechanical characteristics of the hardened pozzolanic concretes are presented. In this paper, based on the reported results in the literature, mechanical characteristics of hardened concrete partially containing mineral admixtures including fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin (MK), and rice husk ash (RHA) are discussed and it is concluded that the content and particle size of mineral admixture are the parameters which significantly influence the mechanical properties of concrete. All mineral admixtures enhance the mechanical properties of concrete except FA and GGBS which do not show a significant effect on the strength of concrete at 28 days; however, gain in strength at later ages is considerable. Moreover, the comparison of the mechanical characteristics of different pozzolanic concretes suggests that RHA and SF are competitive. PMID:24688443

ɛ-mechanism driven pulsations in hot subdwarf stars with mixed H-He atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battich, Tiara; Miller Bertolami, Marcelo M.; Córsico, Alejandro H.; Althaus, Leandro G.

2017-12-01

The ɛ mechanism is a self-excitation mechanism of stellar pulsations which acts in regions where nuclear burning takes place. It has been shown that the ɛ mechanism can excite pulsations in hot pre-horizontal branch stars before they settle into the stable helium core-burning phase and that the shortest periods of LS IV-14º116 could be explained that way.We aim to study the ɛ mechanism in stellar models appropriate for hot pre-horizontal branch stars to predict their pulsational properties.We perform detailed computations of non-adiabatic non-radial pulsations on such stellar models.We predict a new instability domain of long-period gravity modes in the log g - log Teff plane at roughly 22000 K ≲ Teff ≲ 50000 K and 4.67 ≲ log g ≲ 6.15, with a period range from 200 to 2000 s. Comparison with the three known pulsating He-rich subdwarfs shows that the ɛ mechanism can excite pulsations in models with similar surface properties except for modes with the shortest observed periods. Based on simple estimates we expect at least 3 stars in the current samples of hot-subdwarf stars to be pulsating by the ɛ mechanism. Our results could constitute a theoretical basis for future searches of pulsators in the Galactic field.

41 CFR 102-74.170 - May exceptions to the energy conservation policies in this subpart be granted?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 74-FACILITY MANAGEMENT Facility Management Energy Conservation § 102-74.170 May... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false May exceptions to the...

Curing and toughening of epoxy resins with phosphorus containing monomers and polymers

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

Park, Y.R.; Park, I.Y.; Yoon, T.H.

1996-12-31

Epoxy resins have been utilized in many areas, from house holds to airplanes, for the past several decades due to some exceptional properties such as low cost, good mechanical properties and excellent adhesive properties. However, low fracture toughness and flame resistance of epoxy resins have limited their applicability. Therefore, enhancing those properties have been of great interest to many researchers and scientists. As introduced by McGrath and co-workers in 1980s, the reactive thermoplastic polymers have proven to be an excellent toughener for improving not only fracture toughness but also adhesive properties without sacrificing thermo-mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Flame retardencymore » could be improved by adding flame retardent additives which are divided into two groups; additives and reactives. However, among the additives, halogen compounds are known to be toxic gas generator and ozone depleter. Moreover, additives could be potentially leached out of the material, while reactives are inferior to additives. Recently, a reactive type phosphine oxide containing flame retardants have been introduced by McGrath and co-workers and proven to be an excellent flame retardant. In this paper, phospine oxide containing monomers were prepared and utilized as curing agents for expoxy resins, and starting materials for the polymers.« less

41 CFR 60-30.19 - Objections; exceptions; offer of proof.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Objections; exceptions; offer of proof. 60-30.19 Section 60-30.19 Public Contracts and Property Management Other Provisions... EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 Hearings and Related Matters § 60-30.19 Objections; exceptions; offer of proof. (a...

41 CFR 60-30.19 - Objections; exceptions; offer of proof.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Objections; exceptions; offer of proof. 60-30.19 Section 60-30.19 Public Contracts and Property Management Other Provisions... EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 Hearings and Related Matters § 60-30.19 Objections; exceptions; offer of proof. (a...

Investigation of Natural Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin Proteins Using INS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crain, Christopher; Strange, Nicholas; Larese, J. Z.

The mechanical properties of many protein comprised biomaterials are a direct reflection of non-covalent (i.e. weak) interacting ions such as F-actin in muscles, tubulin in the cytoskeleton of cells, viral capsids, and silk. Porter and Vollrath underscored the two main factors that are critical for understanding the high mechanical strength of silks: the nanoscale semi-crystalline folding structure, which gives it exceptional toughness and strength, and the degree of hydration of the disordered fraction, which acts to modify these properties. Understanding and controlling these two principal factors are the key to the functionality of protein elastomers, and render silk an ideal model protein for (bio)material design. We will describe our investigation of electrospun silk of the Bombyx mori (silk worm), using Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS). These techniques were used to investigate the microscopic dynamics of the dry and hydrated protein.

Multi-scale modelling of rubber-like materials and soft tissues: an appraisal

PubMed Central

Puglisi, G.

2016-01-01

We survey, in a partial way, multi-scale approaches for the modelling of rubber-like and soft tissues and compare them with classical macroscopic phenomenological models. Our aim is to show how it is possible to obtain practical mathematical models for the mechanical behaviour of these materials incorporating mesoscopic (network scale) information. Multi-scale approaches are crucial for the theoretical comprehension and prediction of the complex mechanical response of these materials. Moreover, such models are fundamental in the perspective of the design, through manipulation at the micro- and nano-scales, of new polymeric and bioinspired materials with exceptional macroscopic properties. PMID:27118927

Analytical design of an advanced radial turbine. [automobile engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Large, G. D.; Finger, D. G.; Linder, C. G.

1981-01-01

The aerodynamic and mechanical potential of a single stage ceramic radial inflow turbine was evaluated for a high temperature single stage automotive engine. The aerodynamic analysis utilizes a turbine system optimization technique to evaluate both radial and nonradial rotor blading. Selected turbine rotor configurations were evaluated mechanically with three dimensional finite element techniques. Results indicate that exceptionally high rotor tip speeds (2300 ft/sec) and performance potential are feasible with radial bladed rotors if the projected ceramic material properties are realized. Nonradial rotors reduced tip speed requirements (at constant turbine efficiency) but resulted in a lower cumulative probability of success due to higher blade and disk stresses.

41 CFR 102-75.210 - What must a transferee agency include in its request for an exception from the 100 percent...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 102-75.210 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 75-REAL PROPERTY DISPOSAL Utilization of Excess Real... exception would further essential agency program objectives and at the same time be consistent with...

Comparison of friction and wear of articular cartilage on different length scales.

PubMed

Kienle, Sandra; Boettcher, Kathrin; Wiegleb, Lorenz; Urban, Joanna; Burgkart, Rainer; Lieleg, Oliver; Hugel, Thorsten

2015-09-18

The exceptional tribological properties of articular cartilage are still far from being fully understood. Articular cartilage is able to withstand high loads and provide exceptionally low friction. Although the regeneration abilities of the tissue are very limited, it can last for many decades. These biomechanical properties are realized by an interplay of different lubrication and wear protection mechanisms. The deterioration of cartilage due to aging or injury leads to the development of osteoarthritis. A current treatment strategy focuses on supplementing the intra-articular fluid with a saline solution containing hyaluronic acid. In the work presented here, we investigated how changing the lubricating fluid affects friction and wear of articular cartilage, focusing on the boundary and mixed lubrication as well as interstitial fluid pressurization mechanisms. Different length and time scales were probed by atomic force microscopy, tribology and profilometry. We compared aqueous solutions with different NaCl concentrations to a viscosupplement containing hyaluronic acid (HA). In particular, we found that the presence of ions changes the frictional behavior and the wear resistance. In contrast, hyaluronic acid showed no significant impact on the friction coefficient, but considerably reduced wear. This study confirms the previous notion that friction and wear are not necessarily correlated in articular cartilage tribology and that the main role of HA might be to provide wear protection for the articular surface. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

41 CFR 105-8.154 - Program accessibility: Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Program accessibility: Exceptions. 105-8.154 Section 105-8.154 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management... any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program...

41 CFR 105-74.515 - Are there any exceptions to those actions?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Are there any exceptions to those actions? 105-74.515 Section 105-74.515 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Regional Offices-General...

Infrared snake eyes: TRPA1 and the thermal sensitivity of the snake pit organ.

PubMed

Panzano, Vincent C; Kang, Kyeongjin; Garrity, Paul A

2010-06-22

The pit organs of pit vipers, pythons, and boas are remarkable sensory devices that allow these snakes to detect infrared radiation emitted by warm-blooded prey. It has been theorized that this capacity reflects the pit organ's exceptional sensitivity to subtle fluctuations in temperature, but the molecules responsible for this extreme thermal resolution have been unknown. New evidence shows that pit organs respond to temperature using the warmth-activated cation channel TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1), a finding that provides a first glimpse of the underlying molecular hardware. The properties of these snake TRPA1s raise intriguing questions about the mechanisms responsible for the exceptional sensitivity of many biological thermoreceptors and about the evolutionary origins of these warmth-activated TRP channels.

Effects of quaternary ammonium-methacrylates on the mechanical properties of unfilled resins.

PubMed

Hoshika, Tomohiro; Nishitani, Yoshihiro; Yoshiyama, Masahiro; Key, William O; Brantley, William; Agee, Kelli A; Breschi, Lorenzo; Cadenaro, Milena; Tay, Franklin R; Rueggeberg, Frederick; Pashley, David H

2014-11-01

Adding antimicrobial/anti-MMP quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) to comonomer blends should not weaken the mechanical properties of dental resins. This work evaluated the degree conversion and mechanical properties of BisGMA/TEGDMA/HEMA (60:30:10) containing 0-15 mass% QAMs A-E (A: 2-acryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride; B: [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride; C: [2-(methacryloxy)ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride; D: diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride; E: 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyltrimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate. Unfilled resins with and without QAM were placed on ATR-FTIR and light-polymerized for 20s in a thin film at 30°C. Unfilled resin beams were casted from square hollow glass tubings. Half of the beams were tested after 3 days of drying (control); the other half were tested wet after 3 days of water storage. Addition of QAMs in control resins significantly increased conversion 600 s after light termination, with the exception of 5% MAPTAC (p<0.05). Increase of QAM content within a formulation significantly increased conversion. Control beams gave dry Young's moduli of ∼700 MPa. Addition of 5, 10 or 15 mass% QAMs produced significant reductions in dry Young's moduli except for 5% B or C. 15 mass% A, B and C lowered the wet Young's moduli of the resin beams by more than 30%. The ultimate tensile stress (UTS) of control dry resin was 89±11 MPa. Addition of 5-10 mass% QAMs had no adverse effect on the dry UTS. After water storage, the UTS of all resin blends fell significantly (p<0.05), especially when 15 wt% QAMs was added. Control dry beams gave fracture toughness (KIC) values of 0.88±0.1 MPa m(1/2). Wet values were significantly higher at 1.02±0.06 (p<0.05). KIC of dry beams varied from 0.85±0.08 at 5% QAMs to 0.49±0.05 at 15% QAMs. Wet beams gave KIC values of 1.02±0.06 MPa m(1/2) that fell to 0.23±0.01 at 15% QAMs. Addition of 10% QAMs increased the degree of conversion of unfilled resins, but lowered wet toughness and UTS; addition of 15% QAMs lowered the mechanical properties of wet resins below acceptable levels. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear and Anisotropic Tensile Properties of Graft Materials used in Soft Tissue Applications

PubMed Central

Yoder, Jonathon H; Elliott, Dawn M

2010-01-01

Background The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix grafts that are intended to augment or replace soft tissues should be comparable to the native tissue. Such grafts are often used in fiber-reinforced tissue applications that undergo multi-axial loading and therefore knowledge of the anisotropic and nonlinear properties are needed, including the moduli and Poisson's ratio in two orthogonal directions within the plane of the graft. The objective of this study was to measure the tensile mechanical properties of several marketed grafts: Alloderm, Restore, CuffPatch, and OrthADAPT. Methods The degree of anisotropy and nonlinearity within each graft was evaluated from uniaxial tensile tests and compared to their native tissue. Results The Alloderm graft was anisotropic in both the toe and linear-region of the stress-strain response, was highly nonlinear, and generally had low properties. The Restore and CuffPatch grafts had similar stress-strain responses, were largely isotropic, had a linear-region modulus of 18 MPa, and were nonlinear. OrthADAPT was anisotropic in the linear region (131 vs 47 MPa) and was highly nonlinear. The Poisson ratio for all grafts was between 0.4 and 0.7, except for the parallel orientation of Restore which was greater than 1.0. Interpretation Having an informed understanding of how the available grafts perform mechanically will allow for better assessment by the physician for which graft to apply depending upon its application. PMID:20129728

Nonlinear and anisotropic tensile properties of graft materials used in soft tissue applications.

PubMed

Yoder, Jonathon H; Elliott, Dawn M

2010-05-01

The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix grafts that are intended to augment or replace soft tissues should be comparable to the native tissue. Such grafts are often used in fiber-reinforced tissue applications that undergo multi-axial loading and therefore knowledge of the anisotropic and nonlinear properties are needed, including the moduli and Poisson's ratio in two orthogonal directions within the plane of the graft. The objective of this study was to measure the tensile mechanical properties of several marketed grafts: Alloderm, Restore, CuffPatch, and OrthADAPT. The degree of anisotropy and non-linearity within each graft was evaluated from uniaxial tensile tests and compared to their native tissue. The Alloderm graft was anisotropic in both the toe- and linear-region of the stress-strain response, was highly nonlinear, and generally had low properties. The Restore and CuffPatch grafts had similar stress-strain responses, were largely isotropic, had a linear-region modulus of 18MPa, and were nonlinear. OrthADAPT was anisotropic in the linear-region (131 MPA vs 47MPa in the toe-region) and was highly nonlinear. The Poisson ratio for all grafts was between 0.4 and 0.7, except for the parallel orientation of Restore which was greater than 1.0. Having an informed understanding of how the available grafts perform mechanically will allow for better assessment by the physician for which graft to apply depending upon its application. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of exceptionally strong and conductive Cu alloys beyond the conventional speculation via the interfacial energy-controlled dispersion of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Zeon Han, Seung; Kim, Kwang Ho; Kang, Joonhee; Joh, Hongrae; Kim, Sang Min; Ahn, Jee Hyuk; Lee, Jehyun; Lim, Sung Hwan; Han, Byungchan

2015-01-01

The development of Cu-based alloys with high-mechanical properties (strength, ductility) and electrical conductivity plays a key role over a wide range of industrial applications. Successful design of the materials, however, has been rare due to the improvement of mutually exclusive properties as conventionally speculated. In this paper, we demonstrate that these contradictory material properties can be improved simultaneously if the interfacial energies of heterogeneous interfaces are carefully controlled. We uniformly disperse γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles over Cu matrix, and then we controlled atomic level morphology of the interface γ-Al2O3//Cu by adding Ti solutes. It is shown that the Ti dramatically drives the interfacial phase transformation from very irregular to homogeneous spherical morphologies resulting in substantial enhancement of the mechanical property of Cu matrix. Furthermore, the Ti removes impurities (O and Al) in the Cu matrix by forming oxides leading to recovery of the electrical conductivity of pure Cu. We validate experimental results using TEM and EDX combined with first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which all consistently poise that our materials are suitable for industrial applications. PMID:26616045

Design of exceptionally strong and conductive Cu alloys beyond the conventional speculation via the interfacial energy-controlled dispersion of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Han, Seung Zeon; Kim, Kwang Ho; Kang, Joonhee; Joh, Hongrae; Kim, Sang Min; Ahn, Jee Hyuk; Lee, Jehyun; Lim, Sung Hwan; Han, Byungchan

2015-11-30

The development of Cu-based alloys with high-mechanical properties (strength, ductility) and electrical conductivity plays a key role over a wide range of industrial applications. Successful design of the materials, however, has been rare due to the improvement of mutually exclusive properties as conventionally speculated. In this paper, we demonstrate that these contradictory material properties can be improved simultaneously if the interfacial energies of heterogeneous interfaces are carefully controlled. We uniformly disperse γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles over Cu matrix, and then we controlled atomic level morphology of the interface γ-Al2O3//Cu by adding Ti solutes. It is shown that the Ti dramatically drives the interfacial phase transformation from very irregular to homogeneous spherical morphologies resulting in substantial enhancement of the mechanical property of Cu matrix. Furthermore, the Ti removes impurities (O and Al) in the Cu matrix by forming oxides leading to recovery of the electrical conductivity of pure Cu. We validate experimental results using TEM and EDX combined with first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which all consistently poise that our materials are suitable for industrial applications.

Checkpoint repair for high-performance out-of-order execution machines

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

Hwu, W.M.W.; Patt, Y.N.

Out-or-order execution and branch prediction are two mechanisms that can be used profitably in the design of supercomputers to increase performance. Proper exception handling and branch prediction miss handling in an out-of-order execution machine to require some kind of repair mechanism which can restore the machine to a known previous state. In this paper the authors present a class of repair mechanisms using the concept of checkpointing. The authors derive several properties of checkpoint repair mechanisms. In addition, they provide algorithms for performing checkpoint repair that incur little overhead in time and modest cost in hardware, which also require nomore » additional complexity or time for use with write-back cache memory systems than they do with write-through cache memory systems, contrary to statements made by previous researchers.« less

Topography and tectonics of mid-oceanic ridge axes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sleep, N. H.; Rosendahl, B. R.

1979-01-01

Numerical fluid dynamic models of mid-oceanic ridge axes were constructed using distributions of material properties constrained by seismic studies and thermal calculations. The calculations indicate that spreading is passive except for forces caused by density differences due to thermal expansion and partial melt. Except for geometric differences due to temperature distribution, one set of mechanical properties can adequately explain central rifts of slow ridges and central peaks of fast ridges. Viscous head loss in the upwelling material dominates at low spreading rates where material ascends through a narrow conduit. Thermal expansion and partial melting dominate at high spreading rates where a wide low viscosity crustal magma chamber is present. The preferred rheology is 10 to the 20th poise for the upwelling lithosphere; less than 5 x 10 to the 17th for the crustal magma chamber and axial intrusion zone at fast ridges, and a yield stress of 200 bars for the lithosphere. The calculation correctly predicts the existence of central peaks at 'hot-spot' ridges, where seismic evidence indicates a large magma chamber.

Mechanical behavior enhancement of defective graphene sheet employing boron nitride coating via atomistic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setoodeh, A. R.; Badjian, H.

2017-12-01

The most stable form of boron nitride polymorph naming hexagonal boron nitride sheet has recently been widely concerned like graphite due to its interesting features such as electrical insulation and high thermal conductivity. In this study, the molecular dynamic simulations are implemented to investigate the mechanical properties of single-layer graphene sheets under tensile and compressive loadings in the absence and presence of boron-nitride coating layers. In this introduced hybrid nanostructure, the benefit of combining both individual interesting features of graphene and boron-nitride sheets such as exceptional mechanical and electrical properties can be simultaneously achieved for future potential application in nano devices. The influences of chiral indices, boundary conditions and presence of mono-atomic vacancy defects as well as coating dimension on the mechanical behavior of the resulted hybrid structure are reported. The interatomic forces between the atoms are modeled by employing the AIREBO and Tersoff-Brenner potentials for carbon-carbon and boron-nitrogen atoms in each layer, respectively. Furthermore, the van der Waal interlayer forces of carbon-boron and carbon-nitrogen are estimated by the Lennard-Jones potential field. Besides the potential improvement in electrical and physical properties of the nanostructure, it is demonstrated that the buckling load capacity of the fully coated graphene sheet with 3% concentration of mono-atomic vacancy defects noticeably enhances by amounts of 24.1%.

Atomistic modeling of interphases in spider silk fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fossey, Stephen Andrew

The objective of this work is to create an atomistic model to account for the unusual physical properties of silk fibers. Silk fibers have exceptional mechanical toughness, which makes them of interest as high performance fibers. In order to explain the toughness, a model for the molecular structure based on simple geometric reasoning was formulated. The model consists of very small crystallites, on the order of 5 nm, connected by a noncrystalline interphase. The interphase is a region between the crystalline phase and the amorphous phase, which is defined by the geometry of the system. The interphase is modeled as a very thin (<5 nm) film of noncrystalline polymer constructed using a Monte Carlo, rotational isomeric states approach followed by simulated annealing in order to achieve equilibrium chain configurations and density. No additional assumptions are made about density, orientation, or packing. The mechanical properties of the interphase are calculated using the method of Theodoreau and Suter. Finally, observable properties such as wide angle X-ray scattering and methyl rotation rates are calculated and compared with experimental data available in the literature.

Testing techniques for determining static mechanical properties of Pneumatic tires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodge, R. N.; Larson, R. B.; Clark, S. K.; Nybakken, G. H.

1974-01-01

Fore-aft, lateral, and vertical spring rates of model and full-scale pneumatic tires were evaluated by testing techniques generally employed by industry and various testing groups. The purpose of this experimental program was to investigate what effects the different testing techniques have on the measured values of these important static tire mechanical properties. The testing techniques included both incremental and continuous loadings applied at various rates over half, full, and repeated cycles. Of the three properties evaluated, the fore-aft stiffness was demonstrated to be the most affected by the different testing techniques used to obtain it. Appreciable differences in the fore-aft spring rates occurred using both the increment- and continuous-loading techniques; however, the most significant effect was attributed to variations in the size of the fore-aft force loop. The dependence of lateral stiffness values on testing techniques followed the same trends as that for fore-aft stiffness, except to a lesser degree. Vertical stiffness values were found to be nearly independent of testing procedures if the nonlinear portion of the vertical force-deflection curves is avoided.

Microstructure and micromechanical elastic properties of weak layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köchle, Berna; Matzl, Margret; Proksch, Martin; Schneebeli, Martin

2014-05-01

Weak layers are the mechanically most important stratigraphic layer for avalanches. Yet, there is little known about their exact geometry and their micromechanical properties. To distinguish weak layers or interfaces is essential to assess stability. However, except by destructive mechanical tests, they cannot be easily identified and characterized in the field. We casted natural weak layers and their adjacent layers in the field during two winter seasons and scanned them non-destructively with X-ray computer tomography with a resolution between 10 - 20 µm. Reconstructed three-dimensional models of centimeter-sized layered samples allow for calculating the change of structural properties. We found that structural transitions cannot always by expressed by geometry like density or grain size. In addition, we calculated the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the individual layers with voxel-based finite element simulations. As any material has its characteristic elastic parameters, they may potentially differentiate individual layers, and therefore different microstructures. Our results show that Young's modulus correlates well with density but do not indicate snow's microstructure, in contrast to Poisson's ratio which tends to be lower for strongly anisotropic forms like cup crystals and facets.

In Situ Exfoliation of Graphene in Epoxy Resins: A Facile Strategy to Efficient and Large Scale Graphene Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Zhang, Han; Crespo, Maria; Porwal, Harshit; Picot, Olivier; Santagiuliana, Giovanni; Huang, Zhaohui; Barbieri, Ettore; Pugno, Nicola M; Peijs, Ton; Bilotti, Emiliano

2016-09-14

Any industrial application aiming at exploiting the exceptional properties of graphene in composites or coatings is currently limited by finding viable production methods for large volumes of good quality and high aspect ratio graphene, few layer graphene (FLG) or graphite nanoplatelets (GNP). Final properties of the resulting composites are inherently related to those of the initial graphitic nanoparticles, which typically depend on time-consuming, resource-demanding and/or low yield liquid exfoliation processes. In addition, efficient dispersion of these nanofillers in polymer matrices, and their interaction, is of paramount importance. Here we show that it is possible to produce graphene/epoxy nanocomposites in situ and with high conversion of graphite to FLG/GNP through the process of three-roll milling (TRM), without the need of any additives, solvents, compatibilisers or chemical treatments. This readily scalable production method allows for more than 5 wt % of natural graphite (NG) to be directly exfoliated into FLG/GNP and dispersed in an epoxy resin. The in situ exfoliated graphitic nanoplatelets, with average aspect ratios of 300-1000 and thicknesses of 5-17 nm, were demonstrated to conferee exceptional enhancements in mechanical and electrical properties to the epoxy resin. The above conclusions are discussed and interpreted in terms of simple analytical models.

NiTi-Enabled Composite Design for Exceptional Performances

DOE PAGES

Shao, Yang; Guo, Fangmin; Ren, Yang; ...

2017-03-08

In an effort to further develop shape memory alloys (SMAs) for functional applications, much focus has been given in recent years to design and create innovative forms of SMAs, such as functionally graded SMAs, architecture SMAs, and SMA-based metallic composites. Here, we reports on the progress in creating NiTi-based composites of exceptional properties stimulated by the recent discovery of the principle of lattice strain matching between the SMA matrix and superelastic nanoinclusions embedded in the matrix. And based on this principle, different SMA–metal composites have been designed to achieve extraordinary shape memory performances, such as complete pseudoelastic behavior at asmore » low as 77 K and stress plateau as high as 1600 MPa, and exceptional mechanical properties, such as tensile strength as high as 2000 MPa and Young’s modulus as low as 28 GPa. Details are given for a NiTi–W micro-fiber composite prepared by melt infiltration, hot pressing, forging, and cold rolling. Furthermore, the composite contained 63% in volume of W micro-fibers of ~0.6 μm thickness. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealed that the NiTi matrix underwent martensite transformation during tensile deformation while the W micro-fiber deformed elastically with a maximum strain of 0.83% in the loading direction, implying a W fiber stress of 3280 MPa. The composite showed a maximum high tensile strength of 2300 MPa.« less

Acquisition of a Nanoindenter for Studying Mechanical Properties of Nanomaterials, Supporting Future Research in Robotics and Enhancing Research-Related Education

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-14

were re-suspended in PBS and examined using ELISA screening test, with 38 mAbs raised against the vast majority of the polysaccharides present in the...arabinogalactans and pectic polysaccharides have been identified to be two of the predominant components in the majority of botanic adhesives, including...to expect that these two acidic polysaccharides possess exceptional capacity to effectively support the adhesive function of the sticky exudates at

Dielectric properties of human normal, malignant and cirrhotic liver tissue: in vivo and ex vivo measurements from 0.5 to 20 GHz using a precision open-ended coaxial probe.

PubMed

O'Rourke, Ann P; Lazebnik, Mariya; Bertram, John M; Converse, Mark C; Hagness, Susan C; Webster, John G; Mahvi, David M

2007-08-07

Hepatic malignancies have historically been treated with surgical resection. Due to the shortcomings of this technique, there is interest in other, less invasive, treatment modalities, such as microwave hepatic ablation. Crucial to the development of this technique is the accurate knowledge of the dielectric properties of human liver tissue at microwave frequencies. To this end, we characterized the dielectric properties of in vivo and ex vivo normal, malignant and cirrhotic human liver tissues from 0.5 to 20 GHz. Analysis of our data at 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz indicates that the dielectric properties of ex vivo malignant liver tissue are 19 to 30% higher than normal tissue. The differences in the dielectric properties of in vivo malignant and normal liver tissue are not statistically significant (with the exception of effective conductivity at 915 MHz, where malignant tissue properties are 16% higher than normal). Also, the dielectric properties of in vivo normal liver tissue at 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz are 16 to 43% higher than ex vivo. No statistically significant differences were found between the dielectric properties of in vivo and ex vivo malignant tissue (with the exception of effective conductivity at 915 MHz, where malignant tissue properties are 28% higher than normal). We report the one-pole Cole-Cole parameters for ex vivo normal, malignant and cirrhotic liver tissue in this frequency range. We observe that wideband dielectric properties of in vivo liver tissue are different from the wideband dielectric properties of ex vivo liver tissue, and that the in vivo data cannot be represented in terms of a Cole-Cole model. Further work is needed to uncover the mechanisms responsible for the observed wideband trends in the in vivo liver data.

Apatite glass-ceramics: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duminis, Tomas; Shahid, Saroash; Hill, Robert Graham

2016-12-01

This article is a review of the published literature on apatite glass-ceramics (GCs). Topics covered include crystallization mechanisms of the various families of the apatite GCs and an update on research and development on apatite GCs for applications in orthopedics, dentistry, optoelectronics and nuclear waste management. Most apatite GCs crystallize through a homogenous nucleation and crystallization mechanism, which is aided by a prior liquid-liquid phase separation. Careful control of the base glass composition and heat-treatment conditions, which determine the nature and morphology of the crystal phases in the GC can produce GC materials with exceptional thermal, mechanical, optical and biological properties. The GCs reviewed for orthopedic applications exhibit suitable mechanical properties and can chemically bond to bone and stimulate its regeneration. The most commercially successful apatite GCs are those developed for dental veneering. These materials exhibit excellent translucency and clinical esthetics, and mimic the natural tooth mineral. Due to the ease of solid solution of the apatite lattice, rare earth doped apatite GCs are discussed for potential applications in optoelectronics and nuclear waste management. One of the drawbacks of the commercial apatite GCs used in orthopedics is the lack of resorbability, therefore the review provides a direction for future research in the field.

Failure of Alzheimer's Aβ(1-40) amyloid nanofibrils under compressive loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paparcone, Raffaella; Buehler, Markus J.

2010-04-01

Amyloids are associated with severe degenerative diseases and show exceptional mechanical properties, in particular great stiffhess. Amyloid fibrils, forming protein nanotube structures, are elongated fibers with a diameter of ≈8 nm with a characteristic dense hydrogen-bond (H-bond)patterning in the form of beta-sheets (β-sheets). Here we report a series of molecular dynamics simulations to study mechanical failure properties of a twofold symmetric Aβ(l-40) amyloid fibril, a pathogen associated with Alzheimer’s disease. We carry out computational experiments to study the response of the amyloid fibril to compressive loading. Our investigations reveal atomistic details of the failure process, and confirm that the breakdown of H-bonds plays a critical role during the failure process of amyloid fibrils. We obtain a Young’s modulus of ≈12.43 GPa, in dose agreement with earlier experimental results. Our simulations show that failure by buck-ling and subsequent shearing in one of the layers initiates at ≈1% compressive strain, suggesting that amyloid fibrils can be rather brittle mechanical elements.

The physical properties and ion release of CPP-ACP-modified calcium silicate-based cements.

PubMed

Dawood, A E; Manton, D J; Parashos, P; Wong, Rhk; Palamara, Jea; Stanton, D P; Reynolds, E C

2015-12-01

This study investigated the physical properties and ion release of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)-modified calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) and compared the properties of a trial mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with two commercially available CSCs, Biodentine(™) and Angelus(®) MTA. The setting time, solubility, compressive strength and Vickers surface microhardness of the three CSCs incorporated with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% (w/w) CPP-ACP were investigated. Release of calcium (Ca(2+) ), phosphate ions (Pi ) and pH of the test cements were measured after 24, 72, 168 and 336 h of storage. The addition of up to 1.0% CPP-ACP into Biodentine(™) and 0.5% into the other cements did not adversely affect their physical properties except for the setting time. The addition of 0.5% CPP-ACP increased Ca(2+) released from Biodentine(™) (after 168 and 336 h), Angelus(®) MTA (after 168 h) and the trial MTA (after 72 h). The addition of 1.0-3.0% CPP-ACP increased Ca(2+) and Pi released from all the cements. Biodentine(™) released more Ca(2+) particularly in the early stages and showed shorter setting time and higher mechanical properties than the other cements. The mechanical properties of Angelus(®) MTA and the trial MTA were similar. All the cements produced highly alkaline storage solutions. Up to 1.0% CPP-ACP in Biodentine(™) improves Ca(2+) and Pi release and 0.5% CPP-ACP in Angelus(®) MTA and the trial MTA improves Ca(2+) release without altering the mechanical properties and solubility. The addition of CPP-ACP into CSCs prolonged the setting time. © 2015 Australian Dental Association.

A review of terrestrial, aerial and aquatic keratins: the structure and mechanical properties of pangolin scales, feather shafts and baleen plates.

PubMed

Wang, Bin; Sullivan, Tarah N

2017-12-01

Keratinous materials, omnipresent as the hard and durable epidermal appendages of animals, are among the toughest biological materials. They exhibit diverse morphologies and structures that serve a variety of amazing and inspiring mechanical functions. In this work, we provide a review of representative terrestrial, aerial and aquatic keratinous materials, pangolin scales, feather shafts and baleen plates, and correlate their hierarchical structures to respective functions of dermal armor, flight material and undersea filter. The overlapping pattern of pangolin scales provides effective body coverage, and the solid scales show transverse isotropy and strain-rate sensitivity, both important for armor function. The feather shaft displays a distinct shape factor, hierarchical fibrous structure within the cortex, and a solid shell-over-foam design, which enables synergistic stiffening and toughening with exceptional lightness to fulfill flight. Baleen plates exhibit a sandwich-tubular structure that features anisotropic flexural properties to sustain forces from water flow and remarkable fracture toughness that ensures reliable undersea functioning. The latest findings regarding the structural design principles and mechanical properties are presented in order to advance current understanding of keratinous materials and to stimulate the development of new bioinspired materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hierarchical Structure and Multifunctional Surface Properties of Carnivorous Pitcher Plants Nepenthes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chiao-Peng; Lin, Yu-Min; Chen, Po-Yu

2015-04-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes have evolved specialized leaves fulfilling the multi-functions of attracting, capturing, retaining and digesting the prey, mostly arthropods. Different capturing mechanisms have been proposed and discussed in previous works. The most important capture mechanism is the unique super-hydrophilic surface properties of the peristome. The combination of a hierarchical surface structure and nectar secretions results in an exceptional water-lubricated trapping system. Anisotropic and unidirectional wettability is attributed to the ridge-like surface and epidermal folding. The three-dimensional plate-like wax crystals in the hydrophobic waxy zone can further prevent the prey from escaping. The captured prey are then digested in the hydrophilic digestive zone. The hybrid species Nepenthes × Miranda was investigated in this study. The surface morphology and hierarchical microstructure were characterized by scanning electron microscope. Contact angle measurement and wetting efficiency tests were performed to determine the wettability of the peristome under fresh, nectar-free and sucrose-coated conditions with controlled temperature and humidity. The results showed that sucrose-coated peristome surfaces possess the best wetting efficiency. The structure-property-function relationship and the capturing mechanism of Nepenthes were elucidated, which could further lead to the design and synthesis of novel bio-inspired surfaces and potential applications.

The effect of woven and non-woven fiber structure on mechanical properties polyester composite reinforced kenaf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratim, S.; Bonnia, N. N.; Surip, S. N.

2012-07-01

The effects of woven and non-woven kenaf fiber on mechanical properties of polyester composites were studied at different types of perform structures. Composite polyester reinforced kenaf fiber has been prepared via hand lay-up process by varying fiber forms into plain weave, twill and mats structure. The reinforcing efficiency of different fiber structure was compared with control of unreinforced polyester sample. It was found that the strength and stiffness of the composites are largely affected by fiber structure. A maximum value for tensile strength of composite was obtained for twill weave pattern of fiber structure while no significant different for plain weave and mat structure. The elastic modulus of composite has shown some improvement on plain and twill weave pattern. Meanwhile, lower value of modulus elasticity achieved by mats structure composite as well as control sample. The modulus of rupture and impact resistance were also analyzed. The improvement of modulus of rupture value can be seen on plain and twill weave pattern. However impact resistance doesn't show significant improvement in all types of structure except for mat fiber. The mechanical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced polyester composite found to be increased with woven and non-woven fiber structures in composite.

On the Materials Science of Nature's Arms Race.

PubMed

Liu, Zengqian; Zhang, Zhefeng; Ritchie, Robert O

2018-06-05

Biological material systems have evolved unique combinations of mechanical properties to fulfill their specific function through a series of ingenious designs. Seeking lessons from Nature by replicating the underlying principles of such biological materials offers new promise for creating unique combinations of properties in man-made systems. One case in point is Nature's means of attack and defense. During the long-term evolutionary "arms race," naturally evolved weapons have achieved exceptional mechanical efficiency with a synergy of effective offense and persistence-two characteristics that often tend to be mutually exclusive in many synthetic systems-which may present a notable source of new materials science knowledge and inspiration. This review categorizes Nature's weapons into ten distinct groups, and discusses the unique structural and mechanical designs of each group by taking representative systems as examples. The approach described is to extract the common principles underlying such designs that could be translated into man-made materials. Further, recent advances in replicating the design principles of natural weapons at differing lengthscales in artificial materials, devices and tools to tackle practical problems are revisited, and the challenges associated with biological and bioinspired materials research in terms of both processing and properties are discussed. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mechanical and biological evaluations of beta-tricalcium phosphate/silicone rubber composite as a novel soft-tissue implant.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi-ming; Wang, Shao-liang; Lei, Ze-yuan; Fan, Dong-li

2009-09-01

Although silicone rubber (SR) implants are most commonly used and effective for soft-tissue augmentation, they still have been implicated in many adverse reactions. To overcome this problem, a novel composite beta-tricalcium phosphate/silicone rubber (beta-TCP/SR) was prepared by adding beta-TCP into a SR matrix. This study was to evaluate its application potential by investigating the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of beta-TCP/SR. Mechanical properties, including Shore A hardness and tensile strength, were evaluated with 3-mm-thick samples and a universal testing machine. Cytocompatibility tests were conducted in vitro using 0.2-mm-thick beta-TCP/SR samples by seeding fibroblasts onto different samples. Soft-tissue response to beta-TCP/SR and pull-out measurements were investigated 4 weeks and 24 weeks after implantation. The main mechanical properties were all significantly changed after mixing beta-TCP into the SR matrix, except for tearing strength. The cytocompatibility test showed enhanced adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts onto beta-TCP/SR. Fibrous tissue ingrowth after resorption of beta-TCP was observed by in vivo histologic analysis. The peri-implant capsules in the beta-TCP/SR group were thinner than in the SR group 24 weeks after implantation. In a 24-week test, the maximum force required to pull out the beta-TCP/SR sheet was about six times greater than that needed for SR. Although some mechanical properties were significantly changed, the results of the cytocompatibility test and in vivo animal study still suggest that beta-TCP/SR may be more suitable as a soft-tissue implant than SR and has the potential to be used in plastic surgery.

Biophysics of BK Channel Gating.

PubMed

Pantazis, A; Olcese, R

2016-01-01

BK channels are universal regulators of cell excitability, given their exceptional unitary conductance selective for K(+), joint activation mechanism by membrane depolarization and intracellular [Ca(2+)] elevation, and broad expression pattern. In this chapter, we discuss the structural basis and operational principles of their activation, or gating, by membrane potential and calcium. We also discuss how the two activation mechanisms interact to culminate in channel opening. As members of the voltage-gated potassium channel superfamily, BK channels are discussed in the context of archetypal family members, in terms of similarities that help us understand their function, but also seminal structural and biophysical differences that confer unique functional properties. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quenching rate for a nonlocal problem arising in the micro-electro mechanical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jong-Shenq; Hu, Bei

2018-03-01

In this paper, we study the quenching rate of the solution for a nonlocal parabolic problem which arises in the study of the micro-electro mechanical system. This question is equivalent to the stabilization of the solution to the transformed problem in self-similar variables. First, some a priori estimates are provided. In order to construct a Lyapunov function, due to the lack of time monotonicity property, we then derive some very useful and challenging estimates by a delicate analysis. Finally, with this Lyapunov function, we prove that the quenching rate is self-similar which is the same as the problem without the nonlocal term, except the constant limit depends on the solution itself.

Cellulosic Nanomaterials in Food and Nutraceutical Applications: A Review.

PubMed

Khan, Avik; Wen, Yangbing; Huq, Tanzina; Ni, Yonghao

2018-01-10

Cellulosic nanomaterials (CNMs) are organic, green nanomaterials that are obtained from renewable sources and possess exceptional mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The associated unique physical and chemical properties have made these nanomaterials an intriguing prospect for various applications including the food and nutraceutical industry. From the immobilization of various bioactive agents and enzymes, emulsion stabilization, direct food additives, to the development of intelligent packaging systems or pathogen or pH detectors, the potential food related applications for CNMs are endless. Over the past decade, there have been several reviews published covering different aspects of cellulosic nanomaterials, such as processing-structure-property relationship, physical and chemical properties, rheology, extraction, nanocomposites, etc. In this critical review, we have discussed and provided a summary of the recent developments in the utilization of cellulosic nanomaterials in applications related to food and nutraceuticals.

Chemical and mechanical analysis of boron-rich boron carbide processed via spark plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munhollon, Tyler Lee

Boron carbide is a material of choice for many industrial and specialty applications due to the exceptional properties it exhibits such as high hardness, chemical inertness, low specific gravity, high neutron cross section and more. The combination of high hardness and low specific gravity makes it especially attractive for high pressure/high strain rate applications. However, boron carbide exhibits anomalous behavior when high pressures are applied. Impact pressures over the Hugoniot elastic limit result in catastrophic failure of the material. This failure has been linked to amorphization in cleavage planes and loss of shear strength. Atomistic modeling has suggested boron-rich boron carbide (B13C2) may be a better performing material than the commonly used B4C due to the elimination of amorphization and an increase in shear strength. Therefore, a clear experimental understanding of the factors that lead to the degradation of mechanical properties as well as the effects of chemistry changes in boron carbide is needed. For this reason, the goal of this thesis was to produce high purity boron carbide with varying stoichiometries for chemical and mechanical property characterization. Utilizing rapid carbothermal reduction and pressure assisted sintering, dense boron carbides with varying stoichiometries were produced. Microstructural characteristics such as impurity inclusions, porosity and grain size were controlled. The chemistry and common static mechanical properties that are of importance to superhard materials including elastic moduli, hardness and fracture toughness of the resulting boron-rich boron carbides were characterized. A series of six boron carbide samples were processed with varying amounts of amorphous boron (up to 45 wt. % amorphous boron). Samples with greater than 40 wt.% boron additions were shown to exhibit abnormal sintering behavior, making it difficult to characterize these samples. Near theoretical densities were achieved in samples with less than 40 wt. % amorphous boron additions. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the samples to be phase pure and boron-rich. Carbon content was determined to be at or near expected values with exception of samples with greater than 40 wt. % amorphous boron additions. Raman microspectroscopy further confirmed the changes in chemistry as well as revealed the chemical homogeneity of the samples. Microstructural analysis carried out using both optical and electron imaging showed clean and consistent microstructures. The changes in the chemistry of the boron carbide samples has been shown to significantly affect the static mechanical properties. Ultrasonic wave speed measurements were used to calculate the elastic moduli which showed a clear decrease in the Young's and shear moduli with a slight increase in bulk modulus. Berkovich nano-indentation revealed a similar trend, as the hardness and fracture toughness of the material decreased with decreasing carbon content. Amorphization within 1 kg Knoop indents was shown to diminish in intensity and extent as carbon content decreased, signifying a mechanism for amorphization mitigation.

Additively manufactured metallic porous biomaterials based on minimal surfaces: A unique combination of topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties.

