A hybrid optimization approach in non-isothermal glass molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vu, Anh-Tuan; Kreilkamp, Holger; Krishnamoorthi, Bharathwaj Janaki; Dambon, Olaf; Klocke, Fritz

2016-10-01

Intensively growing demands on complex yet low-cost precision glass optics from the today's photonic market motivate the development of an efficient and economically viable manufacturing technology for complex shaped optics. Against the state-of-the-art replication-based methods, Non-isothermal Glass Molding turns out to be a promising innovative technology for cost-efficient manufacturing because of increased mold lifetime, less energy consumption and high throughput from a fast process chain. However, the selection of parameters for the molding process usually requires a huge effort to satisfy precious requirements of the molded optics and to avoid negative effects on the expensive tool molds. Therefore, to reduce experimental work at the beginning, a coupling CFD/FEM numerical modeling was developed to study the molding process. This research focuses on the development of a hybrid optimization approach in Non-isothermal glass molding. To this end, an optimal configuration with two optimization stages for multiple quality characteristics of the glass optics is addressed. The hybrid Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN)-Genetic Algorithm (GA) is first carried out to realize the optimal process parameters and the stability of the process. The second stage continues with the optimization of glass preform using those optimal parameters to guarantee the accuracy of the molded optics. Experiments are performed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the model for the process development in Non-isothermal glass molding.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles based on trichoderma harzianum: synthesis, characterization, toxicity evaluation and biological activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guilger, Mariana; Pasquoto-Stigliani, Tatiane; Bilesky-Jose, Natália; Grillo, Renato; Abhilash, P. C.; Fraceto, Leonardo Fernandes; Lima, Renata De

2017-03-01

White mold is an agricultural disease caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which affects important crops. There are different ways of controlling this organism, but none provides inhibition of its resistance structures (sclerotia). Nanotechnology offers promising applications in agricultural area. Here, silver nanoparticles were biogenically synthesized using the fungus Trichoderma harzianum and characterized. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated, and the nanoparticles were initially tested against white mold sclerotia. Their effects on soybean were also investigated with no effects observed. The nanoparticles showed potential against S. sclerotiorum, inhibiting sclerotia germination and mycelial growth. Nanoparticle characterization data indicated spherical morphology, satisfactory polydispersity and size distribution. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays showed that the nanoparticles caused both the effects, although, the most toxic concentrations were above those applied for white mold control. Given the potential of the nanoparticles against S. sclerotiorum, we conclude that this study presents a first step for a new alternative in white mold control.

Staged mold for encapsulating hazardous wastes

DOEpatents

Unger, Samuel L.; Telles, Rodney W.; Lubowitz, Hyman R.

1990-01-01

A staged mold for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides. In the third stage, the mold with the jacketed agglomerate is inverted, the first mold base is removed exposing the former bottom of the agglomerate, powdered thermoplastic is poured over the former bottom, the first mold base is replaced to compress the thermoplastic, heat is applied to melt the new thermoplastic and the top part of the jacket on the sides, the plastic is cooled jacketing the bottom and fusing with the jacketing on the sides to complete the seamless encapsulation of the agglomerate.

Staged mold for encapsulating hazardous wastes

DOEpatents

Unger, Samuel L.; Telles, Rodney W.; Lubowitz, Hyman R.

1988-01-01

A staged mold for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides. In the third stage, the mold with the jacketed agglomerate is inverted, the first mold base is removed exposing the former bottom of the agglomerate, powdered thermoplastic is poured over the former bottom, the first mold base is replaced to compress the thermoplastic, heat is applied to melt the new thermoplastic and the top part of the jacket on the sides, the plastic is cooled jacketing the bottom and fusing with the jacketing on the sides to complete the seamless encapsulation of the agglomerate.

Method for encapsulating hazardous wastes using a staged mold

DOEpatents

Unger, Samuel L.; Telles, Rodney W.; Lubowitz, Hyman R.

1989-01-01

A staged mold and method for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides. In the third stage, the mold with the jacketed agglomerate is inverted, the first mold base is removed exposing the former bottom of the agglomerate, powdered thermoplastic is poured over the former bottom, the first mold base is replaced to compress the thermoplastic, heat is applied to melt the new thermoplastic and the top part of the jacket on the sides, the plastic is cooled jacketing the bottom and fusing with the jacketing on the sides to complete the seamless encapsulation of the agglomerate.

High resolution PFPE-based molding High resolution PFPE-based molding High resolution PFPE-based molding techniques for nanofabrication of high pattern density sub-20 nm features: A fundamental materials approach

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

Williams, Stuart S; Samulski, Edward; Lopez, Renee

2010-01-01

ABSTRACT. Described herein is the development and investigation of PFPE-based elastomers for high resolution replica molding applications. The modulus of the elastomeric materials was increased through synthetic and additive approaches while maintaining relatively low surface energies (<25 mN/m). Using practically relevant large area master templates, we show that the resolution of the molds is strongly dependant upon the elastomeric mold modulus. A composite mold approach was used to form flexible molds out of stiff, high modulus materials that allow for replication of sub-20 nm post structures. Sub-100 nm line grating master templates, formed using e-beam lithography, were used to determinemore » the experimental stability of the molding materials. It was observed that as the feature spacing decreased, high modulus composite molds were able to effectively replicate the nano-grating structures without cracking or tear-out defects that typically occur with high modulus elastomers.« less

Mycotoxins and antifungal drug interactions: implications in the treatment of illnesses due to indoor chronic toxigenic mold exposures.

PubMed

Anyanwu, Ebere C; Campbell, Andrew W; Ehiri, John E

2004-03-12

Chronic exposure to toxigenic molds in water-damaged buildings is an indoor environmental health problem to which escalating health and property insurance costs are raising a statewide concern in recent times. This paper reviews the structural and functional properties of mycotoxins produced by toxigenic molds and their interactive health implications with antifungal drugs. Fundamental bases of pathophysiological, neurodevelopmental, and cellular mechanisms of mycotoxic effects are evaluated. It is most likely that the interactions of mycotoxins with antifungal drugs may, at least in part, contribute to the observable persistent illnesses, antifungal drug resistance, and allergic reactions in patients exposed to chronic toxigenic molds. Safe dose level of mycotoxin in humans is not clear. Hence, the safety regulations in place at the moment remain inconclusive, precautionary, and arbitrary. Since some of the antifungal drugs are derived from molds, and since they have structural and functional groups similar to those of mycotoxins, the knowledge of their interactions are important in enhancing preventive measures.

In-body tissue-engineered aortic valve (Biovalve type VII) architecture based on 3D printer molding.

PubMed

Nakayama, Yasuhide; Takewa, Yoshiaki; Sumikura, Hirohito; Yamanami, Masashi; Matsui, Yuichi; Oie, Tomonori; Kishimoto, Yuichiro; Arakawa, Mamoru; Ohmuma, Kentaro; Tajikawa, Tsutomu; Kanda, Keiichi; Tatsumi, Eisuke

2015-01-01

In-body tissue architecture--a novel and practical regeneration medicine technology--can be used to prepare a completely autologous heart valve, based on the shape of a mold. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) printer was used to produce the molds. A 3D printer can easily reproduce the 3D-shape and size of native heart valves within several processing hours. For a tri-leaflet, valved conduit with a sinus of Valsalva (Biovalve type VII), the mold was assembled using two conduit parts and three sinus parts produced by the 3D printer. Biovalves were generated from completely autologous connective tissue, containing collagen and fibroblasts, within 2 months following the subcutaneous embedding of the molds (success rate, 27/30). In vitro evaluation, using a pulsatile circulation circuit, showed excellent valvular function with a durability of at least 10 days. Interposed between two expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts, the Biovalves (N = 3) were implanted in goats through an apico-aortic bypass procedure. Postoperative echocardiography showed smooth movement of the leaflets with minimal regurgitation under systemic circulation. After 1 month of implantation, smooth white leaflets were observed with minimal thrombus formation. Functional, autologous, 3D-shaped heart valves with clinical application potential were formed following in-body embedding of specially designed molds that were created within several hours by 3D printer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Manufacturing plastic injection optical molds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourque, David

2008-08-01

ABCO Tool & Die, Inc. is a mold manufacturer specializing in the manufacturing of plastic injection molds for molded optical parts. The purpose of this presentation is to explain the concepts and procedures required to build a mold that produces precision optical parts. Optical molds can produce a variety of molded parts ranging from safety eyewear to sophisticated military lens parts, which must meet precise optical specifications. The manufacturing of these molds begins with the design engineering of precision optical components. The mold design and the related optical inserts are determined based upon the specific optical criteria and optical surface geometry. The mold manufacturing techniques will be based upon the optical surface geometry requirements and specific details. Manufacturing processes used will be specific to prescribed geometrical surface requirements of the molded part. The combined efforts result in a robust optical mold which can produce molded parts that meet the most precise optical specifications.

Surface Coating of Gypsum-Based Molds for Maxillofacial Prosthetic Silicone Elastomeric Material: The Surface Topography.

PubMed

Khalaf, Salah; Ariffin, Zaihan; Husein, Adam; Reza, Fazal

2015-07-01

This study aimed to compare the surface roughness of maxillofacial silicone elastomers fabricated in noncoated and coated gypsum materials. This study was also conducted to characterize the silicone elastomer specimens after surfaces were modified. A gypsum mold was coated with clear acrylic spray. The coated mold was then used to produce modified silicone experimental specimens (n = 35). The surface roughness of the modified silicone elastomers was compared with that of the control specimens, which were prepared by conventional flasking methods (n = 35). An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used for surface roughness measurement of silicone elastomer (unmodified and modified), and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the topographic conditions of coated and noncoated gypsum and silicone elastomer specimens (unmodified and modified) groups. After the gypsum molds were characterized, the fabricated silicone elastomers molded on noncoated and coated gypsum materials were evaluated further. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis of gypsum materials (noncoated and coated) and silicone elastomer specimens (unmodified and modified) was performed to evaluate the elemental changes after coating was conducted. Independent t test was used to analyze the differences in the surface roughness of unmodified and modified silicone at a significance level of p < 0.05. Roughness was significantly reduced in the silicone elastomers processed against coated gypsum materials (p < 0.001). The AFM and SEM analysis results showed evident differences in surface smoothness. EDX data further revealed the presence of the desired chemical components on the surface layer of unmodified and modified silicone elastomers. Silicone elastomers with lower surface roughness of maxillofacial prostheses can be obtained simply by coating a gypsum mold. © 2014 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Rapid localized heating of graphene coating on a silicon mold by induction for precision molding of polymer optics.

PubMed

Zhang, Lin; Zhou, Wenchen; Yi, Allen Y

2017-04-01

In compression molding of polymer optical components with micro/nanoscale surface features, rapid heating of the mold surface is critical for the implementation of this technology for large-scale applications. In this Letter, a novel method of a localized rapid heating process is reported. This process is based on induction heating of a thin conductive coating deposited on a silicon mold. Since the graphene coating is very thin (∼45  nm), a high heating rate of 10∼20°C/s can be achieved by employing a 1200 W 30 kHz electrical power unit. Under this condition, the graphene-coated surface and the polymer substrate can be heated above the polymer's glass transition temperature within 30 s and subsequently cooled down to room temperature within several tens of seconds after molding, resulting in an overall thermal cycle of about 3 min or shorter. The feasibility of this process was validated by fabrication of optical gratings, micropillar matrices, and microlens arrays on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) substrates with very high precision. The uniformity and surface geometries of the replicated optical elements are evaluated using an optical profilometer, a diffraction test setup, and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor built with a molded PMMA microlens array. Compared with the conventional bulk heating molding process, this novel rapid localized induction heating process could improve replication efficiency with better geometrical fidelity.

Infant origins of childhood asthma associated with specific molds.

PubMed

Reponen, Tiina; Lockey, James; Bernstein, David I; Vesper, Stephen J; Levin, Linda; Khurana Hershey, Gurjit K; Zheng, Shu; Ryan, Patrick; Grinshpun, Sergey A; Villareal, Manuel; Lemasters, Grace

2012-09-01

The specific cause or causes of asthma development must be identified to prevent this disease. Our hypothesis was that specific mold exposures are associated with childhood asthma development. Infants were identified from birth certificates. Dust samples were collected from 289 homes when the infants were 8 months of age. Samples were analyzed for concentrations of 36 molds that comprise the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) and endotoxin, house dust mite, cat, dog, and cockroach allergens. Children were evaluated at age 7 years for asthma based on reported symptoms and objective measures of lung function. Host, environmental exposure, and home characteristics evaluated included a history of parental asthma, race, sex, upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms, season of birth, family income, cigarette smoke exposure, air conditioning, use of a dehumidifier, presence of carpeting, age of home, and visible mold at age 1 year and child's positive skin prick test response to aeroallergens and molds at age 7 years. Asthma was diagnosed in 24% of the children at age 7 years. A statistically significant increase in asthma risk at age 7 years was associated with high ERMI values in the child's home in infancy (adjusted relative risk for a 10-unit increase in ERMI value, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2). The summation of levels of 3 mold species, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis, and Penicillium variabile, was significantly associated with asthma (adjusted relative risk, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8-2.7). In this birth cohort study exposure during infancy to 3 mold species common to water-damaged buildings was associated with childhood asthma at age 7 years. Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of directionally solidified eutectic superalloys for turbine blade applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, M. E.; Jackson, M. R.; Walter, J. L.

1978-01-01

Alloys from the following systems were selected for property evaluation: (1) gamma/gamma-Mo (Ni-base, rods of Mo); (2) gamma-beta (Ni-base, lamellae or rods of (Ni, Fe/Co Al); and (3) gamma-gamma (Ni-base rods of Ni3Al gamma). The three alloys were subjected to longitudinal and transverse tensile and rupture tests from 750 C to 1100 C, longitudinal shear strength was measured at several temperatures, resistance to thermal cycling to 1150 C was determined, cyclic oxidation resistance was evaluated at 750 C and 1100 C, and each system was directionally solidified in an alumina shell mold turbine shape to evaluate mold/metal reactivity. The gamma/gamma Mo system has good rupture resistance, transverse properties and processability, and is a high potential system for turbine blades. The gamma-beta system has good physical properties and oxidation resistance, and is a potential system for turbine vanes. The gamma-gamma system has good high temperature rupture resistance and requires further exploratory research.

Evaluation of the Ugandan sorghum accessions for grain mold and anthracnose resistance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sorghum accessions from Uganda were evaluated for grain mold and anthracnose resistance during the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons at the Texas A&M University Research Farm, near College Station, TX. Accession PI534117 and SC719-11E exhibited the lowest grain mold severities of 2.4, whereas, accessio...

Evaluation of the microstructure, secondary dendrite arm spacing, and mechanical properties of Al-Si alloy castings made in sand and Fe-Cr slag molds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narasimha Murthy, I.; Babu Rao, J.

2017-07-01

The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast A356 (Al-Si) alloy castings were investigated. A356 alloy was cast into three different molds composed of sand, ferrochrome (Fe-Cr) slag, and a mixture of sand and Fe-Cr. A sodium silicate-CO2 process was used to make the necessary molds. Cylindrical-shaped castings were prepared. Cast products with no porosity and a good surface finish were achieved in all of the molds. These castings were evaluated for their metallography, secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS), and mechanical properties, including hardness, compression, tensile, and impact properties. Furthermore, the tensile and impact samples were analyzed by fractography. The results show that faster heat transfer in the Fe-Cr slag molds than in either the silica sand or mixed molds led to lower SDAS values with a refined microstructure in the products cast in Fe-Cr slag molds. Consistent and enhanced mechanical properties were observed in the slag mold products than in the castings obtained from either sand or mixed molds. The fracture surface of the slag mold castings shows a dimple fracture morphology with a transgranular fracture nature. However, the fracture surfaces of the sand mold castings display brittle fracture. In conclusion, products cast in Fe-Cr slag molds exhibit an improved surface finish and enhanced mechanical properties compared to those of products cast in sand and mixed molds.

The use of image analysis in evaluation of the fibers orientation in Wood-polymer composites (WPC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bednarz, Arkadiusz; Frącz, Wiesław; Janowski, Grzegorz

2016-12-01

In this paper a novel way of a digital analysis of fibers orientation with a five-step algorithmwas presented. In the study, a molded piece with a dumbbell shape prepared from wood-polymer composite was used. The injection molding process was examined in experimental and numerical way. Based on the developed mathematical algorithm, a significant compliance of fiber orientation in different areas of the molded piece was obtained. The main aim of thisworkwas fiber orientation analysis of wood-polymer composites. An additional goal of thiswork was the comparison of the results reached in numerical analysis with results obtained from an experiment. The results of this research were important for the scientific and also from the practical point of view. In future works the prepared algorithm could be used to reach optimal parameters of the injection molding process.

Evaluation of Surlyn 8920 as PHE Visor Material and Evaluations of New Adhesives for Improving Bonding Between Teflon and Stainless Steel at Cryogenic Temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Asit K.

1991-01-01

Two studies are presented, and in the first study, Surlyn 8920 (an ionic and amorphous low density polyethylene made by Dupont) was evaluated as a possible replacement of Plexyglass G as PHE visor material. Four formulations of the polymer were made by adding different amounts of UV stabilizer, energy quencher, and antioxident in a Brabender Plasticorder. The formulated polymers were molded in the form of sheets in a compression molder. Cut samples from the molded sheets were exposed in a weatherometer and tested on Instron Tensile Tester for strength and elongation. Specially molded samples of the formulated polymers were subjected to Charpy Impact Tests. In the second study, preliminary evaluations of adhesives for improvement of bonding between Teflon and stainless steel (SS) were performed. Kapton, a high temperature polyimide made by Dupont, and a rubber based adhesive made by Potter Paint Co., were evaluated against industrial quality epoxy, the current material used to bond Teflon and SS. The degreased surfaces of the SS discs were etched mechanically, with a few of these etched chemically. The surfaces of the SS discs were etched mechanically, with a few of these etched chemically. Bonding strengths were evaluated using lap shear tests on the Instron Tensile Tester for the samples bonded by Kapton and industrial quality epoxy. Bond strengths were also evaluated using a pull test on the Instron for the samples bonded by Potter adhesive (CWL-152) and industrial quality epoxy. Based on limited lap shear data, Kapton gave bond strength favorable compared to that of industrial epoxy. Based on limited pull test data, Kapton bonded and CWL-152 bonded samples showed poor strength compared to epoxy bonded sample.

Fabrication of spherical microlens array by combining lapping on silicon wafer and rapid surface molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaohua; Zhou, Tianfeng; Zhang, Lin; Zhou, Wenchen; Yu, Jianfeng; Lee, L. James; Yi, Allen Y.

2018-07-01

Silicon is a promising mold material for compression molding because of its properties of hardness and abrasion resistance. Silicon wafers with carbide-bonded graphene coating and micro-patterns were evaluated as molds for the fabrication of microlens arrays. This study presents an efficient but flexible manufacturing method for microlens arrays that combines a lapping method and a rapid molding procedure. Unlike conventional processes for microstructures on silicon wafers, such as diamond machining and photolithography, this research demonstrates a unique approach by employing precision steel balls and diamond slurries to create microlenses with accurate geometry. The feasibility of this method was demonstrated by the fabrication of several microlens arrays with different aperture sizes and pitches on silicon molds. The geometrical accuracy and surface roughness of the microlens arrays were measured using an optical profiler. The measurement results indicated good agreement with the optical profile of the design. The silicon molds were then used to copy the microstructures onto polymer substrates. The uniformity and quality of the samples molded through rapid surface molding were also assessed and statistically quantified. To further evaluate the optical functionality of the molded microlens arrays, the focal lengths of the microlens arrays were measured using a simple optical setup. The measurements showed that the microlens arrays molded in this research were compatible with conventional manufacturing methods. This research demonstrated an alternative low-cost and efficient method for microstructure fabrication on silicon wafers, together with the follow-up optical molding processes.

Peri-implant bone formation and surface characteristics of rough surface zirconia implants manufactured by powder injection molding technique in rabbit tibiae.

PubMed

Park, Young-Seok; Chung, Shin-Hye; Shon, Won-Jun

2013-05-01

To evaluate osseointegration in rabbit tibiae and to investigate surface characteristics of novel zirconia implants made by powder injection molding (PIM) technique, using molds with and without roughened inner surfaces. A total of 20 rabbits received three types of external hex implants with identical geometry on the tibiae: machined titanium implants, PIM zirconia implants without mold etching, and PIM zirconia implants with mold etching. Surface characteristics of the three types of implant were evaluated. Removal torque tests and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The roughness of PIM zirconia implants was higher than that of machined titanium implants. The PIM zirconia implants exhibited significantly higher bone-implant contact and removal torque values than the machined titanium implants (P < 0.001). The PIM zirconia implants using roughened mold showed significantly higher removal torque values than PIM zirconia implants without using roughened mold (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the osseointegration of PIM zirconia implant is promising and PIM using roughened mold etching technique can produce substantially rough surfaces on zirconia implants. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Hot-tearing of multicomponent Al-Cu alloys based on casting load measurements in a constrained permanent mold

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

Sabau, Adrian S; Mirmiran, Seyed; Glaspie, Christopher

Hot-tearing is a major casting defect that is often difficult to characterize, especially for multicomponent Al alloys used for cylinder head castings. The susceptibility of multicomponent Al-Cu alloys to hot-tearing during permanent mold casting was investigated using a constrained permanent mold in which the load and displacement was measured. The experimental results for hot tearing susceptibility are compared with those obtained from a hot-tearing criterion based temperature range evaluated at fraction solids of 0.87 and 0.94. The Cu composition was varied from approximately 5 to 8 pct. (weight). Casting experiments were conducted without grain refining. The measured load during castingmore » can be used to indicate the severity of hot tearing. However, when small hot-tears are present, the load variation cannot be used to detect and assess hot-tearing susceptibility.« less

Ear-protector ratings.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-12-01

Twenty-one brands of ear protectors, including custom-molded, wearer-molded, and pre-molded types, were evaluated according to American-standard procedures. Earplugs are described and are listed in the order of their low-frequency (below 1000 Hz) att...

Numerical-experimental investigation of PE/EVA foam injection molded parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spina, Roberto

The main objective of the presented work is to propose a robust framework to test foaming injection molded parts, with the aim of establishing a standard testing cycle for the evaluation of a new foam material based on numerical and experimental results. The research purpose is to assess parameters influencing several aspects, such as foam morphology and compression behavior, using useful suggestions from finite element analysis. The investigated polymeric blend consisted of a mixture of low density polyethylenes (LDPEs), a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and an azodicarbonamide (ADC). The thermal, rheological and compression properties of the blend are fully described, as well as the numerical models and the parameters of the injection molding process.

Moldicidal properties of seven essential oils

Treesearch

Vina W. Yang; Carol A. Clausen

2006-01-01

When wood and wood products are exposed to moisture during storage, construction or while in-service, mold growth can occur in 24 to 48 hours. Mold growth could be suppressed or prevented if wood was treated with an effective mold inhibitor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mold inhibiting properties of natural plant extracts such as essential oils....

Sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium in patients with respiratory allergy and outdoor counts of mold spores in Ankara atmosphere, Turkey.

PubMed

Bavbek, Sevim; Erkekol, Ferda Oner; Ceter, Talip; Mungan, Dilşad; Ozer, Faruk; Pinar, Münevver; Misirligil, Zeynep

2006-08-01

Sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium has been reported to be 3% to 30% in European countries. However, in Turkey, there is limited data about the prevalence of sensitization to these molds and the intensity of the two mold spores in Ankara atmosphere. This study was designed to evaluate the sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium in patients with respiratory allergy in Ankara and also the concentration of the two molds in Ankara atmosphere. Allergic rhinitis and asthma patients living in Ankara were included in the study. Demographic and diagnostic data of the patients were recorded. A skin prick test with extracts supplied by three different laboratories was used to evaluate the sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium. Mold spores were measured using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore trap in Ankara atmosphere during a year. Overall sensitization to the two molds was found to be 14.8%, and isolated Alternaria or Cladosporiumsensitization was 3%. Considering the positive reaction to at least one of the three suppliers, the sensitization rate was 11.9% and 8.1% for Alternaria and Cladosporium, respectively. Cochran's Q homogenization test demonstrated that the positive and negative reaction were not homogeneous among three laboratories. The total number of mold spores in Ankara atmosphere was 429,264 spores/m3 of which 75.5% and 6% were constituted by Cladosporium and Alternaria, respectively. The prevalence of Cladosporium and Alternaria sensitization in respiratory allergy patients is quite similar to European countries; however, our data indicate that commercial mold extracts should be standardized to establish the real sensitization rates. Additionally, considering the great numbers of these mold spores in Ankara atmosphere, long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between the mold load and sensitization patterns.

Advanced fabrication of Si nanowire FET structures by means of a parallel approach.

PubMed

Li, J; Pud, S; Mayer, D; Vitusevich, S

2014-07-11

In this paper we present fabricated Si nanowires (NWs) of different dimensions with enhanced electrical characteristics. The parallel fabrication process is based on nanoimprint lithography using high-quality molds, which facilitates the realization of 50 nm-wide NW field-effect transistors (FETs). The imprint molds were fabricated by using a wet chemical anisotropic etching process. The wet chemical etch results in well-defined vertical sidewalls with edge roughness (3σ) as small as 2 nm, which is about four times better compared with the roughness usually obtained for reactive-ion etching molds. The quality of the mold was studied using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy image data. The use of the high-quality mold leads to almost 100% yield during fabrication of Si NW FETs as well as to an exceptional quality of the surfaces of the devices produced. To characterize the Si NW FETs, we used noise spectroscopy as a powerful method for evaluating device performance and the reliability of structures with nanoscale dimensions. The Hooge parameter of fabricated FET structures exhibits an average value of 1.6 × 10(-3). This value reflects the high quality of Si NW FETs fabricated by means of a parallel approach that uses a nanoimprint mold and cost-efficient technology.

Integrated System of Thermal/Dimensional Analysis for Quality Control of Metallic Melt and Ductile Iron Casting Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stan, Stelian; Chisamera, Mihai; Riposan, Iulian; Neacsu, Loredana; Cojocaru, Ana Maria; Stan, Iuliana

2018-03-01

The main objective of the present work is to introduce a specific experimental instrument and technique for simultaneously evaluating cooling curves and expansion or contraction of cast metals during solidification. Contraction/expansion analysis illustrates the solidification parameters progression, according to the molten cast iron characteristics, which are dependent on the melting procedure and applied metallurgical treatments, mold media rigidity and thermal behavior [heat transfer parameters]. The first part of the paper summarizes the performance of this two-mold device. Its function is illustrated by representative shrinkage tendency results in ductile cast iron as affected by mold rigidity (green sand and furan resin sand molds) and inoculant type (FeSi-based alloys), published in part previously. The second part of the paper illustrates an application of this equipment adapted for commercial foundry use. It conducts thermal analysis and volume change measurements in a single ceramic cup so that mold media as well as solidification conditions are constants, with cast iron quality as the variable. Experiments compared gray and ductile cast iron solidification patterns. Gray iron castings are characterized by higher undercooling at the beginning and at the end of solidification and lower graphitic expansion. Typically, ductile cast iron exhibits higher graphitic, initial expansion, conducive for shrinkage formation in soft molds.

Fundamentals of rapid injection molding for microfluidic cell-based assays.

PubMed

Lee, Ulri N; Su, Xiaojing; Guckenberger, David J; Dostie, Ashley M; Zhang, Tianzi; Berthier, Erwin; Theberge, Ashleigh B

2018-01-30

Microscale cell-based assays have demonstrated unique capabilities in reproducing important cellular behaviors for diagnostics and basic biological research. As these assays move beyond the prototyping stage and into biological and clinical research environments, there is a need to produce microscale culture platforms more rapidly, cost-effectively, and reproducibly. 'Rapid' injection molding is poised to meet this need as it enables some of the benefits of traditional high volume injection molding at a fraction of the cost. However, rapid injection molding has limitations due to the material and methods used for mold fabrication. Here, we characterize advantages and limitations of rapid injection molding for microfluidic device fabrication through measurement of key features for cell culture applications including channel geometry, feature consistency, floor thickness, and surface polishing. We demonstrate phase contrast and fluorescence imaging of cells grown in rapid injection molded devices and provide design recommendations to successfully utilize rapid injection molding methods for microscale cell-based assay development in academic laboratory settings.

Investigation of micro-injection molding based on longitudinal ultrasonic vibration core.

PubMed

Qiu, Zhongjun; Yang, Xue; Zheng, Hui; Gao, Shan; Fang, Fengzhou

2015-10-01

An ultrasound-assisted micro-injection molding method is proposed to improve the rheological behavior of the polymer melt radically, and a micro-injection molding system based on a longitudinal ultrasonic vibration core is developed and employed in the micro-injection molding process of Fresnel lenses. The verification experiments show that the filling mold area of the polymer melt is increased by 6.08% to 19.12%, and the symmetric deviation of the Fresnel lens is improved 15.62% on average. This method improved the filling performance and replication quality of the polymer melt in the injection molding process effectively.

Using Direct Metal Deposition to Fabricate Mold Plates for an Injection Mold Machine Allowing for the Evaluation of Cost Effective Near-Sourcing Opportunities in Larger, High Volume Consumer Products

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

Duty, Chad E; Groh, Bill

2014-10-31

ORNL collaborated with Radio Systems Corporation to investigate additive manufacturing (AM) of mold plates for plastic injection molding by direct metal deposition. The team s modelling effort identified a 100% improvement in heat transfer through use of conformal cooling lines that could be built into the mold using a revolutionary design enabled by additive manufacturing. Using the newly installed laser deposition system at the ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) a stainless steel mold core was printed.

Development of automated system based on neural network algorithm for detecting defects on molds installed on casting machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazhin, V. Yu; Danilov, I. V.; Petrov, P. A.

2018-05-01

During the casting of light alloys and ligatures based on aluminum and magnesium, problems of the qualitative distribution of the metal and its crystallization in the mold arise. To monitor the defects of molds on the casting conveyor, a camera with a resolution of 780 x 580 pixels and a shooting rate of 75 frames per second was selected. Images of molds from casting machines were used as input data for neural network algorithm. On the preparation of a digital database and its analytical evaluation stage, the architecture of the convolutional neural network was chosen for the algorithm. The information flow from the local controller is transferred to the OPC server and then to the SCADA system of foundry. After the training, accuracy of neural network defect recognition was about 95.1% on a validation split. After the training, weight coefficients of the neural network were used on testing split and algorithm had identical accuracy with validation images. The proposed technical solutions make it possible to increase the efficiency of the automated process control system in the foundry by expanding the digital database.

Production and evaluation of measuring equipment for share viscosity of polymer melts included nanofiller with injection molding machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kameda, Takao; Sugino, Naoto; Takei, Satoshi

2016-10-01

Shear viscosity measurement device was produced to evaluate the injection molding workability for high-performance resins. Observation was possible in shear rate from 10 to 10000 [1/sec] that were higher than rotary rheometer by measuring with a plasticization cylinder of the injection molding machine. The result of measurements extrapolated result of a measurement of the rotary rheometer.

Dimensional Precision Research of Wax Molding Rapid Prototyping based on Droplet Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mingji, Huang; Geng, Wu; yan, Shan

2017-11-01

The traditional casting process is complex, the mold is essential products, mold quality directly affect the quality of the product. With the method of rapid prototyping 3D printing to produce mold prototype. The utility wax model has the advantages of high speed, low cost and complex structure. Using the orthogonal experiment as the main method, analysis each factors of size precision. The purpose is to obtain the optimal process parameters, to improve the dimensional accuracy of production based on droplet injection molding.

Mold exposure and health effects following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

PubMed

Barbeau, Deborah N; Grimsley, L Faye; White, LuAnn E; El-Dahr, Jane M; Lichtveld, Maureen

2010-01-01

The extensive flooding in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita created conditions ideal for indoor mold growth, raising concerns about the possible adverse health effects associated with indoor mold exposure. Studies evaluating the levels of indoor and outdoor molds in the months following the hurricanes found high levels of mold growth. Homes with greater flood damage, especially those with >3 feet of indoor flooding, demonstrated higher levels of mold growth compared with homes with little or no flooding. Water intrusion due to roof damage was also associated with mold growth. However, no increase in the occurrence of adverse health outcomes has been observed in published reports to date. This article considers reasons why studies of mold exposure after the hurricane do not show a greater health impact.

Failure strengths of denture teeth fabricated on injection molded or compression molded denture base resins.

PubMed

Robison, Nathan E; Tantbirojn, Daranee; Versluis, Antheunis; Cagna, David R

2016-08-01

Denture tooth fracture or debonding remains a common problem in removable prosthodontics. The purpose of this in vitro study was to explore factors determining failure strengths for combinations of different denture tooth designs (shape, materials) and injection or compression molded denture base resins. Three central incisor denture tooth designs were tested: nanohybrid composite (NHC; Ivoclar Phonares II), interpenetrating network (IPN; Dentsply Portrait), and microfiller reinforced polyacrylic (MRP; VITA Physiodens). Denture teeth of each type were processed on an injection molded resin (IvoBase HI; Ivoclar Vivadent AG) or a compression molded resin (Lucitone 199; Dentsply Intl) (n=11 or 12). The denture teeth were loaded at 45 degrees on the incisal edge. The failure load was recorded and analyzed with 2-way ANOVA (α=.05), and the fracture mode was categorized from observed fracture surfaces as cohesive, adhesive, or mixed failure. The following failure loads (mean ±SD) were recorded: NHC/injection molded 280 ±52 N; IPN/injection molded 331 ±41 N; MRP/injection molded 247 ±23 N; NHC/compression molded 204 ±31 N; IPN/compression molded 184 ±17 N; MRP/compression molded 201 ±16 N. Injection molded resin yielded significantly higher failure strength for all denture teeth (P<.001), among which IPN had the highest strength. Failure was predominantly cohesive in the teeth, with the exception of mixed mode for the IPN/compression group. When good bonding was achieved, the strength of the structure (denture tooth/base resin combination) was determined by the strength of the denture teeth, which may be affected by the processing technique. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

METHOD FOR EVALUATING MOLD GROWTH ON CEILING TILE

EPA Science Inventory

A method to extract mold spores from porous ceiling tiles was developed using a masticator blender. Ceiling tiles were inoculated and analyzed using four species of mold. Statistical analysis comparing results obtained by masticator extraction and the swab method was performed. T...

Application of heat pipe technology in permanent mold casting of nonferrous alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elalem, Kaled

The issue of mold cooling is one, which presents a foundry with a dilemma. On the one hand; the use of air for cooling is safe and practical, however, it is not very effective and high cost. On the other hand, water-cooling can be very effective but it raises serious concerns about safety, especially with a metal such as magnesium. An alternative option that is being developed at McGill University uses heat pipe technology to carry out the cooling. The experimental program consisted of designing a permanent mold to produce AZ91E magnesium alloy and A356 aluminum alloy castings with shrinkage defects. Heat pipes were then used to reduce these defects. The heat pipes used in this work are novel and are patent pending. They are referred to as McGill Heat Pipes. Computer modeling was used extensively in designing the mold and the heat pipes. Final designs for the mold and the heat pipes were chosen based on the modeling results. Laboratory tests of the heat pipe were performed before conducting the actual experimental plan. The laboratory testing results verified the excellent performance of the heat pipes as anticipated by the model. An industrial mold made of H13 tool steel was constructed to cast nonferrous alloys. The heat pipes were installed and initial testing and actual industrial trials were conducted. This is the first time where a McGill heat pipe was used in an industrial permanent mold casting process for nonferrous alloys. The effects of cooling using heat pipes on AZ91E and A356 were evaluated using computer modeling and experimental trials. Microstructural analyses were conducted to measure the secondary dendrite arm spacing, SDAS, and the grain size to evaluate the cooling effects on the castings. The modeling and the experimental results agreed quite well. The metallurgical differences between AZ91E and A356 were investigated using modeling and experimental results. Selected results from modeling, laboratory and industrial trials are presented. The results show a promising future for heat pipe technology in cooling permanent molds for the casting of nonferrous alloys.

Evaluation of DuPont Qualicon Bax System PCR assay for yeast and mold.

PubMed

Wallace, F Morgan; Burns, Frank; Fleck, Lois; Andaloro, Bridget; Farnum, Andrew; Tice, George; Ruebl, Joanne

2010-01-01

Evaluations were conducted to test the performance of the BAX System PCR assay which was certified as Performance Tested Method 010902 for screening yeast and mold in yogurt, corn starch, and milk-based powdered infant formula. Method comparison studies performed on samples with low-level inoculates showed that the BAX System demonstrates a sensitivity equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual culture method, but with a significantly shorter time to obtain results. Tests to evaluate inclusivity and exclusivity returned no false-negative and no false-positive results on a diverse panel of isolates, and tests for lot-to-lot variability and tablet stability demonstrated consistent performance. Ruggedness studies determined that none of the factors examined affected the performance of the assay.

Linear and volumetric dimensional changes of injection-molded PMMA denture base resins.

PubMed

El Bahra, Shadi; Ludwig, Klaus; Samran, Abdulaziz; Freitag-Wolf, Sandra; Kern, Matthias

2013-11-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the linear and volumetric dimensional changes of six denture base resins processed by their corresponding injection-molding systems at 3 time intervals of water storage. Two heat-curing (SR Ivocap Hi Impact and Lucitone 199) and four auto-curing (IvoBase Hybrid, IvoBase Hi Impact, PalaXpress, and Futura Gen) acrylic resins were used with their specific injection-molding technique to fabricate 6 specimens of each material. Linear and volumetric dimensional changes were determined by means of a digital caliper and an electronic hydrostatic balance, respectively, after water storage of 1, 30, or 90 days. Means and standard deviations of linear and volumetric dimensional changes were calculated in percentage (%). Statistical analysis was done using Student's and Welch's t tests with Bonferroni-Holm correction for multiple comparisons (α=0.05). Statistically significant differences in linear dimensional changes between resins were demonstrated at all three time intervals of water immersion (p≤0.05), with exception of the following comparisons which showed no significant difference: IvoBase Hi Impact/SR Ivocap Hi Impact and PalaXpress/Lucitone 199 after 1 day, Futura Gen/PalaXpress and PalaXpress/Lucitone 199 after 30 days, and IvoBase Hybrid/IvoBase Hi Impact after 90 days. Also, statistically significant differences in volumetric dimensional changes between resins were found at all three time intervals of water immersion (p≤0.05), with exception of the comparison between PalaXpress and Futura Gen. Denture base resins (IvoBase Hybrid and IvoBase Hi Impact) processed by the new injection-molding system (IvoBase), revealed superior dimensional precision. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mathematical modeling of the process of filling a mold during injection molding of ceramic products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkov, S. N.; Korobenkov, M. V.; Bragin, N. A.

2015-10-01

Using the software package Fluent it have been predicted of the filling of a mold in injection molding of ceramic products is of great importance, because the strength of the final product is directly related to the presence of voids in the molding, making possible early prediction of inaccuracies in the mold prior to manufacturing. The calculations were performed in the formulation of mathematical modeling of hydrodynamic turbulent process of filling a predetermined volume of a viscous liquid. The model used to determine the filling forms evaluated the influence of density and viscosity of the feedstock, and the injection pressure on the mold filling process to predict the formation of voids in the area caused by the shape defect geometry.

Predicting shrinkage and warpage in injection molding: Towards automatized mold design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zwicke, Florian; Behr, Marek; Elgeti, Stefanie

2017-10-01

It is an inevitable part of any plastics molding process that the material undergoes some shrinkage during solidification. Mainly due to unavoidable inhomogeneities in the cooling process, the overall shrinkage cannot be assumed as homogeneous in all volumetric directions. The direct consequence is warpage. The accurate prediction of such shrinkage and warpage effects has been the subject of a considerable amount of research, but it is important to note that this behavior depends greatly on the type of material that is used as well as the process details. Without limiting ourselves to any specific properties of certain materials or process designs, we aim to develop a method for the automatized design of a mold cavity that will produce correctly shaped moldings after solidification. Essentially, this can be stated as a shape optimization problem, where the cavity shape is optimized to fulfill some objective function that measures defects in the molding shape. In order to be able to develop and evaluate such a method, we first require simulation methods for the diffierent steps involved in the injection molding process that can represent the phenomena responsible for shrinkage and warpage ina sufficiently accurate manner. As a starting point, we consider the solidification of purely amorphous materials. In this case, the material slowly transitions from fluid-like to solid-like behavior as it cools down. This behavior is modeled using adjusted viscoelastic material models. Once the material has passed a certain temperature threshold during cooling, any viscous effects are neglected and the behavior is assumed to be fully elastic. Non-linear elastic laws are used to predict shrinkage and warpage that occur after this point. We will present the current state of these simulation methods and show some first approaches towards optimizing the mold cavity shape based on these methods.

Enteric-coating of pulsatile-release HPC capsules prepared by injection molding.

PubMed

Macchi, E; Zema, L; Maroni, A; Gazzaniga, A; Felton, L A

2015-04-05

Capsular devices based on hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel® LF) intended for pulsatile release were prepared by injection molding (IM). In the present work, the possibility of exploiting such capsules for the development of colonic delivery systems based on a time-dependent approach was evaluated. For this purpose, it was necessary to demonstrate the ability of molded cores to undergo a coating process and that coated systems yield the desired performance (gastric resistance). Although no information was available on the coating of IM substrates, some issues relevant to that of commercially-available capsules are known. Thus, preliminary studies were conducted on molded disks for screening purposes prior to the spray-coating of HPC capsular cores with Eudragit® L 30 D 55. The ability of the polymeric suspension to wet the substrate, spread, start penetrating and initiate hydration/swelling, as well as to provide a gastroresistant barrier was demonstrated. The coating of prototype HPC capsules was carried out successfully, leading to coated systems with good technological properties and able to withstand the acidic medium with no need for sealing at the cap/body joint. Such systems maintained the original pulsatile release performance after dissolution of the enteric film in pH 6.8 fluid. Therefore, they appeared potentially suitable for the development of a colon delivery platform based on a time-dependent approach. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of Maltodextrin-Based Immediate-Release Tablets Using an Integrated Twin-Screw Hot-Melt Extrusion and Injection-Molding Continuous Manufacturing Process.

PubMed

Puri, Vibha; Brancazio, Dave; Desai, Parind M; Jensen, Keith D; Chun, Jung-Hoon; Myerson, Allan S; Trout, Bernhardt L

2017-11-01

The combination of hot-melt extrusion and injection molding (HME-IM) is a promising process technology for continuous manufacturing of tablets. However, there has been limited research on its application to formulate crystalline drug-containing immediate-release tablets. Furthermore, studies that have applied the HME-IM process to molded tablets have used a noncontinuous 2-step approach. The present study develops maltodextrin (MDX)-based extrusion-molded immediate-release tablets for a crystalline drug (griseofulvin) using an integrated twin-screw HME-IM continuous process. At 10% w/w drug loading, MDX was selected as the tablet matrix former based on a preliminary screen. Furthermore, liquid and solid polyols were evaluated for melt processing of MDX and for impact on tablet performance. Smooth-surfaced tablets, comprising crystalline griseofulvin solid suspension in the amorphous MDX-xylitol matrix, were produced by a continuous process on a twin-screw extruder coupled to a horizontally opening IM machine. Real-time HME process profiles were used to develop automated HME-IM cycles. Formulation adjustments overcame process challenges and improved tablet strength. The developed MDX tablets exhibited adequate strength and a fast-dissolving matrix (85% drug release in 20 min), and maintained performance on accelerated stability conditions. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of mold diameter on the depth of cure of a resin-based composite material.

