Evolution of heterogeneity accompanying sol-gel transitions in a supramolecular hydrogel.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Yuji; Shundo, Atsuomi; Ohno, Masashi; Tsuruzoe, Nobutomo; Goto, Masahiro; Tanaka, Keiji

2017-10-18

When a peptide amphiphile is dispersed in water, it self-assembles into a fibrous network, leading to a supramolecular hydrogel. When the gel is physically disrupted by shaking, it transforms into a sol state. After aging at room temperature for a while, it spontaneously returns to the gel state, called sol-gel transition. However, repeating the sol-gel transition often causes a change in the rheological properties of the gel. To gain a better understanding of the sol-gel transition and its reversibility, we herein examined the thermal motion of probe particles at different locations in a supramolecular hydrogel. The sol obtained by shaking the gel was heterogeneous in terms of the rheological properties and the extent decreased with increasing aging time. This time course of heterogeneity, or homogeneity, which corresponded to the sol-to-gel transition, was observed for the 1st cycle. However, this was not the case for the 2nd and 3rd cycles; the heterogeneity was preserved even after aging. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and atomic force and confocal laser scanning microscopies revealed that, although the molecular aggregation states of amphiphiles both in the gel and sol remained unchanged with the cycles, the fibril density diversified to high and low density regions even after aging. The tracking of particles with different sizes indicated that the partial mesh size in the high density region and the characteristic length scale of the density fluctuation were smaller than 50 nm and 6 μm, respectively.

Investigation into the formation of the scrape-off layer density shoulder in JET ITER-like wall L-mode and H-mode plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wynn, A.; Lipschultz, B.; Cziegler, I.; Harrison, J.; Jaervinen, A.; Matthews, G. F.; Schmitz, J.; Tal, B.; Brix, M.; Guillemaut, C.; Frigione, D.; Huber, A.; Joffrin, E.; Kruzei, U.; Militello, F.; Nielsen, A.; Walkden, N. R.; Wiesen, S.; Contributors, JET

2018-05-01

The low temperature boundary layer plasma (scrape-off layer or SOL) between the hot core and the surrounding vessel determines the level of power loading, erosion and implantation of material surfaces, and thus the viability of tokamak-based fusion as an energy source. This study explores mechanisms affecting the formation of flattened density profiles, so-called ‘density shoulders’, in the low-field side (LFS) SOL, which modify ion and neutral fluxes to surfaces—and subsequent erosion. We find that increases in SOL parallel resistivity, Λdiv (=[L || ν eiΩi]/c sΩe), postulated to lead to shoulder growth through changes in SOL turbulence characteristics, correlates with increases in SOL shoulder amplitude, A s, only under a subset of conditions (D2-fuelled L-mode density scans with outer strike point on the horizontal target). Λdiv fails to correlate with A s for cases of N2 seeding or during sweeping of the strike point across the horizontal target. The limited correlation of Λdiv and A s is also found for H-mode discharges. Thus, while it may be necessary for Λdiv to be above a threshold of ~1 for shoulder formation and/or growth, another mechanism is required. More significantly, we find that in contrast to parallel resistivity, outer divertor recycling, as quantified by the total outer divertor Balmer D α emission, I-D α , does scale with A s where Λdiv does and even where Λdiv does not. Divertor recycling could lead to SOL density shoulder formation through: (a) reducing the parallel to the field flow (loss) of ions out of the SOL to the divertor; and (b) changes in radial electric fields which lead to E  ×  B poloidal flows as well as potentially affecting SOL turbulence birth characteristics. Thus, changes in divertor recycling may be the sole process involved in bringing about SOL density shoulders or it may be that it acts in tandem with parallel resistivity.

Surface modification of wood by alkoxysilane sol-gel deposition to create anti-mold and anti-fungal characteristics

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala; Vina Yang; Ryan Libert

2009-01-01

Hybrid inorganic/organic thin films deposited on wood substrates have been shown to lower the rate of moisture sorption of the wood. Deposition of such thin films can be accomplished by sol–gel deposition or by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. This paper describes in situ sol–gel deposition of hybrid inorganic/organic thin films on wood substrates using...

Surface Modification of Zirconia Substrate by Calcium Phosphate Particles Using Sol-Gel Method.

PubMed

Jin, So Dam; Um, Sang Cheol; Lee, Jong Kook

2015-08-01

Surface modification with a biphasic composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) was performed on a zirconia substrate using a sol-gel method. An initial calcium phosphate sol was prepared by mixing a solution of Ca(NO3)2 · 4H20 and (C2H5O)3P(O), while both porous and dense zirconia were used as substrates. The sol-gel coating was performed using a spin coater. The coated porous zirconia substrate was re-sintered at 1350 °C 2 h, while coated dense zirconia substrate was heat-treated at 750 °C 1 h. The microstructure of the resultant HA/TCP coatings was found to be dependent on the type of zirconia substrate used. With porous zirconia as a starting substrate, numerous isolated calcium phosphate particles (TCP and HA) were uniformly dispersed on the surface, and the particle size and covered area were dependent on the viscosity of the calcium phosphate sol. Conversely, when dense zirconia was used as a starting substrate, a thick film of nano-sized HA particles was obtained after heat treatment, however, substantial agglomeration and cracking was also observed.

Characterization of edge turbulence in different states of divertor detachment using reflectometry in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaeva, V.; Guimarais, L.; Manz, P.; Carralero, D.; Manso, M. E.; Stroth, U.; Silva, C.; Conway, G. D.; Seliunin, E.; Vicente, J.; Brida, D.; Aguiam, D.; Santos, J.; Silva, A.; ASDEX Upgrade team; MST1 team

2018-05-01

Transport in the scrape-off layer (SOL) depends on the state of divertor detachment. L-mode discharges were analyzed where the state of divertor detachment is varied through a density ramp-up. By means of reflectometry measurements at the low (LFS) and the high field side (HFS), midplane density fluctuations are studied for the first time in ASDEX Upgrade simultaneously at both sides of the tokamak. Radial density fluctuation profiles (δ {n}e/{n}e) increase with radius in both the HFS and the LFS. It is found that in the SOL density fluctuations at the LFS have about a factor of two larger amplitude than at the HFS in agreement with ballooned transport. Density fluctuations at the LFS show a modest variation with increasing background density resulting mainly from a rise of low frequency components. Experimental results are in good agreement with an enhanced convection of filaments at the LFS at the beginning of outer divertor detachment leading to a flatter SOL density profile. In this phase of the discharge, density fluctuations measured at the HFS far-SOL display a strong increase, which may be associated with the presence of faster filaments originated at the LFS.

Comparing nanostructured hydroxyapatite coating on AZ91 alloy samples via sol-gel and electrophoretic deposition for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Rojaee, Ramin; Fathi, Mohammadhossein; Raeissi, Keyvan

2014-12-01

Magnesium is one of the most critical elements in hard tissues regeneration and therefore causes speeding up the restoration of harmed bones, while high deterioration rate of magnesium in body fluid restricts it to be used as biodegradable implants. Alloying magnesium with some relatively nobler metals such as aluminium, zinc, rare earth elements, magnesium-bioceramics composites, and surface modification techniques are some of the routes to control magnesium corrosion rate. In this study AZ91 magnesium alloy had been coated by nanostructured hydroxyapatite via sol-gel dip coating and electrophoretical methods to survey the final barricade properties of the obtained coatings. In order to perform electrophoretic coating, powders were prepared by sol-gel method, and then the powders deposited on substrates utilizing direct current electricity. Zeta potentials of the electrophoresis suspensions were measured to determine a best mode for good quality coatings. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm nanoscale dimension, and the uniformity of the nanostructured hydroxyapatite coating, respectively. Fourier Transform-Infrared and X-ray diffraction analysis were utilized for functional group and phase structure evaluation of the prepared coatings, correspondingly. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performed in SBF at 37±1 (°)C which revealed considerable increase in corrosion protection resistivity and corrosion current density for electrophoretic coated specimens versus sol-gel coated specimens. Results showed that both sol-gel and electrophoretical techniques seem to be suitable to coat magnesium alloys for biomedical applications but electrophoretic coating technique is a better choice due to the more homogeneity and more crystalline structure of the coating.

77 FR 62242 - Risk Communication Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-12

... disability, visitor parking, and transportation may be accessed at: http:[sol][sol]www.fda.gov/Advisory... information line to learn about possible modifications before coming to the meeting. Agenda: On November 2... accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to...

Measurements of the parallel wavenumber of lower hybrid waves in the scrape-off layer of a high-density tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, S. G.; Wallace, G. M.; Shinya, T.; Parker, R. R.; Shiraiwa, S.; Bonoli, P. T.; Brunner, D.; Faust, I.; LaBombard, B. L.; Takase, Y.; Wukitch, S.

2016-05-01

In lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) experiments on tokamaks, the parallel wavenumber of lower hybrid waves is an important physics parameter that governs the wave propagation and absorption physics. However, this parameter has not been experimentally well-characterized in the present-day high density tokamaks, despite the advances in the wave physics modeling. In this paper, we present the first measurement of the dominant parallel wavenumber of lower hybrid waves in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of the Alcator C-Mod tokamak with an array of magnetic loop probes. The electric field strength measured with the probe in typical C-Mod plasmas is about one-fifth of that of the electric field at the mouth of the grill antenna. The amplitude and phase responses of the measured signals on the applied power spectrum are consistent with the expected wave energy propagation. At higher density, the observed k|| increases for the fixed launched k||, and the wave amplitude decreases rapidly. This decrease is correlated with the loss of LHCD efficiency at high density, suggesting the presence of loss mechanisms. Evidence of the spectral broadening mechanisms is observed in the frequency spectra. However, no clear modifications in the dominant k|| are observed in the spectrally broadened wave components, as compared to the measured k|| at the applied frequency. It could be due to (1) the probe being in the SOL and (2) the limited k|| resolution of the diagnostic. Future experiments are planned to investigate the roles of the observed spectral broadening mechanisms on the LH density limit problem in the strong single pass damping regime.

AORSA full wave calculations of helicon waves in DIII-D and ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lau, C.; Jaeger, E. F.; Bertelli, N.; Berry, L. A.; Green, D. L.; Murakami, M.; Park, J. M.; Pinsker, R. I.; Prater, R.

2018-06-01

Helicon waves have been recently proposed as an off-axis current drive actuator for DIII-D, FNSF, and DEMO tokamaks. Previous ray tracing modeling using GENRAY predicts strong single pass absorption and current drive in the mid-radius region on DIII-D in high beta tokamak discharges. The full wave code AORSA, which is valid to all order of Larmor radius and can resolve arbitrary ion cyclotron harmonics, has been used to validate the ray tracing technique. If the scrape-off-layer (SOL) is ignored in the modeling, AORSA agrees with GENRAY in both the amplitude and location of driven current for DIII-D and ITER cases. These models also show that helicon current drive can possibly be an efficient current drive actuator for ITER. Previous GENRAY analysis did not include the SOL. AORSA has also been used to extend the simulations to include the SOL and to estimate possible power losses of helicon waves in the SOL. AORSA calculations show that another mode can propagate in the SOL and lead to significant (~10%–20%) SOL losses at high SOL densities. Optimizing the SOL density profile can reduce these SOL losses to a few percent.

AORSA full wave calculations of helicon waves in DIII-D and ITER

DOE PAGES

Lau, Cornwall; Jaeger, E.F.; Bertelli, Nicola; ...

2018-04-11

Helicon waves have been recently proposed as an off-axis current drive actuator for DIII-D, FNSF, and DEMO tokamaks. Previous ray tracing modeling using GENRAY predicts strong single pass absorption and current drive in the mid-radius region on DIII-D in high beta tokamak discharges. The full wave code AORSA, which is valid to all order of Larmor radius and can resolve arbitrary ion cyclotron harmonics, has been used to validate the ray tracing technique. If the scrape-off-layer (SOL) is ignored in the modeling, AORSA agrees with GENRAY in both the amplitude and location of driven current for DIII-D and ITER cases.more » These models also show that helicon current drive can possibly be an efficient current drive actuator for ITER. Previous GENRAY analysis did not include the SOL. AORSA has also been used to extend the simulations to include the SOL and to estimate possible power losses of helicon waves in the SOL. AORSA calculations show that another mode can propagate in the SOL and lead to significant (~10-20%) SOL losses at high SOL densities. Optimizing the SOL density profile can reduce these SOL losses to a few percent.« less

AORSA full wave calculations of helicon waves in DIII-D and ITER

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

Lau, Cornwall; Jaeger, E.F.; Bertelli, Nicola

Helicon waves have been recently proposed as an off-axis current drive actuator for DIII-D, FNSF, and DEMO tokamaks. Previous ray tracing modeling using GENRAY predicts strong single pass absorption and current drive in the mid-radius region on DIII-D in high beta tokamak discharges. The full wave code AORSA, which is valid to all order of Larmor radius and can resolve arbitrary ion cyclotron harmonics, has been used to validate the ray tracing technique. If the scrape-off-layer (SOL) is ignored in the modeling, AORSA agrees with GENRAY in both the amplitude and location of driven current for DIII-D and ITER cases.more » These models also show that helicon current drive can possibly be an efficient current drive actuator for ITER. Previous GENRAY analysis did not include the SOL. AORSA has also been used to extend the simulations to include the SOL and to estimate possible power losses of helicon waves in the SOL. AORSA calculations show that another mode can propagate in the SOL and lead to significant (~10-20%) SOL losses at high SOL densities. Optimizing the SOL density profile can reduce these SOL losses to a few percent.« less

Molecular receptors in metal oxide sol-gel materials prepared via molecular imprinting

DOEpatents

Sasaki, Darryl Y.; Brinker, C. Jeffrey; Ashley, Carol S.; Daitch, Charles E.; Shea, Kenneth J.; Rush, Daniel J.

2000-01-01

A method is provided for molecularly imprinting the surface of a sol-gel material, by forming a solution comprised of a sol-gel material, a solvent, an imprinting molecule, and a functionalizing siloxane monomer of the form Si(OR).sub.3-n X.sub.n, wherein n is an integer between zero and three and X is a functional group capable of reacting with the imprinting molecule, evaporating the solvent, and removing the imprinting molecule to form the molecularly imprinted metal oxide sol-gel material. The use of metal oxide sol-gels allows the material porosity, pore size, density, surface area, hardness, electrostatic charge, polarity, optical density, and surface hydrophobicity to be tailored and be employed as sensors and in catalytic and separations operations.

Tantalum-tungsten oxide thermite composites prepared by sol-gel synthesis and spark plasma sintering

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

Kuntz, Joshua D.; Gash, Alexander E.; Cervantes, Octavio G.

2010-08-15

Energetic composite powders consisting of sol-gel derived nanostructured tungsten oxide were produced with various amounts of micrometer-scale tantalum fuel metal. Such energetic composite powders were ignition-tested and the results show that the powders are not sensitive to friction, spark and/or impact ignition. Initial consolidation experiments, using the High-Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (HPSPS) technique, on the sol-gel derived nanostructured tungsten oxide produced samples with higher relative density than can be achieved with commercially available tungsten oxide. The sol-gel derived nanostructured tungsten oxide with immobilized tantalum fuel metal (Ta-WO{sub 3}) energetic composite was consolidated to a density of 9.17 g cm{sup -3}more » or 93% relative density. In addition, those samples were consolidated without significant pre-reaction of the constituents, thus retaining their stored chemical energy. (author)« less

Tantalum-Tungsten Oxide Thermite Composite Prepared by Sol-Gel Synthesis and Spark Plasma Sintering

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

Cervantes, O; Kuntz, J; Gash, A

2009-02-13

Energetic composite powders consisting of sol-gel derived nanostructured tungsten oxide were produced with various amounts of micrometer-scale tantalum fuel metal. Such energetic composite powders were ignition tested and results show that the powders are not sensitive to friction, spark and/or impact ignition. Initial consolidation experiments, using the High Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (HPSPS) technique, on the sol-gel derived nanostructured tungsten oxide produced samples with higher relative density than can be achieved with commercially available tungsten oxide. The sol-gel derived nanostructured tungsten oxide with immobilized tantalum fuel metal (Ta - WO{sub 3}) energetic composite was consolidated to a density of 9.17more » g.cm{sup -3} or 93% relative density. In addition those parts were consolidated without significant pre-reaction of the constituents, thus the sample retained its stored chemical energy.« less

Optimization of instantaneous solvent exchange/surface modification process for ambient synthesis of monolithic silica aerogels.