PubMed

Bobbert, F S L; Lietaert, K; Eftekhari, A A; Pouran, B; Ahmadi, S M; Weinans, H; Zadpoor, A A

2017-04-15

Porous biomaterials that simultaneously mimic the topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties of bone are in great demand but are rarely found in the literature. In this study, we rationally designed and additively manufactured (AM) porous metallic biomaterials based on four different types of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) that mimic the properties of bone to an unprecedented level of multi-physics detail. Sixteen different types of porous biomaterials were rationally designed and fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) from a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The topology, quasi-static mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and permeability of the developed biomaterials were then characterized. In terms of topology, the biomaterials resembled the morphological properties of trabecular bone including mean surface curvatures close to zero. The biomaterials showed a favorable but rare combination of relatively low elastic properties in the range of those observed for trabecular bone and high yield strengths exceeding those reported for cortical bone. This combination allows for simultaneously avoiding stress shielding, while providing ample mechanical support for bone tissue regeneration and osseointegration. Furthermore, as opposed to other AM porous biomaterials developed to date for which the fatigue endurance limit has been found to be ≈20% of their yield (or plateau) stress, some of the biomaterials developed in the current study show extremely high fatigue resistance with endurance limits up to 60% of their yield stress. It was also found that the permeability values measured for the developed biomaterials were in the range of values reported for trabecular bone. In summary, the developed porous metallic biomaterials based on TPMS mimic the topological, mechanical, and physical properties of trabecular bone to a great degree. These properties make them potential candidates to be applied as parts of orthopedic implants and/or as bone-substituting biomaterials. Bone-substituting biomaterials aim to mimic bone properties. Although mimicking some of bone properties is feasible, biomaterials that could simultaneously mimic all or most of the relevant bone properties are rare. We used rational design and additive manufacturing to develop porous metallic biomaterials that exhibit an interesting combination of topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties. The topology of the developed biomaterials resembles that of trabecular bone including a mean curvature close to zero. Moreover, the developed biomaterials show an unusual combination of low elastic modulus to avoid stress shielding and high strength to provide mechanical support. The fatigue resistance of the developed biomaterials is also exceptionally high, while their permeability is in the range of values reported for bone. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cellular graphene aerogel combines ultralow weight and high mechanical strength: A highly efficient reactor for catalytic hydrogenation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bingxing; Zhang, Jianling; Sang, Xinxin; Liu, Chengcheng; Luo, Tian; Peng, Li; Han, Buxing; Tan, Xiuniang; Ma, Xue; Wang, Dong; Zhao, Ning

2016-01-01

The construction of three-dimensional graphene aerogels (GAs) is of great importance owing to their outstanding properties for various applications. Up to now, the combination of ultralow weight and super mechanical strength for GA remains a great challenge. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of cellular GAs by a facile, easily controlled and versatile route, i.e. the chemical reduction of graphene oxide assemblies at oil-water interface under a mild condition (70 °C). The GA is ultralight (with density <3 mg cm−3) yet mechanically resilient because the walls of the cell closely pack in a highly ordered manner to maximize mechanical strength. The GA has been utilized as an appealing reactor for catalytic hydrogenation, which exhibited great advantages such as large oil absorption capability, exceptional catalytic activity, ease of product separation and high stability. PMID:27174450

Multidimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics: spurious states for the tensor sector two Hamiltonian.

PubMed

Chou, Chia-Chun; Kouri, Donald J

2013-04-25

We show that there exist spurious states for the sector two tensor Hamiltonian in multidimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics. For one-dimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics on an infinite domain, the sector one and two Hamiltonians have identical spectra with the exception of the ground state of the sector one. For tensorial multidimensional supersymmetric quantum mechanics, there exist normalizable spurious states for the sector two Hamiltonian with energy equal to the ground state energy of the sector one. These spurious states are annihilated by the adjoint charge operator, and hence, they do not correspond to physical states for the original Hamiltonian. The Hermitian property of the sector two Hamiltonian implies the orthogonality between spurious and physical states. In addition, we develop a method for construction of a specific form of the spurious states for any quantum system and also generate several spurious states for a two-dimensional anharmonic oscillator system and for the hydrogen atom.

Investigation of degradation mechanisms in composite matrices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giori, C.; Yamauchi, T.

1982-01-01

Degradation mechanisms were investigated for graphite/polysulfone and graphite/epoxy laminates exposed to ultraviolet and high-energy electron radiations in vacuum up to 960 equivalent sun hours and 10 to the ninth power rads respectively. Based on GC and combined GC/MS analysis of volatile by-products evolved during irradiation, several free radical mechanisms of composite degradation were identified. The radiation resistance of different matrices was compared in terms of G values and quantum yields for gas formation. All the composite materials evaluated show high electron radiation stability and relatively low ultraviolet stability as indicated by low G values and high quantum for gas formation. Mechanical property measurements of irradiated samples did not reveal significant changes, with the possible exception of UV exposed polysulfone laminates. Hydrogen and methane were identified as the main by-products of irradiation, along with unexpectedly high levels of CO and CO2.

Cellular graphene aerogel combines ultralow weight and high mechanical strength: A highly efficient reactor for catalytic hydrogenation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bingxing; Zhang, Jianling; Sang, Xinxin; Liu, Chengcheng; Luo, Tian; Peng, Li; Han, Buxing; Tan, Xiuniang; Ma, Xue; Wang, Dong; Zhao, Ning

2016-05-01

The construction of three-dimensional graphene aerogels (GAs) is of great importance owing to their outstanding properties for various applications. Up to now, the combination of ultralow weight and super mechanical strength for GA remains a great challenge. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of cellular GAs by a facile, easily controlled and versatile route, i.e. the chemical reduction of graphene oxide assemblies at oil-water interface under a mild condition (70 °C). The GA is ultralight (with density <3 mg cm-3) yet mechanically resilient because the walls of the cell closely pack in a highly ordered manner to maximize mechanical strength. The GA has been utilized as an appealing reactor for catalytic hydrogenation, which exhibited great advantages such as large oil absorption capability, exceptional catalytic activity, ease of product separation and high stability.

Nacre-inspired composites with different macroscopic dimensions: strategies for improved mechanical performance and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Hewei; Yang, Zhao; Guo, Lin

2018-04-01

To develop next-generation lightweight, high-strength, and tough materials, new materials design strategies must be established. Nacre, consisting of 95 vol.% inorganic plates (CaCO3) and 5 vol.% organic matrix (protein) in layered arrangements, is famous for its significant increase (three orders of magnitude higher) in toughness compared to monolithic aragonite and has always been the model for the synthesis of high mechanical performance artificial materials. In this review, we primarily introduce the recent studies on the synthesis of nacre-inspired composites with exceptional mechanical properties, including 1D fibers, 2D films, and 3D bulk materials. In addition, design strategies for performance enhancement are summarized based on these studies, and applications of high-performance nacre-inspired composites are also discussed. Finally, a critical outlook of the future direction of developing next-generation high mechanical performance nacre-inspired composites is provided.

Nanographene reinforced carbon/carbon composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, Dhruv

Carbon/Carbon Composites (CCC) are made of carbon reinforcement in carbon matrix and have high thermal stability and fatigue resistance. CCC are used in nose cones, heat shields and disc brakes of aircrafts due to their exceptional mechanical properties at high temperature. The manufacturing process of CCC involves a carbonization stage in which unwanted elements, except carbon, are eliminated from the polymer precursor. Carbonization results in the formation of voids and cracks due to the thermal mismatch between the reinforcement and the matrix and expulsion of volatiles from the polymer matrix. Thermal cracks and voids decrease the density and mechanical properties of the manufactured CCC. In this work, Nanographene Platelets (NGP) were explored as nanofillers to fill the voids/cracks and reduce thermal shrinkage in CCC. They were first compared with Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers (VGCNF) by dispersion of different concentrations (0.5wt%, 1.5wt%, 3wt%) in resole-type phenolic resin and were characterized to explore their effect on rheology, heat of reaction and wetting behavior. The dispersions were then cured to form nanocomposites and were characterized for morphology, flexure and thermal properties. Finally, NGP were introduced into the carbon/carboncomposites in two stages, first by spraying in different concentrations (0.5wt%, 1.5wt%, 3wt%, 5wt %) during the prepreg formation and later during densification by directly mixing in the corresponding densification mix. The manufactured NGP reinforced CCC were characterized for microstructure, porosity, bulk density and mechanical properties (Flexure and ILSS) which were further cross-checked by non-destructive techniques (vibration and ultrasonic). In this study, it was further found that at low concentration (≤ 1.5 wt%) NGP were more effective in increasing the heat of reaction and in decreasing the viscosity of the phenolic resin. The decrease in viscosity led to better wetting properties of NGP / phenolic dispersions compared to VGCNF/phenolic dispersions. In nanocomposites, at low concentration (≤ 1.5 wt%), NGP were effective in increasing the flexure strength, char content and lowering the porosity and coefficient of thermal expansion of neat phenolic resin. At higher concentration (>1.5wt%), NGP had a tendency to agglomerate and lost their effectiveness. The behavior observed in nanocomposites continued in manufactured CCC. The highest Inter Laminar Shear Strength (ILSS), flexure strength/modulus, stiffness and density was observed at 1.5 wt% NGP. In CCC at concentrations > 1.5 wt%, the properties (ILSS, flexure, stiffness, density) decreased due to agglomeration but they were still higher compared to that of neat CCC (without NGP).

Effect of gamma radiation and accelerated aging on the mechanical and thermal behavior of HDPE/HA nano-composites for bone tissue regeneration

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The replacement of hard tissues demands biocompatible and sometimes bioactive materials with properties similar to those of bone. Nano-composites made of biocompatible polymers and bioactive inorganic nano particles such as HDPE/HA have attracted attention as permanent bone substitutes due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Method The HDPE/HA nano-composite is prepared using melt blending at different HA loading ratios. For evaluation of the degradation by radiation, gamma rays of 35 kGy, and 70 kGy were used to irradiate the samples at room temperature in vacuum. The effects of accelerated ageing after gamma irradiation on morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE/HA nano-composites were measured. Results In Vitro test results showed that the HDPE and all HDPE/HA nano-composites do not exhibit any cytotoxicity to WISH cell line. The results also indicated that the tensile properties of HDPE/HA nano-composite increased with increasing the HA content except fracture strain decreased. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that the storage and loss moduli increased with increasing the HA ratio and the testing frequency. Finally, it is remarked that all properties of HDPE/HA is dependent on the irradiation dose and accelerated aging. Conclusion Based on the experimental results, it is found that the addition of 10%, 20% and 30% HA increases the HDPE stiffness by 23%, 44 and 59% respectively. At the same time, the G’ increased from 2.25E11 MPa for neat HDPE to 4.7E11 MPa when 30% HA was added to the polymer matrix. Also, significant improvements in these properties have been observed due to irradiation. Finally, the overall properties of HDPE and its nano-composite properties significantly decreased due to aging and should be taken into consideration in the design of bone substitutes. It is attributed that the developed HDPE/HA nano-composites could be a good alternative material for bone tissue regeneration due to their acceptable properties. PMID:24059280

Effect of gamma radiation and accelerated aging on the mechanical and thermal behavior of HDPE/HA nano-composites for bone tissue regeneration.

PubMed

Alothman, Othman Y; Almajhdi, Fahad N; Fouad, H

2013-09-24

The replacement of hard tissues demands biocompatible and sometimes bioactive materials with properties similar to those of bone. Nano-composites made of biocompatible polymers and bioactive inorganic nano particles such as HDPE/HA have attracted attention as permanent bone substitutes due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The HDPE/HA nano-composite is prepared using melt blending at different HA loading ratios. For evaluation of the degradation by radiation, gamma rays of 35 kGy, and 70 kGy were used to irradiate the samples at room temperature in vacuum. The effects of accelerated ageing after gamma irradiation on morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE/HA nano-composites were measured. In Vitro test results showed that the HDPE and all HDPE/HA nano-composites do not exhibit any cytotoxicity to WISH cell line. The results also indicated that the tensile properties of HDPE/HA nano-composite increased with increasing the HA content except fracture strain decreased. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that the storage and loss moduli increased with increasing the HA ratio and the testing frequency. Finally, it is remarked that all properties of HDPE/HA is dependent on the irradiation dose and accelerated aging. Based on the experimental results, it is found that the addition of 10%, 20% and 30% HA increases the HDPE stiffness by 23%, 44 and 59% respectively. At the same time, the G' increased from 2.25E11 MPa for neat HDPE to 4.7E11 MPa when 30% HA was added to the polymer matrix. Also, significant improvements in these properties have been observed due to irradiation. Finally, the overall properties of HDPE and its nano-composite properties significantly decreased due to aging and should be taken into consideration in the design of bone substitutes. It is attributed that the developed HDPE/HA nano-composites could be a good alternative material for bone tissue regeneration due to their acceptable properties.

Mechanical stability analysis of the protein L immunoglobulin-binding domain by full alanine screening using molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Glyakina, Anna V; Likhachev, Ilya V; Balabaev, Nikolay K; Galzitskaya, Oxana V

2015-03-01

This article is the first to study the mechanical properties of the immunoglobulin-binding domain of protein L (referred to as protein L) and its mutants at the atomic level. In the structure of protein L, each amino acid residue (except for alanines and glycines) was replaced sequentially by alanine. Thus, 49 mutants of protein L were obtained. The proteins were stretched at their termini at constant velocity using molecular dynamics simulations in water, i.e. by forced unfolding. 19 out of 49 mutations resulted in a large decrease of mechanical protein stability. These amino acids were affecting either the secondary structure (11 mutations) or loop structures (8 mutations) of protein L. Analysis of mechanical unfolding of the generated protein that has the same topology as protein L but consists of only alanines and glycines allows us to suggest that the mechanical stability of proteins, and specifically protein L, is determined by interactions between certain amino acid residues, although the unfolding pathway depends on the protein topology. This insight can now be used to modulate the mechanical properties of proteins and their unfolding pathways in the desired direction for using them in various biochips, biosensors and biomaterials for medicine, industry, and household purposes. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Antifungal, optical, and mechanical properties of polymethylmethacrylate material incorporated with silanized zinc oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kamonkhantikul, Krid; Arksornnukit, Mansuang; Takahashi, Hidekazu

2017-01-01

Fungal infected denture, which is typically composed of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), is a common problem for a denture wearer, especially an elderly patient with limited manual dexterity. Therefore, increasing the antifungal effect of denture by incorporating surface modification nanoparticles into the PMMA, while retaining its mechanical properties, is of interest. This study aimed to evaluate antifungal, optical, and mechanical properties of heat-cured PMMA incorporated with different amounts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps) with or without methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane modification. Specimens made from heat-cured PMMA containing 1.25, 2.5, and 5% (w/w) nonsilanized (Nosi) or silanized (Si) ZnOnps were evaluated. Specimens without filler served as control. The fungal assay was performed placing a Candida albicans suspension on the PMMA surface for 2 h, then Sabouraud Dextrose Broth was added, and growth after 24 h was determined by counting colony forming units on agar plates. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color in L* (brightness), a* (red-green), b* (yellow-blue) and opacity of the experimental groups. Flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined using a three-point bending test on universal testing machine after 37°C water storage for 48 h and 1 month. The antifungal, optical, and mechanical properties of the PMMA incorporated with ZnOnps changed depending on the amount. With the same amount of ZnOnps, the silanized groups demonstrated a greater reduction in C. albicans compared with the Nosi groups. The color difference (ΔE) and opacity of the Nosi groups were greater compared with the Si groups. The flexural strength of the Si groups, except for the 1.25% group, was significantly greater compared with the Nosi groups. PMMA incorporated with Si ZnOnps, particularly with 2.5% Si ZnOnps, had a greater antifungal effect, less color differences, and opacity compared with Nosi ZnOnps, while retaining its mechanical properties.

41 CFR 102-75.210 - What must a transferee agency include in its request for an exception from the 100 percent...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 75-REAL PROPERTY DISPOSAL Utilization of Excess Real... exception would further essential agency program objectives and at the same time be consistent with...

36 CFR 1194.3 - General exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false General exceptions. 1194.3 Section 1194.3 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE... (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications). (b) This part does not apply...

36 CFR 1194.3 - General exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false General exceptions. 1194.3 Section 1194.3 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE... (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications). (b) This part does not apply...

36 CFR 1194.3 - General exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false General exceptions. 1194.3 Section 1194.3 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE... (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications). (b) This part does not apply...

12 CFR 1228.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... continuing basis each time a property is transferred (except for transfers specifically excepted) for a period of time or indefinitely. A private transfer fee does not include fees, charges, payments, or other... SECURITY INTERESTS IN, MORTGAGES ON PROPERTIES ENCUMBERED BY CERTAIN PRIVATE TRANSFER FEE COVENANTS AND...

Mechanical, histological, and functional properties remain inferior in conservatively treated Achilles tendons in rodents: Long term evaluation.

PubMed

Freedman, Benjamin R; Fryhofer, George W; Salka, Nabeel S; Raja, Harina A; Hillin, Cody D; Nuss, Courtney A; Farber, Daniel C; Soslowsky, Louis J

2017-05-03

Conservative treatment (non-operative) of Achilles tendon ruptures is suggested to produce equivalent capacity for return to function; however, long term results and the role of return to activity (RTA) for this treatment paradigm remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the long term response of conservatively treated Achilles tendons in rodents with varied RTA. Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) received unilateral blunt transection of the Achilles tendon followed by randomization into groups that returned to activity after 1-week (RTA1) or 3-weeks (RTA3) of limb casting in plantarflexion, before being euthanized at 16-weeks post-injury. Uninjured age-matched control animals were used as a control group (n=10). Limb function, passive joint mechanics, tendon properties (mechanical, histological), and muscle properties (histological, immunohistochemical) were evaluated. Results showed that although hindlimb ground reaction forces and range of motion returned to baseline levels by 16-weeks post-injury regardless of RTA, ankle joint stiffness remained altered. RTA1 and RTA3 groups both exhibited no differences in fatigue properties; however, the secant modulus, hysteresis, and laxity were inferior compared to uninjured age-matched control tendons. Despite these changes, tendons 16-weeks post-injury achieved secant stiffness levels of uninjured tendons. RTA1 and RTA3 groups had no differences in histological properties, but had higher cell numbers compared to control tendons. No changes in gastrocnemius fiber size or type in the superficial or deep regions were detected, except for type 2x fiber fraction. Together, this work highlights RTA-dependent deficits in limb function and tissue-level properties in long-term Achilles tendon and muscle healing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical, histological, and functional properties remain inferior in conservatively treated Achilles tendons in rodents: Long term evaluation

PubMed Central

Freedman, Benjamin R; Fryhofer, George W; Salka, Nabeel S; Raja, Harina A; Hillin, Cody D; Nuss, Courtney A; Farber, Daniel C; Soslowsky, Louis J

2017-01-01

Conservative treatment (non-operative) of Achilles tendon ruptures is suggested to produce equivalent capacity for return to function; however, long term results and the role of return to activity (RTA) for this treatment paradigm remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the long term response of conservatively treated Achilles tendons in rodents with varied RTA. Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) received unilateral blunt transection of the Achilles tendon followed by randomization into groups that returned to activity after 1-week (RTA1) or 3-weeks (RTA3) of limb casting in plantarflexion, before being sacrificed at 16-weeks post-injury. Uninjured age-matched control animals were used as a control group (N=10). Limb function, passive joint mechanics, tendon properties (mechanical, histological), and muscle properties (histological, immunohistochemical) were evaluated. Results showed that although hindlimb ground reaction forces and range of motion returned to baseline levels by 16-weeks regardless of RTA, ankle stiffness remained altered. RTA1 and RTA3 groups both exhibited no differences in fatigue properties; however, the secant modulus, hysteresis, and laxity were inferior compared to uninjured age-matched control tendons. Despite these changes, tendons 16-weeks post-injury achieved secant stiffness levels of uninjured tendons. RTA1 and RTA3 groups had no differences in histological properties, but had higher cell numbers compared to control tendons. No changes in gastrocnemius fiber size or type in the superficial or deep regions were detected, except for type 2× fiber fraction. Together, this work highlights RTA-dependent deficits in limb function and tissue-level properties in long-term Achilles tendon and muscle healing. PMID:28366437

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2 - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business. 1.367(a)-2 Section 1.367(a)-2 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (Continued) Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)-2 Exception...

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2 - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business. 1.367(a)-2 Section 1.367(a)-2 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)-2 Exception...

The role of water on the structure and mechanical properties of a thermoplastic natural block co-polymer from squid sucker ring teeth.

PubMed

Rieu, Clément; Bertinetti, Luca; Schuetz, Roman; Salinas-Zavala, Cesar Ca; Weaver, James C; Fratzl, Peter; Miserez, Ali; Masic, Admir

2016-09-02

Hard biological polymers exhibiting a truly thermoplastic behavior that can maintain their structural properties after processing are extremely rare and highly desirable for use in advanced technological applications such as 3D-printing, biodegradable plastics and robust composites. One exception are the thermoplastic proteins that comprise the sucker ring teeth (SRT) of the Humboldt jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas). In this work, we explore the mechanical properties of reconstituted SRT proteins and demonstrate that the material can be re-shaped by simple processing in water and at relatively low temperature (below 100 °C). The post-processed material maintains a high modulus in the GPa range, both in the dry and the wet states. When transitioning from low to high humidity, the material properties change from brittle to ductile with an increase in plastic deformation, where water acts as a plasticizer. Using synchrotron x-ray scattering tools, we found that water mostly influences nano scale structure, whereas at the molecular level, the protein structure remains largely unaffected. Furthermore, through simultaneous in situ x-ray scattering and mechanical tests, we show that the supramolecular network of the reconstituted SRT material exhibits a progressive alignment along the strain direction, which is attributed to chain alignment of the amorphous domains of SRT proteins. The high modulus in both dry and wet states, combined with their efficient thermal processing characteristics, make the SRT proteins promising substitutes for applications traditionally reserved for petroleum-based thermoplastics.

Effects of cationic xylan from annual plants on the mechanical properties of paper.

PubMed

Deutschle, Alexander L; Römhild, Katrin; Meister, Frank; Janzon, Ron; Riegert, Christiane; Saake, Bodo

2014-02-15

Xylan from oat spelt and wheat was used as an additive to enhance the dry strength of paper. The absorption of xylan by the cellulose fibers was increased by cationization to different degrees of substitution. Paper hand sheets with different doses of xylan and industrial cationic starch were produced, and the mechanical properties were determined. Absorption measurements of cationic oat spelt xylan on pulp fibers explained the differing influences of low and high cationized xylan addition on paper strength. The addition of cationic oat spelt xylan with a degree of substitution of 0.1 at a 4% dose provided the largest improvement in the tensile-index (67%), burst-index (105%) and tear-index (77%). Compared to cationic starch, cationic oat spelt xylan additives led to similar paper strength values, excepting the tear strength. The structural differences and protein impurities made the wheat xylan unsuitable as a strength additive for paper pulp. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Swelling behaviour in n-pentane and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber with different epoxide content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinasih, N. A.; Fathurrohman, M. I.; Winarto, D. A.

2017-07-01

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with different level of epoxidation (i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mol% indicated as ENR ENR10, ENR20, ENR30, ENR40 and ENR50, respectively) were prepared. They were then vulcanized by using efficient system vulcanization. The effect of epoxide content on curing characteristic, swelling and mechanical properties in N-pentane was investigated. The Attenuated Resonance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR) were used to determine the epoxidation level. Glass transition (Tg) of ENR samples was determined by using Direct Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The result revealed that the resistance of ENR in N-pentane increased with increasing epoxidation level, which indicated by decreasing equilibrium mol uptake and diffusion coefficient. The compression set of ENR and aging resistance increased with increasing epoxide content, except ENR50 was due to ENR 50 have two Tg value. However, the value of hardness and tensile strength were not effected by epoxidation level.

Optically transparent, mechanically durable, nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces enabled by spinodally phase-separated glass thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aytug, Tolga; Simpson, John T.; Lupini, Andrew R.; Trejo, Rosa M.; Jellison, Gerald E.; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Pennycook, Stephen J.; Hillesheim, Daniel A.; Winter, Kyle O.; Christen, David K.; Hunter, Scott R.; Haynes, J. Allen

2013-08-01

We describe the formation and properties of atomically bonded, optical quality, nanostructured thin glass film coatings on glass plates, utilizing phase separation by spinodal decomposition in a sodium borosilicate glass system. Following deposition via magnetron sputtering, thermal processing and differential etching, these coatings are structurally superhydrophilic (i.e., display anti-fogging functionality) and demonstrate robust mechanical properties and superior abrasion resistance. After appropriate chemical surface modification, the surfaces display a stable, non-wetting Cassie-Baxter state and exhibit exceptional superhydrophobic performance, with water droplet contact angles as large as 172°. As an added benefit, in both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic states these nanostructured surfaces can block ultraviolet radiation and can be engineered to be anti-reflective with broadband and omnidirectional transparency. Thus, the present approach could be tailored toward distinct coatings for numerous markets, such as residential windows, windshields, specialty optics, goggles, electronic and photovoltaic cover glasses, and optical components used throughout the US military.

Optically transparent, mechanically durable, nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces enabled by spinodally phase-separated glass thin films.

PubMed

Aytug, Tolga; Simpson, John T; Lupini, Andrew R; Trejo, Rosa M; Jellison, Gerald E; Ivanov, Ilia N; Pennycook, Stephen J; Hillesheim, Daniel A; Winter, Kyle O; Christen, David K; Hunter, Scott R; Haynes, J Allen

2013-08-09

We describe the formation and properties of atomically bonded, optical quality, nanostructured thin glass film coatings on glass plates, utilizing phase separation by spinodal decomposition in a sodium borosilicate glass system. Following deposition via magnetron sputtering, thermal processing and differential etching, these coatings are structurally superhydrophilic (i.e., display anti-fogging functionality) and demonstrate robust mechanical properties and superior abrasion resistance. After appropriate chemical surface modification, the surfaces display a stable, non-wetting Cassie-Baxter state and exhibit exceptional superhydrophobic performance, with water droplet contact angles as large as 172°. As an added benefit, in both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic states these nanostructured surfaces can block ultraviolet radiation and can be engineered to be anti-reflective with broadband and omnidirectional transparency. Thus, the present approach could be tailored toward distinct coatings for numerous markets, such as residential windows, windshields, specialty optics, goggles, electronic and photovoltaic cover glasses, and optical components used throughout the US military.

Altered lumbar spine structure, biochemistry and biomechanical properties in a canine model of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

PubMed Central

Smith, Lachlan J; Martin, John T; Szczesny, Spencer E; Ponder, Katherine P; Haskins, Mark E; Elliott, Dawn M

2010-01-01

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by a deficiency in β-glucuronidase activity, leading to systemic accumulation of poorly degraded glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Along with other morbidities, MPS VII is associated with paediatric spinal deformity. The objective of this study was to examine potential associations between abnormal lumbar spine matrix structure and composition in MPS VII, and spine segment and tissue-level mechanical properties, using a naturally occurring canine model with a similar clinical phenotype to the human form of the disorder. Segments from juvenile MPS VII and unaffected dogs were allocated to: radiography, gross morphology, histology, biochemistry, and mechanical testing. MPS VII spines had radiolucent lesions in the vertebral body epiphyses. Histologically, this corresponded to a GAG-rich cartilaginous region in place of bone, and elevated GAG staining was seen in the annulus fibrosus. Biochemically, MPS VII samples had elevated GAG in the outer annulus fibrosus and epiphyses, low calcium in the epiphyses, and high water content in all regions except the nucleus pulposus. MPS VII spine segments had higher range of motion and lower stiffness than controls. Endplate indentation stiffness and failure loads were significantly lower in MPS VII samples, while annulus fibrosus tensile mechanical properties were normal. Vertebral body lesions in MPS VII spines suggest a failure to convert cartilage to bone during development. Low stiffness in these regions likely contributes to mechanical weakness in motion segments and is a potential factor in the progression of spinal deformity. PMID:19918911

12 CFR 1228.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... of title to real estate, and payable on a continuing basis each time a property is transferred (except for transfers specifically excepted) for a period of time or indefinitely. A private transfer fee... SECURITY INTERESTS IN, MORTGAGES ON PROPERTIES ENCUMBERED BY CERTAIN PRIVATE TRANSFER FEE COVENANTS AND...

Investigation of CNTD Mechanism and its Effect on Microstructural Properties.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

Equilibrium Degree of Completion of SiCl4 Reduction 31 as a Function of Temperature, Pressure and Degree ofDilution. 9. Equilibrium Degree of Completion...Disproportionation Study with SiCl4 . A) 500/2500X B) 600/3000X 11. Morphology of Deposit Made in the Silicon Halide 39 Disproportionation Study with SiHCl 3. A...at a constant ratio of SiCl4 to NH 3 of 0.2 (except run #29, see Table A-1 Appendix I). The active gas partial pressure was calculated according to the

Advances in low-cost long-wave infrared polymer windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weimer, Wayne A.; Klocek, Paul

1999-07-01

Recent improvements in engineered polymeric material compositions and advances in processing methodologies developed and patented at Raytheon Systems Company have produced long wave IR windows at exceptionally low costs. These UV stabilized, high strength windows incorporating subwavelength structured antireflection surfaces are enabling IR imaging systems to penetrate commercial markets and will reduce the cost of systems delivered to the military. The optical and mechanical properties of these windows will be discussed in detail with reference to the short and long-term impact on military IR imaging systems.

Complex Nano-Scale Structures for Unprecedented Properties in Steels

DOE PAGES

Caballero, Francisca G.; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; Yen, Hung Wei; ...

2016-11-01

Processing bulk nanoscrystalline materials for structural applications still poses a rather large challenge, particularly in achieving an industrially viable process. In this context, recent work has proved that complex nanoscale steel structures can be formed by solid reaction at low temperatures. These nanocrystalline bainitic steels present the highest strength ever recorded, unprecedented ductility, fatigue on par with commercial bearing steels and exceptional rolling-sliding wear performances. In this paper, a description of the characteristics and significance of these remarkable structures in the context of the atomic mechanism of transformation is provided.

Phosphorus K4 Crystal: A New Stable Allotrope

PubMed Central

Liu, Jie; Zhang, Shunhong; Guo, Yaguang; Wang, Qian

2016-01-01

The intriguing properties of phosphorene motivate scientists to further explore the structures and properties of phosphorus materials. Here, we report a new allotrope named K4 phosphorus composed of three-coordinated phosphorus atoms in non-layered structure which is not only dynamically and mechanically stable, but also possesses thermal stability comparable to that of the orthorhombic black phosphorus (A17). Due to its unique configuration, K4 phosphorus exhibits exceptional properties: it possesses a band gap of 1.54 eV which is much larger than that of black phosphorus (0.30 eV), and it is stiffer than black phosphorus. The band gap of the newly predicted phase can be effectively tuned by appling hydrostastic pressure. In addition, K4 phosphorus exibits a good light absorption in visible and near ultraviolet region. These findings add additional features to the phosphorus family with new potential applications in nanoelectronics and nanomechanics. PMID:27857232

Effect of Thermal Treatments on Ni-Mn-Ga and Ni-Rich Ni-Ti-Hf/Zr High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santamarta, Ruben; Evirgen, Alper; Perez-Sierra, Aquilina M.; Pons, Jaume; Cesari, Eduard; Karaman, Ibrahim; Noebe, Ron D.

2015-11-01

Among all the promising high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs), the Ni-Mn-Ga and the Ni-Ti-Hf/Zr systems exhibit interesting shape memory and superelastic properties that may place them in a good position for potential applications. The present work shows that thermal treatments play a crucial role in controlling the martensitic phase transformation characteristics of both systems, but in different ways. On one hand, the equilibrium phase diagram of the Ni-Mn-Ga family allows selecting compositions with high transformation temperatures and outstanding thermal stability at relatively high temperatures in air, showing no significant changes in the transformation behavior for continuous aging up to ˜5 years at 500 °C. Moreover, the excellent thermal stability correlates with a good thermal cyclic stability and an exceptional oxidation resistance of the parent phase. On the other hand, precipitation processes controlled by thermal treatments are needed to manipulate the transformation temperatures, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of Ni-rich Ni-Ti-Hf/Zr alloys to become HTSMAs. These changes in the functional properties are a consequence of the competition between the mechanical and compositional effects of the precipitates on the martensitic transformation.

Effects of Heat-Treated Wood Particles on the Physico-Mechanical Properties and Extended Creep Behavior of Wood/Recycled-HDPE Composites Using the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle.

PubMed

Yang, Teng-Chun; Chien, Yi-Chi; Wu, Tung-Lin; Hung, Ke-Chang; Wu, Jyh-Horng

2017-03-30

This study investigated the effectiveness of heat-treated wood particles for improving the physico-mechanical properties and creep performance of wood/recycled-HDPE composites. The results reveal that the composites with heat-treated wood particles had significantly decreased moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling, while no improvements of the flexural properties or the wood screw holding strength were observed, except for the internal bond strength. Additionally, creep tests were conducted at a series of elevated temperatures using the time-temperature superposition principle (TTSP), and the TTSP-predicted creep compliance curves fit well with the experimental data. The creep resistance values of composites with heat-treated wood particles were greater than those having untreated wood particles due to the hydrophobic character of the treated wood particles and improved interfacial compatibility between the wood particles and polymer matrix. At a reference temperature of 20 °C, the improvement of creep resistance ( ICR ) of composites with heat-treated wood particles reached approximately 30% over a 30-year period, and it increased significantly with increasing reference temperature.

Effects of Heat-Treated Wood Particles on the Physico-Mechanical Properties and Extended Creep Behavior of Wood/Recycled-HDPE Composites Using the Time–Temperature Superposition Principle

PubMed Central

Yang, Teng-Chun; Chien, Yi-Chi; Wu, Tung-Lin; Hung, Ke-Chang; Wu, Jyh-Horng

2017-01-01

This study investigated the effectiveness of heat-treated wood particles for improving the physico-mechanical properties and creep performance of wood/recycled-HDPE composites. The results reveal that the composites with heat-treated wood particles had significantly decreased moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling, while no improvements of the flexural properties or the wood screw holding strength were observed, except for the internal bond strength. Additionally, creep tests were conducted at a series of elevated temperatures using the time–temperature superposition principle (TTSP), and the TTSP-predicted creep compliance curves fit well with the experimental data. The creep resistance values of composites with heat-treated wood particles were greater than those having untreated wood particles due to the hydrophobic character of the treated wood particles and improved interfacial compatibility between the wood particles and polymer matrix. At a reference temperature of 20 °C, the improvement of creep resistance (ICR) of composites with heat-treated wood particles reached approximately 30% over a 30-year period, and it increased significantly with increasing reference temperature. PMID:28772726

Organic Heat Stabilizers for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A Synergistic Behavior of Eugenol and Uracil Derivative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asawakosinchai, Aran; Jubsilp, Chanchira; Mora, Phattarin; Rimdusit, Sarawut

2017-10-01

Recycling ability, mechanical, and thermal properties of PVC stabilized with organic heat stabilizers, i.e., uracil (DAU) and eugenol were investigated to substitute PVCs stabilized with commercial lead, Ca/Zn, and organic-based stabilizer for PVC pipe production. PVC stabilized with the DAU and the eugenol can be processable at 30 °C lower than that of the PVC stabilized with commercial heat stabilizers. The most remarkable short-term thermal stability belonged to the PVC stabilized with the DAU, and its original color can be maintained at least up to 3 processing cycles. Synergistic behavior in thermal stability of the PVC mixed with DAU and eugenol at mass ratios of 1.5:1.5 was observed. Mechanical properties of DAU- and eugenol-stabilized PVC were higher than the samples with other heat stabilizers. Glass transition temperature of the PVC stabilized with all heat stabilizers was determined to be 99 °C with the exception of the value of 89 °C for eugenol-stabilized PVC. Therefore, the DAU and the eugenol showed high potential to be used as an organic heat stabilizer for PVC because of their non-toxic and good heat resistance properties.

Completion of evaluation of manufacturing processes for B/Al composites containing 0.2mm diameter boron fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, T. J.; Moorhead, P. E.

1980-01-01

Four fabricators produced a total of 54 B/1100 Al, B/6061 Al, and B/2024 Al panels for evaluation. The 8 ply unidirectional, 45 to 50 volume percent, panels were made using 0.20 mm diameter boron fibers which were obtained from a single supplier. Hot press consolidation was carried out in vacuum except for one set of dry woven tape panels which were hot pressed in air. A single testing contractor conducted nondestructive inspection, metallography, fractography and mechanical property tests. The mechanical property tests included 21 and 260 C tensile tests and 21 C shear tests. Panel quality, as measured by nondestructive evaluation, was generally good as were the 21 C tensile properties. The panels hot pressed in air delaminated in the shear tests. Shear strength values were lower in these panels. But tensile strengths were not affected by the delaminations because of the relation between the tensile loading direction and the delaminations. Composite tensile strength was found to be proportional to the volume percent boron and the aluminum matrix rather than to the tape used or fabrication technique. Suitability of these composites for 260 C service was confirmed by tensile tests.

Effect of myristoylated N-terminus of Arf1 on the bending rigidity of phospholipid membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burrola Gabilondo, Beatriz; Zhou, Hernan; Randazzo, Paul A.; Losert, Wolfgang

2010-03-01

The protein Arf1 is part of the COPI vesicle transport process from the Golgi to the ER. It binds to membranes via a myristoylated N-terminus and it has been shown to tubulate Large Unilamellar Vesicles. The effect of the N-terminus of Arf1 on physical properties of membranes has not been studied, with the exception of curvature. We previously found that the myristoylated N-terminus increases the packing of the lipid molecules, but has no effect on the lateral mobility. We tested the hypothesis that myristoylated peptides affect the bending rigidity of phospholipid Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUV). We use optical tweezers to pull tethers from GUV and measure the force of pulling the tether, as well as the retraction speed of the tether once it is released. We also used flicker spectroscopy to estimate the values of the mechanical properties of GUV. We will present results of the force and tether retraction measurements, as well as mechanical properties estimates from flicker, for GUV in the presence of varying concentrations of myristoylated and non-myristoylated N-terminus of Arf1, and compare these with measurements for GUV in the absence of peptide.

Role of the kinematics of probing electrons in electron energy-loss spectroscopy of solid surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazarov, V. U.; Silkin, V. M.; Krasovskii, E. E.

2016-01-01

Inelastic scattering of electrons incident on a solid surface is determined by two properties: (i) electronic response of the target system and (ii) the detailed quantum-mechanical motion of the projectile electron inside and in the vicinity of the target. We emphasize the equal importance of the second ingredient, pointing out the fundamental limitations of the conventionally used theoretical description of the electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in terms of the "energy-loss functions." Our approach encompasses the dipole and impact scattering as specific cases, with the emphasis on the quantum-mechanical treatment of the probe electron. Applied to the high-resolution EELS of Ag surface, our theory largely agrees with recent experiments, while some instructive exceptions are rationalized.

Structure and mechanical properties of coatings fabricated by nonvacuum electron beam cladding of Ti-Ta-Zr powder mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samoylenko, Vitaliy V.; Lenivtseva, Olga G.; Polyakov, Igor A.; Laptev, Ilya S.

2015-10-01

In this paper structural investigations and mechanical tests of Ti-Ta-Zr coatings obtained on surfaces of cp-titanium workpieces were carried out. It was found that the coatings had a dendrite structure; investigations at high-power magnifications revealed a platelet structure. An increase of tantalum concentration led to refinement of structural components. The microhardness level of all coatings, excepting a specimen with the maximum tantalum content, was 370 HV. The microhardness of this coating reached 400 HV. The ultimate tensile strength of cladded layers varied from 697 to 947 MPa. Adhesion tests showed that bimetallic composites were characterized by high bond strength of cladded layers to the substrate, which exceeded cp-titanium strength characteristics.

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

Mouterde, Timothée; Lehoucq, Gaëlle; Xavier, Stéphane

Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal’s survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importancemore » of the texture’s feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. Furthermore, this undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm.« less

Heat Inactivation of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract Abrogates Growth Inhibition of HeLa Cells.

PubMed

Chintapalli, Renuka; Murray, Matthew J J; Murray, James T

2016-07-01

The potential anticancer properties of garlic (Allium sativum) may depend on the method of preparation and its storage. Storage of garlic has not been thoroughly investigated to determine whether anticancer properties are retained. Garlic was prepared and processed to mimic normal options for storage and preparation for consumption. Cytotoxicity was determined by crystal violet assay and mechanisms of cytotoxicity were established by microscopy, SDS-PAGE, and Western immunoblotting. Significant (P < 0.0001) cytotoxicity was observed in all preparations, except with boiled (cooked) garlic. Depending on the method of storage, garlic extract induced either type I or type II programmed cell death, detectable by caspase 9 cleavage, or Poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and LC3-II accumulation, respectively. The conflicting literature on the anticancer properties of garlic may be explained by differences in processing and storage. This study has highlighted that the potency of the antiproliferative properties of cooked garlic, compared to the uncooked form, is diminished in HeLa cells.

Antifogging abilities of model nanotextures

DOE PAGES

Mouterde, Timothée; Lehoucq, Gaëlle; Xavier, Stéphane; ...

2017-02-27

Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal’s survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importancemore » of the texture’s feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. Furthermore, this undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm.« less

Antifogging abilities of model nanotextures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mouterde, Timothée; Lehoucq, Gaëlle; Xavier, Stéphane; Checco, Antonio; Black, Charles T.; Rahman, Atikur; Midavaine, Thierry; Clanet, Christophe; Quéré, David

2017-06-01

Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal’s survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importance of the texture’s feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. This undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm.

41 CFR 102-118.295 - What are the limited exceptions to every bill undergoing a prepayment audit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... exceptions to every bill undergoing a prepayment audit? 102-118.295 Section 102-118.295 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION TRANSPORTATION 118-TRANSPORTATION PAYMENT AND AUDIT Prepayment Audits of Transportation Services...

36 CFR 13.1156 - Exceptions from vessel permit requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Exceptions from vessel permit requirement. 13.1156 Section 13.1156 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM UNITS IN ALASKA Special Regulations-Glacier Bay National Park and...

36 CFR § 1194.3 - General exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true General exceptions. § 1194.3 Section § 1194.3 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE... (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications). (b) This part does not apply...

The effect of fabric structure on the mechanical properties of warp knitted surgical mesh for hernia repair.

PubMed

Mirjavan, Mohammad; Asayesh, Azita; Asgharian Jeddi, Ali Asghar

2017-02-01

Surgical mesh is being used for healing hernia, pelvic organ prolapse, skull injuries and urinary incontinence. In this research the effect of fabric structure on the mechanical properties of warp knitted surgical meshes in comparison to abdominal fascia has been investigated. For this purpose, warp knitted surgical mesh with five different structures (Tricot, Pin-hole-net, quasi-Sandfly, Sandfly and quasi-Marquissite) were produced using polypropylene monofilament. Thereafter, their mechanical properties such as uniaxial tensile behavior in various directions (wale-wise (90°), course-wise (0°) and diagonal (45°)), bending resistance and crease recovery were analyzed. The meshes demonstrated different elastic modulus in various directions, which can be attributed to the pore shape (pore angle) and underlap angle in the structure of mesh. Except Pin-hole-net mesh, other produced meshes exhibited better level of orthotropy in comparison to abdominal fascia. The most flexible mesh in both wale-wise and course-wise directions was quasi-Sandfly and thereafter quasi-Marquissite. Tricot and Pin-hole-net manifested the highest crease recovery in wale-wise and coursewise directions respectively. The most desirable mesh in terms of porosity was quasi-Marquissite mesh. Overall, the quasi-Marquissite mesh was selected as the most suitable surgical mesh considering all advantages and disadvantages of each produced mesh in this study. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical properties of elytra from Tribolium castaneum wild-type and body color mutant strains.