PubMed

Erickson, Robert L; Barkmeier, Wayne W

2017-02-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mold diameter on depth of cure of a resin-based composite material for varying amounts of irradiation. A resin-based composite was light-cured for 10-80 s in stainless-steel molds of either 6 mm or 4 mm in diameter and then dark-stored for 24 h. Specimens were then scraped back and the length of the cured specimens was measured to provide depth of cure (D SB ). Radiant exposure to each of the mold diameters was determined by measuring the power. The D SB values using the 4-mm molds were lower than those of the 6-mm molds. The average difference between the two groups for each irradiation time was 0.45 ± 0.02 mm. A fixed depth of cure required about 39% more irradiation time for the 4-mm mold than for the 6-mm mold but 75% more radiant exposure. The difference in cure depth for a fixed radiant exposure was 0.79 mm. A better comparison of depth of cure is obtained by using identical radiant exposures for different mold diameters. It is believed that greater loss of light by absorption at the stainless-steel cylinder walls for the 4-mm-diameter cylinders accounts for the lower depth of cure when compared with the 6-mm molds. © 2017 Eur J Oral Sci.

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. Office of Radiation and Indoor Air.

This document describes how to investigate and evaluate moisture and mold problems in educational facilities, and presents the key steps for implementing a remediation plan. A checklist is provided for conducting mold remediation efforts along with a resource list of helpful organizations and governmental agencies. Appendices contain a glossary,…

Direct molding of pavement tiles made of ground tire rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quadrini, Fabrizio; Gagliardi, Donatella; Tedde, Giovanni Matteo; Santo, Loredana; Musacchi, Ettore

2016-10-01

Large rubber products can be molded by using only ground tire rubber (GTR) without any additive or binder due to a new technology called "direct molding". Rubber granules and powders from tire recycling are compression molded at elevated temperatures and pressures. The feasibility of this process was clearly shown in laboratory but the step to the industrial scale was missing. Thanks to an European Project (SMART "Sustainable Molding of Articles from Recycled Tires") this step has been made and some results are reported in this study. The press used for compression molding is described. Some tests were made to measure the energy consumption so as to evaluate costs for production in comparison with conventional technologies for GTR molding (by using binders). Results show that 1 m2 tiles can be easily molded with several thicknesses in a reasonable low time. Energy consumption is higher than conventional technologies but it is lower than the cost for binders.

Tablet coating by injection molding technology - Optimization of coating formulation attributes and coating process parameters.

PubMed

Desai, Parind M; Puri, Vibha; Brancazio, David; Halkude, Bhakti S; Hartman, Jeremy E; Wahane, Aniket V; Martinez, Alexander R; Jensen, Keith D; Harinath, Eranda; Braatz, Richard D; Chun, Jung-Hoon; Trout, Bernhardt L

2018-01-01

We developed and evaluated a solvent-free injection molding (IM) coating technology that could be suitable for continuous manufacturing via incorporation with IM tableting. Coating formulations (coating polymers and plasticizers) were prepared using hot-melt extrusion and screened via stress-strain analysis employing a universal testing machine. Selected coating formulations were studied for their melt flow characteristics. Tablets were coated using a vertical injection molding unit. Process parameters like softening temperature, injection pressure, and cooling temperature played a very important role in IM coating processing. IM coating employing polyethylene oxide (PEO) based formulations required sufficient room humidity (>30% RH) to avoid immediate cracks, whereas other formulations were insensitive to the room humidity. Tested formulations based on Eudrajit E PO and Kollicoat IR had unsuitable mechanical properties. Three coating formulations based on hydroxypropyl pea starch, PEO 1,000,000 and Opadry had favorable mechanical (<700MPa Young's modulus, >35% elongation, >95×10 4 J/m 3 toughness) and melt flow (>0.4g/min) characteristics, that rendered acceptable IM coats. These three formulations increased the dissolution time by 10, 15 and 35min, respectively (75% drug release), compared to the uncoated tablets (15min). Coated tablets stored in several environmental conditions remained stable to cracking for the evaluated 8-week time period. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Saliva secretory IgA antibodies against molds and mycotoxins in patients exposed to toxigenic fungi.

PubMed

Vojdani, Aristo; Kashanian, Albert; Vojdani, Elroy; Campbell, Andrew W

2003-11-01

Upper respiratory exposure to different environmental antigens results first in the activation of mucosal immunity and production of IgA antibodies in different secretions including saliva. Despite this there is no study, which addresses secretory antibodies against molds and mycotoxins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mold-specific salivary IgA in individuals exposed to molds and mycotoxins in a water-damaged building environment. Saliva IgA antibody levels against seven different molds and two mycotoxins were studied in 40 patients exposed to molds and in 40 control subjects. Mold-exposed patients showed significantly higher levels of salivary IgA antibodies against one or more mold species. A majority of patients with high IgA antibodies against molds exhibited elevation in salivary IgA against mycotoxins, as well. These IgA antibodies against molds and mycotoxins are specific, since using molds and mycotoxins in immune absorption could reduce antibody levels, significantly. Detection of high counts of molds in water-damaged buildings, strongly suggests the existence of a reservoir of mold spores in the environment. This viable microbial activity with specific mold and mycotoxin IgA in saliva may assist in the diagnosis of mold exposure. Whether mold and mycotoxin specific IgA antibodies detected in saliva are indicative of the role of IgA antibodies in the late phase of type-1 hypersensitivity reaction or in type-2 and type-3 delayed sensitivities is a matter that warrants further investigation.

The effect of cycling deflection on the injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins.

PubMed

Hamanaka, Ippei; Iwamoto, Misa; Lassila, Lippo Vj; Vallittu, Pekka K; Shimizu, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Yutaka

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cycling deflection on the flexural behavior of injection-molded thermoplastic resins. Six injection-molded thermoplastic resins (two polyamides, two polyesters, one polycarbonate, one polymethyl methacrylate) and, as a control, a conventional heat-polymerized denture based polymer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were used in this study. The cyclic constant magnitude (1.0 mm) of 5000 cycles was applied using a universal testing machine to demonstrate plasticization of the polymer. Loading was carried out in water at 23ºC with eight specimens per group (n = 8). Cycling load (N) and deformation (mm) were measured. Force required to deflect the specimens during the first loading cycle and final loading cycle was statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) with one polyamide based polymer (Valplast) and PMMA based polymers (Acrytone and Acron). The other polyamide based polymer (LucitoneFRS), polyester based polymers (EstheShot and EstheShotBright) and polycarbonate based polymer (ReigningN) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). None of the materials fractured during the loading test. One polyamide based polymer (Valplast) displayed the highest deformation and PMMA based polymers (Acrytone and Acron) exhibited the second highest deformation among the denture base materials. It can be concluded that there were considerable differences in the flexural behavior of denture base polymers. This may contribute to the fatigue resistance of the materials.

Deformable silicone grating fabricated with a photo-imprinted polymer mold

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

Yamada, Itsunari, E-mail: yamada.i@e.usp.ac.jp; Nishii, Junji; Saito, Mitsunori

A tunable transmission grating was fabricated by molding a silicone elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane). Its optical characteristics were then evaluated during compression. For fabrication, a glass plate with a photoimprinted polymer grating film was used as a mold. Both the grating period and diffraction transmittance of the molded elastomer were functions of the compressive stress. The grating period changed from 3.02 to 2.86 μm during compressing the elastomer in the direction perpendicular to the grooves.

DNA BASED METHOD OF MOLD AND APPLYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIVE MOLDINESS INDEX (ERMI)

EPA Science Inventory

NASA facilities can potentially have mold contamination problems. The EPA has created an Environmental Relative Moldiness Index based on the analysis of dust by Mold Specific Quantitative PCR (MSQPCR). In this presentation, the scientific background for the ERMI will be present...

Comparison of work-related symptoms and visual contrast sensitivity between employees at a severely water-damaged school and a school without significant water damage.

PubMed

Thomas, Gregory; Burton, Nancy Clark; Mueller, Charles; Page, Elena; Vesper, Stephen

2012-09-01

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a health hazard evaluation (HHE) of a water-damaged school in New Orleans (NO), Louisiana. Our aim in this evaluation was to document employee health effects related to exposure to the water-damaged school, and to determine if VCS testing could serve as a biomarker of effect for occupants who experienced adverse health effects in a water-damaged building. NIOSH physicians and staff administered a work history and medical questionnaire, conducted visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) testing, and collected sticky-tape, air, and dust samples at the school. Counting, culturing, and/or a DNA-based technology, called mold-specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR), were also used to quantify the molds. A similar health and environmental evaluation was performed at a comparable school in Cincinnati, Ohio which was not water-damaged. Extensive mold contamination was documented in the water-damaged school and employees (n = 95) had higher prevalences of work-related rashes and nasal, lower respiratory, and constitutional symptoms than those at the comparison school (n = 110). VCS values across all spatial frequencies were lower among employees at the water-damaged school. Employees exposed to an extensively water-damaged environment reported adverse health effects, including rashes and nasal, lower respiratory, and constitutional symptoms. VCS values were lower in the employees at the water-damaged school, but we do not recommend using it in evaluation of people exposed to mold. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:844-854, 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Comparison of Fit of Dentures Fabricated by Traditional Techniques Versus CAD/CAM Technology.

PubMed

McLaughlin, J Bryan; Ramos, Van; Dickinson, Douglas P

2017-11-14

To compare the shrinkage of denture bases fabricated by three methods: CAD/CAM, compression molding, and injection molding. The effect of arch form and palate depth was also tested. Nine titanium casts, representing combinations of tapered, ovoid, and square arch forms and shallow, medium, and deep palate depths, were fabricated using electron beam melting (EBM) technology. For each base fabrication method, three poly(vinyl siloxane) impressions were made from each cast, 27 dentures for each method. Compression-molded dentures were fabricated using Lucitone 199 poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), and injection molded dentures with Ivobase's Hybrid Pink PMMA. For CAD/CAM, denture bases were designed and milled by Avadent using their Light PMMA. To quantify the space between the denture and the master cast, silicone duplicating material was placed in the intaglio of the dentures, the titanium master cast was seated under pressure, and the silicone was then trimmed and recovered. Three silicone measurements per denture were recorded, for a total of 243 measurements. Each silicone measurement was weighed and adjusted to the surface area of the respective arch, giving an average and standard deviation for each denture. Comparison of manufacturing methods showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). Using a ratio of the means, compression molding had on average 41% to 47% more space than injection molding and CAD/CAM. Comparison of arch/palate forms showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.023), with shallow palate forms having more space with compression molding. The ovoid shallow form showed CAD/CAM and compression molding had more space than injection molding. Overall, injection molding and CAD/CAM fabrication methods produced equally well-fitting dentures, with both having a better fit than compression molding. Shallow palates appear to be more affected by shrinkage than medium or deep palates. Shallow ovoid arch forms appear to benefit from the use of injection molding compared to CAD/CAM and compression molding. © 2017 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Study of injection molded microcellular polyamide-6 nanocomposites

Treesearch

Mingjun Yuan; Lih-Sheng Turng; Shaoqin Gong; Daniel Caulfield; Chris Hunt; Rick Spindler

2004-01-01

This study aims to explore the processing benefits and property improvements of combining nanocomposites with microcellular injection molding. The microcellular nanocomposite processing was performed on an injection-molding machine equipped with a commercially available supercritical fluid (SCF) system. The molded samples produced based on the Design of Experiments (...

Correlation between Nasoalveolar Molding and Surgical, Aesthetic, Functional and Socioeconomic Outcomes Following Primary Repair Surgery: a Systematic Review.

PubMed

Maillard, Sophie; Retrouvey, Jean-Marc; Ahmed, Mairaj K; Taub, Peter J

2017-01-01

The authors performed a systematic review to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of the nasoalveolar molding appliance on nonsyndromic unilateral clefts of the lip and/or palate prior to primary lip repair. A literature search was performed using three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) and three journals ("Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal", "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal" and "American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedic") from January 1980 to April 2017. Data extraction was performed with tables treating different subjects: surgical, aesthetical, functional, socio-economical effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliances and the evolution of NAM appliances, especially three-dimensional technology. Of the 145 articles retrieved in the literature surveys, 28 were qualified for the final analysis and 20 studies were excluded because of their small sample size (less than 10 patients) and/or too long follow-up (exceeded 18 months). Four randomized controlled trials were available. Although literature allowed discussing the short-term benefits of NAM appliance and the three-dimensional technology, scientific evidence is lacking. Based on the results, nasoalveolar molding appliances have positive surgical, aesthetical, functional and socio-economical effects on unilateral clefts of the lip and/or palate treatment before the primary repair surgeries. Three-dimensional technology results in a more efficient and predictable nasoalveolar molding appliance treatment. However, nasoalveolar molding appliance effect in a short term remains unclear with the available literature. Further studies that integrate three-dimensional technology in a large scale are still needed.

Relative Moldiness Index as Predictor of Childhood Respiratory Illness

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

Vesper, Sephen J.; McKinstry, Craig A.; Haugland, Richard A.

2007-01-01

This study compared two classification methods to evaluate the mold condition in 271 homes of infants, 144 of which later developed symptoms of respiratory illness. A method using on-site visual mold inspection was compared to another method using a quantitative index of moldiness, calculated from mold specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) measurements on the concentration of 36 species of molds in floor dust samples called the EPA relative moldiness index© (ERMI©). The binary classification of homes as either moldy or non-moldy by on-site visual home inspection was not predictive of the development of wheeze and/or rhinitis. The odds-ratio of moldy vs.more » non-moldy homes to experience respiratory illness was estimated at 1.33 (p=0.27, Fisher’s exact test). Further, this method offers little flexibility in how it may be applied in support of decisions on mold remediation. On the other hand, a method developed and validated in this paper using the ERMI© index fit to a logistic function, can be used to predict the occurrence of illness in homes and allows stake holders to choose among various levels of risk. An example is given where an ERMI© value of -4.29 is used as a threshold for binary classification of homes producing an odds ratio of 2.53 (p=0.003, Fisher’s exact test). The ERMI© based methods presented here provide a new and more flexible platform to support mold remediation decisions.« less

Inactivation of Mold Spores from Moist Carpet Using Steam Vapor: Contact Time and Temperature.

PubMed

Ong, Kee-Hean; Emo, Brett; Lewis, Roger D; Kennedy, Jason; Thummalakunta, Laxmi N A; Elliott, Michael

2015-01-01

Steam vapor has been shown to reduce viable mold spores in carpet, but the minimal effective temperature and contact time has not been established. This study evaluated the effectiveness of steam vapor in reducing the number of viable mold spores in carpet as a function of temperature and contact time. Seventy carpet samples were inoculated with a liquid suspension of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and incubated over a water-saturated foam carpet pad for 24 hr. Steam was applied to the samples as the temperature was measured from the carpet backing. Contact time was closely monitored over seven time intervals: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 sec. Following steam vapor treatment, mold spores were extracted from the carpet samples and the extract was plated on DG-18 plates at 1:1, 1:10, 1:100 dilutions followed by one week of incubation. Raw colony forming units were determined using an automated colony counter and adjusted based on dilution factor, extraction volume, and plated volume. Analysis of variance and linear regression were used to test for statistically significant relationships. Steam contact time exhibited a linear relationship to observed temperature of carpet backing (F = 90.176, R(2) = 0.609). Observed temperature of carpet backing had a positive relationship to percent reduction of mold (F = 76.605, R(2) = 0.569). Twelve seconds of steam vapor contact time was needed to achieve over 90% mold reduction on moist carpet.

Effect of Custom-Molded Foot Orthoses on Foot Pain and Balance in Children With Symptomatic Flexible Flat Feet

PubMed Central

Lee, Hong-Jae; Lim, Kil-Byung; Yoo, JeeHyun; Yun, Hyun-Ju; Jeong, Tae-Ho

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of custom-molded foot orthoses on foot pain and balance in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot 1 month and 3 months after fitting foot orthosis. Method A total of 24 children over 6 years old with flexible flat feet and foot pain for at least 6 months were recruited for this study. Their resting calcaneal stance position and calcaneal pitch angle were measured. Individual custom-molded rigid foot orthoses were prescribed using inverted orthotic technique to control foot overpronation. Pain questionnaire was used to obtain pain sites, degree, and frequency. Balancing ability was determined using computerized posturography. These evaluations were performed prior to custom-molded foot orthoses, 1 month, and 3 months after fitting foot orthoses. Result Of 24 children with symptomatic flexible flat feet recruited for this study, 20 completed the study. Significant (p<0.001) improvements in pain degree and frequency were noted after 1 and 3 months of custom-molded foot orthoses. In addition, significant (p<0.05) improvement in balancing ability was found after 3 months of custom-molded foot orthoses. Conclusion Short-term use of custom-molded foot orthoses significantly improved foot pain and balancing ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot. PMID:26798604

High Temperature Transfer Molding Resins Based on 2,3,3',4'-Biphenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. G., Jr.; Connell, J. W.; Hergenrother, P. M.; Yokota, R.; Criss, J. M.

2002-01-01

As part of an ongoing effort to develop materials for resin transfer molding (RTM) processes to fabricate high performance/high temperature composite structures, phenylethynyl containing imides have been under investigation. New phenylethynyl containing imide compositions were prepared using 2,3,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA) and evaluated for cured glass transition temperature (Tg), melt flow behavior, and for processability into flat composite panels via RTM. The a-BPDA imparts a unique combination of properties that are desirable for high temperature transfer molding resins. In comparison to its symmetrical counterpart (i.e. 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride), a-BPDA affords oligomers with lower melt viscosities and when cured, higher Tgs. Several candidates exhibited the appropriate combination of properties such as a low and stable melt viscosity required for RTM processes, high cured Tg, and moderate toughness. The chemistry, physical, and composite properties of select resins will be discussed.

Mold inhibition on unseasoned southern pine

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Vina W. Yang

2003-01-01

Concerns about indoor air quality due to mold growth have increased dramatically in the United States. In the absence of moisture management, fungicides need to be developed for indoor use to control mold establishment. An ideal fungicide for prevention of indoor mold growth on wood-based materials needs to specifically prevent spore germination and provide long-term...

DNA-Based Analyses of Molds in Singapore Public Buildings Results in a Proposed Singapore Environmental Relative Moldiness Index

EPA Science Inventory

Dust samples (n=75) were collected from shopping malls, hotels and libraries in Singapore and then analyzed using Mold Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction(MSQPCR) for the 36 molds that make up the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI). Most of these molds (23/...

Evaluation of fruit quality and susceptibility to blue mold of nine Asian pear cultivars

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nine Asian pear cultivars (Atago, Hosui, Isiiwase, Kosui, Olympic, Shinko, Shinsui, Ya Li, and Yoinashi) were evaluated for quality (firmness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids) and susceptibility to the blue mold pathogen Penicillium expansum. Fruit were grown at the University of Maryland Ext...

EVALUATION OF POLLUTION PREVENTION TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE STYRENE EMISIONS FROM OPEN CONTACT MOLDING PROCESSES - VOLUME 1. FINAL REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a study to evaluate several pollution prevention techniques that could be used to reduce styrene emissions from open molding processes in the fiberglass-reinforced
plastics/composites (FRP/C) and fiberglass boat building industries. Styrene emission...

EVALUATION OF POLLUTION PREVENTION TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE STYRENE EMISSIONS FROM OPEN CONTACT MOLDING PROCESSES - VOLUME 2. APPENDICES

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a study to evaluate several pollution prevention techniques that could be used to reduce styrene emissions from open molding processes in the fiberglass-reinforced plastics/composites (FRP/C) and fiberglass boat building industries. Styrene emissions u...

Flexible Nonstick Replica Mold for Transfer Printing of Ag Ink.

PubMed

Lee, Bong Kuk; Yu, Han Young; Kim, Yarkyeon; Yoon, Yong Sun; Jang, Won Ik; Do, Lee-Mi; Park, Ji-Ho; Park, Jaehoon

2016-03-01

We report the fabrication of flexible replica molds for transfer printing of Ag ink on a rigid glass substrate. As mold precursors, acrylic mixtures were prepared from silsesquioxane-based materials, silicone acrylate, poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8, 9,9,10,10,10-heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate, and photoinitiator. By using these materials, the replica molds were fabricated from a silicon master onto a flexible substrate by means of UV-assisted molding process at room temperature. The wettability of Ag ink decreased with increase in the water contact angle of replica molds. On the other hand, the transfer rate of Ag ink onto adhesive-modified substrates increased with increase in the water contact angle of replica molds. Transferred patterns were found to be thermally stable on the photocurable adhesive layer, whereas Ag-ink patterns transferred on non-photocurable adhesives were distorted by thermal treatment. We believe that these characteristics of replica molds and adhesives offer a new strategy for the development of the transfer printing of solution-based ink materials.

Accelerated weathering of natural fiber-thermoplastic composites : effects of ultraviolet exposure on bending strength and stiffness

Treesearch

Thomas Lundin; Robert H. Falk; Colin Felton

2002-01-01

Mechanical properties of bending stiffness and yield stress were used to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet exposure on natural fiber-thermoplastic composites. Four different specimen formulations were evaluated. Injection molded high density polyethylene (HDPE) served as the polymer base for all formulations. Two lignocellulosic fillers, wood flour and kenaf fiber,...

Novel method for titanium crown casting using a combination of wax patterns fabricated by a CAD/CAM system and a non-expanded investment.

PubMed

Zhang, Zutai; Tamaki, Yukimichi; Hotta, Yasuhiro; Miyazaki, Takashi

2006-07-01

For titanium casting, most commercial investments for titanium recommend casting at a low mold temperature to reduce oxidation. However, the thermal expansion values of the molds at low casting temperatures may be insufficient. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the possibility of obtaining accurate titanium crown casts using wax pattern fabricated by a CAD/CAM system with a non-expanded mold. Three types of experimental magnesia-based investments (A, B and C) were made and their properties were evaluated for dental use. Two kinds of wax patterns for full-coverage coping crowns (S-0: cement space of 0 microm; S-20: cement space of 20 microm) were fabricated using a commercial CAD/CAM system. A traditional method (TM) using inlay wax was performed for comparison. The investment for titanium casting was decided from the fundamental data of experimental investments. Titanium crowns were replaced on the stone die and the thickness of the cement layer was evaluated. There were no significant differences for the setting time and setting expansion among the experimental investments, but the aluminous cement content played a role in hardening and contracting the mold. The fit of the titanium crowns differed significantly between the TM and the CAD/CAM system. The ranges of thickness obtained from the TM, S-0 and S-20 were 20.78-357.88 microm, 25.12-107.46 microm and 17.84-58.92 microm, respectively. High quality titanium crown casting was obtained using a combination of wax patterns fabricated by a CAD/CAM system and a non-expanded MgO-based investment.

Differentiation of four Aspergillus species and one Zygosaccharomyces with two electronic tongues based on different measurement techniques.

PubMed

Söderström, C; Rudnitskaya, A; Legin, A; Krantz-Rülcker, C

2005-09-29

Two electronic tongues based on different measurement techniques were applied to the discrimination of four molds and one yeast. Chosen microorganisms were different species of Aspergillus and yeast specie Zygosaccharomyces bailii, which are known as food contaminants. The electronic tongue developed in Linköping University was based on voltammetry. Four working electrodes made of noble metals were used in a standard three-electrode configuration in this case. The St. Petersburg electronic tongue consisted of 27 potentiometric chemical sensors with enhanced cross-sensitivity. Sensors with chalcogenide glass and plasticized PVC membranes were used. Two sets of samples were measured using both electronic tongues. Firstly, broths were measured in which either one of the molds or the yeast grew until late logarithmic phase or border of the stationary phase. Broths inoculated by either one of molds or the yeast was measured at five different times during microorganism growth. Data were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square regression (PLS) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). It was found that both measurement techniques could differentiate between fungi species. Merged data from both electronic tongues improved differentiation of the samples in selected cases.

EPA Scientists Develop Research Methods for Studying Mold Fact Sheet

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In 2002, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency researchers developed a DNA-based Mold Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction method (MSQPCR) for identifying and quantifying over 100 common molds and fungi.

A risk-based approach to management of leachables utilizing statistical analysis of extractables.

PubMed

Stults, Cheryl L M; Mikl, Jaromir; Whelehan, Oliver; Morrical, Bradley; Duffield, William; Nagao, Lee M

2015-04-01

To incorporate quality by design concepts into the management of leachables, an emphasis is often put on understanding the extractable profile for the materials of construction for manufacturing disposables, container-closure, or delivery systems. Component manufacturing processes may also impact the extractable profile. An approach was developed to (1) identify critical components that may be sources of leachables, (2) enable an understanding of manufacturing process factors that affect extractable profiles, (3) determine if quantitative models can be developed that predict the effect of those key factors, and (4) evaluate the practical impact of the key factors on the product. A risk evaluation for an inhalation product identified injection molding as a key process. Designed experiments were performed to evaluate the impact of molding process parameters on the extractable profile from an ABS inhaler component. Statistical analysis of the resulting GC chromatographic profiles identified processing factors that were correlated with peak levels in the extractable profiles. The combination of statistically significant molding process parameters was different for different types of extractable compounds. ANOVA models were used to obtain optimal process settings and predict extractable levels for a selected number of compounds. The proposed paradigm may be applied to evaluate the impact of material composition and processing parameters on extractable profiles and utilized to manage product leachables early in the development process and throughout the product lifecycle.

EVALUATION OF STYRENE EMISSIONS FROM A SHOWER STALL/BATHTUB MANUFACTURING FACILITY

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of emissions measurements carried out at a representative facility (Eljer Plumbingware in Wilson, NC) that manufactures polyester-resin-reinforced shower stalls and bathtubs by spraying styrene-based resins onto molds in vented, open, spray booths. Styren...

Inhalational mold toxicity: fact or fiction? A clinical review of 50 cases.

PubMed

Khalili, Barzin; Montanaro, Marc T; Bardana, Emil J

2005-09-01

Three well-accepted mechanisms of mold-induced disease exist: allergy, infection, and oral toxicosis. Epidemiologic studies suggest a fourth category described as a transient aeroirritation effect. Toxic mold syndrome or inhalational toxicity continues to cause public concern despite a lack of scientific evidence that supports its existence. To conduct a retrospective review of 50 cases of purported mold-induced toxic effects and identify unrecognized conditions that could explain presenting symptoms; to characterize a subgroup with a symptom complex suggestive of an aeroirritation-mediated mechanism and compare this group to other diagnostic categories, such as sick building syndrome and idiopathic chemical intolerance; and to discuss the evolution of toxic mold syndrome from a clinical perspective. Eighty-two consecutive medical evaluations were analyzed of which 50 met inclusion criteria. These cases were critically reviewed and underwent data extraction of 23 variables, including demographic data, patient symptoms, laboratory, imaging, and pulmonary function test results, and an evaluation of medical diagnoses supported by medical record review, examination, and/or test results. Upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, systemic, and neurocognitive symptoms were reported in 80%, 94%, 74%, and 84% of patients, respectively. Thirty patients had evidence of non-mold-related conditions that explained their presenting complaints. Two patients had evidence of allergy to mold allergens, whereas 1 patient exhibited mold-induced psychosis best described as toxic agoraphobia. Seventeen patients displayed a symptom complex that could be postulated to be caused by a transient mold-induced aeroirritation. The clinical presentation of patients with perceived mold-induced toxic effects is characterized by a disparate constellation of symptoms. Close scrutiny revealed a number of preexisting diagnoses that could plausibly explain presenting symptoms. The pathogenesis of aeroirritation implies completely transient symptoms linked to exposures at the incriminated site. Toxic mold syndrome represents the furtive evolution of aeroirritation from a transient to permanent symptom complex in patients with a psychogenic predisposition. In this respect, the core symptoms of toxic mold syndrome and their gradual transition to chronic symptoms related to nonspecific environmental fragrances and irritants appear to mimic what has been observed with other pseudodiagnostic categories, such as sick building syndrome and idiopathic chemical intolerance.

Evaluation of hot-melt extrusion and injection molding for continuous manufacturing of immediate-release tablets.

PubMed

Melocchi, Alice; Loreti, Giulia; Del Curto, Maria Dorly; Maroni, Alessandra; Gazzaniga, Andrea; Zema, Lucia

2015-06-01

The exploitation of hot-melt extrusion and injection molding for the manufacturing of immediate-release (IR) tablets was preliminarily investigated in view of their special suitability for continuous manufacturing, which represents a current goal of pharmaceutical production because of its possible advantages in terms of improved sustainability. Tablet-forming agents were initially screened based on processability by single-screw extruder and micromolding machine as well as disintegration/dissolution behavior of extruded/molded prototypes. Various polymers, such as low-viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer, various sodium starch glycolate grades (e.g., Explotab(®) CLV) that could be processed with no need for technological aids, except for a plasticizer, were identified. Furthermore, the feasibility of both extruded and molded IR tablets from low-viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose or Explotab(®) CLV was assessed. Explotab(®) CLV, in particular, showed thermoplastic properties and a very good aptitude as a tablet-forming agent, starting from which disintegrating tablets were successfully obtained by either techniques. Prototypes containing a poorly soluble model drug (furosemide), based on both a simple formulation (Explotab(®) CLV and water/glycerol as plasticizers) and formulations including dissolution/disintegration adjuvants (soluble and effervescent excipients) were shown to fulfill the USP 37 dissolution requirements for furosemide tablets. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Evaluation of Three Different Processing Techniques in the Fabrication of Complete Dentures

PubMed Central

Chintalacheruvu, Vamsi Krishna; Balraj, Rajasekaran Uttukuli; Putchala, Lavanya Sireesha; Pachalla, Sreelekha

2017-01-01

Aims and Objectives: The objective of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of three different processing techniques and to find out the accuracy of processing techniques through number of occlusal interferences and increase in vertical dimension after denture processing. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 18 patients indicated for complete denture fabrication was selected for the study and they were divided into three subgroups. Three processing techniques, compression molding and injection molding using prepolymerized resin and unpolymerized resin, were used to fabricate dentures for each of the groups. After processing, laboratory-remounted dentures were evaluated for number of occlusal interferences in centric and eccentric relations and change in vertical dimension through vertical pin rise in articulator. Data were analyzed using statistical test ANOVA and SPSS software version 19.0 by IBM was used. Results: Data obtained from three groups were subjected to one-way ANOVA test. After ANOVA test, results with significant variations were subjected to post hoc test. Number of occlusal interferences with compression molding technique was reported to be more in both centric and eccentric positions as compared to the two injection molding techniques with statistical significance in centric, protrusive, right lateral nonworking, and left lateral working positions (P < 0.05). Mean vertical pin rise (0.52 mm) was reported to more in compression molding technique as compared to injection molding techniques, which is statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, injection molding techniques exhibited less processing errors as compared to compression molding technique with statistical significance. There was no statistically significant difference in processing errors reported within two injection molding systems. PMID:28713763

Evaluation of Three Different Processing Techniques in the Fabrication of Complete Dentures.

PubMed

Chintalacheruvu, Vamsi Krishna; Balraj, Rajasekaran Uttukuli; Putchala, Lavanya Sireesha; Pachalla, Sreelekha

2017-06-01

The objective of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of three different processing techniques and to find out the accuracy of processing techniques through number of occlusal interferences and increase in vertical dimension after denture processing. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 18 patients indicated for complete denture fabrication was selected for the study and they were divided into three subgroups. Three processing techniques, compression molding and injection molding using prepolymerized resin and unpolymerized resin, were used to fabricate dentures for each of the groups. After processing, laboratory-remounted dentures were evaluated for number of occlusal interferences in centric and eccentric relations and change in vertical dimension through vertical pin rise in articulator. Data were analyzed using statistical test ANOVA and SPSS software version 19.0 by IBM was used. Data obtained from three groups were subjected to one-way ANOVA test. After ANOVA test, results with significant variations were subjected to post hoc test. Number of occlusal interferences with compression molding technique was reported to be more in both centric and eccentric positions as compared to the two injection molding techniques with statistical significance in centric, protrusive, right lateral nonworking, and left lateral working positions ( P < 0.05). Mean vertical pin rise (0.52 mm) was reported to more in compression molding technique as compared to injection molding techniques, which is statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Within the limitations of this study, injection molding techniques exhibited less processing errors as compared to compression molding technique with statistical significance. There was no statistically significant difference in processing errors reported within two injection molding systems.

Development of a statistically proven injection molding method for reaction bonded silicon nitride, sintering reaction bonded silicon nitride, and sintered silicon nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiner, Matthias

A statistically proven, series injection molding technique for ceramic components was developed for the construction of engines and gas turbines. The flow behavior of silicon injection-molding materials was characterized and improved. Hot-isostatic-pressing reaction bonded silicon nitride (HIPRBSN) was developed. A nondestructive component evaluation method was developed. An injection molding line for HIPRBSN engine components precombustion chamber, flame spreader, and valve guide was developed. This line allows the production of small series for engine tests.

Spore trap analysis and MSQPCR in evaluating mold burden: a flooded gymnasium case study

EPA Science Inventory

A school gymnasium was accidentally flooded by the fire-suppression sprinkler system. The surface water was removed but after 25 days, the school decided to evaluate whether there was any mold growth in the gymnasium. Thirty, five-minute air samples (75 m3 air) were collected w...

Dynamic Feed Control For Injection Molding

DOEpatents

Kazmer, David O.

1996-09-17

The invention provides methods and apparatus in which mold material flows through a gate into a mold cavity that defines the shape of a desired part. An adjustable valve is provided that is operable to change dynamically the effective size of the gate to control the flow of mold material through the gate. The valve is adjustable while the mold material is flowing through the gate into the mold cavity. A sensor is provided for sensing a process condition while the part is being molded. During molding, the valve is adjusted based at least in part on information from the sensor. In the preferred embodiment, the adjustable valve is controlled by a digital computer, which includes circuitry for acquiring data from the sensor, processing circuitry for computing a desired position of the valve based on the data from the sensor and a control data file containing target process conditions, and control circuitry for generating signals to control a valve driver to adjust the position of the valve. More complex embodiments include a plurality of gates, sensors, and controllable valves. Each valve is individually controllable so that process conditions corresponding to each gate can be adjusted independently. This allows for great flexibility in the control of injection molding to produce complex, high-quality parts.

Mathematical modeling of the in-mold coating process for injection-molded thermoplastic parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xu

In-Mold Coating (IMC) has been successfully used for many years for exterior body panels made from compression molded Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). The coating material is a single component reactive fluid, designed to improve the surface quality of SMC moldings in terms of functional and cosmetic properties. When injected onto a cured SMC part, IMC cures and bonds to provide a pain-like surface. Because of its distinct advantages, IMC is being considered for application to injection molded thermoplastic parts. For a successful in mold coating operation, there are two key issues related to the flow of the coating. First, the injection nozzle should be located such that the thermoplastic substrate is totally covered and the potential for air trapping is minimized. The selected location should be cosmetically acceptable since it most likely will leave a mark on the coated surface. The nozzle location also needs to be accessible for easy of maintenance. Secondly, the hydraulic force generated by the coating injection pressure should not exceed the available clamping tonnage. If the clamping force is exceeded, coating leakage will occur. In this study, mathematical models for IMC flow on the compressible thermoplastic substrate have been developed. Finite Difference Method (FDM) is first used to solve the 1 dimensional (1D) IMC flow problem. In order to investigate the application of Control Volume based Finite Element Method (CV/FEM) to more complicated two dimensional IMC flow, that method is first evaluated by solving the 1D IMC flow problem. An analytical solution, which can be obtained when a linear relationship between the coating thickness and coating injection pressure is assumed, is used to verify the numerical results. The mathematical models for the 2 dimensional (2D) IMC flow are based on the generalized Hele-Shaw approximation. It has been found experimentally that the power law viscosity model adequately predicts the rheological behavior of the coating. The compressibility of the substrate is modeled by the 2-domain Tait PVT equation. CV/FEM is used to solve the discretized governing equations. A computer code has been developed to predict the fill pattern of the coating and the injection pressure. A number of experiments have been conducted to verify the numerical predictions of the computer code. It has been found both numerically and experimentally that the substrate thickness plays a significant role on the IMC fill pattern.

Static Mixer for Heat Transfer Enhancement for Mold Cooling Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becerra, Rodolfo; Barbosa, Raul; Lee, Kye-Hwan; Park, Younggil

Injection molding is the process by which a material is melted in a barrel and then it is injected through a nozzle in the mold cavity. When it cools down, the material solidifies into the shape of the cavity. Typical injection mold has cooling channels to maintain constant mold temperature during injection molding process. Even and constant temperature throughout the mold are very critical for a part quality and productivity. Conformal cooling improves the quality and productivity of injection molding process through the implementation of cooling channels that ``conform'' to the shape of the molded part. Recent years, the use of conformal cooling increases with advance of 3D printing technology such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Although it maximizes cooling, material and dimension limitations make SLM methods highly expensive. An alternative is the addition of static mixers in the molds with integrated cooling channels. A static mixer is a motionless mixing device that enhances heat transfer by producing improved flow mixing in the pipeline. In this study, the performance of the cooling channels will be evaluated with and without static mixers, by measuring temperature, pressure drop, and flow rate. The following question is addressed: Can a static mixer effectively enhance heat transfer for mold cooling application processes? This will provide insight on the development of design methods and guidelines that can be used to increase cooling efficiency at a lower cost.

High Performance Fatty Acid-Based Vinyl Ester Resin for Liquid Molding

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

High Performance Fatty Acid -Based Vinyl Ester Resin for Liquid Molding by Xing Geng, John J. La Scala, James M. Sands, and Giuseppe R...it to the originator. Army Research Laboratory Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069 ARL-RP-184 July 2007 High Performance Fatty Acid ...CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE High Performance Fatty Acid -Based Vinyl Ester Resin for Liquid Molding 5c. PROGRAM

Testing of molded high temperature plastic actuator road seals for use in advanced aircraft hydraulic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waterman, A. W.; Huxford, R. L.; Nelson, W. G.

1976-01-01

Molded high temperature plastic first and second stage rod seal elements were evaluated in seal assemblies to determine performance characteristics. These characteristics were compared with the performance of machined seal elements. The 6.35 cm second stage Chevron seal assembly was tested using molded Chevrons fabricated from five molding materials. Impulse screening tests conducted over a range of 311 K to 478 K revealed thermal setting deficiencies in the aromatic polyimide molding materials. Seal elements fabricated from aromatic copolyester materials structurally failed during impulse cycle calibration. Endurance testing of 3.85 million cycles at 450 K using MIL-H-83283 fluid showed poorer seal performance with the unfilled aromatic polyimide material than had been attained with seals machined from Vespel SP-21 material. The 6.35 cm first stage step-cut compression loaded seal ring fabricated from copolyester injection molding material failed structurally during impulse cycle calibration. Molding of complex shape rod seals was shown to be a potentially controllable technique, but additional molding material property testing is recommended.

Comparison of methods to evaluate the fungal biomass in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) dust.

PubMed

Biyeyeme Bi Mve, Marie-Jeanne; Cloutier, Yves; Lacombe, Nancy; Lavoie, Jacques; Debia, Maximilien; Marchand, Geneviève

2016-12-01

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems contain dust that can be contaminated with fungal spores (molds), which may have harmful effects on the respiratory health of the occupants of a building. HVAC cleaning is often based on visual inspection of the quantity of dust, without taking the mold content into account. The purpose of this study is to propose a method to estimate fungal contamination of dust in HVAC systems. Comparisons of different analytical methods were carried out on dust deposited in a controlled-atmosphere exposure chamber. Sixty samples were analyzed using four methods: culture, direct microscopic spore count (DMSC), β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) dosing and qPCR. For each method, the limit of detection, replicability, and repeatability were assessed. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the methods were also evaluated. Depending on the analytical method, mean spore concentrations per 100 cm 2 of dust ranged from 10,000 to 682,000. Limits of detection varied from 120 to 217,000 spores/100 cm 2 . Replicability and repeatability were between 1 and 15%. Pearson correlation coefficients varied from -0.217 to 0.83. The 18S qPCR showed the best sensitivity and precision, as well as the best correlation with the culture method. PCR targets only molds, and a total count of fungal DNA is obtained. Among the methods, mold DNA amplification by qPCR is the method suggested for estimating the fungal content found in dust of HVAC systems.

Population structure of the NPGS Senegalese sorghum collection and its evaluation to identify new disease resistant genes.

PubMed

Cuevas, Hugo E; Prom, Louis K; Rosa-Valentin, Giseiry

2018-01-01

Sorghum germplasm from West and Central Africa is cultivated in rainy and high humidity regions and is an important source of resistance genes to fungal diseases. Mold and anthracnose are two important biotic constraints to sorghum production in wet areas worldwide. Here, 158 National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) accessions from Senegal were evaluated for agronomic traits, anthracnose, and grain mold resistance at two locations, and genetically characterized according to 20 simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 221 alleles were amplified with an average of 11 alleles per locus. Each accession had a unique genetic profile (i.e., no duplicates), and the average genetic distance between accessions was 0.42. Population structure and cluster analysis separated the collection into four populations with pairwise FST values >0.15. Three of the populations were composed of Guinea-race sorghum germplasm, and one included multiple races. Anthracnose resistant accessions were present at high frequency and evenly distributed among the three Guinea-race populations. Fourteen accessions showed resistance to grain mold, and eight were resistant to both diseases. These results indicated that the NPGS of Senegal is a genetically diverse collection with a high frequency of disease resistant accessions. Nevertheless, its population structure suggests the presence of few sources of resistance to both grain mold and anthracnose, which are fixed in the germplasm. The phenotypic and genotypic information for these accessions provides a valuable resource for its correct use to broaden the genetic base of breeding programs.

Heat transfer analytical models for the rapid determination of cooling time in crystalline thermoplastic injection molding and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didier, Delaunay; Baptiste, Pignon; Nicolas, Boyard; Vincent, Sobotka

2018-05-01

Heat transfer during the cooling of a thermoplastic injected part directly affects the solidification of the polymer and consequently the quality of the part in term of mechanical properties, geometric tolerance and surface aspect. This paper proposes to mold designers a methodology based on analytical models to provide quickly the time to reach the ejection temperature depending of the temperature and the position of cooling channels. The obtained cooling time is the first step of the thermal conception of the mold. The presented methodology is dedicated to the determination of solidification time of a semi-crystalline polymer slab. It allows the calculation of the crystallization time of the part and is based on the analytical solution of the Stefan problem in a semi-infinite medium. The crystallization is then considered as a phase change with an effective crystallization temperature, which is obtained from Fast Scanning Calorimetry (FSC) results. The crystallization time is then corrected to take the finite thickness of the part into account. To check the accuracy of such approach, the solidification time is calculated by solving the heat conduction equation coupled to the crystallization kinetics of the polymer. The impact of the nature of the contact between the polymer and the mold is evaluated. The thermal contact resistance (TCR) appears as significant parameter that needs to be taken into account in the cooling time calculation. The results of the simplified model including or not TCR are compared in the case of a polypropylene (PP) with experiments carried out with an instrumented mold. Then, the methodology is applied for a part made with PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK).