PubMed

Hwang, Sung-Woo; Kim, Tae-Youn; Hyun, Sang-Hoon

2008-06-01

The instantaneous solvent exchange/surface modification (ISE/SM) process for the ambient synthesis of crack-free silica aerogel monoliths with a high production yield was optimized. Monolithic forms of silica wet gels were obtained from aqueous colloidal silica sols prepared via the ion exchange of sodium silicate solutions. Crack-free silica aerogel monoliths were synthesized via an ISE/SM process using isopropyl alcohol/trimethylchlorosilane as a modification agent and n-hexane as a main solvent, followed by ambient drying. The optimum process conditions of the ISE/SM process were investigated by clarifying the reaction mechanism and phenomena. Most effective ranges of process variables on the ISE/SM stage were determined as 0.2500-0.3567 of TMCS/H2O (pore water) in molar ratio and 15-30 of n-hexane/TMCS in volumetric ratio, with a reaction temperature below 283 K. Crack-free silica aerogel monoliths synthesized via these conditions had a well-developed mesoporous structure and excellent properties (bulk density of 0.12-0.14 g/cm3, specific surface area of 724 m2/g), and a high yield (nearly 80%).

Metal-oxide-based energetic materials and synthesis thereof

DOEpatents

Tillotson, Thomas M. , Simpson; Randall, L [Livermore, CA; Hrubesh, Lawrence W [Pleasanton, CA

2006-01-17

A method of preparing energetic metal-oxide-based energetic materials using sol-gel chemistry has been invented. The wet chemical sol-gel processing provides an improvement in both safety and performance. Essentially, a metal-oxide oxidizer skeletal structure is prepared from hydrolyzable metals (metal salts or metal alkoxides) with fuel added to the sol prior to gelation or synthesized within the porosity metal-oxide gel matrix. With metal salt precursors a proton scavenger is used to destabilize the sol and induce gelation. With metal alkoxide precursors standard well-known sol-gel hydrolysis and condensation reactions are used. Drying is done by standard sol-gel practices, either by a slow evaporation of the liquid residing within the pores to produce a high density solid nanocomposite, or by supercritical extraction to produce a lower density, high porous nanocomposite. Other ingredients may be added to this basic nanostructure to change physical and chemical properties, which include organic constituents for binders or gas generators during reactions, burn rate modifiers, or spectral emitters.

Low Concentration Fe-Doped Alumina Catalysts Using Sol-Gel and Impregnation Methods: The Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Performance during the Combustion of Trichloroethylene.

PubMed

Maldonado, Carolina Solis; De la Rosa, Javier Rivera; Lucio-Ortiz, Carlos J; Hernández-Ramírez, Aracely; Barraza, Felipe F Castillón; Valente, Jaime S

2014-03-12

The role of iron in two modes of integration into alumina catalysts was studied at 0.39 wt% Fe and tested in trichloroethylene combustion. One modified alumina was synthesized using the sol-gel method with Fe added in situ during hydrolysis; another modification was performed using calcined alumina, prepared using the sol-gel method and impregnated with Fe. Several characterization techniques were used to study the level of Fe modification in the γ-Al₂O₃ phase formed and to correlate the catalytic properties during trichloroethylene (TCE) combustion. The introduction of Fe in situ during the sol-gel process influenced the crystallite size, and three iron species were generated, namely, magnetite, maghemite and hematite. The impregnated Fe-alumina formed hematite and maghemite, which were highly dispersed on the γ-Al₂O 3 surface. The X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), FT-IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy analyses revealed how Fe interacted with the γ-Al₂O₃ lattice in both catalysts. The impregnated Fe-catalyst showed the best catalytic performance compared to the catalyst that was Fe-doped in situ by the sol-gel method; both had better catalytic activity than pure alumina. This difference in activity was correlated with the accessibility of the reactants to the hematite iron species on the surface. The chlorine poisoning for all three catalysts was less than 1.8%.

Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous silica aerogel beads using cheap industrial grade sodium silacte precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Tasneem M. A.; Khan, Asiya; Sarawade, Pradip B.

2018-05-01

We report a method to synthesize low-density transparent mesoporous silica aerogel beads by ambient pressure drying (APD). The beads were prepared by acid-base sol-gel polymerization of sodium silicate in via the ball dropping method (BDM). To minimize shrinkage during drying, wet silica beads were initially prepared; their surfaces were then modified using trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) via simultaneous solvent exchange and surface modification. The specific surface area and cumulative pore volume of the silica aerogel beads increased with an increase in the %V of TMCS. Silica aerogel beads with low packing bed density, high surface area, and large cumulative pore volume was obtained when TMCS was used. Properties of the final product were examined by BET, and TG-DT analyses. The hydrophobic silica aerogel beads were thermally stable up to 350°C. We discuss our results and compare our findings for modified versus unmodified silica beads.

Sol-gel Technology and Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, Chung-tse; Zheng, Haixing

1996-01-01

Advanced materials play an important role in the development of electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemical capacitors. The sol-gel process is a versatile solution for use in the fabrication of ceramic materials with tailored stoichiometry, microstructure, and properties. This processing technique is particularly useful in producing porous materials with high surface area and low density, two of the most desirable characteristics for electrode materials. In addition,the porous surface of gels can be modified chemically to create tailored surface properties, and inorganic/organic micro-composites can be prepared for improved material performance device fabrication. Applications of several sol-gel derived electrode materials in different energy storage devices are illustrated in this paper. V2O5 gels are shown to be a promising cathode material for solid state lithium batteries. Carbon aerogels, amorphous RuO2 gels and sol-gel derived hafnium compounds have been studied as electrode materials for high energy density and high power density electrochemical capacitors.

Sol-Gel Manufactured Energetic Materials

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L.; Lee, Ronald S.; Tillotson, Thomas M.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.; Swansiger, Rosalind W.; Fox, Glenn A.

2005-05-17

Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials. Thus, the sol-gel method can be used for precision detonator explosive manufacturing as well as producing precision explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, along with high power composite energetic materials.

Sol-gel manufactured energetic materials

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L.; Lee, Ronald S.; Tillotson, Thomas M.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.; Swansiger, Rosalind W.; Fox, Glenn A.

2003-12-23

Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials. Thus, the sol-gel method can be used for precision detonator explosive manufacturing as well as producing precision explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, along with high power composite energetic materials.

Electrophoretically active sol-gel processes to backfill, seal, and/or densify porous, flawed, and/or cracked coatings on electrically conductive material

DOEpatents

Panitz, Janda K.; Reed, Scott T.; Ashley, Carol S.; Neiser, Richard A.; Moffatt, William C.

1999-01-01

Electrophoretically active sol-gel processes to fill, seal, and/or density porous, flawed, and/or cracked coatings on electrically conductive substrates. Such coatings may be dielectrics, ceramics, or semiconductors and, by the present invention, may have deposited onto and into them sol-gel ceramic precursor compounds which are subsequently converted to sol-gel ceramics to yield composite materials with various tailored properties.

Modification of carbon composites by nanoceramic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoch, A.; Jastrzebski, W.; Długoń, E.; Stoch, G. J.; Błażewicz, S.; Adamczyk, A.; Tatarzyńska, K.

2005-06-01

Carbon-carbon composites (C/C) exhibit excellent high-temperature mechanical properties but their air oxidation limits their use at temperatures above 500 °C to inert atmosphere. Variety of coatings has been used to protect C/C composites from oxidation. In this work C/C composite substrates were covered with ceramic multilayer coats by electrophoretic deposition from ceramic sols such as silica sol, alumina sol and silica-lumina sol. Sol particles were of nano-sized dimensions. Deposited coats were annealed at 900-1500 °C. Oxidation tests at 600 °C reveal that the best protection of C/C composite against oxidation gives the multilayer coat formed by three or four electrophoretic depositions. The phase composition in the final annealed layers was analyzed by Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Morphology and chemical composition was observed using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS).

Modification of Different Zirconium Propoxide Precursors by Diethanolamine. Is There a Shelf Stability Issue for Sol-Gel Applications?

PubMed Central

Spijksma, Gerald I.; Blank, Dave H. A.; Bouwmeester, Henny J. M.; Kessler, Vadim G.

2009-01-01

Modification of different zirconium propoxide precursors with H2dea was investigated by characterization of the isolated modified species. Upon modification of zirconium n-propoxide and [Zr(OnPr)(OiPr)3(iPrOH)]2 with ½ a mol equivalent of H2dea the complexes [Zr2(OnPr)6(OCH2CH2)2NH]2 (1) and [Zr2(OnPr)2(OiPr)4(OCH2CH2)2NH]2 (2) were obtained. However, 1H-NMR studies of these tetranuclear compounds showed that these are not time-stable either in solution or solid form. The effect of this time instability on material properties is demonstrated by light scattering and TEM experiments. Modification of zirconium isopropoxide with either ½ or 1 equivalent mol of H2dea results in formation of the trinuclear complex, Zr{η3μ2-NH(C2H4O)2}3[Zr(OiPr)3]2(iPrOH)2 (3) countering a unique nona-coordinated central zirconium atom. This complex 3 is one of the first modified zirconium propoxide precursors shown to be stable in solution for long periods of time. The particle size and morphology of the products of sol-gel synthesis are strongly dependent on the time factor and eventual heat treatment of the precursor solution. Reproducible sol-gel synthesis requires the use of solution stable precursors. PMID:20087472

Preparation of almost dispersant-free colloidal silica with superb dispersiblility in organic solvents and monomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Feng-Hsi; Chang, Chao-Ching; Oyang, Tai-Yueh; Chen, Ching-Chung; Cheng, Liao-Ping

2011-09-01

Surface modification of silica nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel process was performed using coupling agents, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MSMA) and/or trimethyethoxylsilane (TMES). The chemical structures of the formed particles were analyzed by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid-state Si-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Si-NMR), and the particle sizes were determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging. The latter results indicate that such surface modifications can effectively lessen the serious aggregation being common to pure silica nanoparticles. In some cases, separate particles of ca. 5-10 nm dia. could be obtained, when both MSMA and TMES were employed during the modification process. Dynamic light scattering method was adopted to examine the stability of the prepared silica sols during a long-term storage. It was found that the aggregation phenomenon can essentially be eliminated in case that the surface of silica contained sufficient amount of TMES moiety. Vacuum distillation was used to remove the volatile components such as methanol, ethanol, and water from the silica sol. The condensed product, containing 2 wt% residual solvent, appeared as a uniform transparent paste-like material, which can be dispersed in common organic solvents and monomers within a few seconds.

Low Concentration Fe-Doped Alumina Catalysts Using Sol-Gel and Impregnation Methods: The Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Performance during the Combustion of Trichloroethylene

PubMed Central

Maldonado, Carolina Solis; De la Rosa, Javier Rivera; Lucio-Ortiz, Carlos J.; Hernández-Ramírez, Aracely; Castillón Barraza, Felipe F.; Valente, Jaime S.

2014-01-01

The role of iron in two modes of integration into alumina catalysts was studied at 0.39 wt% Fe and tested in trichloroethylene combustion. One modified alumina was synthesized using the sol-gel method with Fe added in situ during hydrolysis; another modification was performed using calcined alumina, prepared using the sol-gel method and impregnated with Fe. Several characterization techniques were used to study the level of Fe modification in the γ-Al2O3 phase formed and to correlate the catalytic properties during trichloroethylene (TCE) combustion. The introduction of Fe in situ during the sol-gel process influenced the crystallite size, and three iron species were generated, namely, magnetite, maghemite and hematite. The impregnated Fe-alumina formed hematite and maghemite, which were highly dispersed on the γ-Al2O3 surface. The X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), FT-IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy analyses revealed how Fe interacted with the γ-Al2O3 lattice in both catalysts. The impregnated Fe-catalyst showed the best catalytic performance compared to the catalyst that was Fe-doped in situ by the sol-gel method; both had better catalytic activity than pure alumina. This difference in activity was correlated with the accessibility of the reactants to the hematite iron species on the surface. The chlorine poisoning for all three catalysts was less than 1.8%. PMID:28788556

Multiscale Reduced Order Modeling of Complex Multi-Bay Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

overall sound pressure level (OASPL) was 144dB and a series of 200 “snapshots” were obtained from the stationary part of the MSC /Nastran SOL 400... MSC /Nastran SOL 400, the power spectral densities computed, and their mean used for validation of the 85-mode ROM. The ROM results were obtained using...middle point of bay 5 as a function of frequency, MSC /Nastran SOL 400 and NX/Nastran SOL601. ...................... 68 4.44. Transverse displacement

Electrophoretically active sol-gel processes to backfill, seal, and/or densify porous, flawed, and/or cracked coatings on electrically conductive material

DOEpatents

Panitz, J.K.; Reed, S.T.; Ashley, C.S.; Neiser, R.A.; Moffatt, W.C.

1999-07-20

Electrophoretically active sol-gel processes to fill, seal, and/or density porous, flawed, and/or cracked coatings on electrically conductive substrates. Such coatings may be dielectrics, ceramics, or semiconductors and, by the present invention, may have deposited onto and into them sol-gel ceramic precursor compounds which are subsequently converted to sol-gel ceramics to yield composite materials with various tailored properties. 6 figs.

Effect of Ferrous Additives on Magnesia Stone Hydration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimich, V.

2017-11-01

The article deals with the modification of the magnesia binder with additives containing two- and three-valent iron cations which could be embedded in the chloromagnesium stone structure and also increase the strength from 60 MPa in a non-additive stone to 80MPa, water resistance from 0.58 for clear stone to 0.8 and reduce the hygroscopicity from 8% in the non-additive stone to 2% in the modified chloromagnesium stone. It is proposed to use the iron hydroxide sol as an additive in the quantities of up to 1% of the weight of the binder. The studies were carried out using the modern analysis methods: the differentialthermal and X-ray phase analysis. The structure was studied with an electron microscope with an X-ray microanalyzer. A two-factor plan-experiment was designed which allowed constructing mathematical models characterizing the influence of variable factors, such as the density of the zatcher and the amount of sol in the binder, on the basic properties of the magnesian stone. The result of the research was the magnesia stone with the claimed properties and formed from minerals characteristic for magnesian materials as well as additionally formed from amachenite and goethite. It has been established that a highly active iron hydroxide sol the ion sizes of which are commensurate with magnesium ions is actively incorporated into the structure of pentahydroxychloride and magnesium hydroxide changing the habit of crystals compacting the structure of the stone and changing its hygroscopicity.

Modeling the effect of lithium-induced pedestal profiles on scrape-off-layer turbulence and the heat flux width

DOE PAGES

Russell, David A.; D'Ippolito, Daniel A.; Myra, James R.; ...

2015-09-01

The effect of lithium (Li) wall coatings on scrape-off-layer (SOL) turbulence in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) is modeled with the Lodestar SOLT (“SOL Turbulence”) code. Specifically, the implications for the SOL heat flux width of experimentally observed, Li-induced changes in the pedestal profiles are considered. The SOLT code used in the modeling has been expanded recently to include ion temperature evolution and ion diamagnetic drift effects. This work focuses on two NSTX discharges occurring pre- and with-Li deposition. The simulation density and temperature profiles are constrained, inside the last closed flux surface only, to match those measured inmore » the two experiments, and the resulting drift-interchange-driven turbulence is explored. The effect of Li enters the simulation only through the pedestal profile constraint: Li modifies the experimental density and temperature profiles in the pedestal, and these profiles affect the simulated SOL turbulence. The power entering the SOL measured in the experiments is matched in the simulations by adjusting “free” dissipation parameters (e.g., diffusion coefficients) that are not measured directly in the experiments. With power-matching, (a) the heat flux SOL width is smaller, as observed experimentally by infra-red thermography, and (b) the simulated density fluctuation amplitudes are reduced with Li, as inferred for the experiments as well from reflectometry analysis. The instabilities and saturation mechanisms that underlie the SOLT model equilibria are also discussed.« less

Localized corrosion of 316L stainless steel with SiO2-CaO films obtained by means of sol-gel treatment.

PubMed

Vallet-Regí, M; Izquierdo-Barba, I; Gil, F J

2003-11-01

Sol-gel films on austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316L) polished wafer were prepared from sono-sols obtained from tetraethylorthosilane and hydrated calcium nitrate. However, pitting was observed in different places on the stainless steel surfaces. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by the polarization resistance in simulated body fluid environment at 37 degrees C. The critical current density, the passive current density, the corrosion potential, and the critical pitting potential were studied. The austenitic stainless steel 316L treated presents important electrochemical corrosion and consequently its application as endosseous implants is not possible. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Changes of contractile responses due to simulated weightlessness in rat soleus muscle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elkhammari, A.; Noireaud, J.; Léoty, C.