PubMed

Lomakin, Joseph; Arakane, Yasuyuki; Kramer, Karl J; Beeman, Richard W; Kanost, Michael R; Gehrke, Stevin H

2010-12-01

Cuticle tanning in insects involves simultaneous cuticular pigmentation and hardening or sclerotization. The dynamic mechanical properties of the highly modified and cuticle-rich forewings (elytra) from Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle) wild-type and body color mutant strains were investigated to relate body coloration and elytral mechanical properties. There was no statistically significant variation in the storage modulus E' among the elytra from jet, cola, sooty and black mutants or between the mutants and the wild-type GA-1 strain: E' averaged 5.1 ± 0.6 GPa regardless of body color. E' is a power law function of oscillation frequency for all types. The power law exponent, n, averaged 0.032 ± 0.001 for elytra from all genotypes except black; this small value indicated that the elytra are cross-linked. Black elytra, however, displayed a significantly larger n of 0.047 ± 0.004 and an increased loss tangent (tan δ), suggesting that metabolic differences in the black mutant strain result in elytra that are less cross-linked and more pigmented than the other types. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that black elytra have a β-alanine-deficient and dopamine-abundant metabolism, leading to greater melanin (black pigment) production, probably at the expense of cross-linking of cuticular proteins mediated by N-β-alanyldopamine quinone. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

41 CFR 51-5.4 - Purchase exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Purchase exceptions. 51-5... Contracts COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED 5-CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS § 51-5.4 Purchase exceptions. (a) A central nonprofit agency will normally grant a purchase exception...

26 CFR 20.2010-2T - Portability provisions applicable to estate of a decedent survived by a spouse (temporary).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... executor is not required to report a value for such property on the estate tax return (except to the extent... with regard to establishing the value of the property) and the instructions for the estate tax return... tax return and § 20.2056(a)-1(b) (except with regard to establishing the value of the property). In...

26 CFR 20.2010-2T - Portability provisions applicable to estate of a decedent survived by a spouse (temporary).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... executor is not required to report a value for such property on the estate tax return (except to the extent... with regard to establishing the value of the property) and the instructions for the estate tax return... tax return and § 20.2056(a)-1(b) (except with regard to establishing the value of the property). In...

Chemical Modification of Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes for Applications to Biosensors and Biosensing.

PubMed

Svítková, Jana; Ignat, Teodora; Švorc, Ľubomír; Labuda, Ján; Barek, Jiří

2016-05-03

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) is a prospective electrode material that possesses many exceptional properties including wide potential window, low noise, low and stable background current, chemical and mechanical stability, good biocompatibility, and last but not least exceptional resistance to passivation. These characteristics extend its usability in various areas of electrochemistry as evidenced by increasing number of published articles over the past two decades. The idea of chemically modifying BDD electrodes with molecular species attached to the surface for the purpose of creating a rational design has found promising applications in the past few years. BDD electrodes have appeared to be excellent substrate materials for various chemical modifications and subsequent application to biosensors and biosensing. Hence, this article presents modification strategies that have extended applications of BDD electrodes in electroanalytical chemistry. Different methods and steps of surface modification of this electrode material for biosensing and construction of biosensors are discussed.

Effect of Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement Dispensing/Mixing Methods on Mechanical Properties.

PubMed

Sulaiman, T A; Abdulmajeed, A A; Altitinchi, A; Ahmed, S N; Donovan, T E

2018-03-23

Resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGIs) are often used for luting indirect restorations. Hand-mixing traditional cements demands significant time and may be technique sensitive. Efforts have been made by manufacturers to introduce the same cement using different dispensing/mixing methods. It is not known what effects these changes may have on the mechanical properties of the dental cement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties (diametral tensile strength [DTS], compressive strength [CS], and fracture toughness [FT]) of RMGIs with different dispensing/mixing systems. The RMGI specimens (n=14)-RelyX Luting (hand mix), RelyX Luting Plus (clicker-hand mix), RelyX Luting Plus (automix) (3M ESPE), GC Fuji PLUS (capsule-automix), and GC FujiCEM 2 (automix) (GC)-were prepared for each mechanical test and examined after thermocycling (n=7/subgroup) for 20,000 cycles to the following: DTS, CS (ISO 9917-1) and FT (ISO standard 6872; Single-edge V-notched beam method). Specimens were mounted and loaded with a universal testing machine until failure occurred. Two-/one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey honestly significantly different post hoc test was used to analyze data for statistical significance ( p<0.05). The interaction effect of both dispensing/mixing method and thermocycling was significant only for the CS test of the GC group ( p<0.05). The different dispensing/mixing methods had no effect on the DTS of the tested cements. The CS of GC Fuji PLUS was significantly higher than that of the automix version ( p<0.05). The FT decreased significantly when switching from RelyX (hand mix) to RelyX Luting Plus (clicker-hand mix) and to RelyX Luting Plus (automix) ( p<0.05). Except in the case of the DTS of the GC group and the CS of GC Fuji PLUS, thermocycling had a significant effect reducing the mechanical properties of the RMGI cements ( p<0.05). Introducing alternative dispensing/mixing methods for mixing RMGIs to reduce time and technique sensitivity may affect mechanical properties and is brand dependent.

Photoluminescence properties of polystyrene-hosted fluorophore thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Subha; Harris, Katherine; Huang, Mengbing

2016-12-01

We report on a photo-luminescence study of four different fluorophores: Coumarin 6, 2,5-Diphenyloxazole (PPO), 1,4-Bis(5-phenyl-2-oxazolyl)benzene (POPOP) and Para-terpehnyl (PTP), doped in a polystyrene-based thin film. All of the samples are prepared by spin coating from a non-polar polymer solution at various concentrations. Their emission spectra and transient properties are characterized by photoluminescence measurements. Red-shifts in the emission spectra are observed for all four types of fluorophores as their concentration increases. We explain this phenomenon based on concentration dependence of solvatochromic effects and the results show good agreement with existing literature. We also show that the singlet-singlet annihilation processes are possibly a prevalent mechanism in the high concentration regime that affects the steady state and transient emission characteristics of the fluors. With the exception of PTP, photoluminescence quenching occurs as the fluorophore concentration in the polymer is increased. Rate equations for excited state decay mechanisms are analysed by considering different radiative and non-radiative energy transfer mechanisms. The results show consistency with our experimental observations. PTP shows the best photoluminescence results as an efficient fluor in the thin film, whereas PPO shows the strongest concentration dependent quenching and an anomalous lifetime distribution.

Nanomechanical Behavior of High Gas Barrier Multilayer Thin Films.

PubMed

Humood, Mohammad; Chowdhury, Shahla; Song, Yixuan; Tzeng, Ping; Grunlan, Jaime C; Polycarpou, Andreas A

2016-05-04

Nanoindentation and nanoscratch experiments were performed on thin multilayer films manufactured using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. These films are known to exhibit high gas barrier, but little is known about their durability, which is an important feature for various packaging applications (e.g., food and electronics). Films were prepared from bilayer and quadlayer sequences, with varying thickness and composition. In an effort to evaluate multilayer thin film surface and mechanical properties, and their resistance to failure and wear, a comprehensive range of experiments were conducted: low and high load indentation, low and high load scratch. Some of the thin films were found to have exceptional mechanical behavior and exhibit excellent scratch resistance. Specifically, nanobrick wall structures, comprising montmorillonite (MMT) clay and polyethylenimine (PEI) bilayers, are the most durable coatings. PEI/MMT films exhibit high hardness, large elastic modulus, high elastic recovery, low friction, low scratch depth, and a smooth surface. When combined with the low oxygen permeability and high optical transmission of these thin films, these excellent mechanical properties make them good candidates for hard coating surface-sensitive substrates, where polymers are required to sustain long-term surface aesthetics and quality.

Polymer excipients enable sustained drug release in low pH from mechanically strong inorganic geopolymers.

PubMed

Jämstorp, Erik; Yarra, Tejaswi; Cai, Bing; Engqvist, Håkan; Bredenberg, Susanne; Strømme, Maria

2012-01-01

Improving acid resistance, while maintaining the excellent mechanical stability is crucial in the development of a sustained and safe oral geopolymer dosage form for highly potent opioids. In the present work, commercially available Methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer, Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and Alginate polymer excipients were included in dissolved or powder form in geopolymer pellets to improve the release properties of Zolpidem, herein acting as a model drug for the highly potent opioid Fentanyl. Scanning electron microscopy, compression strength tests and drug release experiments, in gastric pH 1 and intestinal pH 6.8 conditions, were performed. The polymer excipients, with an exception for PEG, reduced the drug release rate in pH 1 due to their ability to keep the pellets in shape, in combination with the introduction of an insoluble excipient, and thereby maintain a barrier towards drug diffusion and release. Neither geopolymer compression strength nor the release in pH 6.8 was considerably impaired by the incorporation of the polymer excipients. The geopolymer/polymer composites combine high mechanical strength and good release properties under both gastric and intestinal pH conditions, and are therefore promising oral dosage forms for sustained release of highly potent opioids.

Fracture toughness, tensile and stress corrosion cracking properties of Alloy 600, Alloy 690 and their welds in water

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

Brown, C.M.; Mills, W.J.

1996-10-01

The fracture toughness and tensile properties of Alloy 600, Alloy 690 and their welds, EN82H and EN52, were characterized in 54 and 338 C water with an elevated hydrogen content. Results were compared with air data to evaluate the effect of low and high temperature water on mechanical properties. In addition, the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of EN82H and EN52 welds was evaluated in 360 C water with high hydrogen. Elastic-plastic J{sub c} fracture toughness testing revealed that the fracture resistance of all test materials was exceptionally high in 54 and 338 C air and 338 C water, demonstratingmore » that fracture properties were essentially unaffected by the high temperature water environment. In 54 C water, however, J{sub c} values for EN82H and EN52 welds were reduced by an order of magnitude, and Alloy 690 showed a five-fold decrease in J{sub c}. Tensile properties for all test materials were essentially unaffected by the water environment, except for the total elongation for EN82H welds which was significantly reduced in 54 C water. At a strain rate of 5 x 10{sup 6} sec{sup {minus}1} in low temperature water, there appears to be sufficient time for environmental interactions to restrict ductility in EN82H welds. Constant-load testing of precracked weld specimens in 360 C water resulted in extensive intergranular SCC in EN82H welds loaded to K{sub I} levels between 35 and 55 MPa {radical}m, whereas no SCC occurred in EN52 welds under comparable test conditions.« less

Borate cross-linked graphene oxide-chitosan as robust and high gas barrier films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ning; Capezzuto, Filomena; Lavorgna, Marino; Buonocore, Giovanna G.; Tescione, Fabiana; Xia, Hesheng; Ambrosio, Luigi

2016-05-01

Chitosan (CS) is one of the most promising polymers due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and natural abundance. However, its poor mechanical and barrier properties make it difficult to satisfy a wide range of applications. Herein, borate ions, originating from the hydrolysis of sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax), have been used to crosslink chitosan and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. Chitosan films consisting of 1.0 wt% boron and 1.0 wt% GO exhibit a significant improvement in both the toughness and oxygen barrier properties compared to pristine chitosan. In particular the tensile strength of the samples after thermal treatment increases by ~160% compared to pristine chitosan, whereas their oxygen permeability reduces by ~90%. This is ascribed to the chemical crosslinking between chitosan and GO nanoplatelets through borate ions, as well as the formation of a layered morphology with graphene nanoplatelets oriented parallel to the sample surface. The exceptional robust and high gas barrier film has promising application in the packaging industry. The borate-crosslinking chemistry represents the potential strategy for improving properties of other polymer nanocomposites.Chitosan (CS) is one of the most promising polymers due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and natural abundance. However, its poor mechanical and barrier properties make it difficult to satisfy a wide range of applications. Herein, borate ions, originating from the hydrolysis of sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax), have been used to crosslink chitosan and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. Chitosan films consisting of 1.0 wt% boron and 1.0 wt% GO exhibit a significant improvement in both the toughness and oxygen barrier properties compared to pristine chitosan. In particular the tensile strength of the samples after thermal treatment increases by ~160% compared to pristine chitosan, whereas their oxygen permeability reduces by ~90%. This is ascribed to the chemical crosslinking between chitosan and GO nanoplatelets through borate ions, as well as the formation of a layered morphology with graphene nanoplatelets oriented parallel to the sample surface. The exceptional robust and high gas barrier film has promising application in the packaging industry. The borate-crosslinking chemistry represents the potential strategy for improving properties of other polymer nanocomposites. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed characterization methods and survey XPS spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00377j

Structural Ceramic Nanocomposites: A Review of Properties and Powders’ Synthesis Methods

PubMed Central

Palmero, Paola

2015-01-01

Ceramic nanocomposites are attracting growing interest, thanks to new processing methods enabling these materials to go from the research laboratory scale to the commercial level. Today, many different types of nanocomposite structures are proposed in the literature; however, to fully exploit their exceptional properties, a deep understanding of the materials’ behavior across length scales is necessary. In fact, knowing how the nanoscale structure influences the bulk properties enables the design of increasingly performing composite materials. A further key point is the ability of tailoring the desired nanostructured features in the sintered composites, a challenging issue requiring a careful control of all stages of manufacturing, from powder synthesis to sintering. This review is divided into four parts. In the first, classification and general issues of nanostructured ceramics are reported. The second provides basic structure–property relations, highlighting the grain-size dependence of the materials properties. The third describes the role of nanocrystalline second-phases on the mechanical properties of ordinary grain sized ceramics. Finally, the fourth part revises the mainly used synthesis routes to produce nanocomposite ceramic powders, underlining when possible the critical role of the synthesis method on the control of microstructure and properties of the sintered ceramics. PMID:28347029

High-Performance Thermoelectric Semiconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre; Caillat, Thierry; Borshchevsky, Alexander

1994-01-01

Figures of merit almost double current state-of-art thermoelectric materials. IrSb3 is semiconductor found to exhibit exceptional thermoelectric properties. CoSb3 and RhSb3 have same skutterudite crystallographic structure as IrSb3, and exhibit exceptional transport properties expected to contribute to high thermoelectric performance. These three compounds form solid solutions. Combination of properties offers potential for development of new high-performance thermoelectric materials for more efficient thermoelectric power generators, coolers, and detectors.

Recent Advances in Doping of Molybdenum Disulfide: Industrial Applications and Future Prospects.

PubMed

Pham, Viet Phuong; Yeom, Geun Young

2016-11-01

Owing to their excellent physical properties, atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) have recently attracted much attention due to their nonzero-gap property, exceptionally high electrical conductivity, good thermal stability, and excellent mechanical strength, etc. MoS 2 -based devices exhibit great potential for applications in optoelectronics and energy harvesting. Here, a comprehensive review of various doping strategies is presented, including wet doping and dry doping of atomically crystalline MoS 2 thin layers, and the progress made so far for their doping-based prospective applications is also discussed. Finally, several significant research issues for the prospects of doped-MoS 2 in industry, as a guide for 2D material community, are also provided. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-density 3D graphene-based monolith and related materials, methods, and devices

DOEpatents

Worsley, Marcus A.; Baumann, Theodore F.; Biener, Juergen; Charnvanichborikarn, Supakit; Kucheyev, Sergei; Montalvo, Elizabeth; Shin, Swanee; Tylski, Elijah

2017-03-21

A composition comprising at least one high-density graphene-based monolith, said monolith comprising a three-dimensional structure of graphene sheets crosslinked by covalent carbon bonds and having a density of at least 0.1 g/cm.sup.3. Also provided is a method comprising: preparing a reaction mixture comprising a suspension and at least one catalyst, said suspension selected from a graphene oxide (GO) suspension and a carbon nanotube suspension; curing the reaction mixture to produce a wet gel; drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel, said drying step is substantially free of supercritical drying and freeze drying; and pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce a high-density graphene-based monolith. Exceptional combinations of properties are achieved including high conductive and mechanical properties.

Superplastic formability of Al-Cu-Li alloy Weldalite (TM) 049

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Bao-Tong; Pickens, Joseph R.

1991-01-01

Extensive research during the past decade shows that several aluminum lithium alloys can be processed to attain a microstructure that enables superplasticity. The high tensile stress of Al-Cu-Li alloy Weldalite (TM) 049 in the T4 and T6 tempers offers tremendous potential for attaining exceptional post-SPF (superplastic formability) properties. The used SPF material is Weldalite, which was shown to induce SPF behavior in other Al-Cu-Li alloys. The superplastic behavior and resulting post-SPF mechanical properties of this alloy, which was designed to be the next major structural alloy for space applications, were evaluated. The results indicate that Weldalite alloy does indeed exhibit excellent superplasticity over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates and excellent post-SPF tensile strength at various potential service temperatures.

Low-index discontinuity terahertz waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagel, Michael; Marchewka, Astrid; Kurz, Heinrich

2006-10-01

A new type of dielectric THz waveguide based on recent approaches in the field of integrated optics is presented with theoretical and experimental results. Although the guiding mechanism of the low-index discontinuity (LID) THz waveguide is total internal reflection, the THz wave is predominantly confined in the virtually lossless low-index air gap within a high-index dielectric waveguide due to the continuity of electric flux density at the dielectric interface. Attenuation, dispersion and single-mode confinement properties of two LID structures are discussed and compared with other THz waveguide solutions. The new approach provides an outstanding combination of high mode confinement and low transmission losses currently not realizable with any other metal-based or photonic crystal approach. These exceptional properties might enable the breakthrough of novel integrated THz systems or endoscopy applications with sub-wavelength resolution.

The microstructure and micromechanics of the tendon-bone insertion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossetti, L.; Kuntz, L. A.; Kunold, E.; Schock, J.; Müller, K. W.; Grabmayr, H.; Stolberg-Stolberg, J.; Pfeiffer, F.; Sieber, S. A.; Burgkart, R.; Bausch, A. R.

2017-06-01

The exceptional mechanical properties of the load-bearing connection of tendon to bone rely on an intricate interplay of its biomolecular composition, microstructure and micromechanics. Here we identify that the Achilles tendon-bone insertion is characterized by an interface region of ~500 μm with a distinct fibre organization and biomolecular composition. Within this region, we identify a heterogeneous mechanical response by micromechanical testing coupled with multiscale confocal microscopy. This leads to localized strains that can be larger than the remotely applied strain. The subset of fibres that sustain the majority of loading in the interface area changes with the angle of force application. Proteomic analysis detects enrichment of 22 proteins in the interfacial region that are predominantly involved in cartilage and skeletal development as well as proteoglycan metabolism. The presented mechanisms mark a guideline for further biomimetic strategies to rationally design hard-soft interfaces.

Mechanical behaviour of connections between CLT panels under monotonic and cyclic loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, HB; Huynh, A.

2018-05-01

The experimental research presented in this paper investigates the mechanical behaviour of commercial metal connections in three-ply Chinese-manufactured cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Monotonic and cyclic loading tests were conducted at Tongji University on angle bracket and joints with inclined self-tapping screws. According to the standard EN 12512, the force-displacement curves are exploited to assess the mechanical properties of the connections such as the strength capacity, yielding point, ductility and equivalent damping ratios. From the test results, the main load-carrying direction of the angle bracket is shear direction but the connection exhibits more ductile and dissipative behaviour in tension direction. In general, screwed joints demonstrate relatively brittle behaviour except in the case of shear wall-to-wall connection. Based on the capacity-based design principles, the experimental results and the failure modes are discussed to propose some design suggestions.

Degree of cure and fracture properties of experimental acid-resin modified composites under wet and dry conditions

PubMed Central

López-Suevos, Francisco; Dickens, Sabine H.

2008-01-01

Objective Evaluate the effects of core structure and storage conditions on the mechanical properties of acid-resin modified composites and a control material by three-point bending and conversion measurements 15 min and 24 h after curing. Methods The monomers pyromellitic dimethacrylate (PMDM), biphenyldicarboxylic-acid dimethacrylate (BPDM), (isopropylidene-diphenoxy)bis(phthalic-acid) dimethacrylate (IPDM), oxydiphthalic-acid dimethacrylate (ODPDM), and Bis-GMA were mixed with triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) in a 40/60 molar ratio, and photo-activated. Composite bars (Barium-oxide-glass/resin = 3/1 mass ratio, (2 × 2 × 25) mm, n = 5) were light-cured for 1 min per side. Flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (E), and work-of-fracture (WoF) were determined in three-point bending after 15 min (stored dry); and after 24 h under dry and wet storage conditions at 37 °C. Corresponding degrees of conversion (DC) were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Data was statistically analyzed (2-way analysis of variance, ANOVA, Holm-Sidak, p < 0.05). Results Post-curing significantly increased FS, E and DC in nearly all cases. WoF did not change, or even decreased with time. For all properties ANOVA found significant differences and interactions of time and material. Wet storage reduced the moduli and the other properties measured with the exception of FS and WoF of ODPDM; DC only decreased in BPDM and IPDM composites. Significance Differences in core structure resulted in significantly different physical properties of the composites studied with two phenyl rings connected by one ether linkage as in ODPDM having superior FS, WoF and DC especially after 24 h under wet conditions. As expected, post-curing significantly contributed to the final mechanical properties of the composites, while wet storage generally reduced the mechanical properties. PMID:17980422

Hypervelocity Impact Experiments on Epoxy/Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composite Panels Reinforced with Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khatiwada, Suman; Laughman, Jay W.; Armada, Carlos A.; Christiansen, Eric L.; Barrera, Enrique V.

2012-01-01

Advanced composites with multi-functional capabilities are of great interest to the designers of aerospace structures. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) reinforced with high strength fibers provide a lightweight and high strength alternative to metals and metal alloys conventionally used in aerospace architectures. Novel reinforcements such as nanofillers offer potential to improve the mechanical properties and add multi-functionality such as radiation resistance and sensing capabilities to the PMCs. This paper reports the hypervelocity impact (HVI) test results on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber composites reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT). Woven UHMWPE fabrics, in addition to providing excellent impact properties and high strength, also offer radiation resistance due to inherent high hydrogen content. SWCNT have exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. BNNT (figure 1) have high neutron cross section and good mechanical properties that add multi-functionality to this system. In this project, epoxy based UHMWPE composites containing SWCNT and BNNT are assessed for their use as bumper shields and as intermediate plates in a Whipple Shield for HVI resistance. Three composite systems are prepared to compare against one another: (I) Epoxy/UHMWPE, (II) Epoxy/UHMWPE/SWCNT and (III) Epoxy/UHMWPE/SWCNT/BNNT. Each composite is a 10.0 by 10.0 by 0.11 cm3 panel, consisting of 4 layers of fabrics arranged in cross-ply orientation. Both SWCNT and BNNT are 0.5 weight % of the fabric preform. Hypervelocity impact tests are performed using a two-stage light gas gun at Rice University

Relationship between mechanical properties and crystal structure in cocrystals and salt of paracetamol.

PubMed

Ahmed, Hamzah; Shimpi, Manishkumar R; Velaga, Sitaram P

2017-01-01

Objectives were to study mechanical properties of various solid forms of paracetamol and relate to their crystal structures. Paracetamol form I (PRA), its cocrystals with oxalic acid (PRA-OXA) and 4,4-bipyridine (PRA-BPY) and hydrochloride salt (PRA-HCL) were selected. Cocrystals and salt were scaled-up using rational crystallization methods. The resulting materials were subjected to different solid-state characterizations. The powders were sieved and 90-360 µm sieve fraction was considered. These powders were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and densities were determined. Tablets were made at applied pressures of 35-180 MPa under controlled conditions and the tablet height, diameter and hardness were measured. Tensile strength and porosity of the tablets were estimated using well known models. Crystal structures of these systems were visualized and slip planes were identified. Cocrystal and salt of PRA were physically pure. Sieved powders had comparable morphologies and particle size. The apparent and theoretical densities of powders were similar, but no clear trends were observed. The tensile strengths of these compacts were increased with increasing pressure whereas tabletability decreased in the order oxalic acid > PRA-HCL ≈ PRA-OXA > BPY > PRA-BPY. Tablet tensile strength decreases exponentially with increasing porosity with the exception of PRY-BPY and BPY. Slip plane prediction based on attachment energies may not be independently considered. However, it was possible to explain the improved mechanical properties of powders based on the crystal structure. Cocrystallization and salt formation have introduced structural features that are responsible for improved tableting properties of PRA.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 625 Alloy Fabricated by Pulsed Plasma Arc Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Fujia; Lv, Yaohui; Liu, Yuxin; Xu, Binshi; He, Peng

Pulsed plasma arc deposition (PPAD) was successfully used to fabricate the Ni-based superalloy Inconel 625 samples. The effects of three heat treatment technologies on microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-deposited material were investigated. It was found that the as-deposited structure exhibited homogenous cellular dendrite structure, which grew epitaxially along the deposition direction. Moreover, some intermetallic phases including Laves phase and MC carbides were precipitated in the interdendritic region as a result of Nb segregation. Compared with the as-deposited microstructure, the direct aged (DA) microstructure changed little except the precipitation of hardening phases γ' and γ" (Ni3Nb), which enhanced the hardness and tensile strength. But the plastic property was inferior due to the existence of brittle Laves phase. After solution and aging heat treatment (STA), a large amount of Laves particles in the interdendritic regions were dissolved, resulting in the reduction of Nb segregation and the precipitation of needle-like δ (Ni3Nb) in the interdendritic regions and grain boundaries. The hardness and tensile strength were improved without sacrificing the ductility. By homogenization and STA heat treatment (HSTA), Laves particles were dissolved into the matrix completely and resulted in recrystallized large grains with bands of annealing twins. The primary MC particles and remaining phase still appeared in the matrix and grain boundaries. Compared with the as-deposited sample, the mechanical properties decreased severely as a result of the grain growth coarsening. The failure modes of all the tensile specimens were analyzed with fractography.

Quantifying mechanical properties in a murine fracture healing system using inverse modeling: preliminary work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miga, Michael I.; Weis, Jared A.; Granero-Molto, Froilan; Spagnoli, Anna

2010-03-01

Understanding bone remodeling and mechanical property characteristics is important for assessing treatments to accelerate healing or in developing diagnostics to evaluate successful return to function. The murine system whereby mid-diaphaseal tibia fractures are imparted on the subject and fracture healing is assessed at different time points and under different therapeutic conditions is a particularly useful model to study. In this work, a novel inverse geometric nonlinear elasticity modeling framework is proposed that can reconstruct multiple mechanical properties from uniaxial testing data. To test this framework, the Lame' constants were reconstructed within the context of a murine cohort (n=6) where there were no differences in treatment post tibia fracture except that half of the mice were allowed to heal 4 days longer (10 day, and 14 day healing time point, respectively). The properties reconstructed were a shear modulus of G=511.2 +/- 295.6 kPa, and 833.3+/- 352.3 kPa for the 10 day, and 14 day time points respectively. The second Lame' constant reconstructed at λ=1002.9 +/-42.9 kPa, and 14893.7 +/- 863.3 kPa for the 10 day, and 14 day time points respectively. An unpaired Student t-test was used to test for statistically significant differences among the groups. While the shear modulus did not meet our criteria for significance, the second Lame' constant did at a value p<0.0001. Traditional metrics that are commonly used within the bone fracture healing research community were not found to be statistically significant.

Layer-by-layer assembly of nanostructured composites: Mechanics and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podsiadlo, Paul

The development of efficient methods for preparation of nanometer-sized materials and our evolving ability to manipulate the nanoscale objects have brought about a scientific and technological revolution called: nanotechnology. This revolution has been especially driven by discovery of unique nanoscale properties of the nanomaterials which are governed by their inherent size. Today, the total societal impact of nanotechnology is expected to be greater than the combined influences that the silicon integrated circuit, medical imaging, computer-aided engineering, and man-made polymers have had in the last century. Many nanomaterials were also found to possess exceptional mechanical properties. This led to tremendous interest into developing composite materials by exploiting the mechanical properties of these building blocks. In spite of a tremendous volume of work done in the field, preparation of such nanocomposites (NCs) has proven to be elusive due to inability of traditional "top-down" fabrication approaches to effectively harness properties of the nano-scale building blocks. This thesis focuses on preparation of organic/inorganic and solely organic NCs via a bottom-up nano-manufacturing approach called the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly. Two natural and inexpensive nanoscale building blocks are explored: nanosheets of Na+-montmorillonite clay (MTM) and rod-shaped nanocrystals of cellulose (CNRs). In the first part of the thesis, we present results from systematic study of mechanics of MTM-based NCs. Different compositions are explored with a goal of understanding the nanoscale mechanics. Ultimately, development of a transparent composite with record-high strength and stiffness is presented. In the second part, we present results from LBL assembly of the CNRs. We demonstrate feasibility of assembly and mechanical properties of the resulting films. We also demonstrate preparation of LBL films with anti- reflective properties from tunicate (a sea animal) CNRs. In the final part, we show preparation of high toughness and hierarchically organized NCs using two concepts: "exponential" LBL (e-LBL) assembly and charged polyurethanes. We show preparation of novel e-LBL structures and highly flexible LBL multilayers. We also demonstrate preparation of macro-scale composites from hierarchical, post-assembly consolidation of LBL sheets. This last result represents a potential paradigm change in the practice of LBL assembly by enabling transformation of the thin-films into macro-scale structures.

Mechanical robustness of the calcareous tubeworm Hydroides elegans: warming mitigates the adverse effects of ocean acidification.

PubMed

Li, Chaoyi; Meng, Yuan; He, Chong; Chan, Vera B S; Yao, Haimin; Thiyagarajan, V

2016-01-01

Development of antifouling strategies requires knowledge of how fouling organisms would respond to climate change associated environmental stressors. Here, a calcareous tube built by the tubeworm, Hydroides elegans, was used as an example to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of ocean acidification (OA), warming and reduced salinity on the mechanical properties of a tube. Tubeworms produce a mechanically weaker tube with less resistance to simulated predator attack under OA (pH 7.8). Warming (29°C) increased tube volume, tube mineral density and the tube's resistance to a simulated predatory attack. A weakening effect by OA did not make the removal of tubeworms easier except for the earliest stage, in which warming had the least effect. Reduced salinity (27 psu) did not affect tubes. This study showed that both mechanical analysis and computational modeling can be integrated with biofouling research to provide insights into how fouling communities might develop in future ocean conditions.

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Cocoons of Antherina suraka (Saturniidae, Lepidoptera), an Endemic Species Used for Silk Production in Madagascar

PubMed Central

Wu, Wen-Yen; Carney, David A.; Wagoner Johnson, Amy J.; Berenbaum, May R.

2017-01-01

Antherina suraka Boisduval (Saturniidae, Lepidoptera) produces a silken cocoon that has been the focus of efforts to create a commercial wild silk industry in Madagascar. In this study, structural and mechanical properties of the cocoon of A. suraka from two sites were measured and compared to the cocoon of Bombyx mori L. (Bombycidae, Lepidoptera) the world's most common source for silk. Results of environmental scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing showed that the silk sheet of A. suraka cocoon is less compact, with greater thickness and lower tensile strength and stiffness than that of B. mori. Confirming these results, stiffness and cell and thread density were found to be negatively correlated with thickness, and the cell and thread volumes were positively correlated with thickness. Antherina suraka showed no major differences between silk sheets from Kirindy and Isalo sites in either structural or mechanical properties, except for mean cell volume, which was greater in cocoons from Kirindy. Comparison between the two layers forming the cocoon showed that the inner layer has greater elastic modulus, denser silk distribution and lower porosity. Cocoons from both Kirindy and Isalo are suitable for sericulture. Although the inner layer of cocoon silk is of higher quality than the outer layer, the fact that both layers are of great but lower tensile strength than B. mori silk suggests that the current practice of sewing the two layers together for making one single layer fabric should be continued in efforts to produce a commercially viable product. PMID:28130459

Contribution to the physical-mechanical study of cement CRS basis of dune-sand powder and other minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahmani, Saci; Kriker, Abdelouahed

2016-07-01

The Portland cements are increasingly used for the manufacture of cement materials (mortar or concrete). Sighting the increasing demand of the cement in the field of construction, and the wealth of our country of minerals. It is time to value these local materials in construction materials and in the manufacture of cement for the manufacture of a new type of cement or for the improvement of the cement of characteristics for several reasons either technical, or ecological or economic or to improve certain properties to the State fees or hardened. The uses of mineral additions remain associated to disadvantages on the time of solidification and the development of the mechanical resistance at the young age [8]. The objective of our work is to study the effects of the incorporation of additions minerals such the pozzolan (active addition) [3], slag of blast furnace (active addition) [4] and the sand dune powder (inert addition) on the physico-mechanical properties of compositions of mortar collaborated compositions according to different binary combinations basis of these additions. This will allow selecting of optimal dosages of these combinations the more efficient, from the point of view of mechanical resistanceas well. The results of this research work confirm that the rate of 10% of pozzolan, slag or powder of dune sand contributes positively on the development of resistance in the long term, at of this proportion time,there is a decrease in the latter except for the slag (20 - 40%) [4]Seems the more effective resistors and physical properties.

Recyclability assessment of nano-reinforced plastic packaging

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

Sánchez, C., E-mail: csanchez@itene.com; Hortal, M., E-mail: mhortal@itene.com; Aliaga, C., E-mail: caliaga@itene.com

2014-12-15

Highlights: • The study compares the recyclability of polymers with and without nanoparticles. • Visual appearance, material quality and mechanical properties are evaluated. • Minor variations in mechanical properties in R-PE and R-PP with nanoparticles. • Slight degradation of R-PET which affect mechanical properties. • Colour deviations in recycled PE, PP and PET in ranges higher that 0.3 units. - Abstract: Packaging is expected to become the leading application for nano-composites by 2020 due to the great advantages on mechanical and active properties achieved with these substances. As novel materials, and although there are some current applications in the market,more » there is still unknown areas under development. One key issue to be addressed is to know more about the implications of the nano-composite packaging materials once they become waste. The present study evaluates the extrusion process of four nanomaterials (Layered silicate modified nanoclay (Nanoclay1), Calcium Carbonate (CaCO{sub 3}), Silver (Ag) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as part of different virgin polymer matrices of polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethyleneterephtalate (PET). Thus, the following film plastic materials: (PE–Nanoclay1, PE–CaCO{sub 3}, PP–Ag, PET–ZnO, PET–Ag, PET–Nanoclay1) have been processed considering different recycling scenarios. Results on recyclability show that for PE and PP, in general terms and except for some minor variations in yellowness index, tensile modulus, tensile strength and tear strength (PE with Nanoclay1, PP with Ag), the introduction of nanomaterial in the recycling streams for plastic films does not affect the final recycled plastic material in terms of mechanical properties and material quality compared to conventional recycled plastic. Regarding PET, results show that the increasing addition of nanomaterial into the recycled PET matrix (especially PET–Ag) could influence important properties of the recycled material, due to a slight degradation of the polymer, such as increasing pinholes, degradation fumes and elongation at break. Moreover, it should be noted that colour deviations were visible in most of the samples (PE, PP and PET) in levels higher than 0.3 units (limit perceivable by the human eye). The acceptance of these changes in the properties of recycled PE, PP and PET will depend on the specific applications considered (e.g. packaging applications are more strict in material quality that urban furniture or construction products)« less

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) by graphene via activation of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signal circuit.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaowei; Zheng, Shang; Ye, Yuanzhou; Wu, Yuchen; Lin, Kaili; Su, Jiansheng

2018-05-01

The reconstruction of bone defects by guiding autologous bone tissue regeneration with artificial biomaterials is a potential strategy in the area of bone tissue engineering. The development of new polymers with good biocompatibility, favorable mechanical properties, and osteoinductivity is of vital importance. Graphene and its derivatives have attracted extensive interests due to the exceptional physiochemical and biological properties of graphene. In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) films incorporated by graphene nanoplates were fabricated. The results indicated that the incorporation of proper graphene nanoplates into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) film could enhance the adhesion and proliferation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). The augmentation of alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium mineral deposition, and the expression level of osteogenic-related genes of rBMSCs on the composite films were observed. Moreover, the incorporation of graphene might activate the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, which appeared to be the mechanism behind the osteoinductive properties of graphene. Moreover, the in vivo furcation defect implantation results revealed better guiding bone regeneration properties in the graphene-incorporated group. Thus, we highlight this graphene-incorporated film as a promising platform for the growth and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs that can achieve application in bone regeneration.

Impacts of Near-Future Ocean Acidification and Warming on the Shell Mechanical and Geochemical Properties of Gastropods from Intertidal to Subtidal Zones.

PubMed

Leung, Jonathan Y S; Connell, Sean D; Nagelkerken, Ivan; Russell, Bayden D

2017-11-07

Many marine organisms produce calcareous shells as the key structure for defense, but the functionality of shells may be compromised by ocean acidification and warming. Nevertheless, calcifying organisms may adaptively modify their shell properties in response to these impacts. Here, we examined how reduced pH and elevated temperature affect shell mechanical and geochemical properties of common grazing gastropods from intertidal to subtidal zones. Given the greater environmental fluctuations in the intertidal zone, we hypothesized that intertidal gastropods would exhibit more plastic responses in shell properties than subtidal gastropods. Overall, three out of five subtidal gastropods produced softer shells at elevated temperature, while intertidal gastropods maintained their shell hardness at both elevated pCO 2 (i.e., reduced pH) and temperature. Regardless of pH and temperature, degree of crystallization was maintained (except one subtidal gastropod) and carbonate polymorph remained unchanged in all tested species. One intertidal gastropod produced less soluble shells (e.g., higher calcite/aragonite) in response to reduced pH. In contrast, subtidal gastropods produced only aragonite which has higher solubility than calcite. Overall, subtidal gastropods are expected to be more susceptible than intertidal gastropods to shell dissolution and physical damage under future seawater conditions. The increased vulnerability to shell dissolution and predation could have serious repercussions for their survival and ecological contributions in the future subtidal environment.

Survey of ion plating sources. [conferences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1979-01-01

Based on the type of evaporation source, gaseous media and mode of transport, the following is discussed: resistance, electron beam, sputtering, reactive and ion beam evaporation. Ionization efficiencies and ion energies in the glow discharge determine the percentage of atoms which are ionized under typical ion plating conditions. The plating flux consists of a small number of energetic ions and a large number of energetic neutrals. The energy distribution ranges from thermal energies up to a maximum energy of the discharge. The various reaction mechanisms which contribute to the exceptionally strong adherence - formation of a graded sustrate/coating interface are not fully understood, however the controlling factors are evaluated. The influence of process variables on the nucleation and growth characteristics are illustrated in terms of morphological changes which affect the mechanical and tribological properties of the coating.

Materials science. Dynamic mechanical behavior of multilayer graphene via supersonic projectile penetration.

PubMed

Lee, Jae-Hwang; Loya, Phillip E; Lou, Jun; Thomas, Edwin L

2014-11-28

Multilayer graphene is an exceptional anisotropic material due to its layered structure composed of two-dimensional carbon lattices. Although the intrinsic mechanical properties of graphene have been investigated at quasi-static conditions, its behavior under extreme dynamic conditions has not yet been studied. We report the high-strain-rate behavior of multilayer graphene over a range of thicknesses from 10 to 100 nanometers by using miniaturized ballistic tests. Tensile stretching of the membrane into a cone shape is followed by initiation of radial cracks that approximately follow crystallographic directions and extend outward well beyond the impact area. The specific penetration energy for multilayer graphene is ~10 times more than literature values for macroscopic steel sheets at 600 meters per second. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Tensile Properties of Hydrogels and of Snake Skin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinkley, Jeffrey A.; Savitzky, Alan H.; Rivera, Gabriel; Gehrke, Stevin H.

2002-01-01

Stimulus-responsive or 'smart' gels are of potential interest as sensors and actuators, in industrial separations, and as permeable delivery systems. In most applications, a certain degree of mechanical strength and toughness will be required, yet the large-strain behavior of gels has not been widely reported. Some exceptions include work on gelatin and other food gels, some characterization of soft gels applicable for in-vitro cell growth studies, and toughness determinations on commercial contact lens materials. In general, it can be anticipated that the gel stiffness will increase with increasing degree of crosslinking, but the tensile strength may go through a maximum. Gel properties can be tailored by varying not only the degree of crosslinking, but also the polymer concentration and the nature of the polymer backbone (e.g. its stiffness or solubility). Polypeptides provide an especially interesting case, where secondary structure affects trends in moduli and conformational transitions may accompany phase changes. A few papers on the tensile properties of responsive gels have begun to appear. The responsive hydrogel chosen for the present study, crosslinked hydroxypropylcellulose, shrinks over a rather narrow temperature range near 44 C. Some vertebrate skin is also subject to substantial strain. Among reptiles, the morphologies of the skin and scales show wide variations. Bauer et al. described the mechanical properties and histology of gecko skin; longitudinal tensile properties of snake skin were examined by Jayne with reference to locomotion. The present measurements focus on adaptations related to feeding, including the response of the skin to circumferential tension. Tensile properties will be related to interspecific and regional variation in skin structure and folding.

Program Helps To Determine Chemical-Reaction Mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bittker, D. A.; Radhakrishnan, K.

1995-01-01

General Chemical Kinetics and Sensitivity Analysis (LSENS) computer code developed for use in solving complex, homogeneous, gas-phase, chemical-kinetics problems. Provides for efficient and accurate chemical-kinetics computations and provides for sensitivity analysis for variety of problems, including problems involving honisothermal conditions. Incorporates mathematical models for static system, steady one-dimensional inviscid flow, reaction behind incident shock wave (with boundary-layer correction), and perfectly stirred reactor. Computations of equilibrium properties performed for following assigned states: enthalpy and pressure, temperature and pressure, internal energy and volume, and temperature and volume. Written in FORTRAN 77 with exception of NAMELIST extensions used for input.

A quantitative comparison of resolution, scanning speed and lifetime behavior of CVD grown Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes and silicon SPM probes using spectral methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krause, O.; Bouchiat, V.; Bonnot, A. M.

2007-03-01

Due to their extreme aspect ratios and exceptional mechanical properties Carbon Nanotubes terminated silicon probes have proven to be the ''ideal'' probe for Atomic Force Microscopy. But especially for the manufacturing and use of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes there are serious problems, which have not been solved until today. Here, Single and Double Wall Carbon Nanotubes, batch processed and used as deposited by Chemical Vapor Deposition without any postprocessing, are compared to standard and high resolution silicon probes concerning resolution, scanning speed and lifetime behavior.

Synthesis of collagenase-sensitive polyureas for ligament tissue engineering.