Study of parameters in precision optical glass molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Ying; Wang, Qin-hua; Yu, Jing-chi

2010-10-01

Precision glass compression molding is an attractive approach to manufacture small precision optics in large volume over traditional manufacturing techniques because of its advantages such as lower cost, faster time to market and being environment friendly. In order to study the relationship between the surface figures of molded lenses and molding process parameters such as temperature, pressure, heating rate, cooling rate and so on, we present some glass compression molding experiments using same low Tg (transition temperature) glass material to produce two different kinds of aspheric lenses by different molding process parameters. Based on results from the experiments, we know the major factors influencing surface figure of molded lenses and the changing range of these parameters. From the knowledge we could easily catch proper molding parameters which are suitable for aspheric lenses with diameter from 10mm to 30mm.

Evaluation of a local exhaust system used in the manufacture of small parts made of reinforced plastic.

PubMed

Lazure, L P

2000-09-01

Fiber-reinforced plastics are used to manufacture a large variety of products, particularly for the transportation sector. Hand lay-up molding and projection molding are the main methods of manufacture. The users of these processes are exposed to appreciable emissions of styrene; in Quebec, more than 3000 workers work in this industry. A statistical analysis of styrene concentrations measured over a five-year period by the Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST, Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute) reveals that for all of the main manufacturing sectors involved, between 40 percent and 78 percent of the results exceed the exposure standard of 50 ppm. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a ventilated table in controlling worker exposure to styrene and acetone in a shop that manufactures fiber-reinforced plastics parts. The evaluated local extraction system consists of a ventilated table with a surface area of 1.2 m x 1.2 m. During molding, the styrene emissions are exhausted through the ventilated table as well as through the slots in a lateral hood. Replacement air, introduced vertically through a supply air shower located above the worker, limits the diffusion of contaminants toward the worker's breathing zone. The reduction in worker exposure to styrene and acetone during hand lay-up molding was measured in the breathing zone for two sizes of molds. The results show that exhaust ventilation reduced the styrene concentrations by 91 percent and that the introduction of replacement air increased the efficiency of the ventilated table to 96 percent. The evaluation performed indicates that the ventilated table adequately controls worker exposure to styrene and acetone during the molding of small components.

Indirect three-dimensional printing of synthetic polymer scaffold based on thermal molding process.

PubMed

Park, Jeong Hun; Jung, Jin Woo; Kang, Hyun-Wook; Cho, Dong-Woo

2014-06-01

One of the major issues in tissue engineering has been the development of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, which serve as a structural template for cell growth and extracellular matrix formation. In scaffold-based tissue engineering, 3D printing (3DP) technology has been successfully applied for the fabrication of complex 3D scaffolds by using both direct and indirect techniques. In principle, direct 3DP techniques rely on the straightforward utilization of the final scaffold materials during the actual scaffold fabrication process. In contrast, indirect 3DP techniques use a negative mold based on a scaffold design, to which the desired biomaterial is cast and then sacrificed to obtain the final scaffold. Such indirect 3DP techniques generally impose a solvent-based process for scaffold fabrication, resulting in a considerable increase in the fabrication time and poor mechanical properties. In addition, the internal architecture of the resulting scaffold is affected by the properties of the biomaterial solution. In this study, we propose an advanced indirect 3DP technique using projection-based micro-stereolithography and an injection molding system (IMS) in order to address these challenges. The scaffold was fabricated by a thermal molding process using IMS to overcome the limitation of the solvent-based molding process in indirect 3DP techniques. The results indicate that the thermal molding process using an IMS has achieved a substantial reduction in scaffold fabrication time and has also provided the scaffold with higher mechanical modulus and strength. In addition, cell adhesion and proliferation studies have indicated no significant difference in cell activity between the scaffolds prepared by solvent-based and thermal molding processes.

Testing single point incremental forming molds for thermoforming operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afonso, Daniel; de Sousa, Ricardo Alves; Torcato, Ricardo

2016-10-01

Low pressure polymer processing processes as thermoforming or rotational molding use much simpler molds then high pressure processes like injection. However, despite the low forces involved with the process, molds manufacturing for this operations is still a very material, energy and time consuming operation. The goal of the research is to develop and validate a method for manufacturing plastically formed sheets metal molds by single point incremental forming (SPIF) operation for thermoforming operation. Stewart platform based SPIF machines allow the forming of thick metal sheets, granting the required structural stiffness for the mold surface, and keeping the short lead time manufacture and low thermal inertia.

Deflectometric analysis of high volume injection molds for production of occupational eye wear.

PubMed

Speck, Alexis; Zelzer, Benedikt; Speich, Marco; Börret, Rainer; Langenbucher, Achim; Eppig, Timo

2013-12-01

Most of the protective eye wear devices currently on the market are manufactured on simple polycarbonate shields, produced by injection molding techniques. Despite high importance of optical quality, injection molds are rarely inspected for surface quality before or during the manufacturing process. Quality degradation is mainly monitored by optical testing of the molded parts. The purpose of this work was to validate a non-contact deflectometric measurement technique for surface and shape analysis of injection molds to facilitate deterministic surface quality control and to monitor minor conformity of the injection mold with the design data. The system is based on phase-measuring deflectometry with a operating measurement field of 80×80 mm(2) (±18° slope), a lateral resolution of 60μm and a local sensitivity of some nanometers. The calibration was tested with a calibration normal and a reference sphere. The results were crosschecked against a measurement of the same object with a tactile coordinate measuring machine. Eight injection molds for production of safety goggles with radii of +58mm (convex) and -60mm (concave) were measured in this study. The molds were separated into two groups (cavity 1 and 2 of the tool with different polishing techniques) and measured to test whether the measurement tool could extract differences. The analysis was performed on difference height between the measured surface and the spherical model. The device could derive the surface change due to polishing and discriminate between both polishing techniques, on the basis of the measured data. The concave nozzle sides of the first group (cavity 1) showed good shape conformity. In comparison, the nozzle sides of the second group (cavity 2) showed local deviations from design data up to 14.4μm. Local form variations of about 5μm occurred in the field of view. All convex ejector sides of both groups (cavity 1 and 2) showed rotational symmetric errors and the molds were measured in general flatter than design data. We applied a deflectometric system for measuring and evaluating specular reflective injection molding tools to optimize the production process of occupational eye wear. The surface quality could be inline monitored in the production processes for actual spectacle models. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-BENIGN POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE (PTFE) COATINGS FOR MOLD RELEASE - PHASE II

EPA Science Inventory

GVD proposes to develop high performance, volatile organic compound (VOC)-free and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-free, non-stick mold release coatings based on its novel polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fluoropolymer technology. Most commercial mold release agents make use of...

A 12-year anthropometric evaluation of the nose in bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate patients following nasoalveolar molding and cutting bilateral cleft lip and nose reconstruction.

PubMed

Garfinkle, Judah S; King, Timothy W; Grayson, Barry H; Brecht, Lawrence E; Cutting, Court B

2011-04-01

Patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate have nasal deformities including reduced nasal tip projection, widened ala base, and a deficient or absent columella. The authors compare the nasal morphology of patients treated with presurgical nasoalveolar molding followed by primary lip/nasal reconstruction with age-matched noncleft controls. A longitudinal, retrospective review of 77 nonsyndromic patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate was performed. Nasal tip protrusion, alar base width, alar width, columella length, and columella width were measured at five time points spanning 12.5 years. A one-sample t test was used for statistical comparison to an age-matched noncleft population published by Farkas. All five measurements demonstrated parallel, proportional growth in the treatment group relative to the noncleft group. The nasal tip protrusion, alar base width, alar width, columella length, and columella width were not statistically different from those of the noncleft, age-matched control group at age 12.5 years. The nasal tip protrusion also showed no difference in length at 7 and 12.5 years. The alar width and alar base width were significantly wider at the first four time points. This is the first study to describe nasal morphology following nasoalveolar molding and primary surgical repair in patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate through the age of 12.5 years. In this investigation, the authors have shown that patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate treated at their institution with nasoalveolar molding and primary nasal reconstruction, performed at the time of their lip repair, attained nearly normal nasal morphology through 12.5 years of age.

Multicomponent biocide systems protect wood from decay fungi, mold fungi, and termites for interior applications

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Vina W. Yang

2004-01-01

Concerns about indoor air quality due to mold growth have increased dramatically in the United States. In the absence of proper moisture management, fungicides need to be developed for indoor use to control mold establishment. An ideal fungicide for prevention of indoor mold growth on wood-based materials needs to specifically prevent spore germination and provide long...

Method of casting pitch based foam

DOEpatents

Klett, James W.

2002-01-01

A process for producing molded pitch based foam is disclosed which minimizes cracking. The process includes forming a viscous pitch foam in a container, and then transferring the viscous pitch foam from the container into a mold. The viscous pitch foam in the mold is hardened to provide a carbon foam having a relatively uniform distribution of pore sizes and a highly aligned graphic structure in the struts.

Nasoalveolar molding in a case of incomplete cleft lip: Is it worth doing?

PubMed

Esenlik, Elçin; Aydin, Mustafa Asim

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding in an infant with incomplete cleft lip and alveolar notch. The patient was a 15-day-old female infant with a two-thirds vertical separation of the left side of the upper lip, with an intact nasal sill. A modified molding appliance was made to improve nasal esthetics and correct the alveolar notch. Although the nasal and alveolar region abnormalities were not serious, the molding appliance improved the nasal and lip esthetics and was stable during the 4-year follow-up.

Improved silicon carbide for advanced heat engines. I - Process development for injection molding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whalen, Thomas J.; Trela, Walter

1989-01-01

Alternate processing methods have been investigated as a means of improving the mechanical properties of injection-molded SiC. Various mixing processes (dry, high-sheer, and fluid) were evaluated along with the morphology and particle size of the starting beta-SiC powder. Statistically-designed experiments were used to determine significant effects and interactions of variables in the mixing, injection molding, and binder removal process steps. Improvements in mechanical strength can be correlated with the reduction in flaw size observed in the injection molded green bodies obtained with improved processing methods.

Preparation of Drug-loaded Chitosan Microspheres and Its Application in Paper-based PVC Wallpaper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hui; Chen, Lihui; Yan, Guiyang; Chen, Feng; Huang, Liulian

2018-03-01

By screening through test, it was found that the drug-loaded chitosan microspheres with the average particle size of 615 nm may be prepared with NaF as the mold-proof drug, chitosan as the drug carrier and sodium tripolyphosphate as the cross-linking agent; and they can improve the aspergillus niger-proof effect if loaded onto the base paper surface of the paper-based PVC wallpaper. The results show that NaF and chitosan have mold-proof synergistic effects; the mold-proof effect of the wallpaper may be improved by increasing the dose of chitosan; when the mass ratio of NaF, sodium tripolyphosphate and chitosan was 2:7:28, the paper-based PVC wallpaper with good mold-proof property can be prepared.

Systems and Methods for Fabricating Structures Including Metallic Glass-Based Materials Using Low Pressure Casting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmann, Douglas C. (Inventor); Kennett, Andrew (Inventor)

2018-01-01

Systems and methods to fabricate objects including metallic glass-based materials using low-pressure casting techniques are described. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object that includes a metallic glass-based material includes: introducing molten alloy into a mold cavity defined by a mold using a low enough pressure such that the molten alloy does not conform to features of the mold cavity that are smaller than 100 microns; and cooling the molten alloy such that it solidifies, the solid including a metallic glass-based material.

Selection of antifungal protein-producing molds from dry-cured meat products.

PubMed

Acosta, Raquel; Rodríguez-Martín, Andrea; Martín, Alberto; Núñez, Félix; Asensio, Miguel A

2009-09-30

To control unwanted molds in dry-cured meats it is necessary to allow the fungal development essential for the desired characteristics of the final product. Molds producing antifungal proteins could be useful to prevent hazards due to the growth of mycotoxigenic molds. The objective has been to select Penicillium spp. that produce antifungal proteins against toxigenic molds. To obtain strains adapted to these products, molds were isolated from dry-cured ham. A first screening with 281 isolates by the radial inhibition assay revealed that 166 were active against some of the toxigenic P. echinulatum, P. commune, and Aspergillusniger used as reference molds. The activity of different extracts from cultured medium was evaluated by a microspectroscopic assay. Molds producing active chloroform extracts were eliminated from further consideration. A total of 16 Penicillium isolates were screened for antifungal activity from both cell-free media and the aqueous residues obtained after chloroform extraction. The cell-free media of 10 isolates that produced a strong inhibition of the three reference molds were fractionated by FPLC on a cationic column. For protein purification, the fractions of the three molds that showed high inhibitory activity were further chromatographed on a gel filtration column, and the subfractions containing the highest absorbance peaks were assayed against the most sensitive reference molds. One subfraction each from strains AS51D and RP42C from Penicilliumchrysogenum confirmed the inhibitory activity against the reference molds. SDS-PAGE revealed a single band from each subfraction, with estimated molecular masses of 37kDa for AS51D and 9kDa for RP42C. Although further characterisation is required, both these proteins and the producing strains can be of interest to control unwanted molds on foods.

Antibodies to molds and satratoxin in individuals exposed in water-damaged buildings.

PubMed

Vojdani, Aristo; Thrasher, Jack D; Madison, Roberta A; Gray, Michael R; Heuser, Gunnar; Campbell, Andrew W

2003-07-01

Immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG antibodies against Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, Stachybotrys chartarum, and satratoxin H were determined in the blood of 500 healthy blood donor controls, 500 random patients, and 500 patients with known exposure to molds. The patients were referred to the immunological testing laboratory for health reasons other than mold exposure, or for measurement of mold antibody levels. Levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies against molds were significantly greater in the patients (p < 0.001 for all measurements) than in the controls. However, in mold-exposed patients, levels of these antibodies against satratoxin differed significantly for IgG only (p < 0.001), but not for IgM or IgA. These differences in the levels of mold antibodies among the 3 groups were confirmed by calculation of z score and by Scheffé's significant difference tests. A general linear model was applied in the majority of cases, and 3 different subsets were formed, meaning that the healthy control groups were different from the random patients and from the mold-exposed patients. These findings indicated that mold exposure was more common in patients who were referred for immunological evaluation than it was in healthy blood donors. The detection of antibodies to molds and satratoxin H likely resulted from antigenic stimulation of the immune system and the reaction of serum with specially prepared mold antigens. These antigens, which had high protein content, were developed in this laboratory and used in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. The authors concluded that the antibodies studied are specific to mold antigens and mycotoxins, and therefore could be useful in epidemiological and other studies of humans exposed to molds and mycotoxins.

Report: Follow-Up Review - EPA Updated Information for Indoor Mold Research Tools

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #16-P-0308, September 8, 2016. Corrective actions taken by the EPA should help ensure that the public has correct information about EPA approved technology and tools for evaluating indoor mold.

Ultrasonically-assisted Polymer Molding: An Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moles, Matthew; Roy, Anish; Silberschmidt, Vadim

Energy reduction in extrusion and injection molding processes can be achieved by the introduction of ultrasonic energy. Polymer flow can be enhanced on application of ultrasonic vibration, which can reduce the thermal and pressure input requirements to produce the same molding; higher productivity may also be achieved. In this paper, a design of an ultrasound-assisted injection mold machine is explored. An extrusion-die design was augmented with a commercial 1.5 kW ultrasonic transducer and sonotrode designed to resonate close to 20 kHz with up to 100 μm vibration amplitude. The design was evaluated with modal and thermal analysis using finite-element analysis software. The use of numerical techniques, including computational fluid dynamics, fluid-structure interaction and coupled Lagrangian-Eulerian method, to predict the effect of ultrasound on polymer flow was considered. A sonotrode design utilizing ceramic to enhance thermal isolation was also explored.

Mold prevention strategies and possible health effects in the aftermath of hurricanes and major floods.

PubMed

Brandt, Mary; Brown, Clive; Burkhart, Joe; Burton, Nancy; Cox-Ganser, Jean; Damon, Scott; Falk, Henry; Fridkin, Scott; Garbe, Paul; McGeehin, Mike; Morgan, Juliette; Page, Elena; Rao, Carol; Redd, Stephen; Sinks, Tom; Trout, Douglas; Wallingford, Kenneth; Warnock, David; Weissman, David

2006-06-09

Extensive water damage after major hurricanes and floods increases the likelihood of mold contamination in buildings. This report provides information on how to limit exposure to mold and how to identify and prevent mold-related health effects. Where uncertainties in scientific knowledge exist, practical applications designed to be protective of a person's health are presented. Evidence is included about assessing exposure, clean-up and prevention, personal protective equipment, health effects, and public health strategies and recommendations. The recommendations assume that, in the aftermath of major hurricanes or floods, buildings wet for <48 hours will generally support visible and extensive mold growth and should be remediated, and excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination. For the majority of persons, undisturbed mold is not a substantial health hazard. Mold is a greater hazard for persons with conditions such as impaired host defenses or mold allergies. To prevent exposure that could result in adverse health effects from disturbed mold, persons should 1) avoid areas where mold contamination is obvious; 2) use environmental controls; 3) use personal protective equipment; and 4) keep hands, skin, and clothing clean and free from mold-contaminated dust. Clinical evaluation of suspected mold-related illness should follow conventional clinical guidelines. In addition, in the aftermath of extensive flooding, health-care providers should be watchful for unusual mold-related diseases. The development of a public health surveillance strategy among persons repopulating areas after extensive flooding is recommended to assess potential health effects and the effectiveness of prevention efforts. Such a surveillance program will help CDC and state and local public health officials refine the guidelines for exposure avoidance, personal protection, and clean-up and assist health departments to identify unrecognized hazards.

Microcellular nanocomposite injection molding process

Treesearch

Mingjun Yuan; Lih-Sheng Turng; Rick Spindler; Daniel Caulfield; Chris Hunt

2003-01-01

This study aims to explore the processing benefits and property improvements of combining nanocomposites with microcellular injection molding. The molded parts produced based on the Design of Experiments (DOE) matrices were subjected to tensile testing, impact testing, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Dynamic Mechanical...

METHODS TO CLASSIFY ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES BASED ON MOLD ANALYSES BY QPCR

EPA Science Inventory

Quantitative PCR (QPCR) analysis of molds in indoor environmental samples produces highly accurate speciation and enumeration data. In a number of studies, eighty of the most common or potentially problematic indoor molds were identified and quantified in dust samples from homes...

Effect of modified mold shell on the microstructure and tensile fracture morphology of single-crystal nickel-base superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Weitai; Zhao, Yutao; Sun, Shaochun; Liu, Manping; Ma, Dexin; Liang, Xiangfeng; Wang, Cunlong; Tao, Ran

2018-04-01

The mold shell used for single-crystal turbine blades preparation was modified from conventional process to fiber reinforcement technology. The wall thickness was decreased by 32.3 percent (pct) than the conventional process. Then these two mold shells were used to produce single crystal samples of nickel-base superalloy in a Bridgman furnace. The local temperature curves were recorded in the process. The results show that the modified mold shell can increase the temperature gradient in the mushy zone than the conventional mold shell. The primary and secondary dendrite arm space were reduced by 8 pct and 12 pct, respectively. Moreover, both the area fraction and mean size of the γ‧/γ eutectic were declined, as well as the dendritic segregation tendency. Therefore it contributed to the lower residual eutectic and micro-porosity in the heat-treated microstructure. Further, fracture surface of the samples made by modified mold shell exhibited smaller facets and more uniform dimples in the size and shape.

Estimation of state and material properties during heat-curing molding of composite materials using data assimilation: A numerical study.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Ryosuke; Tachikawa, Takeshi; Ishizuka, Junya

2018-03-01

Accurate simulations of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) molding are vital for the development of high-quality products. However, such simulations are challenging and previous attempts to improve the accuracy of simulations by incorporating the data acquired from mold monitoring have not been completely successful. Therefore, in the present study, we developed a method to accurately predict various CFRP thermoset molding characteristics based on data assimilation, a process that combines theoretical and experimental values. The degree of cure as well as temperature and thermal conductivity distributions during the molding process were estimated using both temperature data and numerical simulations. An initial numerical experiment demonstrated that the internal mold state could be determined solely from the surface temperature values. A subsequent numerical experiment to validate this method showed that estimations based on surface temperatures were highly accurate in the case of degree of cure and internal temperature, although predictions of thermal conductivity were more difficult.

An apparatus for in situ x-ray scattering measurements during polymer injection molding.

PubMed

Rendon, Stanley; Fang, Jun; Burghardt, Wesley R; Bubeck, Robert A

2009-04-01

We report a novel instrument for synchrotron-based in situ x-ray scattering measurements during injection molding processing. It allows direct, real-time monitoring of molecular-scale structural evolution in polymer materials undergoing a complex processing operation. The instrument is based on a laboratory-scale injection molding machine, and employs customized mold tools designed to allow x-ray access during mold filling and subsequent solidification, while providing sufficient robustness to withstand high injection pressures. The use of high energy, high flux synchrotron radiation, and a fast detector allows sufficiently rapid data acquisition to resolve time-dependent orientation dynamics in this transient process. Simultaneous monitoring of temperature and pressure signals allows transient scattering data to be referenced to various stages of the injection molding cycle. Representative data on a commercial liquid crystalline polymer, Vectra(R) B950, are presented to demonstrate the features of this apparatus; however, it may find application in a wide range of polymeric materials such as nanocomposites, semicrystalline polymers and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics.

[Biological monitoring in the molding of plastics and rubbers].

PubMed

Fustinoni, S; Campo, L; Cirla, A M; Cirla, P E; Cutugno, V; Lionetti, C; Martinotti, I; Mossini, E; Foà, V

2007-01-01

This survey was carried out in the molding of plastics and rubbers, in the "Professional Cancer Prevention Project" sponsored by the Lombardy region with the objective of developing and implementing protocols for evaluating exposure to carcinogens through the biological monitoring. The realities of molding the thermoplastic polymer ABS, rubber, and thermosetting plastics containing formaldehyde were examined. The carcinogenic substances identified in these processes were: 1,3-butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene in molding ABS, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in molding rubber, and formaldehyde in molding the thermosetting plastics. Only for some of these substances biological indicators are available. The limited exposure to airborne chemicals in molding ABS and the intrinsic characteristics of biological indicators available for 1-3 butadiene have determined the non applicability of biological monitoring to this situation. The absence of a biological indicator of exposure to formaldehyde has made this situation not investigable. Exposure in the rubber molding was studied in 19 subjects applying the determination not metabolized PAH in urine. The levels of these indicators were similar to those measured in other groups of subjects without occupational exposure to PAH, confirming a low airborne contamination in this workplace.

Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing for Composite Part Molds

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

Duty, Chad E.; Springfield, Robert M.

2015-02-01

The ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) collaborated with Tru-Design to test the quality and durability of molds used for making fiber reinforced composites using additive manufacturing. The partners developed surface treatment techniques including epoxy coatings and machining to improve the quality of the surface finish. Test samples made using the printed and surface finished molds demonstrated life spans suitable for one-of-a-kind and low-volume applications, meeting the project objective.

Environmental Sustainability and Mold Hygiene in Buildings

PubMed Central

Ng, Tsz Wai; Lai, Ka Man

2018-01-01

Environmental sustainability is one of the key issues in building management. In Hong Kong, one of the initiatives is to reduce the operation hours of air-conditioning in buildings to cut down energy consumption. In this study, we reported a mold contamination case in a newly refurbished laboratory, in which the air-conditioner was switched from 24- to 18-h mode after refurbishment. In order to prevent mold recurrence, the air-conditioner was switched back to 24-h mode in the laboratory. During the mold investigation, visible mold patches in the laboratory were searched and then cultured, counted and identified. Building and environmental conditions were recorded, and used to deduce different causes of mold contamination. Eight contaminated sites including a wall, a bench, some metal and plastic surfaces and seven types of molds including two Cladosporium spp., two Aspergillus spp., one Rhizopus sp., one Trichoderma sp., and one Tritirachium sp. were identified. Cladosporium spp. were the most abundant and frequently found molds in the laboratory. The contaminated areas could have one to five different species on them. Based on the mold and environmental conditions, several scenarios causing the mold contamination were deduced, and different mold control measures were discussed to compare them with the current solution of using 24-h air-conditioning to control mold growth. This study highlights the importance of mold hygiene in sustainable building management. PMID:29617339

Environmental Sustainability and Mold Hygiene in Buildings.

PubMed

Wu, Haoxiang; Ng, Tsz Wai; Wong, Jonathan Wc; Lai, Ka Man

2018-04-04

Environmental sustainability is one of the key issues in building management. In Hong Kong, one of the initiatives is to reduce the operation hours of air-conditioning in buildings to cut down energy consumption. In this study, we reported a mold contamination case in a newly refurbished laboratory, in which the air-conditioner was switched from 24- to 18-h mode after refurbishment. In order to prevent mold recurrence, the air-conditioner was switched back to 24-h mode in the laboratory. During the mold investigation, visible mold patches in the laboratory were searched and then cultured, counted and identified. Building and environmental conditions were recorded, and used to deduce different causes of mold contamination. Eight contaminated sites including a wall, a bench, some metal and plastic surfaces and seven types of molds including two Cladosporium spp., two Aspergillus spp., one Rhizopus sp., one Trichoderma sp., and one Tritirachium sp. were identified. Cladosporium spp. were the most abundant and frequently found molds in the laboratory. The contaminated areas could have one to five different species on them. Based on the mold and environmental conditions, several scenarios causing the mold contamination were deduced, and different mold control measures were discussed to compare them with the current solution of using 24-h air-conditioning to control mold growth. This study highlights the importance of mold hygiene in sustainable building management.

Study of a Compression-Molding Process for Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode Exposure Systems via Finite-Element Analysis

PubMed Central

Wu, Kuo-Tsai; Hwang, Sheng-Jye; Lee, Huei-Huang

2017-01-01

Although wafer-level camera lenses are a very promising technology, problems such as warpage with time and non-uniform thickness of products still exist. In this study, finite element simulation was performed to simulate the compression molding process for acquiring the pressure distribution on the product on completion of the process and predicting the deformation with respect to the pressure distribution. Results show that the single-gate compression molding process significantly increases the pressure at the center of the product, whereas the multi-gate compressing molding process can effectively distribute the pressure. This study evaluated the non-uniform thickness of product and changes in the process parameters through computer simulations, which could help to improve the compression molding process. PMID:28617315

Detection of pre-symptomatic rose powdery-mildew and gray-mold diseases based on thermal vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, M.; Minaei, S.; Safaie, N.

2017-09-01

Roses are the most important plants in ornamental horticulture. Roses are susceptible to a number of phytopathogenic diseases. Among the most serious diseases of rose, powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa var. rosae) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) are widespread which require considerable attention. In this study, the potential of implementing thermal imaging to detect the pre-symptomatic appearance of these fungal diseases was investigated. Effects of powdery mildew and gray mold diseases on rose plants (Rosa hybrida L.) were examined by two experiments conducted in a growth chamber. To classify the healthy and infected plants, feature selection was carried out and the best extracted thermal features with the largest linguistic hedge values were chosen. Two neuro-fuzzy classifiers were trained to distinguish between the healthy and infected plants. Best estimation rates of 92.55% and 92.3% were achieved in training and testing the classifier with 8 clusters in order to identify the leaves infected with powdery mildew. In addition, the best estimation rates of 97.5% and 92.59% were achieved in training and testing the classifier with 4 clusters to identify the gray mold disease on flowers. Performance of the designed neuro-fuzzy classifiers were evaluated with the thermal images captured using an automatic imaging setup. Best correct estimation rates of 69% and 80% were achieved (on the second day post-inoculation) for pre-symptomatic appearance detection of powdery mildew and gray mold diseases, respectively.

Development of a PCR protocol to detect aflatoxigenic molds in food products.

PubMed

Luque, M Isabel; Rodríguez, Alicia; Andrade, María J; Martín, Alberto; Córdoba, Juan J

2012-01-01

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus species growing in foodstuffs. Because aflatoxins have important health effects, the detection of early contamination of foods by aflatoxigenic molds should be useful. In the present work, a reliable conventional PCR method for detecting aflatoxigenic molds of various species was developed. Fifty-six aflatoxigenic and nonaflatoxigenic strains commonly reported in foodstuffs were tested. Aflatoxin production was first confirmed by micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis or/and high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on the conserved regions of the O-methyltransferase gene (omt-1) involved in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway, six primer pairs were designed. With only the designed primer pair AFF1-AFR3, the expected PCR product (381 bp) was obtained in all of the tested aflatoxigenic strains of various species and genera. Amplification products were not obtained with this primer pair for any of the nonaflatoxigenic reference molds. However, an amplicon of 453 bp was obtained for all aflatoxigenic and nonaflatoxigenic mold reference strains with a PCR protocol based on the constitutive fungal β-tubulin gene, which was used as a positive fungal control. The PCR protocol based on omt-1 detected as little as 15 pg of DNA from aflatoxigenic molds and 10(2) to 10(3) CFU/g in contaminated food samples. This PCR protocol should be used as a routine technique to detect aflatoxigenic molds in foods.

Micromolded thick PZT sol gel composite structures for ultrasound transducer devices operating at high frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Guofeng

The objective of this work has been to design and develop a micromolding technique useful for batch fabrication to microfabricate 3D ceramic structures for device purposes using a sol gel composite processing technique and deep photolithography (UV LIGA). These structures may be the elements of ultrasound transducers, the structures associated with electronic packaging, or microstructures for microfluidic applications. To demonstrate the technique, the project has focused on the design and fabrication of annular and linear arrays for high frequency (>20 MHz) ultrasound imaging applications, particularly where an electronically steered imaging modality is employed. Other typical micromolded structures have been demonstrated to show the potential for micromolding. The transferability of the technique for industrial purposes is proposed. Using a sol gel composite process, the critical components in this technique are mold making, mold filling, material-processing, demolding, top electrode and essential material characterization. Two types of molds have been created using UV LIGA and/or electroplating. A purely organic mold made of Su-8 epoxy based photo-resist has shown tremendous performance for micromolding. The transducer packaging process has also been designed and evaluated at the laboratory level. A Su-8 micro bridge and bond pad has been used for wire bonding purposes. A 5-element annular array transducer has been fabricated by this technique and fully packaged. The micromolded piezoceramic structures have been characterized. The pulse echo performance of each element and the focusing performance of 5 elements of a packaged transducer array have been evaluated using a coaxial cable and a cable delay system.

Allergy and "toxic mold syndrome".

PubMed

Edmondson, David A; Nordness, Mark E; Zacharisen, Michael C; Kurup, Viswanath P; Fink, Jordan N

2005-02-01

"Toxic mold syndrome" is a controversial diagnosis associated with exposure to mold-contaminated environments. Molds are known to induce asthma and allergic rhinitis through IgE-mediated mechanisms, to cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis through other immune mechanisms, and to cause life-threatening primary and secondary infections in immunocompromised patients. Mold metabolites may be irritants and may be involved in "sick building syndrome." Patients with environmental mold exposure have presented with atypical constitutional and systemic symptoms, associating those symptoms with the contaminated environment. To characterize the clinical features and possible etiology of symptoms in patients with chief complaints related to mold exposure. Review of patients presenting to an allergy and asthma center with the chief complaint of toxic mold exposure. Symptoms were recorded, and physical examinations, skin prick/puncture tests, and intracutaneous tests were performed. A total of 65 individuals aged 1 1/2 to 52 years were studied. Symptoms included rhinitis (62%), cough (52%), headache (34%), respiratory symptoms (34%), central nervous system symptoms (25%), and fatigue (23%). Physical examination revealed pale nasal mucosa, pharyngeal "cobblestoning," and rhinorrhea. Fifty-three percent (33/62) of the patients had skin reactions to molds. Mold-exposed patients can present with a variety of IgE- and non-IgE-mediated symptoms. Mycotoxins, irritation by spores, or metabolites may be culprits in non-IgE presentations; environmental assays have not been perfected. Symptoms attributable to the toxic effects of molds and not attributable to IgE or other immune mechanisms need further evaluation as to pathogenesis. Allergic, rather than toxic, responses seemed to be the major cause of symptoms in the studied group.

A new proposal to evaluate the healing of open skin wounds: volumetry.

PubMed

Paulo, Danilo Nagib Salomão; Fiorot, Antonio Wilson

2011-12-01

To present a new proposal to evaluate the healing of an open subcutaneous and skin wound, which we termed "volumetry". A total of 32 circular wounds were performed in the subcutaneous tissues and skin of four feet of pigs (8 each). Each wound had about 1 cm in diameter and was 0.2 cm deep. Volume was calculated from the wound filled with saline and mass Xantopren. With the aid of a magnifying glass and local lighting, the liquid was dripped with a micropipette inside the wound until complete fullness. Volume repletion was calculated in microliters, corresponding to the volume of the wound. The mass of Xantopren was placed inside the wound to obtain a mold of the lesion. Mold volume was calculated using the formula of the volume of a cylinder closest resembling a geometric figure with mold. The calculation of wound volume was possible with both Xantopren and mold techniques. Volume as calculated by micropipette was 119.37 ± 30.87 microliters while the volume calculated by mold was 122.41 ± 33.90 mm3 (p=0.79). Volumetry in pig feet is simple and reproducible. Volumetry perfomed with saline did not differ from the volumetry with mass Xantopren. This method may be a useful tool to help evaluate the healing of open skin wounds in experimental and clinical research.

Flexural Fatigue Response of Repaired S2-Glass/Vinyl Ester Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

of Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105 14. ABSTRACT Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding ...Introduction 1  2.  Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding 2  3.  Repair Strategies 2  4.  Processing and Repairing Laminates 4  5.  Experimental 4  5.1  Set 1...vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) (2), performance evaluations have assumed increasing importance due to the lack of historical databases on

Quantification of mold contamination in multi-level buildings using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index.

PubMed

Vesper, Stephen; Cox-Ganser, Jean M; Wymer, Larry; Park, Ju-Hyeong

2018-01-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate the possible use of the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) to quantify mold contamination in multi-level, office buildings. Settled-dust samples were collected in multi-level, office buildings and the ERMI value for each sample determined. In the first study, a comparison was made between two identical four-story buildings. There were health complaints in one building but none in the other building. In the second study, mold contamination was evaluated on levels 6-19 of an office building with a history of water problems and health complaints. In the first study, the average ERMI value in the building with health complaints was 5.33 which was significantly greater than the average ERMI value, 0.55, in the non-complaint building. In the second study, the average ERMI values ranged from a low of -0.58 on level 8 to a high of 5.66 on level 17, one of the top five ranked levels for medical symptoms or medication use. The mold populations of ten (six Group 1 and four Group 2) of the 36-ERMI molds were in significantly greater concentrations in the higher compared to lower ERMI environments. The ERMI metric may be useful in the quantification of water-damage and mold growth in multi-level buildings.

Index change of chalcogenide materials from precision glass molding processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deegan, J.; Walsh, K.; Lindberg, G.; Benson, R.; Gibson, D.; Bayya, S.; Sanghera, J.; Stover, E.

2015-05-01

With the increase in demand for infrared optics for thermal applications and the use of glass molding of chalcogenide materials to support these higher volume optical designs, an investigation of changes to the optical properties of these materials is required. Typical precision glass molding requires specific thermal conditions for proper lens molding of any type of optical glass. With these conditions a change (reduction) of optical index occurs after molding of all oxide glass types and it is presumed that a similar behavior will happen with chalcogenide based materials. We will discuss the effects of a typical molding thermal cycle for use with commercially and newly developed chalcogenide materials and show results of index variation from nominally established material data.

Gastroresistant capsular device prepared by injection molding.

PubMed

Zema, Lucia; Loreti, Giulia; Melocchi, Alice; Maroni, Alessandra; Palugan, Luca; Gazzaniga, Andrea

2013-01-20

In the present work, the possibility of manufacturing by injection molding (IM) a gastro-resistant capsular device based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) was investigated. By performing as an enteric soluble container, such a device may provide a basis for the development of advantageous alternatives to coated dosage forms. Preliminarily, the processability of the selected thermoplastic polymer was evaluated, and the need for a plasticizer (polyethylene glycol 1500) in order to counterbalance the glassy nature of the molded items was assessed. However, some critical issues related to the physical/mechanical stability (shrinkage and warpage) and opening time of the device after the pH change were highlighted. Accordingly, an in-depth formulation study was carried out taking into account differing release modifiers potentially useful for enhancing the dissolution/disintegration rate of the capsular device at intestinal pH values. Capsule prototypes with thickness of 600 and 900 μm containing Kollicoat(®) IR and/or Explotab(®) CLV could be manufactured, and a promising performance was achieved with appropriate gastric resistance in pH 1.2 medium and break-up in pH 6.8 within 1h. These results would support the design of a dedicated mold for the development of a scalable manufacturing process. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System for Identification of Clinically Relevant Filamentous Fungi.

PubMed

McMullen, Allison R; Wallace, Meghan A; Pincus, David H; Wilkey, Kathy; Burnham, C A

2016-08-01

Invasive fungal infections have a high rate of morbidity and mortality, and accurate identification is necessary to guide appropriate antifungal therapy. With the increasing incidence of invasive disease attributed to filamentous fungi, rapid and accurate species-level identification of these pathogens is necessary. Traditional methods for identification of filamentous fungi can be slow and may lack resolution. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a rapid and accurate method for identification of bacteria and yeasts, but a paucity of data exists on the performance characteristics of this method for identification of filamentous fungi. The objective of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Vitek MS for mold identification. A total of 319 mold isolates representing 43 genera recovered from clinical specimens were evaluated. Of these isolates, 213 (66.8%) were correctly identified using the Vitek MS Knowledge Base, version 3.0 database. When a modified SARAMIS (Spectral Archive and Microbial Identification System) database was used to augment the version 3.0 Knowledge Base, 245 (76.8%) isolates were correctly identified. Unidentified isolates were subcultured for repeat testing; 71/319 (22.3%) remained unidentified. Of the unidentified isolates, 69 were not in the database. Only 3 (0.9%) isolates were misidentified by MALDI-TOF MS (including Aspergillus amoenus [n = 2] and Aspergillus calidoustus [n = 1]) although 10 (3.1%) of the original phenotypic identifications were not correct. In addition, this methodology was able to accurately identify 133/144 (93.6%) Aspergillus sp. isolates to the species level. MALDI-TOF MS has the potential to expedite mold identification, and misidentifications are rare. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Evaluation of alternative cleaners for solder flux and mold release removal

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

Lopez, E.P.; Peebles, D.E.; Reich, J.E.

1991-01-01

As part of a solvent substitution program, an evaluation of selected alternative cleaners for solder flux and mold release removal has been performed. Six cleaners were evaluated for their efficiency in removing a rosin mildly activated flux and a silicone mold release from copper, 17-4PH stainless steel, polyimide quartz glass and tin-lead surfaces. A parallel effort also studied deionized water removal of organic acid fluxes. Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to determine relative elemental cleanliness of the outermost atomic layers. An Omega Meter Test was used to measure residual ionic contamination. Water drop contact angles weremore » used to measure the effectiveness of silicone removal from Cu substrates. In most cases, the cleanliness levels were good to excellent. 10 refs., 8 figs., 19 tabs.« less

DEVELOPING THE ERMI © - "EPA RELATIVE MOLDINESS INDEX" - BASED ON MOLD-SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE PCR (MSQPCR)

EPA Science Inventory

Improving indoor air quality has been a priority at the US EPA for many years. Among the components of indoor air, molds present a growing concern for the public. A primary information source on indoor molds is the news media, which often confuses rather than clarifies the situa...

Two species of myxomycetes causing slime mold of sweet potato.

PubMed

Kim, Wan Gyu; Lee, Sang Yeob; Cho, Weon Dae

2007-06-01

Specimens collected from sweet potato plants with slime mold symptoms in fields in Daejeon, Korea were examined. Two species of Myxomycetes, Fuligo septica and Stemonitis herbatica were identified based on their morphological characteristics. This is the first report that the two species of Myxomycetes cause slime mold of sweet potato in Korea.

Long-term efficacy of wood dip-treated with multicomponent biocides

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Vina W. Yang

2005-01-01

Biocides designed for prevention of indoor mold growth on wood-based materials need to provide long-term protection under conditions of high humidity. Specimens of kiln-dried southern pine and unseasoned southern pine, aspen, and Douglas-fir were dip-treated with borate-dimethylcocoamine (DMCA) supplemented with voriconazole, thiabendazole, or thujaplicin and evaluated...

Mechanical and thermal properties of high density polyethylene – dried distillers grains with solubles composites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Dried Distillers Grain with Solubles (DDGS) is evaluated as a bio-based fiber reinforcement. Injection molded composites of high density polyethylene (HDPE), 25% by weight of DDGS, and either 5% of 0% by weight of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) were produced by twin screw compounding and injection mo...

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding for cleft lip and palate: the application of digitally designed molds.

PubMed

Shen, Congcong; Yao, Caroline A; Magee, William; Chai, Gang; Zhang, Yan

2015-06-01

The authors present a novel nasoalveolar molding protocol by prefabricating sets of nasoalveolar molding appliances using three-dimensional technology. Prospectively, 17 infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate underwent the authors' protocol before primary cheiloplasty. An initial nasoalveolar molding appliance was created based on the patient's first and only in-person maxillary cast, produced from a traditional intraoral dental impression. Thereafter, each patient's molding course was simulated using computer software that aimed to narrow the alveolar gap by 1 mm each week by rotating the greater alveolar segment. A maxillary cast of each predicted molding stage was created using three-dimensional printing. Subsequent appliances were constructed in advance, based on the series of computer-generated casts. Each patient had a total three clinic visits spaced 1 month apart. Anthropometric measurements and bony segment volumes were recorded before and after treatment. Alveolar cleft widths narrowed significantly (p < 0.01), soft-tissue volume of each segment expanded (p < 0.01), and the arc of the alveolus became more contiguous across the cleft (p < 0.01). One patient required a new appliance at the second visit because of bleeding and discomfort. Eleven patients had mucosal irritation and two experienced minor mucosal ulceration. Three-dimensional technology can precisely represent anatomic structures in pediatric clefts. Results from the authors' algorithm are equivalent to those of traditional nasoalveolar molding therapies; however, the number of required clinic visits and appliance adjustments decreased. As three-dimensional technology costs decrease, multidisciplinary teams may design customized nasoalveolar molding treatment with improved efficiency and less burden to medical staff, patients, and families. Therapeutic, IV.

Method for molding ceramic powders using a water-based gel casting

DOEpatents

Janney, Mark A.; Omatete, Ogbemi O.

1991-07-02

A method for molding ceramic powders comprises forming a slurry mixture including ceramic powder, a dispersant, and a monomer solution. The monomer solution includes at least one monofunctional monomer and at least one difunctional monomer, a free-radical initiator, and a aqueous solvent. The slurry mixture is transferred to a mold, and the mold containing the slurry mixture is heated to polymerize and crosslink the monomer and form a firm polymer-solvent gel matrix. The solid product any be removed from the mold and heated to first remove the solvent and subsequently remove the polymer, whereafter the product may be sintered.

Method for molding ceramic powders using a water-based gel casting process

DOEpatents

Jenny, Mark A.; Omalete, Ogbemi O.

1992-09-08

A method for molding ceramic powders comprises forming a slurry mixture including ceramic powder, a dispersant, and a monomer solution. The monomer solution includes at least one monofunctional monomer and at least one difunctional monomer, a free-radical initiator, and a aqueous solvent. The slurry mixture is transferred to a mold, and the mold containing the slurry mixture is heated to polymerize and crosslink the monomer and form a firm polymer-solvent gel matrix. The solid product may be removed from the mold and heated to first remove the solvent and subsequently remove the polymer, whereafter the product may be sintered.

Comparison of glare in YAG-damaged intraocular lenses: injection-molded versus lathe-cut.