1994-08-01

Some contractile and electrophysiological properties of muscle fibers isolated from the slow-twitch soleus (SOL) and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of rats were compared with those measured in SOL muscles from suspended rats. In suspendede SOL (21 days of tail-suspension) membrane potential (Em), intracellular sodium activity (aiNa) and the slope of the relationship between Em and log [K]o were typical of fast-twitch muscles. The relation between the maximal amplitude of K-contractures vs Em was steeper for control SOL than for EDL and suspended SOL muscles. After suspension, in SOL muscles the contractile threshold and the inactivation curves for K-contractures were shifted to more positive Em. Repriming of K-contractures was unaffected by suspencion. The exposure of isolated fibers to perchlorate (ClO4-)-containing (6-40 mM) solutions resulted ina similar concentration-dependent shift to more negative Em of activation curves for EDL and suspended SOL muscles. On exposure to a Na-free TEA solution, SOL from control and suspended rats, in contrast to EDL muscles, generated slow contractile responses. Suspended SOL showed a reduced sensitivity to the contracture-producing effect of caffeine compared to control muscles. These results suggested that the modification observed due to suspension could be encounted by changes in the characteristics of muscle fibers from slow to fast-twitch type.

Characteristics of the Secondary Divertor on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, J. G.; Lasnier, C. J.; Leonard, A. W.; Evans, T. E.; Pitts, R.; Stangeby, P. C.; Boedo, J. A.; Moyer, R. A.; Rudakov, D. L.

2009-11-01

In order to address a concern that the ITER secondary divertor strike plates may be insufficiently robust to handle the incident pulses of particles and energy from ELMs, we performed dedicated studies of the secondary divertor plasma and scrape-off layer (SOL). Detailed measurements of the ELM energy and particle deposition footprint on the secondary divertor target plates were made with a fast IR camera and Langmuir probes and SOL profile and transport measurements were made with reciprocating probes. The secondary divertor and SOL conditions depended on changes in the magnetic balance and the core plasma density. Larger density resulted in smaller ELMs and the magnetic balance affected how many ELM particles coupled to the secondary SOL and divertor. Particularly striking are the images from a new fast IR camera that resolve ELM heat pulses and show spiral patterns with multiple peaks during ELMs in the secondary divertor.

Dependence of SOL widths on plasma current and density in NSTX H-mode plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, J.-W.; Maingi, R.; Boedo, J. A.; Soukhanovskii, V.; NSTX Team

2009-06-01

The dependence of various SOL widths on the line-averaged density ( n) and plasma current ( Ip) for the quiescent H-mode plasmas with Type-V ELMs in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) was investigated. It is found that the heat flux SOL width ( λq), measured by the IR camera, is virtually insensitive to n and has a strong negative dependence on Ip. This insensitivity of λq to n¯e is consistent with the scaling law from JET H-mode plasmas that shows a very weak dependence on the upstream density. The electron temperature, ion saturation current density, electron density, and electron pressure decay lengths ( λTe, λjsat, λne, and λpe, respectively) measured by the probe showed that λTe and λjsat have strong negative dependence on Ip, whereas λne and λpe revealed only a little or no dependence. The dependence of λTe on Ip is consistent with the scaling law in the literature, while λne and λpe dependence shows a different trend.

A Sol-gel Integrated Dual-readout Microarray Platform for Quantification and Identification of Prostate-specific Antigen.

PubMed

Lee, SangWook; Lee, Jong Hyun; Kwon, Hyuck Gi; Laurell, Thomas; Jeong, Ok Chan; Kim, Soyoun

2018-01-01

Here, we report a sol-gel integrated affinity microarray for on-chip matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) that enables capture and identification of prostate?specific antigen (PSA) in samples. An anti-PSA antibody (H117) was mixed with a sol?gel, and the mixture was spotted onto a porous silicon (pSi) surface without additional surface modifications. The antibody easily penetrates the sol-gel macropore fluidic network structure, making possible high affinities. To assess the capture affinity of the platform, we performed a direct assay using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled PSA. Pure PSA was subjected to on-chip MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, yielding three clear mass peptide peaks (m/z = 1272, 1407, and 1872). The sol-gel microarray platform enables dual readout of PSA both fluorometric and MALDI-TOF MS analysis in biological samples. Here we report a useful method for a means for discovery of biomarkers in complex body fluids.

Cast-In-Situ, Large-Sized Monolithic Silica Xerogel Prepared in Aqueous System.

PubMed

Ding, Wenhui; Wang, Xiaodong; Chen, Dong; Li, Tiemin; Shen, Jun

2018-05-15

This paper reports the preparation of cast-in-situ, large-sized monolithic silica xerogels by a two-step acid⁻base catalyzed approach under ambient pressure drying. Low-cost industrial silica sol and deionized water were used as the silicon source and the solvent, respectively. Hexadecetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a modification agent. Different amounts of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) was added as a pore-forming agent. The prepared silica xerogels under ambient pressure drying have a mesoporous structure with a low density of 221 mg·cm -3 and a thermal conductivity of 0.0428 W·m -1 ·K -1 . The low-cost and facile preparation process, as well as the superior performance of the monolithic silica xerogels make it a promising candidate for industrial thermal insulation materials.

Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of SiO{sub 2}/PEG hybrid materials containing quercetin as implants with antioxidant properties

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

Catauro, Michelina; Bollino, Flavia; Gloria, Antonio

2016-05-18

In the present work, Silica/Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hybrid nanocomposites containing an antioxidant agent, the quercetin, were synthesized via sol-gel to be used as implants with antioxidant properties. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis proved that a modification of both polymer and quercetin occurs due to synthesis process. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the proposed materials were hybrid nanocomposites. The bioactivity was ascertained by soaking the samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF).

A new sol-gel processing routine without chelating agents for preparing highly transparent solutions and nanothin films: engineering the role of chemistry to design the process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashiri, Rouholah

2015-01-01

The great sensitivity of titanium alkoxides to hydrolysis makes their sol-gel transformation very fast and thus difficult to control. A method was proposed to alleviate this drawback. Preparation of highly transparent solutions and nanothin films is another objective of the present research. Employing nanoemulsion method and optimizing the processing conditions, a clear solution of well-dispersed nanosized particles was obtained. With the proposed process BaTiO3 precursor sols and nanothin films with enhanced optical transparency towards the visible were prepared. The optimal formulation of the sol consists of acetic acid, barium acetate, 2-propanol, TTIP and deionized water with 6:1:1:1:150 M ratios, respectively. It was found that the reduction of the temperature in the initial stage of mixing of precursors controls the size of the forming species and accordingly improves the stability and transparency of the sol. The results also showed that the applied modifications and optimizations significantly downsize the particles within the sol to the nanometric scale and accordingly result in a significant improvement in the optical response of the products.

Process for preparing energetic materials

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L [Livermore, CA; Lee, Ronald S [Livermore, CA; Tillotson, Thomas M [Tracy, CA; Hrubesh, Lawrence W [Pleasanton, CA; Swansiger, Rosalind W [Livermore, CA; Fox, Glenn A [Livermore, CA

2011-12-13

Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials. Thus, the sol-gel method can be used for precision detonator explosive manufacturing as well as producing precision explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, along with high power composite energetic materials.

Heat flux and plasma flow in the far scrape-off layer of the inboard poloidal field null configuration in QUEST

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

Onchi, T.; Zushi, H.; Hanada, K.

2015-08-15

Heat flux and plasma flow in the scrape-off layer (SOL) are examined for the inboard poloidal field null (IPN) configuration of the spherical tokamak QUEST. In the plasma current (I{sub p}) ramp-up phase, high heat flux (>1 MW/m{sup 2}) and supersonic flow (Mach number M > 1) are found to be present simultaneously in the far-SOL. The heat flux is generated by energetic electrons excursed from the last closed flux surface. Supersonic flows in the poloidal and toroidal directions are correlated with each other. In the quasi-steady state, sawtooth-like oscillation of I{sub p} at 20 Hz is observed. Heat flux and subsonic plasma flowmore » in the far-SOL are modified corresponding to the I{sub p}-oscillation. The heat flow caused by motion of energetic electrons and the bulk-particle transport to the far-SOL is enhanced during the low-I{sub p} phase. Modification of plasma flow in the far SOL occurs earlier than the I{sub p} crash. The M–I{sub p} curve has a limit-cycle characteristic with sawtooth-like oscillation. Such a core–SOL relationship indicates that the far-SOL flow plays an important role in sustaining the oscillation of I{sub p} in the IPN configuration.« less

Sol concentration effect on ZnO nanofibers photocatalytic activity synthesized by sol-gel dip coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toubane, M.; Tala-Ighil, R.; Bensouici, F.; Bououdina, M.; Souier, M.; Liu, S.; Cai, W.; Iratni, A.

2017-03-01

ZnO thin films were deposited onto glass substrate by sol-gel dip coating method. The initial sol concentrations were varied from 0.2 to 0.5 M. Zinc acetate dihydrate, ethanol and Diethanolamine (DEA) were used as staring material, solvent and stabilizer respectively. The evolution of structural, optical properties and methylene blue (MB) photodegradation of the as-deposited films on sol concentration was investigated. Rietveld refinements of x-ray patterns reveal that all the as-prepared thin films have a Zincite-type structure with grain orientation along to c-axis. The strongest sol concentration is favorable for the highest crystallization quality. However, the high preferred orientation factor (POF) occurs for 0.3 M sol concentration. The field emission scanning electron microscopy observations reveals nanofibrous morphology with different lengths. The nanofibers density increases with increasing sols concentrations until forming a flower-like morphology. The EDS analysis confirms the high purity of the as-deposited ZnO films. It is found that all films present good transparency greater than 95% in the visible range; the optical band gap is slightly reduced with the increase in sol concentration. The photocatalytic degradation is enhanced by 90% with the sol concentration. The K app rate reaction increased with increasing sol concentration. The films stability is found to slightly decrease after the third cycle, especially for 0.5 M sol concentration.

Proceedings of the International Electronic Circuit Packaging Symposium (3rd) on Advances in Electronic Circuit Packaging Held at Boulder, Colorado on 15-17 August 1962. Volume 3,

DTIC Science & Technology

1963-01-01

the connector pin, which was then sol - dered at various levels of wire build up. It is proposed, with a slight modification of the connector terminal...sacrificial anode for galvanic protection of other metals. Aluminum Aluminum and its alloys show promise for applications in long-life oceano - graphic...section of a dumet weld lead. Calculations and actual heat measurements on the effects of welding and sol - dering within 0.060 in. of the component

Titanium modified with layer-by-layer sol-gel tantalum oxide and an organodiphosphonic acid: a coating for hydroxyapatite growth.

PubMed

Arnould, C; Volcke, C; Lamarque, C; Thiry, P A; Delhalle, J; Mekhalif, Z

2009-08-15

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in surgical implants due to their appropriate properties like corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and load bearing. Unfortunately when metals are used for orthopedic and dental implants there is the possibility of loosening over a long period of time. Surface modification is a good way to counter this problem. A thin tantalum oxide layer obtained by layer-by-layer (LBL) sol-gel deposition on top of a titanium surface is expected to improve biocorrosion resistance in the body fluid, biocompatibility, and radio-opacity. This elaboration step is followed by a modification of the tantalum oxide surface with an organodiphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayer, capable of chemically binding to the oxide surface, and also improving hydroxyapatite growth. The different steps of this proposed process are characterized by surfaces techniques like contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Sol-Gel Chemistry for Carbon Dots.

PubMed

Malfatti, Luca; Innocenzi, Plinio

2018-03-14

Carbon dots are an emerging class of carbon-based nanostructures produced by low-cost raw materials which exhibit a widely-tunable photoluminescence and a high quantum yield. The potential of these nanomaterials as a substitute of semiconductor quantum dots in optoelectronics and biomedicine is very high, however they need a customized chemistry to be integrated in host-guest systems or functionalized in core-shell structures. This review is focused on recent advances of the sol-gel chemistry applied to the C-dots technology. The surface modification, the fine tailoring of the chemical composition and the embedding into a complex nanostructured material are the main targets of combining sol-gel processing with C-dots chemistry. In addition, the synergistic effect of the sol-gel precursor combined with the C-dots contribute to modify the intrinsic chemo-physical properties of the dots, empowering the emission efficiency or enabling the tuning of the photoluminescence over a wide range of the visible spectrum. © 2018 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Density Limit due to SOL Convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Ippolito, D. A.; Myra, J. R.; Russell, D. A.

2004-11-01

Recent measurements on C-Mod(M. Greenwald, Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion 44), R27 (2002). suggest there is a density limit due to rapid convection in the SOL: this region starts in the far SOL but expands inward to the separatrix as the density approaches the Greenwald limit. This idea is supported by a recent analysis(D. A. Russell et al., Lodestar Report LRC-04-99 (2004).) of a 3D BOUT code turbulence simulation(X. Q. Xu et al., Bull. APS 48), 184 (2003), paper KP1-20. with neutral fueling of the X-point region. Our work suggests that rapid outwards convection of plasma by turbulent coherent structures (``blobs'') occurs when the X-point collisionality is sufficiently large. Here, we calculate a density limit due to loss of thermal equilibrium in the edge plasma due to rapid radial convective heat transport. We expect a synergistic effect between blob convection and X-point cooling. The cooling increases the parallel resistivity at the X-point, ``disconnects'' the blobs electrically from the sheaths, and increases their radial velocity,(D.A. D'Ippolito et al., 2004 Sherwood Meeting, paper 1C 43.) which in turn further cools the X-points. Progress on a theoretical model will be reported.

Calculation of two-dimension radial electric field in boundary plasmas by using BOUT++

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, N. M.; Xu, X. Q.; Rognlien, T. D.; Gui, B.; Sun, J. Z.; Wang, D. Z.

2018-07-01

The steady state radial electric field (Er) is calculated by coupling a plasma transport model with the quasi-neutrality constraint and the vorticity equation within the BOUT++ framework. Based on the experimentally measured plasma density and temperature profiles in Alcator C-Mod discharges, the effective radial particle and heat diffusivities are inferred from the set of plasma transport equations. The effective diffusivities are then extended into the scrape-off layer (SOL) to calculate the plasma density, temperature and flow profiles across the separatrix into the SOL with the electrostatic sheath boundary conditions (SBC) applied on the divertor plates. Given these diffusivities, the electric field can be calculated self-consistently across the separatrix from the vorticity equation with SBC coupled to the plasma transport equations. The sheath boundary conditions act to generate a large and positive Er in the SOL, which is consistent with experimental measurements. The effect of magnetic particle drifts is shown to play a significant role on local particle transport and Er by inducing a net particle flow in both the edge and SOL regions.

Morphology and texture of particles along the Spirit rover traverse from sol 450 to sol 745

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yingst, R. A.; Crumpler, L.; Farrand, W. H.; Li, R.; Cabrol, N. A.; Neakrase, L. D.

2008-12-01

We quantified and classified the shape, roundness, size, and texture of 935 loose surface particles along the Spirit rover traverse from sols 450-745 to assess origin, transport, and other alteration mechanisms that altered particles during and after formation. Variation in particle morphologic parameters along traverse is consistent with crossing mapped geologic unit boundaries. Texture is divided into four types: vesicular, smooth and flat-faceted, rough and flat-faceted, and very rough. Sphericity and roundness are intermediate and low, respectively, comparable to particles moved by high-energy transport or to crushed particles. This indicates intermittent, high-energy emplacement or modification of a single lithology, rather than systematic, continuous low-energy abrasion or wear over time. Comparison with particle morphology at other Mars landing sites is consistent with the hypothesis that no secondary systematic transport or wide-scale chemical alteration was active at a significant enough level to alter macromorphology. In particular, particle morphology at the Mars Pathfinder site shows stronger evidence of abrasion than along the Spirit traverse, suggesting Mars Pathfinder particles have undergone abrasion processes that particles in this study area have not. Additionally, morphology indices have correlation coefficients near zero, indicating that a fluvial transport mechanism is likely not responsible for morphology. Morphology and texture are instead related to origin and composition rather than subsequent modification. Morphology and texture support a volcanic origin, possibly without modification, but most likely altered primarily by ballistic impact, implying that the Spirit landing site and traverse may be utilized in the future as a standard site for characterization of impact-derived morphology.

Hybrid Thin Film Organosilica Sol-Gel Coatings To Support Neuronal Growth and Limit Astrocyte Growth.