PubMed

Benhardt, Hugh; Sears, Nick; Touchet, Tyler; Cosgriff-Hernandez, Elizabeth

2011-08-11

Recently, poly(ester urethanes) were investigated for use as ligament grafts due to their exceptional mechanical properties and highly tunable structure; however, these grafts are susceptible to hydrolytic degradation that occurs independent of tissue regeneration. To address this limitation, polyureas containing collagen-derived peptides were synthesized which enable cellular release of proteases to dictate degradation rate. It is hypothesized that this cell-responsive design will facilitate load transfer from the biodegradable scaffold to neotissue at a rate that promotes proper tissue orientation and function while maintaining construct integrity. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hierarchical assembly strategy and multiscale structural origin of exceptional mechanical performance in nacre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zaiwang

Nacre (mother of pearl) is a self-assembled hierarchical nanocomposite in possession of exquisite multiscale architecture and exceptional mechanical properties. Previous work has shown that the highly-ordered brick-mortar-like structure in nacre is assembled via epitaxial growth and the aragonite platelets are pure single-crystals. Our results challenge this conclusion and propose that nacre's individual aragonite platelets are constructed with highly-aligned aragonite nanoparticles mediated by screw dislocation and amorphous aggregation. The underlying physics mechanism why the aragonite nanoparticles choose highly-oriented attachment as its crystallization pathway is rationalized in terms of thermodynamics. The aragonite nanoparticle order-disorder transformation can be triggered by high temperature and mechanical deformation, which in turn confirms that the aragonite nanoparticles are basic building blocks for aragonite platelets. Particularly fascinating is the fracture toughness enhancement of nacre through exquisitely collecting mechanically inferior calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and biomolecules. The sandwich-like microarchitecture with a geometrically staggered arrangement can induce crack deflection along its biopolymer interface, thus significantly enhancing nacre's fracture toughness. Our new findings ambiguously demonstrate that, aside from crack deflection, the advancing crack can invade aragonite platelet, leaving a zigzag crack propagation pathway. These unexpected experimental observations disclose, for the first time, the inevitable structural role of aragonite platelets in enhancing nacre's fracture toughness. Simultaneously, the findings that the crack propagates in a zigzag manner within individual aragonite platelets overturn the previously well-established wisdom that considers aragonite platelets as brittle single-crystals. Moreover, we investigated the dynamical mechanical response of nacre under unixial compression. Our results show that the high strain rate sensitivity reaching ˜0.1 can be directly related to the localized plastic activation volume. Nacre's hierarchical energy-dissipation mechanism under dynamic compression loading comes from a mechanical optimization derived from its inherently multiscale functional structure design.

Effect of Fly-Ash Cenospheres on Properties of Clay-Ceramic Syntactic Foams

PubMed Central

Rugele, Kristine; Lehmhus, Dirk; Hussainova, Irina; Peculevica, Julite; Lisnanskis, Marks; Shishkin, Andrei

2017-01-01

A low-density clay ceramic syntactic foam (CSF) composite material was successfully synthesized from illitic clay added by fly ash cenospheres (CS) using the semi-dry formation method. The content of CS varied in the range of 10, 30, 50 and 60 vol %. Furthermore, reference samples without cenospheres were produced for property comparison. The materials comprising different amount of the additives were fired at temperatures of 600, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150 and 1200 °C. Firing times were kept constant at 30 min. Processing characteristics of the materials were evaluated in terms of density achieved and shrinkage observed as functions of both the CS content and the sintering temperature. The compressive strength and water uptake were determined as application-oriented properties. Except for the reference and the low CS level samples, the materials show an increase in strength with the increase in firing temperature, and a decrease of mechanical reliability with a decrease in density, which is typical for porous materials. Exceptions are the samples with no or low (10 vol %) content of cenospheres. In this case, the maximum strength is obtained at an intermediate sintering temperature of 1100 °C. At a low density (1.10 and 1.25 g/cm3), the highest levels of strength are obtained after sintering at 1200 °C. For nominal porosity levels of 50 and 60 vol %, 41 and 26 MPa peak stresses, respectively, are recorded under compressive load. PMID:28773190

Effect of nano-oxide concentration on the mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer.

PubMed

Han, Ying; Kiat-amnuay, Sudarat; Powers, John M; Zhao, Yimin

2008-12-01

Contemporary silicone-based elastomeric prostheses tend to degrade over time because of the effect of mechanical loading. Little has been reported on how the mechanical properties of a maxillofacial prosthetic elastomer may be affected by the addition of nanosized oxide particles used as an opacifier. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of nanosized oxides of various composition on the mechanical properties of a commercially available silicone elastomer. Nanosized oxides (Ti, Zn, or Ce) were added in various concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, or 3.0% by weight) to a commercial silicone elastomer (A-2186), commonly used for fabricating extraoral maxillofacial prostheses. Silicone elastomer A-2186 without nanosized oxides served as a control group. Specimens (n=5) were polymerized according to manufacturer's recommendations and tested for tensile strength (ASTM D412) and tear strength (ASTM D624), and percent elongation in a universal testing machine. Uniformity of particle dispersion within the processed elastomer was assessed using scanning electron microscopic imaging. For each property, a 2-way ANOVA was performed evaluating the effect of oxide type and strength, and Fisher's PLSD test was used for pairwise comparisons (alpha=.05). SEM examination indicated that all 3 nanosized oxides distribute evenly throughout the silicone specimens, except for the 3.0% group, which are partly agglomerated. The 2.0% and 2.5% groups of all nanosized oxides demonstrated significantly higher tensile and tear strengths and percent elongation (P<.001) than the control group. CeO(2) had significantly lower tensile strength than TiO2 and ZnO (P<.05). The ZnO group had significantly higher tear strength than TiO(2) and CeO(2) (P <.05). Most of specimens became somewhat harder when compared with the control group. CeO(2) group had significantly higher Shore A hardness than TiO(2) and ZnO (P<.001). There was no significant difference of percent elongation among the type of nanosized oxides. Incorporation of Ti, Zn, or Ce nano-oxides at concentrations of 2.0% and 2.5% improved the overall mechanical properties of the silicone A-2186 maxillofacial elastomer.

Spark plasma sintering of tantalum carbide and graphene reinforced tantalum carbide composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalluri, Ajith Kumar

Tantalum carbide (TaC), an ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC), is well known for its exceptional properties such as high hardness (15-19 GPa), melting point (3950 °C), elastic modulus (537 GPa), chemical resistance, and thermal shock resistance. To make TaC to be the future material for hypersonic vehicles, it is required to improve its thermal conductivity, strength, and fracture toughness. Researchers have previously reinforced TaC ceramic with carbides of silicon and boron as well as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), however, these reinforcements either undergo chemical changes or induce defects in the matrix during processing. In addition, these reinforcements exhibit a very minimal improvement in the properties. In the present work, we attempted to improve TaC fracture toughness by reinforcing with graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) and processing through spark plasma sintering at high temperature of 2000 °C, pressure of 70 MPa, and soaking time of 10 min. In addition, we investigated the active densification mechanism during SPS of TaC powder and the effect of ball milling time on mechanical properties of sintered TaC. A relative density of >96% was achieved using SPS of monolithic TaC (<3 μm). Ball milling improved the sintering kinetics and improved the mechanical properties (microhardness, bi-axial flexural strength, and indentation fracture toughness). Activation energy (100 kJ/mol) and stress exponent (1.2) were obtained using the analytical model developed for power-law creep. Grain boundary sliding is proposed as active densification mechanism based on these calculations. Reinforcing GNPs (2-6 vol.% ) in the TaC matrix improved relative density (99.8% for TaC-6 vol.% GNP). Also ˜150% and ˜180% increase in flexural strength and fracture toughness, respectively, was observed for TaC-6 vol.% GNP composite. The significant improvement in these properties is attributed to improved densification and toughening mechanisms such as sheet pull-out and crack deflection due to reinforcement of graphene. Uniform dispersion of GNPs in the TaC matrix is observed from microstructural analysis. Raman spectroscopy analysis also indicated that GNPs are successfully retained in sintered TaC-GNP composites without any damage.

Nanoscale origins of the damage tolerance of the high-entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi

DOE PAGES

Zhang, ZiJiao; Mao, M. M.; Wang, Jiangwei; ...

2015-12-09

Damage tolerance can be an elusive characteristic of structural materials requiring both high strength and ductility, properties that are often mutually exclusive. High-entropy alloys are of interest in this regard. Specifically, the single-phase CrMnFeCoNi alloy displays tensile strength levels of ~1 GPa, excellent ductility (~60–70%) and exceptional fracture toughness (KJIc>200M Pa√m). Here through the use of in situ straining in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, we report on the salient atomistic to micro-scale mechanisms underlying the origin of these properties. We identify a synergy of multiple deformation mechanisms, rarely achieved in metallic alloys, which generates high strength, work hardening andmore » ductility, including the easy motion of Shockley partials, their interactions to form stacking-fault parallelepipeds, and arrest at planar slip bands of undissociated dislocations. In conclusion, we further show that crack propagation is impeded by twinned, nanoscale bridges that form between the near-tip crack faces and delay fracture by shielding the crack tip.« less

Nanoscale origins of the damage tolerance of the high-entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi

PubMed Central

Zhang, ZiJiao; Mao, M. M.; Wang, Jiangwei; Gludovatz, Bernd; Zhang, Ze; Mao, Scott X.; George, Easo P.; Yu, Qian; Ritchie, Robert O.

2015-01-01

Damage tolerance can be an elusive characteristic of structural materials requiring both high strength and ductility, properties that are often mutually exclusive. High-entropy alloys are of interest in this regard. Specifically, the single-phase CrMnFeCoNi alloy displays tensile strength levels of ∼1 GPa, excellent ductility (∼60–70%) and exceptional fracture toughness (KJIc>200 MPa√m). Here through the use of in situ straining in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, we report on the salient atomistic to micro-scale mechanisms underlying the origin of these properties. We identify a synergy of multiple deformation mechanisms, rarely achieved in metallic alloys, which generates high strength, work hardening and ductility, including the easy motion of Shockley partials, their interactions to form stacking-fault parallelepipeds, and arrest at planar slip bands of undissociated dislocations. We further show that crack propagation is impeded by twinned, nanoscale bridges that form between the near-tip crack faces and delay fracture by shielding the crack tip. PMID:26647978

Architecture and material properties of diatom shells provide effective mechanical protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamm, Christian E.; Merkel, Rudolf; Springer, Olaf; Jurkojc, Piotr; Maier, Christian; Prechtel, Kathrin; Smetacek, Victor

2003-02-01

Diatoms are the major contributors to phytoplankton blooms in lakes and in the sea and hence are central in aquatic ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. All free-living diatoms differ from other phytoplankton groups in having silicified cell walls in the form of two `shells' (the frustule) of manifold shape and intricate architecture whose function and role, if any, in contributing to the evolutionary success of diatoms is under debate. We explored the defence potential of the frustules as armour against predators by measuring their strength. Real and virtual loading tests (using calibrated glass microneedles and finite element analysis) were performed on centric and pennate diatom cells. Here we show that the frustules are remarkably strong by virtue of their architecture and the material properties of the diatom silica. We conclude that diatom frustules have evolved as mechanical protection for the cells because exceptional force is required to break them. The evolutionary arms race between diatoms and their specialized predators will have had considerable influence in structuring pelagic food webs and biogeochemical cycles.

Reliability of assessment of upper trapezius morphology, its mechanical properties and blood flow in female patients with myofascial pain syndrome using ultrasonography.

PubMed

Adigozali, Hakimeh; Shadmehr, Azadeh; Ebrahimi, Esmail; Rezasoltani, Asghar; Naderi, Farrokh

2017-01-01

In the present study, the intra-rater reliability of upper trapezius morphology, its mechanical properties and intramuscular blood circulation in females with myofascial pain syndrome were assessed using ultrasonography. A total of 37 patients (31.05 ± 10 years old) participated in this study. Ultrasonography producer was set up in three stages: a) Gray-scale: to measure muscle thickness, size and area of trigger points; b) Ultrasound elastography: to measure muscle stiffness; and c) Doppler imaging: to assess blood flow indices. According to data analysis, all variables, except End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), had excellent reliability (>0.806). Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for EDV was 0.738, which was considered a poor to good reliability. The results of this study introduced a reliable method for developing details of upper trapezius features using muscular ultrasonography in female patients. These variables could be used for objective examination and provide guidelines for treatment plans in clinical settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of fibers and fabrication processes on mechanical properties of neutron irradiated SiC/SiC composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nozawa, T.; Hinoki, T.; Katoh, Y.; Kohyama, A.

2002-12-01

Radiation effects on flexural properties of SiC/SiC composites fabricated by forced thermal gradient chemical vapor infiltration (F-CVI) process, reaction sintered (RS) process and polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) process were investigated. In this study, neutron irradiation at 1073 K up to 0.4×10 25 n/m 2 ( E>0.1 MeV) was performed. For F-CVI and RS SiC/SiC, due to the irradiation damage of interphase like pyrolytic carbon and boron nitride, which were sensitive to neutron irradiation, composite stiffness was slightly decreased. On the contrary, for PIP SiC/SiC, there was no significant change in stiffness before and after irradiation. Composite strength, however, was nearly stable against high-temperature irradiation with such a low fluence, except for RS SiC/SiC, since mechanical characteristics of fiber and matrix themselves were still stable to neutron irradiation. However RS SiC/SiC had a slight reduction of flexural strength due to the severe degradation of the interface by neutron irradiation.

Temperature effect of elastic anisotropy and internal strain development in advanced nanostructured alloys: An in-situ synchrotron X-ray investigation

DOE PAGES

Gan, Yingye; Mo, Kun; Yun, Di; ...

2017-03-19

Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) are promising structural materials for advanced nuclear systems due to their exceptional radiation tolerance and high-temperature mechanical properties. Their remarkable properties result from the ultrafine ultrahigh density Y-Ti-O nanoclusters dispersed within the ferritic matrix. In this work, we performed in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction tests to study the tensile deformation process of the three types of NFAs: 9YWTV, 14YWT-sm13, and 14YWT-sm170 at both room temperature and elevated temperatures. A technique was developed, combining Kroner's model and X-ray measurement, to determine the intrinsic monocrystal elastic-stiffness constants, and polycrystal Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the NFAs. Temperature dependencemore » of elastic anisotropy was observed in the NFAs. Lastly, an analysis of intergranular strain and strengthening factors determined that 14YWT-sm13 had a higher resistance to temperature softening compared to 9YWTV, attributed to the more effective nanoparticle strengthening during high-temperature mechanical loading.« less

Architecture and material properties of diatom shells provide effective mechanical protection.

PubMed

Hamm, Christian E; Merkel, Rudolf; Springer, Olaf; Jurkojc, Piotr; Maier, Christian; Prechtel, Kathrin; Smetacek, Victor

2003-02-20

Diatoms are the major contributors to phytoplankton blooms in lakes and in the sea and hence are central in aquatic ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. All free-living diatoms differ from other phytoplankton groups in having silicified cell walls in the form of two 'shells' (the frustule) of manifold shape and intricate architecture whose function and role, if any, in contributing to the evolutionary success of diatoms is under debate. We explored the defence potential of the frustules as armour against predators by measuring their strength. Real and virtual loading tests (using calibrated glass microneedles and finite element analysis) were performed on centric and pennate diatom cells. Here we show that the frustules are remarkably strong by virtue of their architecture and the material properties of the diatom silica. We conclude that diatom frustules have evolved as mechanical protection for the cells because exceptional force is required to break them. The evolutionary arms race between diatoms and their specialized predators will have had considerable influence in structuring pelagic food webs and biogeochemical cycles.

Temperature effect of elastic anisotropy and internal strain development in advanced nanostructured alloys: An in-situ synchrotron X-ray investigation

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

Gan, Yingye; Mo, Kun; Yun, Di

2017-04-01

Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) are a promising structural material for advanced nuclear systems due to their exceptional radiation tolerance and high-temperature mechanical properties. Their remarkable properties result from the ultrafine ultrahigh density Y-Ti-O nanoclusters dispersed within the ferritic matrix. In this work, we performed in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction tests to study the tensile deformation process of the three types of NFAs: 9YWTV, 14YWT-sm13, and 14YWT-sm170 at both room temperature and elevated temperatures. A technique was developed, combining Kroner’s model and X-ray measurement, to determine the intrinsic monocrystal elastic-stiffness constants, and polycrystal Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the NFAs. Temperaturemore » dependence of elastic anisotropy was observed in the NFAs. An analysis of intergranular strain and strengthening factors determined that 14YWT-sm13 had a higher resistance to temperature softening compared to 9YWTV, attributed to the more effective nanoparticle strengthening during high-temperature mechanical loading.« less

Damage prediction of 7025 aluminum alloy during equal-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi, M.; Attarilar, Sh.; Gode, C.; Djavanroodi, F.

2014-10-01

Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a prominent technique that imposes severe plastic deformation into materials to enhance their mechanical properties. In this research, experimental and numerical approaches were utilized to investigate the mechanical properties, strain behavior, and damage prediction of ECAPed 7025 aluminum alloy in various conditions, such as die channel angle, outer corner angle, and friction coefficient. Experimental results indicate that, after the first pass, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and hardness magnitude are improved by approximately 95%, 28%, and 48.5%, respectively, compared with the annealed state, mainly due to grain refinement during the deformation. Finite element analysis shows that the influence of die channel angle is more important than that of outer corner angle or friction coefficient on both the strain behavior and the damage prediction. Also, surface cracks are the main cause of damage during the ECAP process for every die channel angle except for 90°; however, the cracks initiated from the neighborhood of the central regions are the possible cause of damage in the ECAPed sample with the die channel angle of 90°.

Property rights in human gametes in Australia.

PubMed

White, Vanessa

2013-03-01

It has long been a basic tenet of the common law that there can be no property interest in human bodies or body parts. However, exceptions to the rule have been recognised from the mid-19th century and developed over time. In the early 21st century, there have been interesting developments in the common law of Australia and England, with Australian Supreme Court judges and the English Court of Appeal casting aside existing exceptions, and finding property rights in human body parts, including gametes, by relying instead on a "rational" and "logical" basis to identify property interests in human body parts.

Large-area low-temperature ultrananocrystaline diamond (UNCD) films and integration with CMOS devices for monolithically integrated diamond MEMD/NEMS-CMOS systems.

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

Sumant, A.V.; Auciello, O.; Yuan, H.-C

2009-05-01

Because of exceptional mechanical, chemical, and tribological properties, diamond has a great potential to be used as a material for the development of high-performance MEMS and NEMS such as resonators and switches compatible with harsh environments, which involve mechanical motion and intermittent contact. Integration of such MEMS/NEMS devices with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) microelectronics will provide a unique platform for CMOS-driven commercial MEMS/NEMS. The main hurdle to achieve diamond-CMOS integration is the relatively high substrate temperatures (600-800 C) required for depositing conventional diamond thin films, which are well above the CMOS operating thermal budget (400 C). Additionally, a materialsmore » integration strategy has to be developed to enable diamond-CMOS integration. Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD), a novel material developed in thin film form at Argonne, is currently the only microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) grown diamond film that can be grown at 400 C, and still retain exceptional mechanical, chemical, and tribological properties comparable to that of single crystal diamond. We have developed a process based on MPCVD to synthesize UNCD films on up to 200 mm in diameter CMOS wafers, which will open new avenues for the fabrication of monolithically integrated CMOS-driven MEMS/NEMS based on UNCD. UNCD films were grown successfully on individual Si-based CMOS chips and on 200 mm CMOS wafers at 400 C in a MPCVD system, using Ar-rich/CH4 gas mixture. The CMOS devices on the wafers were characterized before and after UNCD deposition. All devices were performing to specifications with very small degradation after UNCD deposition and processing. A threshold voltage degradation in the range of 0.08-0.44V and transconductance degradation in the range of 1.5-9% were observed.« less

High thermal conductivity in soft elastomers with elongated liquid metal inclusions.

PubMed

Bartlett, Michael D; Kazem, Navid; Powell-Palm, Matthew J; Huang, Xiaonan; Sun, Wenhuan; Malen, Jonathan A; Majidi, Carmel

2017-02-28

Soft dielectric materials typically exhibit poor heat transfer properties due to the dynamics of phonon transport, which constrain thermal conductivity ( k ) to decrease monotonically with decreasing elastic modulus ( E ). This thermal-mechanical trade-off is limiting for wearable computing, soft robotics, and other emerging applications that require materials with both high thermal conductivity and low mechanical stiffness. Here, we overcome this constraint with an electrically insulating composite that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, an elastic compliance similar to soft biological tissue (Young's modulus < 100 kPa), and the capability to undergo extreme deformations (>600% strain). By incorporating liquid metal (LM) microdroplets into a soft elastomer, we achieve a ∼25× increase in thermal conductivity (4.7 ± 0.2 W⋅m -1 ⋅K -1 ) over the base polymer (0.20 ± 0.01 W⋅m -1 ·K -1 ) under stress-free conditions and a ∼50× increase (9.8 ± 0.8 W⋅m -1 ·K -1 ) when strained. This exceptional combination of thermal and mechanical properties is enabled by a unique thermal-mechanical coupling that exploits the deformability of the LM inclusions to create thermally conductive pathways in situ. Moreover, these materials offer possibilities for passive heat exchange in stretchable electronics and bioinspired robotics, which we demonstrate through the rapid heat dissipation of an elastomer-mounted extreme high-power LED lamp and a swimming soft robot.

Fire-Retardant, Self-Extinguishing Inorganic/Polymer Composite Memory Foams.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Soumyajyoti; Shanmuganathan, Kadhiravan; Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy

2017-12-27

Polymeric foams used in furniture and automotive and aircraft seating applications rely on the incorporation of environmentally hazardous fire-retardant additives to meet fire safety norms. This has occasioned significant interest in novel approaches to the elimination of fire-retardant additives. Foams based on polymer nanocomposites or based on fire-retardant coatings show compromised mechanical performance and require additional processing steps. Here, we demonstrate a one-step preparation of a fire-retardant ice-templated inorganic/polymer hybrid that does not incorporate fire-retardant additives. The hybrid foams exhibit excellent mechanical properties. They are elastic to large compressional strain, despite the high inorganic content. They also exhibit tunable mechanical recovery, including viscoelastic "memory". These hybrid foams are prepared using ice-templating that relies on a green solvent, water, as a porogen. Because these foams are predominantly comprised of inorganic components, they exhibit exceptional fire retardance in torch burn tests and are self-extinguishing. After being subjected to a flame, the foam retains its porous structure and does not drip or collapse. In micro-combustion calorimetry, the hybrid foams show a peak heat release rate that is only 25% that of a commercial fire-retardant polyurethanes. Finally, we demonstrate that we can use ice-templating to prepare hybrid foams with different inorganic colloids, including cheap commercial materials. We also demonstrate that ice-templating is amenable to scale up, without loss of mechanical performance or fire-retardant properties.

Additively manufactured biodegradable porous magnesium.

PubMed

Li, Y; Zhou, J; Pavanram, P; Leeflang, M A; Fockaert, L I; Pouran, B; Tümer, N; Schröder, K-U; Mol, J M C; Weinans, H; Jahr, H; Zadpoor, A A

2018-02-01

An ideal bone substituting material should be bone-mimicking in terms of mechanical properties, present a precisely controlled and fully interconnected porous structure, and degrade in the human body to allow for full regeneration of large bony defects. However, simultaneously satisfying all these three requirements has so far been highly challenging. Here we present topologically ordered porous magnesium (WE43) scaffolds based on the diamond unit cell that were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and satisfy all the requirements. We studied the in vitro biodegradation behavior (up to 4 weeks), mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the developed scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the AM porous WE43 (E = 700-800 MPa) scaffolds were found to fall into the range of the values reported for trabecular bone even after 4 weeks of biodegradation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical tests and µCT revealed a unique biodegradation mechanism that started with uniform corrosion, followed by localized corrosion, particularly in the center of the scaffolds. Biocompatibility tests performed up to 72 h showed level 0 cytotoxicity (according to ISO 10993-5 and -12), except for one time point (i.e., 24 h). Intimate contact between cells (MG-63) and the scaffolds was also observed in SEM images. The study shows for the first time that AM of porous Mg may provide distinct possibilities to adjust biodegradation profile through topological design and open up unprecedented opportunities to develop multifunctional bone substituting materials that mimic bone properties and enable full regeneration of critical-size load-bearing bony defects. The ideal biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration should be bone-mimicking in terms of mechanical properties, present a fully interconnected porous structure, and exhibit a specific biodegradation behavior to enable full regeneration of bony defects. Recent advances in additive manufacturing have resulted in biomaterials that satisfy the first two requirements but simultaneously satisfying the third requirement has proven challenging so far. Here we present additively manufactured porous magnesium structures that have the potential to satisfy all above-mentioned requirements. Even after 4 weeks of biodegradation, the mechanical properties of the porous structures were found to be within those reported for native bone. Moreover, our comprehensive electrochemical, mechanical, topological, and biological study revealed a unique biodegradation behavior and the limited cytotoxicity of the developed biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Grain Refinement on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Carbide/Zirconia Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasser, Ali; Kassem, Mohamed A.; Elsayed, Ayman; Gepreel, Mohamed A.; Moniem, Ahmed A.

2016-11-01

WC-W2C/ZrO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by pressure-less sintering (PS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) of tungsten carbide/yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia, WC/TZ-3Y. Prior to sintering, WC/TZ-3Y powders were totally ball-milled for 20 and 120 h to obtain targeted nano (N) and nano-nano (N-N) structures, indicated by transmission electron microscopy and powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD). The milled powders were processed via PS at temperatures of 1773 and 1973 K for 70 min and SPS at 1773 K for 10 min. PXRD as well as SEM-EDS indicated the formation of WC-W2C/ZrO2 composites after sintering. The mechanical properties were characterized via Vicker microhardness and nanoindentation techniques indicating enhancements for sufficiently consolidated composites with high W2C content. The effects of reducing particle sizes on phase transformation, microstructure and mechanical properties are reported. In general, the composites based on the N structure showed higher microhardness than those for N-N structure, except for the samples PS-sintered at 1773 K. For instance, after SPS at 1773 K, the N structure showed a microhardness of 18.24 GPa. Nanoindentation measurements revealed that nanoscale hardness up to 22.33 and 25.34 GPa and modulus of elasticity up to 340 and 560 GPa can be obtained for WC-W2C/ZrO2 nanocomposites synthesized by the low-cost PS at 1973 K and by SPS at 1773 K, respectively.

Physicochemical properties of marine collagen-alginate biomaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soon, K. S.; Hii, S. L.; Wong, C. L.; Leong, L. K.; Woo, K. K.

2017-12-01

Collagen base biomaterials are widely applied in the field of tissue engineering. However, these fibrous proteins in animal connective tissues are insufficient to fulfill the mechanical properties for such applications. Therefore, alginate as a natural polysaccharide was incorporated. In this study, Smooth wolf herring skins was collected from the local fish ball processing industry for collagen extraction using acid solubilisation method. On the other hand, alginate from brown seaweed (Sargassum polycystum) was extracted with calcium carbonate at 50 °C. The composite films of different collagen and alginate ratio were prepared by lyophilisation with pure collagen film as control. The effects of alginate on swelling behaviour, porosity, collagenase degradation and tensile strength of the composite films were investigated. Swelling behaviour increased with alginate content, 50 % alginate film achieved 1254.75 % swelling after 24 h. All composite films achieved more than 80 % porosity except the film with 80 % collagen (65.41 %). Porosity was highest in 100 % alginate (94.30 %). Highest tensile strength (1585.87 kPa) and young modulus (27.05 MPa) was found in 50 % alginate film. In addition, resistance to collagenase degradation was improved with alginate content, lowest degradation rate was determined in 80 % alginate film. Results indicated alginate is efficient in improving some mechanical properties of the composite film.

Scalable Synthesis of Freestanding Sandwich-structured Graphene/Polyaniline/Graphene Nanocomposite Paper for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Fei; Yang, Shengxiong; Zhang, Zheye; Liu, Hongfang; Xiao, Junwu; Wan, Lian; Luo, Jun; Wang, Shuai; Liu, Yunqi

2015-03-01

We reported a scalable and modular method to prepare a new type of sandwich-structured graphene-based nanohybrid paper and explore its practical application as high-performance electrode in flexible supercapacitor. The freestanding and flexible graphene paper was firstly fabricated by highly reproducible printing technique and bubbling delamination method, by which the area and thickness of the graphene paper can be freely adjusted in a wide range. The as-prepared graphene paper possesses a collection of unique properties of highly electrical conductivity (340 S cm-1), light weight (1 mg cm-2) and excellent mechanical properties. In order to improve its supercapacitive properties, we have prepared a unique sandwich-structured graphene/polyaniline/graphene paper by in situ electropolymerization of porous polyaniline nanomaterials on graphene paper, followed by wrapping an ultrathin graphene layer on its surface. This unique design strategy not only circumvents the low energy storage capacity resulting from the double-layer capacitor of graphene paper, but also enhances the rate performance and cycling stability of porous polyaniline. The as-obtained all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor exhibits high energy density, high power density, excellent cycling stability and exceptional mechanical flexibility, demonstrative of its extensive potential applications for flexible energy-related devices and wearable electronics.

Layer and doping tunable ferromagnetic order in two-dimensional Cr S2 layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cong; Zhou, Xieyu; Pan, Yuhao; Qiao, Jingsi; Kong, Xianghua; Kaun, Chao-Cheng; Ji, Wei

2018-06-01

Interlayer coupling is of vital importance for manipulating physical properties, e.g., electronic band gap, in two-dimensional materials. However, tuning magnetic properties in these materials is yet to be addressed. Here, we found the in-plane magnetic orders of Cr S2 mono and few layers are tunable between striped antiferromagnetic (sAFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) orders by manipulating charge transfer between Cr t2 g and eg orbitals. Such charge transfer is realizable through interlayer coupling, direct charge doping, or substituting S with Cl atoms. In particular, the transferred charge effectively reduces a portion of Cr4 + to Cr3 +, which, together with delocalized S p orbitals and their resulting direct S-S interlayer hopping, enhances the double-exchange mechanism favoring the FM rather than sAFM order. An exceptional interlayer spin-exchange parameter was revealed over -10 meV , an order of magnitude stronger than available results of interlayer magnetic coupling. It addition, the charge doping could tune Cr S2 between p - and n -doped magnetic semiconductors. Given these results, several prototype devices were proposed for manipulating magnetic orders using external electric fields or mechanical motion. These results manifest the role of interlayer coupling in modifying magnetic properties of layered materials and shed considerable light on manipulating magnetism in these materials.

Scalable Synthesis of Freestanding Sandwich-structured Graphene/Polyaniline/Graphene Nanocomposite Paper for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Xiao, Fei; Yang, Shengxiong; Zhang, Zheye; Liu, Hongfang; Xiao, Junwu; Wan, Lian; Luo, Jun; Wang, Shuai; Liu, Yunqi

2015-01-01

We reported a scalable and modular method to prepare a new type of sandwich-structured graphene-based nanohybrid paper and explore its practical application as high-performance electrode in flexible supercapacitor. The freestanding and flexible graphene paper was firstly fabricated by highly reproducible printing technique and bubbling delamination method, by which the area and thickness of the graphene paper can be freely adjusted in a wide range. The as-prepared graphene paper possesses a collection of unique properties of highly electrical conductivity (340 S cm−1), light weight (1 mg cm−2) and excellent mechanical properties. In order to improve its supercapacitive properties, we have prepared a unique sandwich-structured graphene/polyaniline/graphene paper by in situ electropolymerization of porous polyaniline nanomaterials on graphene paper, followed by wrapping an ultrathin graphene layer on its surface. This unique design strategy not only circumvents the low energy storage capacity resulting from the double-layer capacitor of graphene paper, but also enhances the rate performance and cycling stability of porous polyaniline. The as-obtained all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor exhibits high energy density, high power density, excellent cycling stability and exceptional mechanical flexibility, demonstrative of its extensive potential applications for flexible energy-related devices and wearable electronics. PMID:25797022

Development and characterization of biodegradable chitosan films containing two essential oils.

PubMed

Shen, Zhu; Kamdem, Donatien Pascal

2015-03-01

Active biodegradable films from chitosan containing 10% to 30% w/w of citronella essential oil (CEO) and cedarwood oil (CWO) were developed by casting and solvent-evaporation method, and their physical, mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. Possible interactions between the chitosan chains and the essential oils were confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Various amounts of CEO or CWO had significant effects on the films' mechanical properties, with the exception of 10% of CEO, which did not significantly affect the tensile strength of the films. The incorporation of the two tested oils provoked a remarkable reduction in the water-vapor permeability properties, with a decrease of about 63% when 30% CEO was added in chitosan films. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that degradation temperatures of the films containing CEO and CWO improved only slightly in comparison to control films without essential oils. FTIR spectra analysis provided some insights on the possible interactions between chitosan and the two essential oils used. This study suggests that active films can be developed by including CEO and CWO in a chitosan matrix. Such films can provide new formulation options for packaging industries in developing active packaging with potential food-technology applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Scalable synthesis of freestanding sandwich-structured graphene/polyaniline/graphene nanocomposite paper for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor.

PubMed

Xiao, Fei; Yang, Shengxiong; Zhang, Zheye; Liu, Hongfang; Xiao, Junwu; Wan, Lian; Luo, Jun; Wang, Shuai; Liu, Yunqi

2015-03-23

We reported a scalable and modular method to prepare a new type of sandwich-structured graphene-based nanohybrid paper and explore its practical application as high-performance electrode in flexible supercapacitor. The freestanding and flexible graphene paper was firstly fabricated by highly reproducible printing technique and bubbling delamination method, by which the area and thickness of the graphene paper can be freely adjusted in a wide range. The as-prepared graphene paper possesses a collection of unique properties of highly electrical conductivity (340 S cm(-1)), light weight (1 mg cm(-2)) and excellent mechanical properties. In order to improve its supercapacitive properties, we have prepared a unique sandwich-structured graphene/polyaniline/graphene paper by in situ electropolymerization of porous polyaniline nanomaterials on graphene paper, followed by wrapping an ultrathin graphene layer on its surface. This unique design strategy not only circumvents the low energy storage capacity resulting from the double-layer capacitor of graphene paper, but also enhances the rate performance and cycling stability of porous polyaniline. The as-obtained all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor exhibits high energy density, high power density, excellent cycling stability and exceptional mechanical flexibility, demonstrative of its extensive potential applications for flexible energy-related devices and wearable electronics.

Antimicrobial and biocompatible properties of nanomaterials.

PubMed

Ul-Islam, M; Shehzad, A; Khan, S; Khattak, W A; Ullah, M W; Park, J K

2014-01-01

The rapid development of drug-resistant characteristics in pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal species and the consequent spread of infectious diseases are currently receiving serious attention. Indeed, there is a pressing demand to explore novel materials and develop new strategies that can address these issues of serious concern. Nanomaterials are currently proving to be the most capable therapeutic agents to cope with such hazards. The exceptional physiochemical properties and impressive antimicrobial capabilities of nanoparticles have provoked their utilization in biomedical fields. Nanomaterials of both organic and inorganic nature have shown the capabilities of disrupting microbial cells through different mechanisms. Along with the direct influence on the microbial cell membrane, DNA and proteins, these nanomaterials produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cell components and viruses. Currently, a serious hazard associated with these antimicrobial nanomaterials is their toxicity to human and animal cells. Extensive studies have reported the dose, time, and cell-dependent toxicology of various nanomaterials, and some have shown excellent biocompatible properties. Nevertheless, there is still debate regarding the use of nanomaterials for medical applications. Therefore, in this review, the antimicrobial activities of various nanomaterials with details of their acting mechanisms were compiled. The relative toxic and biocompatible behavior of nanomaterials emphasized in this study provides information pertaining to their practical applicability in medical fields.

Cryogenic mechanical properties of low density superplastically formable Al-Li alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verzasconi, S. L.; Morris, J. W., Jr.

1989-01-01

The aerospace industry is considering the use of low density, superplastically formable (SPF) materials, such as Al-Li alloys in cryogenic tankage. SPF modifications of alloys 8090, 2090, and 2090+In were tested for strength and Kahn tear toughness. The results were compared to those of similar tests of 2219-T87, an alloy currently used in cryogenic tankage, and 2090-T81, a recently studied Al-Li alloy with exceptional cryogenic properties (1-9). With decreasing temperature, all materials showed an increase in strength, while most materials showed an increase in elongation and decrease in Kahn toughness. The indium addition to 2090 increased alloy strength, but did not improve the strength-toughness combination. The fracture mode was predominantly intergranular along small, recrystallized grains, with some transgranular fracture, some ductile rupture, and some delamination on large, unrecrystallized grains.

Standard model group: Survival of the fittest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, H. B.; Brene, N.

1983-09-01

The essential content of this paper is related to random dynamics. We speculate that the world seen through a sub-Planck-scale microscope has a lattice structure and that the dynamics on this lattice is almost completely random, except for the requirement that the random (plaquette) action is invariant under some "world (gauge) group". We see that the randomness may lead to spontaneous symmetry breakdown in the vacuum (spontaneous collapse) without explicit appeal to any scalar field associated with the usual Higgs mechanism. We further argue that the subgroup which survives as the end product of a possible chain of collapses is likely to have certain properties; the most important is that it has a topologically connected center. The standard group, i.e. the group of the gauge theory which combines the Salam-Weinberg model with QCD, has this property.

Cu1–xFexO: hopping transport and ferromagnetism

PubMed Central

Nasir, Mohd.; Islam, Rakibul; Ahmed, Md. A; Ayaz, Saniya; Kumar, Gautham; Kumar, Sunil; Prajapat, C. L.; Roussel, Frederick; Biring, Sajal

2017-01-01

Single phase, sol–gel prepared Cu1–xFexO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.125) powders are characterized in terms of structural, electronic and magnetic properties. Using dielectric and magnetic studies we investigate the coupling of electron and spin. The electrical conductivities and activation energies are studied with increasing Fe content. Modelling of experimental conductivity data emphasizes a single hopping mechanism for all samples except x = 0.125, which have two activation energies. Hole doping is confirmed by confirming a majority Fe3+ substitution of Cu2+ in CuO from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies (XPS). Such a substitution results in stabilized ferromagnetism. Fe substitution introduces variation in coercivity as an intrinsic magnetic property in Fe-doped CuO, and not as a secondary impurity phase. PMID:28989741

46 CFR 113.35-3 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION AND ALARM...-propelled vessel, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, must have an electric or mechanical... must be electrically separate and independent, except that a single mechanical operator control device...

46 CFR 113.35-3 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION AND ALARM...-propelled vessel, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, must have an electric or mechanical... must be electrically separate and independent, except that a single mechanical operator control device...

46 CFR 113.35-3 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION AND ALARM...-propelled vessel, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, must have an electric or mechanical... must be electrically separate and independent, except that a single mechanical operator control device...

46 CFR 113.35-3 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION AND ALARM...-propelled vessel, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, must have an electric or mechanical... must be electrically separate and independent, except that a single mechanical operator control device...

46 CFR 113.35-3 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION AND ALARM...-propelled vessel, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, must have an electric or mechanical... must be electrically separate and independent, except that a single mechanical operator control device...

Prospects for graphene–nanoparticle-based hybrid sensors

PubMed Central

Yin, Perry T.; Kim, Tae-Hyung; Choi, Jeong-Woo; Lee, Ki-Bum

2014-01-01

Graphene is a single-atom thick, two-dimensional sheet of carbon that is characterized by exceptional chemical, electrical, material, optical, and physical properties. As a result, graphene and related materials, such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, have been brought to the forefront in the field of sensing. Recently, a number of reports have demonstrated that graphene–nanoparticle hybrid structures can act synergistically to offer a number of unique physicochemical properties that are desirable and advantageous for sensing applications. These graphene–nanoparticle hybrid structures are particularly interesting because not only do they display the individual properties of the nanoparticles and of graphene, but they can also exhibit additional synergistic properties thereby enhancing the achievable sensitivity and selectivity using a variety of sensing mechanisms. As such, in this perspective, we will discuss the progress that has been made in the development and application of graphene–nanoparticle hybrid sensors and their future prospects. In particular, we will focus on the preparation of graphene–nanoparticle hybrid structures as well as their application in electronic, electrochemical, and optical sensors. PMID:23828095

Evaluation of nanohydroxyapaptite (nano-HA) coated epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) cross-linked collagen membranes.

PubMed

Chu, Chenyu; Deng, Jia; Man, Yi; Qu, Yili

2017-09-01

Collagen is the main component of extracellular matrix (ECM) with desirable biological activities and low antigenicity. Collagen materials have been widely utilized in guided bone regeneration (GBR) surgery due to its abilities to maintain space for hard tissue growth. However, pure collagen lacks optimal mechanical properties. In our previous study, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) cross-linked collagen membranes, with better biological activities and enhanced mechanical properties, may promote osteoblast proliferation, but their effect on osteoblast differentiation is not very significant. Nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) is the main component of mineral bone, which possesses exceptional bioactivity properties including good biocompatibility, high osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity, non-immunogenicity and non-inflammatory behavior. Herein, by analyzing the physical and chemical properties as well as the effects on promoting bone regeneration, we have attempted to present a novel EGCG-modified collagen membrane with nano-HA coating, and have found evidence that the novel collagen membrane may promote bone regeneration with a better surface morphology, without destroying collagen backbone. To evaluate the surface morphologies, chemical and mechanical properties of pure collagen membranes, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) cross-linked collagen membranes, nano-HA coated collagen membranes, nano-HA coated EGCG-collagen membranes, (ii) to evaluate the bone regeneration promoted by theses membranes. In the present study, collagen membranes were divided into 4 groups: (1) untreated collagen membranes (2) EGCG cross-linked collagen membranes (3) nano-HA modified collagen membranes (4) nano-HA modified EGCG-collagen membranes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate surface morphologies and chemical properties, respectively. Mechanical properties were determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and elastic modulus (EM) measurements. Then in 12 rats, 4 types of membranes were randomly applied to cover the rat calvarial defects. The animals were sacrificed at 8weeks. Histologic analyses were performed using Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's Trichrome stains. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests was applied. HA nanoparticles were fairly well distributed nanoparticles among the collagen fibers on the nano-HA-modified EGCG-collagen membranes, with smoother surface. Moreover, collagen membranes with modifications all maintained their collagen backbone and the mechanical properties were enhanced by EGCG and nano-HA treatments. In addition, EGCG cross-linked collagen membranes with nano-HA coatings promoted bone regeneration. Nano-HA modified EGCG-collagen membranes can be utilized as a barrier membrane to enhance the bone regeneration in GBR surgeries. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Students' Strategies for Exception Handling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rashkovits, Rami; Lavy, Ilana

2011-01-01

This study discusses and presents various strategies employed by novice programmers concerning exception handling. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: we provide an analysis tool to measure the level of assimilation of exception handling mechanism; we present and analyse strategies to handle exceptions; we present and analyse…

Black Phosphorus and its Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Choi, Jane Ru; Yong, Kar Wey; Choi, Jean Yu; Nilghaz, Azadeh; Lin, Yang; Xu, Jie; Lu, Xiaonan

2018-01-01

Black phosphorus (BP), also known as phosphorene, has attracted recent scientific attention since its first successful exfoliation in 2014 owing to its unique structure and properties. In particular, its exceptional attributes, such as the excellent optical and mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and electron-transfer capacity, contribute to its increasing demand as an alternative to graphene-based materials in biomedical applications. Although the outlook of this material seems promising, its practical applications are still highly challenging. In this review article, we discuss the unique properties of BP, which make it a potential platform for biomedical applications compared to other 2D materials, including graphene, molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), tungsten diselenide (WSe2) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). We then introduce various synthesis methods of BP and review its latest progress in biomedical applications, such as biosensing, drug delivery, photoacoustic imaging and cancer therapies (i.e., photothermal and photodynamic therapies). Lastly, the existing challenges and future perspective of BP in biomedical applications are briefly discussed. PMID:29463996

Effect of Thread and Rotating Speed on Material Flow Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Lap Welding Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Shude; Li, Zhengwei; Zhou, Zhenlu; Wu, Baosheng

2017-10-01

This study focused on the effects of thread on hook and cold lap formation, lap shear property and impact toughness of alclad 2024-T4 friction stir lap welding (FSLW) joints. Except the traditional threaded pin tool (TR-tool), three new tools with different thread locations and orientations were designed. Results showed that thread significantly affected hook, cold lap morphologies and lap shear properties. The tool with tip-threaded pin (T-tool) fabricated joint with flat hook and cold lap, which resulted in shear fracture mode. The tools with bottom-threaded pin (B-tool) eliminated the hook. The tool with reverse-threaded pin (R-tool) widened the stir zone width. When using configuration A, the joints fabricated by the three new tools showed higher failure loads than the joint fabricated by the TR-tool. The joint using the T-tool owned the optimum impact toughness. This study demonstrated the significance of thread during FSLW and provided a reference to optimize tool geometry.