PubMed

Bath, P E; Dang, Y; Martin, W H

1986-11-01

A comparative analysis of YAG laser intraocular lens (IOL) damage was undertaken on injection-molded and lathe-cut IOLs. Damage sites were evaluated with polarized light. A consistent positive polarization was observed in the damage sites of lathe-cut IOLs. A consistent negative polarization was observed in the damage sites of injection-molded IOLs. The presence of positive polarization in IOL damage sites may be correlated with increased potential for glare. Results and clinical implications are discussed.

Analysis of Deformation and Equivalent Stress during Biomass Material Compression Molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Guiying; Wei, Hetao; Zhang, Zhien; Yu, Shaohui; Wang, Congzhe; Huang, Guowen

2018-02-01

Ansys is adopted to analyze mold deformation and stress field distribution rule during the process of compressing biomass under pressure of 20Mpa. By means of unit selection, material property setting, mesh partition, contact pair establishment, load and constraint applying, and solver setting, the stress and strain of overall mold are analyzed. Deformation and equivalent Stress of compression structure, base, mold, and compression bar were analyzed. We can have conclusions: The distribution of stress forced on compressor is not completely uniform, where the stress at base is slightly decreased; the stress and strain of compression bar is the largest, and stress concentration my occur at top of compression bar, which goes against compression bar service life; the overall deformation of main mold is smaller; although there is slight difference between upper and lower part, the overall variation is not obvious, but the stress difference between upper and lower part of main mold is extremely large so that reaches to 10 times; the stress and strain in base decrease in circular shape, but there is still stress concentration in ledge, which goes against service life; contact stress does not distribute uniformly, there is increasing or decreasing trend in adjacent parts, which is very large in some parts. in constructing both.

UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIVE MOLDINESS INDEX - ERMI

EPA Science Inventory

This study compared two binary classification methods to evaluate the mold condition in 271 homes of infants, 144 of which later developed symptoms of respiratory illness. A method using on-site visual mold inspection was compared to another method using a quantitative index of ...

Susceptibility testing of terbinafine alone and in combination with amphotericin B, itraconazole, or voriconazole against conidia and hyphae of dematiaceous molds.

PubMed

Biancalana, Fernanda Simas Corrêa; Lyra, Luzia; Moretti, Maria Luiza; Schreiber, Angélica Zaninelli

2011-12-01

Studies have demonstrated excellent in vivo efficacy of terbinafine combined with other antifungal agents against dematiaceous molds; however, there is a lack of in vitro studies. Most studies evaluated conidia inocula, but susceptibility testing of hyphae could mimic the fungal status in infected tissues and might reflect the therapeutic potential of the agent. We investigated the in vitro susceptibility of terbinafine alone and in combination with amphotericin B, itraconazole, or voriconazole against conidia by microdilution and dynamic measurement of hyphae growth of dematiaceous molds. The MIC values for hyphae were, until 3 dilutions, below the MIC obtained for conidia. The results indicated 100% synergistic interactions between terbinafine and azoles or amphotericin B in all tests, but lower MICs for hyphae. In conclusion, our findings allow us to say that the hyphal form of tested dematiaceous molds showed high susceptibility to all antifungal agents evaluated, alone and in combination with terbinafine. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CAE for Injection Molding — Past, Present and the Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kuo K.

2004-06-01

It is well known that injection molding is the most effective process for mass-producing discrete plastic parts of complex shape to the highest precision at the lowest cost. However, due to the complex property of polymeric materials undergoing a transient non-isothermal process, it is equally well recognized that the quality of final products is often difficult to be assured. This is particularly true when a new mold or material is encountered. As a result, injection molding has often been viewed as an art than a science. During the past few decades, numerical simulation of injection molding process based on analytic models has become feasible for practical use as computers became faster and cheaper continually. A research effort was initiated at the Cornell Injection Molding Program (CIMP) in 1974 under a grant from the National Science Foundation. Over a quarter of the century, CIMP has established some scientific bases ranging from materials characterization, flow analysis, to prediction of part quality. Use of such CAE tools has become common place today in industry. Present effort has been primarily aimed at refinements of many aspects of the process. Computational efficiency and user-interface have been main thrusts by commercial software developers. Extension to 3-dimensional flow analysis for certain parts has drawn some attention. Research activities are continuing on molding of fiber-filled materials and reactive polymers. Expanded molding processes such as gas-assisted, co-injection, micro-molding and many others are continually being investigated. In the future, improvements in simulation accuracy and efficiency will continue. This will include in-depth studies on materials characterization. Intelligent on-line process control may draw more attention in order to achieve higher degree of automation. As Internet technology continues to evolve, Web-based CAE tools for design, production, remote process monitoring and control can come to path. The CAE tools will eventually be integrated into an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system as the trend of enterprise globalization continues.

Process influences and correction possibilities for high precision injection molded freeform optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dick, Lars; Risse, Stefan; Tünnermann, Andreas

2016-08-01

Modern injection molding processes offer a cost-efficient method for manufacturing high precision plastic optics for high volume applications. Besides form deviation of molded freeform optics, internal material stress is a relevant influencing factor for the functionality of a freeform optics in an optical system. This paper illustrates dominant influence parameters of an injection molding process relating to form deviation and internal material stress based on a freeform demonstrator geometry. Furthermore, a deterministic and efficient way for 3D mold correcting of systematic, asymmetrical shrinkage errors is shown to reach micrometer range shape accuracy at diameters up to 40 mm. In a second case, a stress-optimized parameter combination using unusual molding conditions was 3D corrected to reach high precision and low stress freeform polymer optics.

Classification of buildings mold threat using electronic nose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Łagód, Grzegorz; Suchorab, Zbigniew; Guz, Łukasz; Sobczuk, Henryk

2017-07-01

Mold is considered to be one of the most important features of Sick Building Syndrome and is an important problem in current building industry. In many cases it is caused by the rising moisture of building envelopes surface and exaggerated humidity of indoor air. Concerning historical buildings it is mostly caused by outdated raising techniques among that is absence of horizontal isolation against moisture and hygroscopic materials applied for construction. Recent buildings also suffer problem of mold risk which is caused in many cases by hermetization leading to improper performance of gravitational ventilation systems that make suitable conditions for mold development. Basing on our research there is proposed a method of buildings mold threat classification using electronic nose, based on a gas sensors array which consists of MOS sensors (metal oxide semiconductor). Used device is frequently applied for air quality assessment in environmental engineering branches. Presented results show the interpretation of e-nose readouts of indoor air sampled in rooms threatened with mold development in comparison with clean reference rooms and synthetic air. Obtained multivariate data were processed, visualized and classified using a PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and ANN (Artificial Neural Network) methods. Described investigation confirmed that electronic nose - gas sensors array supported with data processing enables to classify air samples taken from different rooms affected with mold.

Process for Forming a High Temperature Single Crystal Canted Spring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeMange, Jeffrey J (Inventor); Ritzert, Frank J (Inventor); Nathal, Michael V (Inventor); Dunlap, Patrick H (Inventor); Steinetz, Bruce M (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A process for forming a high temperature single crystal canted spring is provided. In one embodiment, the process includes fabricating configurations of a rapid prototype spring to fabricate a sacrificial mold pattern to create a ceramic mold and casting a canted coiled spring to form at least one canted coil spring configuration based on the ceramic mold. The high temperature single crystal canted spring is formed from a nickel-based alloy containing rhenium using the at least one coil spring configuration.

Taxonomic re-evaluation of black koji molds.

PubMed

Hong, Seung-Beom; Yamada, Osamu; Samson, Robert A

2014-01-01

Black koji molds including its albino mutant, the white koji mold, have been widely used for making the distilled spirit shochu in Northeast Asia because they produce citric acid which prevents undesirable contamination from bacteria. Since Inui reported Aspergillus luchuensis from black koji in Okinawa in 1901, many fungal names associated with black koji molds were reported. However, some species are similar and differentiation between species is difficult. Fungal taxonomists tried to arrange a taxonomic system for black koji molds, but the results were not clear. Recently, multi-locus sequence typing has been successfully used to taxonomy of black Aspergillus. According to β-tubulin and calmodulin gene sequences, black koji molds can be subdivided in three species, A. luchuensis, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus tubingensis. Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus kawachii, Aspergillus inuii, Aspergillus nakazawai, and Aspergillus coreanus are synonyms of A. luchuensis, Aspergillus batatae, Aspergillus aureus (or Aspergillus foetidus), Aspergillus miyakoensis, and Aspergillus usamii (including A. usamii mut. shirousamii) are synonyms of A. niger and Aspergillus saitoi and A. saitoi var. kagoshimaensis are synonyms of A. tubingensis. A. luchuensis mut. kawachii was suggested particular names for A. kawachii because of their industrial importance. The history and modern taxonomy of black koji molds is further discussed.

3D Printer Generated Tissue iMolds for Cleared Tissue Using Single- and Multi-Photon Microscopy for Deep Tissue Evaluation.

PubMed

Miller, Sean J; Rothstein, Jeffrey D

2017-01-01

Pathological analyses and methodology has recently undergone a dramatic revolution. With the creation of tissue clearing methods such as CLARITY and CUBIC, groups can now achieve complete transparency in tissue samples in nano-porous hydrogels. Cleared tissue is then imagined in a semi-aqueous medium that matches the refractive index of the objective being used. However, one major challenge is the ability to control tissue movement during imaging and to relocate precise locations post sequential clearing and re-staining. Using 3D printers, we designed tissue molds that fit precisely around the specimen being imaged. First, images are taken of the specimen, followed by importing and design of a structural mold, then printed with affordable plastics by a 3D printer. With our novel design, we have innovated tissue molds called innovative molds (iMolds) that can be generated in any laboratory and are customized for any organ, tissue, or bone matter being imaged. Furthermore, the inexpensive and reusable tissue molds are made compatible for any microscope such as single and multi-photon confocal with varying stage dimensions. Excitingly, iMolds can also be generated to hold multiple organs in one mold, making reconstruction and imaging much easier. Taken together, with iMolds it is now possible to image cleared tissue in clearing medium while limiting movement and being able to relocate precise anatomical and cellular locations on sequential imaging events in any basic laboratory. This system provides great potential for screening widespread effects of therapeutics and disease across entire organ systems.

Precision molding of advanced glass optics: innovative production technology for lens arrays and free form optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pongs, Guido; Bresseler, Bernd; Bergs, Thomas; Menke, Gert

2012-10-01

Today isothermal precision molding of imaging glass optics has become a widely applied and integrated production technology in the optical industry. Especially in consumer electronics (e.g. digital cameras, mobile phones, Blu-ray) a lot of optical systems contain rotationally symmetrical aspherical lenses produced by precision glass molding. But due to higher demands on complexity and miniaturization of optical elements the established process chain for precision glass molding is not sufficient enough. Wafer based molding processes for glass optics manufacturing become more and more interesting for mobile phone applications. Also cylindrical lens arrays can be used in high power laser systems. The usage of unsymmetrical free-form optics allows an increase of efficiency in optical laser systems. Aixtooling is working on different aspects in the fields of mold manufacturing technologies and molding processes for extremely high complex optical components. In terms of array molding technologies, Aixtooling has developed a manufacturing technology for the ultra-precision machining of carbide molds together with European partners. The development covers the machining of multi lens arrays as well as cylindrical lens arrays. The biggest challenge is the molding of complex free-form optics having no symmetrical axis. A comprehensive CAD/CAM data management along the entire process chain is essential to reach high accuracies on the molded lenses. Within a national funded project Aixtooling is working on a consistent data handling procedure in the process chain for precision molding of free-form optics.

Determination of injection molding process windows for optical lenses using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Tsai, Kuo-Ming; Wang, He-Yi

2014-08-20

This study focuses on injection molding process window determination for obtaining optimal imaging optical properties, astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration using plastic lenses. The Taguchi experimental method was first used to identify the optimized combination of parameters and significant factors affecting the imaging optical properties of the lens. Full factorial experiments were then implemented based on the significant factors to build the response surface models. The injection molding process windows for lenses with optimized optical properties were determined based on the surface models, and confirmation experiments were performed to verify their validity. The results indicated that the significant factors affecting the optical properties of lenses are mold temperature, melt temperature, and cooling time. According to experimental data for the significant factors, the oblique ovals for different optical properties on the injection molding process windows based on melt temperature and cooling time can be obtained using the curve fitting approach. The confirmation experiments revealed that the average errors for astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration are 3.44%, 5.62%, and 5.69%, respectively. The results indicated that the process windows proposed are highly reliable.

Diagnostics of glass fiber reinforced polymers and comparative analysis of their fabrication techniques with the use of acoustic emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bashkov, O. V.; Bryansky, A. A.; Panin, S. V.; Zaikov, V. I.

2016-11-01

Strength properties of the glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) fabricated by vacuum and vacuum autoclave molding techniques were analyzed. Measurements of porosity of the GFRP parts manufactured by various molding techniques were conducted with the help of optical microscopy. On the basis of experimental data obtained by means of acoustic emission hardware/software setup, the technique for running diagnostics and forecasting the bearing capacity of polymeric composite materials based on the result of three-point bending tests has been developed. The operation principle of the technique is underlined by the evaluation of the power function index change which takes place on the dependence of the total acoustic emission counts versus the loading stress.

Analysis of roll-stamped light guide plate fabricated with laser-ablated stamper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Hyunjun; Hong, Seokkwan; Kim, Jongsun; Hwang, Jeongho; Joo, Byungyun; Yoon, Kyunghwan; Kang, Jeongjin

2017-12-01

LGP (light guide plate) is one of the major components of LCD (liquid crystal display), and it makes surface illumination for LCD backlit. LGP is a transparent plastic plate usually produced by injection molding process. On the back of LGP there are micron size patterns for extraction of light. Recently a roll-stamping process has achieved the high mass productivity of thinner LGPs. In order to fabricate optical patterns on LGPs, a fabricating tool called as a stamper is used. Micro patterns on metallic stampers are made by several micro machining processes such as chemical etching, LIGA-reflow, and laser ablation. In this study, a roll-stamping process by using a laser ablated metallic stamper was dealt with in consideration of the compatibility with the roll-stamping process. LGP fabricating tests were performed using a roll-stamping process with four different roll pressures. Pattern shapes on the stamper fabricated by laser ablation and transcription ratios of the roll-stamping process were analyzed, and LGP luminance was evaluated. Based on the evaluation, optical simulation model for LGP was made and simulation accuracy was evaluated. Simulation results showed good agreements with optical performance of LGPs in the brightness and uniformity. It was also shown that the roll-stamped LGP has the possibility of better optical performance than the conventional injection molded LGP. It was also shown that the roll-stamped LGP with the laser ablated stamper is potential to have better optical performance than the conventional injection molded LGP.

Large structural, thin-wall castings made of metals subject to hot tearing, and their fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smashey, Russell W. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

An article, such as a gas turbine engine mixer, is made by providing a mold structure defining a thin-walled, hollow article, and a base metal that is subject to hot tear cracking when cast in a generally equiaxed polycrystalline form, such as Rene' 108 and Mar-M247. The article is fabricated by introducing the molten base metal into the mold structure, and directionally solidifying the base metal in the mold structure to form a directionally oriented structure. The directionally oriented structure may be formed of a single grain or oriented multiple grains.

MOLD-SHAPED, NANOFIBER SCAFFOLD-BASED CARTILAGE ENGINEERING USING HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS AND BIOREACTOR

PubMed Central

Janjanin, Sasa; Li, Wan-Ju; Morgan, Meredith T.; Shanti, Rabie M.; Tuan, Rocky S.

2008-01-01

Background Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based tissue engineering is a promising future alternative to autologous cartilage grafting. This study evaluates the potential of using MSCs, seeded into electrospun, biodegradable polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds, to engineer cartilage with defined dimensions and shape, similar to grafts used for subcutaneous implantation in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Materials and methods Human bone marrow derived MSCs seeded onto nanofibrous scaffolds and placed in custom-designed molds were cultured for up to 42 days in bioreactors. Chondrogenesis was induced with either transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) alone or in combination with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Results Constructs exhibited hyaline cartilage histology with desired thickness and shape as well as favorable tissue integrity and shape retention, suggesting the presence of elastic tissue. Time-dependent increase in cartilage matrix gene expression was seen in both types of culture; at Day 42, TGF-β1/IGF-I treated cultures showed higher collagen type II and aggrecan expression. Both culture conditions showed significant time-dependent increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline contents. TGF-β1/IGF-I treated samples were significantly stiffer; with equilibrium compressive Young’s modulus values reaching 17 kPa by Day 42. Conclusions The successful ex vivo development of geometrically defined cartilaginous construct using customized molding suggests the potential of cell-based cartilage tissue for reconstructive surgery. PMID:18316094

Investigation of compression behavior of PE/EVA foam injection molded parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spina, Roberto

2017-10-01

The main objective of the presented work is to evaluate the compression behavior of a polymeric foam blend by using a robust framework for the testing sequence of foaming injection molded parts, with the aim of establishing a standard testing cycle for the evaluation of new matrix material. The research purpose is to assess parameters influencing compression behavior and give useful suggestions for the implementation of a finite element analysis. The polymeric blend consisted of a mixture of low density polyethylenes (LDPEs), a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and an azodicarbonamide (ADC). The thermal, rheological and compression properties of the blend are fully described, as well as the injection molding process for two specimen types.

Digital Twin concept for smart injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liau, Y.; Lee, H.; Ryu, K.

2018-03-01

Injection molding industry has evolved over decades and became the most common method to manufacture plastic parts. Monitoring and improvement in the injection molding industry are usually performed separately in each stage, i.e. mold design, mold making and injection molding process. However, in order to make a breakthrough and survive in the industrial revolution, all the stages in injection molding need to be linked and communicated with each other. Any changes in one stage will cause a certain effect in other stage because there is a correlation between each other. Hence, the simulation should not only based on the input of historical data, but it also needs to include the current condition of equipment and prediction of future events in other stages to make the responsive decision. This can be achieved by implementing the concept of Digital Twin that models the entire process as a virtual model and enables bidirectional control with the physical process. This paper presented types of data and technology required to build the Digital Twin for the injection molding industry. The concept includes Digital Twin of each stage and integration of these Digital Twin model as a thoroughgoing model of the injection molding industry.

Environmental and Sustainable Technology Evaluation: Mold-resistant Lonseal flooring--Lonseal, Inc., Lonwood Natural

EPA Science Inventory

The test program measured the mold resistance of Lonseal Lonwood Natural flooring. One additional ancillary test for emissions of VOCs and formaldehyde was performed. Lonwood Natural flooring is a sheet vinyl product with an embossed wood-grain texture. Constructed in multiple la...

Occurrence of Fuligo gyrosa Causing Slime Mold of Oriental Melon

PubMed Central

Choi, Hyo Won; Hong, Sung Kee; Lee, Young Kee; Lee, Su Heon

2009-01-01

Recently, a severe slime mold infestation affected oriental melon plants in fields in Chilgok county, Gyeongbuk province, Korea. Specimens were collected from the fields and examined for identification. A species of Myxomycetes, Fuligo gyrosa, was identified based on its morphological characteristics. This is the first report that F. gyrosa causes slime mold of oriental melon. PMID:23983540

Occurrence of Fuligo gyrosa Causing Slime Mold of Oriental Melon.

PubMed

Kim, Wan Gyu; Choi, Hyo Won; Hong, Sung Kee; Lee, Young Kee; Lee, Su Heon

2009-09-01

Recently, a severe slime mold infestation affected oriental melon plants in fields in Chilgok county, Gyeongbuk province, Korea. Specimens were collected from the fields and examined for identification. A species of Myxomycetes, Fuligo gyrosa, was identified based on its morphological characteristics. This is the first report that F. gyrosa causes slime mold of oriental melon.

Two Species of Myxomycetes Causing Slime Mold of Sweet Potato

PubMed Central

Lee, Sang Yeob; Cho, Weon Dae

2007-01-01

Specimens collected from sweet potato plants with slime mold symptoms in fields in Daejeon, Korea were examined. Two species of Myxomycetes, Fuligo septica and Stemonitis herbatica were identified based on their morphological characteristics. This is the first report that the two species of Myxomycetes cause slime mold of sweet potato in Korea. PMID:24015079

Laser-Etched Designs for Molding Hydrogel-Based Engineered Tissues

PubMed Central

Munarin, Fabiola; Kaiser, Nicholas J.; Kim, Tae Yun; Choi, Bum-Rak

2017-01-01

Rapid prototyping and fabrication of elastomeric molds for sterile culture of engineered tissues allow for the development of tissue geometries that can be tailored to different in vitro applications and customized as implantable scaffolds for regenerative medicine. Commercially available molds offer minimal capabilities for adaptation to unique conditions or applications versus those for which they are specifically designed. Here we describe a replica molding method for the design and fabrication of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molds from laser-etched acrylic negative masters with ∼0.2 mm resolution. Examples of the variety of mold shapes, sizes, and patterns obtained from laser-etched designs are provided. We use the patterned PDMS molds for producing and culturing engineered cardiac tissues with cardiomyocytes derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. We demonstrate that tight control over tissue morphology and anisotropy results in modulation of cell alignment and tissue-level conduction properties, including the appearance and elimination of reentrant arrhythmias, or circular electrical activation patterns. Techniques for handling engineered cardiac tissues during implantation in vivo in a rat model of myocardial infarction have been developed and are presented herein to facilitate development and adoption of surgical techniques for use with hydrogel-based engineered tissues. In summary, the method presented herein for engineered tissue mold generation is straightforward and low cost, enabling rapid design iteration and adaptation to a variety of applications in tissue engineering. Furthermore, the burden of equipment and expertise is low, allowing the technique to be accessible to all. PMID:28457187

Material flow data for numerical simulation of powder injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duretek, I.; Holzer, C.

2017-01-01

The powder injection molding (PIM) process is a cost efficient and important net-shape manufacturing process that is not completely understood. For the application of simulation programs for the powder injection molding process, apart from suitable physical models, exact material data and in particular knowledge of the flow behavior are essential in order to get precise numerical results. The flow processes of highly filled polymers are complex. Occurring effects are very hard to separate, like shear flow with yield stress, wall slip, elastic effects, etc. Furthermore, the occurrence of phase separation due to the multi-phase composition of compounds is quite probable. In this work, the flow behavior of a 316L stainless steel feedstock for powder injection molding was investigated. Additionally, the influence of pre-shearing on the flow behavior of PIM-feedstocks under practical conditions was examined and evaluated by a special PIM injection molding machine rheometer. In order to have a better understanding of key factors of PIM during the injection step, 3D non-isothermal numerical simulations were conducted with a commercial injection molding simulation software using experimental feedstock properties. The simulation results were compared with the experimental results. The mold filling studies amply illustrate the effect of mold temperature on the filling behavior during the mold filling stage. Moreover, the rheological measurements showed that at low shear rates no zero shear viscosity was observed, but instead the viscosity further increased strongly. This flow behavior could be described with the Cross-WLF approach with Herschel-Bulkley extension very well.

High environmental relative moldiness index during infancy as a predictor of asthma at 7 years of age.

PubMed

Reponen, Tiina; Vesper, Stephen; Levin, Linda; Johansson, Elisabet; Ryan, Patrick; Burkle, Jeffery; Grinshpun, Sergey A; Zheng, Shu; Bernstein, David I; Lockey, James; Villareal, Manuel; Khurana Hershey, Gurjit K; LeMasters, Grace

2011-08-01

Mold exposures may contribute to the development of asthma, but previous studies have lacked a standardized approach to quantifying exposures. To determine whether mold exposures at the ages of 1 and/or 7 years were associated with asthma at the age of 7 years. This study followed up a high-risk birth cohort from infancy to 7 years of age. Mold was assessed by a DNA-based analysis for the 36 molds that make up the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) at the ages of 1 and 7 years. At the age of 7 years, children were evaluated for allergic sensitization and asthma based on symptom history, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, and airway reversibility. A questionnaire was administered to the parent regarding the child's asthma symptoms and other potential cofactors. At the age of 7 years, 31 of 176 children (18%) were found to be asthmatic. Children living in a high ERMI value (≥5.2) home at 1 year of age had more than twice the risk of developing asthma than those in low ERMI value homes (<5.2) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-6.26). Of the other covariates, only parental asthma (aOR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.69-9.62) and allergic sensitization to house dust mite (aOR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.55-11.07) were risk factors for asthma development. In contrast, air-conditioning at home reduced the risk of asthma development (aOR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.14-0.83). A high ERMI value at 7 years of age was not associated with asthma at 7 years of age. Early exposure to molds as measured by ERMI at 1 year of age, but not 7 years of age, significantly increased the risk for asthma at 7 years of age. Copyright © 2011 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antibodies against molds and mycotoxins following exposure to toxigenic fungi in a water-damaged building.

PubMed

Vojdani, Aristo; Campbell, Andrew W; Kashanian, Albert; Vojdani, Elroy

2003-06-01

Exposure to molds in water-damaged buildings can cause allergy, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, mucus membrane irritation, and toxicity--alone or in combination. Despite this, significant emphasis has been placed only on Type I allergy and asthma, but not on the other 3 types of allergies. In this study, we sought to evaluate simultaneous measurements of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies against the most common molds, and their mycotoxins, cultured from water-damaged buildings. Antibodies against 7 different molds and 2 mycotoxins were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the blood of 40 controls and 40 mold-exposed patients. The IgG antibody levels against all 7 of the molds used, as well as the 2 mycotoxins, were significantly greater in patients than in controls. The IgM antibody levels were significantly different in patients for only 6 of 9 determinations. Regarding IgA determinations, antibodies were elevated significantly against all antigens tested, except Epicoccum. However, the differences in IgE levels in controls and mold-exposed patients were significant only for Aspergillus and satratoxin. These differences implied that, overall, the healthy control group was different from the mold-exposed patients for IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies, but not for the IgE anti-mold antibody. Most patients with high levels of antibodies against various mold antigens also exhibited elevated antibodies against purified mycotoxins, indicating that the patients had been exposed to mold spores and mycotoxins. Detection of high levels (colony-forming units per cubic meter) of molds--which, in this study, strongly suggested that there existed a reservoir of spores in the building at the time of sampling--along with a significant elevation in IgG, IgM, or IgA antibodies against molds and mycotoxins, could be used in future epidemiologic investigations of fungal exposure. In addition to IgE, measurements of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies should be considered in mold-exposed individuals.

A would-be nervous system made from a slime mold.

PubMed

Adamatzky, Andrew

2015-01-01

The slime mold Physarum polycephalum is a huge single cell that has proved to be a fruitful material for designing novel computing architectures. The slime mold is capable of sensing tactile, chemical, and optical stimuli and converting them to characteristic patterns of its electrical potential oscillations. The electrical responses to stimuli may propagate along protoplasmic tubes for distances exceeding tens of centimeters, as impulses in neural pathways do. A slime mold makes decisions about its propagation direction based on information fusion from thousands of spatially extended protoplasmic loci, similarly to a neuron collecting information from its dendritic tree. The analogy is distant yet inspiring. We speculate on whether alternative-would-be-nervous systems can be developed and practically implemented from the slime mold. We uncover analogies between the slime mold and neurons, and demonstrate that the slime mold can play the roles of primitive mechanoreceptors, photoreceptors, and chemoreceptors; we also show how the Physarum neural pathways develop. The results constituted the first step towards experimental laboratory studies of nervous system implementation in slime molds.

Matrix factorization-based data fusion for gene function prediction in baker's yeast and slime mold.

PubMed

Zitnik, Marinka; Zupan, Blaž

2014-01-01

The development of effective methods for the characterization of gene functions that are able to combine diverse data sources in a sound and easily-extendible way is an important goal in computational biology. We have previously developed a general matrix factorization-based data fusion approach for gene function prediction. In this manuscript, we show that this data fusion approach can be applied to gene function prediction and that it can fuse various heterogeneous data sources, such as gene expression profiles, known protein annotations, interaction and literature data. The fusion is achieved by simultaneous matrix tri-factorization that shares matrix factors between sources. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach by evaluating its performance on predicting ontological annotations in slime mold D. discoideum and on recognizing proteins of baker's yeast S. cerevisiae that participate in the ribosome or are located in the cell membrane. Our approach achieves predictive performance comparable to that of the state-of-the-art kernel-based data fusion, but requires fewer data preprocessing steps.

Real-time PCR assays for detection and quantification of aflatoxin-producing molds in foods.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Alicia; Rodríguez, Mar; Luque, M Isabel; Martín, Alberto; Córdoba, Juan J

2012-08-01

Aflatoxins are among the most toxic mycotoxins. Early detection and quantification of aflatoxin-producing species is crucial to improve food safety. In the present work, two protocols of real-time PCR (qPCR) based on SYBR Green and TaqMan were developed, and their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Primers and probes were designed from the o-methyltransferase gene (omt-1) involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis. Fifty-three mold strains representing aflatoxin producers and non-producers of different species, usually reported in food products, were used as references. All strains were tested for aflatoxins production by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The functionality of the proposed qPCR method was demonstrated by the strong linear relationship of the standard curves constructed with the omt-1 gene copy number and Ct values for the different aflatoxin producers tested. The ability of the qPCR protocols to quantify aflatoxin-producing molds was evaluated in different artificially inoculated foods. A good linear correlation was obtained over the range 4 to 1 log cfu/g per reaction for all qPCR assays in the different food matrices (peanuts, spices and dry-fermented sausages). The detection limit in all inoculated foods ranged from 1 to 2 log cfu/g for SYBR Green and TaqMan assays. No significant effect was observed due to the different equipment, operator, and qPCR methodology used in the tests of repeatability and reproducibility for different foods. The proposed methods quantified with high efficiency the fungal load in foods. These qPCR protocols are proposed for use to quantify aflatoxin-producing molds in food products. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Castable plastic mold with electroplatable base

DOEpatents

Domeier, Linda A.; Morales, Alfredo M.; Gonzales, Marcela G.; Keifer, Patrick M.

2004-01-20

A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided as are methods of making such a mold via the infusion of a castable liquid formulation through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale master mold. Upon casting and demolding, the porous metal substrate is embedded within the cast formulation and projects a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. The plastic structure provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate, which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved, leaving the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Environmental and Sustainable Technology Evaluation: Mold-Resistant Armacell Insulation--Armacell LLC, AP Armaflex Black

EPA Science Inventory

The ESTE test program measured the mold resistance of Armacell AP Armaflex Black insulation. Tests for emissions of VOCs and formaldehyde were also performed. AP Armaflex Roll Insulation is a black flexible closed-cell, fiber-free elastomeric thermal insulation. The expanded clos...

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EPA RELATIVE MOLDINESS INDEX© AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO HEALTH

EPA Science Inventory

This study compared two binary classification methods to evaluate the mold condition in 271 homes of infants, 144 of which later developed symptoms of respiratory illness. A method using on-site visual mold inspection was compared to another method using a quantitative index of ...

Quantification of mold contamination in multi-level buildings using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index

EPA Science Inventory

The goal of this study was to evaluate the possible use of the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) to quantify mold contamination in multi-level, office buildings. Settled-dust samples were collected in multi-level, office buildings and the ERMI value for each sample de...

EVALUATION OF POLLUTION PREVENTION OPTIONS TO REDUCE STYRENE EMISSIONS FROM FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTIC OPEN MOLDING PROCESSES

EPA Science Inventory

Pollution prevention (P2) options to reduce styrene emissions, such as new materials, and application equipment, are commercially available to the operators of open molding processes. However, information is lacking on the emissions reduction that these options can achieve. To me...

Effects of process parameters on the molding quality of the micro-needle array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Z. J.; Ma, Z.; Gao, S.

2016-07-01

Micro-needle array, which is used in medical applications, is a kind of typical injection molded products with microstructures. Due to its tiny micro-features size and high aspect ratios, it is more likely to produce short shots defects, leading to poor molding quality. The injection molding process of the micro-needle array was studied in this paper to find the effects of the process parameters on the molding quality of the micro-needle array and to provide theoretical guidance for practical production of high-quality products. With the shrinkage ratio and warpage of micro needles as the evaluation indices of the molding quality, the orthogonal experiment was conducted and the analysis of variance was carried out. According to the results, the contribution rates were calculated to determine the influence of various process parameters on molding quality. The single parameter method was used to analyse the main process parameter. It was found that the contribution rate of the holding pressure on shrinkage ratio and warpage reached 83.55% and 94.71% respectively, far higher than that of the other parameters. The study revealed that the holding pressure is the main factor which affects the molding quality of micro-needle array so that it should be focused on in order to obtain plastic parts with high quality in the practical production.

Mold contamination in schools with either high or low prevelance of asthma.

PubMed

Vesper, Stephen; Prill, Rich; Wymer, Larry; Adkins, Lauren; Williams, Ronald; Fulk, Florence

2015-02-01

Mold exposures have been linked to the development and exacerbation of asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) metric, developed to quantify mold exposures in homes, might be applied to evaluating the mold contamination in schools. Settled dust samples (n = 10) were collected on each level of a water-damaged school in Springfield, Massachusetts and two samples per level in five Idaho schools. Each dust sample was analyzed for the 36 molds that make up the ERMI. The concentration of 2.5-μm particulate matter (PM2.5 ) was measured in each school at two locations during the spring of 2013. The average ERMI value in the Springfield school, 15.51, was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than the average ERMI value, -2.87, in the Idaho schools. Ten of the twenty-six Group 1 molds, which are associated with water-damaged environments, were in significantly greater concentrations in the Springfield school. The populations of Group 2 molds, which are common indoors even without water damage, were essentially the same in Springfield and Idaho schools. The average PM2.5 concentration in the Springfield and Idaho schools was 11.6 and 3.4 μg/m(3) , respectively. The ERMI scale might be useful in comparing the relative mold contamination in schools. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Applicability of the environmental relative moldiness index for quantification of residential mold contamination in an air pollution health effects study.

PubMed

Kamal, Ali; Burke, Janet; Vesper, Stephen; Batterman, Stuart; Vette, Alan; Godwin, Christopher; Chavez-Camarena, Marina; Norris, Gary

2014-01-01

The Near-Road Exposures and Effects of Urban Air Pollutants Study (NEXUS) investigated the impact of exposure to traffic-related air pollution on the respiratory health of asthmatic children in Detroit, Michigan. Since indoor mold exposure may also contribute to asthma, floor dust samples were collected in participants homes (n = 112) to assess mold contamination using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI). The repeatability of the ERMI over time, as well as ERMI differences between rooms and dust collection methods, was evaluated for insights into the application of the ERMI metric. ERMI values for the standard settled floor dust samples had a mean ± standard deviation of 14.5 ± 7.9, indicating high levels of mold contamination. ERMI values for samples collected from the same home 1 to 7 months apart (n = 52) were consistent and without systematic bias. ERMI values for separate bedroom and living room samples were highly correlated (r = 0.69, n = 66). Vacuum bag dust ERMI values were lower than for floor dust but correlated (r = 0.58, n = 28). These results support the use of the ERMI to evaluate residential mold exposure as a confounder in air pollution health effects studies.

Injection molded composites from kenaf and recycled plastic

Treesearch

Poo Chow; Dilpreet S. Bajwa; Wen-da Lu; John A. Youngquist; Nicole M. Stark; Qiang Li; Brent English

1998-01-01

Kenaf-based thermoplastic composites were developed and evaluated in this study. The kenaf stems were collected from farms in central Illinois. The kenaf fibers were blended with commercial virgin plastic or polypropylene and with recycled plastics or low-cost polyethylene in form of post-consumer film wastes and shrink wraps. Investigations on the fiber properties and...

Real-time parameter optimization based on neural network for smart injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, H.; Liau, Y.; Ryu, K.

2018-03-01

The manufacturing industry has been facing several challenges, including sustainability, performance and quality of production. Manufacturers attempt to enhance the competitiveness of companies by implementing CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) through the convergence of IoT(Internet of Things) and ICT(Information & Communication Technology) in the manufacturing process level. Injection molding process has a short cycle time and high productivity. This features have been making it suitable for mass production. In addition, this process is used to produce precise parts in various industry fields such as automobiles, optics and medical devices. Injection molding process has a mixture of discrete and continuous variables. In order to optimized the quality, variables that is generated in the injection molding process must be considered. Furthermore, Optimal parameter setting is time-consuming work to predict the optimum quality of the product. Since the process parameter cannot be easily corrected during the process execution. In this research, we propose a neural network based real-time process parameter optimization methodology that sets optimal process parameters by using mold data, molding machine data, and response data. This paper is expected to have academic contribution as a novel study of parameter optimization during production compare with pre - production parameter optimization in typical studies.

Batch fabrication of polymer microfluidic cartridges for QCM sensor packaging by direct bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandström, Niklas; Zandi Shafagh, Reza; Gylfason, Kristinn B.; Haraldsson, Tommy; van der Wijngaart, Wouter

2017-12-01

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensing is an established technique commonly used in laboratory based life-science applications. However, the relatively complex, multi-part design and multi-step fabrication and assembly of state-of-the-art QCM cartridges make them unsuited for disposable applications such as point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics. In this work, we present the uncomplicated manufacturing of QCMs in polymer microfluidic cartridges. Our novel approach comprises two key innovations: the batch reaction injection molding of microfluidic parts; and the integration of the cartridge components by direct, unassisted bonding. We demonstrate molding of batches of 12 off-stoichiometry thiol-ene epoxy polymer (OSTE+) polymer parts in a single molding cycle using an adapted reaction injection molding process; and the direct bonding of the OSTE+  parts to other OSTE+  substrates, to printed circuit boards, and to QCMs. The microfluidic QCM OSTE+  cartridges were successfully evaluated in terms of liquid sealing as well as electrical properties, and the sensor performance characteristics are on par with those of a commercially available QCM biosensor cartridge. The simplified manufacturing of QCM sensors with maintained performance potentializes novel application areas, e.g. as disposable devices in a point of care setting. Moreover, our results can be extended to simplifying the fabrication of other microfluidic devices with multiple heterogeneously integrated components.

Indoor dampness and molds and development of adult-onset asthma: a population-based incident case-control study.

PubMed Central

Jaakkola, Maritta S; Nordman, Henrik; Piipari, Ritva; Uitti, Jukka; Laitinen, Jukka; Karjalainen, Antti; Hahtola, Paula; Jaakkola, Jouni J K

2002-01-01

Previous cross-sectional and prevalent case-control studies have suggested increased risk of asthma in adults related to dampness problems and molds in homes. We conducted a population-based incident case-control study to assess the effects of indoor dampness problems and molds at work and at home on development of asthma in adults. We recruited systematically all new cases of asthma during a 2.5-year study period (1997-2000) and randomly selected controls from a source population consisting of adults 21-63 years old living in the Pirkanmaa Hospital district, South Finland. The clinically diagnosed case series consisted of 521 adults with newly diagnosed asthma and the control series of 932 controls, after we excluded 76 (7.5%) controls with a history of asthma. In logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders, the risk of asthma was related to the presence of visible mold and/or mold odor in the workplace (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.32) but not to water damage or damp stains alone. We estimated the fraction of asthma attributable to workplace mold exposure to be 35.1% (95% confidence interval, 1.0-56.9%) among the exposed. Present results provide new evidence of the relation between workplace exposure to indoor molds and adult-onset asthma. PMID:12003761

Screening of Functional Rhizopus stolonifer for Alcohol Fermentation and Production of High Quality Korean Traditional Rice Wine

PubMed Central

Song, Jung-Hwa; Kim, Jae-Ho; Ahn, Byung-Hak

2010-01-01

Different strains of mold were screened for the production of high quality Korean traditional rice wine with anti-hypertension and good acceptability. We isolated 867 nuruk mold strains and selected 24 for further study based on measurement of amylase activity. Among them, mold No. 17 showed high ethanol production upon fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as anti-hypertensive properties. The No. 17 strain was therefore selected as the functional mold and later identified as Rhizopus stolonifer based on molecular biological characteristics. Optimal fermentation conditions for the brewing of anti-hypertensive traditional rice wine comprised the addition of R. stolonifer No. 17 koji at a concentration of 35 sp/g and a fermentation period of 10 days at 25℃ using S. cerevisiae. PMID:23956639

Screening of Functional Rhizopus stolonifer for Alcohol Fermentation and Production of High Quality Korean Traditional Rice Wine.

PubMed

Song, Jung-Hwa; Kim, Jae-Ho; Ahn, Byung-Hak; Lee, Jong-Soo

2010-06-01

Different strains of mold were screened for the production of high quality Korean traditional rice wine with anti-hypertension and good acceptability. We isolated 867 nuruk mold strains and selected 24 for further study based on measurement of amylase activity. Among them, mold No. 17 showed high ethanol production upon fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as anti-hypertensive properties. The No. 17 strain was therefore selected as the functional mold and later identified as Rhizopus stolonifer based on molecular biological characteristics. Optimal fermentation conditions for the brewing of anti-hypertensive traditional rice wine comprised the addition of R. stolonifer No. 17 koji at a concentration of 35 sp/g and a fermentation period of 10 days at 25℃ using S. cerevisiae.

Selection of UV Resins for Nanostructured Molds for Thermal-NIL.

PubMed

Jia, Zheng; Choi, Junseo; Park, Sunggook

2018-06-18

Nanoimprint molds made of soft polymeric materials have advantages of low demolding force and low fabrication cost over Si or metal-based hard molds. However, such advantages are often sacrificed by their reduced replication fidelity associated with the low mechanical strength. In this paper, we studied replication fidelity of different UV-resin molds copied from a Si master mold via UV nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and their thermal imprinting performance into a thermoplastic polymer. Four different UV resins were studied: two were high surface energy UV resins based on tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA resin) and polypropyleneglycol diacrylate (PPGDA resin), and the other two were commercially available, low surface energy poly-urethane acrylate (PUA resin) and fluorine-containing (MD 700) UV resins. The replication fidelity among the four UV-resins during UV nanoimprint lithograph from a Si master with sharp nanostructures was in the increasing order of (poorest) PUA resin < MD 700 < PPGDA resin < TPGDA resin (best). The results show that the high surface energy and small monomer size are keys to achieving good UV resin filling into sharp nanostructures over the viscosity of the resin solution. When the four UV-resin molds were used for thermal-NIL into a thermoplastic polymer, the replication fidelity was in the increasing order of (poorest) MD 700 < TPGDA resin < PUA resin (best), which follows the same order of their Young's moduli. Our results indicate that the selection of an appropriate UV resin for NIL molds requires consideration of the replication fidelities in the mold fabrication and the subsequent thermal-NIL into thermoplastic polymers. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Laser micromilling of convex microfluidic channels onto glassy carbon for glass molding dies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Shih-Feng; Chen, Ming-Fei; Hsiao, Wen-Tse; Huang, Chien-Yao; Yang, Chung-Heng; Chen, Yu-Sheng

2014-06-01

This study reports the fabrication of convex microfluidic channels on glassy carbon using an ultraviolet laser processing system to produce glass molding dies. The laser processing parameters, including various laser fluences and scanning speeds of galvanometers, were adjusted to mill a convex microchannel on a glassy carbon substrate to identify the effects of material removal. The machined glassy carbon substrate was then applied as a glass molding die to fabricate a glass-based microfluidic biochip. The surface morphology, milled width and depth, and surface roughness of the microchannel die after laser micromilling were examined using a three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscope. This study also investigates the transcription rate of microchannels after the glass molding process. To produce a 180 μm high microchannel on the GC substrate, the optimal number of milled cycles, laser fluence, and scanning speed were 25, 4.9 J/cm2, and 200 mm/s, respectively. The width, height, and surface roughness of milled convex microchannels were 119.6±0.217 μm, 180.26±0.01 μm, and 0.672±0.08 μm, respectively. These measured values were close to the predicted values and suitable for a glass molding die. After the glass molding process, a typical glass-based microchannel chip was formed at a molding temperature of 660 °C and the molding force of 0.45 kN. The transcription rates of the microchannel width and depth were 100% and 99.6%, respectively. Thus, the proposed approach is suitable for performing in chemical, biochemical, or medical reactions.