PubMed

Capeletti, Larissa Brentano; Cardoso, Mateus Borba; Dos Santos, João Henrique Zimnoch; He, Wei

2016-10-07

Thin films of silica prepared by a sol-gel process are becoming a feasible coating option for surface modification of implantable neural sensors without imposing adverse effects on the devices' electrical properties. In order to advance the application of such silica-based coatings in the context of neural interfacing, the characteristics of silica sol-gel are further tailored to gain active control of interactions between cells and the coating materials. By incorporating various readily available organotrialkoxysilanes carrying distinct organic functional groups during the sol-gel process, a library of hybrid organosilica coatings is developed and investigated. In vitro neural cultures using PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons both reveal that, among these different types of hybrid organosilica, the introduction of aminopropyl groups drastically transforms the silica into robust neural permissive substrate, supporting neuron adhesion and neurite outgrowth. Moreover, when this organosilica is cultured with astrocytes, a key type of glial cells responsible for glial scar response toward neural implants, such cell growth promoting effect is not observed. These findings highlight the potential of organo-group-bearing silica sol-gel to function as advanced coating materials to selectively modulate cell response and promote neural integration with implantable sensing devices.

Dependence of SOL widths on plasma parameters in NSTX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, Joon-Wook; Maingi, Rajesh; Boedo, Jose; Soukhanovskii, Vlad; Leblanc, Ben; Kaita, Robert

2008-11-01

The dependence of various upstream Scrape-Off Layer (SOL) widths on the line-averaged density (n e), plasma current (Ip), and power into the SOL (PSOL) for H-mode plasmas was investigated, using the mid-plane fast reciprocating probe and Thomson scattering diagnostics, in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). The heat flux width (λq) at the divertor plate, measured by the IR camera, was also measured and compared with the upstream SOL widths. The edge density profile remains fixed during the H-mode, such that the separatrix density is constant even though n e is ramping. Thus λq, λTe, and λne are insensitive to n e. λTe and λjsat have strong negative dependence on Ip, whereas there was only a very weak change in λne when Ip was varied. These empirical results have been compared with scaling laws in the literature. The λTe dependence on Ip is consistent with an H-mode λTe scaling law, while the insensitivity of λne to n e is not consistent with the λne scaling law. Dependence of decay lengths on plasma parameters in a wide range of plasma conditions will be presented. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy, contract numbers DE-FG02-03ER54731, DE-AC02-76CH03073, DE-AC05-00OR22725, and DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Analysis of Poloidal Asymmetric Density Behaviors in SOL Induced by 4.6-GHz Lower Hybrid Launcher Power in EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. C.; Ding, B. J.; Li, M. H.; Wang, M.; Liu, L.; Wang, X. J.; Xu, H. D.; Shan, J. F.; Liu, F. K.

2018-02-01

On the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST), a series of striations, including a few strong emissivity striations and several low emissivity striations, were observed in front of the 4.6-GHz lower hybrid (LH) launcher with the visible video camera for the LH power discharge. These striations indicate that LH may create significant poloidal scrape-off layer (SOL) density profile asymmetries in front of the LH launcher. These poloidal asymmetric density behaviors are further confirmed with the edge density measured by two Langmuir probes installed at the top and bottom of the LH launcher. The measured density depends on LH power injection and magnetic field direction. A 2D diffusive convective model was used to study the mechanisms of the observed striations and poloidal asymmetric density. The simulation results qualitatively match with the measured density, indicating these poloidal asymmetric effects are ascribed to the LHW-induced E LH × B t drift.

Structure of the classical scrape-off layer of a tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozhansky, V.; Kaveeva, E.; Senichenkov, I.; Vekshina, E.

2018-03-01

The structure of the scrape-off layer (SOL) of a tokamak with little or no turbulent transport is analyzed. The analytical estimates of the density and electron temperature fall-off lengths of the SOL are put forward. It is demonstrated that the SOL width could be of the order of the ion poloidal gyroradius, as suggested in Goldston (2012 Nuclear Fusion 52 013009). The analytical results are supported by the results of the 2D simulations of the edge plasma with reduced transport coefficients performed by SOLPS-ITER transport code.

Equations for O2 and CO2 solubilities in saline and plasma: combining temperature and density dependences.

PubMed

Christmas, Kevin M; Bassingthwaighte, James B

2017-05-01

Solubilities of respiratory gasses in water, saline, and plasma decrease with rising temperatures and solute concentrations. Henry's Law, C = α·P, states that the equilibrium concentration of a dissolved gas is solubility times partial pressure. Solubilities in the water of a solution depend on temperature and the content of other solutes. Blood temperatures may differ more than 20°C between skin and heart, and an erythrocyte will undergo that range as blood circulates. The concentrations of O 2 and CO 2 are the driving forces for diffusion, exchanges, and for reactions. We provide an equation for O 2 and CO 2 solubilities, α, that allows for continuous changes in temperature, T, and solution density, ρ, in dynamically changing states:[Formula: see text]This two-exponential expression with a density scalar γ, and a density exponent β, accounts for solubility changes due to density changes of an aqueous solution. It fits experimental data on solubilities in water, saline, and plasma over temperatures from 20 to 40°C, and for plasma densities, ρ sol up to 1.020 g/ml with ~0.3% error. The amounts of additional bound O 2 (to Hb) and CO 2 (bicarbonate and carbamino) depend on the concentrations in the local water space and the reaction parameters. During exercise, solubility changes are large; both ρ sol and T change rapidly with spatial position and with time. In exercise hemoconcentration plasma, ρ sol exceeds 1.02, whereas T may range over 20°C. The six parameters for O 2 and the six for CO 2 are constants, so solubilities are calculable continuously as T and ρ sol change. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Solubilities for oxygen and carbon dioxide are dependent on the density of the solution, on temperature, and on the partial pressure. We provide a brief equation suitable for hand calculators or mathematical modeling, accounting for these factors over a wide range of temperatures and solution densities for use in rapidly changing conditions, such as extreme exercise or osmotic transients, with better than 0.5% accuracy. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Magnetospheric Control of Density and Composition in the Polar Ionosphere

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-24

and C. Valladares, Global aspects of plasma structures, J. Atmos. Sol. Terr . Phys., 61, 127–139, doi: 10.1016/S1364-6826(98)00122-9, 1999. Brambles...ionospheric outflow, J. Atmos. Sol. Terr . Phys., 62, 399–420, doi: 10.1016/S1364-6826(00)00017-1, 2000. Semeter, J., and M. Zettergren, Model-Based

Solid materials for removing metals and fabrication method

DOEpatents

Coronado, Paul R.; Reynolds, John G.; Coleman, Sabre J.

2004-10-19

Solid materials have been developed to remove contaminating metals and organic compounds from aqueous media. The contaminants are removed by passing the aqueous phase through the solid materials which can be in molded, granular, or powder form. The solid materials adsorb the metals and the organics leaving a purified aqueous stream. The materials are sol-gel and or sol-gel and granulated activated carbon (GAC) mixtures. The species-specific adsorption occurs through specific chemical modifications of the solids tailored towards the contaminant(s). The contaminated solid materials can then be disposed of or the contaminant can be removed and the solids recycled.

Immobilized lipid-bilayer materials

DOEpatents

Sasaki, Darryl Y.; Loy, Douglas A.; Yamanaka, Stacey A.

2000-01-01

A method for preparing encapsulated lipid-bilayer materials in a silica matrix comprising preparing a silica sol, mixing a lipid-bilayer material in the silica sol and allowing the mixture to gel to form the encapsulated lipid-bilayer material. The mild processing conditions allow quantitative entrapment of pre-formed lipid-bilayer materials without modification to the material's spectral characteristics. The method allows for the immobilization of lipid membranes to surfaces. The encapsulated lipid-bilayer materials perform as sensitive optical sensors for the detection of analytes such as heavy metal ions and can be used as drug delivery systems and as separation devices.

Biodegradable magnesium alloys for orthopaedic applications: A review on corrosion, biocompatibility and surface modifications.

PubMed

Agarwal, Sankalp; Curtin, James; Duffy, Brendan; Jaiswal, Swarna

2016-11-01

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have been extensively explored as potential biodegradable implant materials for orthopaedic applications (e.g. Fracture fixation). However, the rapid corrosion of Mg based alloys in physiological conditions has delayed their introduction for therapeutic applications to date. The present review focuses on corrosion, biocompatibility and surface modifications of biodegradable Mg alloys for orthopaedic applications. Initially, the corrosion behaviour of Mg alloys and the effect of alloying elements on corrosion and biocompatibility is discussed. Furthermore, the influence of polymeric deposit coatings, namely sol-gel, synthetic aliphatic polyesters and natural polymers on corrosion and biological performance of Mg and its alloy for orthopaedic applications are presented. It was found that inclusion of alloying elements such as Al, Mn, Ca, Zn and rare earth elements provides improved corrosion resistance to Mg alloys. It has been also observed that sol-gel and synthetic aliphatic polyesters based coatings exhibit improved corrosion resistance as compared to natural polymers, which has higher biocompatibility due to their biomimetic nature. It is concluded that, surface modification is a promising approach to improve the performance of Mg-based biomaterials for orthopaedic applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical studies of fast ion slowing down rates in cool magnetized plasma using LSP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Eugene S.; Kolmes, Elijah; Cohen, Samuel A.; Rognlien, Tom; Cohen, Bruce; Meier, Eric; Welch, Dale R.

2016-10-01

In MFE devices, rapid transport of fusion products from the core into the scrape-off layer (SOL) could perform the dual roles of energy and ash removal. The first-orbit trajectories of most fusion products from small field-reversed configuration (FRC) devices will traverse the SOL, allowing those particles to deposit their energy in the SOL and be exhausted along the open field lines. Thus, the fast ion slowing-down time should affect the energy balance of an FRC reactor and its neutron emissions. However, the dynamics of fast ion energy loss processes under the conditions expected in the FRC SOL (with ρe <λDe) are analytically complex, and not yet fully understood. We use LSP, a 3D electromagnetic PIC code, to examine the effects of SOL density and background B-field on the slowing-down time of fast ions in a cool plasma. As we use explicit algorithms, these simulations must spatially resolve both ρe and λDe, as well as temporally resolve both Ωe and ωpe, increasing computation time. Scaling studies of the fast ion charge (Z) and background plasma density are in good agreement with unmagnetized slowing down theory. Notably, Z-scaling represents a viable way to dramatically reduce the required CPU time for each simulation. This work was supported, in part, by DOE Contract Number DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Structural and Luminescence Properties of Lu2O3:Eu3+ F127 Tri-Block Copolymer Modified Thin Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

PubMed Central

de Jesus Morales Ramírez, Angel; Hernández, Margarita García; Murillo, Antonieta García; de Jesús Carrillo Romo, Felipe; Palmerin, Joel Moreno; Velazquez, Dulce Yolotzin Medina; Jota, María Luz Carrera

2013-01-01

Lu2O3:Eu3+ transparent, high density, and optical quality thin films were prepared using the sol-gel dip-coating technique, starting with lutetium and europium nitrates as precursors and followed by hydrolysis in an ethanol-ethylene glycol solution. Acetic acid and acetylacetonate were incorporated in order to adjust pH and as a sol stabilizer. In order to increment the thickness of the films and orient the structure, F127 Pluronic acid was incorporated during the sol formation. Structural, morphological, and optical properties of the films were investigated for different F127/Lu molar ratios (0–5) in order to obtain high optical quality films with enhanced thickness compared with the traditional method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films present a highly oriented cubic structure <111> beyond 1073 K for a 3-layer film, on silica glass substrates. The thickness, density, porosity, and refractive index evolution of the films were investigated by means of m-lines microscopy along with the morphology by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and luminescent properties. PMID:28809336

TEM and STEM Studies on the Cross-sectional Morphologies of Dual-/Tri-layer Broadband SiO2 Antireflective Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuangyue; Yan, Hongwei; Li, Dengji; Qiao, Liang; Han, Shaobo; Yuan, Xiaodong; Liu, Wei; Xiang, Xia; Zu, Xiaotao

2018-02-01

Dual-layer and tri-layer broadband antireflective (AR) films with excellent transmittance were successfully fabricated using base-/acid-catalyzed mixed sols and propylene oxide (PO) modified silica sols. The sols and films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). FTIR and TEM results suggest that the PO molecules were covalently bonded to the silica particles and the bridge structure existing in PO modified silica sol is responsible for the low density of the top layer. The density ratio between different layers was measured by cross-sectional STEM, and the results are 1.69:1 and 2.1:1.7:1 from bottom-layer to top-layer for dual-layer and tri-layer films, respectively. The dual-layer film demonstrates good stability with 99.8% at the central wavelength of 351 nm and nearly 99.5% at the central wavelength of 1053 nm in laser system, and for the tri-layer AR film, the maximum transmittance reached nearly 100% at both the central wavelengths of 527 and 1053 nm.

Characterization of the bioactive and mechanical behavior of dental ceramic/sol-gel derived bioactive glass mixtures.

PubMed

Abbasi, Zahra; Bahrololoum, Mohammad E; Bagheri, Rafat; Shariat, Mohammad H

2016-02-01

Dental ceramics can be modified by bioactive glasses in order to develop apatite layer on their surface. One of the benefits of such modification is to prolong the lifetime of the fixed dental prosthesis by preventing the formation of secondary caries. Dental ceramic/sol-gel derived bioactive glass mixture is one of the options for this modification. In the current study, mixtures of dental ceramic/bioactive glass with different compositions were successfully produced. To evaluate their bioactive behavior, prepared samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid at various time intervals. The prepared and soaked specimens were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. Since bioactive glasses have deleterious effects on the mechanical properties of dental ceramics, 3-point bending tests were used to evaluate the flexural strength, flexural strain, tangent modulus of elasticity and Weibull modulus of the specimens in order to find the optimal relationship between mechanical and bioactive properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of microspheres of triuranium octaoxide by simultaneous water and nitrate extraction from ascorbate-uranyl sols.

PubMed

Brykala, M; Deptula, A; Rogowski, M; Lada, W; Olczak, T; Wawszczak, D; Smolinski, T; Wojtowicz, P; Modolo, G

A new method for synthesis of uranium oxide microspheres (diameter <100 μm) has been developed. It is a variant of our patented Complex Sol-Gel Process, which has been used to synthesize high-quality powders of a wide variety of complex oxides. Starting uranyl-nitrate-ascorbate sols were prepared by addition of ascorbic acid to uranyl nitrate hexahydrate solution and alkalizing by aqueous ammonium hydroxide and then emulsified in 2-ethylhexanol-1 containing 1v/o SPAN-80. Drops of emulsion were firstly gelled by extraction of water by the solvent. Destruction of the microspheres during thermal treatment, owing to highly reactive components in the gels, requires modification of the gelation step by Double Extraction Process-simultaneously extraction of water and nitrates using Primene JMT, which completely eliminates these problem. Final step was calcination in air of obtained microspheres of gels to triuranium octaoxide.

Novel carboxy functionalized sol-gel precursors

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

Wolter, H.; Storch, W.; Gellermann, C.

1996-12-31

A novel family of inorganic-organic copolymers (ORMOCER`s) derived from urethane- and thioether(meth)acrylate alkoxysilanes has been successfully exploited for a variety of diverse applications. In order to widen the range of applications an additional functionality (carboxy group) has been incorporated int his silane type. Conventional sol-gel processing facilitates the formation of an inorganic Si-O-Si-network via hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of alkoxysilyl moieties and in addition, the (meth)acrylate groups are available for radically induced polymerization to obtain a complementary organic polymer structure. The presence of a carboxy group would appear to have great potential for a range of diverse areas of application,more » such as an internal catalyst for the sol-gel process, complexation of elements such as Zr and Ti, increasing the adhesion to various substrates and modification of solubility. A number of novel silanes and their syntheses will be described in this paper.« less

[Study on surface modification and biocompatibility of NiTi alloy intravascular stents].

PubMed

Shen, Yang; Wang, Gui-xue; Quan, Xue-jun; Yu, Qing-song

2006-01-01

This paper introduces the surface modification of NiTi alloy intravascular stents for roughness by chemical erosion and plasma deposition technology. The stent which had been granulated with chemical erosion was treated with TiO2 film prepared with Gel-sol. The study on the biocompatibility of the modified stent by the above two ways shows that the modified stent is rougher, and its anticoagulation and hydrophilicity are improved. However, the capability of erosion resistance is not enhanced significantly.