Development of orthotropic birefringent materials for photoelastic stress analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniel, I. M.; Niiro, T.; Koller, G. M.

1981-01-01

Materials were selected and fabrication procedures developed for orthotropic birefringent materials. An epoxy resin (Maraset 658/558 system) was selected as the matrix material. Fibers obtained from style 3733 glass cloth and type 1062 glass roving were used as reinforcement. Two different fabrication procedures were used. In the first one, layers of unidirectional fibers removed from the glass cloth were stacked, impregnated with resin, bagged and cured in the autoclave at an elevated temperature. In the second procedure, the glass roving was drywound over metal frames, impregnated with resin and cured at room temperature under pressure and vacuum in an autoclave. Unidirectional, angle-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates of two thicknesses and with embedded flaws were fabricated. The matrix and the unidirectional glass/epoxy material were fully characterized. The density, fiber volume ratio, mechanical, and optical properties were determined. The fiber volume ratio was over 0.50. Birefringent properties were in good agreement with predictions based on a stress proportioning concept and also, with one exception, with properties predicted by a finite element analysis.

In situ synchrotron tensile investigations on 14YWT, MA957, and 9-Cr ODS alloys

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

Lin, Jun-Li; Mo, Kun; Yun, Di

2016-04-01

Advanced ODS alloys provide exceptional radiation tolerance and high-temperature mechanical properties when compared to traditional ferritic and ferritic/martensitic 9F/M) steels. Their remarkable properties result from ultrahigh density and ultrafine size of Y-Ti-O nanoclusters within the ferritic matrix. In this work, we applied a high-energy synchrotron radiation X-ray to study the deformation process of three advanced ODS materials including 14YWT, MA957, and 9-Cr ODS steel. Only the relatively large nanoparticles in the 9-Cr ODS were observed in the synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The nanoclusters in both 14YWT and MA957 were invisible in the measurement due to their non-stoichiometric nature. Due to themore » different sizes of nanoparticles and nanoclusters in the materials, the Orowan looping was considered to be the major strengthening mechanism in the 9-Cr ODS, while the dispersed-barrier-hardening is dominant strengthening mechanism in both 14YWT and MA957, This analysis was inferred from the different build-up rates of dislocation density when plastic deformation was initiated. Finally, the dislocation densities interpreted from the X-ray measurements were successfully modeled using the Bergstrom's dislocation models. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.« less

Mechanical Alloying of W-Mo-V-Cr-Ta High Entropy Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Sujit; Robi, P. S.

2018-04-01

Recent years have seen the emergence of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of five or more elements in equi-atomic or near equi-atomic ratios. These alloys in single phase solid solution exhibit exceptional mechanical properties viz., high strength at room and elevated temperatures, reasonable ductility and stable microstructure over a wide range of temperatures making it suitable for high temperature structural materials. In spite of the attractive properties, processing of these materials remains a challenge. Reports regarding fabrication and characterisation of a few refractory HEA systems are available. The processing of these alloys have been carried out by arc melting of small button sized materials. The present paper discusses the development of a novel refractory W-Mo-V-Cr-Ta HEA powder based on a new alloy design concept. The powder mixture was milled for time periods up to 64 hours. Single phase alloy powder having body centred cubic structure was processed by mechanical alloying. The milling characteristics and extent of alloying during the ball milling were characterized using X-ray diffractiometre (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). A single phase solid solution alloy powder having body-centred cubic (BCC) structure with a lattice parameter of 3.15486 Å was obtained after milling for 32 hours.

Mechanisms contributing to the dopamine induction of crawl-like bursting in leech motoneurons.

PubMed

Crisp, Kevin M; Gallagher, Brian R; Mesce, Karen A

2012-09-01

Dopamine (DA) activates fictive crawling behavior in the medicinal leech. To identify the cellular mechanisms underlying this activation at the level of crawl-specific motoneuronal bursting, we targeted potential cAMP-dependent events that are often activated through DA(1)-like receptor signaling pathways. We found that isolated ganglia produced crawl-like motoneuron bursting after bath application of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDIs) that upregulated cAMP. This bursting persisted in salines in which calcium ions were replaced with equimolar cobalt or nickel, but was blocked by riluzole, an inhibitor of a persistent sodium current. PDI-induced bursting contained a number of patterned elements that were statistically similar to those observed during DA-induced fictive crawling, except that one motoneuron (CV) exhibited bursting during the contraction rather than the elongation phase of crawling. Although DA and the PDIs produced similar bursting profiles, intracellular recordings from motoneurons revealed differences in altered membrane properties. For example, DA lowered motoneuron excitability whereas the PDIs increased resting discharge rates. We suggest that PDIs (and DA) activate a sodium-influx-dependent timing mechanism capable of setting the crawl rhythm and that multiple DA receptor subtypes are involved in shaping and modulating the phase relationships and membrane properties of cell-specific members of the crawl network to generate crawling.

Polymer excipients enable sustained drug release in low pH from mechanically strong inorganic geopolymers

PubMed Central

Jämstorp, Erik; Yarra, Tejaswi; Cai, Bing; Engqvist, Håkan; Bredenberg, Susanne; Strømme, Maria

2012-01-01

Improving acid resistance, while maintaining the excellent mechanical stability is crucial in the development of a sustained and safe oral geopolymer dosage form for highly potent opioids. In the present work, commercially available Methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymer, Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and Alginate polymer excipients were included in dissolved or powder form in geopolymer pellets to improve the release properties of Zolpidem, herein acting as a model drug for the highly potent opioid Fentanyl. Scanning electron microscopy, compression strength tests and drug release experiments, in gastric pH 1 and intestinal pH 6.8 conditions, were performed. The polymer excipients, with an exception for PEG, reduced the drug release rate in pH 1 due to their ability to keep the pellets in shape, in combination with the introduction of an insoluble excipient, and thereby maintain a barrier towards drug diffusion and release. Neither geopolymer compression strength nor the release in pH 6.8 was considerably impaired by the incorporation of the polymer excipients. The geopolymer/polymer composites combine high mechanical strength and good release properties under both gastric and intestinal pH conditions, and are therefore promising oral dosage forms for sustained release of highly potent opioids. PMID:25755991

41 CFR 60-30.36 - Exceptions to recommendations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... recommendations. 60-30.36 Section 60-30.36 Public Contracts and Property Management Other Provisions Relating to... EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 Expedited Hearing Procedures § 60-30.36 Exceptions to recommendations. Within 10 days... said recommendations. Exceptions may be responded to by other parties within 7 days after receipt by...

41 CFR 60-30.36 - Exceptions to recommendations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... recommendations. 60-30.36 Section 60-30.36 Public Contracts and Property Management Other Provisions Relating to... EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 Expedited Hearing Procedures § 60-30.36 Exceptions to recommendations. Within 10 days... said recommendations. Exceptions may be responded to by other parties within 7 days after receipt by...

36 CFR 51.42 - Are there exceptions to this compensable interest prohibition?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... compensable interest prohibition? 51.42 Section 51.42 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL PARK... exceptions to this compensable interest prohibition? Two exceptions to this compensable interest prohibition... owned in fee simple by a concessioner or owned in fee simple by a concessioner's predecessor before the...

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes: Characterization, modeling and composite applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shiren

Carbon nanotubes have demonstrated exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, and are regarded as one of the most promising reinforcement materials for the next generation of high performance structural and multifunctional composites. However, to date, most application attempts have been hindered by several technical roadblocks, such as poor dispersion and weak interfacial bonding. In this dissertation, several innovative functionalization methods were proposed, studied to overcome these technical issues in order to realize the full potential of nanotubes as reinforcement. These functionalization methods included precision sectioning of nanotubes using an ultra-microtome, electron-beam irradiation, amino and epoxide group grafting. The characterization results of atomic force microscope, transmission electronic microscope and Raman suggested that aligned carbon nanotubes can be precisely sectioned with controlled length and minimum sidewall damage. This study also designed and demonstrated new covalent functionalization approaches through unique epoxy-grafting and one-step amino-grafting, which have potential of scale-up for composite applications. In addition, the dissertation also successfully tailored the structure and properties of the thin nanotube film through electron beam irradiation. Significant improvement of both mechanical and electrical conducting properties of the irradiated nanotube films or buckypapers was achieved. All these methods demonstrated effectiveness in improving dispersion and interfacial bonding in the epoxy resin, resulting in considerable improvements in composite mechanical properties. Modeling of functionalization methods also provided further understanding and offered the reasonable explanations of SWNTs length distribution as well as carbon nanostructure transformation upon electron-beam irradiation. Both experimental and modeling results provide important foundations for the further comprehensively investigation of nanotube functionalization, and hence facilitate realization of the full potential of nanotube-reinforced nanocomposites.

Chandra/ACIS-I Study of the X-Ray Properties of the NGC 6611 and M16 Stellar Populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guarcello, M. G.; Caramazza, M.; Micela, G.; Sciortino, S.; Drake, J. J.; Prisinzano, L.

2012-07-01

Mechanisms regulating the origin of X-rays in young stellar objects and the correlation with their evolutionary stage are under debate. Studies of the X-ray properties in young clusters allow us to understand these mechanisms. One ideal target for this analysis is the Eagle Nebula (M16), with its central cluster NGC 6611. At 1750 pc from the Sun, it harbors 93 OB stars, together with a population of low-mass stars from embedded protostars to disk-less Class III objects, with age <=3 Myr. We study an archival 78 ks Chandra/ACIS-I observation of NGC 6611 and two new 80 ks observations of the outer region of M16, one centered on the Column V and the other on a region of the molecular cloud with ongoing star formation. We detect 1755 point sources with 1183 candidate cluster members (219 disk-bearing and 964 disk-less). We study the global X-ray properties of M16 and compare them with those of the Orion Nebula Cluster. We also compare the level of X-ray emission of Class II and Class III stars and analyze the X-ray spectral properties of OB stars. Our study supports the lower level of X-ray activity for the disk-bearing stars with respect to the disk-less members. The X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of M16 is similar to that of Orion, supporting the universality of the XLF in young clusters. Eighty-five percent of the O stars of NGC 6611 have been detected in X-rays. With only one possible exception, they show soft spectra with no hard components, indicating that mechanisms for the production of hard X-ray emission in O stars are not operating in NGC 6611.

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2T - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Procedure 68-23 that tax avoidance was not one of the principal purposes of the transaction. (e) Special... Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)-2T Exception for transfers of property for use in the active...

Flow-driven alignment of carbon nanotubes during floating evaporative self assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berson, Arganthael; Jinkins, Katherine; Chan, Jason; Brady, Gerald; Gronski, Kjerstin; Gopalan, Padma; Evensen, Harold; Arnold, Michael

2017-11-01

Individual semi-conducting single-wall carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) exhibit exceptional electronic properties, which makes them promising candidates for the next generation of semi-conductor electronics. In practice, field-effect transistors (FETs) are fabricated from arrays of s-SWCNTs deposited onto a substrate. In order to achieve high electronic performance, the s-SWCNTs in these arrays must be densely packed and well aligned. Floating Evaporative Self Assembly (FESA) is a new deposition technique developed at the UW-Madison that can achieve such high-quality s-SWCNT alignment. For example, it was used to fabricate the first s-SWCNT-based FETs to outperform gallium arsenide and silicon FETs. In FESA, a droplet of ink containing the s-SWCNTs is deposited onto a pool of water. The ink spreads on the water surface towards a substrate that is vertically pulled out of the water. A band of aligned s-SWCNTs is deposited with each drop of ink. High-speed imaging is combined with cross-polarized microscopy to elucidate the mechanisms behind the exceptional alignment of s-SWCNTs. Two key mechanisms are 1) the collection of s-SWCNTs at the ink-water interface and 2) the depinning of the air-ink-substrate contact line. Avenues for scaling up FESA will be presented.

39 CFR 601.103 - Applicability and coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OTHER THAN PATENTS PURCHASING OF PROPERTY AND SERVICES § 601.103 Applicability and coverage. The regulations contained in this part apply to all Postal Service acquisition of property (except real property) and services. ...

39 CFR 601.103 - Applicability and coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OTHER THAN PATENTS PURCHASING OF PROPERTY AND SERVICES § 601.103 Applicability and coverage. The regulations contained in this part apply to all Postal Service acquisition of property (except real property) and services. ...

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Cocoons of Antherina suraka (Saturniidae, Lepidoptera), an Endemic Species Used for Silk Production in Madagascar.

PubMed

Randrianandrasana, Maminirina; Wu, Wen-Yen; Carney, David A; Wagoner Johnson, Amy J; Berenbaum, May R

2017-01-01

Antherina suraka Boisduval (Saturniidae, Lepidoptera) produces a silken cocoon that has been the focus of efforts to create a commercial wild silk industry in Madagascar. In this study, structural and mechanical properties of the cocoon of A. suraka from two sites were measured and compared to the cocoon of Bombyx mori L. (Bombycidae, Lepidoptera) the world's most common source for silk. Results of environmental scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing showed that the silk sheet of A. suraka cocoon is less compact, with greater thickness and lower tensile strength and stiffness than that of B. mori Confirming these results, stiffness and cell and thread density were found to be negatively correlated with thickness, and the cell and thread volumes were positively correlated with thickness. Antherina suraka showed no major differences between silk sheets from Kirindy and Isalo sites in either structural or mechanical properties, except for mean cell volume, which was greater in cocoons from Kirindy. Comparison between the two layers forming the cocoon showed that the inner layer has greater elastic modulus, denser silk distribution and lower porosity. Cocoons from both Kirindy and Isalo are suitable for sericulture. Although the inner layer of cocoon silk is of higher quality than the outer layer, the fact that both layers are of great but lower tensile strength than B. mori silk suggests that the current practice of sewing the two layers together for making one single layer fabric should be continued in efforts to produce a commercially viable product. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Entomological Society of America.

A first-principles study of the structural, mechanical and electronic properties of precipitates of Al2Cu in Al-Cu alloys.

PubMed

Ouyang, Y F; Chen, H M; Tao, X M; Gao, F; Peng, Q; Du, Y

2018-01-03

The properties of precipitates are important in understanding the strengthening mechanism via precipitation during heat treatment and the aging process in Al-Cu based alloys, where the formation of precipitates is sensitive to temperature and pressure. Here we report a first-principles investigation of the effect of temperature and pressure on the structural stability, elastic constants and formation free energy for precipitates of Al 2 Cu, as well as their mechanical properties. Based on the formation enthalpy of Guinier-Preston (GP(I)) zones, the size of the GP(I) zone is predicted to be about 1.4 nm in diameter, which is in good agreement with experimental observations. The formation enthalpies of the precipitates are all negative, suggesting that they are all thermodynamically stable. The present calculations reveal that entropy plays an important role in stabilizing θ-Al 2 Cu compared with θ C '-Al 2 Cu. The formation free energies of θ''-Al 3 Cu, θ C '-Al 2 Cu, θ D '-Al 5 Cu 3 and θ t '-Al 11 Cu 7 increase with temperature, while those of θ'-Al 2 Cu, θ O '-Al 2 Cu and θ-Al 2 Cu decrease. The same trend is observed with the effect of pressure. The calculated elastic constants for the considered precipitation phases indicate that they are all mechanically stable and anisotropic, except θ C '-Al 2 Cu. θ D '-Al 5 Cu 3 has the highest Vicker's hardness. The electronic structures are also calculated to gain insight into the bonding characteristics. The present results can help in understanding the formation of precipitates by different treatment processes.

Hidden negative linear compressibility in lithium l-tartrate.

PubMed

Yeung, Hamish H-M; Kilmurray, Rebecca; Hobday, Claire L; McKellar, Scott C; Cheetham, Anthony K; Allan, David R; Moggach, Stephen A

2017-02-01

By decoupling the mechanical behaviour of building units for the first time in a wine-rack framework containing two different strut types, we show that lithium l-tartrate exhibits NLC with a maximum value, K max = -21 TPa -1 , and an overall NLC capacity, χ NLC = 5.1%, that are comparable to the most exceptional materials to date. Furthermore, the contributions from molecular strut compression and angle opening interplay to give rise to so-called "hidden" negative linear compressibility, in which NLC is absent at ambient pressure, switched on at 2 GPa and sustained up to the limit of our experiment, 5.5 GPa. Analysis of the changes in crystal structure using variable-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction reveals new chemical and geometrical design rules to assist the discovery of other materials with exciting hidden anomalous mechanical properties.

28 CFR 63.9 - Exception.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Exception. Nothing in these guidelines shall apply to assistance provided for emergency work essential to save lives and protect property and public health and safety performed pursuant to sections 305 and 306...

Mechanical property, biocorrosion and in vitro biocompatibility evaluations of Mg-Li-(Al)-(RE) alloys for future cardiovascular stent application.

PubMed

Zhou, W R; Zheng, Y F; Leeflang, M A; Zhou, J

2013-11-01

Mg-Li-based alloys were investigated for future cardiovascular stent application as they possess excellent ductility. However, Mg-Li binary alloys exhibited reduced mechanical strengths due to the presence of lithium. To improve the mechanical strengths of Mg-Li binary alloys, aluminum and rare earth (RE) elements were added to form Mg-Li-Al ternary and Mg-Li-Al-RE quarternary alloys. In the present study, six Mg-Li-(Al)-(RE) alloys were fabricated. Their microstructures, mechanical properties and biocorrosion behavior were evaluated by using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, tensile tests, immersion tests and electrochemical measurements. Microstructure characterization indicated that grain sizes were moderately refined by the addition of rare earth elements. Tensile testing showed that enhanced mechanical strengths were obtained, while electrochemical and immersion tests showed reduced corrosion resistance caused by intermetallic compounds distributed throughout the magnesium matrix in the rare-earth-containing Mg-Li alloys. Cytotoxicity assays, hemolysis tests as well as platelet adhesion tests were performed to evaluate in vitro biocompatibilities of the Mg-Li-based alloys. The results of cytotoxicity assays clearly showed that the Mg-3.5Li-2Al-2RE, Mg-3.5Li-4Al-2RE and Mg-8.5Li-2Al-2RE alloys suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation after 5day incubation, while the Mg-3.5Li, Mg-8.5Li and Mg-8.5Li-1Al alloys were proven to be tolerated. In the case of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the Mg-Li-based alloys showed no significantly reduced cell viabilities except for the Mg-8.5Li-2Al-2RE alloy, with no obvious differences in cell viability between different culture periods. With the exception of Mg-8.5Li-2Al-2RE, all of the other Mg-Li-(Al)-(RE) alloys exhibited acceptable hemolysis ratios, and no sign of thrombogenicity was found. These in vitro experimental results indicate the potential of Mg-Li-(Al)-(RE) alloys as biomaterials for future cardiovascular stent application and the worthiness of investigating their biodegradation behaviors in vivo. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

41 CFR 109-1.5101 - Official use of personal property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... property. Personal property shall be used only in the performance of official work of the United States Government, except: (a) In emergencies threatening loss of life or property as authorized by law; (b) As...

High performance light-colored nitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites.

PubMed

Lei, Yanda; Guo, Baochun; Chen, Feng; Zhu, Lixin; Zhou, Wenyou; Jia, Demin

2011-12-01

High mechanical performance nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) with light color was fabricated by the method of in situ formation of zinc disorbate (ZDS) or magnesium disorbate (MDS). The in situ formed ZDS and its polymerization via internal mixing was confirmed by X-ray diffaraction. The mechanical properties, ageing resistance, morphology and the dynamic mechanical analysis were fully studied. It was found that with increasing loading of metallic disorbate both the curing rate and the ionic crosslink density was largely increased. The modulus, tensile strength and tear strength were largely increased. With a comparison between internal mixing and opening mixing, the mechanical performance for the former one was obviously better than the latter one. The high performance was ascribed to the finely dispersion nano domains with irregular shape and obscure interfacial structures. Except for the NBR vulcanizate with a high loading of MDS, the others' ageing resistance with incorporation of these two metallic disorbate was found to be good. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that, with increasing loading of metallic disorbate, the highly increased storage modulus above -20 degrees C, the up-shifted glass transition temperature (Tg) and the reduced mechanical loss were ascribed to strengthened interfacial interactions.

Ink-jet printing of graphene for flexible electronics: An environmentally-friendly approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capasso, A.; Del Rio Castillo, A. E.; Sun, H.; Ansaldo, A.; Pellegrini, V.; Bonaccorso, F.

2015-12-01

Mechanical flexibility is considered an asset in consumer electronics and next-generation electronic systems. Printed and flexible electronic devices could be embedded into clothing or other surfaces at home or office or in many products such as low-cost sensors integrated in transparent and flexible surfaces. In this context inks based on graphene and related two-dimensional materials (2DMs) are gaining increasing attention owing to their exceptional (opto)electronic, electrochemical and mechanical properties. The current limitation relies on the use of solvents, providing stable dispersions of graphene and 2DMs and fitting the proper fluidic requirements for printing, which are in general not environmentally benign, and with high boiling point. Non-toxic and low boiling point solvents do not possess the required rheological properties (i.e., surface tension, viscosity and density) for the solution processing of graphene and 2DMs. Such solvents (e.g., water, alcohols) require the addition of stabilizing agents such as polymers or surfactants for the dispersion of graphene and 2DMs, which however unavoidably corrupt their properties, thus preventing their use for the target application. Here, we demonstrate a viable strategy to tune the fluidic properties of water/ethanol mixtures (low-boiling point solvents) to first effectively exfoliate graphite and then disperse graphene flakes to formulate graphene-based inks. We demonstrate that such inks can be used to print conductive stripes (sheet resistance of ~13 kΩ/□) on flexible substrates (polyethylene terephthalate), moving a step forward towards the realization of graphene-based printed electronic devices.

Low-Velocity Impact Wear Behavior of Ball-to-Flat Contact Under Constant Kinetic Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhang; Cai, Zhen-bing; Chen, Zhi-qiang; Sun, Yang; Zhu, Min-hao

2017-11-01

The impact tests were conducted on metallic materials with different bulk hardness and Young's moduli. Analysis of the dynamics response during the tribological process showed that the tested materials had similar energy absorption, where the peak contact force increased as the tests continued. Moreover, wear volume decreased with the increase in Young's modulus of metals, except for Cr with a relatively low hardness. Wear rate was gradually reduced to a steady stage with increasing cycles, which was attributed to the decrease in contact stress and work-hardening effect. The main wear mechanism of impact was characterized by delamination, and the specific surface degradation mechanisms were depending on the mechanical properties of materials. The absorbed energy was used to the propagation of micro-cracks in the subsurface instead of plastic deformation, when resistance of friction wear and plastic behavior was improved. Hence, both the hardness and Young's modulus played important roles in the impact wear of metallic materials.

Cycling excitation process: An ultra efficient and quiet signal amplification mechanism in semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu-Hsin; Yan, Lujiang; Zhang, Alex Ce; Hall, David; Niaz, Iftikhar Ahmad; Zhou, Yuchun; Sham, L. J.; Lo, Yu-Hwa

2015-08-01

Signal amplification, performed by transistor amplifiers with its merit rated by the efficiency and noise characteristics, is ubiquitous in all electronic systems. Because of transistor thermal noise, an intrinsic signal amplification mechanism, impact ionization was sought after to complement the limits of transistor amplifiers. However, due to the high operation voltage (30-200 V typically), low power efficiency, limited scalability, and, above all, rapidly increasing excess noise with amplification factor, impact ionization has been out of favor for most electronic systems except for a few applications such as avalanche photodetectors and single-photon Geiger detectors. Here, we report an internal signal amplification mechanism based on the principle of the phonon-assisted cycling excitation process (CEP). Si devices using this concept show ultrahigh gain, low operation voltage, CMOS compatibility, and, above all, quantum limit noise performance that is 30 times lower than devices using impact ionization. Established on a unique physical effect of attractive properties, CEP-based devices can potentially revolutionize the fields of semiconductor electronics.

Method to produce alumina aerogels having porosities greater than 80 percent

DOEpatents

Poco, John F.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.

2003-09-16

A two-step method for producing monolithic alumina aerogels having porosities of greater than 80 percent. Very strong, very low density alumina aerogel monoliths are prepared using the two-step sol-gel process. The method of preparing pure alumina aerogel modifies the prior known sol method by combining the use of substoichiometric water for hydrolysis, the use of acetic acid to control hydrolysis/condensation, and high temperature supercritical drying, all of which contribute to the formation of a polycrystalline aerogel microstructure. This structure provides exceptional mechanical properties of the alumina aerogel, as well as enhanced thermal resistance and high temperature stability.

41 CFR 102-75.230 - Who is responsible for property protection and maintenance costs while the request for exception...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 102-75.230 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 75-REAL PROPERTY DISPOSAL Utilization of Excess Real... landholding agency at that time. ...

Supercapacitors Based on Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Graphene Aerogels with Periodic Macropores.

PubMed

Zhu, Cheng; Liu, Tianyu; Qian, Fang; Han, T Yong-Jin; Duoss, Eric B; Kuntz, Joshua D; Spadaccini, Christopher M; Worsley, Marcus A; Li, Yat

2016-06-08

Graphene is an atomically thin, two-dimensional (2D) carbon material that offers a unique combination of low density, exceptional mechanical properties, thermal stability, large surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity. Recent progress has resulted in macro-assemblies of graphene, such as bulk graphene aerogels for a variety of applications. However, these three-dimensional (3D) graphenes exhibit physicochemical property attenuation compared to their 2D building blocks because of one-fold composition and tortuous, stochastic porous networks. These limitations can be offset by developing a graphene composite material with an engineered porous architecture. Here, we report the fabrication of 3D periodic graphene composite aerogel microlattices for supercapacitor applications, via a 3D printing technique known as direct-ink writing. The key factor in developing these novel aerogels is creating an extrudable graphene oxide-based composite ink and modifying the 3D printing method to accommodate aerogel processing. The 3D-printed graphene composite aerogel (3D-GCA) electrodes are lightweight, highly conductive, and exhibit excellent electrochemical properties. In particular, the supercapacitors using these 3D-GCA electrodes with thicknesses on the order of millimeters display exceptional capacitive retention (ca. 90% from 0.5 to 10 A·g(-1)) and power densities (>4 kW·kg(-1)) that equal or exceed those of reported devices made with electrodes 10-100 times thinner. This work provides an example of how 3D-printed materials, such as graphene aerogels, can significantly expand the design space for fabricating high-performance and fully integrable energy storage devices optimized for a broad range of applications.

Recent progress in the growth and applications of graphene as a smart material: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aissa, Brahim; Memon, Nasir; Ali, Adnan; Khraisheh, Marwan

2015-09-01

Innovative breakthroughs in fundamental research and industrial applications of graphene material have made its mass and low-cost production a necessary step toward its real world applications. This one-atom thick crystal of carbon, gathers a set of unique physico-chemical properties, ranging from its extreme mechanical behavior to its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivities, which are making graphene as a serious alternative to replace many conventional materials for various applications. In this review paper, we highlight the most important experimental results on the synthesis of graphene material, its emerging properties with reference to its smart applications. We discuss the possibility to successfully integrating graphene directly into device, enabling thereby the realization of a wide range of applications, including actuation, photovoltaic, thermoelectricity, shape memory, self-healing, electrorheology and space missions. The future outlook of graphene is also considered and discussed.

Close encounters with DNA

PubMed Central

Maffeo, C.; Yoo, J.; Comer, J.; Wells, D. B.; Luan, B.; Aksimentiev, A.

2014-01-01

Over the past ten years, the all-atom molecular dynamics method has grown in the scale of both systems and processes amenable to it and in its ability to make quantitative predictions about the behavior of experimental systems. The field of computational DNA research is no exception, witnessing a dramatic increase in the size of systems simulated with atomic resolution, the duration of individual simulations and the realism of the simulation outcomes. In this topical review, we describe the hallmark physical properties of DNA from the perspective of all-atom simulations. We demonstrate the amazing ability of such simulations to reveal the microscopic physical origins of experimentally observed phenomena and we review the frustrating limitations associated with imperfections of present atomic force fields and inadequate sampling. The review is focused on the following four physical properties of DNA: effective electric charge, response to an external mechanical force, interaction with other DNA molecules and behavior in an external electric field. PMID:25238560

Compressed glassy carbon: An ultrastrong and elastic interpenetrating graphene network

PubMed Central

Hu, Meng; He, Julong; Zhao, Zhisheng; Strobel, Timothy A.; Hu, Wentao; Yu, Dongli; Sun, Hao; Liu, Lingyu; Li, Zihe; Ma, Mengdong; Kono, Yoshio; Shu, Jinfu; Mao, Ho-kwang; Fei, Yingwei; Shen, Guoyin; Wang, Yanbin; Juhl, Stephen J.; Huang, Jian Yu; Liu, Zhongyuan; Xu, Bo; Tian, Yongjun

2017-01-01

Carbon’s unique ability to have both sp2 and sp3 bonding states gives rise to a range of physical attributes, including excellent mechanical and electrical properties. We show that a series of lightweight, ultrastrong, hard, elastic, and conductive carbons are recovered after compressing sp2-hybridized glassy carbon at various temperatures. Compression induces the local buckling of graphene sheets through sp3 nodes to form interpenetrating graphene networks with long-range disorder and short-range order on the nanometer scale. The compressed glassy carbons have extraordinary specific compressive strengths—more than two times that of commonly used ceramics—and simultaneously exhibit robust elastic recovery in response to local deformations. This type of carbon is an optimal ultralight, ultrastrong material for a wide range of multifunctional applications, and the synthesis methodology demonstrates potential to access entirely new metastable materials with exceptional properties. PMID:28630918

Insight into the Tribological Behavior of Liposomes in Artificial Joints.

PubMed

Duan, Yiqin; Liu, Yuhong; Zhang, Caixia; Chen, Zhe; Wen, Shizhu

2016-10-10

Liposomes are widely used in drug delivery and gene therapy, and their new role as boundary lubricant in natural/artificial joints has been found in recent years. In this study, the tribological properties of liposomes on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4 V)/UHMWPE interface were studied by a ball-on-disc tribometer. The efficient reduction of friction coefficient and wear on both surfaces under various velocities and loads is found. A multilayer structure of physically adsorbed liposomes on Ti6Al4 V surface was also observed by atomic force microscope (AFM). Except for the hydration mechanism by phosphatidylcholine (PC) groups, the well-performed tribological properties by liposomes is also attributed to the existence of adsorbed liposome layers on both surfaces, which could reduce asperities contact and show great bearing capacity. This work enriches the research on liposomes for lubrication improvement on artificial surface and shows their value in clinical application.

Amino Acid-Assisted Incorporation of Dye Molecules within Calcite Crystals.

PubMed

Marzec, Bartosz; Green, David C; Holden, Mark A; Coté, Alexander S; Ihli, Johannes; Khalid, Saba; Kulak, Alexander; Walker, Daniel; Tang, Chiu; Duffy, Dorothy M; Kim, Yi-Yeoun; Meldrum, Fiona C

2018-05-23

Biomineralisation processes invariably occur in the presence of multiple organic additives, which act in combination to give exceptional control over structures and properties. However, few synthetic studies have investigated the cooperative effects of soluble additives. This work addresses this challenge and focuses on the combined effects of amino acids and coloured dye molecules. The experiments demonstrate that strongly coloured calcite crystals only form in the presence of Brilliant Blue R (BBR) and four of the seventeen soluble amino acids, as compared with almost colourless crystals using the dye alone. The active amino acids are identified as those which themselves effectively occlude in calcite, suggesting a mechanism where they can act as chaperones for individual molecules or even aggregates of dyes molecules. These results provide new insight into crystal-additive interactions and suggest a novel strategy for generating materials with target properties. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Antimicrobial Lemongrass Essential Oil-Copper Ferrite Cellulose Acetate Nanocapsules.

PubMed

Liakos, Ioannis L; Abdellatif, Mohamed H; Innocenti, Claudia; Scarpellini, Alice; Carzino, Riccardo; Brunetti, Virgilio; Marras, Sergio; Brescia, Rosaria; Drago, Filippo; Pompa, Pier Paolo

2016-04-20

Cellulose acetate (CA) nanoparticles were combined with two antimicrobial agents, namely lemongrass (LG) essential oil and Cu-ferrite nanoparticles. The preparation method of CA nanocapsules (NCs), with the two antimicrobial agents, was based on the nanoprecipitation method using the solvent/anti-solvent technique. Several physical and chemical analyses were performed to characterize the resulting NCs and to study their formation mechanism. The size of the combined antimicrobial NCs was found to be ca. 220 nm. The presence of Cu-ferrites enhanced the attachment of LG essential oil into the CA matrix. The magnetic properties of the combined construct were weak, due to the shielding of Cu-ferrites from the polymeric matrix, making them available for drug delivery applications where spontaneous magnetization effects should be avoided. The antimicrobial properties of the NCs were significantly enhanced with respect to CA/LG only. This work opens novel routes for the development of organic/inorganic nanoparticles with exceptional antimicrobial activities.

Benchmark of ReaxFF force field for subcritical and supercritical water.

PubMed

Manzano, Hegoi; Zhang, Weiwei; Raju, Muralikrishna; Dolado, Jorge S; López-Arbeloa, Iñigo; van Duin, Adri C T

2018-06-21

Water in the subcritical and supercritical states has remarkable properties that make it an excellent solvent for oxidation of hazardous chemicals, waste separation, and green synthesis. Molecular simulations are a valuable complement to experiments in order to understand and improve the relevant sub- and super-critical reaction mechanisms. Since water molecules under these conditions can act not only as a solvent but also as a reactant, dissociative force fields are especially interesting to investigate these processes. In this work, we evaluate the capacity of the ReaxFF force field to reproduce the microstructure, hydrogen bonding, dielectric constant, diffusion, and proton transfer of sub- and super-critical water. Our results indicate that ReaxFF is able to simulate water properties in these states in very good quantitative agreement with the existing experimental data, with the exception of the static dielectric constant that is reproduced only qualitatively.

Communication: Enhanced chemical reactivity of graphene on a Ni(111) substrate

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

Ambrosetti, Alberto; Silvestrelli, Pier Luigi

2016-03-21

Due to the unique combination of structural, mechanical, and transport properties, graphene has emerged as an exceptional candidate for catalysis applications. The low chemical reactivity caused by sp{sup 2} hybridization and strongly delocalized π electrons, however, represents a main challenge for straightforward use of graphene in its pristine, free-standing form. Following recent experimental indications, we show that due to charge hybridization, a Ni(111) substrate can enhance the chemical reactivity of graphene, as exemplified by the interaction with the CO molecule. While CO only physisorbs on free-standing graphene, chemisorption of CO involving formation of ethylene dione complexes is predicted in Ni(111)-graphene.more » Higher chemical reactivity is also suggested in the case of oxidized graphene, opening the way to a simple and efficient control of graphene chemical properties, devoid of complex defect patterning or active metallic structures deposition.« less

Multiple-length-scale deformation analysis in a thermoplastic polyurethane

PubMed Central

Sui, Tan; Baimpas, Nikolaos; Dolbnya, Igor P.; Prisacariu, Cristina; Korsunsky, Alexander M.

2015-01-01

Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers enjoy an exceptionally wide range of applications due to their remarkable versatility. These block co-polymers are used here as an example of a structurally inhomogeneous composite containing nano-scale gradients, whose internal strain differs depending on the length scale of consideration. Here we present a combined experimental and modelling approach to the hierarchical characterization of block co-polymer deformation. Synchrotron-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and radiography are used for strain evaluation across the scales. Transmission electron microscopy image-based finite element modelling and fast Fourier transform analysis are used to develop a multi-phase numerical model that achieves agreement with the combined experimental data using a minimal number of adjustable structural parameters. The results highlight the importance of fuzzy interfaces, that is, regions of nanometre-scale structure and property gradients, in determining the mechanical properties of hierarchical composites across the scales. PMID:25758945

Close encounters with DNA.

PubMed

Maffeo, C; Yoo, J; Comer, J; Wells, D B; Luan, B; Aksimentiev, A

2014-10-15

Over the past ten years, the all-atom molecular dynamics method has grown in the scale of both systems and processes amenable to it and in its ability to make quantitative predictions about the behavior of experimental systems. The field of computational DNA research is no exception, witnessing a dramatic increase in the size of systems simulated with atomic resolution, the duration of individual simulations and the realism of the simulation outcomes. In this topical review, we describe the hallmark physical properties of DNA from the perspective of all-atom simulations. We demonstrate the amazing ability of such simulations to reveal the microscopic physical origins of experimentally observed phenomena. We also discuss the frustrating limitations associated with imperfections of present atomic force fields and inadequate sampling. The review is focused on the following four physical properties of DNA: effective electric charge, response to an external mechanical force, interaction with other DNA molecules and behavior in an external electric field.

Exception handling for sensor fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chavez, G. T.; Murphy, Robin R.

1993-08-01

This paper presents a control scheme for handling sensing failures (sensor malfunctions, significant degradations in performance due to changes in the environment, and errant expectations) in sensor fusion for autonomous mobile robots. The advantages of the exception handling mechanism are that it emphasizes a fast response to sensing failures, is able to use only a partial causal model of sensing failure, and leads to a graceful degradation of sensing if the sensing failure cannot be compensated for. The exception handling mechanism consists of two modules: error classification and error recovery. The error classification module in the exception handler attempts to classify the type and source(s) of the error using a modified generate-and-test procedure. If the source of the error is isolated, the error recovery module examines its cache of recovery schemes, which either repair or replace the current sensing configuration. If the failure is due to an error in expectation or cannot be identified, the planner is alerted. Experiments using actual sensor data collected by the CSM Mobile Robotics/Machine Perception Laboratory's Denning mobile robot demonstrate the operation of the exception handling mechanism.

Mechanical properties of components of the bonding interface in different regions of radicular dentin surfaces.

PubMed

Suzuki, Thaís Yumi Umeda; Gomes-Filho, João Eduardo; Gallego, Juno; Pavan, Sabrina; Dos Santos, Paulo Henrique; Fraga Briso, André Luiz

2015-01-01

The mechanical properties of the adhesive materials used in intraradicular treatments could vary according to the interaction between the restorative material and dentin substrate. An evaluation of these properties is essential to determine the success of the luting procedures performed on glass-fiber posts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of dentin adhesives, resin cements, and the dentin that underlies the bonding interface in different thirds of intraradicular dentin. Forty extracted, single-rooted human teeth were used in this study. After the endodontic treatment of the post spaces, the teeth were divided into 5 groups (n=8): Adper Single Bond 2 + RelyX ARC, Excite DSC + RelyX ARC, Adper SE Plus + RelyX ARC, RelyX Unicem, and Set. The hardness and elastic modulus values were measured at the adhesive interface in different thirds of the radicular dentin by using an ultramicrohardness tester. The data were subjected to 2-way ANOVA and the Fisher protected least significant difference test (α=.05). In the underlying dentin, the highest Martens hardness values were found in the apical region for all groups; the exceptions were the groups with the self-etching adhesive. In the adhesive layer, the highest Martens hardness values were obtained for the Adper SE Plus + RelyX ARC group; further, no statistical differences were found among the different regions for this group. RelyX ARC had the lowest Martens hardness and elastic modulus values in the apical regions when used with Adper Single Bond 2 and Adper SE Plus. No differences were found in the Martens hardness and elastic modulus values for the self-adhesive resin cement in the regions investigated. The mechanical properties of adhesive materials and the underlying dentin are influenced by the interaction between the two as well as by the depth of the analyzed intraradicular area. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 3015.163 - Real property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Real property. 3015.163 Section 3015.163 Agriculture... AGRICULTURE UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS Property § 3015.163 Real property. Except as stated otherwise by Federal statutes, real property applicable to this subpart shall be subject to the following...

7 CFR 3015.163 - Real property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Real property. 3015.163 Section 3015.163 Agriculture... AGRICULTURE UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS Property § 3015.163 Real property. Except as stated otherwise by Federal statutes, real property applicable to this subpart shall be subject to the following...

7 CFR 3015.163 - Real property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Real property. 3015.163 Section 3015.163 Agriculture... AGRICULTURE UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS Property § 3015.163 Real property. Except as stated otherwise by Federal statutes, real property applicable to this subpart shall be subject to the following...

7 CFR 3015.163 - Real property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Real property. 3015.163 Section 3015.163 Agriculture... AGRICULTURE UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS Property § 3015.163 Real property. Except as stated otherwise by Federal statutes, real property applicable to this subpart shall be subject to the following...

7 CFR 3015.163 - Real property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Real property. 3015.163 Section 3015.163 Agriculture... AGRICULTURE UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS Property § 3015.163 Real property. Except as stated otherwise by Federal statutes, real property applicable to this subpart shall be subject to the following...

Characterization of porous glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) implant structures: porosity and mechanical properties.

PubMed

Ylä-Soininmäki, Anne; Moritz, Niko; Lassila, Lippo V J; Peltola, Matti; Aro, Hannu T; Vallittu, Pekka K

2013-12-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous fiber-reinforced composites (FRC). Implants made of the FRC structures are intended for cranial applications. The FRC specimens were prepared by impregnating E-glass fiber sheet with non-resorbable bifunctional bis-phenyl glycidyl dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate resin matrix. Four groups of porous FRC specimens were prepared with a different amount of resin matrix. Control group contained specimens of fibers, which were bound together with sizing only. Microstructure of the specimens was analyzed using a micro computed tomography (micro-CT) based method. Mechanical properties of the specimens were measured with a tensile test. The amount of resin matrix in the specimens had an effect on the microstructure. Total porosity was 59.5 % (median) in the group with the lowest resin content and 11.2 % (median) in the group with the highest resin content. In control group, total porosity was 94.2 % (median). Correlations with resin content were obtained for all micro-CT based parameters except TbPf. The tensile strength of the composites was 21.3 MPa (median) in the group with the highest resin content and 43.4 MPa (median) in the group with the highest resin content. The tensile strength in control group was 18.9 MPa (median). There were strong correlations between the tensile strength of the specimens and most of the micro-CT based parameters. This experiment suggests that porous FRC structures may have the potential for use in implants for cranial bone reconstructions, provided further relevant in vitro and in vivo tests are performed.

Effect of Cold Rolling and Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-4Al-1Mn Titanium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, Rishi; Gupta, R. K.; AnilKumar, V.; Banwait, S. S.

2018-05-01

Mechanical behavior of Ti-4Al-1Mn titanium alloy has been studied in annealed, cold-rolled and heat-treated conditions. Room temperature tensile strength as well as % elongation has been found to be low with increasing amount of cold rolling. Lowering of strength in cold worked condition is attributed to premature failure. However, the same has been mitigated after heat treatment. Significant effect of cooling media (air and water) from heat treatment temperature on microstructure was not found except for the degree of fineness of α plates. Optimum properties (strength as well as ductility) were exhibited by samples subjected to 15% cold rolling and heat treatment below β transus temperature, which can be attributed to presence of recrystallized microstructure. In cold worked condition, the microstructure shows fine fragmented α plates/Widmanstätten morphology with high dislocation density along with a large amount of strain fields and twinning, which gets transformed to recrystallized equiaxed microstructure and with plate-like morphology after near β heat treatment. Prior cold work is found to have a significant effect on mechanical properties supported by evolution of microstructure. Twinning is found to be assisting in deformation as well as in recrystallization through the formation of deformation and annealing twins during cold working and heat treatment. Fracture analysis of the tested sample with prior cold work and heat-treated condition revealed quasi-ductile failure as compared to only ductile failure features seen for samples heat treated without prior cold work.