Design and fabrication of label-free biochip using a guided mode resonance filter with nano grating structures by injection molding process.

PubMed

Cho, E; Kim, B; Choi, S; Han, J; Jin, J; Han, J; Lim, J; Heo, Y; Kim, S; Sung, G Y; Kang, S

2011-01-01

This paper introduces technology to fabricate a guided mode resonance filter biochip using injection molding. Of the various nanofabrication processes that exist, injection molding is the most suitable for the mass production of polymer nanostructures. Fabrication of a nanograting pattern for guided mode resonance filters by injection molding requires a durable metal stamp, because of the high injection temperature and pressure. Careful consideration of the optimized process parameters is also required to achieve uniform sub-wavelength gratings with high fidelity. In this study, a metallic nanostructure pattern to be used as the stamp for the injection molding process was fabricated using electron beam lithography, a UV nanoimprinting process, and an electroforming process. A one-dimensional nanograting substrate was replicated by injection molding, during which the process parameters were controlled. To evaluate the geometric quality of the injection molded nanograting patterns, the surface profile of the fabricated nanograting for different processing conditions was analyzed using an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Finally, to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed process for fabricating guided mode resonance filter biochips, a high-refractive-index material was deposited on the polymer nanograting and its guided mode resonance characteristics were analyzed.

Analysis of moisture content, acidity and contamination by yeast and molds in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil

PubMed Central

Ananias, Karla Rubia; de Melo, Adriane Alexandre Machado; de Moura, Celso José

2013-01-01

The development of mold of environmental origin in honey affects its quality and leads to its deterioration, so yeasts and molds counts have been used as an important indicator of hygiene levels during its processing, transportation and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of yeasts and molds contamination and their correlation with moisture and acidity levels in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil. In 20% of the samples, the yeasts and molds counts exceeded the limit established by legislation for the marketing of honey in the MERCOSUR, while 42.8% and 5.7% presented above-standard acidity and moisture levels, respectively. Although samples showed yeasts and molds counts over 1.0 × 102 UFC.g−1, there was no correlation between moisture content and the number of microorganisms, since, in part of the samples with above-standard counts, the moisture level was below 20%. In some samples the acidity level was higher than that established by legislation, but only one sample presented a yeasts and molds count above the limit established by MERCOSUR, which would suggest the influence of the floral source on this parameter. In general, of the 35 samples analyzed, the quality was considered inadequate in 45.7% of cases. PMID:24516434

Analysis of moisture content, acidity and contamination by yeast and molds in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil.

PubMed

Ananias, Karla Rubia; de Melo, Adriane Alexandre Machado; de Moura, Celso José

2013-01-01

The development of mold of environmental origin in honey affects its quality and leads to its deterioration, so yeasts and molds counts have been used as an important indicator of hygiene levels during its processing, transportation and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of yeasts and molds contamination and their correlation with moisture and acidity levels in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil. In 20% of the samples, the yeasts and molds counts exceeded the limit established by legislation for the marketing of honey in the MERCOSUR, while 42.8% and 5.7% presented above-standard acidity and moisture levels, respectively. Although samples showed yeasts and molds counts over 1.0 × 10(2) UFC.g(-1), there was no correlation between moisture content and the number of microorganisms, since, in part of the samples with above-standard counts, the moisture level was below 20%. In some samples the acidity level was higher than that established by legislation, but only one sample presented a yeasts and molds count above the limit established by MERCOSUR, which would suggest the influence of the floral source on this parameter. In general, of the 35 samples analyzed, the quality was considered inadequate in 45.7% of cases.

Polymer-based platform for microfluidic systems

DOEpatents

Benett, William [Livermore, CA; Krulevitch, Peter [Pleasanton, CA; Maghribi, Mariam [Livermore, CA; Hamilton, Julie [Tracy, CA; Rose, Klint [Boston, MA; Wang, Amy W [Oakland, CA

2009-10-13

A method of forming a polymer-based microfluidic system platform using network building blocks selected from a set of interconnectable network building blocks, such as wire, pins, blocks, and interconnects. The selected building blocks are interconnectably assembled and fixedly positioned in precise positions in a mold cavity of a mold frame to construct a three-dimensional model construction of a microfluidic flow path network preferably having meso-scale dimensions. A hardenable liquid, such as poly (dimethylsiloxane) is then introduced into the mold cavity and hardened to form a platform structure as well as to mold the microfluidic flow path network having channels, reservoirs and ports. Pre-fabricated elbows, T's and other joints are used to interconnect various building block elements together. After hardening the liquid the building blocks are removed from the platform structure to make available the channels, cavities and ports within the platform structure. Microdevices may be embedded within the cast polymer-based platform, or bonded to the platform structure subsequent to molding, to create an integrated microfluidic system. In this manner, the new microfluidic platform is versatile and capable of quickly generating prototype systems, and could easily be adapted to a manufacturing setting.

Effect of Binder and Mold parameters on Collapsibility and Surface Finish of Gray Cast Iron No-bake Sand Molds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasulu Reddy, K.; Venkata Reddy, Vajrala; Mandava, Ravi Kumar

2017-08-01

Chemically bonded no-bake molds and cores have good mechanical properties and produce dimensionally accurate castings compared to green sand molds. Poor collapsibility property of CO2 hardened sodium silicate bonded sand mold and phenolic urethane no-bake (PUN) binder system, made the reclamation of the sands more important. In the present work fine silica sand is mixed with phenolic urethane no-bake binder and the sand sets in a very short time within few minutes. In this paper it is focused on optimizing the process parameters of PUN binder based sand castings for better collapsibility and surface finish of gray cast iron using Taguchi design. The findings were successfully verified through experiments.

Mold Heating and Cooling Pump Package Operator Interface Controls Upgrade

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

Josh A. Salmond

2009-08-07

The modernization of the Mold Heating and Cooling Pump Package Operator Interface (MHC PP OI) consisted of upgrading the antiquated single board computer with a proprietary operating system to off-the-shelf hardware and off-the-shelf software with customizable software options. The pump package is the machine interface between a central heating and cooling system that pumps heat transfer fluid through an injection or compression mold base on a local plastic molding machine. The operator interface provides the intelligent means of controlling this pumping process. Strict temperature control of a mold allows the production of high quality parts with tight tolerances and lowmore » residual stresses. The products fabricated are used on multiple programs.« less

Extruded/injection-molded composites containing unripe plantain flour, ethylene vinyl-alcohol and glycerol: Evaluation of color, mechanical property and biodegradability

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Extruded/injection-molded composites were produced from plantain flour blended with ethylene vinyl-alcohol (EVA) and glycerol. Scanning electron microscopy showed composites had a smooth surface and excellent compatibility between plantain flour, EVA and glycerol. The impact of increased plantain fl...

Leach and mold resistance of essential oil metabolites

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Vina W. Yang

2011-01-01

Purified primary metabolites from essential oils were previously shown to be bioactive inhibitors of mold fungi on unleached Southern pine sapwood, either alone or in synergy with a second metabolite. This study evaluated the leachability of these compounds in Southern pine that was either dip- or vacuum-treated. Following laboratory leach tests, specimens were...

Materials investigation and tests for the development of space compatible electrical connectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pomeroy, C.; Mccabe, T.

1971-01-01

A molding study of compounds based on copolymers of highly fluorinated olefins and of flame retardant silicone is reported. Both single cavity and four cavity molds having size 22 and 24 holes with three webs in each hole were used. Also covered are dielectric strength, arc resistance, Bashore rebound, and maintenance aging tests on the various materials that have been successfully molded.

MOLDS FOR CASTING PLUTONIUM

DOEpatents

Anderson, J.W.; Miley, F.; Pritchard, W.C.

1962-02-27

A coated mold for casting plutonium comprises a mold base portion of a material which remains solid and stable at temperatures as high as the pouring temperature of the metal to be cast and having a thin coating of the order of 0.005 inch thick on the interior thereof. The coating is composed of finely divided calcium fluoride having a particle size of about 149 microns. (AEC)

[MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry: Evaluation of the preanalytical phase for identification of molds].

PubMed

Maldonado, Ivana; García Ramírez, Dolores; Striebeck, Pablo; Lafage, Marcelo; Fernández Canigia, Liliana

In order to optimize the identification of molds with MALDI-TOF MS, three protein extraction-methodologies were evaluated against 44 isolates: water extraction (WE), zirconium extraction (ZE) and the provider's recommended method (PRM). Two data bases were compared, Bruker (BK) and Bruker+National Institutes of Health. Considering both databases, results were respectively as follows: correct identification (CI) at gender level, 10 and 16 by WE; 27 and 32 by ZE and 18 and 23 by PRM; CI at species level, 5 and 7 by WE; 17 and 20 by ZE and 11 and 14 by PRM; non-reliable identification, 18 and 12 by WE; 9 and 4 by ZE and by PRM. No peaks were observed in 16 by WE, 8 by ZE and 17 by PRM. ZE showed the best perfomance (p<0.05). Copyright © 2016 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

76 FR 80378 - Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-23

... sq. ft.; current use: explosive testing; needs extensive repairs; possible asbestos and lead base... asbestos and mold Bldg. 1197 Ft. Knox Ft. Knox KY 40121 Landholding Agency: Army Property Number... lead base paint, asbestos, and mold Rhode Island FDA Davisville Site 113 Bruce Boyer Street North...

Particle morphology influence on mechanical and biocompatibility properties of injection molded Ti alloy powder.

PubMed

Gülsoy, H Özkan; Gülsoy, Nagihan; Calışıcı, Rahmi

2014-01-01

Titanium and Titanium alloys exhibits properties that are excellent for various bio-applications. Metal injection molding is a processing route that offers reduction in costs, with the added advantage of near net-shape components. Different physical properties of Titanium alloy powders, shaped and processed via injection molding can achieve high complexity of part geometry with mechanical and bioactivity properties, similar or superior to wrought material. This study describes that the effect of particle morphology on the microstructural, mechanical and biocompatibility properties of injection molded Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) alloy powder for biomaterials applications. Ti64 powders irregular and spherical in shape were injection molded with wax based binder. Binder debinding was performed in solvent and thermal method. After debinding the samples were sintered under high vacuum. Metallographic studies were determined to densification and the corresponding microstructural changes. Sintered samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) with elemental concentrations that were comparable to those of human blood plasma for a total period of 15 days. Both materials were implanted in fibroblast culture for biocompatibility evaluations were carried out. The results show that spherical and irregular powder could be sintered to a maximum theoretical density. Maximum tensile strength was obtained for spherical shape powder sintered. The tensile strength of the irregular shape powder sintered at the same temperature was lower due to higher porosity. Finally, mechanical tests show that the irregular shape powder has lower mechanical properties than spherical shape powder. The sintered irregular Ti64 powder exhibited better biocompatibility than sintered spherical Ti64 powder. Results of study showed that sintered spherical and irregular Ti64 powders exhibited high mechanical properties and good biocompatibility properties.

Design and fabrication of optical homogenizer with micro structure by injection molding process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, C.-C. A.; Chang, S.-W.; Weng, C.-J.

2008-08-01

This paper is to design and fabricate an optical homogenizer with hybrid design of collimator, toroidal lens array, and projection lens for beam shaping of Gaussian beam into uniform cylindrical beam. TracePro software was used to design the geometry of homogenizer and simulation of injection molding was preceded by Moldflow MPI to evaluate the mold design for injection molding process. The optical homogenizer is a cylindrical part with thickness 8.03 mm and diameter 5 mm. The micro structure of toroidal array has groove height designed from 12 μm to 99 μm. An electrical injection molding machine and PMMA (n= 1.4747) were selected to perform the experiment. Experimental results show that the optics homogenizer has achieved the transfer ratio of grooves (TRG) as 88.98% and also the optical uniformity as 68% with optical efficiency as 91.88%. Future study focuses on development of an optical homogenizer for LED light source.

Sensitization to Indigenous Pollen and Molds and Other Outdoor and Indoor Allergens in Allergic Patients From Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Sudan

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Airborne allergens vary from one climatic region to another. Therefore, it is important to analyze the environment of the region to select the most prevalent allergens for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic patients. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of positive skin tests to pollen and fungal allergens collected from local indigenous plants or isolated molds, as well as other outdoor and indoor allergens in allergic patients in 6 different geographical areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan. Materials and methods Four hundred ninety-two consecutive patients evaluated at different Allergy Clinics (276 women and 256 men; mean age, 30 years) participated in this study. The selection of indigenous allergens was based on research findings in different areas from Riyadh and adjoining areas. Indigenous raw material for pollen grains was collected from the desert near the capital city of Riyadh, KSA. The following plants were included: Chenopodium murale, Salsola imbricata, Rumex vesicarius, Ricinus communis, Artiplex nummularia, Amaranthus viridis, Artemisia monosperma, Plantago boissieri, and Prosopis juliflora. Indigenous molds were isolated from air sampling in Riyadh and grown to obtain the raw material. These included the following: Ulocladium spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium spp., and Alternaria spp. The raw material was processed under Good Manufacturing Practices for skin testing. Other commercially available outdoor (grass and tree pollens) and indoor (mites, cockroach, and cat dander) allergens were also tested. Results The highest sensitization to indigenous pollens was detected to C. murale (32%) in Khartoum (Sudan) and S. imbricata (30%) and P. juliflora (24%) in the Riyadh region. The highest sensitization to molds was detected in Khartoum, especially to Cladosporium spp. (42%), Aspergillus (40%), and Alternaria spp. (38%). Sensitization to mites was also very prevalent in Khartoum (72%), as well as in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) (46%) and Jeddah (KSA) (30%). Conclusions The allergenicity of several indigenous pollens and molds derived from autochthonous sources was demonstrated. Prevalence studies in different regions of KSA and neighbor countries indicate different sensitization rates to these and other outdoor and indoor allergens. PMID:23283107

Preliminary evaluation of storax and its constituents: Fungal decay mold and termite resistance

Treesearch

S. Nami Kartal; Evren Terzi; Tsuyoshi Yoshimura; Rachel Arango; Carol A. Clausen; Frederick Green III

2012-01-01

Essential oils and their derivatives might be one of the promising preserving agents to prevent funga ldecay and termite/insect attack in wood since such compounds have a long history of safe usage as antimicrobial agents in various industries. Considerable research has focused on utilizing bioactive essential oils and wood extractives based on green technologies to...

Research on burnout fault of moulded case circuit breaker based on finite element simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Yang; Chang, Shuai; Zhang, Penghe; Xu, Yinghui; Peng, Chuning; Shi, Erwei

2017-09-01

In the failure event of molded case circuit breaker, overheating of the molded case near the wiring terminal has a very important proportion. The burnout fault has become an important factor restricting the development of molded case circuit breaker. This paper uses the finite element simulation software to establish the model of molded case circuit breaker by coupling multi-physics field. This model can simulate the operation and study the law of the temperature distribution. The simulation results show that the temperature near the wiring terminal, especially the incoming side of the live wire, of the molded case circuit breaker is much higher than that of the other areas. The steady-state and transient simulation results show that the temperature at the wiring terminals is abnormally increased by increasing the contact resistance of the wiring terminals. This is consistent with the frequent occurrence of burnout of the molded case in this area. Therefore, this paper holds that the burnout failure of the molded case circuit breaker is mainly caused by the abnormal increase of the contact resistance of the wiring terminal.

An Impedance-Based Mold Sensor with on-Chip Optical Reference

PubMed Central

Papireddy Vinayaka, Poornachandra; van den Driesche, Sander; Blank, Roland; Tahir, Muhammad Waseem; Frodl, Mathias; Lang, Walter; Vellekoop, Michael J.

2016-01-01

A new miniaturized sensor system with an internal optical reference for the detection of mold growth is presented. The sensor chip comprises a reaction chamber provided with a culture medium that promotes the growth of mold species from mold spores. The mold detection is performed by measuring impedance changes with integrated electrodes fabricated inside the reaction chamber. The impedance change in the culture medium is caused by shifts in the pH (i.e., from 5.5 to 8) as the mold grows. In order to determine the absolute pH value without the need for calibration, a methyl red indicator dye has been added to the culture medium. It changes the color of the medium as the pH passes specific values. This colorimetric principle now acts as a reference measurement. It also allows the sensitivity of the impedance sensor to be established in terms of impedance change per pH unit. Major mold species that are involved in the contamination of food, paper and indoor environments, like Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium incarnatum, Eurotium amstelodami, Aspergillus penicillioides and Aspergillus restrictus, have been successfully analyzed on-chip. PMID:27690039

Intelligent methods for the process parameter determination of plastic injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Huang; Zhang, Yun; Zhou, Xundao; Li, Dequn

2018-03-01

Injection molding is one of the most widely used material processing methods in producing plastic products with complex geometries and high precision. The determination of process parameters is important in obtaining qualified products and maintaining product quality. This article reviews the recent studies and developments of the intelligent methods applied in the process parameter determination of injection molding. These intelligent methods are classified into three categories: Case-based reasoning methods, expert system- based methods, and data fitting and optimization methods. A framework of process parameter determination is proposed after comprehensive discussions. Finally, the conclusions and future research topics are discussed.

Effect of fluorescent pseudomonades and Trichoderma sp. and their combination with two chemicals on Penicillium digitatum caused agent of citrus green mold.

PubMed

Zamani, M; Tehrani, A Sharifi; Ahmadzadeh, M; Abadi, A Alizadeh Ali

2006-01-01

Citrus green mold (Penicillium digitatum) causes economic losses. Chemical fungicides such as imazalil provide the primary means for controlling green mold decay of citrus fruits. Continuous use of fungicides has faced two major obstacles- increasing public concern regarding contamination of perishables with fungicidal residues, and proliferation of resistance in the pathogen populations. The aim of this research was to determine if the attacks of green mold on orange could be reduced by usage of biocontrol agent alone or in combination with low dosage of imazalil or sodium bicarbonate. Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate PN, P. fluorescens isolate PS and Trichoderma virens isolate TE were evaluated as potential biological agents for control of green mold of oranges caused by P. digitatum. Increasing concentration of SB decreased spore germination of P. digitatum. In laboratory tests, a cell suspension (10(8) cells per ml.) of bacterial strains reduced the incidence of green mold. On fruits surface biocontrol activity of antagonistic isolates was significantly increased when combined with low dosage of imazalil (500ppm) or sodium carbonate (5%). Effect of Trichoderma virens on controlling P. digitatum was better than others with or without these chemicals.

Preliminary Study into Shell Mold Casting of Nominal 60-Nitinol Alloy

DTIC Science & Technology

The present study was initiated to determine the feasibility of shell mold casting nominal 60- Nitinol into suitable EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal...surface finish and definition and property response of cast alloy. Based upon the results, 60- Nitinol appears quite suited to shell molding and a...concern lies in the casting porosity associated with the relatively large liquid-to-solid shrinkage of nominal 60- Nitinol .

Influence of mold surface temperature on polymer part warpage in rapid heat cycle molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, G. R.; Pacher, G. A.; Pichler, A.; Friesenbichler, W.; Gruber, D. P.

2014-05-01

Dynamic mold surface temperature control was examined for its influence on the warpage. A test mold, featuring two different rapid heat cycle molding (RHCM) technologies was used to manufacture complex plate-shaped parts having different ribs, varying thin-wall regions, and both, circular and rectangular cut-outs. The mold's nozzle side is equipped with the areal heating and cooling technology BFMOLD®, where the heating/cooling channels are replaced by a ball-filled slot near the cavity surface flooded through with hot and cold water sequentially. Two local electrical ceramic heating elements are installed into the mold's ejection side. Based on a 23 full-factorial design of experiments (DoE) plan, varying nozzle temperature (Tnozzle), rapid heat cycle molding temperature (TRHCM) and holding pressure (pn), specimens of POM were manufactured systematically. Five specimens were examined per DoE run. The resulting warpage was measured at 6 surface line scans per part using the non-contact confocal topography system FRT MicroProf®. Two warpage parameters were calculated, the curvature of a 2nd order approximation a, and the vertical deflection at the profile center d. Both, the influence strength and the acting direction of the process parameters and their interactions on a and d were calculated by statistical analysis. Linear mathematical process models were determined for a and d to predict the warpage as a function of the process parameter settings. Finally, an optimum process setting was predicted, based on the process models and Microsoft Excel GRG solver. Clear and significant influences of TRHCM, pn, Tnozzle, and the interaction of TRHCM and pn were determined. While TRHCM was dominant close to the gate, pn became more effective as the flow length increased.

Total airborne mold particle sampling: evaluation of sample collection, preparation and counting procedures, and collection devices.

PubMed

Godish, Diana; Godish, Thad

2008-02-01

This study was conducted to evaluate (i) procedures used to collect, prepare, and count total airborne mold spore/particle concentrations, and (ii) the relative field performance of three commercially available total airborne mold spore/particle sampling devices. Differences between factory and laboratory airflow calibration values of axial fan-driven sampling instruments (used in the study) indicated a need for laboratory calibration using a mass flow meter to ensure that sample results were accurately calculated. An aniline blue-amended Calberla's solution adjusted to a pH of 4.2-4.4 provided good sample mounting/counting results using Dow Corning high vacuum grease, Dow Corning 280A adhesive, and Dow Corning 316 silicone release spray for samples collected using mini-Burkard and Allergenco samplers. Count variability among analysts was most pronounced in 5% counts of relatively low mold particle deposition density samples and trended downward with increased count percentage and particle deposition density. No significant differences were observed among means of 5, 10, and 20% counts and among analysts; a significant interaction effect was observed between analysts' counts and particle deposition densities. Significantly higher mini-Burkard and Air-O-Cell total mold spore/particle counts for 600x vs. 400x (1.9 and 2.3 x higher, respectively), 1000x vs. 600x (1.9 and 2.2 x higher, respectively) and 1000x vs. 400x (3.6 and 4.6 x higher, respectively) comparisons indicated that 1000x magnification counts best quantified total airborne mold spore/particles using light microscopy, and that lower magnification counts may result in unacceptable underreporting of airborne mold spore/particle concentrations. Modest but significantly higher (1.2x) total mold spore concentrations were observed with Allergenco vs. mini-Burkard samples collected in co-located, concurrently operated sampler studies; moderate but significantly higher mini-Burkard count values (1.4x) were observed in similar studies with Air-O-Cell samplers. These count differences were relatively small compared with the large differences observed among three count magnifications.

Controlling Radiative Heat Transfer Across the Mold Flux Layer by the Scattering Effect of the Borosilicate Mold Flux System with Metallic Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Dae-Woo; Cho, Jung-Wook; Kim, Seon-Hyo

2017-08-01

The present study proposes a countermeasure for regulating total heat flux through the mold flux layer by designed mold flux with additive metallic iron particles. The heat flux through the B2O3-CaO-SiO2-Na2O-CaF2-Fe system was investigated using the infrared emitter technique to evaluate total flux density across the mold flux film. Both scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed in order to identify the morphological and compositional changes of the crystalline phase, according to increasing iron contents in the mold flux. It was confirmed that the crystalline layer of studied mold fluxes does not have a meaningful effect on the total heat flux density due to the similar structure and fraction of the crystalline phase. The extinction coefficient was measured for glassy mold fluxes using an ultraviolet/visible and a Fourier transformation-infrared ray spectrometer in the range of 0.5 to 5 μm. For analyzing the scattering behavior of iron particles on the extinction coefficient, the number density and diameter of particles were observed by an automated SEM (auto-SEM). With these data, Mie scattering theory is adopted to define the scattering behavior of dispersed iron droplets in glassy matrix. It was found that the theoretical scattering coefficient demonstrated about 1623 to 3295 m-1, which is in accordance with the experimental results. In doing so, this study successfully achieves the strong scattering behavior that would contribute greatly to the optimization of overall heat flux through the mold flux film during the casting process.

Analysis of improved criteria for mold growth in ASHRAE standard 160 by comparison with field observations

Treesearch

Samuel V. Glass; Stanley D. Gatland II; Kohta Ueno; Christopher J. Schumacher

2017-01-01

ASHRAE Standard 160, Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings, was published in 2009. The standard sets criteria for moisture design loads, hygrothermal analysis methods, and satisfactory moisture performance of the building envelope. One of the evaluation criteria specifies conditions necessary to avoid mold growth. The current standard requires that...

Populations of some molds in water-damaged homes may differ if the home was constructed with gypsum drywall compared to plaster

EPA Science Inventory

Starting in the 1940s, gypsum drywall began replacing plaster and lathe in the U.S. home construction industry. Our goal was to evaluate whether some mold populations differ in water- damaged homes primarily constructed with gypsum drywall compared to plaster. The dust samples fr...

Flexible Interior-Impression-Molding Tray

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anders, Jeffrey E.

1991-01-01

Device used inside combustion chamber of complicated shape for nondestructive evaluation of qualities of welds, including such features as offset, warping, misalignment of parts, and dropthrough. Includes flexible polypropylene tray trimmed to fit desired interior surface contour. Two neodymium boron magnets and inflatable bladder attached to tray. Tray and putty inserted in cavity to make mold of interior surface.

Strategies to improve electrode positioning and safety in cochlear implants.

PubMed

Rebscher, S J; Heilmann, M; Bruszewski, W; Talbot, N H; Snyder, R L; Merzenich, M M

1999-03-01

An injection-molded internal supporting rib has been produced to control the flexibility of silicone rubber encapsulated electrodes designed to electrically stimulate the auditory nerve in human subjects with severe to profound hearing loss. The rib molding dies, and molds for silicone rubber encapsulation of the electrode, were designed and machined using AutoCad and MasterCam software packages in a PC environment. After molding, the prototype plastic ribs were iteratively modified based on observations of the performance of the rib/silicone composite insert in a clear plastic model of the human scala tympani cavity. The rib-based electrodes were reliably inserted farther into these models, required less insertion force and were positioned closer to the target auditory neural elements than currently available cochlear implant electrodes. With further design improvements the injection-molded rib may also function to accurately support metal stimulating contacts and wire leads during assembly to significantly increase the manufacturing efficiency of these devices. This method to reliably control the mechanical properties of miniature implantable devices with multiple electrical leads may be valuable in other areas of biomedical device design.

Progress in Titanium Metal Powder Injection Molding.

PubMed

German, Randall M

2013-08-20

Metal powder injection molding is a shaping technology that has achieved solid scientific underpinnings. It is from this science base that recent progress has occurred in titanium powder injection molding. Much of the progress awaited development of the required particles with specific characteristics of particle size, particle shape, and purity. The production of titanium components by injection molding is stabilized by a good understanding of how each process variable impacts density and impurity level. As summarized here, recent research has isolated the four critical success factors in titanium metal powder injection molding (Ti-MIM) that must be simultaneously satisfied-density, purity, alloying, and microstructure. The critical role of density and impurities, and the inability to remove impurities with sintering, compels attention to starting Ti-MIM with high quality alloy powders. This article addresses the four critical success factors to rationalize Ti-MIM processing conditions to the requirements for demanding applications in aerospace and medical fields. Based on extensive research, a baseline process is identified and reported here with attention to linking mechanical properties to the four critical success factors.

Failure Analysis in Platelet Molded Composite Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravchenko, Sergii G.

Long-fiber discontinuous composite systems in the form of chopped prepreg tapes provide an advanced, structural grade, molding compound allowing for fabrication of complex three-dimensional components. Understanding of process-structure-property relationship is essential for application of prerpeg platelet molded components, especially because of their possible irregular disordered heterogeneous morphology. Herein, a structure-property relationship was analyzed in the composite systems of many platelets. Regular and irregular morphologies were considered. Platelet-based systems with more ordered morphology possess superior mechanical performance. While regular morphologies allow for a careful inspection of failure mechanisms derived from the morphological characteristics, irregular morphologies are representative of the composite architectures resulting from uncontrolled deposition and molding with chopped prerpegs. Progressive failure analysis (PFA) was used to study the damaged deformation up to ultimate failure in a platelet-based composite system. Computational damage mechanics approaches were utilized to conduct the PFA. The developed computational models granted understanding of how the composite structure details, meaning the platelet geometry and system morphology (geometrical arrangement and orientation distribution of platelets), define the effective mechanical properties of a platelet-molded composite system, its stiffness, strength and variability in properties.

Progress in Titanium Metal Powder Injection Molding

PubMed Central

German, Randall M.

2013-01-01

Metal powder injection molding is a shaping technology that has achieved solid scientific underpinnings. It is from this science base that recent progress has occurred in titanium powder injection molding. Much of the progress awaited development of the required particles with specific characteristics of particle size, particle shape, and purity. The production of titanium components by injection molding is stabilized by a good understanding of how each process variable impacts density and impurity level. As summarized here, recent research has isolated the four critical success factors in titanium metal powder injection molding (Ti-MIM) that must be simultaneously satisfied—density, purity, alloying, and microstructure. The critical role of density and impurities, and the inability to remove impurities with sintering, compels attention to starting Ti-MIM with high quality alloy powders. This article addresses the four critical success factors to rationalize Ti-MIM processing conditions to the requirements for demanding applications in aerospace and medical fields. Based on extensive research, a baseline process is identified and reported here with attention to linking mechanical properties to the four critical success factors. PMID:28811458

Fatty acid-based formulations for wood protection against mold and sapstain

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Robert D. Coleman; Vina W. Yang

2010-01-01

Safer, highly effective biocides providing long-term protection of mold growth on wood-based materials is of interest to the wood protection industry. Moldicide formulations containing synergistic combinations of ingredients derived from natural sources are commonly recognized as a promising approach for the next generation of wood protectants. Although fatty acid (FA...

Simulation of mechanical behavior and optimization of simulated injection molding process for PLA based antibacterial composite and nanocomposite bone screws using central composite design.

PubMed

Heidari, Behzad Shiroud; Oliaei, Erfan; Shayesteh, Hadi; Davachi, Seyed Mohammad; Hejazi, Iman; Seyfi, Javad; Bahrami, Mozhgan; Rashedi, Hamid

2017-01-01

In this study, injection molding of three poly lactic acid (PLA) based bone screws was simulated and optimized through minimizing the shrinkage and warpage of the bone screws. The optimization was carried out by investigating the process factors such as coolant temperature, mold temperature, melt temperature, packing time, injection time, and packing pressure. A response surface methodology (RSM), based on the central composite design (CCD), was used to determine the effects of the process factors on the PLA based bone screws. Upon applying the method of maximizing the desirability function, optimization of the factors gave the lowest warpage and shrinkage for nanocomposite PLA bone screw (PLA9). Moreover, PLA9 has the greatest desirability among the selected materials for bone screw injection molding. Meanwhile, a finite element analysis (FE analysis) was also performed to determine the force values and concentration points which cause yielding of the screws under certain conditions. The Von-Mises stress distribution showed that PLA9 screw is more resistant against the highest loads as compared to the other ones. Finally, according to the results of injection molding simulations, the design of experiments (DOE) and structural analysis, PLA9 screw is recommended as the best candidate for the production of biomedical materials among all the three types of screws. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Evaluation of 3-Dimensional Polymerization Changes of a Denture Resin Utilizing Injection Molding with Water Bath Polymerization and Microwave Polymerization

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

bases, in The International journal of prosthodontics. 1990. p. 528-37. 8. Gharechahi, J., et al., Dimensional Changes of Acrylic Resin Denture Bases...by Different Techniques. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 2006. 22    14. Yannikakis, S., et al...Prosthodontic Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the

Alternative methods for determining shrinkage in restorative resin composites.

PubMed

de Melo Monteiro, Gabriela Queiroz; Montes, Marcos Antonio Japiassú Resende; Rolim, Tiago Vieira; de Oliveira Mota, Cláudia Cristina Brainer; de Barros Correia Kyotoku, Bernardo; Gomes, Anderson Stevens Leônidas; de Freitas, Anderson Zanardi

2011-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate polymerization shrinkage of resin composites using a coordinate measuring machine, optical coherence tomography and a more widely known method, such as Archimedes Principle. Two null hypothesis were tested: (1) there are no differences between the materials tested; (2) there are no differences between the methods used for polymerization shrinkage measurements. Polymerization shrinkage of seven resin-based dental composites (Filtek Z250™, Filtek Z350™, Filtek P90™/3M ESPE, Esthet-X™, TPH Spectrum™/Dentsply 4 Seasons™, Tetric Ceram™/Ivoclar-Vivadent) was measured. For coordinate measuring machine measurements, composites were applied to a cylindrical Teflon mold (7 mm × 2 mm), polymerized and removed from the mold. The difference between the volume of the mold and the volume of the specimen was calculated as a percentage. Optical coherence tomography was also used for linear shrinkage evaluations. The thickness of the specimens was measured before and after photoactivation. Polymerization shrinkage was also measured using Archimedes Principle of buoyancy (n=5). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with ANOVA and the Games-Howell test. The results show that polymerization shrinkage values vary with the method used. Despite numerical differences the ranking of the resins was very similar with Filtek P90 presenting the lowest shrinkage values. Because of the variations in the results, reported values could only be used to compare materials within the same method. However, it is possible rank composites for polymerization shrinkage and to relate these data from different test methods. Independently of the method used, reduced polymerization shrinkage was found for silorane resin-based composite. Copyright © 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensory quality of Camembert-type cheese: Relationship between starter cultures and ripening molds.

PubMed

Galli, Bruno Domingues; Martin, José Guilherme Prado; da Silva, Paula Porrelli Moreira; Porto, Ernani; Spoto, Marta Helena Fillet

2016-10-03

Starter cultures and ripening molds used in the manufacture of moldy cheese aimed at obtaining characteristic flavors and textures considerably differ among dairy industries. Thus, the study of variables inherent to the process and their influence on sensory patterns in cheese can improve the standardization and control of the production process. The aim of this work was to study the influence of three different variables on the sensory quality of Camembert-type cheese: type of lactic bacteria, type of ripener molds and inoculation method. Batches of Camembert-type cheese were produced using O or DL-type mesophilic starter culture, ripened with Penicillium camemberti or Penicillium candidum and mold inoculation was made directly into the milk or by spraying. All batches were sensorially evaluated using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) with panelists trained for various attributes. Among the combinations analyzed, those resulting in more typical Camembert-type cheese were those using O-type mesophilic starter culture and P. candidum maturation mold directly applied into the milk or sprayed and those using DL-type mesophilic starter and P. camemberti ripener mold applied by surface spraying. These results demonstrate, therefore, that the combination of different ripener molds, inoculation methods and starter cultures directly influences the sensory quality of Camembert-type cheese, modifying significantly its texture, appearance, aroma and taste. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Epoxy Molding Compound Floor Life to Reliability Performance and mold ability for QFN Package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peanpunga, Udom; Ugsornrat, Kessararat; Thorlor, Panakamol; Sumithpibul, Chalermsak

2017-09-01

This research studied about an epoxy molding compound (EMC) floor life to reliability performance of integrated circuit (IC) package. Molding is the process for protecting the die of IC package form mechanical and chemical reaction from external environment by shaping EMC. From normal manufacturing process, the EMC is stored in the frozen at 5oC and left at around room temperature for aging time or floor life before molding process. The EMC floor life effect to its properties and reliability performance of IC package. Therefore, this work interested in varied the floor life of EMC before molding process to analyze properties of EMC such as spiral flow length, gelation time, and viscosity. In experiment, the floor life of EMC was varied to check the effect of its property to reliability performance. The EMC floor life were varied from 0 hours to 60 hours with a step of 12 hours and observed wire sweep, incomplete EMC, and delamination inside the packages for 3x3, 5x5 and 8x8 mm2 of QFN packages. The evaluation showed about clearly effect of EMC floor life to IC packaging reliability. EMC floor life is not any concern for EMC property, moldabilty, and reliability from 0 hours to 48 hours for molding process of 3x3,5x5 and 8x8 mm2 QFN packaging manufacturing

A Model for Fiber Length Attrition in Injection-Molded Long-Fiber Composites

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

TuckerIII, Charles L.; Phelps, Jay H; El-Rahman, Ahmed Abd

2013-01-01

Long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) composites consist of an engineering thermoplastic matrix with glass or carbon reinforcing fibers that are initially 10 to 13 mm long. When an LFT is injection molded, flow during mold filling orients the fibers and degrades the fiber length. Fiber orientation models for injection molding are well developed, and special orientation models for LFTs have been developed. Here we present a detailed quantitative model for fiber length attrition in a flowing fiber suspension. The model tracks a discrete fiber length distribution (FLD) at each spatial node. Key equations are a conservation equation for total fiber length, andmore » a breakage rate equation. The breakage rate is based on buckling of fibers due to hydrodynamic forces, when the fibers are in unfavorable orientations. The FLD model is combined with a mold filling simulation to predict spatial and temporal variations in fiber length distribution in a mold cavity during filling. The predictions compare well to experiments on a glassfiber/ PP LFT molding. Fiber length distributions predicted by the model are easily incorporated into micromechanics models to predict the stress-strain behavior of molded LFT materials. Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; electronic mail: ctucker@illinois.edu 1« less

Materials for Advanced Ultrasupercritical Steam Turbines Task 4: Cast Superalloy Development

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

Thangirala, Mani

The Steam Turbine critical stationary structural components are high integrity Large Shell and Valve Casing heavy section Castings, containing high temperature steam under high pressures. Hence to support the development of advanced materials technology for use in an AUSC steam turbine capable of operating with steam conditions of 760°C (1400°F) and 35 Mpa (5000 psia), Casting alloy selection and evaluation of mechanical, metallurgical properties and castability with robust manufacturing methods are mandated. Alloy down select from Phase 1 based on producability criteria and creep rupture properties tested by NETL-Albany and ORNL directed the consortium to investigate cast properties of Haynesmore » 282 and Haynes 263. The goals of Task 4 in Phase 2 are to understand a broader range of mechanical properties, the impact of manufacturing variables on those properties. Scale up the size of heats to production levels to facilitate the understanding of the impact of heat and component weight, on metallurgical and mechanical behavior. GE Power & Water Materials and Processes Engineering for the Phase 2, Task 4.0 Castings work, systematically designed and executed casting material property evaluation, multiple test programs. Starting from 15 lbs. cylinder castings to world’s first 17,000 lbs. poured weight, heavy section large steam turbine partial valve Haynes 282 super alloy casting. This has demonstrated scalability of the material for steam Turbine applications. Activities under Task 4.0, Investigated and characterized various mechanical properties of Cast Haynes 282 and Cast Nimonic 263. The development stages involved were: 1) Small Cast Evaluation: 4 inch diam. Haynes 282 and Nimonic 263 Cylinders. This provided effects of liquidus super heat range and first baseline mechanical data on cast versions of conventional vacuum re-melted and forged Ni based super alloys. 2) Step block castings of 300 lbs. and 600 lbs. Haynes 282 from 2 foundry heats were evaluated which demonstrated the importance of proper heat treat cycles for Homogenization, and Solutionizing parameters selection and implementation. 3) Step blocks casting of Nimonic 263: Carried out casting solidification simulation analysis, NDT inspection methods evaluation, detailed test matrix for Chemical, Tensile, LCF, stress rupture, CVN impact, hardness and J1C Fracture toughness section sensitivity data and were reported. 4) Centrifugal Casting of Haynes 282, weighing 1400 lbs. with hybrid mold (half Graphite and half Chromite sand) mold assembly was cast using compressor casing production tooling. This test provided Mold cooling rates influence on centrifugally cast microstructure and mechanical properties. Graphite mold section out performs sand mold across all temperatures for 0.2% YS; %Elongation, %RA, UTS at 1400°F. Both Stress-LMP and conditional Fracture toughness plots data were in the scatter band of the wrought alloy. 5) Fundamental Studies on Cooling rates and SDAS test program. Evaluated the influence of 6 mold materials Silica, Chromite, Alumina, Silica with Indirect Chills, Zircon and Graphite on casting solidification cooling rates. Actual Casting cooling rates through Liquidus to Solidus phase transition were measured with 3 different locations based thermocouples placed in each mold. Compared with solidification simulation cooling rates and measurement of SDAS, microstructure features were reported. The test results provided engineered casting potential methods, applicable for heavy section Haynes 282 castings for optimal properties, with foundry process methods and tools. 6) Large casting of Haynes 282 Drawings and Engineering FEM models and supplemental requirements with applicable specifications were provided to suppliers for the steam turbine proto type feature valve casing casting. Molding, melting and casting pouring completed per approved Manufacturing Process Plan during 2014 Q4. The partial valve casing was successfully cast after casting methods were validated with solidification simulation analysis and the casting met NDT inspection and acceptance criteria. Heat treated and sectioned to extract trepan samples at different locations comparing with cast on coupons test data. Material properties requisite for design, such as tensile, creep/rupture, LCF, Fracture Toughness, Charpy V-notch chemical analysis testing were carried out. The test results will be presented in the final report. The typical Haynes 282 large size Steam Turbine production casting from Order to Delivery foundry schedule with the activity break up is shown in Figures 107 and 108. • From Purchase Order placement to Casting pouring ~ 26 weeks. 1. Sales and commercial review 3 2. Engineering Drawings/models review 4 3. Pattern and core box manufacturing 6 4. Casting process engineering review 4 5. FEM and solidification simulation analysis 4 6. Gating & Feeder Attachments, Ceramic tiling 2 7. Molding and coremaking production scheduling 6 8. Melting planning and schedule 3 9. Pouring, cooling and shake out 2 • From Pouring to casting Delivery ~ 29 weeks 10. Shot blast and riser cutting, gates removal 3 11. Homogenizing , solutionizing HT furnace prep 4 12. Grinding, Fettling 2 13. Aging HT Cycle, cooling 2 14. VT and LPT NDT inspections 2 15. Radiographic inspection 4 16. Mechanical testing, Chemical analysis test certs 4 17. Casting weld repair upgrades and Aging PWHT 4 18. NDT after weld repairs and casting upgrades 3 19. Casting Final Inspection and test certifications 3 20. Package and delivery 2 Hence the Total Lead time from P.O to Casting delivery is approximately 55 weeks. The Task 4.2 and Task 4.3 activities and reporting completed.« less

Method and system for control of upstream flowfields of vehicle in supersonic or hypersonic atmospheric flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daso, Endwell O. (Inventor); Pritchett, II, Victor E. (Inventor); Wang, Ten-See (Inventor); Farr, Rebecca Ann (Inventor)

2012-01-01

The upstream flowfield of a vehicle traveling in supersonic or hypersonic atmospheric flight is actively controlled using attribute(s) experienced by the vehicle. Sensed attribute(s) include pressure along the vehicle's outer mold line, temperature along the vehicle's outer mold line, heat flux along the vehicle's outer mold line, and/or local acceleration response of the vehicle. A non-heated, non-plasma-producing gas is injected into an upstream flowfield of the vehicle from at least one surface location along the vehicle's outer mold line. The pressure of the gas so-injected is adjusted based on the attribute(s) so-sensed.

Fit of interim crowns fabricated using photopolymer-jetting 3D printing.