Chemical Sensors Based on IR Spectroscopy and Surface-Modified Waveguides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lopez, Gabriel P.; Niemczyk, Thomas

1999-01-01

Sol-gel processing techniques have been used to apply thin porous films to the surfaces of planar infrared (IR) waveguides to produce widely useful chemical sensors. The thin- film coating serves to diminish the concentration of water and increase the concentration of the analyte in the region probed by the evanescent IR wave. These porous films are composed of silica, and therefore, conventional silica surface modification techniques can be used to give the surface a specific functional character. The sol-gel film was surface-modified to make the film highly hydrophobic. These sensors were shown to be capable of detecting non-polar organic analytes, such as benzonitrile, in aqueous solution with detection limits in the ppb range. Further, these porous sol-gel structures allow the analytes to diffuse into and out of the films rapidly, thus reaching equilibrium in less than ten seconds. These sensors are unique because of the fact that their operation is based on the measurement of an IR absorption spectrum. Thus, these sensors are able to identify the analytes as well as measure concentration with high sensitivity. These developments have been documented in previous reports and publications. Recently, we have also targeted detection of the polar organic molecules acetone and isopropanol in aqueous solution. Polar organics are widely used in industrial and chemical processes, hence it is of interest to monitor their presence in effluents or decontamination process flows. Although large improvements in detection limits were expected with non-polar organic molecules in aqueous solutions using very hydrophobic porous sol-gel films on silicon attenuated total reflectance (Si ATR) waveguides, it was not as clear what the detection enhancements might be for polar organic molecules. This report describes the use of modified sol-gel-coated Si ATR sensors for trace detection and quantitation of small polar organic molecules in aqueous solutions. The detection of both acetone and isopropanol molecules in aqueous solution has been previously reported for chalcogenide fiber optic sensors. The sol-gel film was produced using a mixture of ethyltriethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane and the surface modification was carried out using trimethylchlorosilane. We have demonstrated that this film concentrates the target polar analytes from aqueous solution in the region probed by the evanescent wave to improve detection limits by as much as a factor of 450.

Plasma particle sources due to interactions with neutrals in a turbulent scrape-off layer of a toroidally confined plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thrysøe, A. S.; Løiten, M.; Madsen, J.; Naulin, V.; Nielsen, A. H.; Rasmussen, J. Juul

2018-03-01

The conditions in the edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) of magnetically confined plasmas determine the overall performance of the device, and it is of great importance to study and understand the mechanics that drive transport in those regions. If a significant amount of neutral molecules and atoms is present in the edge and SOL regions, those will influence the plasma parameters and thus the plasma confinement. In this paper, it is displayed how neutrals, described by a fluid model, introduce source terms in a plasma drift-fluid model due to inelastic collisions. The resulting source terms are included in a four-field drift-fluid model, and it is shown how an increasing neutral particle density in the edge and SOL regions influences the plasma particle transport across the last-closed-flux-surface. It is found that an appropriate gas puffing rate allows for the edge density in the simulation to be self-consistently maintained due to ionization of neutrals in the confined region.

Control of ion gyroscale fluctuations via electrostatic biasing and sheared E×B flow in the C-2 field reversed configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitz, L.; Ruskov, E.; Deng, B. H.; Binderbauer, M.; Tajima, T.; Gota, H.; Tuszewski, M.

2016-03-01

Control of radial particle and thermal transport is instrumental for achieving and sustaining well-confined high-β plasma in a Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC). Radial profiles of low frequency ion gyro-scale density fluctuations (0.5≤kρs≤40), consistent with drift- or drift-interchange modes, have been measured in the scrape-off layer (SOL) and core of the C-2 Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC), together with the toroidal E×B velocity. It is shown here that axial electrostatic SOL biasing controls and reduces gyro-scale density fluctuations, resulting in very low FRC core fluctuation levels. When the radial E×B flow shearing rate decreases below the turbulence decorrelation rate, fluctuation levels increase substantially, concomitantly with onset of the n=2 instability and rapid loss of diamagnetism. Low turbulence levels, improved energy/particle confinement and substantially increased FRC life times are achieved when E×B shear near the separatrix is maintained via axial SOL biasing using an annular washer gun.

Two-Step Sintering Behavior of Sol-Gel Derived Dense and Submicron-Grained YIG Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ruoyuan; Zhou, Jijun; Zheng, Liang; Zheng, Hui; Zheng, Peng; Ying, Zhihua; Deng, Jiangxia

2018-04-01

In this work, dense and submicron-grain yttrium iron garnet (YIG, Y3Fe5O12) ceramics were fabricated by a two-step sintering (TSS) method using nano-size YIG powder prepared by a citrate sol-gel method. The densification, microstructure, magnetic properties and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) linewidth of the ceramics were investigated. The sample prepared at 1300°C in T 1, 1225°C in T 2 and 18 h holding time has a density higher than 98% of the theoretical value and exhibits a homogeneous microstructure with fine grain size (0.975 μm). In addition, the saturation magnetization ( M S) of this sample reaches 27.18 emu/g. High density and small grain size can also achieve small FMR linewidth. Consequently, these results show that the sol-gel process combined with the TSS process can effectively suppress grain-boundary migration while maintaining active grain-boundary diffusion to obtain dense and fine-grained YIG ceramics with appropriate magnetic properties.

Electrochemical performance of LiCoO 2 cathodes by surface modification using lanthanum aluminum garnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Cheng-Zhang; Chen, Jin-Ming; Cho, Yung-Da; Hsu, Wen-Hsiang; Muralidharan, P.; Fey, George Ting-Kuo

LiCoO 2 particles were coated with various wt.% of lanthanum aluminum garnets (3LaAlO 3:Al 2O 3) by an in situ sol-gel process, followed by calcination at 1123 K for 12 h in air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of a 3LaAlO 3:Al 2O 3 compound and the in situ sol-gel process synthesized 3LaAlO 3:Al 2O 3-coated LiCoO 2 was a single-phase hexagonal α-NaFeO 2-type structure of the core material without any modification. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed a modification of the surface of the cathode particles. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images exposed that the surface of the core material was coated with a uniform compact layer of 3LaAlO 3:Al 2O 3, which had an average thickness of 40 nm. Galvanostatic cycling studies demonstrated that the 1.0 wt.% 3LaAlO 3:Al 2O 3-coated LiCoO 2 cathode showed excellent cycle stability of 182 cycles, which was much higher than the 38 cycles sustained by the pristine LiCoO 2 cathode material when it was charged at 4.4 V.

Dual wavelength imaging of a scrape-off layer in an advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration

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

Osin, D.; Schindler, T., E-mail: dosin@trialphaenergy.com

2016-11-15

A dual wavelength imaging system has been developed and installed on C-2U to capture 2D images of a He jet in the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL) of an advanced beam-driven Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) plasma. The system was designed to optically split two identical images and pass them through 1 nm FWHM filters. Dual wavelength images are focused adjacent on a large format CCD chip and recorded simultaneously with a time resolution down to 10 μs using a gated micro-channel plate. The relatively compact optical system images a 10 cm plasma region with a spatial resolution of 0.2 cm and can bemore » used in a harsh environment with high electro-magnetic noise and high magnetic field. The dual wavelength imaging system provides 2D images of either electron density or temperature by observing spectral line pairs emitted by He jet atoms in the SOL. A large field of view, combined with good space and time resolution of the imaging system, allows visualization of macro-flows in the SOL. First 2D images of the electron density and temperature observed in the SOL of the C-2U FRC are presented.« less

Pedestal and edge electrostatic turbulence characteristics from an XGC1 gyrokinetic simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Churchill, R. M.; Chang, C. S.; Ku, S.; Dominski, J.

2017-10-01

Understanding the multi-scale neoclassical and turbulence physics in the edge region (pedestal + scrape-off layer (SOL)) is required in order to reliably predict performance in future fusion devices. We explore turbulent characteristics in the edge region from a multi-scale neoclassical and turbulent XGC1 gyrokinetic simulation in a DIII-D like tokamak geometry, here excluding neutrals and collisions. For an H-mode type plasma with steep pedestal, it is found that the electron density fluctuations increase towards the separatrix, and stay high well into the SOL, reaching a maximum value of δ {n}e/{\\bar{n}}e˜ 0.18. Blobs are observed, born around the magnetic separatrix surface and propagate radially outward with velocities generally less than 1 km s-1. Strong poloidal motion of the blobs is also present, near 20 km s-1, consistent with E × B rotation. The electron density fluctuations show a negative skewness in the closed field-line pedestal region, consistent with the presence of ‘holes’, followed by a transition to strong positive skewness across the separatrix and into the SOL. These simulations indicate that not only neoclassical phenomena, but also turbulence, including the blob-generation mechanism, can remain important in the steep H-mode pedestal and SOL. Qualitative comparisons will be made to experimental observations.

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

Churchill, R. M.; Chang, C. S.; Ku, S.

Understanding the multi-scale neoclassical and turbulence physics in the edge region (pedestal + scrape-off layer (SOL)) is required in order to reliably predict performance in future fusion devices. We explore turbulent characteristics in the edge region from a multi-scale neoclassical and turbulent XGC1 gyrokinetic simulation in a DIII-D like tokamak geometry, here excluding neutrals and collisions. For an H-mode type plasma with steep pedestal, it is found that the electron density fluctuations increase towards the separatrix, and stay high well into the SOL, reaching a maximum value ofmore » $$\\delta {n}_{e}/{\\bar{n}}_{e}\\sim 0.18$$. Blobs are observed, born around the magnetic separatrix surface and propagate radially outward with velocities generally less than 1 km s –1. Strong poloidal motion of the blobs is also present, near 20 km s –1, consistent with E × B rotation. The electron density fluctuations show a negative skewness in the closed field-line pedestal region, consistent with the presence of 'holes', followed by a transition to strong positive skewness across the separatrix and into the SOL. These simulations indicate that not only neoclassical phenomena, but also turbulence, including the blob-generation mechanism, can remain important in the steep H-mode pedestal and SOL. Lastly, qualitative comparisons will be made to experimental observations.« less

Chemistry and Processing of Nanostructured Materials

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

Fox, G A; Baumann, T F; Hope-Weeks, L J

2002-01-18

Nanostructured materials can be formed through the sol-gel polymerization of inorganic or organic monomer systems. For example, a two step polymerization of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) was developed such that silica aerogels with densities as low as 3 kg/m{sup 3} ({approx} two times the density of air) could be achieved. Organic aerogels based upon resorcinol-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde can also be prepared using the sol-gel process. Materials of this type have received significant attention at LLNL due to their ultrafine cell sizes, continuous porosity, high surface area and low mass density. For both types of aerogels, sol-gel polymerization depends upon the transformation ofmore » these monomers into nanometer-sized clusters followed by cross-linking into a 3-dimensional gel network. While sol-gel chemistry provides the opportunity to synthesize new material compositions, it suffers from the inability to separate the process of cluster formation from gelation. This limitation results in structural deficiencies in the gel that impact the physical properties of the aerogel, xerogel or nanocomposite. In order to control the properties of the resultant gel, one should be able to regulate the formation of the clusters and their subsequent cross-linking. Towards this goal, we are utilizing dendrimer chemistry to separate the cluster formation from the gelation so that new nanostructured materials can be produced. Dendrimers are three-dimensional, highly branched macromolecules that are prepared in such a way that their size, shape and surface functionality are readily controlled. The dendrimers will be used as pre-formed clusters of known size that can be cross-linked to form an ordered gel network.« less

A new strategy for surface modification of polysulfone membrane by in situ imprinted sol-gel method for the selective separation and screening of L-Tyrosine as a lung cancer biomarker.

PubMed

Moein, Mohammad Mahdi; Javanbakht, Mehran; Karimi, Mohammad; Akbari-adergani, Behrouz; Abdel-Rehim, Mohamed

2015-03-21

In this work, a novel method based on in situ molecularly imprinted sol-gel for the surface modification of a polysulfone membrane (PSM) was developed. A modified molecularly imprinted sol-gel polysulfone membrane (MSM) was placed in a homemade plastic tube and coupled on-line with LC/MS/MS for the selective extraction and screening of l-Tyrosine (Tyr) as a tentative lung cancer biomarker in human plasma samples. The existence of molecularly imprinted sol-gel layers on both sides of a PSM was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the role of precursor in the extraction performance, repeatability, and selectivity of developed method, three precursors, 3-(propylmethacrylate) trimethoxysilane (P1), 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propylamine (P2), tetraethyl orthosilicate (P3), individually and together were used for treatment of PSM. Our investigation showed that a single precursor's route is more repeatable, straightforward, precise, accurate, and selective for the extraction of Tyr in plasma samples. Moreover, to achieve the best conditions and extraction efficiency, the effect of influential parameters, including the conditioning, washing, and elution of solvents, sample flow rate, loading time, desorption time, loading sample volume, salt effect, pH, and adsorption capacity for the most efficiently prepared membranes were truly investigated. The non-molecularly imprinted sol-gel polysulfone membrane (NSM) was prepared as a blank via the same process but in the absence of the Tyr. The LOD (S/N = 3/1) was 0.1 nmol L(-1) and the LOQ (S/N = 10/1) was 0.34 nmol L(-1) for Tyr in the plasma samples. The linearity for the Tyr was in the range of 0.34-2000 nmol L(-1) in the plasma samples. The coefficients of determination values were ≥0.998 for all runs. The extraction recovery was between 80%-85% for Tyr in the plasma samples. In addition, MSM could be used for up to 50 extractions without a significant change in recovery percentage.

Synthesis, Consolidation and Characterization of Sol-gel Derived Tantalum-Tungsten Oxide Thermite Composites

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

Cervantes, O

2010-06-01

Energetic composite powders consisting of sol-gel (SG) derived nanostructured tungsten oxide were produced with various amounts of micrometer-scale tantalum fuel metal. Such energetic composite powders were ignition-tested and results show that the powders are not sensitive to friction, spark and/or impact ignition. Initial consolidation experiments, using the High Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (HPSPS) technique, on the SG derived nanostructured tungsten oxide produced samples with higher relative density than can be achieved with commercially available tungsten oxide. The SG derived nanostructured tungsten oxide with immobilized tantalum fuel metal (Ta - WO3) energetic composite was consolidated to a density of 9.17 g·cm-3more » or 93% relative density. In addition, those samples were consolidated without significant pre-reaction of the constituents, thus retaining their stored chemical energy.« less

A Sol-Gel-Modified Poly(methyl methacrylate) Electrophoresis Microchip with a Hydrophilic Channel Wall

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

Chen, Gang; Xu, Xuejiao; Lin, Yuehe

2007-07-27

A sol-gel method was employed to fabricate a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) electrophoresis microchip that contains a hydrophilic channel wall. To fabricate such a device, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was injected into the PMMA channel and was allowed to diffuse into the surface layer for 24 h. After removing the excess TEOS, the channel was filled with an acidic solution for 3 h. Subsequently, the channel was flushed with water and was pretreated in an oven to obtain a sol-gel-modified PMMA microchip. The water contact angle for the sol-gel-modified PMMA was 27.4° compared with 66.3° for the pure PMMA. In addition, the electro-osmoticmore » flow increased from 2.13×10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 for the native-PMMA channel to 4.86×10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 for the modified one. The analytical performance of the sol-gel-modified PMMA microchip was demonstrated for the electrophoretic separation of several purines, coupled with amperometric detection. The separation efficiency of uric acid increased to 74 882.3 m-1 compared with 14 730.5 m-1 for native-PMMA microchips. The result of this simple modification is a significant improvement in the performance of PMMA for microchip electrophoresis and microfluidic applications.« less

Impact of the plasma geometry on divertor power exhaust: experimental evidence from TCV and simulations with SolEdge2D and TOKAM3X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallo, A.; Fedorczak, N.; Elmore, S.; Maurizio, R.; Reimerdes, H.; Theiler, C.; Tsui, C. K.; Boedo, J. A.; Faitsch, M.; Bufferand, H.; Ciraolo, G.; Galassi, D.; Ghendrih, P.; Valentinuzzi, M.; Tamain, P.; the EUROfusion MST1 Team; the TCV Team

2018-01-01

A deep understanding of plasma transport at the edge of magnetically confined fusion plasmas is needed for the handling and control of heat loads on the machine first wall. Experimental observations collected on a number of tokamaks over the last three decades taught us that heat flux profiles at the divertor targets of X-point configurations can be parametrized by using two scale lengths for the scrape-off layer (SOL) transport, separately characterizing the main SOL ({λ }q) and the divertor SOL (S q ). In this work we challenge the current interpretation of these two scale lengths as well as their dependence on plasma parameters by studying the effect of divertor geometry modifications on heat exhaust in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable. In particular, a significant broadening of the heat flux profiles at the outer divertor target is diagnosed while increasing the length of the outer divertor leg in lower single null, Ohmic, L-mode discharges. Efforts to reproduce this experimental finding with both diffusive (SolEdge2D-EIRENE) and turbulent (TOKAM3X) modelling tools confirm the validity of a diffusive approach for simulating heat flux profiles in more traditional, short leg, configurations while highlighting the need of a turbulent description for modified, long leg, ones in which strongly asymmetric divertor perpendicular transport develops.