First-principles investigation of Cr-doped Fe2B: Structural, mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Xiang; Chen, Zhiguo; Zhong, Jue; Wang, Li; Wang, Yipeng; Shu, Zhongliang

2018-06-01

The structural, mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of Fe8-xCrxB4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) have been investigated by first-principles calculation. It was found that the calculated structural parameters are well consistent with available experimental data. Moreover, all studied compounds are thermodynamically stable phases. On the whole, the moduli of the compounds firstly increase and then decrease with the increase of Cr concentration, whereas the variation of hardness exhibits more fluctuations. All Cr-doped Fe2B have better ductility than Fe2B except Fe2Cr6B4 and Fe5Cr3B4. Interestingly, Fe4Cr4B4 is of not only the slightly larger hardness, but also much better ductility than Fe2B. As the Cr concentration is lower than 20 wt%, the hardness of Cr-doped Fe2B slightly decreases with increasing Cr, whereas the sharply increased hardness of (Fe, Cr)2B in Fe-B alloys or boriding layer should be attributed to the multiple alloying effects resulting from Cr and the other alloying elements. The electronic structures revealed that the Fe-B and/or Cr-B bonds are mainly responsible for their mechanical properties, and the M-N (M = Fe or Cr, N = Fe or Cr) bonds in 〈2 2 0〉 and 〈1 1 3〉 orientations show covalent character. Additionally, the magnetic moments (Ms) of the compounds do not monotonically decrease with increasing Cr.

Mechanical properties of SiC composites neutron irradiated under light water reactor relevant temperature and dose conditions

DOE PAGES

Koyanagi, Takaaki; Katoh, Yutai

2017-07-04

Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber–reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites are being actively investigated for use in accident-tolerant core structures of light water reactors (LWRs). Owing to the limited number of irradiation studies previously conducted at LWR-coolant temperature, this paper examined SiC/SiC composites following neutron irradiation at 230–340 °C to 2.0 and 11.8 dpa in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The investigated materials were chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composites with three different reinforcement fibers. The fiber materials were monolayer pyrolytic carbon (PyC) -coated Hi-Nicalon™ Type-S (HNS), Tyranno™ SA3 (SA3), and SCS-Ultra™ (SCS) SiC fibers. The irradiation resistance of these composites wasmore » investigated based on flexural behavior, dynamic Young's modulus, swelling, and microstructures. There was no notable mechanical properties degradation of the irradiated HNS and SA3 SiC/SiC composites except for reduction of the Young's moduli by up to 18%. The microstructural stability of these composites supported the absence of degradation. In addition, no progressive swelling from 2.0 to 11.8 dpa was confirmed for these composites. On the other hand, the SCS composite showed significant mechanical degradation associated with cracking within the fiber. Finally, this study determined that SiC/SiC composites with HNS or SA3 SiC/SiC fibers, a PyC interphase, and a CVI SiC matrix retain their properties beyond the lifetime dose for LWR fuel cladding at the relevant temperature.« less

Mechanical properties of SiC composites neutron irradiated under light water reactor relevant temperature and dose conditions

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

Koyanagi, Takaaki; Katoh, Yutai

Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber–reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites are being actively investigated for use in accident-tolerant core structures of light water reactors (LWRs). Owing to the limited number of irradiation studies previously conducted at LWR-coolant temperature, this paper examined SiC/SiC composites following neutron irradiation at 230–340 °C to 2.0 and 11.8 dpa in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The investigated materials were chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composites with three different reinforcement fibers. The fiber materials were monolayer pyrolytic carbon (PyC) -coated Hi-Nicalon™ Type-S (HNS), Tyranno™ SA3 (SA3), and SCS-Ultra™ (SCS) SiC fibers. The irradiation resistance of these composites wasmore » investigated based on flexural behavior, dynamic Young's modulus, swelling, and microstructures. There was no notable mechanical properties degradation of the irradiated HNS and SA3 SiC/SiC composites except for reduction of the Young's moduli by up to 18%. The microstructural stability of these composites supported the absence of degradation. In addition, no progressive swelling from 2.0 to 11.8 dpa was confirmed for these composites. On the other hand, the SCS composite showed significant mechanical degradation associated with cracking within the fiber. Finally, this study determined that SiC/SiC composites with HNS or SA3 SiC/SiC fibers, a PyC interphase, and a CVI SiC matrix retain their properties beyond the lifetime dose for LWR fuel cladding at the relevant temperature.« less

Mechanical properties of SiC composites neutron irradiated under light water reactor relevant temperature and dose conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyanagi, Takaaki; Katoh, Yutai

2017-10-01

Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites are being actively investigated for use in accident-tolerant core structures of light water reactors (LWRs). Owing to the limited number of irradiation studies previously conducted at LWR-coolant temperature, this study examined SiC/SiC composites following neutron irradiation at 230-340 °C to 2.0 and 11.8 dpa in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The investigated materials were chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composites with three different reinforcement fibers. The fiber materials were monolayer pyrolytic carbon (PyC) -coated Hi-Nicalon™ Type-S (HNS), Tyranno™ SA3 (SA3), and SCS-Ultra™ (SCS) SiC fibers. The irradiation resistance of these composites was investigated based on flexural behavior, dynamic Young's modulus, swelling, and microstructures. There was no notable mechanical properties degradation of the irradiated HNS and SA3 SiC/SiC composites except for reduction of the Young's moduli by up to 18%. The microstructural stability of these composites supported the absence of degradation. In addition, no progressive swelling from 2.0 to 11.8 dpa was confirmed for these composites. On the other hand, the SCS composite showed significant mechanical degradation associated with cracking within the fiber. This study determined that SiC/SiC composites with HNS or SA3 SiC/SiC fibers, a PyC interphase, and a CVI SiC matrix retain their properties beyond the lifetime dose for LWR fuel cladding at the relevant temperature.

High thermal conductivity in soft elastomers with elongated liquid metal inclusions

PubMed Central

Bartlett, Michael D.; Powell-Palm, Matthew J.; Huang, Xiaonan; Sun, Wenhuan; Malen, Jonathan A.; Majidi, Carmel

2017-01-01

Soft dielectric materials typically exhibit poor heat transfer properties due to the dynamics of phonon transport, which constrain thermal conductivity (k) to decrease monotonically with decreasing elastic modulus (E). This thermal−mechanical trade-off is limiting for wearable computing, soft robotics, and other emerging applications that require materials with both high thermal conductivity and low mechanical stiffness. Here, we overcome this constraint with an electrically insulating composite that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, an elastic compliance similar to soft biological tissue (Young’s modulus < 100 kPa), and the capability to undergo extreme deformations (>600% strain). By incorporating liquid metal (LM) microdroplets into a soft elastomer, we achieve a ∼25× increase in thermal conductivity (4.7 ± 0.2 W⋅m−1⋅K−1) over the base polymer (0.20 ± 0.01 W⋅m−1·K−1) under stress-free conditions and a ∼50× increase (9.8 ± 0.8 W⋅m−1·K−1) when strained. This exceptional combination of thermal and mechanical properties is enabled by a unique thermal−mechanical coupling that exploits the deformability of the LM inclusions to create thermally conductive pathways in situ. Moreover, these materials offer possibilities for passive heat exchange in stretchable electronics and bioinspired robotics, which we demonstrate through the rapid heat dissipation of an elastomer-mounted extreme high-power LED lamp and a swimming soft robot. PMID:28193902

Nonlinear material behaviour of spider silk yields robust webs.

PubMed

Cranford, Steven W; Tarakanova, Anna; Pugno, Nicola M; Buehler, Markus J

2012-02-01

Natural materials are renowned for exquisite designs that optimize function, as illustrated by the elasticity of blood vessels, the toughness of bone and the protection offered by nacre. Particularly intriguing are spider silks, with studies having explored properties ranging from their protein sequence to the geometry of a web. This material system, highly adapted to meet a spider's many needs, has superior mechanical properties. In spite of much research into the molecular design underpinning the outstanding performance of silk fibres, and into the mechanical characteristics of web-like structures, it remains unknown how the mechanical characteristics of spider silk contribute to the integrity and performance of a spider web. Here we report web deformation experiments and simulations that identify the nonlinear response of silk threads to stress--involving softening at a yield point and substantial stiffening at large strain until failure--as being crucial to localize load-induced deformation and resulting in mechanically robust spider webs. Control simulations confirmed that a nonlinear stress response results in superior resistance to structural defects in the web compared to linear elastic or elastic-plastic (softening) material behaviour. We also show that under distributed loads, such as those exerted by wind, the stiff behaviour of silk under small deformation, before the yield point, is essential in maintaining the web's structural integrity. The superior performance of silk in webs is therefore not due merely to its exceptional ultimate strength and strain, but arises from the nonlinear response of silk threads to strain and their geometrical arrangement in a web.

49 CFR 173.220 - Internal combustion engines, self-propelled vehicles, mechanical equipment containing internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... mechanical equipment) containing lithium batteries, must be described as “Lithium ion batteries contained in... lithium battery; or (4) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, it contains other... § 173.21 of this subchapter when transported by rail, highway or vessel. (d) Lithium batteries. Except...

49 CFR 173.220 - Internal combustion engines, self-propelled vehicles, mechanical equipment containing internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... mechanical equipment) containing lithium batteries, must be described as “Lithium ion batteries contained in... lithium battery; or (4) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, it contains other... § 173.21 of this subchapter when transported by rail, highway or vessel. (d) Lithium batteries. Except...

The impact of different agroecological conditions on the nutritional composition of quinoa seeds.

PubMed

Reguera, María; Conesa, Carlos Manuel; Gil-Gómez, Alejandro; Haros, Claudia Mónika; Pérez-Casas, Miguel Ángel; Briones-Labarca, Vilbett; Bolaños, Luis; Bonilla, Ildefonso; Álvarez, Rodrigo; Pinto, Katherine; Mujica, Ángel; Bascuñán-Godoy, Luisa

2018-01-01

Quinoa cultivation has been expanded around the world in the last decade and is considered an exceptional crop with the potential of contributing to food security worldwide. The exceptional nutritional value of quinoa seeds relies on their high protein content, their amino acid profile that includes a good balance of essential amino acids, the mineral composition and the presence of antioxidants and other important nutrients such as fiber or vitamins. Although several studies have pointed to the influence of different environmental stresses in certain nutritional components little attention has been paid to the effect of the agroecological context on the nutritional properties of the seeds what may strongly impact on the consumer food's quality. Thus, aiming to evaluate the effect of the agroecological conditions on the nutritional profile of quinoa seeds we analyzed three quinoa cultivars (Salcedo-INIA, Titicaca and Regalona) at different locations (Spain, Peru and Chile). The results revealed that several nutritional parameters such as the amino acid profile, the protein content, the mineral composition and the phytate amount in the seeds depend on the location and cultivar while other parameters such as saponin or fiber were more stable across locations. Our results support the notion that nutritional characteristics of seeds may be determined by seed's origin and further analysis are needed to define the exact mechanisms that control the changes in the seeds nutritional properties.

The impact of different agroecological conditions on the nutritional composition of quinoa seeds

PubMed Central

Conesa, Carlos Manuel; Gil-Gómez, Alejandro; Haros, Claudia Mónika; Pérez-Casas, Miguel Ángel; Briones-Labarca, Vilbett; Bolaños, Luis; Bonilla, Ildefonso; Álvarez, Rodrigo; Pinto, Katherine; Mujica, Ángel; Bascuñán-Godoy, Luisa

2018-01-01

Quinoa cultivation has been expanded around the world in the last decade and is considered an exceptional crop with the potential of contributing to food security worldwide. The exceptional nutritional value of quinoa seeds relies on their high protein content, their amino acid profile that includes a good balance of essential amino acids, the mineral composition and the presence of antioxidants and other important nutrients such as fiber or vitamins. Although several studies have pointed to the influence of different environmental stresses in certain nutritional components little attention has been paid to the effect of the agroecological context on the nutritional properties of the seeds what may strongly impact on the consumer food’s quality. Thus, aiming to evaluate the effect of the agroecological conditions on the nutritional profile of quinoa seeds we analyzed three quinoa cultivars (Salcedo-INIA, Titicaca and Regalona) at different locations (Spain, Peru and Chile). The results revealed that several nutritional parameters such as the amino acid profile, the protein content, the mineral composition and the phytate amount in the seeds depend on the location and cultivar while other parameters such as saponin or fiber were more stable across locations. Our results support the notion that nutritional characteristics of seeds may be determined by seed’s origin and further analysis are needed to define the exact mechanisms that control the changes in the seeds nutritional properties. PMID:29576944

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

Shao, Yang; Guo, Fangmin; Ren, Yang

In an effort to further develop shape memory alloys (SMAs) for functional applications, much focus has been given in recent years to design and create innovative forms of SMAs, such as functionally graded SMAs, architecture SMAs, and SMA-based metallic composites. Here, we reports on the progress in creating NiTi-based composites of exceptional properties stimulated by the recent discovery of the principle of lattice strain matching between the SMA matrix and superelastic nanoinclusions embedded in the matrix. And based on this principle, different SMA–metal composites have been designed to achieve extraordinary shape memory performances, such as complete pseudoelastic behavior at asmore » low as 77 K and stress plateau as high as 1600 MPa, and exceptional mechanical properties, such as tensile strength as high as 2000 MPa and Young’s modulus as low as 28 GPa. Details are given for a NiTi–W micro-fiber composite prepared by melt infiltration, hot pressing, forging, and cold rolling. Furthermore, the composite contained 63% in volume of W micro-fibers of ~0.6 μm thickness. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealed that the NiTi matrix underwent martensite transformation during tensile deformation while the W micro-fiber deformed elastically with a maximum strain of 0.83% in the loading direction, implying a W fiber stress of 3280 MPa. The composite showed a maximum high tensile strength of 2300 MPa.« less

Assisted deposition of nano-hydroxyapatite onto exfoliated carbon nanotube oxide scaffolds.

PubMed

Zanin, H; Rosa, C M R; Eliaz, N; May, P W; Marciano, F R; Lobo, A O

2015-06-14

Electrodeposited nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is more similar to biological apatite in terms of microstructure and dimension than apatites prepared by other processes. Reinforcement with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances its mechanical properties and increases adhesion of osteoblasts. Here, we carefully studied nHAp deposited onto vertically aligned multi-walled CNT (VAMWCNT) scaffolds by electrodeposition and soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF). VAMWCNTs are porous biocompatible scaffolds with nanometric porosity and exceptional mechanical and chemical properties. The VAMWCNT films were prepared on a Ti substrate by a microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method, and then oxidized and exfoliated by oxygen plasma etching (OPE) to produce graphene oxide (GO) at the VAMWCNT tips. The attachment of oxygen functional groups was found to be crucial for nHAp nucleation during electrodeposition. A thin layer of plate-like and needle-like nHAp with high crystallinity was formed without any need for thermal treatment. This composite (henceforth referred to as nHAp-VAMWCNT-GO) served as the scaffold for in vitro biomineralization when soaked in the SBF, resulting in the formation of both carbonate-rich and carbonate-poor globular-like nHAp. Different steps in the deposition of biological apatite onto VAMWCNT-GO and during the short-term biomineralization process were analysed. Due to their unique structure and properties, such nano-bio-composites may become useful in accelerating in vivo bone regeneration processes.

Assisted deposition of nano-hydroxyapatite onto exfoliated carbon nanotube oxide scaffolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanin, H.; Rosa, C. M. R.; Eliaz, N.; May, P. W.; Marciano, F. R.; Lobo, A. O.

2015-05-01

Electrodeposited nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is more similar to biological apatite in terms of microstructure and dimension than apatites prepared by other processes. Reinforcement with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances its mechanical properties and increases adhesion of osteoblasts. Here, we carefully studied nHAp deposited onto vertically aligned multi-walled CNT (VAMWCNT) scaffolds by electrodeposition and soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF). VAMWCNTs are porous biocompatible scaffolds with nanometric porosity and exceptional mechanical and chemical properties. The VAMWCNT films were prepared on a Ti substrate by a microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method, and then oxidized and exfoliated by oxygen plasma etching (OPE) to produce graphene oxide (GO) at the VAMWCNT tips. The attachment of oxygen functional groups was found to be crucial for nHAp nucleation during electrodeposition. A thin layer of plate-like and needle-like nHAp with high crystallinity was formed without any need for thermal treatment. This composite (henceforth referred to as nHAp-VAMWCNT-GO) served as the scaffold for in vitro biomineralization when soaked in the SBF, resulting in the formation of both carbonate-rich and carbonate-poor globular-like nHAp. Different steps in the deposition of biological apatite onto VAMWCNT-GO and during the short-term biomineralization process were analysed. Due to their unique structure and properties, such nano-bio-composites may become useful in accelerating in vivo bone regeneration processes.

Mechanical and chemical effects of ion-texturing biomedical polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weigand, A. J.; Cenkus, M. A.

1979-01-01

To determine whether sputter etching may provide substantial polymer surface texturing with insignificant changes in chemical and mechanical properties, an 8 cm beam diameter, electron bombardment, argon ion source was used to sputter etch (ion-texture process) nine biomedical polymers. The materials included silicone rubber, 32% carbon impregnated polyolefin, polyoxymethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, UHMW polyethylene with carbon fibers (10%), and several polyurethanes (bioelectric, segmented, and cross linked). Ion textured microtensile specimens of each material except UHMW polyethylene and UHMW polyethylene with 10% carbon fibers were used to determine the effect of ion texturing on tensile properties. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine surface morphology changes, and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis was used to analyze the near surface chemical changes that result from ion texturing. Ion energies of 500 eV with beam current densities ranging from 0.08 to 0.19 mA/sq cm were used to ion texture the various materials. Standard microtensile specimens of seven polymers were exposed to a saline environment for 24 hours prior to and during the tensile testing. The surface chemical changes resulting from sputter etching are minimal in spite of the often significant changes in the surface morphology.

Bioinspired Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Spider Silk Structure for Ultrahigh Mechanical Property.

PubMed

Luo, Chengzhi; Li, Fangying; Li, Delong; Fu, Qiang; Pan, Chunxu

2016-11-16

Due to its unique hierarchical structure, natural spider silk features exceptional mechanical properties such as high tensile strength and great extensibility, making it one of the toughest materials. Herein, we design bioinspired spider silk single-walled carbon nanotubes (BISS-SWCNTs) that combine the hierarchical structure of spider silk and the high strength and conductivity of SWCNTs. To imitate the hierarchical structure, Fe nanoparticles are embedded on the surface of directly synthesized SWCNTs skeleton followed by coating an amorphous carbon layer. The carbon layer forms the spider silk-featured skin-core structure with SWCNTs, thus making the tube junction tougher. The embedded Fe nanoparticles act as glue spots for preventing interfacial slippages between the BISS-SWCNTs and the reinforced matrix. With only 2.1 wt % BISS-SWCNTs added, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the BISS-SWCNTs/PMMA composites can be improved by 300%. More importantly, the BISS-SWCNTs also retain the high conductivity and transmittance of the pristine SWCNTs film. This unique bioinspired material will be of great importance in applications of multifunctional composite materials and has important implications for the future of biomimetic materials.

Mechanical properties of dust collected by dust separators in iron ore sinter plants.

PubMed

Lanzerstorfer, Christof

2015-01-01

The flow-related mechanical properties of dusts from the de-dusting systems of several sinter plants were investigated. The mass median diameters of the dusts were in the range from approximately 3 to 100 µm. Also, the bulk density of the dusts varied in a wide range (approximately 400 to 2300 kg/m³). A good correlation between the bulk density and the mass median diameter for most of the dusts was found. In contrast, the angles of repose did not vary very much, only for the coarsest dust a significantly lower value was measured. The angles of internal friction as well as the wall friction angles were lower for coarse dust and higher for fine dust. The shear tests showed that both angles depend considerably on the stress level. At low stress, the angles decreased significantly with increasing values of stress, whereas at higher stress, the dependence was small or even disappeared. The only exception to this behaviour was shown by the finest dust. The flowability decreased with the particle size. The flowability categories suggested by the three flowability indicators were passable only for the coarser dusts. For the finer dusts, the flowability was overestimated by all flowability indicators.

Mechanical properties and phase stability of monoborides using density functional theory calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyojung; Trinkle, Dallas R.

2017-06-01

We compute the structural energies, elastic constants, and stacking fault energies, and investigate the phase stability of monoborides with different compositions (" close=")X1-x 1Xx2)">X1-x 1Xx2B (X =Ti/Fe/Mo/Nb/V ) using density functional theory in order to search for Ti monoborides with improved mechanical properties. Our computed Young's modulus and Pugh's modulus ratio, which correlate with stiffness and toughness, agree well with predictions from Vegard's law with the exceptions of mixed monoborides containing Mo and Fe. Among all the monoborides considered in this paper, TiB has the smallest Pugh's ratio, which suggests that the addition of solutes can improve the toughness of a Ti matrix. When X1B and X2B are respectively most stable in the B27 and Bf structures, the mixed monoborides (X0.51X0.52)B , mixed (Ti0.5Mo0.5 )B and mixed (Ti0.5V0.5 )B have a higher Young's modulus, a higher Pugh's ratio, and a smaller stacking fault energy than TiB. We also construct phase diagrams and find large solubility limits for solid solutions containing Ti compared to those containing Fe.

Space in the brain: how the hippocampal formation supports spatial cognition

PubMed Central

Hartley, Tom; Lever, Colin; Burgess, Neil; O'Keefe, John

2014-01-01

Over the past four decades, research has revealed that cells in the hippocampal formation provide an exquisitely detailed representation of an animal's current location and heading. These findings have provided the foundations for a growing understanding of the mechanisms of spatial cognition in mammals, including humans. We describe the key properties of the major categories of spatial cells: place cells, head direction cells, grid cells and boundary cells, each of which has a characteristic firing pattern that encodes spatial parameters relating to the animal's current position and orientation. These properties also include the theta oscillation, which appears to play a functional role in the representation and processing of spatial information. Reviewing recent work, we identify some themes of current research and introduce approaches to computational modelling that have helped to bridge the different levels of description at which these mechanisms have been investigated. These range from the level of molecular biology and genetics to the behaviour and brain activity of entire organisms. We argue that the neuroscience of spatial cognition is emerging as an exceptionally integrative field which provides an ideal test-bed for theories linking neural coding, learning, memory and cognition. PMID:24366125

Divergent biophysical properties, gating mechanisms, and possible functions of the two skeletal muscle Ca(V)1.1 calcium channel splice variants.

PubMed

Tuluc, Petronel; Flucher, Bernhard E

2011-12-01

Voltage-gated calcium channels are multi-subunit protein complexes that specifically allow calcium ions to enter the cell in response to membrane depolarization. But, for many years it seemed that the skeletal muscle calcium channel Ca(V)1.1 is the exception. The classical splice variant Ca(V)1.1a activates slowly, has a very small current amplitude and poor voltage sensitivity. In fact adult muscle fibers work perfectly well even in the absence of calcium influx. Recently a new splice variant of the skeletal muscle calcium channel Ca(V)1.1e has been characterized. The lack of the 19 amino acid exon 29 in this splice variant results in a rapidly activating calcium channel with high current amplitude and good voltage sensitivity. Ca(V)1.1e is the dominant channel in embryonic muscle, where the expression of this high calcium-conducting Ca(V)1.1 isoform readily explains developmental processes depending on L-type calcium currents. Moreover, the availability of these two structurally similar but functionally distinct channel variants facilitates the analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique current properties of the classical Ca(V)1.1a channel.

Optimization of an oxide dispersion strengthened Ni-Cr-Al alloy for gas turbine engine vanes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klarstrom, D. L.; Grierson, R.

1975-01-01

The investigation was carried out to determine the optimum alloy within the Ni-16Cr-Al-Y2O3 system for use as a vane material in advanced aircraft gas turbine engines. Six alloys containing nominally 4%, 5% and 6% Al with Y2O3 levels of 0.8% and 1.2% were prepared by mechanical attrition. Six small-scale, rectangular extrusions were produced from each powder lot for property evaluation. The approximate temperatures for incipient melting were found to be 1658 K (2525 F), 1644 K (2500 F) and 1630 K (2475 F) for the 4%, 5% and 6% aluminum levels, respectively. With the exception of longitudinal crystallographic texture, the eight extrusions selected for extensive evaluation either exceeded or were close to mechanical property goals. Major differences between the alloys became apparent during dynamic oxidation testing, and in particular during the 1366 K (2000 F)/500 hour Mach 1 tests carried out by NASA-Lewis. An aluminum level of 4.75% was subsequently judged to be optimum based on considerations of dynamic oxidation resistance, susceptibility to thermal fatigue cracking and melting point.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Welded Joints with Laser and CO2-Shielded Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahba, M.; Mizutani, M.; Katayama, S.

2016-07-01

With the objective of reducing the operating costs, argon-rich shielding gas was replaced by 100% CO2 gas in hybrid laser-arc welding of shipbuilding steel. The welding parameters were optimized to obtain buried-arc transfer in order to mitigate spatter formation. Sound butt joints could be successfully produced for plates of 14 and 17 mm thickness in one welding pass. Subsequently, the welded joints were subjected to different tests to evaluate the influence of CO2 shielding gas on the mechanical properties of the welded joints. All tensile-tested specimens failed in the base material, indicating the higher strength of the welded joints. The impact toughness of the welded joints, measured at -20 °C, reached approximately 76% of that of the base material, which was well above the limit set by the relevant standard. The microstructure of the fusion zone consisted of grain boundary ferrite and acicular ferrite uniformly over the plate thickness except for the joint root where the microstructure was chiefly ferrite with an aligned second phase. This resulted in higher hardness in the root region compared with the top and middle parts of the fusion zone.

Minocycline attenuates cardiac dysfunction in tumor-burdened mice.

PubMed

Devine, Raymond D; Eichenseer, Clayton M; Wold, Loren E

2016-11-01

Cardiovascular dysfunction as a result of tumor burden is becoming a recognized complication; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. A murine model of cancer cachexia has shown marked increases of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), known mediators of cardiac remodeling, in the left ventricle. The extent to which MMPs are involved in remodeling remains obscured. To this end a common antibiotic, minocycline, with MMP inhibitory properties was used to elucidate MMP involvement in tumor induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Tumor-bearing mice showed decreased cardiac function with reduced posterior wall thickness (PWTs) during systole, increased MMP and collagen expression consistent with fibrotic remodeling. Administration of minocycline preserved cardiac function in tumor bearing mice and decreased collagen RNA expression in the left ventricle. MMP protein levels were unaffected by minocycline administration, with the exception of MMP-9, indicating minocycline inhibition mechanisms are directly affecting MMP activity. Cancer induced cardiovascular dysfunction is an increasing concern; novel therapeutics are needed to prevent cardiac complications. Minocycline is a well-known antibiotic and recently has been shown to possess MMP inhibitory properties. Our findings presented here show that minocycline could represent a novel use for a long established drug in the prevention and treatment of cancer induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some Exploitation Properties of Wood Plastic Hybrid Composites Based on Polypropylene and Plywood Production Waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajaks, Janis; Kalnins, Karlis; Uzulis, Sandris; Matvejs, Juris

2015-12-01

During the last 20-30 years many researchers have paid attention to the studies of properties of thewood polymer composites (WPC). A lot of works are closely related to investigations of exploitation properties of wood fibres or wood flour containing polyolefine composites [1, 2]. The most useful from wide selection of polyolefines are polypropylenes, but timber industry waste materials comprising lignocellulose fibres are often used as reinforcement of WPC [3-12]. Plywood industry is not an exception - part of waste materials (by-products) are used for heat energy, i.e. burned. In this work we have approbated reinforcing of polypropylene (PP) with one of the plywood industry by-products, such as birch plywood sawdust (PSWD),which containswood fibre fractions with different length [13]. The main fraction (50%) includes fibres with length l = 0.5 - 1 mm. Our previous study [13] has confirmed that PSWD is a promising filler for PP reinforcing. Addition of PSWD up to 40-50 wt.% has increased WPC tensile and flexural modulus, but decreased deformation ability of PP matrix, impact strength, water resistance and fluidity of composite melts. It was shown [13] that modification of the composites with interfacial modifier - coupling agent maleated polypropylene (MAPP content up to 5-7 wt.%) considerably improved all the abovementioned properties. SEM investigations also confirmed positive action of coupling agent on strengthening of adhesion interaction between components wood and PP matrix. Another way how to make better properties of the WPC is to form hybridcomposites [1, 14-24]. Very popular WPC modifiers are nanoparticle additions like organonanoclays, which increase WPC physical-mechanical properties - microhardness, water resistance and diminish barrier properties and combustibility [1, 2, 14-17, 19, 20]. The goal of this study was to investigate organonanoclays influence on plywood production industry by-product birch plywood sawdust (PSWD) containing polypropylenewood hybrid composites (WPHC) physical-mechanical and other exploitation properties.

Property-tax incentives for implementing soil-conservation programs under constitutional taxing limitations

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

Massey, D.T.; Silver, M.B.

1982-01-01

This article describes how property-tax incentives can be used to implement soil-conservation programs on agricultural and open-space lands under the differential-assessment statutes and other exceptions to constitutional limitations on taxation powers. The article describes restrictions imposed on taxing powers by the constitutional uniformity clauses and methods for circumventing those limitations; various property-tax incentives available for conservation programs; types of differential or use-value assessments providing property-tax relief for farm, forest, and open-space land preservation; eligibility of lands for differential assessments; methods available to landowners for participation in differential assessments; and determination of value under differential assessment. The article next details howmore » each of the three primary types of differential or use-value assessment statutes for farm, forest, and open-space land preservation provides exceptions to the uniformity clauses for property tax incentives to implement soil-conservation programs. Other methods available for providing exceptions to the uniformity clauses to permit property-tax incentives are also described for each of the three states. Each of these states has statutes giving favorable tax treatment to certain types of property, such as pollution-abatement equipment, alternative energy-producing devices, and even country clubs. These statutes can be used as examples of finding a constitutional method for providing favorabe tax treatment to promote participation in soil-conservation programs.« less

The mechanics and design of a lightweight three-dimensional graphene assembly

PubMed Central

Qin, Zhao; Jung, Gang Seob; Kang, Min Jeong; Buehler, Markus J.

2017-01-01

Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) graphene assembly have shown how we can make solid porous materials that are lighter than air. It is plausible that these solid materials can be mechanically strong enough for applications under extreme conditions, such as being a substitute for helium in filling up an unpowered flight balloon. However, knowledge of the elastic modulus and strength of the porous graphene assembly as functions of its structure has not been available, preventing evaluation of its feasibility. We combine bottom-up computational modeling with experiments based on 3D-printed models to investigate the mechanics of porous 3D graphene materials, resulting in new designs of carbon materials. Our study reveals that although the 3D graphene assembly has an exceptionally high strength at relatively high density (given the fact that it has a density of 4.6% that of mild steel and is 10 times as strong as mild steel), its mechanical properties decrease with density much faster than those of polymer foams. Our results provide critical densities below which the 3D graphene assembly starts to lose its mechanical advantage over most polymeric cellular materials. PMID:28070559

Close encounters: Moving along bumps, breaks, and bubbles on expanded trinucleotide tracts

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

Polyzos, Aris A.; McMurray, Cynthia T.

2017-06-09

Expansion of simple triplet repeats (TNR) underlies greater than 30 severe degenerative diseases. There is a good understanding of the major pathways generating an expansion, and the associated polymerases that operate during gap filling synthesis at these “difficult to copy” sequences. However, the mechanism by which a TNR is repaired depends on the type of lesion, the structural features imposed by the lesion, the assembled replication/repair complex, and the polymerase that encounters it. The relationships among these parameters are exceptionally complex and how they direct pathway choice is poorly understood. In this review, we consider the properties of polymerases, andmore » how encounters with GC-rich or abnormal structures might influence polymerase choice and the success of replication and repair. Insights over the last three years have highlighted new mechanisms that provide interesting choices to consider in protecting genome stability.« less

Evaluation of the finite element fuel rod analysis code (FRANCO)

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

Lee, K.; Feltus, M.A.

1994-12-31

Knowledge of temperature distribution in a nuclear fuel rod is required to predict the behavior of fuel elements during operating conditions. The thermal and mechanical properties and performance characteristics are strongly dependent on the temperature, which can vary greatly inside the fuel rod. A detailed model of fuel rod behavior can be described by various numerical methods, including the finite element approach. The finite element method has been successfully used in many engineering applications, including nuclear piping and reactor component analysis. However, fuel pin analysis has traditionally been carried out with finite difference codes, with the exception of Electric Powermore » Research Institute`s FREY code, which was developed for mainframe execution. This report describes FRANCO, a finite element fuel rod analysis code capable of computing temperature disrtibution and mechanical deformation of a single light water reactor fuel rod.« less

The Microstructure of RR1000 Nickel-Base Superalloy: The FIB-SEM Dual-Beam Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croxall, S. A.; Hardy, M. C.; Stone, H. J.; Midgley, P. A.

Nickel-base superalloys are aerospace materials that exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at very high temperatures. RR1000 is used in discs in gas turbine engines, where temperatures reach in excess of 650°C with high mechanical stresses. Study of the microstructure at the micron and sub-micron level has conventionally been undertaken using scanning electron microscope images, often meaning the underlying 3D microstructure can be inferred only with additional knowledge. Using a dual-beam workstation, we are able to interrogate directly the 3D microstructure using a serial sectioning approach. The 3D data set, typically (10µm)3 in volume, reveals microstructural detail with lateral resolution of circa 8nm and a depth resolution dictated by the slice thickness, typically 50nm. Morphological and volumetric analysis of the 3D reconstruction of RR1000 superalloy reveals microstructural details hitherto unseen.

Interstitial atoms enable joint twinning and transformation induced plasticity in strong and ductile high-entropy alloys.

PubMed

Li, Zhiming; Tasan, Cemal Cem; Springer, Hauke; Gault, Baptiste; Raabe, Dierk

2017-01-12

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of multiple principle elements provide an avenue for realizing exceptional mechanical, physical and chemical properties. We report a novel strategy for designing a new class of HEAs incorporating the additional interstitial element carbon. This results in joint activation of twinning- and transformation-induced plasticity (TWIP and TRIP) by tuning the matrix phase's instability in a metastable TRIP-assisted dual-phase HEA. Besides TWIP and TRIP, such alloys benefit from massive substitutional and interstitial solid solution strengthening as well as from the composite effect associated with its dual-phase structure. Nanosize particle formation and grain size reduction are also utilized. The new interstitial TWIP-TRIP-HEA thus unifies all metallic strengthening mechanisms in one material, leading to twice the tensile strength compared to a single-phase HEA with similar composition, yet, at identical ductility.

Optical coherence elastography – OCT at work in tissue biomechanics [Invited

PubMed Central

Larin, Kirill V.; Sampson, David D.

2017-01-01

Optical coherence elastography (OCE), as the use of OCT to perform elastography has come to be known, began in 1998, around ten years after the rest of the field of elastography – the use of imaging to deduce mechanical properties of tissues. After a slow start, the maturation of OCT technology in the early to mid 2000s has underpinned a recent acceleration in the field. With more than 20 papers published in 2015, and more than 25 in 2016, OCE is growing fast, but still small compared to the companion fields of cell mechanics research methods, and medical elastography. In this review, we describe the early developments in OCE, and the factors that led to the current acceleration. Much of our attention is on the key recent advances, with a strong emphasis on future prospects, which are exceptionally bright. PMID:28271011

Progressive Failure Analysis Methodology for Laminated Composite Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sleight, David W.

1999-01-01

A progressive failure analysis method has been developed for predicting the failure of laminated composite structures under geometrically nonlinear deformations. The progressive failure analysis uses C(exp 1) shell elements based on classical lamination theory to calculate the in-plane stresses. Several failure criteria, including the maximum strain criterion, Hashin's criterion, and Christensen's criterion, are used to predict the failure mechanisms and several options are available to degrade the material properties after failures. The progressive failure analysis method is implemented in the COMET finite element analysis code and can predict the damage and response of laminated composite structures from initial loading to final failure. The different failure criteria and material degradation methods are compared and assessed by performing analyses of several laminated composite structures. Results from the progressive failure method indicate good correlation with the existing test data except in structural applications where interlaminar stresses are important which may cause failure mechanisms such as debonding or delaminations.

Measuring the mechanical properties of molecular conformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, S. P.; Taylor, S.; Baran, J. D.; Champness, N. R.; Larsson, J. A.; Moriarty, P.

2015-09-01

Scanning probe-actuated single molecule manipulation has proven to be an exceptionally powerful tool for the systematic atomic-scale interrogation of molecular adsorbates. To date, however, the extent to which molecular conformation affects the force required to push or pull a single molecule has not been explored. Here we probe the mechanochemical response of two tetra(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin conformers using non-contact atomic force microscopy where we find a large difference between the lateral forces required for manipulation. Remarkably, despite sharing very similar adsorption characteristics, variations in the potential energy surface are capable of prohibiting probe-induced positioning of one conformer, while simultaneously permitting manipulation of the alternative conformational form. Our results are interpreted in the context of dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations which reveal significant differences in the diffusion barriers for each conformer. These results demonstrate that conformational variation significantly modifies the mechanical response of even simple porpyhrins, potentially affecting many other flexible molecules.

Transparent conductive graphene textile fibers

PubMed Central

Neves, A. I. S.; Bointon, T. H.; Melo, L. V.; Russo, S.; de Schrijver, I.; Craciun, M. F.; Alves, H.

2015-01-01

Transparent and flexible electrodes are widely used on a variety of substrates such as plastics and glass. Yet, to date, transparent electrodes on a textile substrate have not been explored. The exceptional electrical, mechanical and optical properties of monolayer graphene make it highly attractive as a transparent electrode for applications in wearable electronics. Here, we report the transfer of monolayer graphene, grown by chemical vapor deposition on copper foil, to fibers commonly used by the textile industry. The graphene-coated fibers have a sheet resistance as low as ~1 kΩ per square, an equivalent value to the one obtained by the same transfer process onto a Si substrate, with a reduction of only 2.3 per cent in optical transparency while keeping high stability under mechanical stress. With this approach, we successfully achieved the first example of a textile electrode, flexible and truly embedded in a yarn. PMID:25952133

Unexplored possibilities of all-polysaccharide composites.

PubMed

Simkovic, Ivan

2013-06-20

Composites made solely from polysaccharides are mostly ecological because they can degrade without leaving behind ecologically harmful residues, in contrast to composites which contain synthetic polymers. Herein, the following groups of all-polysaccharide composites (APCs) are discussed: an all-cellulose group that includes cotton composites, cellulose combined with other polysaccharides, as well as those based on chitin/chitosan, heparin, hyaluronan, xylan, glucomannan, pectin, xyloglucan, arabinan, starch, carrageenan, alginate, galactan as one of the components in combination with other polysaccharides. They can be used in medical, paper, food, packing, textile, electronic, mechanical engineering and other applications. The composites were tested for absorptivity, biodegradability, crystallinity, rheology, and mechanical, optical, separation, gelling, pasting, film-forming, adhesive, antimicrobial properties, as well as water vapor permeability, water repellency, dye uptake, and fire-retardancy. Except for food applications, composites based on more than two types of polysaccharides have rarely been used and many possible combinations remain unexplored. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Massive radius-dependent flow slippage in carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siria, Alessandro; Secchi, Eleonora; Marbach, Sophie; Niguès, Antoine; Stein, Derek; Bocquet, Lydéric

2016-11-01

Nanofluidics is the frontier where the continuum picture of fluid mechanics confronts the atomic nature of matter. Recent reports indicate that carbon nanotubes exhibit exceptional water transport properties due to nearly frictionless interfaces and this has stimulated interest in nanotube-based membranes for desalination, nano-filtration, and energy harvesting. However, the fundamental mechanisms of water transport inside nanotubes and at water-carbon interfaces remain controversial, as existing theories fail to provide a satisfying explanation for the limited experimental results. We report a study of water jets emerging from single nanotubes made of carbon and boron-nitride materials. Our experiments reveal extensive and radius-dependent surface slippage in carbon nanotubes (CNT). In stark contrast, boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNT), which are crystallographically similar to CNTs but electronically different, exhibit no slippage. This shows that slippage originates in subtle atomic-scale details of the solid-liquid interface. ERC StG - NanoSOFT.

Interstitial atoms enable joint twinning and transformation induced plasticity in strong and ductile high-entropy alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhiming; Tasan, Cemal Cem; Springer, Hauke; Gault, Baptiste; Raabe, Dierk

2017-01-01

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of multiple principle elements provide an avenue for realizing exceptional mechanical, physical and chemical properties. We report a novel strategy for designing a new class of HEAs incorporating the additional interstitial element carbon. This results in joint activation of twinning- and transformation-induced plasticity (TWIP and TRIP) by tuning the matrix phase’s instability in a metastable TRIP-assisted dual-phase HEA. Besides TWIP and TRIP, such alloys benefit from massive substitutional and interstitial solid solution strengthening as well as from the composite effect associated with its dual-phase structure. Nanosize particle formation and grain size reduction are also utilized. The new interstitial TWIP-TRIP-HEA thus unifies all metallic strengthening mechanisms in one material, leading to twice the tensile strength compared to a single-phase HEA with similar composition, yet, at identical ductility.

Chemical Foundations of Hydrogen Sulfide Biology

PubMed Central

Li, Qian; Lancaster, Jack R.

2013-01-01

Following nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide) and carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide (or its newer systematic name sulfane, H2S) became the third small molecule that can be both toxic and beneficial depending on the concentration. In spite of its impressive therapeutic potential, the underlying mechanisms for its beneficial effects remain unclear. Any novel mechanism has to obey fundamental chemical principles. H2S chemistry was studied long before its biological relevance was discovered, however, with a few exceptions, these past works have received relatively little attention in the path of exploring the mechanistic conundrum of H2S biological functions. This review calls attention to the basic physical and chemical properties of H2S, focuses on the chemistry between H2S and its three potential biological targets: oxidants, metals and thiol derivatives, discusses the applications of these basics into H2S biology and methodology, and introduces the standard terminology to this youthful field. PMID:23850631

Synthesis of Composite Adsorbent from Calcium Carbonate and Cocos Nucifera Carbon Powder Crosslinked with Biopolymer Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaruddin, M. A.; Bakri, M. M. A.; Norashiddin, F. A.; Zawawi, M. H.; Zainol, M. R. R. A.

2018-03-01

The use of coconut shell based adsorbent for removing various pollutants from wastewater offers attractive advantages such as exceptional adsorption capacity with larger surface area, low-cost and biocompatibility for a wide range of pollutants. The same goes for calcium carbonate based adsorbent, which provides better removal for metals ions through precipitation method. In fact, recycling of waste material is considered environmentally preferable and is supported by public opinion and government policy. However, because of unit operations mechanisms and effectiveness are different to one another in downstream process, it is quite difficult to provide good adsorbent that exhibits dual attributes of hydrophobic and hydrophilic characters. This paper provides brief process for sintering of composite adsorbent for separation and purification of industrial wastewater application. Characterization was performed by physical and chemical approach. Results prove that the inclusion of biopolymer as composite binder improved mechanical properties of the composite adsorbent.