PubMed

Mai, Hang-Nga; Lee, Kyu-Bok; Lee, Du-Hyeong

2017-08-01

The fit of interim crowns fabricated using 3-dimensional (3D) printing is unknown. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fit of interim crowns fabricated using photopolymer-jetting 3D printing and to compare it with that of milling and compression molding methods. Twelve study models were fabricated by making an impression of a metal master model of the mandibular first molar. On each study model, interim crowns (N=36) were fabricated using compression molding (molding group, n=12), milling (milling group, n=12), and 3D polymer-jetting methods. The crowns were prepared as follows: molding group, overimpression technique; milling group, a 5-axis dental milling machine; and polymer-jetting group using a 3D printer. The fit of interim crowns was evaluated in the proximal, marginal, internal axial, and internal occlusal regions by using the image-superimposition and silicone-replica techniques. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the results among groups (α=.05). Compared with the molding group, the milling and polymer-jetting groups showed more accurate results in the proximal and marginal regions (P<.001). In the axial regions, even though the mean discrepancy was smallest in the molding group, the data showed large deviations. In the occlusal region, the polymer-jetting group was the most accurate, and compared with the other groups, the milling group showed larger internal discrepancies (P<.001). Polymer-jet 3D printing significantly enhanced the fit of interim crowns, particularly in the occlusal region. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mail-Order Microfluidics: Evaluation of Stereolithography for the Production of Microfluidic Devices

PubMed Central

Au, Anthony K.; Lee, Wonjae; Folch, Albert

2015-01-01

The vast majority of microfluidic devices are developed in PDMS by molding (“soft lithography”) because PDMS is an inexpensive material, has physicochemical properties that are well suited for biomedical and physical sciences applications, and design cycle lengths are generally adequate for prototype development. However, PDMS molding is tediously slow and thus cannot provide the high- or medium-volume production required for the commercialization of devices. While high-throughput plastic molding techniques (e.g. injection molding) exist, the exorbitant cost of the molds and/or the equipment can be a serious obstacle for device commercialization, especially for small startups. High-volume production is not required to reach niche markets such as clinical trials, biomedical research supplies, customized research equipment, and classroom projects. Crucially, both PDMS and plastic molding are layer-by-layer techniques where each layer is produced as a result of physicochemical processes not specified in the initial photomask(s) and where the final device requires assembly by bonding, all resulting in a cost that is very hard to predict at the start of the project. By contrast, stereolithography (SL) is an automated fabrication technique that allows for the production of quasi-arbitrary 3D shapes in a single polymeric material at medium-volume throughputs (ranging from a single part to hundreds of parts). Importantly, SL devices can be designed between several groups using CAD tools, conveniently ordered by mail, and their cost precisely predicted via a web interface. Here we evaluate the resolution of an SL mail-order service and the main causes of resolution loss; the optical clarity of the devices and how to address the lack of clarity for imaging in the channels; and the future role that SL could play in the commercialization of microfluidic devices. PMID:24510161

Mail-order microfluidics: evaluation of stereolithography for the production of microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Au, Anthony K; Lee, Wonjae; Folch, Albert

2014-04-07

The vast majority of microfluidic devices are developed in PDMS by molding ("soft lithography") because PDMS is an inexpensive material, has physicochemical properties that are well suited for biomedical and physical sciences applications, and design cycle lengths are generally adequate for prototype development. However, PDMS molding is tediously slow and thus cannot provide the high- or medium-volume production required for the commercialization of devices. While high-throughput plastic molding techniques (e.g. injection molding) exist, the exorbitant cost of the molds and/or the equipment can be a serious obstacle for device commercialization, especially for small startups. High-volume production is not required to reach niche markets such as clinical trials, biomedical research supplies, customized research equipment, and classroom projects. Crucially, both PDMS and plastic molding are layer-by-layer techniques where each layer is produced as a result of physicochemical processes not specified in the initial photomask(s) and where the final device requires assembly by bonding, all resulting in a cost that is very hard to predict at the start of the project. By contrast, stereolithography (SL) is an automated fabrication technique that allows for the production of quasi-arbitrary 3D shapes in a single polymeric material at medium-volume throughputs (ranging from a single part to hundreds of parts). Importantly, SL devices can be designed between several groups using CAD tools, conveniently ordered by mail, and their cost precisely predicted via a web interface. Here we evaluate the resolution of an SL mail-order service and the main causes of resolution loss; the optical clarity of the devices and how to address the lack of clarity for imaging in the channels; and the future role that SL could play in the commercialization of microfluidic devices.

Performance of disposable endoscopic forceps according to the manufacturing techniques.

PubMed

Kwon, Chang-Il; Kim, Gwangil; Moon, Jong Pil; Yun, Ho; Ko, Weon Jin; Cho, Joo Young; Hong, Sung Pyo

2018-03-05

Recently, to lower the production costs and risk of infection, new disposable biopsy forceps made using simple manufacturing techniques have been introduced. However, the effects of the manufacturing techniques are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate which types of biopsy forceps could obtain good-quality specimens according to the manufacturing techniques. By using an in vitro nitrile glove popping model, we compared the popping ability among eight different disposable biopsy forceps (one pair of biopsy forceps with cups made by a cutting method [cutting forceps], four pairs of biopsy forceps with cups made by a pressing method [pressing forceps], and three pairs of biopsy forceps with cups made using a injection molding method [molding forceps]). Using an in vivo swine model, we compared the penetration depth and quality of specimen among the biopsy forceps. In the in vitro model, the molding forceps provided a significantly higher popping rate than the other forceps (cutting forceps, 25.0%; pressing forceps, 17.5%; and molding forceps, 41.7%; p = 0.006). In the in vivo model, the cutting and pressing forceps did not provide larger specimens, deeper biopsy specimen, and higher specimen adequacy than those obtained using the molding forceps (p = 0.2631, p = 0.5875, and p = 0.2147, respectively). However, the molding forceps showed significantly more common crush artifact than the others (cutting forceps, 0%; pressing forceps, 5.0%; and molding forceps, 43.3%; p = 0.0007). The molding forceps provided lower performance than the cutting and pressing forceps in terms of crush artifact.

Assessment of indoor air in Austrian apartments with and without visible mold growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haas, D.; Habib, J.; Galler, H.; Buzina, W.; Schlacher, R.; Marth, E.; Reinthaler, F. F.

Fungal spores are transported across great distances in the outdoor air and are also regularly found indoors. Building conditions and behavior-related problems in apartments may lead to massive growth of mold within a very short period of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the visible growth of mold indoors influences the concentration of fungal spores in the air as well as the variety of their species. Samples were collected from 66 households in Austria. For each sampling, the corresponding outdoor air was measured as reference value. The size of the visible mold growth was categorized in order to correlate the extent of mold growth with the concentration of airborne spores as well as the fungal genera. In order to determine fungal spore concentrations in the air, the one-stage MAS-100 ® air sampler was used. Malt extract agar (MEA) and dichloran glycerol agar (DG18) plates were used as culture media. The total colony forming units (CFU) per m 3 were determined. The fungi were identified from the isolated colonies. The results show that in apartments visibly affected by mold, the median values were significantly higher than those of apartments without visible mold growth. The extent of visible mold growth is significantly correlated with both concentration of fungal spores ( p<0.001) as well as the predominance of Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. ( p<0.001) in indoor air. The total fungal concentration of Penicillium and Aspergillus in the air of apartments is recommended for assessing fungal exposure.

Prevalence of Residential Dampness and Mold Exposure in a University Student Population

PubMed Central

Lanthier-Veilleux, Mathieu; Généreux, Mélissa; Baron, Geneviève

2016-01-01

The impact of residential dampness or mold on respiratory health is well established but few studies have focused on university students. This study aims to: (a) describe the prevalence of exposure to residential dampness or mold in university students according to socio-geographic factors and (b) identify associated housing characteristics. A web survey was conducted in 2014 among the 26,676 students registered at the Université de Sherbrooke (QC, Canada). Residential dampness and mold being closely intertwined, they were considered as a single exposure and assessed using a validated questionnaire. Exposure was compared according to socio-geographic and housing characteristics using chi-square tests and logistic regressions. Among the 2097 participants included in the study (response rate: 8.1%), over 80% were tenants. Residential exposure to dampness or mold was frequent (36.0%, 95% CI: 33.9–38.1). Marked differences for this exposure were noted according to home ownership (39.7% vs. 25.5% among tenants and owners respectively; OR = 1.92%, 95% CI: 1.54–2.38). Campus affiliation, household composition and the number of residents per building were associated with exposure to dampness or mold (p < 0.01), while sex and age were not. Exposure was also associated with older buildings, and buildings in need of renovations and lacking proper ventilation (p < 0.001). This study highlights the potential risk of university students suffering from mold-related health effects given their frequent exposure to this agent. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the mold-related health impact in this at risk group. PMID:26861364

School exposure and asthma.

PubMed

Esty, Brittany; Phipatanakul, Wanda

2018-05-01

To provide a comprehensive overview of common school exposures and the association between school exposures and pediatric asthma morbidity. A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed. Full-length, peer-reviewed studies published in English were considered for review. In vivo, in vitro, and animal studies were excluded. Studies of school exposure to cockroach, mouse, dust mite, dog, cat, molds, pollution, and endotoxin associated with asthma and asthma morbidity were considered. The current literature establishes an association between school exposure and pediatric asthma morbidity. There is a need for ongoing research to evaluate the effects of school-based environmental interventions on asthma morbidity. It is evident that the indoor school environment is a significant reservoir of allergens, molds, pollutants, and endotoxin and that there is an association between school exposure and pediatric asthma morbidity. School-based interventions have the potential for substantial individual, community, and public health benefit. It is important that researchers continue to study the health effects associated with school exposures and assess cost-effectiveness of multifaceted school-based interventions. Copyright © 2018 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MATRIX FACTORIZATION-BASED DATA FUSION FOR GENE FUNCTION PREDICTION IN BAKER’S YEAST AND SLIME MOLD

PubMed Central

ŽITNIK, MARINKA; ZUPAN, BLAŽ

2014-01-01

The development of effective methods for the characterization of gene functions that are able to combine diverse data sources in a sound and easily-extendible way is an important goal in computational biology. We have previously developed a general matrix factorization-based data fusion approach for gene function prediction. In this manuscript, we show that this data fusion approach can be applied to gene function prediction and that it can fuse various heterogeneous data sources, such as gene expression profiles, known protein annotations, interaction and literature data. The fusion is achieved by simultaneous matrix tri-factorization that shares matrix factors between sources. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach by evaluating its performance on predicting ontological annotations in slime mold D. discoideum and on recognizing proteins of baker’s yeast S. cerevisiae that participate in the ribosome or are located in the cell membrane. Our approach achieves predictive performance comparable to that of the state-of-the-art kernel-based data fusion, but requires fewer data preprocessing steps. PMID:24297565

Rotorblades for large wind turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wackerle, P. M.; Hahn, M.

1981-09-01

Details of the design work and manufacturing process for a running prototype production of 25 m long composite rotor blades for wind energy generators are presented. The blades are of the 'integrated spar design' type and consist of a glass fiber skin and a PVC core. A computer program (and its action tree) is used for the analysis of the multi-connected hybrid cross-section, in order to achieve optimal design specifications. Four tools are needed for the production of two blade types, including two molds, and milling, cutting and drilling jigs. The manufacturing processes for the molds, jigs and blades are discussed in detail. The final acceptance of the blade is based on a static test where the flexibility of the blade is checked by magnitude of load and deflection, and a dynamic test evaluating the natural frequencies in bending and torsion.

Test method for assessing resistance of pine lumber and waferboard to mold

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Michael West

2005-01-01

Methods are needed to evaluate the ability of framing lumber and composite construction materials to withstand mold growth when they are exposed to rain between manufacture and installation. A laboratory-controlled rain chamber was developed to expose biocide-treated specimens of pine lumber and waferboard to bi-weekly wetting followed by re-inoculation with test fungi...

Evaluation of alternatives to fungicide to control postharvest gray mold alone or with ozone storage in grapes, 2011

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Gray mold, caused by B. cinerea, causes severe losses since it spreads easily among berries during cold storage. Currently, it is controlled by fumigation with SO2 or SO2 emitting sheets within boxes. Alternative methods, such as storage in ozone atmospheres, are needed because SO2 is banned in orga...

Efficacy of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), and chlorothalonil (CTL) against common mold fungi

Treesearch

Jessie A. Micales-Glaeser; Jeffrey D. Lloyd; Thomas L. Woods

2004-01-01

The fungitoxic properties of four fungicides, alone and in combination, against four different mold fungi commonly associated with indoor air quality problems were evaluated on two different wood species and sheetrock. The fungicides were chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile) (CTL) in a 40.4% aqueous dispersion, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) in...

Predictive engineering tools for injection-molded long-carbon-fiber thermoplastic composites - FY 2015 third quarterly report

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

Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Fifield, Leonard S.; Mori, Steven

During the third quarter of FY 2015, the following technical progress has been made toward project milestones: 1) Magna oversaw the tool build and prepared the molding plan for the complex part of Phase II. 2) PlastiComp hosted a visit by Magna and Toyota on April 23rd to finalize the molding scope and schedule. The plan for molding trials including selection of molding parameters for both LFT and D-LFT for the U-shape complex part was established. 3) Toyota shipped the U-shape complex part tool to Magna on May 28th, 2015. 4) Plasticomp provided 30wt% LCF/PP and 30wt% LCF/PA66 compounded pelletsmore » to Magna for molding the complex part. 5) Magna performed preliminary molding trials on June 2nd, 2015 to validate wall thickness, fill profile, tool temperature and shot size requirements for the complex part. 6) Magna performed the first complex part run on June 16th and 17th, 2015 at Magna’s Composite Centre of Excellence in Concord, ON, Canada. Dale Roland of Plasticomp, and Umesh Gandhi of Toyota also attended the molding. 7) Magna discussed and finalized the plan with PNNL and the team for cutting samples from molded parts at selected locations for fiber orientation and length measurements. 8) Magna provided the computer-aided design (CAD) files of the complex parts with and without ribs to PNNL and Autodesk to build the corresponding ASMI models for injection molding simulations. Magna also provided the actual parameters used. 9) Plasticomp’s provided knowledge and experience of molding LCF materials essential to the successful molding of the parts including optimization of fill speed, tool temperatures, and plasticizing conditions for the 30wt% LCF/PP and 30wt% LCF/PA66 materials in both rib and non-rib versions. 10) Magna molded additional parts for evaluation of mechanical property testing including torsional stiffness on June 29th and 30th, 2015 at Magna’s Composite Center of Excellence. 11) Toyota began preparation for the torsion test of the specimens. Preparation of a computer-aided engineering (CAE) model to predict the performance is in progress. 12) Autodesk fixed an error in the implementation of the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) calculation of fiber length that had caused the ASMI solution to crash and provided an updated build of ASMI containing the fix. 13)Autodesk reviewed and provided feedback for the complex part molding and measurement locations. 14) Autodesk provided support to set up the workflow for ASMI-ABAQUS® analysis, and provided a fix and workaround for a bug in the ASMI-ABAQUS® output command. 15) Autodesk helped build ASMI analysis models for the complex parts with and without ribs. 16) Autodesk worked on improving the orientation prediction accuracy in the shearing layer for 3D meshes based on comparison to measured data of the plaque moldings. 17) PNNL installed a new ASMI version received from Autodesk and performed comparative analyses to assess mid-plane versus 3D fiber length predictions using the full fiber length model and the reduced-order model (ROM) using POD. 18) PNNL presented the project scope, accomplishments, significant results and future plans to DOE and the USCAR Materials Tech Team on June 3rd, 2015. 19) PNNL discussed the cutting of samples from molded parts and finalized a plan with Magna and the team suggesting the sample size, locations and number of samples per location. 20) PNNL and Autodesk built ASMI models for the complex parts with and without ribs, and preliminary analyses of the part with ribs were conducted using the actual molding parameters received from Magna. 21) PNNL worked on a procedure to extract fiber orientation and length results from a 3D ASMI analysis to a 3D ABAQUS model. This procedure is essential to import ASMI fiber orientation and length to a 3D ABAQUS model of the part allowing future part structural analysis for weight reduction study.« less

QUANTIFYING INDOOR MOLDS

EPA Science Inventory

The US EPA has patented a mold ID technology (#6,387,652) licensed by 15 companies in the US and EU. This technology is based upon DNA sequences. In conjunction with HUD, this technology will be used in a National Survey of Homes.

3D-glass molds for facile production of complex droplet microfluidic chips.

PubMed

Tovar, Miguel; Weber, Thomas; Hengoju, Sundar; Lovera, Andrea; Munser, Anne-Sophie; Shvydkiv, Oksana; Roth, Martin

2018-03-01

In order to leverage the immense potential of droplet microfluidics, it is necessary to simplify the process of chip design and fabrication. While polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replica molding has greatly revolutionized the chip-production process, its dependence on 2D-limited photolithography has restricted the design possibilities, as well as further dissemination of microfluidics to non-specialized labs. To break free from these restrictions while keeping fabrication straighforward, we introduce an approach to produce complex multi-height (3D) droplet microfluidic glass molds and subsequent chip production by PDMS replica molding. The glass molds are fabricated with sub-micrometric resolution using femtosecond laser machining technology, which allows directly realizing designs with multiple levels or even continuously changing heights. The presented technique significantly expands the experimental capabilities of the droplet microfluidic chip. It allows direct fabrication of multilevel structures such as droplet traps for prolonged observation and optical fiber integration for fluorescence detection. Furthermore, the fabrication of novel structures based on sloped channels (ramps) enables improved droplet reinjection and picoinjection or even a multi-parallelized drop generator based on gradients of confinement. The fabrication of these and other 3D-features is currently only available at such resolution by the presented strategy. Together with the simplicity of PDMS replica molding, this provides an accessible solution for both specialized and non-specialized labs to customize microfluidic experimentation and expand their possibilities.

Mechanical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins.

PubMed

Hamanaka, Ippei; Takahashi, Yutaka; Shimizu, Hiroshi

2011-03-01

To investigate the mechanical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins. Four injection-molded thermoplastic resins (two polyamides, one polyethylene terephthalate, one polycarbonate) and, as a control, a conventional heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were used in this study. The flexural strength at the proportional limit (FS-PL), the elastic modulus, and the Charpy impact strength of the denture base resins were measured according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 1567 and ISO 1567:1999/Amd 1:2003. The descending order of the FS-PL was: conventional PMMA > polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate > two polyamides. The descending order of the elastic moduli was: conventional PMMA > polycarbonate > polyethylene terephthalate > two polyamides. The descending order of the Charpy impact strength was: polyamide (Nylon PACM12) > polycarbonate > polyamide (Nylon 12), polyethylene terephthalate > conventional PMMA. All of the injection-molded thermoplastic resins had significantly lower FS-PL, lower elastic moduli, and higher or similar impact strength compared to the conventional PMMA. The polyamide denture base resins had low FS-PL and low elastic moduli; one of them possessed very high impact strength, and the other had low impact strength. The polyethylene terephthalate denture base resin showed a moderately high FS-PL, moderate elastic modulus, and low impact strength. The polycarbonate denture base resin had a moderately high FS-PL, moderately high elastic modulus, and moderate impact strength.

PROTOCOL TO EVALUATE THE MOISTURE DURABILITY OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT WALLS

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

Boudreaux, Philip R; Pallin, Simon B; Hun, Diana E

Walls account for about 8% of the energy used in residential buildings. This energy penalty can be reduced with higher insulation levels and increased airtightness. However, these measures can compromise the moisture durability and long-term performance of wall assemblies because they can lead to lower moisture tolerance due to reduced drying potential. To avert these problems, a moisture durability protocol was developed to evaluate the probability that an energy-efficient wall design will experience mold growth. This protocol examines the effects of moisture sources in walls through a combination of simulations and lab experiments, uses the mold growth index as themore » moisture durability indicator, and is based on a probabilistic approach that utilizes stochastically varying input parameters. The simulation tools used include a new validated method for taking into account the effects of air leakage in wall assemblies This paper provides an overview of the developed protocol, discussion of the probabilistic simulation approach and describes results from the evaluation of two wall assemblies in Climate Zones 2, 4, and 6. The protocol will be used to supply builders with wall designs that are energy efficient, moisture durable and cost-effective.« less

Surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy of molds: influence of disinfectant solutions and elastomeric impression materials.

PubMed

Guiraldo, Ricardo D; Berger, Sandrine B; Siqueira, Ronaldo Mt; Grandi, Victor H; Lopes, Murilo B; Gonini-Júnior, Alcides; Caixeta, Rodrigo V; de Carvalho, Rodrigo V; Sinhoreti, Mário Ac

2017-04-01

This study compared the surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy of molds after disinfection using 2% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate or 0.2% peracetic acid to those of molds that were not disinfected, for four elastomeric impression materials: polysulfide (Light Bodied Permlastic), polyether (Impregum Soft), polydimethylsiloxane (Oranwash L) andpolyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil Ultra LV). The molds were prepared on a matrix by applying pressure, using a perforated metal tray. The molds were removed following polymerization and either disinfected (by soaking in one of the solutions for 15 minutes) or not disinfected. The samples were thus divided into 16 groups (n=5). Surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy were evaluated using optical microscopy to assess the 20-μm line over its entire 25 mm length. The dimensional accuracy results (%) were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared by Tukey's test (a=5%). The 20-μm line was completely reproduced by all elastomeric impression materials, regardless of disinfection procedure. There was no significant difference between the control group and molds disinfected with peracetic acid for the elastomeric materials Impregum Soft (polyether) and Aquasil Ultra LV (polyvinylsiloxane). The high-level disinfectant peracetic acid would be the choice material for disinfection. Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontológica.

Influence of photoactivation method and mold for restoration on the Knoop hardness of resin composite restorations.

PubMed

Brandt, William Cunha; Silva-Concilio, Lais Regiane; Neves, Ana Christina Claro; de Souza-Junior, Eduardo Jose Carvalho; Sinhoreti, Mario Alexandre Coelho

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the Knoop hardness in the top and bottom of composite photo activated by different methods when different mold materials were used. Z250 (3M ESPE) and XL2500 halogen unit (3M ESPE) were used. For hardness test, conical restorations were made in extracted bovine incisors (tooth mold) and also metal mold (approximately 2 mm top diameter × 1.5 mm bottom diameter × 2 mm in height). Different photoactivation methods were tested: high-intensity continuous (HIC), low-intensity continuous (LIC), soft-start, or pulse-delay (PD), with constant radiant exposure. Knoop readings were performed on top and bottom restoration surfaces. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p = 0.05). On the top, regardless of the mold used, no significant difference in the Knoop hardness (Knoop hardness number, in kilograms-force per square millimeter) was observed between the photoactivation methods. On the bottom surface, the photoactivation method HIC shows higher means of hardness than LIC when tooth and metal were used. Significant differences of hardness on the top and in the bottom were detected between tooth and metal. The photoactivation method LIC and the material mold can interfere in the hardness values of composite restorations.

Diagnostics of Polymer Composite Materials and Analysis of Their Production Technology by Using the Method of Acoustic Emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bashkov, O. V.; Protsenko, A. E.; Bryanskii, A. A.; Romashko, R. V.

2017-09-01

The strength properties of glass-fiber-reinforced plastics produced by vacuum and vacuum autoclave molding techniques are studied. Based on acoustic emission data, a method of diagnostic and prediction of the bearing capacity of polymer composite materials by using data from three-point bending tests is developed. The method is based on evaluating changes in the exponent of a power function relating the total acoustic emission to the test stress.

An in vitro study to compare the transverse strength of thermopressed and conventional compression-molded polymethylmethacrylate polymers.

PubMed

Raut, Anjana; Rao, Polsani Laxman; Vikas, B V J; Ravindranath, T; Paradkar, Archana; Malakondaiah, G

2013-01-01

Acrylic resins have been in the center stage of Prosthodontics for more than half a century. The flexural fatigue failure of denture base materials is the primary mode of clinical failure. Hence there is a need for superior physical and mechanical properties. This in vitro study compared the transverse strength of specimens of thermopressed injection-molded and conventional compression-molded polymethylmethacrylate polymers and examined the morphology and microstructure of fractured acrylic specimens. The following denture base resins were examined: Brecrystal (Thermopressed injection-molded, modified polymethylmethacrylate) and Pyrax (compression molded, control group). Specimens of each material were tested according to the American Society for Testing and Materials standard D790-03 for flexural strength testing of reinforced plastics and subsequently examined under SEM. The data was analyzed with Student unpaired t test. Flexural strength of Brecrystal (82.08 ± 1.27 MPa) was significantly higher than Pyrax (72.76 ± 0.97 MPa). The tested denture base materials fulfilled the requirements regarding flexural strength (>65 MPa). The scanning electron microscopy image of Brecrystal revealed a ductile fracture with crazing. The fracture pattern of control group specimens exhibited poorly defined crystallographic planes with a high degree of disorganization. Flexural strength of Brecrystal was significantly higher than the control group. Brecrystal showed a higher mean transverse strength value of 82.08 ± 1.27 MPa and a more homogenous pattern at microscopic level. Based on flexural strength properties and handling characteristics, Brecrystal may prove to be an useful alternative to conventional denture base resins.

Development of bio-sourced binder to metal injection moulding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Royer, Alexandre; Barrière, Thierry; Gelin, Jean-Claude

2016-10-01

In the MIM process the binder play the most important role. It provides fluidity of the feedstock mixture for injection molding and adhesion of the powder to keep the molded shape. The binder must provide strength and cohesion for the molded part, must be easy to be removed from the molded part, and must be the recyclable, environmentally friendly and economical ones. The goal of this study is to develop a binder environmentally friendly. For this, a study of formulation based on polyethylene glycol, because of is water debinding properties, was made. Polylactic acid and Polyhydroxyalkanoates were investigated as bio sourced polymers. The chemical, miscibility and rheological behavior of the binder formulation were investigated.

Mold Species in Dust from the International Space Station Identified and Quantified by Mold Specific Quantitative PCR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vesper, Stephen J.; Wong, Wing; Kuo, C. Mike; Pierson, Duane L.

2008-01-01

Dust was collected over a period of several weeks in 2007 from various HEPA filters in the U.S. Laboratory Module of the International Space Station (ISS). The dust was returned on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, mixed, sieved, and the DNA was extracted. Using a DNA-based method called mold specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR), 39 molds were measured in the dust. Opportunistic pathogens Aspergillus flavus and A. niger and toxin producers Penicillium chrysogenum and P. brevicompactum were found at relatively high concentrations (compared to U.S. homes). No cells of the opportunistic pathogens A. fumigatus, A. terreus, Fusarium solani or Candida albicans were detected.

Treatment Principles for the Management of Mold Infections

PubMed Central

Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P.; Lewis, Russell E.

2015-01-01

Survival rates among immunocompromised patients with invasive mold infections have markedly improved over the last decade with earlier diagnosis and new antifungal treatment options. Yet, increasing antifungal resistance, breakthrough infections with intrinsically resistant fungi, and potentially life-threatening adverse effects and drug interactions are becoming more problematic, especially with prolonged therapy. Evidence-based recommendations for treating invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis provide excellent guidance on the initial workup and treatment of these molds, but they cannot address all of the key management issues. Herein, we discuss 10 general treatment principles in the management of invasive mold disease in immunocompromised patients and discuss how these principles can be integrated to develop an effective, individualized treatment plan. PMID:25377139

Manufacture of mold of polymeric composite water pipe reinforced charcoal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulfikar; Misdawati; Idris, M.; Nasution, F. K.; Harahap, U. N.; Simanjuntak, R. K.; Jufrizal; Pranoto, S.

2018-03-01

In general, household wastewater pipelines currently use thermoplastic pipes of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This material is known to be not high heat resistant, contains hazardous chemicals (toxins), relatively inhospitable, and relatively more expensive. Therefore, researchers make innovations utilizing natural materials in the form of wood charcoal as the basic material of making the water pipe. Making this pipe requires a simple mold design that can be worked in the scale of household and intermediate industries. This research aims to produce water pipe mold with simple design, easy to do, and making time relatively short. Some considerations for molding materials are weight of mold, ease of raw material, strong, sturdy, and able to cast. Pipe molds are grouped into 4 (four) main parts, including: outer diameter pipe molding, pipe inside diameter, pipe holder, and pipe alignment control. Some materials have been tested as raw materials for outer diameter of pipes, such as wood, iron / steel, cement, and thermoset. The best results are obtained on thermoset material, where the process of disassembling is easier and the resulting mold weight is relatively lighter. For the inside diameter of the pipe is used stainless steel, because in addition to be resistant to chemical processes that occur, in this part of the mold must hold the press load due to shrinkage of raw materials of the pipe during the process of hardening (polymerization). Therefore, it needs high pressure resistant material and does not blend with the raw material of the pipe. The base of the mold is made of stainless steel material because it must be resistant to corrosion due to chemical processes. As for the adjustment of the pipe is made of ST 37 carbon steel, because its function is only as a regulator of the alignment of the pipe structure.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Injection Molding of Ti-6Al-4V Powders for High-Performance Titanium Parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Dongguo; Kang, Tae Gon; Han, Jun Sae; Park, Seong Jin; Chung, Seong Taek; Kwon, Young-Sam

2018-02-01

Both experimental and numerical analysis of powder injection molding (PIM) of Ti-6Al-4V alloy were performed to prepare a defect-free high-performance Ti-6Al-4V part with low carbon/oxygen contents. The prepared feedstock was characterized with specific experiments to identify its viscosity, pressure-volume-temperature and thermal properties to simulate its injection molding process. A finite-element-based numerical scheme was employed to simulate the thermomechanical process during the injection molding. In addition, the injection molding, debinding, sintering and hot isostatic pressing processes were performed in sequence to prepare the PIMed parts. With optimized processing conditions, the PIMed Ti-6Al-4V part exhibits excellent physical and mechanical properties, showing a final density of 99.8%, tensile strength of 973 MPa and elongation of 16%.

Microlens fabrication by replica molding of frozen laser-printed droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surdo, Salvatore; Diaspro, Alberto; Duocastella, Martí

2017-10-01

In this work, we synergistically combine laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) and replica molding for the fabrication of microlenses with control of their geometry and size independent of the material or substrate used. Our approach is based on a multistep process in which liquid microdroplets of an aqueous solution are first printed on a substrate by LIFT. Following a freezing step, the microdroplets are used as a master to fabricate a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold. A subsequent replica molding step enables the creation of microlenses and microlens arrays on arbitrary selected substrates and by using different curable polymers. Thus, our method combines the rapid fabrication capabilities of LIFT and the perfectively smooth surface quality of the generated microdroplets, with the advantages of replica molding in terms of parallelization and materials flexibility. We demonstrate our strategy by generating microlenses of different photocurable polymers and by characterizing their optical and morphological properties.

Sacrificial plastic mold with electroplatable base

DOEpatents

Domeier, Linda A.; Hruby, Jill M.; Morales, Alfredo M.

2002-01-01

A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided. One embodiment consists of the infusion of a softened or molten thermoplastic through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale molding tool contacting the porous metal substrate. Upon demolding, the porous metal substrate will be embedded within the thermoplastic and will project a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. This plastic structure, in turn, provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved to leave the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Sacrificial Plastic Mold With Electroplatable Base

DOEpatents

Domeier, Linda A.; Hruby, Jill M.; Morales, Alfredo M.

2005-08-16

A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided. One embodiment consists of the infusion of a softened or molten thermoplastic through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale molding tool contacting the porous metal substrate. Upon demolding, the porous metal substrate will be embedded within the thermoplastic and will project a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. This plastic structure, in turn, provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved to leave the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Demonstration of pharmaceutical tablet coating process by injection molding technology.

PubMed

Puri, Vibha; Brancazio, David; Harinath, Eranda; Martinez, Alexander R; Desai, Parind M; Jensen, Keith D; Chun, Jung-Hoon; Braatz, Richard D; Myerson, Allan S; Trout, Bernhardt L

2018-01-15

We demonstrate the coating of tablets using an injection molding (IM) process that has advantage of being solvent free and can provide precision coat features. The selected core tablets comprising 10% w/w griseofulvin were prepared by an integrated hot melt extrusion-injection molding (HME-IM) process. Coating trials were conducted on a vertical injection mold machine. Polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide based hot melt extruded coat compositions were used. Tablet coating process feasibility was successfully demonstrated using different coating mold designs (with both overlapping and non-overlapping coatings at the weld) and coat thicknesses of 150 and 300 μm. The resultant coated tablets had acceptable appearance, seal at the weld, and immediate drug release profile (with an acceptable lag time). Since IM is a continuous process, this study opens opportunities to develop HME-IM continuous processes for transforming powder to coated tablets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Indoor Environmental Exposures for Children with Asthma Enrolled in the HEAL Study, Post-Katrina New Orleans

PubMed Central

Chulada, Patricia C.; Kennedy, Suzanne; White, LuAnn; Wildfire, Jeremy; Cohn, Richard D.; Mitchell, Herman; Thornton, Eleanor; El-Dahr, Jane; Mvula, Mosanda M.; Sterling, Yvonne; Martin, William J.; Stephens, Kevin U.; Lichtveld, Maureen

2012-01-01

Background: Rain and flooding from Hurricane Katrina resulted in widespread growth of mold and bacteria and production of allergens in New Orleans, Louisiana, which may have led to increased exposures and morbidity in children with asthma. Objectives: The goal of the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study was to characterize post-Katrina exposures to mold and allergens in children with asthma. Methods: The homes of 182 children with asthma in New Orleans and surrounding parishes were evaluated by visual inspection, temperature and moisture measurements, and air and dust sampling. Air was collected using vacuum-pump spore traps and analyzed for > 30 mold taxa using bright field microscopy. Dust was collected from the children’s beds and bedroom floors and analyzed for mouse (Mus m 1), dust mite (Der p 1), cockroach (Bla g 1), and mold (Alternaria mix) allergens using ELISA. Results: More than half (62%) of the children were living in homes that had been damaged by rain, flooding, or both. Geometric mean indoor and outdoor airborne mold levels were 501 and 3,958 spores/m3, respectively. Alternaria antigen was detected in dust from 98% of homes, with 58% having concentrations > 10 µg/g. Mus m 1, Der p 1, and Bla g 1 were detected in 60%, 35%, and 20% of homes, respectively, at low mean concentrations. Conclusions: Except for Alternaria antigen in dust, concentrations of airborne mold (ratio of indoor to outdoor mold) and dust allergens in the homes of HEAL children were lower than measurements found in other studies, possibly because of extensive post-Katrina mold remediation and renovations, or because children moved into cleaner homes upon returning to New Orleans. PMID:22894816

Indoor environmental exposures for children with asthma enrolled in the HEAL study, post-Katrina New Orleans.

PubMed

Grimsley, L Faye; Chulada, Patricia C; Kennedy, Suzanne; White, LuAnn; Wildfire, Jeremy; Cohn, Richard D; Mitchell, Herman; Thornton, Eleanor; El-Dahr, Jane; Mvula, Mosanda M; Sterling, Yvonne; Martin, William J; Stephens, Kevin U; Lichtveld, Maureen

2012-11-01

Rain and flooding from Hurricane Katrina resulted in widespread growth of mold and bacteria and production of allergens in New Orleans, Louisiana, which may have led to increased exposures and morbidity in children with asthma. The goal of the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study was to characterize post-Katrina exposures to mold and allergens in children with asthma. The homes of 182 children with asthma in New Orleans and surrounding parishes were evaluated by visual inspection, temperature and moisture measurements, and air and dust sampling. Air was collected using vacuum-pump spore traps and analyzed for > 30 mold taxa using bright field microscopy. Dust was collected from the children's beds and bedroom floors and analyzed for mouse (Mus m 1), dust mite (Der p 1), cockroach (Bla g 1), and mold (Alternaria mix) allergens using ELISA. More than half (62%) of the children were living in homes that had been damaged by rain, flooding, or both. Geometric mean indoor and outdoor airborne mold levels were 501 and 3,958 spores/m3, respectively. Alternaria antigen was detected in dust from 98% of homes, with 58% having concentrations > 10 µg/g. Mus m 1, Der p 1, and Bla g 1 were detected in 60%, 35%, and 20% of homes, respectively, at low mean concentrations. Except for Alternaria antigen in dust, concentrations of airborne mold (ratio of indoor to outdoor mold) and dust allergens in the homes of HEAL children were lower than measurements found in other studies, possibly because of extensive post-Katrina mold remediation and renovations, or because children moved into cleaner homes upon returning to New Orleans.

An in-mold packaging process for plastic fluidic devices.

PubMed

Yoo, Y E; Lee, K H; Je, T J; Choi, D S; Kim, S K

2011-01-01

Micro or nanofluidic devices have many channel shapes to deliver chemical solutions, body fluids or any fluids. The channels in these devices should be covered to prevent the fluids from overflowing or leaking. A typical method to fabricate an enclosed channel is to bond or weld a cover plate to a channel plate. This solid-to-solid bonding process, however, takes a considerable amount of time for mass production. In this study, a new process for molding a cover layer that can enclose open micro or nanochannels without solid-to-solid bonding is proposed and its feasibility is estimated. First, based on the design of a model microchannel, a brass microchannel master core was machined and a plastic microchannel platform was injection-molded. Using this molded platform, a series of experiments was performed for four process or mold design parameters. Some feasible conditions were successfully found to enclosed channels without filling the microchannels for the injection molding of a cover layer over the plastic microchannel platform. In addition, the bond strength and seal performance were estimated in a comparison with those done by conventional bonding or welding processes.

3D printing facilitated scaffold-free tissue unit fabrication.

PubMed

Tan, Yu; Richards, Dylan J; Trusk, Thomas C; Visconti, Richard P; Yost, Michael J; Kindy, Mark S; Drake, Christopher J; Argraves, William Scott; Markwald, Roger R; Mei, Ying

2014-06-01

Tissue spheroids hold great potential in tissue engineering as building blocks to assemble into functional tissues. To date, agarose molds have been extensively used to facilitate fusion process of tissue spheroids. As a molding material, agarose typically requires low temperature plates for gelation and/or heated dispenser units. Here, we proposed and developed an alginate-based, direct 3D mold-printing technology: 3D printing microdroplets of alginate solution into biocompatible, bio-inert alginate hydrogel molds for the fabrication of scaffold-free tissue engineering constructs. Specifically, we developed a 3D printing technology to deposit microdroplets of alginate solution on calcium containing substrates in a layer-by-layer fashion to prepare ring-shaped 3D hydrogel molds. Tissue spheroids composed of 50% endothelial cells and 50% smooth muscle cells were robotically placed into the 3D printed alginate molds using a 3D printer, and were found to rapidly fuse into toroid-shaped tissue units. Histological and immunofluorescence analysis indicated that the cells secreted collagen type I playing a critical role in promoting cell-cell adhesion, tissue formation and maturation.

FPGA-based multiprocessor system for injection molding control.

PubMed

Muñoz-Barron, Benigno; Morales-Velazquez, Luis; Romero-Troncoso, Rene J; Rodriguez-Donate, Carlos; Trejo-Hernandez, Miguel; Benitez-Rangel, Juan P; Osornio-Rios, Roque A

2012-10-18

The plastic industry is a very important manufacturing sector and injection molding is a widely used forming method in that industry. The contribution of this work is the development of a strategy to retrofit control of an injection molding machine based on an embedded system microprocessors sensor network on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. Six types of embedded processors are included in the system: a smart-sensor processor, a micro fuzzy logic controller, a programmable logic controller, a system manager, an IO processor and a communication processor. Temperature, pressure and position are controlled by the proposed system and experimentation results show its feasibility and robustness. As validation of the present work, a particular sample was successfully injected.

Indoor molds and lung function in healthy adults.

PubMed

Hernberg, Samu; Sripaiboonkij, Penpatra; Quansah, Reginald; Jaakkola, Jouni J K; Jaakkola, Maritta S

2014-05-01

Indoor mold exposure is common worldwide and constitutes an important health problem. There are very few studies assessing the relation between mold exposure and lung function levels among non-asthmatic adults. Our objective was to assess the relations between dampness and mold exposures at home and at work and lung function. In particular, we elaborated the importance of different exposure indicators. In a population-based study, 269 non-asthmatic adults from South Finland answered a questionnaire on indoor dampness and mold exposures at home or at work and other factors potentially influencing lung function, and performed spirometry. Multiple linear regression model was applied to study the relations between exposures and spirometric lung function levels. In linear regression adjusting for confounding, FEV1 level was reduced on average 200 ml related to mold odor at home (effect estimate -0.20, 95% CI -0.60 to 0.21) and FVC level was reduced on average 460 ml (-0.46, -0.95 to 0.03) respectively. Exposure to mold odor at home or at work or both was related to reduced FEV1 (-0.15, -0.42 to 0.12) and FVC (-0.22, -0.55 to 0.11) levels. Women had on average 510 ml reduced FEV1 levels (-0.51, -1.0 to 0.03) and 820 ml reduced FVC levels (-0.82, -1.4 to -0.20) related to mold odor exposure at home. Mold odor exposure was related to lower lung function levels among non-asthmatic adults, especially among women. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parametric design of pressure-relieving foot orthosis using statistics-based finite element method.

PubMed

Cheung, Jason Tak-Man; Zhang, Ming

2008-04-01

Custom-molded foot orthoses are frequently prescribed in routine clinical practice to prevent or treat plantar ulcers in diabetes by reducing the peak plantar pressure. However, the design and fabrication of foot orthosis vary among clinical practitioners and manufacturers. Moreover, little information about the parametric effect of different combinations of design factors is available. As an alternative to the experimental approach, therefore, computational models of the foot and footwear can provide efficient evaluations of different combinations of structural and material design factors on plantar pressure distribution. In this study, a combined finite element and Taguchi method was used to identify the sensitivity of five design factors (arch type, insole and midsole thickness, insole and midsole stiffness) of foot orthosis on peak plantar pressure relief. From the FE predictions, the custom-molded shape was found to be the most important design factor in reducing peak plantar pressure. Besides the use of an arch-conforming foot orthosis, the insole stiffness was found to be the second most important factor for peak pressure reduction. Other design factors, such as insole thickness, midsole stiffness and midsole thickness, contributed to less important roles in peak pressure reduction in the given order. The statistics-based FE method was found to be an effective approach in evaluating and optimizing the design of foot orthosis.

High Pressure Compression-Molding of α-Cellulose and Effects of Operating Conditions.

PubMed

Pintiaux, Thibaud; Viet, David; Vandenbossche, Virginie; Rigal, Luc; Rouilly, Antoine

2013-05-30

Commercial α-cellulose was compression-molded to produce 1A dog-bone specimens under various operating conditions without any additive. The resulting agromaterials exhibited a smooth, plastic-like surface, and constituted a suitable target as replacement for plastic materials. Tensile and three-points bending tests were conducted according to ISO standards related to the evaluation of plastic materials. The specimens had strengths comparable to classical petroleum-based thermoplastics. They also exhibited high moduli, which is characteristic of brittle materials. A higher temperature and higher pressure rate produced specimens with higher mechanical properties while low moisture content produced weaker specimens. Generally, the strong specimen had higher specific gravity and lower moisture content. However, some parameters did not follow the general trend e.g., thinner specimen showed much higher Young's Modulus, although their specific gravity and moisture content remained similar to control, revealing a marked skin-effect which was confirmed by SEM observations.