Preparation, purification, and characterization of aminopropyl-functionalized silica sol.

PubMed

Pálmai, Marcell; Nagy, Lívia Naszályi; Mihály, Judith; Varga, Zoltán; Tárkányi, Gábor; Mizsei, Réka; Szigyártó, Imola Csilla; Kiss, Teréz; Kremmer, Tibor; Bóta, Attila

2013-01-15

A new, simple, and "green" method was developed for the surface modification of 20 nm diameter Stöber silica particles with 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane in ethanol. The bulk polycondensation of the reagent was inhibited and the stability of the sol preserved by adding a small amount of glacial acetic acid after appropriate reaction time. Centrifugation, ultrafiltration, and dialysis were compared in order to choose a convenient purification technique that allows the separation of unreacted silylating agent from the nanoparticles without destabilizing the sol. The exchange of the solvent to acidic water during the purification yielded a stable colloid, as well. Structural and morphological analysis of the obtained aminopropyl silica was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), (13)C and (29)Si MAS nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, as well as small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Our investigations revealed that the silica nanoparticle surfaces were partially covered with aminopropyl groups, and multilayer adsorption followed by polycondensation of the silylating reagent was successfully avoided. The resulting stable aminopropyl silica sol (ethanolic or aqueous) is suitable for biomedical uses due to its purity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Effect of silicon coating on bonding strength of ceramics and titanium].

PubMed

Zhou, Shu; Wang, Yu; Zhang, Fei-Min; Guang, Han-Bing

2009-06-01

This study investigated the effect of silicon coating (SiO2) by solution-gelatin (Sol-Gel) technology on bonding strength of titanium and ceramics. Sixteen pure titanium specimens with the size of 25 mm x 3 mm x 0.5 mm were divided into two groups (n=8), test group was silicon coated by Sol-Gel technology, the other one was control group. The middle area of the samples were veneered with Vita Titankeramik system, the phase composition of two specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bonding strength of titanium/porcelain was evaluated using three-point bending test. The interface of titanium and porcelain and fractured titanium surface were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy depressive spectrum (EDS). Contents of surface silicon increased after modification with silicon coated by Sol-Gel technology. The mean bonding strength of test group and control group were (37.768 +/- 0.777) MPa and (29.483 +/- 1.007) MPa. There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.000) between them. The bonded ceramic boundary of test group was wider than control group. Silicon coating by Sol-Gel technology was significant in improving bonding strength of titanium/Vita Titankeramik system.

The Role of an Electric Field in the Formation of a Detached Regime in Tokamak Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senichenkov, I.; Kaveeva, E.; Rozhansky, V.; Sytova, E.; Veselova, I.; Voskoboynikov, S.; Coster, D.

2018-03-01

Modeling of the transition to the detachment of ASDEX Upgrade tokamak plasma with increasing density is performed using the SOLPS-ITER numerical code with a self-consistent account of drifts and currents. Their role in plasma redistribution both in the confinement region and in the scrape-off layer (SOL) is investigated. The mechanism of high field side high-density formation in the SOL in the course of detachment is suggested. In the full detachment regime, when the cold plasma region expands above the X-point and reaches closed magnetic-flux surfaces, plasma perturbation in a confined region may lead to a change in the confinement regime.

Kinetic simulations of scrape-off layer physics in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Churchill, Randy M.; Canik, John M.; Chang, C. S.; ...

2016-12-27

Simulations using the fully kinetic code XGCa were undertaken to explore the impact of kinetic effects on scrape-off layer (SOL) physics in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. XGCa is a total- f, gyrokinetic code which self-consistently calculates the axisymmetric electrostatic potential and plasma dynamics, and includes modules for Monte Carlo neutral transport. Fluid simulations are normally used to simulate the SOL, due to its high collisionality. However, depending on plasma conditions, a number of discrepancies have been observed between experiment and leading SOL fluid codes (e.g. SOLPS), including underestimating outer target temperatures, radial electric field in the SOL, parallel ion SOL flowsmore » at the low field side, and impurity radiation. Many of these discrepancies may be linked to the fluid treatment, and might be resolved by including kinetic effects in SOL simulations. The XGCa simulation of the DIII-D tokamak in a nominally sheath-limited regime show many noteworthy features in the SOL. The density and ion temperature are higher at the low-field side, indicative of ion orbit loss. The SOL ion Mach flows are at experimentally relevant levels ( Mi ~0.5), with similar shapes and poloidal variation as observed in various tokamaks. Surprisingly, the ion Mach flows close to the sheath edge remain subsonic, in contrast to the typical fluid Bohm criterion requiring ion flows to be above sonic at the sheath edge. Related to this are the presence of elevated sheath potentials, eΔΦ/T e ~ 3–4, over most of the SOL, with regions in the near-SOL close to the separatrix having eΔΦ/Te > 4. Finally, these two results at the sheath edge are a consequence of non-Maxwellian features in the ions and electrons there.« less

Palladium-zinc catalysts on mesoporous titania prepared by colloid synthesis. II. Synthesis and characterization of PdZn/TiO2 coating on inner surface of fused silica capillary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okhlopkova, Lyudmila B.; Kerzhentsev, Michail A.; Tuzikov, Fedor V.; Larichev, Yurii V.; Ismagilov, Zinfer R.

2012-09-01

Nanoparticle-doped mesoporous titania coating was synthesized by incorporation of PdZn nanoparticles into TiO2 sol followed by dip coating of the sol on inner surface of fused silica capillary. Monodispersed PdZn bimetallic colloidal particles with average particle diameters of approximately 2 nm have been prepared by an ethylene glycol reduction of ZnCl2 and Pd(CH3COO)2 in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone. The textural properties, surface structure, chemical composition, and morphology of the samples were investigated by means of N2 sorption measurements, TEM, and X-ray diffraction. PdZn/TiO2 coating has been further analyzed by quantitative analysis of the SAXS data in combination with the density contrast method, providing direct structural-dispersion information about the active component and support. Calcination conditions suitable for surfactant removal have been optimized to obtain PdZn/TiO2 coatings with required metal particle size and composition. The high dispersion and chemical composition of the nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous titania coating have been retained with no modification after thermal treatment in vacuum at 300 °C. Results suggest how porous structure of the PdZn coating may be fine-tuned to improve the accessibility of the pores to reactants. The control of the pore size in the range of 4.9-6.8 nm of the mesoporous titania was achieved by adding co-surfactants, such as n-butanol.

Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the leg motor area on lumbar spinal network excitability in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Roche, N; Lackmy, A; Achache, V; Bussel, B; Katz, R

2011-01-01

Abstract In recent years, two techniques have become available for the non-invasive stimulation of human motor cortex: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The effects of TMS and tDCS when applied over motor cortex should be considered with regard not only to cortical circuits but also to spinal motor circuits. The different modes of action and specificity of TMS and tDCS suggest that their effects on spinal network excitability may be different from that in the cortex. Until now, the effects of tDCS on lumbar spinal network excitability have never been studied. In this series of experiments, on healthy subjects, we studied the effects of anodal tDCS over the lower limb motor cortex on (i) reciprocal Ia inhibition projecting from the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) to the soleus (SOL), (ii) presynaptic inhibition of SOL Ia terminals, (iii) homonymous SOL recurrent inhibition, and (iv) SOL H-reflex recruitment curves. The results show that anodal tDCS decreases reciprocal Ia inhibition, increases recurrent inhibition and induces no modification of presynaptic inhibition of SOL Ia terminals and of SOL-H reflex recruitment curves. Our results indicate therefore that the effects of tDCS are the opposite of those previously described for TMS on spinal network excitability. They also indicate that anodal tDCS induces effects on spinal network excitability similar to those observed during co-contraction suggesting that anodal tDCS activates descending corticospinal projections mainly involved in co-contractions. PMID:21502292

Durable flame retardant finish for silk fabric using boron hybrid silica sol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiang-hua; Gu, Jiali; Chen, Guo-qiang; Xing, Tie-ling

2016-11-01

A hybrid silica sol was prepared via sol gel method using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a precursor and boric acid (H3BO3) as flame retardant additive and then applied to silk fabric. In order to endow silk fabric with durable flame retardancy, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was used as cross-linking agent for the sake of strong linkage formation between the hybrid silica sol and silk fabric. The FT-IR and XPS analysis demonstrated the Si-O-B formation in the sol system, as well as the linkage between the sol and silk after the treatment. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and smoke density test indicated good flame retardancy and smoke suppression of the treated silk fabrics. The micro calorimeter combustion (MCC) test and thermo gravimetric (TG) analysis showed that the treated samples had less weight loss in the high temperature and lower heat release rate when burning. The washing durability evaluation results indicated that there was a distinct improvement for the silk samples treated with BTCA even after 30 times washing. In addition, the influence of the processing order of BTCA and silica sol treatment on the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the finished silk fabric was also investigated. And the results demonstrated that the sample treated with BTCA first and then with the silica sol exhibited better LOI value (32.3%) than that of the sample by the conversed treatment order. Moreover the tensile property of treated samples was nearly unchanged, but the handle of sol treated samples obviously decreased.

Edge properties with the liquid lithium limiter in FTU—experiment and transport modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pericoli-Ridolfini, V.; Apicella, M. L.; Mazzitelli, G.; Tudisco, O.; Zagórski, R.; FTU Team

2007-07-01

Liquid lithium as a plasma-facing material was tested for the first time on a high field medium size tokamak, FTU. A liquid Li reservoir supplies a mesh of capillaries that is movable from shot to shot in the scrape-off layer (SOL) plasma to act as a secondary limiter. An almost complete lithization of the vacuum vessel walls is obtained in about three discharges. Plasmas cleaner than boronization and titanization, with lower radiation losses and smaller impurity content are produced. The SOL electron temperature increases, ΔTe ~ 10 eV, while density (ne) is less affected. The 2D multifluid code TECXY explains this only if a strong reduction of plasma recycling on the walls and main limiter occurs, consistent with the high Li hydrogen pumping capability. This property also permits a much tighter control of the plasma density. With the Li limiter inserted inside the vessel poloidal asymmetries develop in the SOL that TECXY explains with a local increase of radiation, caused by enhanced evaporation/sputtering of Li. New regimes can be produced in such conditions with a clear increase in |∇ne/ne| and of the peaking factor ne0/

Optical detection of parasitic protozoa in sol-gel matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Livage, Jacques; Barreau, J. Y.; Da Costa, J. M.; Desportes, I.

1994-10-01

Whole cell parasitic protozoa have been entrapped within sol-gel porous silica matrices. Stationary phase promastigote cells of Leishmania donovani infantum are mixed with a silica sol before gelation occurs. They remain trapped within the growing oxide network and their cellular organization appears to be well preserved. Moreover protozoa retain their antigenic properties in the porous gel. They are still able to detect parasite specific antibodies in serum samples from infected patients via an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antigen- antibody associations occurring in the gel are optically detected via the reactions of a peroxidase conjugate with ortho-phenylenediamine leading to the formation of a yellow coloration. A clear-cut difference in optical density is measured between positive and negative sera. Such an entrapment of antigenic species into porous sol-gel matrices avoids the main problems due to non specific binding and could be advantageously used in diagnostic kits.

Structural and magnetic properties of Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 synthesized through the sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Beh Hoe; Zahari, Muhammad Hanif; Chuan, Lee Kean

2016-11-01

Modification of crystal structure by means of substitution would result in the modification of the overall physical properties of crystallite materials especially in ferrites. This study aims to investigate the effect of non-magnetic Zn substitution in spinel NiFe2O4 and its direct effect towards its microstructural and magnetic properties. Magnetic nanoparticles of Nickel-Zinc ferrite with the chemical formula, Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 (x=0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) were synthesized through the sol-gel route. Phase formation and structural properties of the synthesized ferrite were identified through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Magnetic properties such as the magnetic saturation, coercivity and remanence were measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD measurements reveals successful synthesis of single-phased Nickel ferrite and Nickel—Zinc ferrite. Both crystallite and grain size shows fluctuation with increasing Zn content. The ferrites were found to be ferrimagnetic in nature and show differing values with different x values.

Mean flows and blob velocities in scrape-off layer (SOLT) simulations of an L-mode discharge on Alcator C-Mod

DOE PAGES

Russell, D. A.; Myra, J. R.; D'Ippolito, D. A.; ...

2016-06-10

Two-dimensional scrape-off layer turbulence (SOLT) code simulations are compared with an L-mode discharge on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak [M. Greenwald, et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 110501 (2014)]. Density and temperature profiles for the simulations were obtained by smoothly fitting Thomson scattering and mirror Langmuir probe (MLP) data from the shot. Simulations differing in turbulence intensity were obtained by varying a dissipation parameter. Mean flow profiles and density fluctuation amplitudes are consistent with those measured by MLP in the experiment and with a Fourier space diagnostic designed to measure poloidal phase velocity. Blob velocities in the simulations were determined from themore » correlation function for density fluctuations, as in the analysis of gas-puff-imaging (GPI) blobs in the experiment. In the simulations, it was found that larger blobs moved poloidally with the ExB flow velocity, v E , in the near-SOL, while smaller fluctuations moved with the group velocity of the dominant linear (interchange) mode, v E + 1/2 v di, where v di is the ion diamagnetic drift velocity. Comparisons are made with the measured GPI correlation velocity for the discharge. The saturation mechanisms operative in the simulation of the discharge are also discussed. In conclusion, it is found that neither sheared flow nor pressure gradient modification can be excluded as saturation mechanisms.« less

Fabrication of hydrophobic compressed oil palm trunk surface by sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzakir, Syafiqah; Salim, Nurjannah; Huda Abu Bakar, Nurul; Roslan, Rasidi; Sin, Lim Wan; Hashim, Rokiah

2018-04-01

Improvement of the robustness of hydrophobic surfaces is crucial to achieving commercial applications of these surfaces in such various areas as self-cleaning, water repellency and corrosion resistance. Compressed oil palm trunk (OPT) panel is one of potential product which can be used as panelling and indoor furniture application. By adding hydrophobic properties to compressed oil palm trunk panel might increase the application of compressed oil palm trunk especially for outdoor application. In this study, fabrication is using the sol-gel technique. Sol-gel was prepared by adding ethanol with Hexadecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) solution with Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS) with surface modification of chlorotrimethylsilane (CTMS). The surface with hydrophobic coating was undergone surface analysis with contact angle machine with the aid of software SCA 20 and the determined of the morphology of surface with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The produced compressed oil palm trunk surfaces exhibited promising hydrophobic properties with a contact angle of 104° and the relatively better mechanical robustness.

Integrating sol-gel with cold plasmas modified porous polycaprolactone membranes for the drug-release of silver-sulfadiazine and ketoprofen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangindaan, Dave; Chen, Chao-Ting; Wang, Meng-Jiy

2012-12-01

A controlled release system composed of surface modified porous polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes combined with a layer of tetraorthosilicate (TEOS)-chitosan sol-gel was reported in this study. PCL is a hydrophobic, semi-crystalline, and biodegradable polymer with a relatively slow degradation rate. The drugs chosen for release experiments were silver-sulfadiazine (AgSD) and ketoprofen which were impregnated in the TEOS-chitosan sol-gel. The surface modification was achieved by O2 plasma and the surfaces were characterized by water contact angle (WCA) measurements, atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The results showed that the release of AgSD on O2 plasma treated porous PCL membranes was prolonged when compared with the pristine sample. On the contrary, the release rate of ketoprofen revealed no significant difference on pristine and plasma treated PCL membranes. The prepared PCL membranes showed good biocompatibility for the wound dressing biomaterial applications.