A Comparative Study on Permanent Mold Cast and Powder Thixoforming 6061 Aluminum Alloy and Sicp/6061Al Composite: Microstructures and Mechanical Properties.

PubMed

Zhang, Xuezheng; Chen, Tijun; Qin, He; Wang, Chong

2016-05-24

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of 10 vol% SiC particles (SiC p ) reinforced 6061 Al-based composite fabricated by powder thixoforming (PTF) was investigated in comparison with the PTF and permanent mold cast (PMC) 6061 monolithic alloys. The results reveal that the microstructure of the PMC alloy consists of coarse and equiaxed α dendrites and interdendritic net-like eutectic phases. However, the microstructure of the PTF composite, similar to that of the PTF alloy, consists of near-spheroidal primary particles and intergranular secondarily solidified structures except SiC p , which are distributed in the secondarily solidified structures. The eutectics amount in the PTF materials is distinctly lower than that in the PMC alloy, and the microstructures of the former materials are quite compact while that of the latter alloy is porous. Therefore, the PTF alloy shows better tensile properties than the PMC alloy. Owing to the existence of the SiC reinforcing particles, the PTF composite attains an ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of 230 MPa and 128 MPa, representing an enhancement of 27.8% and 29.3% than those (180 MPa and 99 MPa) of the PTF alloy. A modified model based on three strengthening mechanisms was proposed to calculate the yield strength of the PTF composite. The obtained theoretical results were quite consistent with the experimental data.

Graphene oxide as a scaffold for bone regeneration.

PubMed

Holt, Brian D; Wright, Zoe M; Arnold, Anne M; Sydlik, Stefanie A

2017-05-01

Graphene oxide (GO), the oxidized form of graphene, holds great potential as a component of biomedical devices, deriving utility from its ability to support a broad range of chemical functionalities and its exceptional mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties. GO composites can be tuned chemically to be biomimetic, and mechanically to be stiff yet strong. These unique properties make GO-based materials promising candidates as a scaffold for bone regeneration. However, questions still exist as to the compatibility and long-term toxicity of nanocarbon materials. Unlike other nanocarbons, GO is meta-stable, water dispersible, and autodegrades in water on the timescale of months to humic acid-like materials, the degradation products of all organic matter. Thus, GO offers better prospects for biological compatibility over other nanocarbons. Recently, many publications have demonstrated enhanced osteogenic performance of GO-containing composites. Ongoing work toward surface modification or coating strategies could be useful to minimize the inflammatory response and improve compatibility of GO as a component of medical devices. Furthermore, biomimetic modifications could offer mechanical and chemical environments that encourage osteogenesis. So long as care is given to assure their safety, GO-based materials may be poised to become the next generation scaffold for bone regeneration. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1437. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1437 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2T - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business (temporary). 1.367(a)-2T Section 1.367(a)-2T Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (Continued) Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)...

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2T - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business (temporary). 1.367(a)-2T Section 1.367(a)-2T Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)-2T Exceptio...

26 CFR 1.367(a)-2T - Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Exception for transfers of property for use in the active conduct of a trade or business (temporary). 1.367(a)-2T Section 1.367(a)-2T Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Effects on Corporation § 1.367(a)...

32 CFR 34.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., the Government and subsequently made available to the recipient. Funding period. The period of time... required. Personal property. Property of any kind except real property. It may be: (1) Tangible, having... limited to, income from fees for services performed, the use or rental of real or personal property...

Recent advances in molecular electronics based on carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Bourgoin, Jean-Philippe; Campidelli, Stéphane; Chenevier, Pascale; Derycke, Vincent; Filoramo, Arianna; Goffman, Marcelo F

2010-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptional physical properties that make them one of the most promising building blocks for future nanotechnologies. They may in particular play an important role in the development of innovative electronic devices in the fields of flexible electronics, ultra-high sensitivity sensors, high frequency electronics, opto-electronics, energy sources and nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS). Proofs of concept of several high performance devices already exist, usually at the single device level, but there remain many serious scientific issues to be solved before the viability of such routes can be evaluated. In particular, the main concern regards the controlled synthesis and positioning of nanotubes. In our opinion, truly innovative use of these nano-objects will come from: (i) the combination of some of their complementary physical properties, such as combining their electrical and mechanical properties, (ii) the combination of their properties with additional benefits coming from other molecules grafted on the nanotubes, and (iii) the use of chemically- or bio-directed self-assembly processes to allow the efficient combination of several devices into functional arrays or circuits. In this article, we outline the main issues concerning the development of carbon nanotubes based electronics applications and review our recent results in the field.

Synthesis, characterization and in vivo evaluation of biocompatible ferrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez-Lopez, M. T.; Rodriguez, I. A.; Rodriguez-Arco, L.; Carriel, V.; Bonhome-Espinosa, A. B.; Campos, F.; Zubarev, A.; Duran, J. D. G.

2017-06-01

A hydrogel is a 3-D network of polymer chains in which water is the dispersion medium. Hydrogels have found extensive applications in the biomedical field due to their resemblance to living tissues. Furthermore, hydrogels can be endowed with exceptional properties by addition of synthetic materials. For example, magnetic field-sensitive gels, called ferrogels, are obtained by embedding magnetic particles in the polymer network. Novel living tissues with unique magnetic field-sensitive properties were recently prepared by 3-D cell culture in biocompatible ferrogels. This paper critically reviews the most recent progress and perspectives in their synthesis, characterization and biocompatibility evaluation. Optimization of ferrogels for this novel application requires low-density, strongly magnetic, multi-domain particles. Interestingly, the rheological properties of the resulting ferrogels in the absence of field were largely enhanced with respect to nonmagnetic hydrogels, which can only be explained by the additional cross-linking imparted by the embedded magnetic particles. Remarkably, rheological measurements under an applied magnetic field demonstrated that ferrogels presented reversibly tunable mechanical properties, which constitutes a unique advantage with respect to nonmagnetic hydrogels. In vivo evaluation of ferrogels showed good biocompatibility, with only some local inflammatory response, and no particle migration or damage to distant organs.

Positron annihilation spectroscopic study of high performance semi-interpenetrating network polyimids

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

Ray, A.K.

1995-12-01

Semi-interpenetrating (S-IPN) network polyimids were made from different proportions of LaRC RP46 (a thermosetpolyimid) and LaRC BDTA-ODA (a thermoplastic polyimid). The ultimate goal of this networking is to improve the mechanical properties of the thermoset polyimid. Positron lifetime study was made to calculate lifetime based on second component of the life time spectra and the free volume & microvoid size. All these properties tend to decrease steadily with increasing thermoset content except at the 50 percent thermoset level where these properties show sudden drop. This result contradicts with the initial expectation that the blend properties should change gradually if itmore » were a solid solution of thermoset (TSP) and thermoplastic (TPP) components. Thermal analyses (TMA, DSC, DMA & TGA) were run to complement the positron life time studies. The TMA and DSC studies confirm the contradiction mentioned above. Further experimentation with S-IPN polymers made at TSP/TTP content around 50/50 level are being conducted to explain this anomaly. Scanning electron microscope study of the S-IPN polyimid samples is under way in order to detect morphological differences which might help explain the phenomenon mentioned above.« less

10 CFR 603.680 - Purchase of real property and equipment by for-profit firms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Purchase of real property and equipment by for-profit... INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS Award Terms Affecting Participants' Financial, Property, and Purchasing Systems Property § 603.680 Purchase of real property and equipment by for-profit firms. (a) With the two exceptions...

24 CFR 35.620 - Multifamily insured property constructed before 1960.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Multifamily insured property... STRUCTURES Multifamily Mortgage Insurance § 35.620 Multifamily insured property constructed before 1960. Except as provided in § 35.630, the following requirements apply to multifamily insured property...

24 CFR 35.620 - Multifamily insured property constructed before 1960.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Multifamily insured property... STRUCTURES Multifamily Mortgage Insurance § 35.620 Multifamily insured property constructed before 1960. Except as provided in § 35.630, the following requirements apply to multifamily insured property...

24 CFR 35.620 - Multifamily insured property constructed before 1960.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Multifamily insured property... STRUCTURES Multifamily Mortgage Insurance § 35.620 Multifamily insured property constructed before 1960. Except as provided in § 35.630, the following requirements apply to multifamily insured property...

Controlled ripple texturing of suspended graphene and ultrathin graphite membranes.

PubMed

Bao, Wenzhong; Miao, Feng; Chen, Zhen; Zhang, Hang; Jang, Wanyoung; Dames, Chris; Lau, Chun Ning

2009-09-01

Graphene is nature's thinnest elastic material and displays exceptional mechanical and electronic properties. Ripples are an intrinsic feature of graphene sheets and are expected to strongly influence electronic properties by inducing effective magnetic fields and changing local potentials. The ability to control ripple structure in graphene could allow device design based on local strain and selective bandgap engineering. Here, we report the first direct observation and controlled creation of one- and two-dimensional periodic ripples in suspended graphene sheets, using both spontaneously and thermally generated strains. We are able to control ripple orientation, wavelength and amplitude by controlling boundary conditions and making use of graphene's negative thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), which we measure to be much larger than that of graphite. These results elucidate the ripple formation process, which can be understood in terms of classical thin-film elasticity theory. This should lead to an improved understanding of suspended graphene devices, a controlled engineering of thermal stress in large-scale graphene electronics, and a systematic investigation of the effect of ripples on the electronic properties of graphene.

Feasibility study of the production of biomedical Ti-6Al-4V alloy by powder metallurgy.

PubMed

Bolzoni, L; Ruiz-Navas, E M; Gordo, E

2015-04-01

Titanium and its alloys are characterized by an exceptional combination of properties like high strength, good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility which makes them suitable materials for biomedical prosthesis and devices. The wrought Ti-6Al-4V alloy is generally favored in comparison to other metallic biomaterials due to its relatively low elastic modulus and it has been long used to obtain products for biomedical applications. In this work an alternative route to fabricate biomedical implants made out of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy is investigated. Specifically, the feasibility of the conventional powder metallurgy route of cold uniaxial pressing and sintering is addressed by considering two types of powders (i.e. blended elemental and prealloyed). The characterization of physical properties, chemical analysis, mechanical behavior and microstructural analysis is carried out in-depth and the properties are correlated among them. On the base of the results found, the produced alloys are promising materials for biomedical applications as well as cheaper surgical devices and tools. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modification of electrical properties of silicon dioxide through intrinsic nano-patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majee, Subimal; Barshilia, Devesh; Banerjee, Debashree; Kumar, Sanjeev; Mishra, Prabhash; Akhtar, Jamil

2018-05-01

The inherent network of nanopores and voids in silicon dioxide (SiO2) is generally undesirable for aspects of film quality, electrical insulation and dielectric performance. However, if we view these pores as natural nano-patterns embedded in a dielectric matrix then that opens up new vistas for exploration. The nano-pattern platform can be used to tailor electrical, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties of the carrier film. In this article we report the tunable electrical properties of thermal SiO2 thin-film achieved through utilization of the metal-nanopore network where the pores are filled with metallic Titanium (Ti). Without any intentional chemical doping, we have shown that the electrical resistivity of the oxide film can be controlled through physical filling up of the intrinsic oxide nanopores with Ti. The electrical resistivity of the composite film remains constant even after complete removal of the metal from the film surface except the pores. Careful morphological, electrical and structural analyses are carried out to establish that the presence of Ti in the nanopores play a crucial role in the observed conductive nature of the nanoporous film.

Effects of radiation on lithium aluminate samples properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Botter, F.; Lefevre, F.; Rasneur, B.; Trotabas, M.; Roth, E.

1986-11-01

The irradiation behaviour of lithium aluminate, a candidate material for a fusion reactor blanket, has been investigated. About 130 samples of 7.5% 6Li content γ-LiAlO 2 have been loaded in a 6 level device, and were irradiated for 25.7 FPD in the core of the Osiris reactor at Saclay at the end of 1984, within an experiment named ALICE 1. The properties of several textural groups have been examined before and after irradiation and the correlation of the results observed as a function of the irradiation conditions is given. No significant variation of the properties, as a whole, was shown at 400°C under fluences of 4.7 × 10 20 n cm -2 fast neutrons ( > 1 MeV) and 1.48 × 10 20 n cm -2 thermal neutrons. At 600°C, under the highest flux, weight losses less than 1%, and decreases of 2 to 8% of the sound velocity were measured. Generally, neither swelling nor breakage, except those due to combined mechanical and thermal shocks, were observed.

Development and characterization of orthotropic-birefringent materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniel, I. M.; Koller, G. M.; Niiro, T.

1984-01-01

Materials were selected and fabrication procedures developed for orthotropic birefringent materials. An epoxy resin (Maraset 658/558 system) was selected as the matrix material. Fibers obtained from style 3733 glass cloth and type 1062 glass roving were used as reinforcement. Two different fabrication procedures were used. In the first one, layers of unidirectional fibers removed from the glass cloth were stacked, impregnated with resin, bagged and cured in the autoclave at an elevated temperature. In the second procedure, the glass roving was drywound over metal frames, impregnated with resin and cured at room temperature under pressure and vacuum in an autoclave. Unidirectional, angle-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates of two thicknesses and with embedded flaws were fabricated. The matrix and the unidirectional glass/epoxy material were fully characterized. The density, fiber volume ratio, mechanical, and optical properties were determined. The fiber volume ratio was over 0.50. Birefringent properties were in good agreement with predictions based on a stress proportioning concept and also, with one exception, with properties predicted by a finite element analysis. Previously announced in STAR as N81-26183

Visual development in primates: Neural mechanisms and critical periods

PubMed Central

Kiorpes, Lynne

2015-01-01

Despite many decades of research into the development of visual cortex, it remains unclear what neural processes set limitations on the development of visual function and define its vulnerability to abnormal visual experience. This selected review examines the development of visual function and its neural correlates, and highlights the fact that in most cases receptive field properties of infant neurons are substantially more mature than infant visual function. One exception is temporal resolution, which can be accounted for by resolution of neurons at the level of the LGN. In terms of spatial vision, properties of single neurons alone are not sufficient to account for visual development. Different visual functions develop over different time courses. Their onset may be limited by the existence of neural response properties that support a given perceptual ability, but the subsequent time course of maturation to adult levels remains unexplained. Several examples are offered suggesting that taking account of weak signaling by infant neurons, correlated firing, and pooled responses of populations of neurons brings us closer to an understanding of the relationship between neural and behavioral development. PMID:25649764

Seismicity in a model governed by competing frictional weakening and healing mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hillers, G.; Carlson, J. M.; Archuleta, R. J.

2009-09-01

Observations from laboratory, field and numerical work spanning a wide range of space and time scales suggest a strain dependent progressive evolution of material properties that control the stability of earthquake faults. The associated weakening mechanisms are counterbalanced by a variety of restrengthening mechanisms. The efficiency of the healing processes depends on local material properties and on rheologic, temperature, and hydraulic conditions. We investigate the relative effects of these competing non-linear feedbacks on seismogenesis in the context of evolving frictional properties, using a mechanical earthquake model that is governed by slip weakening friction. Weakening and strengthening mechanisms are parametrized by the evolution of the frictional control variable-the slip weakening rate R-using empirical relationships obtained from laboratory experiments. In our model, weakening depends on the slip of an earthquake and tends to increase R, following the behaviour of real and simulated frictional interfaces. Healing causes R to decrease and depends on the time passed since the last slip. Results from models with these competing feedbacks are compared with simulations using non-evolving friction. Compared to fixed R conditions, evolving properties result in a significantly increased variability in the system dynamics. We find that for a given set of weakening parameters the resulting seismicity patterns are sensitive to details of the restrengthening process, such as the healing rate b and a lower cutoff time, tc, up to which no significant change in the friction parameter is observed. For relatively large and small cutoff times, the statistics are typical of fixed large and small R values, respectively. However, a wide range of intermediate values leads to significant fluctuations in the internal energy levels. The frequency-size statistics of earthquake occurrence show corresponding non-stationary characteristics on time scales over which negligible fluctuations are observed in the fixed-R case. The progressive evolution implies that-except for extreme weakening and healing rates-faults and fault networks possibly are not well characterized by steady states on typical catalogue time scales, thus highlighting the essential role of memory and history dependence in seismogenesis. The results suggest that an extrapolation to future seismicity occurrence based on temporally limited data may be misleading due to variability in seismicity patterns associated with competing mechanisms that affect fault stability.

41 CFR 301-73.104 - May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? 301-73.104 Section 301-73.104 Public... further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? (a) The Administrator of...

41 CFR 301-73.104 - May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? 301-73.104 Section 301-73.104 Public... further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? (a) The Administrator of...

41 CFR 301-73.104 - May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? 301-73.104 Section 301-73.104 Public... further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? (a) The Administrator of...

41 CFR 301-73.104 - May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? 301-73.104 Section 301-73.104 Public... further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? (a) The Administrator of...

41 CFR 301-73.104 - May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false May further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? 301-73.104 Section 301-73.104 Public... further exceptions to the required use of the E-Gov Travel Service be approved? (a) The Administrator of...

Bending efficiency through property gradients in bamboo, palm, and wood-based composites.

PubMed

Wegst, Ulrike G K

2011-07-01

Nature, to a greater extent than engineering, takes advantage of hierarchical structures. These allow for optimization at each structural level to achieve mechanical efficiency, meaning mechanical performance per unit mass. Palms and bamboos do this exceptionally well; both are fibre-reinforced cellular materials in which the fibres are aligned parallel to the stem or culm, respectively. The distribution of these fibres is, however, not uniform: there is a density and modulus gradient across the section. This property gradient increases the flexural rigidity of the plants per unit mass, mass being a measure of metabolic investment made into an organism's construction. An analytical model is presented with which a 'gradient shape factor' can be calculated that describes by how much a plant's bending efficiency is increased through gradient structures. Combining the 'gradient shape factor' with a 'microstructural shape factor' that captures the efficiency gained through the cellular nature of the fibre composite's matrix, and a 'macroscopical shape factor' with which the tubular shape of bamboo can be described, for example, it is possible to explore how much each of these three structural levels of the hierarchy contributes to the overall bending performance of the stem or culm. In analogy, the bending efficiency of the commonly used wood-based composite medium-density fibreboard can be analysed; its property gradient is due to its manufacture by hot pressing. A few other engineered materials exist that emulate property gradients; new manufacturing routes to prepare them are currently being explored. It appears worthwhile to pursue these further. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Physical-Mechanical Properties and Micromorphology of Calcium Cements Exposed to Polyacrylic and Phosphoric Acids.

PubMed

de Souza, Gustavo Fernandes; Arrais, Ana Beatriz; Aragão, Cícero Flávio Soares; Ferreira, Isana Alvares; Borges, Boniek Castillo Dutra

2018-01-01

To evaluate if physical and mechanical properties of self-curing calcium hydroxide cements were affected by contact with polyacrylic and phosphoric acids. Resin-containing (Life (LF)) and resin-free (Hydro C (HyC)) materials were subjected to polyacrylic acid conditioning and rinsing (POL); phosphoric acid conditioning and rinsing (PHO); rinsing only; and no treatment ( n = 10). Water sorption/solubility, release of hydroxyl ions (pH), roughness (Ra), and impact resistance were evaluated. Additional samples ( n = 1) were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the surface morphology. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test ( P < 0.05). Water sorption was significantly higher for LF when in contact with PHO and lower for POL ( P < 0.05). The mean solubility was higher with POL for both cements ( P < 0.05). PHO increased the mean surface roughness for HyC ( P < 0.01); a significant decrease was noted for LF after contact with both acids ( P < 0.01). PHO promoted lower release of hydroxyl ions on both cements ( P < 0.05). For LF, rinsing, PHO, and POL presented similar morphology, differing from the control group. For HyC, PHO and POL presented similar morphology, differing from the control group. PHO had a negative effect on the physical properties of the cements tested, except for the solubility test. POL affected roughness and solubility of HyC cement. Clinical procedures that require polyacrylic and phosphoric acid conditioning must be done carefully on self-curing calcium hydroxide cements in order to avoid negative impact on their properties.

Hierarchical structure and mechanical properties of snake (Naja atra) and turtle (Ocadia sinensis) eggshells.

PubMed

Chang, Yin; Chen, Po-Yu

2016-02-01

After hundreds of million years of evolution, natural armors have evolved in various organisms, and has manifested in diverse forms such as eggshells, abalone shells, alligator osteoderms, turtle shells, and fish scales. Eggshells serve as multifunctional shields for successful embryogenesis, such as protection, moisture control and thermal regulation. Unlike calcareous avian eggshells which are brittle and hard, reptilians have leathery eggshells that are tough and flexible. Reptilian eggshells can withstand collision damages when laid in holes and dropped onto each other, and reduce abrasion caused by buried sand. In this study, we investigate structure and mechanical properties of eggshells of Taiwan cobra snake (Naja atra) and Chinese striped-neck turtle (Ocadia sinensis). From Acid Fuchsin Orange G (AFOG) staining and ATR-FTIR examination, we found that both eggshells are mainly composed of keratin. The mechanical properties of demineralized snake and turtle eggshells were evaluated by tensile and fracture tests and show distinctly difference. Turtle eggshells are relatively stiff and rigid, while snake eggshells behave as elastomers, which are highly extensible and reversible. The exceptional deformability (110-230% tensile strain) and toughness of snake eggshells are contributed by the wavy and random arrangement of keratin fibers as well as collagen layers. Multi-scale toughening mechanisms of snake eggshells were observed and elucidated, including crack deflection and twisting, fibers reorientation, sliding and bridging, inter-laminar shear effect, as well as the α-β phase transition of keratin. Inspirations from the structural and mechanical designs of reptilian eggshells may lead to the synthesis of tough, extensible, lightweight composites which could be further applied in the flexible devices, packaging and bio-medical fields. Amniotic eggshells serve as multifunctional shields for successful embryogenesis. The avian eggshells have been extensively studied while there are very few studies on reptilian eggshells and most of them focused on mineralization and embryotic development. For the first time, the hierarchical structure and mechanical properties of snake and turtle eggshells are comprehensively and comparatively studied. Both snake and turtle eggshells are multilayer, hierarchically-structured composites consisting mainly of keratin yet their mechanical behaviors are distinctly different. Turtle eggshells are stiff and rigid, while snake eggshells are highly extensible (>200%) and reversible due to multiple deformation stages, phase transition of keratin and various toughening mechanisms. We believe that this study will make positive scientific impact and interest the broad and multidisciplinary readership. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Micro/nano-scale investigation on tin alloys and tin dioxide nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yong

Tin (Sn) and its alloys have been at people's service since 3000 BC when bronze (alloy of tin and copper) was produced in large scale. They have unique properties and find applications in various engineering fields. Correspondingly, there is abundant information waiting to be clarified surrounding these Sn-related materials. As the key element used for solder alloys, the properties of Sn alloys have been of great interest to the electronic packaging community. At the same time, the intriguing phenomenon of spontaneous Sn whisker growth from Sn / Sn-alloy thin films have bothered, yet also inspired materials scientists for over 60 years. The most commonly seen Sn-containing compound, SnO 2, is in high demand as well due to its exceptional electronic and chemical properties. In addition, nanostructures of SnO2 are intensively studied for their potential applications as solid-state sensors, transparent conducting materials, lithium-ion batteries, high-efficiency solar cell and recently, supercapacitors. The objective of this proposed research is to explore the amazing properties of Sn and Sn-alloys from several different perspectives. Firstly, ever since the banish of lead in solder alloys, lead-free alloys such as Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) has been put under the spotlight. We intend to use our expertise in nanomechanics to give an in-depth and thorough investigation on a popular SAC387 alloy. The mechanical properties of each phase and the local deformation mechanisms have been considered. Secondly, the Sn whisker growth phenomenon is to be re-visited. With the aid of digital image correlation (DIC) techniques, it was found that magnitude of the strain gradient plays an important role in whisker growth. Moreover, DIC helps to visualize the dynamic growth process in which the alteration of strain field has been identified to cause growth of subsequent whiskers. Last but not least, the performance of SnO2 nanowires is to be evaluated in several aspects including mechanical properties, gas sensing properties and energy applications. Through state-of-the-art technologies such as high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and DIC, we have already successfully correlated the magnificent properties of SnO 2 nanowires with its atomistic structure near the surface.

44 CFR 80.19 - Land use and oversight.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... activities; wetlands management; nature reserves; cultivation; grazing; camping (except where adequate...: Walled buildings, levees, dikes, or floodwalls, paved roads, highways, bridges, cemeteries, landfills... allowable uses. (2) No new structures or improvements will be built on the property except as indicated...

13 CFR 314.4 - Unauthorized Use of Property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Unauthorized Use of Property. 314.4 Section 314.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PROPERTY General § 314.4 Unauthorized Use of Property. (a) Except as provided in §§ 314.3...

Bone-like crack resistance in hierarchical metastable nanolaminate steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyama, Motomichi; Zhang, Zhao; Wang, Meimei; Ponge, Dirk; Raabe, Dierk; Tsuzaki, Kaneaki; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Tasan, Cemal Cem

2017-03-01

Fatigue failures create enormous risks for all engineered structures, as well as for human lives, motivating large safety factors in design and, thus, inefficient use of resources. Inspired by the excellent fracture toughness of bone, we explored the fatigue resistance in metastability-assisted multiphase steels. We show here that when steel microstructures are hierarchical and laminated, similar to the substructure of bone, superior crack resistance can be realized. Our results reveal that tuning the interface structure, distribution, and phase stability to simultaneously activate multiple micromechanisms that resist crack propagation is key for the observed leap in mechanical response. The exceptional properties enabled by this strategy provide guidance for all fatigue-resistant alloy design efforts.

Ex post manipulation of barriers in InGaAs tunnel injection devices

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

Talalaev, Vadim G.; Fock Institute of Physics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 198504; Cirlin, George E.

Ex post manipulation of ∼1.1 μm emitting InGaAs/GaAs-based quantum dot–quantum well tunnel injection light emitting devices is demonstrated experimentally. The devices were operated at elevated forward currents until irreversible alterations were observed. As a result, changes in the steady-state optical spectra (electroluminescence, photoluminescence, and photocurrent), in carrier kinetics, in transport properties, and real structure are found. Except for degradation effects, e.g., of larger quantum dots, also restoration/annealing effects such as increased tunnel barriers are observed. The results furnish evidence for a generic degradation mode of nanostructures. We qualitatively interpret the mechanisms involved on both the nanoscopic and the device scales.

Observation of pendular butterfly Rydberg molecules

PubMed Central

Niederprüm, Thomas; Thomas, Oliver; Eichert, Tanita; Lippe, Carsten; Pérez-Ríos, Jesús; Greene, Chris H.; Ott, Herwig

2016-01-01

Engineering molecules with a tunable bond length and defined quantum states lies at the heart of quantum chemistry. The unconventional binding mechanism of Rydberg molecules makes them a promising candidate to implement such tunable molecules. A very peculiar type of Rydberg molecules are the so-called butterfly molecules, which are bound by a shape resonance in the electron–perturber scattering. Here we report the observation of these exotic molecules and employ their exceptional properties to engineer their bond length, vibrational state, angular momentum and orientation in a small electric field. Combining the variable bond length with their giant dipole moment of several hundred Debye, we observe counter-intuitive molecules which locate the average electron position beyond the internuclear distance. PMID:27703143

Solar system plasma waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurnett, Donald A.

1995-01-01

An overview is given of spacecraft observations of plasma waves in the solar system. In situ measurements of plasma phenomena have now been obtained at all of the planets except Mercury and Pluto, and in the interplanetary medium at heliocentric radial distances ranging from 0.29 to 58 AU. To illustrate the range of phenomena involved, we discuss plasma waves in three regions of physical interest: (1) planetary radiation belts, (2) planetary auroral acceleration regions and (3) the solar wind. In each region we describe examples of plasma waves that are of some importance, either due to the role they play in determining the physical properties of the plasma, or to the unique mechanism involved in their generation.

Thermo-optically tunable thin film devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domash, Lawrence H.

2003-10-01

We report advances in tunable thin film technology and demonstration of multi-cavity tunable filters. Thin film interference coatings are the most widely used optical technology for telecom filtering, but until recently no tunable versions have been known except for mechanically rotated filters. We describe a new approach to broadly tunable components based on the properties of semiconductor thin films with large thermo-optic coefficients. The technology is based on amorphous silicon deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), a process adapted for telecom applications from its origins in the flat-panel display and solar cell industries. Unlike MEMS devices, tunable thin films can be constructed in sophisticated multi-cavity, multi-layer optical designs.

A new family of carbon materials with exceptional mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ran, Jiajia; Lin, Kunpeng; Yang, Haotian; Li, Jianlin; Wang, Lianjun; Jiang, Wan

2018-03-01

A new family of carbon materials with ultrahigh-strength and nano-onion grains has been successfully produced from nano-diamond particles by spark plasma sintering. It is believed that the spark plasma and applied pressure help overcome the difficulties in densification. Also diamond has a much greater density than that of graphite, leading to the volume expansion when nano-diamond particles transform to graphite onions during heating, facilitating the consolidation. The as-prepared bulk graphite with a density of 1.84 g/cm3 has ultrahigh bending strength, modulus and microhardness, 150 MPa, 31.3 GPa and 2.6 GPa, respectively, due to the unique microstructure of nano-graphite onions.

The influence of incontinence on the characteristic properties of the skin in bedridden elderly subjects.

PubMed

Fujimura, Tsutomu; Makino, Mayumi; Takagi, Miyuki; Maki, Kumiko; Murakami, Emiko; Tasaka, Yoshiko; Sato, Noriko; Akiba, Shunichi; Hotta, Mitsuyuki; Kitahara, Takashi; Ando, Kikue

2016-05-01

The mechanisms of skin breakdown induced by incontinence have been proposed from a variety of experimental studies. However, studies on the influence of skin properties caused by incontinence of bedridden subjects are very limited. This work was conducted to reveal how incontinence influences skin properties by comparing bedridden incontinent elderly subjects with age-matched healthy continent elderly and middle-aged subjects. Bedridden incontinent elderly subjects (n = 35, 83.5 ± 9.7 years, mean age ± SD), healthy continent elderly (n = 41, 75.9 ± 5.6 years), and middle-aged (n = 20, 41.3 ± 2.8 years) were recruited for this study. Skin surface pH, capacitance/hydration, transepidermal water loss, and bacteria on forearm and buttock skin were measured. Hydration and transepidermal water loss values between healthy elderly subjects and incontinent elderly subjects were significantly different on buttock skin. Significant differences between those two groups were also observed regarding pH and total bacteria levels on buttock skin. The forearm skin showed no significant difference in these parameters. No significant influence was observed between with and without urination at the measurement time except for the pH of buttock skin. No significant correlation was observed except between pH and bacteria levels on buttock skin of incontinent elderly subjects. In this study, we clarified the characteristic features of skin induced by incontinence. Our results indicate that these parameters are adequate not only to evaluate the characteristic skin features of bedridden incontinent subjects but also to develop new diapers to avoid the diaper dermatitis caused by incontinence. © 2015 The International Society of Dermatology.

Synthesis and properties of ultra-long InP nanowires on glass.

PubMed

Dhaka, Veer; Pale, Ville; Khayrudinov, Vladislav; Kakko, Joona-Pekko; Haggren, Tuomas; Jiang, Hua; Kauppinen, Esko; Lipsanen, Harri

2016-12-16

We report on the synthesis of Au-catalyzed InP nanowires (NWs) on low-cost glass substrates. Ultra-dense and ultra-long (up to ∼250 μm) InP NWs, with an exceptionally high growth rate of ∼25 μm min -1 , were grown directly on glass using metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Structural properties of InP NWs grown on glass were similar to the ones grown typically on Si substrates showing many structural twin faults but the NWs on glass always exhibited a stronger photoluminescence (PL) intensity at room temperature. The PL measurements of NWs grown on glass reveal two additional prominent impurity related emission peaks at low temperature (10 K). In particular, the strongest unusual emission peak with an activation energy of 23.8 ± 2 meV was observed at 928 nm. Different possibilities including the role of native defects (phosphorus and/or indium vacancies) are discussed but most likely the origin of this PL peak is related to the impurity incorporation from the glass substrate. Furthermore, despite the presence of suspected impurities, the NWs on glass show outstanding light absorption in a wide spectral range (60%-95% for λ = 300-1600 nm). The optical properties and the NW growth mechanism on glass is discussed qualitatively. We attribute the exceptionally high growth rate mostly to the atmospheric pressure growth conditions of our MOVPE reactor and stronger PL intensity on glass due to the impurity doping. Overall, the III-V NWs grown on glass are similar to the ones grown on semiconductor substrates but offer additional advantages such as low-cost and light transparency.

Simple fundamental equation of state for liquid, gas, and fluid of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaplun, A. B.; Meshalkin, A. B.

2017-07-01

A new fundamental low-parametric equation of state in the form of reduced Helmholtz function for describing thermodynamic properties of normal substances was obtained using the methods and approaches developed earlier by the authors. It allows us to describe the thermal properties of gas, liquid, and fluid in the range from the density in ideal-gas state to the density at a triple point (except the critical region) with sufficiently high accuracy close to the accuracy of experiment. The caloric properties and sound velocity of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are calculated without involving any caloric data, except the ideal gas enthalpy. The obtained values of isochoric heat capacity, sound velocity, and other thermodynamic properties are in good agreement with experimental (reliable tabular) data.

A low-parametric state equation for calculating the thermodynamic properties of substances in liquid and gaseous state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaplun, A. B.; Meshalkin, A. B.

2013-08-01

Using methods and approaches developed by the authors, a new low-parametric state equation for describing the thermal properties of normal substances is obtained that allows us to describe the thermal properties of gases, liquids, and fluids over a range of densities from the ideal gas state to the triple point, except for a critical region, with a high degree of accuracy close to that of an experiment. The caloric properties and speed of sound are calculated for argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide without using any caloric data except for the enthalpy of an ideal gas. It is established that the calculated values of enthalpy, heat capacity, the speed of speed of sound, etc., are in good agreement with the experimental (reliably tabulated) data.

Effect of storage duration on the rheological properties of goose liquid egg products and eggshell membranes.

PubMed

Kumbar, V; Nedomova, S; Trnka, J; Buchar, J; Pytel, R

2016-07-01

In practice, goose eggs are increasingly used and, therefore, the rheological properties have to be known for processing. The eggs of geese (Landes Goose, Anser anser f. domestica) were stored for one, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 wk at a constant temperature 4°C. First of all, the egg quality parameters were described in terms of egg weight, egg weight loss, egg shape index, yolk height, albumen height, yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh units. In the next step the rheological behavior of liquid egg products (egg yolk, albumen, and whole liquid egg) was studied using a concentric cylinder viscometer. Flow curves of all liquid egg products exhibited non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior. This behavior can be described using the Herschel-Bulkley model and for technical application using the Ostwald-de Waele model. The effect of the storage duration on the rheological behavior is different for the different liquid egg products. With the exception of very low shear rates, the viscosity of the egg yolk as well as of the whole liquid egg decreases with storage time. At lower shear rates there is a tendency toward increased albumen viscosity with storage duration. The storage duration also affects the mechanical properties of the eggshell membrane. This effect has been evaluated in terms of the ultimate tensile strength, fracture strain, and fracture toughness. All these parameters increased with the loading rate, but decreased during the egg storage. These mechanical phenomena should be respected, namely in the design of the egg model for the numerical simulation of the egg behavior under different kinds of the mechanical loading. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Hurwitz Algebras and the Octonion Algebra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burdik, Čestmir; Catto, Sultan

2018-02-01

We explore some consequences of a theory of internal symmetries for elementary particles constructed on exceptional quantum mechanical spaces based on Jordan algebra formulation that admit exceptional groups as gauge groups.

25 CFR 276.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... means property of any kind except real property. It may be tangible—having physical existence, or intangible—having no physical existence, such as patents, inventions, and copyrights. (m) Real property means... AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT PROGRAM UNIFORM...

25 CFR 276.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... means property of any kind except real property. It may be tangible—having physical existence, or intangible—having no physical existence, such as patents, inventions, and copyrights. (m) Real property means... AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT PROGRAM UNIFORM...

24 CFR 203.378 - Property condition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the Commissioner, the property shall be undamaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, except as... mortgagee shall be responsible for: (1) Damage by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado; (2) Damage...

24 CFR 203.378 - Property condition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the Commissioner, the property shall be undamaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, except as... mortgagee shall be responsible for: (1) Damage by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado; (2) Damage...

24 CFR 203.378 - Property condition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the Commissioner, the property shall be undamaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, except as... mortgagee shall be responsible for: (1) Damage by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado; (2) Damage...

24 CFR 203.378 - Property condition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the Commissioner, the property shall be undamaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, except as... mortgagee shall be responsible for: (1) Damage by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado; (2) Damage...

24 CFR 203.378 - Property condition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the Commissioner, the property shall be undamaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, except as... mortgagee shall be responsible for: (1) Damage by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado; (2) Damage...

24 CFR 203.32 - Mortgage lien.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... obligations contracted in connection with the mortgage transaction or the purchase of the mortgaged property, except obligations that are secured by property or collateral owned by the mortgagor independently of the...

CHANDRA/ACIS-I STUDY OF THE X-RAY PROPERTIES OF THE NGC 6611 AND M16 STELLAR POPULATIONS

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

Guarcello, M. G.; Drake, J. J.; Caramazza, M.

2012-07-10

Mechanisms regulating the origin of X-rays in young stellar objects and the correlation with their evolutionary stage are under debate. Studies of the X-ray properties in young clusters allow us to understand these mechanisms. One ideal target for this analysis is the Eagle Nebula (M16), with its central cluster NGC 6611. At 1750 pc from the Sun, it harbors 93 OB stars, together with a population of low-mass stars from embedded protostars to disk-less Class III objects, with age {<=}3 Myr. We study an archival 78 ks Chandra/ACIS-I observation of NGC 6611 and two new 80 ks observations of themore » outer region of M16, one centered on the Column V and the other on a region of the molecular cloud with ongoing star formation. We detect 1755 point sources with 1183 candidate cluster members (219 disk-bearing and 964 disk-less). We study the global X-ray properties of M16 and compare them with those of the Orion Nebula Cluster. We also compare the level of X-ray emission of Class II and Class III stars and analyze the X-ray spectral properties of OB stars. Our study supports the lower level of X-ray activity for the disk-bearing stars with respect to the disk-less members. The X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of M16 is similar to that of Orion, supporting the universality of the XLF in young clusters. Eighty-five percent of the O stars of NGC 6611 have been detected in X-rays. With only one possible exception, they show soft spectra with no hard components, indicating that mechanisms for the production of hard X-ray emission in O stars are not operating in NGC 6611.« less

Electrophoretic deposition of ultrasonicated and functionalized nanomaterials for multifunctional composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Qi

Recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured composite materials have enabled a broad range of opportunities for engineering the properties of polymer-matrix materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known to have exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Because of their small size, CNTs can occupy regions between traditional micro-scale reinforcements and create a hierarchical micro/nano structure spanning several orders of magnitude. Since CNTs possess critical reinforcement dimensions below 100 nm, new opportunities exist for tailoring the fiber/matrix interphase regions and ultimately the mechanical and electrical performance of advanced fiber-composites with minimal impact on the fiber-dominated properties. This growing interest in nanoscale hybridization with conventional fiber reinforcement has highlighted the need to develop new processing techniques for successful CNT integration. In this work, a novel and industrially scalable approach for producing multi-scale hybrid carbon nanotube/fiber composites using an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique has been studied as an alternative to in situ chemical vapor deposition growth (CVD). EPD is a widely used industrial coating process employed in areas ranging from automotive to electronics production. The method has a number of benefits which include low energy use and the ability to homogenously coat complex shapes with well adhered films of controlled thickness and density. A stable aqueous dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was produced using a novel ozonolysis and ultrasonication (USO) technique that results in dispersion and functionalization in a single step. Networks of CNTs span between adjacent fibers and the resulting composites exhibit significant increases in electrical conductivity and considerable improvements in the interlaminar shear strength and fracture toughness. In order to better understand the underlying mechanisms behind the selective reinforcement of CNTs on the glass-epoxy systems, detailed model interphase study and microdroplet debonding test were conducted to investigate the interfacial properties between an epoxy matrix and glass with the electrophoretically coated CNTs.

7 CFR 1955.56 - Real property located in Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2010-01-01 2009-01-01 true Real property located in Coastal Barrier Resources... Management of Property § 1955.56 Real property located in Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS). (a... Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). Pursuant to the requirements of the CBRA, and except as specified in...

Functional bacterial amyloid increases Pseudomonas biofilm hydrophobicity and stiffness

PubMed Central

Zeng, Guanghong; Vad, Brian S.; Dueholm, Morten S.; Christiansen, Gunna; Nilsson, Martin; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim; Nielsen, Per H.; Meyer, Rikke L.; Otzen, Daniel E.

2015-01-01

The success of Pseudomonas species as opportunistic pathogens derives in great part from their ability to form stable biofilms that offer protection against chemical and mechanical attack. The extracellular matrix of biofilms contains numerous biomolecules, and it has recently been discovered that in Pseudomonas one of the components includes β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils (functional amyloid) produced by the fap operon. However, the role of the functional amyloid within the biofilm has not yet been investigated in detail. Here we investigate how the fap-based amyloid produced by Pseudomonas affects biofilm hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Using atomic force microscopy imaging and force spectroscopy, we show that the amyloid renders individual cells more resistant to drying and alters their interactions with hydrophobic probes. Importantly, amyloid makes Pseudomonas more hydrophobic and increases biofilm stiffness 20-fold. Deletion of any one of the individual members of in the fap operon (except the putative chaperone FapA) abolishes this ability to increase biofilm stiffness and correlates with the loss of amyloid. We conclude that amyloid makes major contributions to biofilm mechanical robustness. PMID:26500638

Functional bacterial amyloid increases Pseudomonas biofilm hydrophobicity and stiffness.

PubMed

Zeng, Guanghong; Vad, Brian S; Dueholm, Morten S; Christiansen, Gunna; Nilsson, Martin; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim; Nielsen, Per H; Meyer, Rikke L; Otzen, Daniel E

2015-01-01

The success of Pseudomonas species as opportunistic pathogens derives in great part from their ability to form stable biofilms that offer protection against chemical and mechanical attack. The extracellular matrix of biofilms contains numerous biomolecules, and it has recently been discovered that in Pseudomonas one of the components includes β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils (functional amyloid) produced by the fap operon. However, the role of the functional amyloid within the biofilm has not yet been investigated in detail. Here we investigate how the fap-based amyloid produced by Pseudomonas affects biofilm hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Using atomic force microscopy imaging and force spectroscopy, we show that the amyloid renders individual cells more resistant to drying and alters their interactions with hydrophobic probes. Importantly, amyloid makes Pseudomonas more hydrophobic and increases biofilm stiffness 20-fold. Deletion of any one of the individual members of in the fap operon (except the putative chaperone FapA) abolishes this ability to increase biofilm stiffness and correlates with the loss of amyloid. We conclude that amyloid makes major contributions to biofilm mechanical robustness.

Development of a pericardial acellular matrix biomaterial: biochemical and mechanical effects of cell extraction.