High Pressure Compression-Molding of α-Cellulose and Effects of Operating Conditions

PubMed Central

Pintiaux, Thibaud; Viet, David; Vandenbossche, Virginie; Rigal, Luc; Rouilly, Antoine

2013-01-01

Commercial α-cellulose was compression-molded to produce 1A dog-bone specimens under various operating conditions without any additive. The resulting agromaterials exhibited a smooth, plastic-like surface, and constituted a suitable target as replacement for plastic materials. Tensile and three-points bending tests were conducted according to ISO standards related to the evaluation of plastic materials. The specimens had strengths comparable to classical petroleum-based thermoplastics. They also exhibited high moduli, which is characteristic of brittle materials. A higher temperature and higher pressure rate produced specimens with higher mechanical properties while low moisture content produced weaker specimens. Generally, the strong specimen had higher specific gravity and lower moisture content. However, some parameters did not follow the general trend e.g., thinner specimen showed much higher Young’s Modulus, although their specific gravity and moisture content remained similar to control, revealing a marked skin-effect which was confirmed by SEM observations. PMID:28809271

Thermoplastic matrix composite processing model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dara, P. H.; Loos, A. C.

1985-01-01

The effects the processing parameters pressure, temperature, and time have on the quality of continuous graphite fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites were quantitatively accessed by defining the extent to which intimate contact and bond formation has occurred at successive ply interfaces. Two models are presented predicting the extents to which the ply interfaces have achieved intimate contact and cohesive strength. The models are based on experimental observation of compression molded laminates and neat resin conditions, respectively. Identified as the mechanism explaining the phenomenon by which the plies bond to themselves is the theory of autohesion (or self diffusion). Theoretical predictions from the Reptation Theory between autohesive strength and contact time are used to explain the effects of the processing parameters on the observed experimental strengths. The application of a time-temperature relationship for autohesive strength predictions is evaluated. A viscoelastic compression molding model of a tow was developed to explain the phenomenon by which the prepreg ply interfaces develop intimate contact.

Benchtop Nanoscale Patterning Using Soft Lithography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meenakshi, Viswanathan; Babayan, Yelizaveta; Odom, Teri W.

2007-01-01

This paper outlines several benchtop nanoscale patterning experiments that can be incorporated into undergraduate laboratories or advanced high school chemistry curricula. The experiments, supplemented by an online video lab manual, are based on soft lithographic techniques such as replica molding, micro-molding in capillaries, and micro-contact…

Phenotypic responses to microbial volatiles render a mold fungus more susceptible to insect damage.

PubMed

Caballero Ortiz, Silvia; Trienens, Monika; Pfohl, Katharina; Karlovsky, Petr; Holighaus, Gerrit; Rohlfs, Marko

2018-04-01

In decomposer systems, fungi show diverse phenotypic responses to volatile organic compounds of microbial origin (volatiles). The mechanisms underlying such responses and their consequences for the performance and ecological success of fungi in a multitrophic community context have rarely been tested explicitly. We used a laboratory-based approach in which we investigated a tripartite yeast-mold-insect model decomposer system to understand the possible influence of yeast-borne volatiles on the ability of a chemically defended mold fungus to resist insect damage. The volatile-exposed mold phenotype (1) did not exhibit protein kinase A-dependent morphological differentiation, (2) was more susceptible to insect foraging activity, and (3) had reduced insecticidal properties. Additionally, the volatile-exposed phenotype was strongly impaired in secondary metabolite formation and unable to activate "chemical defense" genes upon insect damage. These results suggest that volatiles can be ecologically important factors that affect the chemical-based combative abilities of fungi against insect antagonists and, consequently, the structure and dynamics of decomposer communities.

Statistical Physics Approaches to RNA Editing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bundschuh, Ralf

2012-02-01

The central dogma of molecular Biology states that DNA is transcribed base by base into RNA which is in turn translated into proteins. However, some organisms edit their RNA before translation by inserting, deleting, or substituting individual or short stretches of bases. In many instances the mechanisms by which an organism recognizes the positions at which to edit or by which it performs the actual editing are unknown. One model system that stands out by its very high rate of on average one out of 25 bases being edited are the Myxomycetes, a class of slime molds. In this talk we will show how the computational methods and concepts from statistical Physics can be used to analyze DNA and protein sequence data to predict editing sites in these slime molds and to guide experiments that identified previously unknown types of editing as well as the complete set of editing events in the slime mold Physarum polycephalum.

Quantifying Effect of Lactic, Acetic, and Propionic Acids on Growth of Molds Isolated from Spoiled Bakery Products.

PubMed

Dagnas, Stéphane; Gauvry, Emilie; Onno, Bernard; Membré, Jeanne-Marie

2015-09-01

The combined effect of undissociated lactic acid (0 to 180 mmol/liter), acetic acid (0 to 60 mmol/liter), and propionic acid (0 to 12 mmol/liter) on growth of the molds Aspergillus niger, Penicillium corylophilum, and Eurotium repens was quantified at pH 3.8 and 25°C on malt extract agar acid medium. The impact of these acids on lag time for growth (λ) was quantified through a gamma model based on the MIC. The impact of these acids on radial growth rate (μ) was analyzed statistically through polynomial regression. Concerning λ, propionic acid exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect (MIC of 8 to 20 mmol/liter depending on the mold species) than did acetic acid (MIC of 23 to 72 mmol/liter). The lactic acid effect was null on E. repens and inhibitory on A. niger and P. corylophilum. These results were validated using independent sets of data for the three acids at pH 3.8 but for only acetic and propionic acids at pH 4.5. Concerning μ, the effect of acetic and propionic acids was slightly inhibitory for A. niger and P. corylophilum but was not significant for E. repens. In contrast, lactic acid promoted radial growth of all three molds. The gamma terms developed here for these acids will be incorporated in a predictive model for temperature, water activity, and acid. More generally, results for μ and λ will be used to identify and evaluate solutions for controlling bakery product spoilage.

Treatment principles for the management of mold infections.

PubMed

Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P; Lewis, Russell E

2014-11-06

Survival rates among immunocompromised patients with invasive mold infections have markedly improved over the last decade with earlier diagnosis and new antifungal treatment options. Yet, increasing antifungal resistance, breakthrough infections with intrinsically resistant fungi, and potentially life-threatening adverse effects and drug interactions are becoming more problematic, especially with prolonged therapy. Evidence-based recommendations for treating invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis provide excellent guidance on the initial workup and treatment of these molds, but they cannot address all of the key management issues. Herein, we discuss 10 general treatment principles in the management of invasive mold disease in immunocompromised patients and discuss how these principles can be integrated to develop an effective, individualized treatment plan. Copyright © 2015 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved.

A thermoplastic polyimidesulfone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St.clair, T. L.; Yamaki, D. A.

1982-01-01

A polymer system has been prepared which has the excellent thermoplastic properties generally associated with polysulfones, and the solvent resistance and thermal stability of aromatic polyimides. This material, with improved processability over the base polyimide, can be processed in the 260-325 C range in such a manner as to yield high quality, tough unfilled moldings; strong, high-temperature-resistant adhesive bonds; and well consolidated, graphite-fiber-reinforced moldings (composities). The unfilled moldings have physical properties that are similar to aromatic polysulfones which demonstrates the potential as an engineering thermoplastic. The adhesive bonds exhibit excellent retention of initial strength levels even after thermal aging for 5000 hours at 232 C. The graphite-fiber-reinforced moldings have mechanical properties which makes this polymer attractive for the fabrication of structural composites.

Investigation of Heat Transfer at the Mold/Metal Interface in Permanent Mold Casting of Light Alloys

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

Robert D. Pehlke; John T. Berry

2005-12-16

Accurate modeling of the metal casting process prior to creating a mold design demands reliable knowledge of the interfacial heat transfer coefficient at the mold metal interface as a function of both time and location. The phenomena concerned with the gap forming between the mold and the solidifying metal are complex but need to be understood before any modeling is attempted. The presence of mold coatings further complicates the situation. A commercial casting was chosen and studied in a gravity permanent mold casting process. The metal/mold interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) was the focus of the research. A simple, directmore » method has been used to evaluate the IHTC. Both the simulation and experiments have shown that a reasonably good estimate of the heat transfer coefficient could be made in the case studied. It has been found that there is a good agreement between experiments and simulations in the temperature profiles during the solidification process, given that the primary mechanism of heat transfer across the gap in permanent mold casting of light alloys is by conduction across the gap. The procedure utilized to determine the interfacial heat transfer coefficient can be applied to other casting processes. A recently completed project involving The University of Michigan and Mississippi State University, together with several industrial partners, which was supported by the USDOE through the Cast Metals Coalition, examined a number of cases of thermal contact. In an investigation which gave special consideration to the techniques of measurement, several mold coatings were employed and results presented as a function of time. Realistic conditions of coating thickness and type together with an appropriate combination of mold preheat and metal pouring temperature were strictly maintained throughout the investigation. Temperature sensors, in particular thermocouples, play an important part in validating the predictions of solidification models. Cooling curve information, as well as temperature gradient history both in the solidifying metal and within the mold are invariably required to be validated. This validation depends upon the response of the sensor concerned, but also on its own effect upon the thermal environment. A joint university/industry team has completed an investigation of the invasive effects of thermocouples upon temperature history in permanent molds determining the degree of uncertainty associated with placement and indicating how the time-temperature history may be recovered. In addition to its relevance to the all important study of thermal contact of the casting with metallic molds, the observations also impact the determination of heat flux and interfacial heat transfer coefficients. In these respects the study represents the first of its kind that has tackled the problem in depth for permanent mold castings. An important ramification of this investigation has been the errors likely to be encountered in mold temperature measurement with thin section aluminum castings, especially with respect to the plans for thermocouple placement. A comparison between the degree of uncertainty experienced in sand molds compared with that found in permanent molds reveals that the associated problems have a lesser impact. These conclusions and the related recommendations have been disseminated to industry and the technical community through project reports and publications.« less

Photopolymerizable liquid encapsulants for microelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baikerikar, Kiran K.

2000-10-01

Plastic encapsulated microelectronic devices consist of a silicon chip that is physically attached to a leadframe, electrically interconnected to input-output leads, and molded in a plastic that is in direct contact with the chip, leadframe, and interconnects. The plastic is often referred to as the molding compound, and is used to protect the chip from adverse mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electrical environments. Encapsulation of microelectronic devices is typically accomplished using a transfer molding process in which the molding compound is cured by heat. Most transfer molding processes suffer from significant problems arising from the high operating temperatures and pressures required to fill the mold. These aspects of the current process can lead to thermal stresses, incomplete mold filling, and wire sweep. In this research, a new strategy for encapsulating microelectronic devices using photopolymerizable liquid encapsulants (PLEs) has been investigated. The PLEs consist of an epoxy novolac-based vinyl ester resin (˜25 wt.%), fused silica filler (70--74 wt.%), and a photoinitiator, thermal initiator, and silane coupling agent. For these encapsulants, the use of light, rather than heat, to initiate the polymerization allows precise control over when the reaction starts, and therefore completely decouples the mold filling and the cure. The low viscosity of the PLEs allows for low operating pressures and minimizes problems associated with wire sweep. In addition, the in-mold cure time for the PLEs is equivalent to the in-mold cure times of current transfer molding compounds. In this thesis, the thermal and mechanical properties, as well as the viscosity and adhesion of photopolymerizable liquid encapsulants, are reported in order to demonstrate that a UV-curable formulation can have the material properties necessary for microelectronic encapsulation. In addition, the effects of the illumination time, postcure time, fused silica loading, and the inclusion of a thermal initiator on the thermal and mechanical properties of the final cured encapsulants have been investigated. The results show that the material properties of the PLEs are the same, if not better, than those exhibited by conventional transfer molding compounds and demonstrate the potential of using PLEs for encapsulating microelectronic devices.

Tensile Characterization of Injection-Molded Fuzzy Glass Fiber/Nylon Composite Material

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

enhanced reinforcement ( CER ) in a nylon matrix. A majority of the masterbatch CER material research is focused on electromagnetic shielding applications...however, the CER system, with the CNT network fixed to the host fiber, provides a novel approach of minimizing CNT agglomeration. Tensile specimens are...injection molded with varying weight percentages of CER to evaluate effect of the reinforcement on the mechanical properties. Tension testing showed

Simulation Analysis and Performance Study of CoCrMo Porous Structure Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guoqing, Zhang; Junxin, Li; Jin, Li; Chengguang, Zhang; Zefeng, Xiao

2018-04-01

To fabricate porous implants with improved biocompatibility and mechanical properties that are matched to their application using selective laser melting (SLM), flow within the mold and compressive properties and performance of the porous structures must be comprehensively studied. Parametric modeling was used to build 3D models of octahedron and hexahedron structures. Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the mold flow and compressive properties of the parametric porous structures. A DiMetal-100 SLM molding apparatus was used to manufacture the porous structures and the results evaluated by light microscopy. The results showed that parametric modeling can produce robust models. Square structures caused higher blood cell adhesion than cylindrical structures. "Vortex" flow in square structures resulted in chaotic distribution of blood elements, whereas they were mostly distributed around the connecting parts in the cylindrical structures. No significant difference in elastic moduli or compressive strength was observed in square and cylindrical porous structures of identical characteristics. Hexahedron, square and cylindrical porous structures had the same stress-strain properties. For octahedron porous structures, cylindrical structures had higher stress-strain properties. Using these modeling and molding results, an important basis for designing and the direct manufacture of fixed biological implants is provided.

Simulation Analysis and Performance Study of CoCrMo Porous Structure Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guoqing, Zhang; Junxin, Li; Jin, Li; Chengguang, Zhang; Zefeng, Xiao

2018-05-01

To fabricate porous implants with improved biocompatibility and mechanical properties that are matched to their application using selective laser melting (SLM), flow within the mold and compressive properties and performance of the porous structures must be comprehensively studied. Parametric modeling was used to build 3D models of octahedron and hexahedron structures. Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the mold flow and compressive properties of the parametric porous structures. A DiMetal-100 SLM molding apparatus was used to manufacture the porous structures and the results evaluated by light microscopy. The results showed that parametric modeling can produce robust models. Square structures caused higher blood cell adhesion than cylindrical structures. "Vortex" flow in square structures resulted in chaotic distribution of blood elements, whereas they were mostly distributed around the connecting parts in the cylindrical structures. No significant difference in elastic moduli or compressive strength was observed in square and cylindrical porous structures of identical characteristics. Hexahedron, square and cylindrical porous structures had the same stress-strain properties. For octahedron porous structures, cylindrical structures had higher stress-strain properties. Using these modeling and molding results, an important basis for designing and the direct manufacture of fixed biological implants is provided.

Modeling and Analysis of Process Parameters for Evaluating Shrinkage Problems During Plastic Injection Molding of a DVD-ROM Cover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Öktem, H.

2012-01-01

Plastic injection molding plays a key role in the production of high-quality plastic parts. Shrinkage is one of the most significant problems of a plastic part in terms of quality in the plastic injection molding. This article focuses on the study of the modeling and analysis of the effects of process parameters on the shrinkage by evaluating the quality of the plastic part of a DVD-ROM cover made with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer material. An effective regression model was developed to determine the mathematical relationship between the process parameters (mold temperature, melt temperature, injection pressure, injection time, and cooling time) and the volumetric shrinkage by utilizing the analysis data. Finite element (FE) analyses designed by Taguchi (L27) orthogonal arrays were run in the Moldflow simulation program. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then performed to check the adequacy of the regression model and to determine the effect of the process parameters on the shrinkage. Experiments were conducted to control the accuracy of the regression model with the FE analyses obtained from Moldflow. The results show that the regression model agrees very well with the FE analyses and the experiments. From this, it can be concluded that this study succeeded in modeling the shrinkage problem in our application.

A high reliability module with thermoelectric device by molding technology for M2M wireless sensor network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakagawa, K.; Tanaka, T.; Suzuki, T.

2015-10-01

This paper presents the fabrication of a new energy harvesting module that uses a thermoelectric device (TED) by using molding technology. Through molding technology, the TED and circuit board can be properly protected and a heat-radiating fin structure can be simultaneously constructed. The output voltage per heater temperature of the TED module at 20 °C ambient temperature is 8 mV K-1, similar to the result with the aluminum heat sink which is almost the same fin size as the TED module. The accelerated environmental tests are performed on a damp heat test, which is an aging test under high temperature and high humidity, highly accelerated temperature, and humidity stress test (HAST) for the purpose of evaluating the electrical reliability in harsh environments, cold test and thermal cycle test to evaluate degrading characteristics by cycling through two temperatures. All test results indicate that the TED and circuit board can be properly protected from harsh temperature and humidity by using molding technology because the output voltage of after-tested modules is reduced by less than 5%. This study presents a novel fabrication method for a high reliability TED-installed module appropriate for Machine to Machine wireless sensor networks.

Safety and mutagenicity evaluation of red mold dioscorea fermented from Monascus purpureus NTU 568.

PubMed

Hsu, Li-Chuan; Hsu, Ya-Wen; Hong, Chih-Chun; Pan, Tzu-Ming

2014-05-01

Monascus-fermented products, including red mold rice and red mold dioscorea, have been developed as functional foods with many health benefits. We performed safety and mutagenic evaluations on red mold dioscorea powder (RMDP) fermented from Monascus purpureus NTU 568. The results of Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535 showed that RMDP (⩽5 mg/plate) was not mutagenic. The mammalian chromosomal aberration test showed that the number of Chinese hamster ovary cells with abnormal chromosomes was <3% after RMDP treatment (maximum concentration: 5 mg/mL). Imprinting control region mice were used to estimate the genotoxicity of RMDP. Compared with the control, high-dose RMDP administration (2000 mg/kg) did not show significant differences in the number of reticulocytes or the occurrence of micronucleated reticulocytes. A 28-day oral toxicity assay in Sprague-Dawley rats was performed to investigate the no observed adverse effect level of RMDP. Compared with the control, high-dose RMDP administration (2000 mg/kg) caused no toxicological responses such as mortality, variation in body weight, or toxicopathologic lesions. Thus, RMDP from M. purpureus NTU 568 shows no significant mutagenic or toxic effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a cluster of sawmill workers: a 10-year follow-up of exposure, symptoms, and lung function

PubMed Central

Færden, Karl; Lund, May Brit; Aaløkken, Trond Mogens; Eduard, Wijnand; Søstrand, Per; Langård, Sverre; Kongerud, Johny

2014-01-01

Background: The long-term prognosis of repeated acute episodes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is not well described. We report on a 10-year follow-up of a 10-person cluster from a Norwegian sawmill who had all experienced relapsing episodes of HP. Objectives: To evaluate the health symptoms, work-related sick-leave, and lung function of 10 workers exposed to mold in a Norwegian sawmill. Methods: Participants were evaluated at baseline and 10 years later at follow-up. A structured interview, measurement of serum IgG antibodies to Rhizopus microsporus (R. microsporus) antigens, lung function tests, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest, and personal measurements of exposure to mold spores and dust were completed for each participant. Results: At baseline, nearly all workers reported acute episodes of HP more than twice a month. At follow-up, both the frequency and intensity of symptoms had declined. Sick-leave was reduced and gas diffusing capacity improved – paralleling the gradually reduced air levels of mold spores. Conclusions: In spite of an initially high occurrence of symptoms, long-term clinical and physiological outcome was good. With reduced exposure to mold spores, symptoms declined and lung function was restored. PMID:24999852

Nonisothermal glass molding for the cost-efficient production of precision freeform optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vu, Anh-Tuan; Kreilkamp, Holger; Dambon, Olaf; Klocke, Fritz

2016-07-01

Glass molding has become a key replication-based technology to satisfy intensively growing demands of complex precision optics in the today's photonic market. However, the state-of-the-art replicative technologies are still limited, mainly due to their insufficiency to meet the requirements of mass production. This paper introduces a newly developed nonisothermal glass molding in which a complex-shaped optic is produced in a very short process cycle. The innovative molding technology promises a cost-efficient production because of increased mold lifetime, less energy consumption, and high throughput from a fast process chain. At the early stage of the process development, the research focuses on an integration of finite element simulation into the process chain to reduce time and labor-intensive cost. By virtue of numerical modeling, defects including chill ripples and glass sticking in the nonisothermal molding process can be predicted and the consequent effects are avoided. In addition, the influences of process parameters and glass preforms on the surface quality, form accuracy, and residual stress are discussed. A series of experiments was carried out to validate the simulation results. The successful modeling, therefore, provides a systematic strategy for glass preform design, mold compensation, and optimization of the process parameters. In conclusion, the integration of simulation into the entire nonisothermal glass molding process chain will significantly increase the manufacturing efficiency as well as reduce the time-to-market for the mass production of complex precision yet low-cost glass optics.

Association of Streptomyces community composition determined by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with indoor mold status

PubMed Central

Johansson, Elisabet; Reponen, Tiina; Meller, Jarek; Vesper, Stephen; Yadav, Jagjit

2014-01-01

Both Streptomyces species and mold species have previously been isolated from moisture-damaged building materials; however, an association between these two groups of microorganisms in indoor environments is not clear. In this study we used a culture-independent method, PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) to investigate the composition of the Streptomyces community in house dust. Twenty-three dust samples each from two sets of homes categorized as high-mold and low-mold based on mold specific quantitative PCR-analysis were used in the study. Taxonomic identification of prominent bands was performed by cloning and sequencing. Associations between DGGE amplicon band intensities and home mold status were assessed using univariate analyses, as well as multivariate recursive partitioning (decision trees) to test the predictive value of combinations of bands intensities. In the final classification tree, a combination of two bands was significantly associated with mold status of the home (p = 0.001). The sequence corresponding to one of the bands in the final decision tree matched a group of Streptomyces species that included S. coelicolor and S. sampsonii, both of which have been isolated from moisture-damaged buildings previously. The closest match for the majority of sequences corresponding to a second band consisted of a group of Streptomyces species that included S. hygroscopicus, an important producer of antibiotics and immunosuppressors. Taken together, the study showed that DGGE can be a useful tool for identifying bacterial species that may be more prevalent in mold-damaged buildings. PMID:25331035

Comparison of 3D Echocardiogram-Derived 3D Printed Valve Models to Molded Models for Simulated Repair of Pediatric Atrioventricular Valves.

PubMed

Scanlan, Adam B; Nguyen, Alex V; Ilina, Anna; Lasso, Andras; Cripe, Linnea; Jegatheeswaran, Anusha; Silvestro, Elizabeth; McGowan, Francis X; Mascio, Christopher E; Fuller, Stephanie; Spray, Thomas L; Cohen, Meryl S; Fichtinger, Gabor; Jolley, Matthew A

2018-03-01

Mastering the technical skills required to perform pediatric cardiac valve surgery is challenging in part due to limited opportunity for practice. Transformation of 3D echocardiographic (echo) images of congenitally abnormal heart valves to realistic physical models could allow patient-specific simulation of surgical valve repair. We compared materials, processes, and costs for 3D printing and molding of patient-specific models for visualization and surgical simulation of congenitally abnormal heart valves. Pediatric atrioventricular valves (mitral, tricuspid, and common atrioventricular valve) were modeled from transthoracic 3D echo images using semi-automated methods implemented as custom modules in 3D Slicer. Valve models were then both 3D printed in soft materials and molded in silicone using 3D printed "negative" molds. Using pre-defined assessment criteria, valve models were evaluated by congenital cardiac surgeons to determine suitability for simulation. Surgeon assessment indicated that the molded valves had superior material properties for the purposes of simulation compared to directly printed valves (p < 0.01). Patient-specific, 3D echo-derived molded valves are a step toward realistic simulation of complex valve repairs but require more time and labor to create than directly printed models. Patient-specific simulation of valve repair in children using such models may be useful for surgical training and simulation of complex congenital cases.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of carbonate and bicarbonate salts alone or in combination with biocontrol agents in control of citrus green mold.

PubMed

Zamani, M; Sharifi Tehrani, A; Ali Abadi, A Alizadeh

2007-01-01

The aim of this research was to determine if the attacks of green mold on orange could be reduced by edible salts alone or in combination with biocontrol agent. For this purpose toxicity to Pantoea digitatum and practical use of sodium carbonate (SC), sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and potassium carbonate, and potassium bicarbonate alone or in combination with antagonistic bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate PN, Bacillus subtilis isolate VHN, Pantoea agglomerans isolate CA) to control green mold were determined. All were fungistatic. SC and SBC were equal and superior to the other salts for control of green mold on oranges inoculated 6h before treatment and were chosen for subsequent trails under cold storage conditions. The biocontrol agents were found completely tolerant to 3% sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate at room temperature; although their culturability was reduced by > 1000-fold after 60 min in 1% other salt solutions. Satisfactory results were also obtained with the combined treatment for control of green mold. A significant increase in biocontrol activity of all isolate was observed when combined with sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The treatments comprising CA combined with SB was as effective as fungicide treatment. Thus, use of sodium bicarbonate treatment at 3% followed by the antagonist P. agglomerans CA could be an alternative to chemical fungicides for control of green mold on oranges.

All plastic ultra-small size imaging lens unit fabrication and evaluation for endoscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Kenta; Okamoto, Dai; Ushio, Makoto; Tai, Hidetoshi; Nishihara, Atsuhiko; Tokuda, Kimio; Kawai, Shinsuke; Kitagawa, Seiichiro

2017-02-01

There is demand for small-size lens units for endoscope and industrial applications. Polished glass lenses with a diameter of 1 - 2mm exist, however plastic lenses similar in size are not commonplace. For low-cost, light-weight, and mass production, plastic lens fabrication is extremely beneficial. Especially, in the medical field, there is strong demand for disposable lens unit for endoscopes which prevent contamination due to reuse of the lens. Therefore, high mass producible and low cost becomes increasingly important. This paper reports our findings on injection-molded ultra-small size plastic lens units with a diameter of 1.3mm and total thickness of 1.4mm. We performed optical design, injection molding, and lens unit assembly for injection moldable, high imaging performance ultra-small sized lens units. We prioritize a robust product design, considering injection molding properties and lens unit assembly, with feedback from molding simulations reflected into the optical design. A mold capable of high precision lens positioning is used to fabricate the lenses and decrease the variability of the assembly. The geometric dimensions of the resulting lenses, are measured and used in the optical simulation to validate the optical performance, and a high agreement is reported. The injection molding of the lens and the assembly of the lens unit is performed with high precision, and results in high optical performance.

Electrical and dielectric properties of foam injection-molded polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites

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

Ameli, A.; Nofar, M.; Saniei, M.

A combination of high dielectric permittivity (ε′) and low dielectric loss (tan δ) is required for charge storage applications. In percolative systems such as conductive polymer composites, however, obtaining high ε′ and low tan δ is very challenging due to the sharp insulation-conduction transition near the threshold region. Due to the particular arrangement of conductive fillers induced by both foaming and injection molding processes, they may address this issue. Therefore, this work evaluates the application of foam injection molding process in fabricating polymer nanocomposites for energy storage. Polypropylene-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP-MWCNT) composites were prepared by melt mixing and foamed inmore » an injection molding process. Electrical conductivity (σ), ε′ and tan δ were then characterized. Also, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) was used to investigate the carbon nanotube’s arrangement as well as cellular morphology. The results showed that foam injection-molded composites exhibited highly superior dielectric properties to those of solid counterparts. For instance, foamed samples had ε′=68.3 and tan δ =0.05 (at 1.25 vol.% MWCNT), as opposed to ε′=17.8 and tan δ=0.04 in solid samples (at 2.56 vol.% MWCNT). The results of this work reveal that high performance dielectric nanocomposites can be developed using foam injection molding technologies for charge storage applications.« less

Characterization of Ni-Cr alloys using different casting techniques and molds.

PubMed

Chen, Wen-Cheng; Teng, Fu-Yuan; Hung, Chun-Cheng

2014-02-01

This study differentiated the mechanical properties of nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloys under various casting techniques (different casting molds and casting atmospheres). These techniques were sampled by a sand mold using a centrifugal machine in ambient air (group I) and electromagnetic induction in an automatic argon castimatic casting machine (group II). The specimen casting used a graphite mold by a castimatic casting machine (group III). The characteristics of the Ni-Cr alloys, yield and ultimate tensile strength, bending modulus, microhardness, diffraction phase, grindability, ability to spring back, as well as ground microstructure and pattern under different casting conditions were evaluated. The group III specimens exhibited the highest values in terms of strength, modulus, hardness, and grindability at a grind rate of 500 rpm. Moreover, group III alloys exhibited smaller grain sizes, higher ability to spring back, and greater ductility than those casted by sand investment (groups I and II). The main factor, "casting mold," significantly influenced all mechanical properties. The graphite mold casting of the Ni-Cr dental alloys in a controlled atmosphere argon casting system provided an excellent combination of high mechanical properties and good ability to spring back, and preserved the ductile properties for application in Ni-Cr porcelain-fused system. The results can offer recommendations to assist a prosthetic technician in selecting the appropriate casting techniques to obtain the desired alloy properties. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Screening Tools to Estimate Mold Burdens in Homes

EPA Science Inventory

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop screening tools that could be used to estimate the mold burden in a home which would indicate whether more detailed testing might be useful. Methods: Previously, in the American Healthy Home Survey, a DNA-based method of an...

The upcoming 3D-printing revolution in microfluidics.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, Nirveek; Urrios, Arturo; Kang, Shawn; Folch, Albert

2016-05-21

In the last two decades, the vast majority of microfluidic systems have been built in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) by soft lithography, a technique based on PDMS micromolding. A long list of key PDMS properties have contributed to the success of soft lithography: PDMS is biocompatible, elastomeric, transparent, gas-permeable, water-impermeable, fairly inexpensive, copyright-free, and rapidly prototyped with high precision using simple procedures. However, the fabrication process typically involves substantial human labor, which tends to make PDMS devices difficult to disseminate outside of research labs, and the layered molding limits the 3D complexity of the devices that can be produced. 3D-printing has recently attracted attention as a way to fabricate microfluidic systems due to its automated, assembly-free 3D fabrication, rapidly decreasing costs, and fast-improving resolution and throughput. Resins with properties approaching those of PDMS are being developed. Here we review past and recent efforts in 3D-printing of microfluidic systems. We compare the salient features of PDMS molding with those of 3D-printing and we give an overview of the critical barriers that have prevented the adoption of 3D-printing by microfluidic developers, namely resolution, throughput, and resin biocompatibility. We also evaluate the various forces that are persuading researchers to abandon PDMS molding in favor of 3D-printing in growing numbers.

Correlation between strength properties in standard test specimens and molded phenolic parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, P S; Thomason, R H

1946-01-01

This report describes an investigation of the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of 10 selected types of phenolic molding materials. The materials were studied to see in what ways and to what extent their properties satisfy some assumptions on which the theory of strength of materials is based: namely, (a) isotropy, (b) linear stress-strain relationship for small strains, and (c) homogeneity. The effect of changing the dimensions of tensile and flexural specimens and the span-depth ratio in flexural tests were studied. The strengths of molded boxes and flexural specimens cut from the boxes were compared with results of tests on standard test specimens molded from the respective materials. The nonuniformity of a material, which is indicated by the coefficient of variation, affects the results of tests made with specimens of different sizes and tests with different methods of loading. The strength values were found to depend on the relationship between size and shape of the molded specimen and size and shape of the fillers. The most significant variations observed within a diversified group of materials were found to depend on the orientation of fibrous fillers. Of secondary importance was the dependence of the variability of test results on the pieces of filler incorporated into the molding powder as well as on the size of the piece. Static breaking strength tests on boxes molded from six representative phenolic materials correlated well with falling-ball impact tests on specimens cut from molded flat sheets. Good correlation was obtained with Izod impact tests on standard test specimens prepared from the molding materials. The static breaking strengths of the boxes do not correlate with the results of tensile or flexural tests on standard specimens.

Automatic design of conformal cooling channels in injection molding tooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yingming; Hou, Binkui; Wang, Qian; Li, Yang; Huang, Zhigao

2018-02-01

The generation of cooling system plays an important role in injection molding design. A conformal cooling system can effectively improve molding efficiency and product quality. This paper provides a generic approach for building conformal cooling channels. The centrelines of these channels are generated in two steps. First, we extract conformal loops based on geometric information of product. Second, centrelines in spiral shape are built by blending these loops. We devise algorithms to implement the entire design process. A case study verifies the feasibility of this approach.

FPGA-Based Multiprocessor System for Injection Molding Control

PubMed Central

Muñoz-Barron, Benigno; Morales-Velazquez, Luis; Romero-Troncoso, Rene J.; Rodriguez-Donate, Carlos; Trejo-Hernandez, Miguel; Benitez-Rangel, Juan P.; Osornio-Rios, Roque A.

2012-01-01

The plastic industry is a very important manufacturing sector and injection molding is a widely used forming method in that industry. The contribution of this work is the development of a strategy to retrofit control of an injection molding machine based on an embedded system microprocessors sensor network on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. Six types of embedded processors are included in the system: a smart-sensor processor, a micro fuzzy logic controller, a programmable logic controller, a system manager, an IO processor and a communication processor. Temperature, pressure and position are controlled by the proposed system and experimentation results show its feasibility and robustness. As validation of the present work, a particular sample was successfully injected. PMID:23202036

Effect of High Temperature Storage in Vacuum, Air, and Humid Conditions on Degradation of Gold/Aluminum Wire Bonds in PEMs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander

2006-01-01

Microcircuits encapsulated in three plastic package styles were stored in different environments at temperatures varying from 130 C to 225 C for up to 4,000 hours in some cases. To assess the effect of oxygen, the parts were aged at high temperatures in air and in vacuum chambers. The effect of humidity was evaluated during long-term highly accelerated temperature and humidity stress testing (HAST) at temperatures of 130 C and 150 C. High temperature storage testing of decapsulated microcircuits in air, vacuum, and HAST chambers was carried out to evaluate the role of molding compounds in the environmentally-induced degradation and failure of wire bonds (WB). This paper reports on accelerating factors of environment and molding compound on WB failures. It has been shown that all environments, including oxygen, moisture, and the presence of molding compounds reduce time-to-failures compared to unencapsulated devices in vacuum conditions. The mechanism of the environmental effect on KB degradation is discussed.

Genotyping-by-sequencing markers facilitate the identification of quantitative trait loci controlling resistance to Penicillium expansum in Malus sieversii

PubMed Central

Wisniewski, Michael; Fazio, Gennaro; Burchard, Erik; Gutierrez, Benjamin; Levin, Elena; Droby, Samir

2017-01-01

Blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum is the most important postharvest disease of apple worldwide and results in significant financial losses. There are no defined sources of resistance to blue mold in domesticated apple. However, resistance has been described in wild Malus sieversii accessions, including plant introduction (PI)613981. The objective of the present study was to identify the genetic loci controlling resistance to blue mold in this accession. We describe the first quantitative trait loci (QTL) reported in the Rosaceae tribe Maleae conditioning resistance to P. expansum on genetic linkage group 3 (qM-Pe3.1) and linkage group 10 (qM-Pe10.1). These loci were identified in a M.× domestica ‘Royal Gala’ X M. sieversii PI613981 family (GMAL4593) based on blue mold lesion diameter seven days post-inoculation in mature, wounded apple fruit inoculated with P. expansum. Phenotypic analyses were conducted in 169 progeny over a four year period. PI613981 was the source of the resistance allele for qM-Pe3.1, a QTL with a major effect on blue mold resistance, accounting for 27.5% of the experimental variability. The QTL mapped from 67.3 to 74 cM on linkage group 3 of the GMAL4593 genetic linkage map. qM-Pe10.1 mapped from 73.6 to 81.8 cM on linkage group 10. It had less of an effect on resistance, accounting for 14% of the experimental variation. ‘Royal Gala’ was the primary contributor to the resistance effect of this QTL. However, resistance-associated alleles in both parents appeared to contribute to the least square mean blue mold lesion diameter in an additive manner at qM-Pe10.1. A GMAL4593 genetic linkage map composed of simple sequence repeats and ‘Golden Delicious’ single nucleotide polymorphism markers was able to detect qM-Pe10.1, but failed to detect qM-Pe3.1. The subsequent addition of genotyping-by-sequencing markers to the linkage map provided better coverage of the PI613981 genome on linkage group 3 and facilitated discovery of qM-Pe3.1. A DNA test for qM-Pe3.1 has been developed and is currently being evaluated for its ability to predict blue mold resistance in progeny segregating for qM-Pe3.1. Due to the long juvenility of apple, the availability of a DNA test to screen for the presence of qM-Pe3.1 at the seedling stage will greatly improve efficiency of breeding apple for blue mold resistance. PMID:28257442

Injection molding as a one-step process for the direct production of pharmaceutical dosage forms from primary powders.

PubMed

Eggenreich, K; Windhab, S; Schrank, S; Treffer, D; Juster, H; Steinbichler, G; Laske, S; Koscher, G; Roblegg, E; Khinast, J G

2016-05-30

The objective of the present study was to develop a one-step process for the production of tablets directly from primary powder by means of injection molding (IM), to create solid-dispersion based tablets. Fenofibrate was used as the model API, a polyvinyl caprolactame-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer served as a matrix system. Formulations were injection-molded into tablets using state-of-the-art IM equipment. The resulting tablets were physico-chemically characterized and the drug release kinetics and mechanism were determined. Comparison tablets were produced, either directly from powder or from pre-processed pellets prepared via hot melt extrusion (HME). The content of the model drug in the formulations was 10% (w/w), 20% (w/w) and 30% (w/w), respectively. After 120min, both powder-based and pellet-based injection-molded tablets exhibited a drug release of 60% independent of the processing route. Content uniformity analysis demonstrated that the model drug was homogeneously distributed. Moreover, analysis of single dose uniformity also revealed geometric drug homogeneity between tablets of one shot. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing Process Selection of Composite Bicycle’s Crank Arm using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luqman, M.; Rosli, M. U.; Khor, C. Y.; Zambree, Shayfull; Jahidi, H.

2018-03-01

Crank arm is one of the important parts in a bicycle that is an expensive product due to the high cost of material and production process. This research is aimed to investigate the potential type of manufacturing process to fabricate composite bicycle crank arm and to describe an approach based on analytical hierarchy process (AHP) that assists decision makers or manufacturing engineers in determining the most suitable process to be employed in manufacturing of composite bicycle crank arm at the early stage of the product development process to reduce the production cost. There are four types of processes were considered, namely resin transfer molding (RTM), compression molding (CM), vacuum bag molding and filament winding (FW). The analysis ranks these four types of process for its suitability in the manufacturing of bicycle crank arm based on five main selection factors and 10 sub factors. Determining the right manufacturing process was performed based on AHP process steps. Consistency test was performed to make sure the judgements are consistent during the comparison. The results indicated that the compression molding was the most appropriate manufacturing process because it has the highest value (33.6%) among the other manufacturing processes.

Experimental analysis for fabrication of high-aspect-ratio piezoelectric ceramic structure by micro-powder injection molding process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jun Sae; Gal, Chang Woo; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Jong Hyun; Park, Seong Jin

2018-04-01

Aspect ratio effects in the micro-powder injection molding process were experimentally analyzed for fabrication of high-aspect-ratio piezoelectric ceramic structure. The mechanisms of critical defects have been studied according to individual manufacturing steps. In the molding process, incomplete filling phenomenon determines the critical aspect ratios of a micro pattern. According to mold temperature, an incomplete filling phenomenon has been analyzed with respect to different pattern sizes and aspect ratio. In demolding and drying process, the capillary behavior of sacrificial polymeric mold insert determines the critical aspect ratio of a micro pattern. With respect to pattern dimensions, slumping behavior has been analyzed. Based on our current systems, micro PZT feature has stability when it has lower aspect ratio than 5. Under optimized processing conditions, 20 μm and 40 μm ceramic rod array feature which has 5 of aspect ratio were successfully fabricated by the developed process. Further modification points to fabricate the smaller and higher feature were specifically addressed.

Serial corneal endothelial cell loss with lathe-cut and injection-molded posterior chamber intraocular lenses.

PubMed

Kraff, M C; Sanders, D R; Lieberman, H L

1983-01-01

We compared endothelial cell loss of patients implanted with lathe-cut posterior chamber lenses and those implanted with injection-molded lenses over a three-year postoperative period. Results were based on more than 2,500 measurements of corneal endothelial density. Although the technique of cataract extraction (anterior chamber phacoemulsification, posterior chamber phacoemulsification, or planned extracapsular extraction) significantly affected cell loss (P less than .01), the type of implant (lathe-cut or injection-molded) did not. Significant continuing endothelial cell loss did not occur during the first three postoperative years with injection-molded lenses. There was, however, a statistically significant 7% to 15% additional cell loss after surgery over the first two to three postoperative years with lathe-cut implants. There have been no cases of corneal endothelial decompensation developing after implantation of injection-molded or lathe-cut lenses. Because a standard field clinical specular microscope was used in this study, cell counting errors cannot be ruled out as a cause of these findings.

Beyond input-output computings: error-driven emergence with parallel non-distributed slime mold computer.

PubMed

Aono, Masashi; Gunji, Yukio-Pegio

2003-10-01

The emergence derived from errors is the key importance for both novel computing and novel usage of the computer. In this paper, we propose an implementable experimental plan for the biological computing so as to elicit the emergent property of complex systems. An individual plasmodium of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum acts in the slime mold computer. Modifying the Elementary Cellular Automaton as it entails the global synchronization problem upon the parallel computing provides the NP-complete problem solved by the slime mold computer. The possibility to solve the problem by giving neither all possible results nor explicit prescription of solution-seeking is discussed. In slime mold computing, the distributivity in the local computing logic can change dynamically, and its parallel non-distributed computing cannot be reduced into the spatial addition of multiple serial computings. The computing system based on exhaustive absence of the super-system may produce, something more than filling the vacancy.

Improving mixing efficiency of a polymer micromixer by use of a plastic shim divider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lei; Lee, L. James; Castro, Jose M.; Yi, Allen Y.

2010-03-01

In this paper, a critical modification to a polymer based affordable split-and-recombination static micromixer is described. To evaluate the improvement, both the original and the modified design were carefully investigated using an experimental setup and numerical modeling approach. The structure of the micromixer was designed to take advantage of the process capabilities of both ultraprecision micromachining and microinjection molding process. Specifically, the original and the modified design were numerically simulated using commercial finite element method software ANSYS CFX to assist the re-designing of the micromixers. The simulation results have shown that both designs are capable of performing mixing while the modified design has a much improved performance. Mixing experiments with two different fluids were carried out using the original and the modified mixers again showed a significantly improved mixing uniformity by the latter. The measured mixing coefficient for the original design was 0.11, and for the improved design it was 0.065. The developed manufacturing process based on ultraprecision machining and microinjection molding processes for device fabrication has the advantage of high-dimensional precision, low cost and manufacturing flexibility.

Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313)

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

Simmons, Kevin L.; Howe, Daniel T.; Laddha, Sachin

2009-12-31

Plant-based natural fibers can be used in place of glass in fiber reinforced automotive composites to reduce weight, cost and provide environmental benefits. Current automotive applications use natural fibers in injection molded thermoplastics for interior, non-structural applications. Compression molded natural fiber reinforced thermosets have the opportunity to extend natural fiber composite applications to structural and semi-structural parts and exterior parts realizing further vehicle weight savings. The development of low cost molding and fiber processing techniques for large volumes of natural fibers has helped in understanding the barriers of non-aqueous retting. The retting process has a significant effect on the fibermore » quality and its processing ability that is related to the natural fiber composite mechanical properties. PNNL has developed a compression molded fiber reinforced composite system of which is the basis for future preforming activities and fiber treatment. We are using this process to develop preforming techniques and to validate fiber treatment methods relative to OEM provided application specifications. It is anticipated for next fiscal year that demonstration of larger quantities of SMC materials and molding of larger, more complex components with a more complete testing regimen in coordination with Tier suppliers under OEM guidance.« less

In-line characterization of nanostructured mass-produced polymer components using scatterometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skovlund Madsen, Jonas; Højlund Thamdrup, Lasse; Czolkos, Ilja; Hansen, Poul Erik; Johansson, Alicia; Garnaes, Jørgen; Nygård, Jesper; Hannibal Madsen, Morten

2017-08-01

Scatterometry is used as an in-line metrology solution for injection molded nanostructures to evaluate the pattern replication fidelity. The method is used to give direct feedback to an operator when testing new molding parameters and for continuous quality control. A compact scatterometer has been built and tested at a fabrication facility. The scatterometry measurements, including data analysis and handling of the samples, are much faster than the injection molding cycle time, and thus, characterization does not slow down the production rate. Fabrication and characterization of 160 plastic parts with line gratings are presented here, and the optimal molding temperatures for replication of nanostructures are found for two polymers. Scatterometry results are compared to state of the art metrology solutions: atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. It is demonstrated that the scatterometer can determine the structural parameters of the samples with an accuracy of a few nanometers in less than a second, thereby enabling in-line characterization.