Silk flame retardant finish by ternary silica sol containing boron and nitrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiang-hua; Chen, Guo-qiang; Xing, Tie-ling

2017-11-01

A ternary flame retardant sol system containing Si, B and N was prepared via sol gel method using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a precursor, boric acid (H3BO3) and urea (CO(NH2)2) as flame retardant additives and then applied to silk fabric flame retardant finish. The FT-IR and SEM results showed that the nitrogen-boron-silica ternary sol was successfully prepared and entrapped onto the surface of silk fibers. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) test indicated that the silk fabric treated with 24% boric acid and 6% urea (relative to the TEOS) doped ternary silica sol system performed excellent flame retardancy with the LOI value of 34.6%. Furthermore, in order to endow silk fabric with durable flame retardancy, the silk fabric was pretreated with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) before the ternary sol system treatment. The BTCA pretreat ment applied to silk could effectively promote the washing durability of the ternary sol, and the LOI value of the treated sample after 10 times washing could still maintain at 30.8% compared with that of 31.0% before washing. Thermo gravimetric (TG), micro calorimeter combustion (MCC) and smoke density test results demonstrated that the thermal stability, heat release and smoke suppression of the nitrogen-boron-silica ternary system decreased somewhat compared with the boron-silica binary flame retardant system.

Dielectric Properties of Sol-Gel Derived Barium Strontium Titanate and Microwave Sintering of Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selmi, Fathi A.

This thesis consists of two areas of research: (1) sol-gel processing of Ba_{rm 1-x}Sr_{rm x} TiO_3 ceramics and their dielectric properties measurement; and (2) microwave versus conventional sintering of ceramics such as Al_2 O_3, Ba_{ rm 1-x}Sr_{rm x}TiO_3, Sb-doped SnO _2 and YBa_2Cu _3O_7. Sol-gel powders of BaTiO_3, SrTiO_3, and their solid solutions were synthesized by the hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide and Ba and Sr methoxyethoxides. The loss tangent and dielectric constant of both sol-gel and conventionally prepared and sintered Ba_{rm 1-x}Sr _{rm x}TiO _3 ceramics were investigated at high frequencies. The sol-gel prepared ceramics showed higher dielectric constant and lower loss compared to those prepared conventionally. Ba _{rm 1-x}Sr _{rm x}TiO_3 ceramics were tunable with applied bias, indicating the potential use of this material for phase shifter applications. Porous Ba_{0.65}Sr _{0.35}TiO_3 was also investigated to lower the dielectric constant. Microwave sintering of alpha -Al_2O_3 and SrTiO_3 was investigated using an ordinary kitchen microwave oven (2.45 GHz; 600 Watts). The use of microwaves with good insulation of alpha -Al_2O_3 and SrTiO_3 samples resulted in their rapid sintering with good final densities of 96 and 98% of the theoretical density, respectively. A comparison of grain size for conventionally and microwave sintered SrTiO_3 samples did not show a noticeable difference. However, the grain size of microwave sintered alpha-Al_2O _3 was found to be larger than that of conventionally sintered sample. These results show that rapid sintering of ceramics can be achieved by using microwave radiation. The sintering behavior of coprecipitated Sb-doped SnO_2 was investigated using microwave power absorption. With microwave power, samples were sintered at 1450^circC for 20 minutes and showed a density as high as 99.9% of theoretical. However, samples fired in a conventional electric furnace at the same temperature for 4 hours showed only 60% of theoretical density. Microwave sintering also led to improvement in terms of uniform structure and electrical properties. Ba_{0.65}Sr _{0.35}TiO_3 was sintered using the microwave power at 1300 ^circC for 10 minutes. A density of 99% was achieved with small and uniform grain size. Superconducting powders have been successfully prepared by the sol-gel process and sintered and annealed using microwave power. Sintering and densification was achieved in a shorter time with microwave heating than with conventional heating and microwave heating appears to result in refined microstructure.

Full wave simulations of helicon wave losses in the scrape-off-layer of the DIII-D tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lau, Cornwall; Jaeger, Fred; Berry, Lee; Bertelli, Nicola; Pinsker, Robert

2017-10-01

Helicon waves have been recently proposed as an off-axis current drive actuator for DIII-D. Previous modeling using the hot plasma, full wave code AORSA, has shown good agreement with the ray tracing code GENRAY for helicon wave propagation and absorption in the core plasma. AORSA, and a new, reduced finite-element-model show discrepancies between ray tracing and full wave occur in the scrape-off-layer (SOL), especially at high densities. The reduced model is much faster than AORSA, and reproduces most of the important features of the AORSA model. The reduced model also allows for larger parametric scans and for the easy use of arbitrary tokamak geometry. Results of the full wave codes, AORSA and COMSOL, will be shown for helicon wave losses in the SOL are shown for a large range of parameters, such as SOL density profiles, n||, radial and vertical locations of the antenna, and different tokamak vessel geometries. This work was supported by DE-AC05-00OR22725, DE-AC02-09CH11466, and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Pedestal and edge electrostatic turbulence characteristics from an XGC1 gyrokinetic simulation

DOE PAGES

Churchill, R. M.; Chang, C. S.; Ku, S.; ...

2017-08-30

Understanding the multi-scale neoclassical and turbulence physics in the edge region (pedestal + scrape-off layer (SOL)) is required in order to reliably predict performance in future fusion devices. We explore turbulent characteristics in the edge region from a multi-scale neoclassical and turbulent XGC1 gyrokinetic simulation in a DIII-D like tokamak geometry, here excluding neutrals and collisions. For an H-mode type plasma with steep pedestal, it is found that the electron density fluctuations increase towards the separatrix, and stay high well into the SOL, reaching a maximum value ofmore » $$\\delta {n}_{e}/{\\bar{n}}_{e}\\sim 0.18$$. Blobs are observed, born around the magnetic separatrix surface and propagate radially outward with velocities generally less than 1 km s –1. Strong poloidal motion of the blobs is also present, near 20 km s –1, consistent with E × B rotation. The electron density fluctuations show a negative skewness in the closed field-line pedestal region, consistent with the presence of 'holes', followed by a transition to strong positive skewness across the separatrix and into the SOL. These simulations indicate that not only neoclassical phenomena, but also turbulence, including the blob-generation mechanism, can remain important in the steep H-mode pedestal and SOL. Lastly, qualitative comparisons will be made to experimental observations.« less

Effects of inorganic acids and divalent hydrated metal cations (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+)) on γ-AlOOH sol-gel process.

PubMed

Zhang, Jian; Xia, Yuguo; Zhang, Li; Chen, Dairong; Jiao, Xiuling

2015-11-07

In-depth understanding of the sol-gel process plays an essential role in guiding the preparation of new materials. Herein, the effects of different inorganic acids (HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4) and divalent hydrated metal cations (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+)) on γ-AlOOH sol-gel process were studied based on experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In these experiments, the sol originating from the γ-AlOOH suspension was formed only with the addition of HCl and HNO3, but not with H2SO4. Furthermore, the DFT calculations showed that the strong adsorption of HSO4(-) on the surface of the γ-AlOOH particles, and the hydrogen in HSO4(-) pointing towards the solvent lead to an unstable configuration of electric double layer (EDL). In the experiment, the gelation time sequence of γ-AlOOH sol obtained by adding metal ions changed when the ionic strength was equal to or greater than 0.198 mol kg(-1). The DFT calculations demonstrated that the adsorption energy of hydrated metal ions on the γ-AlOOH surface can actually make a difference in the sol-gel process.

Fabrication and characterization of sol-gel derived 45S5 Bioglass®-ceramic scaffolds.

PubMed

Chen, Qi-Zhi; Thouas, George A

2011-10-01

Although Bioglass® has existed for nearly half a century its ability to trigger bone formation and tuneable degradability is vastly superior to other bioceramics, such as SiO(2)-CaO bioactive glasses. The sol-gel process of producing glass foams is well established for SiO(2)-CaO compositions, but not yet established for 45S5 composites containing Na(2)O. In this work the sol-gel derived 45S5 Bioglass® has for the first time been foamed into highly porous three-dimensional scaffolds using a surfactant, combined with vigorous mechanical stirring and subsequent sintering at 1000°C for 2 h. It was found that the mechanical strength of the sintered sol-gel derived Bioglass® scaffolds was significantly improved, attributable to the small fraction of material on the pore walls. More importantly, the compressive strength of the three-dimensional scaffolds produced by this surfactant foaming method could be predicted using Gibson and Ashby's closed cell model of porous networks. A comparative experiment revealed that ion release from the sol-gel derived Bioglass® foams was faster than that of counterparts produced by the replication technique. In vitro evaluation using osteoblast-like cells demonstrated that the sol-gel derived 45S5 Bioglass foams supported the proliferation of viable cell populations on the surface of the scaffolds, although few cells were observed to migrate into the virtually closed pores within the foams. Further work should be focused on modifications of the reaction conditions or alternative foaming techniques to improve pore interconnection. Copyright © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

VERUCLAY – a new type of photo-adsorbent active in the visible light range: modification of montmorillonite surface with organic surfactant

EPA Science Inventory

Montmorillonite K10 was treated with VeruSOL-3, a biodegradable and food-grade surfactant mixture of coconut oil, castor oil and citrus extracts, to manufacture a benign catalytic adsorbent that is active in the visible light. Veruclay was characterized by SEM, XRD, TGA, UVDRS, a...

Production of Monodisperse Cerium Oxide Microspheres with Diameters near 100 µm by Internal-Gelation Sol-Gel Methods

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

Katalenich, Jeffrey A.; Kitchen, Brian B.; Pierson, Bruce

Cerium dioxide microspheres with uniform diameters between 65 – 211 µm were fabricated using internal gelation sol-gel methods. Although uniform microspheres are produced for nuclear fuel applications with diameters above 300 µm, sol-gel microspheres with diameters of 50 - 200 µm have historically been made by emulsion techniques and had poor size uniformity [1, 2]. An internal gelation, sol-gel apparatus was designed and constructed to accommodate the production of small, uniform microspheres whereby cerium-containing solutions were dispersed into flowing silicone oil and heated in a gelation column to initiate solidification [3, 4]. Problems with premature feed gelation and microsphere coalescencemore » were overcome by equipment modifications unique among known internal gelation setups. Microspheres were fabricated and sized in batches as a function of dispersing needle diameter and silicone oil flow rate in the two-fluid nozzle in order to determine the range of sizes possible and corresponding degree of monodispersity. Initial experiments with poor size uniformity were linked to microsphere coalescence in the gelation column prior to solidification as well as excessive flow rates for the cerium feed solution. Average diameter standard deviations as low as 2.23% were observed after optimization of flow rates and minimization of coalescence reactions.« less

Sol-Gel Material-Enabled Electro-Optic Polymer Modulators

PubMed Central

Himmelhuber, Roland; Norwood, Robert A.; Enami, Yasufumi; Peyghambarian, Nasser

2015-01-01

Sol-gels are an important material class, as they provide easy modification of material properties, good processability and are easy to synthesize. In general, an electro-optic (EO) modulator transforms an electrical signal into an optical signal. The incoming electrical signal is most commonly information encoded in a voltage change. This voltage change is then transformed into either a phase change or an intensity change in the light signal. The less voltage needed to drive the modulator and the lower the optical loss, the higher the link gain and, therefore, the better the performance of the modulator. In this review, we will show how sol-gels can be used to enhance the performance of electro-optic modulators by allowing for designs with low optical loss, increased poling efficiency and manipulation of the electric field used for driving the modulator. The optical loss is influenced by the propagation loss in the device, as well as the losses occurring during fiber coupling in and out of the device. In both cases, the use of sol-gel materials can be beneficial due to the wide range of available refractive indices and low optical attenuation. The influence of material properties and synthesis conditions on the device performance will be discussed. PMID:26225971

Screen-Printing of ZnO Nanostructures from Sol-Gel Solutions for Their Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Sarkar, Kuhu; Braden, Erik V; Bonke, Shannon A; Bach, Udo; Müller-Buschbaum, Peter

2015-08-24

Diblock copolymers have been used in sol-gel synthesis to successfully tailor the nanoscale morphology of thin ZnO films. As the fabrication of several-micron-thick mesoporous films such as those required in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was difficult with this approach, we exploited the benefits of diblock-copolymer-directed synthesis that made it compatible with screen printing. The simple conversion of the diblock copolymer ZnO precursor sol to a screen-printing paste was not possible as it resulted in poor film properties. To overcome this problem, an alternative route is proposed in which the diblock copolymer ZnO precursor sol is first blade coated and calcined, then converted to a screen-printing paste. This allows the benefits of diblock-copolymer-directed particle formation to be compatible with printing methods. The morphologies of the ZnO nanostructures were studied by SEM and correlated with the current density-voltage characteristics. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Formation and prevention of fractures in sol-gel-derived thin films.

PubMed

Kappert, Emiel J; Pavlenko, Denys; Malzbender, Jürgen; Nijmeijer, Arian; Benes, Nieck E; Tsai, Peichun Amy

2015-02-07

Sol-gel-derived thin films play an important role as the functional coatings for various applications that require crack-free films to fully function. However, the fast drying process of a standard sol-gel coating often induces mechanical stresses, which may fracture the thin films. An experimental study on the crack formation in sol-gel-derived silica and organosilica ultrathin (submicron) films is presented. The relationships among the crack density, inter-crack spacing, and film thickness were investigated by combining direct micrograph analysis with spectroscopic ellipsometry. It is found that silica thin films are more prone to fracturing than organosilica films and have a critical film thickness of 300 nm, above which the film fractures. In contrast, the organosilica films can be formed without cracks in the experimentally explored regime of film thickness up to at least 1250 nm. These results confirm that ultrathin organosilica coatings are a robust silica substitute for a wide range of applications.

SOL Thermal Instability due to Radial Blob Convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Ippolito, D. A.

2005-10-01

C-Mod datafootnotetextM. Greenwald, Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion 44, R27 (2002). suggests a density limit when rapid perpendicular convection dominates SOL heat transport. This is supported by a recent analysisfootnotetextD.A. Russell et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 265001 (2004). of BOUT code turbulence simulations, which shows that rapid outwards convection of plasma by turbulent blobs is enhanced when the X-point collisionality is large, resulting in a synergistic effect between blob convection and X-point cooling. This work motivates the present analysis of SOL thermal equilibrium and instability including an RX-regime modelfootnotetextJ.R. Myra and D.A. D'Ippolito, Lodestar Report LRC-05-105 (2005). of blob particle and heat transport. Two-point (midplane, X-point) SOL thermal equilibrium and stability models are considered including both two-field (T) and four-field (n,T) treatments. The conditions under which loss of thermal equilibrium or thermal instabilities occur are established, and relations to the C-Mod data are described.

Phospho-silicate and silicate layers modified by hydroxyapatite particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rokita, M.; Brożek, A.; Handke, M.

2005-06-01

Common used metal materials do not ensure good connection between an implant and biological neighbourhood. Covering implants by thin silicate or phosphate layers enable to improve biological properties of implants and create conditions for producing the non-concrete bonding between the implant and tissue. The project includes preparing silicate sols of different concentrations and proper (powder) fraction of synthetic as well as natural ox hydroxyapatite, depositing the sol mixed with hydroxyapatite onto the base material (metal, ceramic carbon) and heat treatment. Our work includes also preparation of phospho-silicate layers deposited onto different base materials using sol-gel method. Deposited sols were prepared regarding composition, concentration and layer heat treatment conditions. The prepared layers are examined to determine their phase composition (XRD, IR spectroscopy methods), density and continuity (scanning microscopy with EDX methods). Biological activity of layers was evaluated by means of estimation of their corrosive resistance in synthetic body fluids ('in vitro' method) and of bone cells growth on the layers surface. Introducing hydroxyapatite to the layer sol should improve connection between tissue and implant as well as limit the disadvantageous, corrosive influence of implant material (metal) on the tissue.

Effect of heating scheme on SOL width in DIII-D and EAST

DOE PAGES

Wang, L.; Makowski, M. A.; Guo, H. Y.; ...

2017-03-10

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments in the radio-frequency (RF) heated H-mode scheme with comparison to that of neutral beam (NB) heated H-mode scheme were carried out on DIII-D and EAST under similar conditions to examine the effect of heating scheme on scrape-off layer (SOL) width in H-mode plasmas for application to ITER. A dimensionally similar plasma equilibrium was used to match the EAST shape parameters. The divertor heat flux and SOL widths were measured with infra-red camera in DIII-D, while with divertor Langmuir probe array in EAST. It has been demonstrated on both DIII-D and EAST that RF-heated plasma has a broadermore » SOL than NB-heated plasma when the edge electrons are effectively heated in low plasma current and low density regime with low edge collisionality. Detailed edge and pedestal profile analysis on DIII-D suggests that the low edge collisionality and ion orbit loss effect may account for the observed broadening. Finally, the joint experiment in DIII-D has also demonstrated the strong inverse dependence of SOL width on the plasma current in electron cyclotron heated (ECH) H-mode plasmas.« less

Effect of heating scheme on SOL width in DIII-D and EAST

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

Wang, L.; Makowski, M. A.; Guo, H. Y.