PubMed

Courtman, D W; Pereira, C A; Kashef, V; McComb, D; Lee, J M; Wilson, G J

1994-06-01

There is evidence to suggest that the cellular components of homografts and bioprosthetic xenografts may contribute to calcification or immunogenic reactions. A four-step detergent and enzymatic extraction process has been developed to remove cellular components from bovine pericardial tissue. The process results in an acellular matrix material consisting primarily of elastin, insoluble collagen, and tightly bound glycosaminoglycans. Light and electron microscopy confirmed that nearly all cellular constituents are removed without ultrastructural evidence of damage to fibrous components. Collagen denaturation temperatures remained unaltered. Biochemical analysis confirmed the retention of collagen and elastin and some differential extraction of glycosaminoglycans. Low strain rate fracture testing and high strain rate viscoelastic characterization showed that, with the exception of slightly increased stress relaxation, the mechanical properties of the fresh tissue were preserved in the pericardial acellular matrix. Crosslinking of the material in glutaraldehyde or poly(glycidyl ether) produced mechanical changes consistent with the same treatments of fresh tissue. The pericardial acellular matrix is a promising approach to the production of biomaterials for heart valve or cardiovascular patching applications.

Multiscale analysis of bamboo deformation mechanisms following NaOH treatment using X-ray and correlative microscopy.

PubMed

Salvati, E; Brandt, L R; Uzun, F; Zhang, H; Papadaki, C; Korsunsky, A M

2018-05-01

For hundreds of years, bamboo has been employed for a variety of applications ranging from load-bearing structures to textiles. Thanks to its hierarchical structure that is functionally graded and naturally optimised, bamboo displays a variation in properties across its stem that ensures exceptional flexural performance. Often, alkaline solutions are employed for the treatment of bamboo in order to alter its natural elastic behaviour and make it suitable for particular applications. In this work we study the effect of NaOH solutions of five different concentrations (up to 25%) on the elastic properties of bamboo. By exploiting the capabilities of modern experimental techniques such as in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering and Digital Image Correlation, we present detailed analysis of the deformation mechanisms taking place in the main constituents of bamboo, i.e. fibres and matrix (Parenchyma). The principal achievement of this study is the elucidation of the deformation mechanisms at the fibre scale, where the relative sliding of fibrils plays a crucial role in the property modification of the whole bamboo stem. Furthermore, we shed light on the parenchyma toughness variation as a consequence of alkali treatments. Alkaline solutions are often employed for the treatment of bamboo in order to alter its natural elastic behaviour. In this work we study the effect of alkaline solutions on the elastic properties of bamboo. Using state of the art experimental techniques allowed shedding light on the deformation mechanisms occurring in the bamboo main constituents, i.e. fibres and matrix (parenchyma cells). Enhancement of fibre stiffness was experienced when up to 20% NaOH solution was employed, while for higher concentration a decay was observed. This effect was imputed to the modification of adhesion between fibrils induced by disruption of ligand elements (e.g. lignin). Modification of the matrix toughness was also experienced, that indicated an improved resistance to cracking when the concentration of NaOH is 25%, while reduction of toughness was revealed for lower concentrations. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

49 CFR 397.7 - Parking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... traveled portion of a public street or highway; (2) On private property (including premises of fueling or... bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people work, congregate, or assemble, except for brief periods... public street or highway except for brief periods when the necessities of operation require the vehicle...

Waveguides with Absorbing Boundaries: Nonlinearity Controlled by an Exceptional Point and Solitons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Midya, Bikashkali; Konotop, Vladimir V.

2017-07-01

We reveal the existence of continuous families of guided single-mode solitons in planar waveguides with weakly nonlinear active core and absorbing boundaries. Stable propagation of TE and TM-polarized solitons is accompanied by attenuation of all other modes, i.e., the waveguide features properties of conservative and dissipative systems. If the linear spectrum of the waveguide possesses exceptional points, which occurs in the case of TM polarization, an originally focusing (defocusing) material nonlinearity may become effectively defocusing (focusing). This occurs due to the geometric phase of the carried eigenmode when the surface impedance encircles the exceptional point. In its turn, the change of the effective nonlinearity ensures the existence of dark (bright) solitons in spite of focusing (defocusing) Kerr nonlinearity of the core. The existence of an exceptional point can also result in anomalous enhancement of the effective nonlinearity. In terms of practical applications, the nonlinearity of the reported waveguide can be manipulated by controlling the properties of the absorbing cladding.

Graphene: A Comprehensive Review.

PubMed

Ghuge, Aditya D; Shirode, Abhay R; Kadam, Vilasrao J

2017-01-01

Graphene, a one-atom thick, two-dimensional sheets of sp2hybridized carbon atoms packed in a hexagonal lattice with a Caron-Carbon distance of about 0.142 nm. Its extended honeycomb network forms the basic building block of other important allotropes; it can be stacked to form 3-Dgraphite, rolled to form 1-D-nanotubes and wrapped to form 0-D-fullerenes. Long-range π conjugation in graphene results in its extraordinary thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, which have been the interest of many theoretical studies and recently became an exciting area for scientists. Graphene is impermeable to gas and liquids, has excellent thermal conductivity and higher current density in comparison to other most effective materials. All of its exceptional properties have opened up new avenues for the use of graphene in nano-devices and nano-systems, which initiated its prominent use as a material for drug targeting. In addition, several fabrication techniques are outlined, starting from the mechanical exfoliation of high-quality graphene to the direct growth on silicon carbide or metal substrates and from the chemical routes utilizing graphene oxide to the newly developed approach at the molecular level. By this article reviewers intend to emphasize on unique properties, fabrication techniques and updated applications of graphene. In addition, we discuss about the potential of graphene in drug targeting in fields of nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and technology and its use for innovations in various fields such as electronics and photonics. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

High-Performance Metal/Carbide Composites with Far-From-Equilibrium Compositions and Controlled Microstructures

PubMed Central

Hu, Liangfa; O’Neil, Morgan; Erturun, Veysel; Benitez, Rogelio; Proust, Gwénaëlle; Karaman, Ibrahim; Radovic, Miladin

2016-01-01

The prospect of extending existing metal-ceramic composites to those with the compositions that are far from thermodynamic equilibrium is examined. A current and pressure-assisted, rapid infiltration is proposed to fabricate composites, consisting of reactive metallic and ceramic phases with controlled microstructure and tunable properties. An aluminum (Al) alloy/Ti2AlC composite is selected as an example of the far-from-equilibrium systems to fabricate, because Ti2AlC exists only in a narrow region of the Ti-Al-C phase diagram and readily reacts with Al. This kind of reactive systems challenges conventional methods for successfully processing corresponding metal-ceramic composites. Al alloy/Ti2AlC composites with controlled microstructures, various volume ratios of constituents (40/60 and 27/73) and metallic phase sizes (42–83 μm, 77–276 μm, and 167–545 μm), are obtained using the Ti2AlC foams with different pore structures as preforms for molten metal (Al alloy) infiltration. The resulting composites are lightweight and display exceptional mechanical properties at both ambient and elevated temperatures. These structures achieve a compressive strength that is 10 times higher than the yield strength of the corresponding peak-aged Al alloy at ambient temperature and 14 times higher at 400 °C. Possible strengthening mechanisms are described, and further strategies for improving properties of those composites are proposed. PMID:27752106

An analytical model to predict interstitial lubrication of cartilage in migrating contact areas.

PubMed

Moore, A C; Burris, D L

2014-01-03

For nearly a century, articular cartilage has been known for its exceptional tribological properties. For nearly as long, there have been research efforts to elucidate the responsible mechanisms for application toward biomimetic bearing applications. It is now widely accepted that interstitial fluid pressurization is the primary mechanism responsible for the unusual lubrication and load bearing properties of cartilage. Although the biomechanics community has developed elegant mathematical theories describing the coupling of solid and fluid (biphasic) mechanics and its role in interstitial lubrication, quantitative gaps in our understanding of cartilage tribology have inhibited our ability to predict how tribological conditions and material properties impact tissue function. This paper presents an analytical model of the interstitial lubrication of biphasic materials under migrating contact conditions. Although finite element and other numerical models of cartilage mechanics exist, they typically neglect the important role of the collagen network and are limited to a specific set of input conditions, which limits general applicability. The simplified approach taken in this work aims to capture the broader underlying physics as a starting point for further model development. In agreement with existing literature, the model indicates that a large Peclet number, Pe, is necessary for effective interstitial lubrication. It also predicts that the tensile modulus must be large relative to the compressive modulus. This explains why hydrogels and other biphasic materials do not provide significant interstitial pressure under high Pe conditions. The model quantitatively agrees with in-situ measurements of interstitial load support and the results have interesting implications for tissue engineering and osteoarthritis problems. This paper suggests that a low tensile modulus (from chondromalacia or local collagen rupture after impact, for example) may disrupt interstitial pressurization, increase shear stresses, and activate a condition of progressive surface damage as a potential precursor of osteoarthritis. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a Modified Embedded Atom Force Field for Zirconium Nitride Using Multi-Objective Evolutionary Optimization

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

Narayanan, Badri; Sasikumar, Kiran; Mei, Zhi-Gang

2016-07-07

Zirconium nitride (ZrN) exhibits exceptional mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties, which make it attractive for a wide range of technological applications, including wear-resistant coatings, protection from corrosion, cutting/shaping tools, and nuclear breeder reactors. Despite its broad usability, an atomic scale understanding of the superior performance of ZrN, and its response to external stimuli, for example, temperature, applied strain, and so on, is not well understood. This is mainly due to the lack of interatomic potential models that accurately describe the interactions between Zr and N atoms. To address this challenge, we develop a modified embedded atom method (MEAM) interatomic potentialmore » for the Zr–N binary system by training against formation enthalpies, lattice parameters, elastic properties, and surface energies of ZrN (and, in some cases, also Zr3N4) obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The best set of MEAM parameters are determined by employing a multiobjective global optimization scheme driven by genetic algorithms. Our newly developed MEAM potential accurately reproduces structure, thermodynamics, energetic ordering of polymorphs, as well as elastic and surface properties of Zr–N compounds, in excellent agreement with DFT calculations and experiments. As a representative application, we employed molecular dynamics simulations based on this MEAM potential to investigate the atomic scale mechanisms underlying fracture of bulk and nanopillar ZrN under applied uniaxial strains, as well as the impact of strain rate on their mechanical behavior. These simulations indicate that bulk ZrN undergoes brittle fracture irrespective of the strain rate, while ZrN nanopillars show quasi-plasticity owing to amorphization at the crack front. The MEAM potential for Zr–N developed in this work is an invaluable tool to investigate atomic-scale mechanisms underlying the response of ZrN to external stimuli (e.g, temperature, pressure etc.), as well as other interesting phenomena such as precipitation.« less

41 CFR 101-8.307 - Employment criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Employment criteria. 101-8.307 Section 101-8.307 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management... speaking skills except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure. ...

41 CFR 101-8.307 - Employment criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 2 2011-07-01 2007-07-01 true Employment criteria. 101-8.307 Section 101-8.307 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management... speaking skills except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure. ...

An environmentally benign route for the development of compressible, thermally insulating and fire retardant aerogels through self-assembling the silk fibroin biopolymer inside the silica structure - An approach towards 3D printing of aerogels.

PubMed

Maleki, Hajar; Montes, Susan; Hayati-Roodbari, Nastaran; Putz, Florian; Huesing, Nicola

2018-06-04

Thanks to the exceptional materials properties of silica aerogels, this fascinating highly porous material has found high performance and real-life applications in various modern industries. However, a requirement for a broadening of these applications is based on the further improvement of their properties especially with regard to mechanical strength and post-synthesis processability with minimum compromise to the other physical properties. Here, we report an entirely novel, simple and aqueous based synthesis approach to prepare mechanically robust aerogel hybrids by co-gelation of silk fibroin (SF) biopolymer, extracted from silkworm cocoons. The synthesis is based on a one-step sequential processes of acid catalysis (physical) crosslinking of the SF biopolymer and simultaneous polycondensation of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS), in the presence of 5-(trimethoxysilyl)pentanoic acid (TMSPA) as a coupling agent and subsequent solvent exchange and supercritical drying. Extensive characterizations by solid-state 1H-NMR, 29Si-NMR, and 2D 1H-29Si heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) MAS NMR spectroscopy as well as various microscopic techniques (SEM, TEM) and mechanical assessment, confirmed the molecular-level homogeneity of the hybrid nanostructure. The developed silica-SF aerogel hybrids contained an improved set of material properties, such as low density (ρb, average = 0.11 - 0.2 g cm-3), high porosity (~90%), high specific surface area (~ 400-800 m2 g-1), excellent flexibility in compression (up to 80% of strain) with three-order of magnitude improvement in the Young's modulus over that of pristine silica aerogels. In addition, the silica-SF hybrid aerogels are fire retardant and demonstrated excellent thermal insulation performance with thermal conductivities (λ) of (0.033-0.039 Wm-1 K-1). As a further advantage, the formulated hybrid silica-SF aerogel showed an excellent printability in the wet state using a micro-extrusion based 3D printing approach. The printed structures had comparable properties to their monolith counterparts, improving post-synthesis processing or shaping of the silica aerogels significantly. Finally, the hybrid silica-SF aerogels reported in here represents significant progress for mechanically customized and robust aerogel for multi-purpose applications namely as customized thermal insulation material or as dual porous open-cell biomaterial used in regenerative medicine.

M4Ag44(p-MBA)30 Molecular Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conn, Brian E.

In recent years, molecular nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their unique physical, optical, and electronic properties. The properties of molecular nanoparticles are shown to deviate from their larger bulk counterparts, due to quantum confinement effects and large surface-to-volume ratios. As the size of the nanoparticle shrinks to a cluster of metal atoms (<3 nm in diameter), there is an emergence of a HOMO-LUMO band gap, which is not present in transitional d-block metals. The HOMO-LUMO band gap gives rise to discrete electronic states, leading to new chemical and physical properties. Molecular nanoparticles have had a substantial impact across a diverse range of fields, including catalysis, sensing, photochemistry, optoelectronic, energy conversion, and medicine. Currently many of the synthetic procedures for molecular nanoparticles require low temperatures, long incubation times, multistep purification and hazardous reagents that produce low yields and polydisperse molecular nanoparticles with poor stability. Although silver has very desirable physical properties, good relative abundance and low cost, gold molecular nanoparticles have been widely favored owing to their proved stability and ease of use. Unlike gold, silver is notorious for its susceptibility to oxidation, i.e., tarnishing, which has limited the development of silver-based nanotechnologies. Despite two decades of synthetic efforts, silver molecular nanoparticles that are inert or have long-term stability have remained unrealized. Herein we report a simple synthetic protocol for producing ultrastable M4Ag44(p-MBA)30 nanoparticles as a single-sized molecular product and in exceptionally large quantities. The stability, purity, and yield are substantially better than other metal nanoparticles, including gold, due to several stabilization mechanisms. Also, reported are the structural and mechanical properties of extended crystalline solids of Na4Ag44(p-MBA)30 from large-scale quantum-mechanical simulations based on the atomically-precise X-ray measured structure. Calculations show that cohesion is derived from hydrogen bonds between bundled p-MBA ligands and that the superlattice's mechanical response to hydrostatic compression is characterized by a molecular-solid-like bulk modulus B0 = 16.7 GPa, exhibiting anomalous pressure softening and a compression-induced transition to a soft-solid phase. Such a transition involves ligand flexure, which causes gear-like correlated chiral rotation of the nanoparticles.

22 CFR 34.3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY DEBT COLLECTION General Provisions § 34.3 Exceptions. (a) Debts arising from the audit of transportation accounts pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3726 shall be determined... 102-118. (b) Debts arising out of acquisition contracts subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation...

41 CFR 101-8.706 - Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... against age discrimination. 101-8.706 Section 101-8.706 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 8.7-Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Age § 101-8.706 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. ...

41 CFR 101-8.706 - Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... against age discrimination. 101-8.706 Section 101-8.706 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 8.7-Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Age § 101-8.706 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. ...

41 CFR 101-8.706 - Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... against age discrimination. 101-8.706 Section 101-8.706 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 8.7-Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Age § 101-8.706 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. ...

41 CFR 101-8.706 - Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... against age discrimination. 101-8.706 Section 101-8.706 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 8.7-Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Age § 101-8.706 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. ...

41 CFR 101-8.706 - Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... against age discrimination. 101-8.706 Section 101-8.706 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal... IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 8.7-Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Age § 101-8.706 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. ...

Essential Factors Influencing the Bonding Strength of Cold-Sprayed Aluminum Coatings on Ceramic Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drehmann, R.; Grund, T.; Lampke, T.; Wielage, B.; Wüstefeld, C.; Motylenko, M.; Rafaja, D.

2018-02-01

The present work summarizes the most important results of a research project dealing with the comprehensive investigation of the bonding mechanisms between cold-sprayed Al coatings and various poly- and monocrystalline ceramic substrates (Al2O3, AlN, Si3N4, SiC, MgF2). Due to their exceptional combination of properties, metallized ceramics are gaining more and more importance for a wide variety of applications, especially in electronic engineering. Cold spray provides a quick, flexible, and cost-effective one-step process to apply metallic coatings on ceramic surfaces. However, since most of the existing cold-spray-related publications focus on metallic substrates, only very little is known about the bonding mechanisms acting between cold-sprayed metals and ceramic substrates. In this paper, the essential factors influencing the bonding strength in such composites are identified. Besides mechanical tensile strength testing, a thorough analysis of the coatings and especially the metal/ceramic interfaces was conducted by means of HRTEM, FFT, STEM, EDX, EELS, GAXRD, and EBSD. The influence of substrate material, substrate temperature, and particle size is evaluated. The results suggest that, apart from mechanical interlocking, the adhesion of cold-sprayed metallic coatings on ceramics is based on a complex interplay of different mechanisms such as quasiadiabatic shearing, static recrystallization, and heteroepitaxial growth.

Effects of Cysteine Proteases on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Collagen Fibers*

PubMed Central

Panwar, Preety; Du, Xin; Sharma, Vidhu; Lamour, Guillaume; Castro, Mickael; Li, Hongbin; Brömme, Dieter

2013-01-01

Excessive cathepsin K (catK)-mediated turnover of fibrillar type I and II collagens in bone and cartilage leads to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, little is known about how catK degrades compact collagen macromolecules. The present study is aimed to explore the structural and mechanical consequences of collagen fiber degradation by catK. Mouse tail type I collagen fibers were incubated with either catK or non-collagenase cathepsins. Methods used include scanning electron microscopy, protein electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and tensile strength testing. Our study revealed evidence of proteoglycan network degradation, followed by the progressive disassembly of macroscopic collagen fibers into primary structural elements by catK. Proteolytically released GAGs are involved in the generation of collagenolytically active catK-GAG complexes as shown by AFM. In addition to their structural disintegration, a decrease in the tensile properties of fibers was observed due to the action of catK. The Young's moduli of untreated collagen fibers versus catK-treated fibers in dehydrated conditions were 3.2 ± 0.68 GPa and 1.9 ± 0.65 GPa, respectively. In contrast, cathepsin L, V, B, and S revealed no collagenase activity, except the disruption of proteoglycan-GAG interfibrillar bridges, which slightly decreased the tensile strength of fibers. PMID:23297404

Fundamental Principles of Classical Mechanics: a Geometrical Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Kai S.

2014-07-01

Classical mechanics is the quantitative study of the laws of motion for oscopic physical systems with mass. The fundamental laws of this subject, known as Newton's Laws of Motion, are expressed in terms of second-order differential equations governing the time evolution of vectors in a so-called configuration space of a system (see Chapter 12). In an elementary setting, these are usually vectors in 3-dimensional Euclidean space, such as position vectors of point particles; but typically they can be vectors in higher dimensional and more abstract spaces. A general knowledge of the mathematical properties of vectors, not only in their most intuitive incarnations as directed arrows in physical space but as elements of abstract linear vector spaces, and those of linear operators (transformations) on vector spaces as well, is then indispensable in laying the groundwork for both the physical and the more advanced mathematical - more precisely topological and geometrical - concepts that will prove to be vital in our subject. In this beginning chapter we will review these properties, and introduce the all-important related notions of dual spaces and tensor products of vector spaces. The notational convention for vectorial and tensorial indices used for the rest of this book (except when otherwise specified) will also be established...

Long-term evaluation of a nonpulsatile mechanical circulatory support system.

PubMed

Wakisaka, Y; Taenaka, Y; Chikanari, K; Nakatani, T; Tatsumi, E; Masuzawa, T; Nishimura, T; Takewa, Y; Ohno, T; Takano, H

1997-07-01

Antithrombogenicity of a centrifugal pump (CP) developed in our institute is provided by a central balancing hole (BH) in the impeller. A current CP, the National Cardiovascular Center (NCVC)-2, was ameliorated to improve antithrombogenicity, whereby the BH diameter was widened to improve self washout flow velocity, and an edge of the thrust bearing was rounded off to minimize flow separation. Effects of these modifications were assessed in a long-term in vivo experiment. The antithrombogenicity, hemolytic property, and mechanical durability of the NCVC-2 were investigated in 3 goats. The NCVC-2 was installed paracorporeally between the left atrium and the aorta and driven as long as possible at rotating speeds of about 2,800 rpm. The NCVC-2 ran for 50, 200, and 367+ days. The mean bypass flow rates were 6.8, 5.0, and 5.3 L/min, respectively. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) did not increase until one week before termination. Plasma free hemoglobin was kept to a level less than 15 mg/dl, except for the last week of the second case. These results indicate that the NCVC-2 has excellent antithrombogenicity, an acceptable hemolytic property and the necessary durability for prolonged use.

Thermal and thermoelectric properties of graphene.

PubMed

Xu, Yong; Li, Zuanyi; Duan, Wenhui

2014-06-12

The subject of thermal transport at the mesoscopic scale and in low-dimensional systems is interesting for both fundamental research and practical applications. As the first example of truly two-dimensional materials, graphene has exceptionally high thermal conductivity, and thus provides an ideal platform for the research. Here we review recent studies on thermal and thermoelectric properties of graphene, with an emphasis on experimental progresses. A general physical picture based on the Landauer transport formalism is introduced to understand underlying mechanisms. We show that the superior thermal conductivity of graphene is contributed not only by large ballistic thermal conductance but also by very long phonon mean free path (MFP). The long phonon MFP, explained by the low-dimensional nature and high sample purity of graphene, results in important isotope effects and size effects on thermal conduction. In terms of various scattering mechanisms in graphene, several approaches are suggested to control thermal conductivity. Among them, introducing rough boundaries and weakly-coupled interfaces are promising ways to suppress thermal conduction effectively. We also discuss the Seebeck effect of graphene. Graphene itself might not be a good thermoelectric material. However, the concepts developed by graphene research might be applied to improve thermoelectric performance of other materials. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Superior Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced by 3D Interconnected Graphene Skeleton.

PubMed

Ni, Ya; Chen, Lei; Teng, Kunyue; Shi, Jie; Qian, Xiaoming; Xu, Zhiwei; Tian, Xu; Hu, Chuansheng; Ma, Meijun

2015-06-03

Epoxy-based composites reinforced by three-dimensional graphene skeleton (3DGS) were fabricated in resin transfer molding method with respect to the difficulty in good dispersion and arrangement of graphene sheets in composites by directly mixing graphene and epoxy. 3DGS was synthesized in the process of self-assembly and reduction with poly(amidoamine) dendrimers. In the formation of 3DGS, graphene sheets were in good dispersion and ordered state, which resulted in exceptional mechanical properties and thermal stability for epoxy composites. For 3DGS/epoxy composites, the tensile and compressive strengths significantly increased by 120.9% and 148.3%, respectively, as well as the glass transition temperature, which increased by a notable 19 °C, unlike the thermal exfoliation graphene/epoxy composites via direct-mixing route, which increased by only 0.20 wt % content of fillers. Relative to the graphene/epoxy composites in direct-mixing method mentioned in literature, the increase in tensile and compressive strengths of 3DGS/epoxy composites was at least twofold and sevenfold, respectively. It can be expected that 3DGS, which comes from preforming graphene sheets orderly and dispersedly, would replace graphene nanosheets in polymer nanocomposite reinforcement and endow composites with unique structure and some unexpected performance.

Mechanical properties, electrochemical corrosion and in-vitro bioactivity of yttria stabilized zirconia reinforced hydroxyapatite coatings prepared by gas tunnel type plasma spraying.

PubMed

Yugeswaran, S; Yoganand, C P; Kobayashi, A; Paraskevopoulos, K M; Subramanian, B

2012-05-01

Yttria stabilized zirconia reinforced hydroxyapatite coatings were deposited by a gas tunnel type plasma spray torch under optimum spraying conditions. For this purpose, 10, 20 and 30 wt% of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders were premixed individually with hydroxyapatite (HA) powder and were used as the feedstocks for the coatings. The effect of YSZ reinforcement on the phase formation and mechanical properties of the coatings such as hardness, adhesive strength and sliding wear rates was examined. The results showed that the reinforcement of YSZ in HA could significantly enhance the hardness and adhesive strength of the coatings. The potentiodynamic polarization and impedance measurements showed that the reinforced coatings exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to the HA coating in SBF solution. Further the results of the bioactivity test conducted by immersion of coatings in SBF showed that after 10 days of immersion of the obtained coatings with all the above compositions commonly exhibited the onset of bioactive apatite formation except for HA+10%YSZ coating. The cytocompatibility was investigated by culturing the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled marrow stromal cells (MSCs) on the coating surface. The cell culture results revealed that the reinforced coatings have superior cell growth than the pure HA coatings. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effect of hydroprocessing severity on characteristics of jet fuel from OSCO 2 and Paraho distillates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prok, G. M.; Flores, F. J.; Seng, G. T.

1981-01-01

Jet A boiling range fuels and broad-property research fuels were produced by hydroprocessing shale oil distillates, and their properties were measured to characterize the fuels. The distillates were the fraction of whole shale oil boiling below 343 C from TOSCO 2 and Paraho syncrudes. The TOSCO 2 was hydroprocessed at medium severity, and the Paraho was hydroprocessed at high, medium, and low severities. Fuels meeting Jet A requirements except for the freezing point were produced from the medium severity TOSCO 2 and the high severity Paraho. Target properties of a broad property research fuel were met by the medium severity TOSCO 2 and the high severity Paraho except for the freezing point and a high hydrogen content. Medium and low severity Paraho jet fuels did not meet thermal stability and freezing point requirements.

Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Nanocellulose: Structure and Chemical Process

PubMed Central

Lee, H. V.; Hamid, S. B. A.; Zain, S. K.

2014-01-01

Lignocellulosic biomass is a complex biopolymer that is primary composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The presence of cellulose in biomass is able to depolymerise into nanodimension biomaterial, with exceptional mechanical properties for biocomposites, pharmaceutical carriers, and electronic substrate's application. However, the entangled biomass ultrastructure consists of inherent properties, such as strong lignin layers, low cellulose accessibility to chemicals, and high cellulose crystallinity, which inhibit the digestibility of the biomass for cellulose extraction. This situation offers both challenges and promises for the biomass biorefinery development to utilize the cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass. Thus, multistep biorefinery processes are necessary to ensure the deconstruction of noncellulosic content in lignocellulosic biomass, while maintaining cellulose product for further hydrolysis into nanocellulose material. In this review, we discuss the molecular structure basis for biomass recalcitrance, reengineering process of lignocellulosic biomass into nanocellulose via chemical, and novel catalytic approaches. Furthermore, review on catalyst design to overcome key barriers regarding the natural resistance of biomass will be presented herein. PMID:25247208

Toward advanced gamma rays radiation resistance and shielding efficiency with phthalonitrile resins and composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derradji, Mehdi; Zegaoui, Abdeldjalil; Xu, Yi-Le; Wang, An-ran; Dayo, Abdul Qadeer; Wang, Jun; Liu, Wen-bin; Liu, Yu-Guang; Khiari, Karim

2018-04-01

The phthalonitrile resins have claimed the leading place in the field of high performance polymers thanks to their combination of outstanding properties. The present work explores for the first time the gamma rays radiation resistance and shielding efficiency of the phthalonitrile resins and its related tungsten-reinforced nanocomposites. The primary goal of this research is to define the basic behavior of the phthalonitrile resins under highly ionizing gamma rays. The obtained results confirmed that the neat phthalonitrile resins can resist absorbed doses as high as 200 kGy. Meanwhile, the remarkable shielding efficiency of the phthalonitrile polymers was confirmed to be easily improved by preparing lead-free nanocomposites. In fact, the gamma rays screening ratio reached the exceptional value of 42% for the nanocomposites of 50 wt% of nano-tungsten loading. Thus, this study confirms that the remarkable performances of the phthalonitrile resins are not limited to the thermal and mechanical properties and can be extended to the gamma rays radiation and shielding resistances.

Terapascal static pressure generation with ultrahigh yield strength nanodiamond.

PubMed

Dubrovinskaia, Natalia; Dubrovinsky, Leonid; Solopova, Natalia A; Abakumov, Artem; Turner, Stuart; Hanfland, Michael; Bykova, Elena; Bykov, Maxim; Prescher, Clemens; Prakapenka, Vitali B; Petitgirard, Sylvain; Chuvashova, Irina; Gasharova, Biliana; Mathis, Yves-Laurent; Ershov, Petr; Snigireva, Irina; Snigirev, Anatoly

2016-07-01

Studies of materials' properties at high and ultrahigh pressures lead to discoveries of unique physical and chemical phenomena and a deeper understanding of matter. In high-pressure research, an achievable static pressure limit is imposed by the strength of available strong materials and design of high-pressure devices. Using a high-pressure and high-temperature technique, we synthesized optically transparent microballs of bulk nanocrystalline diamond, which were found to have an exceptional yield strength (~460 GPa at a confining pressure of ~70 GPa) due to the unique microstructure of bulk nanocrystalline diamond. We used the nanodiamond balls in a double-stage diamond anvil cell high-pressure device that allowed us to generate static pressures beyond 1 TPa, as demonstrated by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Outstanding mechanical properties (strain-dependent elasticity, very high hardness, and unprecedented yield strength) make the nanodiamond balls a unique device for ultrahigh static pressure generation. Structurally isotropic, homogeneous, and made of a low-Z material, they are promising in the field of x-ray optical applications.

Electron-beam induced nano-etching of suspended graphene

PubMed Central

Sommer, Benedikt; Sonntag, Jens; Ganczarczyk, Arkadius; Braam, Daniel; Prinz, Günther; Lorke, Axel; Geller, Martin

2015-01-01

Besides its interesting physical properties, graphene as a two-dimensional lattice of carbon atoms promises to realize devices with exceptional electronic properties, where freely suspended graphene without contact to any substrate is the ultimate, truly two-dimensional system. The practical realization of nano-devices from suspended graphene, however, relies heavily on finding a structuring method which is minimally invasive. Here, we report on the first electron beam-induced nano-etching of suspended graphene and demonstrate high-resolution etching down to ~7 nm for line-cuts into the monolayer graphene. We investigate the structural quality of the etched graphene layer using two-dimensional (2D) Raman maps and demonstrate its high electronic quality in a nano-device: A 25 nm-wide suspended graphene nanoribbon (GNR) that shows a transport gap with a corresponding energy of ~60 meV. This is an important step towards fast and reliable patterning of suspended graphene for future ballistic transport, nano-electronic and nano-mechanical devices. PMID:25586495

Mechanical properties and solubility in water of corn starch-collagen composite films: Effect of starch type and concentrations.

PubMed

Wang, Kun; Wang, Wenhang; Ye, Ran; Liu, Anjun; Xiao, Jingdong; Liu, Yaowei; Zhao, Yana

2017-02-01

This study investigated the possibility of enhancing the properties of collagen with three different maize starches: waxy maize starch, normal starch, and high amylose starch. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that starch-collagen films had a rougher surface compared to pure collagen films which became smoother upon heating. Amylose starch and normal starch increased the tensile strength of unheated collagen films in both dry and wet states, while all starches increased tensile strength of collagen film by heating. Depending upon the amylose content and starch concentrations, film solubility in water decreased with the addition of starch. DSC thermograms demonstrated that addition of all starches improved the thermal stability of the collagen film. Moreover, X-ray diffraction results indicated that except for high amylose starch, the crystallinity of both starch and collagen was significantly decreased when subject to heating. FTIR spectra indicated that intermolecular interactions between starch and collagen were enhanced upon heating. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of the antimicrobial properties of orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide by thermal induced fracturing of the hydrates.

PubMed

Shafaei, Shahram; Van Opdenbosch, Daniel; Fey, Tobias; Koch, Marcus; Kraus, Tobias; Guggenbichler, Josef Peter; Zollfrank, Cordt

2016-01-01

The oxides of the transition metal molybdenum exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties. We present the preparation of molybdenum trioxide dihydrate (MoO3 × 2H2O) by an acidification method and demonstrate the thermal phase development and morphological evolution during and after calcination from 25 °C to 600 °C. The thermal dehydration of the material was found to proceed in two steps. Microbiological roll-on tests using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were performed and exceptional antimicrobial activities were determined for anhydrous samples with orthorhombic lattice symmetry and a large specific surface area. The increase in the specific surface area is due to crack formation and to the loss of the hydrate water after calcination at 300 °C. The results support the proposed antimicrobial mechanism for transition metal oxides, which based on a local acidity increase as a consequence of the augmented specific surface area. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Terapascal static pressure generation with ultrahigh yield strength nanodiamond

PubMed Central

Dubrovinskaia, Natalia; Dubrovinsky, Leonid; Solopova, Natalia A.; Abakumov, Artem; Turner, Stuart; Hanfland, Michael; Bykova, Elena; Bykov, Maxim; Prescher, Clemens; Prakapenka, Vitali B.; Petitgirard, Sylvain; Chuvashova, Irina; Gasharova, Biliana; Mathis, Yves-Laurent; Ershov, Petr; Snigireva, Irina; Snigirev, Anatoly

2016-01-01

Studies of materials’ properties at high and ultrahigh pressures lead to discoveries of unique physical and chemical phenomena and a deeper understanding of matter. In high-pressure research, an achievable static pressure limit is imposed by the strength of available strong materials and design of high-pressure devices. Using a high-pressure and high-temperature technique, we synthesized optically transparent microballs of bulk nanocrystalline diamond, which were found to have an exceptional yield strength (~460 GPa at a confining pressure of ~70 GPa) due to the unique microstructure of bulk nanocrystalline diamond. We used the nanodiamond balls in a double-stage diamond anvil cell high-pressure device that allowed us to generate static pressures beyond 1 TPa, as demonstrated by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Outstanding mechanical properties (strain-dependent elasticity, very high hardness, and unprecedented yield strength) make the nanodiamond balls a unique device for ultrahigh static pressure generation. Structurally isotropic, homogeneous, and made of a low-Z material, they are promising in the field of x-ray optical applications. PMID:27453944

Understanding and controlling the substrate effect on graphene electron-transfer chemistry via reactivity imprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qing Hua; Jin, Zhong; Kim, Ki Kang; Hilmer, Andrew J.; Paulus, Geraldine L. C.; Shih, Chih-Jen; Ham, Moon-Ho; Sanchez-Yamagishi, Javier D.; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Kong, Jing; Jarillo-Herrero, Pablo; Strano, Michael S.

2012-09-01

Graphene has exceptional electronic, optical, mechanical and thermal properties, which provide it with great potential for use in electronic, optoelectronic and sensing applications. The chemical functionalization of graphene has been investigated with a view to controlling its electronic properties and interactions with other materials. Covalent modification of graphene by organic diazonium salts has been used to achieve these goals, but because graphene comprises only a single atomic layer, it is strongly influenced by the underlying substrate. Here, we show a stark difference in the rate of electron-transfer reactions with organic diazonium salts for monolayer graphene supported on a variety of substrates. Reactions proceed rapidly for graphene supported on SiO2 and Al2O3 (sapphire), but negligibly on alkyl-terminated and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) surfaces, as shown by Raman spectroscopy. We also develop a model of reactivity based on substrate-induced electron-hole puddles in graphene, and achieve spatial patterning of chemical reactions in graphene by patterning the substrate.

High thermal conductivity in soft elastomers with elongated liquid metal inclusions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazem, Navid; Bartlett, Michael D.; Powell-Palm, Matthew J.; Huang, Xiaonan; Sun, Wenhuan; Malen, Jonathan A.; Majidi, Carmel

Soft dielectric materials typically exhibit poor heat transfer properties due to the dynamics of phonon transport, which constrains thermal conductivity (k) to decrease monotonically with decreasing elastic modulus (E) . This is limiting for wearable computing, soft robotics, and other emerging applications that require materials with both high thermal conductivity and low mechanical stiffness. Here, we overcome this constraint with a dielectric composite that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, an elastic compliance similar to soft biological tissue (E <100kPa), and extreme deformations capability (>600% strain). By incorporating liquid metal (LM) microdroplets into a soft elastomer, we achieve a 25x increase in thermal conductivity (4.7 +/-0.2 W/mK) over the base polymer (0.20 +/-0.01 W/mK) under stress-free conditions and a 50x increase (9.8 +/-0.8 W/mK) when strained. This exceptional combination of thermal and mechanical properties is through the deformation of the LM inclusions to create thermally conductive pathways in situ. Moreover, these materials offer new possibilities for passive heat exchange in stretchable electronics and bio-inspired robotics, which we demonstrate through the rapid heat dissipation of an elastomer-mounted extreme high power LED lamp and a swimming soft robot. AFOSR Young Investigator Program (Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Microsystems; Dr. Les Lee; FA9550-13-1-0123), NASA Early Career Faculty Award (NNX14AO49G), Army Research Office Grant W911NF-14-0350.

Limitation of Cell Elongation in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Leaves Through Mechanical and Tissue-Hydraulic Properties.

PubMed

Touati, Mostefa; Knipfer, Thorsten; Visnovitz, Tamás; Kameli, Abdelkrim; Fricke, Wieland

2015-07-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the mechanical and hydraulic limitation of growth in leaf epidermal cells of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in response to agents which affect cellular water (mercuric chloride, HgCl(2)) and potassium (cesium chloride, CsCl; tetraethylammonium, TEA) transport, pump activity of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase and wall acidification (fusicoccin, FC). Cell turgor (P) was measured with the cell pressure probe, and cell osmotic pressure (π) was analyzed through picoliter osmometry of single-cell extracts. A wall extensibility coefficient (M) and tissue hydraulic conductance coefficient (L) were derived using the Lockhart equation. There was a significant positive linear relationship between relative elemental growth rate and P, which fit all treatments, with an overall apparent yield threshold of 0.368 MPa. Differences in growth between treatments could be explained through differences in P. A comparison of L and M showed that growth in all except the FC treatment was co-limited through hydraulic and mechanical properties, though to various extents. This was accompanied by significant (0.17-0.24 MPa) differences in water potential (ΔΨ) between xylem and epidermal cells in the leaf elongation zone. In contrast, FC-treated leaves showed ΔΨ close to zero and a 10-fold increase in L. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Electronic and mechanical properties of 5d transition metal mononitrides via first principles

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

Zhao Erjun; Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Wu Zhijian

2008-10-15

The electronic and mechanical properties of 5d transition metal mononitrides from LaN to AuN are systematically investigated by use of the density-functional theory. For each nitride, six structures are considered, i.e., rocksalt, zinc blende, CsCl, wurtzite, NiAs and WC structures. Among the considered structures, rocksalt structure is the most stable for LaN, HfN and AuN, WC structure for TaN, NiAs structure for WN, wurtzite structure for ReN, OsN, IrN and PtN. The most stable structure for each nitride is mechanically stable. The formation enthalpy increases from LaN to AuN. For LaN, HfN and TaN, the formation enthalpy is negative formore » all the considered structures, while from WN to AuN, except wurtzite structure in ReN, the formation enthalpy is positive. The calculated density of states shows that they are all metallic. ReN in NiAs structure has the largest bulk modulus, 418 GPa. The largest shear modulus 261 GPa is from TaN in WC structure. Trends are discussed. - Graphical abstract: Formation enthalpy per formula unit {delta}H (eV) for all the considered structures of 5d transition metal mononitrides MN (M=La-Au). It was shown that the formation enthalpy increases from LaN to AuN. The nitrides with negative values indicate that they can be synthesized experimentally at ambient conditions.« less

31 CFR 598.203 - Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. 598.203 Section 598.203 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS Prohibitions § 598.203 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. (a) Except...

31 CFR 598.203 - Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. 598.203 Section 598.203 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS Prohibitions § 598.203 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. (a) Except...

31 CFR 598.203 - Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. 598.203 Section 598.203 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS Prohibitions § 598.203 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. (a) Except...

31 CFR 598.203 - Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. 598.203 Section 598.203 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS Prohibitions § 598.203 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. (a) Except...

31 CFR 598.203 - Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. 598.203 Section 598.203 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS Prohibitions § 598.203 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property. (a) Except...

7 CFR 1955.148 - Auction sales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Auction sales. 1955.148 Section 1955.148 Agriculture... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Disposal of Inventory Property General § 1955.148 Auction sales. This section provides guidance on the sale of all inventory property by auction, except FSA real...

7 CFR 1955.148 - Auction sales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Auction sales. 1955.148 Section 1955.148 Agriculture... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Disposal of Inventory Property General § 1955.148 Auction sales. This section provides guidance on the sale of all inventory property by auction, except FSA real...

7 CFR 1955.148 - Auction sales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Auction sales. 1955.148 Section 1955.148 Agriculture... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Disposal of Inventory Property General § 1955.148 Auction sales. This section provides guidance on the sale of all inventory property by auction, except FSA real...

7 CFR 1955.148 - Auction sales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Auction sales. 1955.148 Section 1955.148 Agriculture... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Disposal of Inventory Property General § 1955.148 Auction sales. This section provides guidance on the sale of all inventory property by auction, except FSA real...

41 CFR 102-39.60 - What restrictions and prohibitions apply to the exchange/sale of personal property?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... code of scrap, as defined at FMR 102-36.40, except: (1) Property that had utility and value at the... disaster); or (3) Scrap gold for fine gold. (f) Property that was originally acquired as excess or...

41 CFR 102-39.60 - What restrictions and prohibitions apply to the exchange/sale of personal property?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... code of scrap, as defined at FMR 102-36.40, except: (1) Property that had utility and value at the... disaster); or (3) Scrap gold for fine gold. (f) Property that was originally acquired as excess or...

41 CFR 102-39.60 - What restrictions and prohibitions apply to the exchange/sale of personal property?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... code of scrap, as defined at FMR 102-36.40, except: (1) Property that had utility and value at the... disaster); or (3) Scrap gold for fine gold. (f) Property that was originally acquired as excess or...

32 CFR 228.10 - Prohibition on alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS SECURITY PROTECTIVE FORCE § 228.10 Prohibition on alcohol. Entering or being on protected property... on protected property by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The use of alcoholic beverages on protected property is also prohibited, except on occasions and on protected...

32 CFR 228.10 - Prohibition on alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS SECURITY PROTECTIVE FORCE § 228.10 Prohibition on alcohol. Entering or being on protected property... on protected property by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The use of alcoholic beverages on protected property is also prohibited, except on occasions and on protected...

32 CFR 228.10 - Prohibition on alcohol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) MISCELLANEOUS SECURITY PROTECTIVE FORCE § 228.10 Prohibition on alcohol. Entering or being on protected property... on protected property by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The use of alcoholic beverages on protected property is also prohibited, except on occasions and on protected...