Influence of Processing Conditions on the Mechanical Behavior and Morphology of Injection Molded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) 85:15

PubMed Central

Fancello, Eduardo Alberto

2017-01-01

Two groups of PLGA specimens with different geometries (notched and unnotched) were injection molded under two melting temperatures and flow rates. The mechanical properties, morphology at the fracture surface, and residual stresses were evaluated for both processing conditions. The morphology of the fractured surfaces for both specimens showed brittle and smooth fracture features for the majority of the specimens. Fracture images of the notched specimens suggest that the surface failure mechanisms are different from the core failure. Polarized light techniques indicated birefringence in all specimens, especially those molded with lower temperature, which suggests residual stress due to rapid solidification. DSC analysis confirmed the existence of residual stress in all PLGA specimens. The specimens molded using the lower injection temperature and the low flow rate presented lower loss tangent values according to the DMA and higher residual stress as shown by DSC, and the photoelastic analysis showed extensive birefringence. PMID:28848605

A side-by-side comparison of Rotorod and Burkard pollen and spore collections.

PubMed

Crisp, Howard C; Gomez, Robert A; White, Kevin M; Quinn, James M

2013-08-01

The Rotorod sampler and Burkard spore trap are 2 devices commonly used to quantify airborne particles. To evaluate the differences in collections between the 2 devices for a wide range of plant pollens and fungal spores. Pollens and spores were collected simultaneously with each device on 167 days during a 1-year period. The Burkard yielded significantly higher total and individual mold spore counts. It yielded statistically higher total grass, total weed, and Urticaceae daily pollen counts, although the absolute differences were small. Daily counts were positively correlated between the 2 devices for the most abundant pollens and mold spores. The Burkard spore trap collects many more mold spores than the Rotorod over a wide variety of species. The Burkard also yielded higher total grass, total weed, and Urticaceae daily pollen counts. Despite these differences, however, either device can be used to follow trends in the most abundant pollen and mold spores. Copyright © 2013 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of injection temperatures and fiberglass compositions on mechanical properties of polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keey, Tony Tiew Chun; Azuddin, M.

2017-06-01

Injection molding process appears to be one of the most suitable mass and cost efficiency manufacturing processes for polymeric parts nowadays due to its high efficiency of large scale production. When down-scaling the products and components, the limits of conventional injection molding process are reached. These constraints had initiated the development of conventional injection molding process into a new era of micro injection molding technology. In this study, fiberglass reinforced polypropylenes (PP) with various glass fiber percentage materials were used. The study start with fabrication of micro tensile specimens at three different injection temperature, 260°C, 270°C and 280°C for different percentage by weight of fiberglass reinforced PP. Then evaluate the effects of various injection temperatures on the tensile properties of micro tensile specimens. Different percentage by weight of fiberglass reinforced PP were tested as well and it was found that 20% fiberglass reinforced PP possessed the greatest percentage increase of tensile strength with increasing temperatures.

A thermoplastic polyimidesulfone. [synthesis of processable and solvent resistant system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, T. L.; Yamaki, D. A.

1984-01-01

A polymer system has been prepared which has the excellent thermoplastic properties generally associated with polysulfones, and the solvent resistance and thermal stability of aromatic polyimides. This material, with improved processability over the base polyimide, can be processed in the 260-325 C range in such a manner as to yield high quality, tough unfilled moldings; strong, high-temperature-resistant adhesive bonds; and well consolidated, graphite-fiber-reinforced moldings (composites). The unfilled moldings have physical properties that are similar to aromatic polysulfones which demonstrates the potential as an engineering thermoplastic. The adhesive bonds exhibit excellent retention of initial strength levels even after thermal aging for 5000 hours at 232 C. The graphite-fiber-reinforced moldings have mechanical properties which makes this polymer attractive for the fabrication of structural composites.

Correlation between some technological parameters and properties of composite material based on recycled tires and polymer binder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plesuma, Renate; Malers, Laimonis

2015-04-01

The present article is dedicated to the determination of a possible connection between the composition, specific properties of the composite material and molding pressure as an important technological parameter. Apparent density, Shore C hardness, compressive modulus of elasticity and compressive stress at 10% deformation was determined for composite material samples. Definite formation conditions - varying molding pressure conditions at ambient temperature and corresponding relative air humiditywere realized. The results obtained showed a significant effect of molding pressure on the apparent density, mechanical properties of composite material as well as on the compressive stress change at a cyclic mode of loading. Some general regularities were determined - mechanical properties of the composite material, as well as values of Shore C hardness increases with an increase of molding pressure.

Multicomponent micropatterned sol-gel materials by capillary molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lochhead, Michael J.; Yager, Paul

1997-10-01

A physically and chemically benign method for patterning multiple sol-gel materials onto a single substrate is described. Structures are demonstrated for potential micro- optical chemical sensor, biosensor, and waveguiding applications. Fabrication is based on the micro molding in capillaries (MIMIC) approach. A novel mold design allows several sols to be cast simultaneously. Closely spaced, organically modified silica ridges containing fluorescent dyes are demonstrated. Ridges have cross sectional dimensions from one to 50 micrometers and are centimeters in length. Processing issues, particularly those related to mold filling, are discussed in detail. Because sol-gel MIMIC avoids the harsh physical and chemical environments normally associated with patterning, the approach allows full exploitation of sol- gel processing advantages, such as the ability to entrap sensitive organic dopant molecules in the sol-gel matrix.

Visually observed mold and moldy odor versus quantitatively measured microbial exposure in homes

PubMed Central

Reponen, Tiina; Singh, Umesh; Schaffer, Chris; Vesper, Stephen; Johansson, Elisabet; Adhikari, Atin; Grinshpun, Sergey A.; Indugula, Reshmi; Ryan, Patrick; Levin, Linda; LeMasters, Grace

2010-01-01

The main study objective was to compare different methods for assessing mold exposure in conjunction with an epidemiologic study on the development of children’s asthma. Homes of 184 children were assessed for mold by visual observations and dust sampling at child’s age 1 (Year 1). Similar assessment supplemented with air sampling was conducted in Year 7. Samples were analyzed for endotoxin, (1–3)-β-D-glucan, and fungal spores. The Mold Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction assay was used to analyze 36 mold species in dust samples, and the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) was calculated. Homes were categorized based on three criteria: 1) visible mold damage, 2) moldy odor, and 3) ERMI. Even for homes where families had not moved, Year 7 endotoxin and (1–3)-β-D-glucan exposures were significantly higher than those in Year 1 (p<0.001), whereas no difference was seen for ERMI (p=0.78). Microbial concentrations were not consistently associated with visible mold damage categories, but were consistently higher in homes with moldy odor and in homes that had high ERMI. Low correlations between results in air and dust samples indicate different types or durations of potential microbial exposures from dust vs. air. Future analysis will indicate which, if any, of the assessment methods is associated with the development of asthma. PMID:20810150

Tensile strength of various nylon PA6 specimen modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raz, Karel; Zahalka, Martin

2017-05-01

This article explores the influence of production technique on the strength of nylon parts. Identical specimens were manufactured by various techniques. The material of specimens was nylon PA6. 3D printing and injection molding were used, with various orientations of printed layers, and various orientations of specimens in the working space of the 3D printer. The variants are described in detail. A special mold was used for the injection molding process in order to make specimens with and without a weld line. The effect of this weld line was evaluated. All specimens were tested using the standard tensile test configuration. The strength was compared. It was found that the same plastic material has very different mechanical properties depending on the production process.

Evaluation of RTV as a Moldable Matrix When Combined With Molecular Sieve and Organic Hydrogen Getter

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

Knight, J. A.

2011-12-01

This work was undertaken in an effort to develop a combined RTV 615/3Å molecular sieve/DEB molded component. A molded RTV 615/3Å molecular sieve component is currently in production, and an RTV 615/DEB component was produced in the past. However, all three materials have never before been combined in a single production part, and this is an opportunity to create a new component capable of being molded to shape, performing desiccation, and hydrogen gettering. This analysis looked at weapons system parameters and how they might influence part design. It also looked at material processing and how it related to mixing, activatingmore » a dessicant, and hydrogen uptake testing.« less

Patient-specific pediatric silicone heart valve models based on 3D ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilina, Anna; Lasso, Andras; Jolley, Matthew A.; Wohler, Brittany; Nguyen, Alex; Scanlan, Adam; Baum, Zachary; McGowan, Frank; Fichtinger, Gabor

2017-03-01

PURPOSE: Patient-specific heart and valve models have shown promise as training and planning tools for heart surgery, but physically realistic valve models remain elusive. Available proprietary, simulation-focused heart valve models are generic adult mitral valves and do not allow for patient-specific modeling as may be needed for rare diseases such as congenitally abnormal valves. We propose creating silicone valve models from a 3D-printed plastic mold as a solution that can be adapted to any individual patient and heart valve at a fraction of the cost of direct 3D-printing using soft materials. METHODS: Leaflets of a pediatric mitral valve, a tricuspid valve in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and a complete atrioventricular canal valve were segmented from ultrasound images. A custom software was developed to automatically generate molds for each valve based on the segmentation. These molds were 3D-printed and used to make silicone valve models. The models were designed with cylindrical rims of different sizes surrounding the leaflets, to show the outline of the valve and add rigidity. Pediatric cardiac surgeons practiced suturing on the models and evaluated them for use as surgical planning and training tools. RESULTS: Five out of six surgeons reported that the valve models would be very useful as training tools for cardiac surgery. In this first iteration of valve models, leaflets were felt to be unrealistically thick or stiff compared to real pediatric leaflets. A thin tube rim was preferred for valve flexibility. CONCLUSION: The valve models were well received and considered to be valuable and accessible tools for heart valve surgery training. Further improvements will be made based on surgeons' feedback.

A simulated RTM process for fabricating polyimide (AMB-21) carbon fiber composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avva, V. Sarma; Sadler, Robert L.; Thomas, Shanon

1995-01-01

An experimental polyimide matrix, AMB-21 - supplied by NASA/LeRC, was especially formulated to be non-carcinogenic. It was also expected to be amenable to a Resin Transfer Molding Process (RTM). AMB-21 is a solid at room temperature and must be heated to a very high temperature to obtain a fluid state. However, even after heating it to a realistic high temperature, it was found to be too viscous for use in a RTM process. As a result, a promising approach was experimented leading to the introduction of the resin into a solvent solution in order to obtain a viscosity suitable for RTM. A mixture of methanol and tetrahydroferone was found to be a suitable solvent mixture. The matrix solution was introduced into carbon-fiber preform using two techniques: (1) injection of matrix into a Resin Transfer Mold after positioning the preform into the 'mold cavity', and (2) infiltration of matrix into the preform using the 'autoclave through-the-thickness transfer process'. After completing the resin transfer (infiltration) process, the 'filled' preform was heated to 300 F for one hour to reduce the solvent content. The temperature was then increased to 400 F under a vacuum to complete the solvent evaporation and to remove volatile products of the polyimide imidization. The impregnated preform was removed from the mold and press-cured at 200 psi and 600 FF for two hours. The resulting panel was found to be of reasonably good quality. This observation was based on the results obtained from short beam shear strength (700-8000 psi) tests and microscopic examination of the cross-section indicating a very low level of porosity. Further, the flash around the molded panels from the compression molding was free of porosity indicating the removal of volatiles, solvents, and other imidization products. Based on these studies, a new RTM mold containing a diaphragm capable of applying 200 psi at 600 F has been designed and constructed with the expectation that it will allow the incorporation of all of the above processing steps, including the consolidation with the preform in the mold cavity. Moreover, the new diaphragm design will enable to process larger preform panels. Processing studies with the diaphragm mold are being initiated.

Hermetically sealable package for hybrid solid-state electronic devices and the like

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Wilson N. (Inventor); Gray, Ormal E. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A light-weight, inexpensively fabricated, hermetically sealable, repairable package for small electronic or electromechanical units, having multiple connections, is described. A molded ring frame of polyamide-imide plastic (Torlon) is attached along one edge to a base plate formed of a highly heat conducting material, such as aluminum or copper. Bores are placed through a base plate within the area of the edge surface of ring frame which result in an attachment of the ring frame to the base plate during molding. Electrical leads are molded into the ring frame. The leads are L-shaped gold-plated copper wires imbedded within widened portions of the side wall of the ring frame. Within the plastic ring frame wall the leads are bent (typically, though not necessarily at 90 deg) so that they project into the interior volume of the ring frame for connection to the solid state devices.

Development of a 3D printable maxillofacial silicone: Part I. Optimization of polydimethylsiloxane chains and cross-linker concentration.

PubMed

Jindal, Swati K; Sherriff, Martyn; Waters, Mark G; Coward, Trevor J

2016-10-01

Conventionally, maxillofacial prostheses are fabricated by hand carving the missing anatomic defect in wax and creating a mold into which pigmented silicone elastomer is placed. Digital technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) milling and 3-dimensional (3D) printing have been used to prepare molds directly or indirectly into which a biocompatible pigmented silicone elastomer is placed. The purpose of this in vitro study was to develop a silicone elastomer by varying composition that could eventually be 3D printed directly without a mold to create facial/body prostheses. The silicone was composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), filler, catalyst, and cross-linker. Four types of base silicone polymers were prepared with different PDMS molecular weight combinations with long, medium, and short chain length PDMS. The effect of the cross-linker (2.5% to 12.5%) content in these bases was assessed for the effect upon the mechanical properties of the elastomer. Ten readings were made for each formulation, and differences in the means were evaluated with a 2-way ANOVA (α=.05). Variations in silicone composition resulted in hardness from 6.8 to 28.5 durometer, tensile strength from 0.720 to 3.524 kNm -1 and tear strength from 0.954 to 8.484 MPa. Significant differences were observed among all formulations (P<.05). These formulations have mechanical properties comparable with the commercial silicones currently used for the fabrication of facial prostheses. The formulation with 5% cross-linker content and high content of long-chain PDMS chains with optimum mechanical properties was chosen for further development. The optimum combination of mechanical properties implies the use of one of these formulations for further evaluation in a 3D printer capable of actively mixing and extruding 2-component, room temperature vulcanization silicone. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Retrospective review of immunocompromised children undergoing skin biopsy for suspected invasive infection: Analysis of factors predictive of invasive mold.

PubMed

Smith, Robert J; Klieger, Sarah B; Sulieman, Salwa E; Berger, Emily; Treat, James R; Fisher, Brian T

2018-01-01

Cutaneous lesions are often the first marker of invasive mold infection, which can cause substantial morbidity in immunocompromised children. The purpose of this study was to describe the evaluation and outcomes of immunocompromised children who presented with findings requiring skin biopsy because of concern about invasive infection. In children who were biopsied, we sought to determine the factors predictive of invasive mold infection. A retrospective review was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Patients included in the study were immunocompromised individuals younger than 26 years old who underwent skin biopsy by the inpatient dermatology consultation team between January 1, 2003, and March 15, 2015, because of development of new cutaneous lesions that were suspected of being invasive infection. One hundred five encounters met the inclusion criteria. Fifty (47.6%) biopsied individuals had an infectious pathogen identified on histopathology or culture. Mold was the most common (36%) pathogen, followed by bacteria (32%) and yeast (26%). The presence of a single lesion (P = .001) and prior occlusion at the site of the lesion (P < .001) were associated with mold on biopsy. The combination of a single lesion, history of occlusion, and tissue necrosis on examination was highly predictive for invasive mold infection (86.3% [95% confidence interval 55.1-97.0%]). Of the 18 individuals with confirmed invasive mold infection, 13 (72%) underwent surgical resection, of whom 12 (92%) survived the 30-day follow-up period. Skin biopsy enabled the detection of a pathogen that informed directed therapeutic interventions in nearly half of participants. Institutions caring for immunocompromised children should ensure adequate staffing of clinical personnel approved to perform skin biopsies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Respiratory and Allergic Health Effects of Dampness, Mold, and Dampness-Related Agents: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence

PubMed Central

Mendell, Mark J.; Mirer, Anna G.; Cheung, Kerry; Tong, My; Douwes, Jeroen

2011-01-01

Objectives Many studies have shown consistent associations between evident indoor dampness or mold and respiratory or allergic health effects, but causal links remain unclear. Findings on measured microbiologic factors have received little review. We conducted an updated, comprehensive review on these topics. Data sources We reviewed eligible peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies or quantitative meta-analyses, up to late 2009, on dampness, mold, or other microbiologic agents and respiratory or allergic effects. Data extraction We evaluated evidence for causation or association between qualitative/subjective assessments of dampness or mold (considered together) and specific health outcomes. We separately considered evidence for associations between specific quantitative measurements of microbiologic factors and each health outcome. Data synthesis Evidence from epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses showed indoor dampness or mold to be associated consistently with increased asthma development and exacerbation, current and ever diagnosis of asthma, dyspnea, wheeze, cough, respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Associations were found in allergic and nonallergic individuals. Evidence strongly suggested causation of asthma exacerbation in children. Suggestive evidence was available for only a few specific measured microbiologic factors and was in part equivocal, suggesting both adverse and protective associations with health. Conclusions Evident dampness or mold had consistent positive associations with multiple allergic and respiratory effects. Measured microbiologic agents in dust had limited suggestive associations, including both positive and negative associations for some agents. Thus, prevention and remediation of indoor dampness and mold are likely to reduce health risks, but current evidence does not support measuring specific indoor microbiologic factors to guide health-protective actions. PMID:21269928

Processing-microstructure relationships in thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers: Experimental and numerical modeling studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jun

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) are a class of promising engineering materials for high-demanding structural applications. Their excellent mechanical properties are highly correlated to the underlying molecular orientation states, which may be affected by complex flow fields during melt processing. Thus, understanding and eventually predicting how processing flows impact molecular orientation is a critical step towards rational design work in order to achieve favorable, balanced physical properties in finished products. This thesis aims to develop deeper understanding of orientation development in commercial TLCPs during processing by coordinating extensive experimental measurements with numerical computations. In situ measurements of orientation development of LCPs during processing are a focal point of this thesis. An x-ray capable injection molding apparatus is enhanced and utilized for time-resolved measurements of orientation development in multiple commercial TLCPs during injection molding. Ex situ wide angle x-ray scattering is also employed for more thorough characterization of molecular orientation distributions in molded plaques. Incompletely injection molded plaques ("short shots") are studied to gain further insights into the intermediate orientation states during mold filling. Finally, two surface orientation characterization techniques, near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) are combined to investigate the surface orientation distribution of injection molded plaques. Surface orientation states are found to be vastly different from their bulk counterparts due to different kinematics involved in mold filling. In general, complex distributions of orientation in molded plaques reflect the spatially varying competition between shear and extension during mold filling. To complement these experimental measurements, numerical calculations based on the Larson-Doi polydomain model are performed. The implementation of the Larson-Doi in complex processing flows is performed using a commercial process modeling software suite (MOLDFLOWRTM), exploiting a nearly exact analogy between the Larson-Doi model and a fiber orientation model that has been widely used in composites processing simulations. The modeling scheme is first verified by predicting many qualitative and quantitative features of molecular orientation distributions in isothermal extrusion-fed channel flows. In coordination with experiments, the model predictions are found to capture many qualitative features observed in injection molded plaques (including short shots). The final, stringent test of Larson-Doi model performance is prediction of in situ transient orientation data collected during mold filling. The model yields satisfactory results, though certain numerical approximations limit performance near the mold front.

The study about forming high-precision optical lens minimalized sinuous error structures for designed surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katahira, Yu; Fukuta, Masahiko; Katsuki, Masahide; Momochi, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Yoshihiro

2016-09-01

Recently, it has been required to improve qualities of aspherical lenses mounted on camera units. Optical lenses in highvolume production generally are applied with molding process using cemented carbide or Ni-P coated steel, which can be selected from lens material such as glass and plastic. Additionally it can be obtained high quality of the cut or ground surface on mold due to developments of different mold product technologies. As results, it can be less than 100nmPV as form-error and 1nmRa as surface roughness in molds. Furthermore it comes to need higher quality, not only formerror( PV) and surface roughness(Ra) but also other surface characteristics. For instance, it can be caused distorted shapes at imaging by middle spatial frequency undulations on the lens surface. In this study, we made focus on several types of sinuous structures, which can be classified into form errors for designed surface and deteriorate optical system performances. And it was obtained mold product processes minimalizing undulations on the surface. In the report, it was mentioned about the analyzing process by using PSD so as to evaluate micro undulations on the machined surface quantitatively. In addition, it was mentioned that the grinding process with circumferential velocity control was effective for large aperture lenses fabrication and could minimalize undulations appeared on outer area of the machined surface, and mentioned about the optical glass lens molding process by using the high precision press machine.

40 CFR Appendix - Alternative Organic HAP Emissions Limits for Open Molding, Centrifugal Casting, and SMC...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Alternative Organic HAP Emissions Limits for Open Molding, Centrifugal Casting, and SMC Manufacturing Operations Where the Standards Are Based on a 95 Percent Reduction Requirement Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL...

40 CFR Appendix - Alternative Organic HAP Emissions Limits for Open Molding, Centrifugal Casting, and SMC...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Alternative Organic HAP Emissions Limits for Open Molding, Centrifugal Casting, and SMC Manufacturing Operations Where the Standards Are Based on a 95 Percent Reduction Requirement Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL...

40 CFR Appendix - Alternative Organic HAP Emissions Limits for Open Molding, Centrifugal Casting, and SMC...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Alternative Organic HAP Emissions Limits for Open Molding, Centrifugal Casting, and SMC Manufacturing Operations Where the Standards Are Based on a 95 Percent Reduction Requirement Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL...

Impact of Mucorales and Other Invasive Molds on Clinical Outcomes of Polymicrobial Traumatic Wound Infections

PubMed Central

Shaikh, Faraz; Weintrob, Amy C.; Rodriguez, Carlos J.; Murray, Clinton K.; Lloyd, Bradley A.; Ganesan, Anuradha; Aggarwal, Deepak; Carson, M. Leigh; Tribble, David R.

2015-01-01

Combat trauma wounds with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are often polymicrobial with fungal and bacterial growth, but the impact of the wound microbiology on clinical outcomes is uncertain. Our objectives were to compare the microbiological features between IFI and non-IFI wounds and evaluate whether clinical outcomes differed among IFI wounds based upon mold type. Data from U.S. military personnel injured in Afghanistan with IFI wounds were examined. Controls were matched by the pattern/severity of injury, including blood transfusion requirements. Wound closure timing was compared between IFI and non-IFI control wounds (with/without bacterial infections). IFI wound closure was also assessed according to mold species isolation. Eighty-two IFI wounds and 136 non-IFI wounds (63 with skin and soft tissue infections [SSTIs] and 73 without) were examined. The time to wound closure was longer for the IFI wounds (median, 16 days) than for the non-IFI controls with/without SSTIs (medians, 12 and 9 days, respectively; P < 0.001). The growth of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods was reported among 35% and 41% of the IFI and non-IFI wounds with SSTIs, respectively. Among the IFI wounds, times to wound closure were significantly longer for wounds with Mucorales growth than for wounds with non-Mucorales growth (median, 17 days versus 13 days; P < 0.01). When wounds with Mucorales and Aspergillus spp. growth were compared, there was no significant difference in wound closure timing. Trauma wounds with SSTIs were often polymicrobial, yet the presence of invasive molds (predominant types: order Mucorales, Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp.) significantly prolonged the time to wound closure. Overall, the times to wound closure were longest for the IFI wounds with Mucorales growth. PMID:25972413

Impact of Mucorales and Other Invasive Molds on Clinical Outcomes of Polymicrobial Traumatic Wound Infections.

PubMed

Warkentien, Tyler E; Shaikh, Faraz; Weintrob, Amy C; Rodriguez, Carlos J; Murray, Clinton K; Lloyd, Bradley A; Ganesan, Anuradha; Aggarwal, Deepak; Carson, M Leigh; Tribble, David R

2015-07-01

Combat trauma wounds with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are often polymicrobial with fungal and bacterial growth, but the impact of the wound microbiology on clinical outcomes is uncertain. Our objectives were to compare the microbiological features between IFI and non-IFI wounds and evaluate whether clinical outcomes differed among IFI wounds based upon mold type. Data from U.S. military personnel injured in Afghanistan with IFI wounds were examined. Controls were matched by the pattern/severity of injury, including blood transfusion requirements. Wound closure timing was compared between IFI and non-IFI control wounds (with/without bacterial infections). IFI wound closure was also assessed according to mold species isolation. Eighty-two IFI wounds and 136 non-IFI wounds (63 with skin and soft tissue infections [SSTIs] and 73 without) were examined. The time to wound closure was longer for the IFI wounds (median, 16 days) than for the non-IFI controls with/without SSTIs (medians, 12 and 9 days, respectively; P < 0.001). The growth of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods was reported among 35% and 41% of the IFI and non-IFI wounds with SSTIs, respectively. Among the IFI wounds, times to wound closure were significantly longer for wounds with Mucorales growth than for wounds with non-Mucorales growth (median, 17 days versus 13 days; P < 0.01). When wounds with Mucorales and Aspergillus spp. growth were compared, there was no significant difference in wound closure timing. Trauma wounds with SSTIs were often polymicrobial, yet the presence of invasive molds (predominant types: order Mucorales, Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp.) significantly prolonged the time to wound closure. Overall, the times to wound closure were longest for the IFI wounds with Mucorales growth. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Shrinkage Behavior of Polystyrene-based Foam Molded Parts Depending on Volatile Matter Content and Other Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghafafian, Carineh

Polymer foam materials play a large role in the modern world. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead foam is a lightweight, low density, and good thermal and acoustic insulating material whose properties make it attractive for a number of applications, especially as building insulation. However, EPS also experiences post-molding shrinkage; it shrinks dimensionally from its molded size after processing. This means parts must be stored in warehouses until they are considered stable by the industry standard, DIN EN 1603. This often takes 11--18 weeks and is thus very timely and expensive. This study aims to decrease the post-molding shrinkage time of EPS foam by understanding the mechanisms of shrinkage behavior. Samples were split into two groups based on their amount of initial volatile matter content and storage conditions, then compared to a control group. Based on thermogravimetric analysis and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, the volatile matter content and composition was found to not be the sole contributor to EPS foam dimensional stability. Residual stress testing was done with the hole drilling method and Raman spectroscopy. As this type of testing has not been done with polymer foams before, the aim was to see if either method could reliably produce residual stress values. Both methods measured residual stress values with unknown accuracy. All samples stored at a higher temperature (60°C) reached dimensional stability by the end of this study. Thus, air diffusion into EPS foam, encouraged by the high temperature storage, was found to play a significant role in post-molding shrinkage.

Flow behavior in liquid molding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunston, D.; Phelan, F.; Parnas, R.

1992-01-01

The liquid molding (LM) process for manufacturing polymer composites with structural properties has the potential to significantly lower fabrication costs and increase production rates. LM includes both resin transfer molding and structural reaction injection molding. To achieve this potential, however, the underlying science base must be improved to facilitate effective process optimization and implementation of on-line process control. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a major program in LM that includes materials characterization, process simulation models, on-line process monitoring and control, and the fabrication of test specimens. The results of this program are applied to real parts through cooperative projects with industry. The key feature in the effort is a comprehensive and integrated approach to the processing science aspects of LM. This paper briefly outlines the NIST program and uses several examples to illustrate the work.

Design and technical support for development of a molded fabric space suit joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, L. Howard

1994-01-01

NASA Ames Research Center has under design a new joint or element for use in a space suit. The design concept involves molding a fabric to a geometry developed at Ames. Unusual characteristics of this design include the need to produce a fabric molding draw ratio on the order of thirty percent circumferentially on the surface. Previous work done at NASA on molded fabric joints has shown that standard, NASA qualified polyester fabrics as are currently available in the textile industry for use in suits have a maximum of about fifteen percent draw ratio. NASA has done the fundamental design for a prototype joint and of a mold which would impart the correct shape to the fabric support layer of the joint. NASA also has the capability to test a finished product for suitability and reliability. Responsibilities resting with Georgia Tech in the design effort for this project are textile related, namely fiber selection, fabric design to achieve the properties of the objective design, and determining production means and sources for the fabrics. The project goals are to produce a prototype joint using the NASA design for evaluation of effectiveness by NASA, and to establish the sources and specifications which would allow reliable and repeatable production of the joint.

Populations of some molds in water-damaged homes may differ if the home was constructed with gypsum drywall compared to plaster.

PubMed

Vesper, Stephen; Wymer, Larry; Cox, David; Dewalt, Gary

2016-08-15

Starting in the 1940s, gypsum drywall began replacing plaster and lathe in the U.S. home construction industry. Our goal was to evaluate whether some mold populations differ in water- damaged homes primarily constructed with gypsum drywall compared to plaster. The dust samples from the 2006 Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) American Health Homes Survey (AHHS) were the subject of this analysis. The concentrations of the 36 Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) molds were compared in homes of different ages. The homes (n=301) were built between 1878 and 2005. Homes with ERMI values >5 (n=126) were defined as water-damaged. Homes with ERMI values >5 were divided in the years 1976 to 1977 into two groups, i.e., older (n=61) and newer (n=65). Newer water-damaged homes had significantly (p=0.002) higher mean ERMI values than older water-damaged homes, 11.18 and 8.86, respectively. The Group 1 molds Aspergillus flavus, Ammophilus fumigatus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Trichoderma viride were found in significantly higher concentrations in newer compared to older high-ERMI homes. Some mold populations in water-damaged homes may have changed after the introduction of gypsum drywall. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Populations of some molds in water-damaged homes may ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Starting in the 1940s, gypsum drywall began replacing plaster and lathe in the U.S. home construction industry. Our goal was to evaluate whether some mold populations differ in water- damaged homes primarily constructed with gypsum drywall compared to plaster. The dust samples from the 2006 Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) American Health Homes Survey (AHHS) were the subject of this analysis. The concentrations of the 36 Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) molds were compared in homes of different ages. The homes (n = 301) were built between 1878 and 2005. Homes with ERMI values > 5 (n = 126) were defined as water-damaged. Homes with ERMI values > 5 were divided in the years 1976 to 1977 into two groups, i.e., older (n = 61) and newer (n = 65). Newer water-damaged homes had significantly (p = 0.002) higher mean ERMI values than older water-damaged homes, 11.18 and 8.86, respectively. The Group 1 molds Aspergillus flavus, Ammophilus fumigatus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Trichoderma viride were found in significantly higher concentrations in newer compared to older high-ERMI homes. Some mold populations in water-damaged homes may have changed after the introduction of gypsum drywall. This research provides insight into the asthma epidemic in the US.

Parameter Optimization Of Natural Hydroxyapatite/SS316l Via Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mustafa, N.; Ibrahim1, M. H. I.; Amin, A. M.; Asmawi, R.

2017-01-01

Metal injection molding (MIM) are well known as a worldwide application of powder injection molding (PIM) where as applied the shaping concept and the beneficial of plastic injection molding but develops the applications to various high performance metals and alloys, plus metal matrix composites and ceramics. This study investigates the strength of green part by using stainless steel 316L/ Natural hydroxyapatite composite as a feedstock. Stainless steel 316L (SS316L) was mixed with Natural hydroxyapatite (NHAP) by adding 40 wt. % Low Density Polyethylene and 60 %wt. Palm Stearin as a binder system at 63 wt. % powder loading consist of 90 % wt. of SS316 L and 10 wt. % NHAP prepared thru critical powder volume percentage (CPVC). Taguchi method was functional as a tool in determining the optimum green strength for Metal Injection Molding (MIM) parameters. The green strength was optimized with 4 significant injection parameter such as Injection temperature (A), Mold temperature (B), Pressure (C) and Speed (D) were selected throughout screening process. An orthogonal array of L9 (3)4 was conducted. The optimum injection parameters for highest green strength were established at A1, B2, C0 and D1 and where as calculated based on Signal to Noise Ratio.

Electron beam radiation of dried fruits and nuts to reduce yeast and mold bioburden.

PubMed

Ic, Erhan; Kottapalli, Bala; Maxim, Joseph; Pillai, Suresh D

2007-04-01

Dried fruits and nuts make up a significant portion of the commodities traded globally, and the presence of yeasts and molds on dried fruits and nuts can be a public health risk because of the potential for exposure to toxigenic fungi. Since current postharvest treatment technologies are rather limited for dried fruits and nuts, electron beam (E-beam) radiation experiments were performed to determine the doses required to reduce the yeast and mold bioburden of raisins, walnuts, and dates. The indigenous yeast and mold bioburden on a select number of commodities sold at retail ranged from 10(2) to 10(3) CFU/g. E-beam inactivation kinetics based on the linear model suggest that the decimal reduction dose required to eliminate 90% of the microbial population (D10-value) of these indigenous fungal populations ranges from 1.09 to 1.59 kGy. Some samples, however, exhibited inactivation kinetics that were better modeled by a quadratic model. The results indicate that different commodities can contain molds and yeasts of varying resistance to ionizing radiation. It is thus essential for the dried fruit and nut industry to determine empirically the minimum E-beam dose that is capable of reducing or eliminating the bioburden of yeasts and molds in their specific commodities.

Diversity and Significance of Mold Species in Norwegian Drinking Water▿

PubMed Central

Hageskal, Gunhild; Knutsen, Ann Kristin; Gaustad, Peter; de Hoog, G. Sybren; Skaar, Ida

2006-01-01

In order to determine the occurrence, distribution, and significance of mold species in groundwater- and surface water-derived drinking water in Norway, molds isolated from 273 water samples were identified. Samples of raw water, treated water, and water from private homes and hospital installations were analyzed by incubation of 100-ml membrane-filtered samples on dichloran-18% glycerol agar. The total count (number of CFU per 100 ml) of fungal species and the species diversity within each sample were determined. The identification of mold species was based on morphological and molecular methods. In total, 94 mold species belonging to 30 genera were identified. The mycobiota was dominated by species of Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Aspergillus, with some of them occurring throughout the drinking water system. Several of the same species as isolated from water may have the potential to cause allergic reactions or disease in humans. Other species are common contaminants of food and beverages, and some may cause unwanted changes in the taste or smell of water. The present results indicate that the mycobiota of water should be considered when the microbiological safety and quality of drinking water are assessed. In fact, molds in drinking water should possibly be included in the Norwegian water supply and drinking water regulations. PMID:17028226

Analysis of form deviation in non-isothermal glass molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreilkamp, H.; Grunwald, T.; Dambon, O.; Klocke, F.

2018-02-01

Especially in the market of sensors, LED lighting and medical technologies, there is a growing demand for precise yet low-cost glass optics. This demand poses a major challenge for glass manufacturers who are confronted with the challenge arising from the trend towards ever-higher levels of precision combined with immense pressure on market prices. Since current manufacturing technologies especially grinding and polishing as well as Precision Glass Molding (PGM) are not able to achieve the desired production costs, glass manufacturers are looking for alternative technologies. Non-isothermal Glass Molding (NGM) has been shown to have a big potential for low-cost mass manufacturing of complex glass optics. However, the biggest drawback of this technology at the moment is the limited accuracy of the manufactured glass optics. This research is addressing the specific challenges of non-isothermal glass molding with respect to form deviation of molded glass optics. Based on empirical models, the influencing factors on form deviation in particular form accuracy, waviness and surface roughness will be discussed. A comparison with traditional isothermal glass molding processes (PGM) will point out the specific challenges of non-isothermal process conditions. Furthermore, the underlying physical principle leading to the formation of form deviations will be analyzed in detail with the help of numerical simulation. In this way, this research contributes to a better understanding of form deviations in non-isothermal glass molding and is an important step towards new applications demanding precise yet low-cost glass optics.

[Agents of otomycosis in Manisa region, Turkey, 1995-2011].

PubMed

Değerli, Kenan; Ecemiş, Talat; Günhan, Kıvanç; Başkesen, Tolga; Kal, Elçin

2012-01-01

Otomycosis, which is otitis externa caused by fungi, is common throughout the world especially in tropical and subtropical countries. However, the epidemiologic data about the etiologic agents of otomycosis in Turkey is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the agents of otomycosis in patients living at Manisa region (located at western Anatolia of Turkey). A total of 2279 cases [1465 male, 813 female; age range 1-87 (mean: 41.7) years] who were clinically prediagnosed as otomycosis at Celal Bayar University Hospital, between February 1995 and July 2011, were included in the study. External ear swab samples from patients with suspicion of otomycosis have been evaluated by routine mycological methods. Identification of mold-like fungi was based on colony morphology and microscopic examination of fungal structure, whereas germ tube test, growth characteristics on cornmeal-Tween 80 agar and API 20C AUX (bio-Mérieux, France) system were used for the identification of yeast-like fungi. Of the samples, 28% (638/2279) were found positive by direct microscopy and 24% (544/2279) by culture methods. Among culture-positive cases the isolation rates of mold-like and yeast-like fungi were 66% (359/544) and 34% (185/544), respectively. The number of distribution of the molds were as follows; Aspergillus niger (180), Aspergillus fumigatus (95), Aspergillus terreus (32), Aspergillus flavus (23), Aspergillus spp. (14), Penicillium spp. (13), Trichophyton spp. (T.rubrum 1, T.mentagrophytes 1); while this distribution was as follows for the yeasts; Candida tropicalis (97), Candida albicans (39), Candida parapsilosis (21), Candida glabrata (19), Candida kefyr (4), C.guilliermondii (2), Candida krusei (1), Geotrichum candidum (1) and Trichosporon capitatum (1). It was notable that 96% (344/359) of mold-like fungi were Aspergillus spp., and 99% (183/185) of yeast-like fungi were Candida spp. The results of this study indicated that the most frequent agents of otomycosis were non-dermatophyte species such as Aspergillus, followed by Candida. Dermatophytes were isolated in a small number of otomycosis cases. These data will provide support to the establishment of antifungal therapy guidelines for otomycosis.

Numerical simulation of stress-strain state of electrophoretic shell molds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sviridov, A. V.; Odinokov, V. I.; Dmitriev, E. A.; Evstigneev, A. I.; Bashkov, O. V.

2017-10-01

In the foundry engineering, castings obtained in one-piece non-gas-generating high-refractory electrophoretic shell molds (ShM) by investment patterns (IP) have an increased rejects percentage associated with low deformation resistance and crack resistance of the SM at different stages of their formation and manufacturing. Crack resistance of the ShM based on IP depends mainly on their stress-strain state (SSS) at various stages of mold forming. SSS decrease significantly improves their crack resistance and decreases their rejects percentage of castings occurring due to clogging and surface defects. In addition, the known methods of decreasing the SSS are still poorly understood. Thus, current research trends are to determine SSS at each stage of ShM forming and develop the ways to decrease it. Theoretical predicting of crack formation in multiple-layer axisymmetric shell molds is given in the work [1], and SSS of multiple-layer axisymmetric shell molds is given in the work [2]. Monolayer electrophoretic ShM had a lack of concern in this field, thus it became an argument for the present workMathematical Model of ShM SSS

Fast and cheap fabrication of molding tools for polymer replication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Christiane; Kirschner, Nadine; Worgull, Matthias; Rapp, Bastian E.

2017-02-01

Polymer replication is a prerequisite for low-cost microstructure components for consumer and end user market. The production of cost-effective microstructure in polymers requires metal molding tools which are often fabricated by direct structuring methods like milling or laser machining both of which are time-consuming and cost-intensive. We present an alternative fabrication method based on replication processes which allows the cheap ( 50 €) and fast ( 12 h) replication of complex microstructures into metal. The process comprises three steps: 1. Generation of the microstructure in a photoresist via lithography. 2. Casting of the structure into a high-temperature silicone which serves as original mold for creation of the metal molding tool. 3. Melting of an eutectic alloy of Sn, Ag and Cu under light pressure directly inside of the silicone within an oven. After cooling to room temperature the metal molding tool can be used for polymer replication into conventional thermoplastic polymers. As a first example we structured polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) foils with a thickness of 1 mm via hot embossing and feature sizes of 100 μm could be replicated with high fidelity.

Triple Plate Mold Final Report: Optimization of the Mold Design and Casting Parameters for a Thin U-10mo Fuel Casting

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

Aikin, Jr., Robert M.

This work describes the experiments and modeling that have been performed to improve and try to optimize the simultaneous casting of three plates of U-10wt%Mo in a single coil vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnace. The plates of interest are 280 mm wide by 203 mm tall by 5 mm thick (11" x 8" x 0.2"). The initial mold design and processing parameters were supplied by Y-12. The mold and casting cavity were instrumented with a number of thermocouples, and the casting performed to determine the thermal history of the mold and casting. The resulting cast plates were radiographed and numerousmore » defects identified. Metallography was performed to help identify the nature of the radiographically observed defects. This information was then used to validate a mold filling and solidification model of that casting. Based on the initial casting, good casting design practice, and process simulation of several design alternatives, a revised design was developed with the goal of minimizing casting defects such as porosity. The redesigned mold had a larger hot-top and had its long axis along the horizontal direction. These changes were to try to develop a strong thermal gradient conducive to good feeding and minimization of micro- and macroporosity in the cast plates. An instrumented casting was then performed with the revised mold design and a linear distributor. This design yielded cast plates with significantly less radiographically identified defects. Unfortunately, there was significant variation in plate weight and metal content in their hot-tops. Fluid flow simulations were then performed on this mold/distributor design. This helped identify the issue with this linear distributor design. Additional simulations were then performed on candidate distributor redesigns and a preferred distributor annular design was identified. This improved annular design was used to produce a third instrumented casting with favorable results. These refined designs and their radiographic characterization are compared to the initial design.« less

Mold Species in Dust from the International Space Station Identified and Quantified by Mold Specific Quantitative PCR - MCEARD

EPA Science Inventory

Dust was collected over a period of several weeks in 2007 from HEPA filters in the U.S. Laboratory Module of the International Space Station (ISS). The dust was returned on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, mixed, sieved, and the DNA was extracted. Using a DNA-based method called mo...

Mold Species in Dust from the International Space Station Identified and Quantified by Mold Specific Quantitative PCR

EPA Science Inventory

Dust was collected over a period of several weeks in 2007 from HEPA filters in the U.S. Laboratory Module of the International Space Station (ISS). The dust was returned on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, mixed, sieved, and the DNA was extracted. Using a DNA-based method called mol...

CONVERSION OF WIND POWER TO HYDROGEN FUEL: DESIGN OF AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM FOR AN INJECTION MOLDING FACILITY

EPA Science Inventory

Injection molding plants are large consumers of electricity. At its current level of operations, Harbec Plastics (Ontario, NY) uses about 2,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. Based on the US average fuel mix, approximately 1.5 pounds of CO2