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments in the radio-frequency (RF) heated H-mode scheme with comparison to that of neutral beam (NB) heated H-mode scheme were carried out on DIII-D and EAST under similar conditions to examine the effect of heating scheme on scrape-off layer (SOL) width in H-mode plasmas for application to ITER. A dimensionally similar plasma equilibrium was used to match the EAST shape parameters. The divertor heat flux and SOL widths were measured with infra-red camera in DIII-D, while with divertor Langmuir probe array in EAST. It has been demonstrated on both DIII-D and EAST that RF-heated plasma has a broadermore » SOL than NB-heated plasma when the edge electrons are effectively heated in low plasma current and low density regime with low edge collisionality. Detailed edge and pedestal profile analysis on DIII-D suggests that the low edge collisionality and ion orbit loss effect may account for the observed broadening. Finally, the joint experiment in DIII-D has also demonstrated the strong inverse dependence of SOL width on the plasma current in electron cyclotron heated (ECH) H-mode plasmas.« less

Effect of sol temperature on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of PZT thin films on alumina substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreelalitha, K.; Thyagarajan, K.

2016-01-01

In the present study, we investigate the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of sol-gel spin-coated PZT thin films on alumina substrate. The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of PZT [Pb (Zr1-xTix)03] between the tetragonal and rhombohedral phases occurs at the Zr/Ti ratio of 52/48. At the MPB the physical properties of PZT are of far-reaching importance due to their possible crystalline phases. In this study Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)03 sols are prepared at room temperature and at 125 °C. The gels are coated onto alumina substrate using a spin-coating unit as two and three layers. The structural studies using XRD confirm the perovskite phase formation at an annealing temperature of 660 °C for both films. The structural parameter grain size, dislocation density, lattice parameters and strain were dependent on the sol temperature. The SEM morphology of the samples represents well-developed dense grain structure and thickness in micrometer ranges. The VSM analysis shows diamagnetic and ferromagnetic hysteresis loop. The ferromagnetism at low fields in PZT films is confirmed by studying the magnetic properties of powder made of the same gel. The effect of heat treatment on the gel preparation is observed on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of PZT thin films. The ferromagnetism in PZT can be attributed to oxygen vacancies. The squareness ratio of the films shows the application of the films as a high-density recording medium.

Charge-transfer complex formation between TiO2 nanoparticles and thiosalicylic acid: A comprehensive experimental and DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milićević, Bojana; Đorđević, Vesna; Lončarević, Davor; Dostanić, Jasmina M.; Ahrenkiel, S. Phillip; Dramićanin, Miroslav D.; Sredojević, Dušan; Švrakić, Nenad M.; Nedeljković, Jovan M.

2017-11-01

Under normal conditions, titanium dioxide does not absorb visible light photons due to large band gap. Nevertheless, when titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are surface-modified with thiosalicylic acid (TSA), their optical properties are altered owing to the formation of charge transfer complex that initiates absorption in the visible spectral range. Colloidal and sol-gel techniques were used to synthesize uniform TiO2 NPs of different sizes (average diameters in the range 4-15 nm), and effects of their subsequent modification by TSA molecules were compared with effect of modification of commercial Degussa TiO2 powder. Thorough microstructural characterization of TiO2 nanoparticulates was performed including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, as well as nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Optical measurements revealed that all surface-modified TiO2 samples with TSA have similar spectral features independent of their morphological differences, and, more importantly, absorption onset of modified TiO2 samples was found to be red-shifted by 1.0 eV compared to the unmodified ones. The mode of binding between TSA and surface Ti atoms was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Finally, the quantum chemical calculations, based on density functional theory, were performed to support optical characterization of surface-modified TiO2 with TSA.

Bioactive Coating with Two-Layer Hierarchy of Relief Obtained by Sol-Gel Method with Shock Drying and Osteoblast Response of Its Structure.

PubMed

Zemtsova, Elena G; Arbenin, Andrei Y; Yudintceva, Natalia M; Valiev, Ruslan Z; Orekhov, Evgeniy V; Smirnov, Vladimir M

2017-10-13

In this work, we analyze the efficiency of the modification of the implant surface. This modification was reached by the formation of a two-level relief hierarchy by means of a sol-gel approach that included dip coating with subsequent shock drying. Using this method, we fabricated a nanoporous layer with micron-sized defects on the nanotitanium surface. The present work continues an earlier study by our group, wherein the effect of osteoblast-like cell adhesion acceleration was found. In the present paper, we give the results of more detailed evaluation of coating efficiency. Specifically, cytological analysis was performed that included the study of the marker levels of osteoblast-like cell differentiation. We found a significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase at the initial incubation stage. This is very important for implantation, since such an effect assists the decrease in the induction time of implant engraftment. Moreover, osteopontin expression remains high for long expositions. This indicates a prolonged osteogenic effect in the coating. The results suggest the acceleration of the pre-implant area mineralization and, correspondingly, the potential use of the developed coatings for bone implantation.

Bioactive Coating with Two-Layer Hierarchy of Relief Obtained by Sol-Gel Method with Shock Drying and Osteoblast Response of Its Structure

PubMed Central

Zemtsova, Elena G.; Arbenin, Andrei Y.; Valiev, Ruslan Z.; Orekhov, Evgeniy V.; Smirnov, Vladimir M.

2017-01-01

In this work, we analyze the efficiency of the modification of the implant surface. This modification was reached by the formation of a two-level relief hierarchy by means of a sol-gel approach that included dip coating with subsequent shock drying. Using this method, we fabricated a nanoporous layer with micron-sized defects on the nanotitanium surface. The present work continues an earlier study by our group, wherein the effect of osteoblast-like cell adhesion acceleration was found. In the present paper, we give the results of more detailed evaluation of coating efficiency. Specifically, cytological analysis was performed that included the study of the marker levels of osteoblast-like cell differentiation. We found a significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase at the initial incubation stage. This is very important for implantation, since such an effect assists the decrease in the induction time of implant engraftment. Moreover, osteopontin expression remains high for long expositions. This indicates a prolonged osteogenic effect in the coating. The results suggest the acceleration of the pre-implant area mineralization and, correspondingly, the potential use of the developed coatings for bone implantation. PMID:29027930

Modification of the morphology of P(S-b-EO) templated thin TiO2 films by swelling with PS homopolymer.

PubMed

Perlich, J; Schulz, L; Abul Kashem, M M; Cheng, Y-J; Memesa, M; Gutmann, J S; Roth, S V; Müller-Buschbaum, P

2007-09-25

For the controlled modification of sol-gel-templated polymer nanocomposites, which are transferred to a nanostructured, crystalline TiO2 phase by a calcination process, the addition of a single homopolymer was investigated. For the preparation, the homopolymer polystyrene (PS) is added in different amounts to the diblock copolymer P(S-b-EO) acting as a templating agent. The homopolymer/diblock copolymer blend system is combined with sol-gel chemistry to provide and attach the TiO2 nanoparticles to the diblock copolymer. So-called good-poor solvent-pair-induced phase separation leads to the formation of nanostructures by film preparation via spin coating. The fabricated morphologies are studied as a function of added homopolymer before and after calcination with atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. The observed behavior is discussed in the framework of controlling the block copolymer morphologies by the addition of homopolymers. At small homopolymer concentrations, the increase in homopolymer concentration changes the structure size, whereas at high homopolymer concentrations, a change in morphology is triggered. Thus, the behavior of a pure polymer system is transferred to a more complex hybrid system.

Reduced model simulations of the scrape-off-layer heat-flux width and comparison with experiment

DOE PAGES

Myra, J. R.; Russell, D. A.; D’Ippolito, D. A.; ...

2011-01-01

Reduced model simulations of turbulence in the edge and scrape-off-layer (SOL) region of a spherical torus or tokamak plasma are employed to address the physics of the scrape-off-layer heat flux width. The simulation model is an electrostatic two-dimensional fluid turbulence model, applied in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field at the outboard midplane of the torus. The model contains curvature-driven-interchange modes, sheath losses, and both perpendicular turbulent diffusive and convective (blob) transport. These transport processes compete with classical parallel transport to set the SOL width. Midplane SOL profiles of density, temperature and parallel heat flux are obtained from themore » simulation and compared with experimental results from the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) to study the scaling of the heat flux width with power and plasma current. It is concluded that midplane turbulence is the main contributor to the SOL heat flux width for the low power H-mode discharges studied, while additional physics is required to explain the plasma current scaling of the SOL heat flux width observed experimentally in higher power discharges. Intermittent separatrix spanning convective cells are found to be the main mechanism that sets the near-SOL width in the simulations. The roles of sheared flows and blob trapping vs. emission are discussed.« less

Scrape-off layer reflectometer for Alcator C-Mod.

PubMed

Hanson, G R; Wilgen, J B; Lau, C; Lin, Y; Wallace, G M; Wukitch, S J

2008-10-01

A two-frequency x-mode reflectometer operating from 100 to 146 GHz is deployed on Alcator C-Mod to measure the density profile and fluctuations in the scrape-off layer (SOL) immediately in front of the new J-port ICRF antenna and the new C-port lower hybrid launcher. The reflectometer covers densities from 10(16) to 10(20) m(-3) at 5-5.4 T. To provide the greatest flexibility and capability to deal with density fluctuations approaching 100% peak-to-peak in the SOL, both full-phase and differential-phase measurement capabilities with sweep speeds of approximately 10 micros to >1 ms are implemented. The differential-phase measurement uses a difference frequency of 500 MHz, corresponding to cutoff layer separations ranging from about 0.1 to 1 mm. The reflectometer has six sets of launchers: three on the ICRF antenna and three on the lower hybrid launcher. Both the ICRF antenna and the lower hybrid launcher incorporate reflectometer antennas at their top, bottom, and midplane locations.

Water Density in the Electric Double Layer at the Insulator/Electrolyte Solution Interface

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

Tikhonov,A.

I studied the spatial structure of the thick transition region between n-hexane and a colloidal solution of 7-nm silica particles by X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small-angle scattering. The interfacial structure is discussed in terms of a semiquantitative interface model wherein the potential gradient at the n-hexane/sol interface reflects the difference in the potentials of 'image forces' between the cationic Na{sup +} and anions (nanoparticles) and the specific adsorption of surface charge at the interface between the adsorbed layer and the solution, as well as at the interface between the adsorbed layer and n-hexane. The X-ray scattering data revealed thatmore » the average density of water in the field {approx}10{sup 9}-10{sup 10} V/m of the electrical double layer at the hexane/silica sol interface is the same as, or only few percent higher (1-7%) than, its density under normal conditions.« less

High surface area neodymium phosphate nano particles by modified aqueous sol-gel method

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

Sankar, Sasidharan; Warrier, Krishna Gopakumar, E-mail: wwarrierkgk@yahoo.co.in; Komban, Rajesh

2011-12-15

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of nano rod shaped neodymium phosphate particles with specific surface area as high as 107 m{sup 2} g{sup -1} and particles could be compacted and sintered at as low as 1300 Degree-Sign C to a density of 98.5% (theoretical) with an average grain size of {approx}1 {mu}m. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nano size neodymium phosphate is synthesized and characterized using a novel modified aqueous sol gel process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Specific surface area above 100 m{sup 2} g{sup -1} achieved without the addition of any complexing agents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High sintered density reported than the density obtained for powder synthesized through conventionalmore » solid state reaction. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The particles are nano sized and have rod shape morphology and are retained at higher temperatures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An average grain size of {approx}1 {mu}m obtained for sintered NdPO{sub 4} after thermal etching at 1400 Degree-Sign C. -- Abstract: Synthesis of nano rod shaped neodymium phosphate (NdPO{sub 4}) particles with specific surface area as high as 107 m{sup 2}g{sup -1} and an average length of 50 nm with aspect ratio 5 was achieved using modified sol gel method. Crystallite size calculated from the X-ray diffraction data by applying Scherer equation was 5 nm for the precursor gel after calcination at 400 Degree-Sign C. NdPO{sub 4} was first precipitated from neodymium nitrate solution using phosphoric acid followed by peptization using dilute nitric acid and further gelation in ammonia atmosphere. The calcined gel powders were further characterized by surface area (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller nitrogen adsorption analysis), Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis and FT-IR analysis. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the formation of rod like morphology from the sol, gel and the calcined particles in nano size range. These particles could be compacted and sintered at as low as 1300 Degree-Sign C to a density of 98.5% (theoretical) with an average grain size of {approx}1 {mu}m.« less

Three-phase molecularly imprinted sol-gel based hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for enrichment and selective determination of a tentative lung cancer biomarker.

PubMed

Moein, Mohammad Mahdi; Javanbakht, Mehran; Karimi, Mohammad; Akbari-Adergani, Behrouz; Abdel-Rehim, Mohamed

2015-07-15

In the present study, the modification of a polysulfone hollow fiber membrane with in situ molecularly imprinted sol-gel process (as a novel and one-step method) was prepared and investigated. 3-(propylmethacrylate)trimethoxysilane (3PMTMOS) as an inorganic precursor was used for preparation of molecularly imprinted sol-gel. The modified molecularly imprinted sol-gel hollow fiber membrane (MSHM) was used for the liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) of hippuric acid (HA) in human plasma and urine samples. MSHM as a selective, robust, and durable tool was used for at least 50 extractions without significant decrease in the extraction efficiency. The non-molecularly imprinted sol-gel hollow fiber membrane (NSHM) as blank hollow fiber membrane was prepared by the same process, only without HA. To achieve the best condition, influential parameters on the extraction efficiency were thoroughly investigated. The capability of this robust, green, and simple method for extraction of HA was successfully accomplished with LC/MS/MS. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) in human plasma and urine samples were 0.3 and 1.0nmolL(-1), respectively. The standard calibration curves were obtained within the concentration range 1-2000nmolL(-1) for HA in human plasma and urine. The coefficients of determination (r(2)) were ≥0.998. The obtained data exhibited recoveries were higher than 89% for the extraction of HA in human plasma and urine samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silicon-based microfabricated tin oxide gas sensor incorporating use of Hall effect measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, Joseph Wilson

2000-10-01

Characterization of a microfabricated sol-gel derived nano-particle tin oxide thin film on a silicon substrate, through simultaneous measurement of conductivity, Hall mobility and electron density, had not been accomplished before this study. Conductivity is a function of carrier density and Hall mobility. Therefore, a full understanding of the sensing mechanism of tin oxide requires knowledge of the sensor conductivity, electron density and Hall mobility. A tin oxide thin film (1100A thick), derived by the sol-gel method, was deposited on a Si/SiO2 substrate by means of spin coating method. The sol-gel method produces films of porous interconnected nano-sized particles and is relatively inexpensive and easy to produce compared to existing methods of tin oxide thin film deposition. A goal of this study was to determine the compatibility of sol-gel derived tin oxide thin films with silicon based microfabrication procedures. It was determined that conductivity sensitivity is strongly dependant on electron density level and shows very weak dependence on Hall mobility. Lack of Hall mobility sensitivity to H2 concentration suggests that conduction is grain control limited. In this regime, in which the grain size (D) is less than twice the characteristic Debye length (LD), a change in reducing gas concentration results in a nearly simultaneous change in carrier density throughout the entire grain, while the Hall mobility remains unchanged. The sensor calcined at 500°C and operated at 250°C showed maximum conductivity sensitivity to H2 in air. The sensor exhibited a high conductivity sensitivity of 10.6 to 100ppm H2 in air with response time of (˜1) minute and recovery time of (˜4) minutes. Images of the thin film surface, obtained by SEM, were used to study the effects of calcination temperature and operating conditions on the tin oxide structure. Sensitivity decreased as average grain size increased from 7.7nm to 14.7nm, with increasing calcination temperature from 500°C to 800°C. The sensors displayed slight drift in long term baseline stability and good long term sensitivity stability (14 days). Long term operation (30 days) at elevated temperatures had no noticeable effect on the thin film structure.

Linking tree demography to climate change feedbacks: fire, larch forests, and carbon pools of the Siberian Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, H. D.; Loranty, M. M.; Natali, S.; Pena, H., III; Ludwig, S.; Spektor, V.; Davydov, S. P.; Zimov, N.; Mack, M. C.

2017-12-01

Fire severity is increasing in larch forests of the Siberian Arctic as climate warms, and initial fire impacts on tree demographic processes could be an especially important determinant of long-term forest structure and carbon (C) dynamics. We hypothesized that (1) larch forest regrowth post-fire is largely determined by residual soil organic layer (SOL) depth because of the SOL's role as a seedbed and thermal regulator, and (2) changes in post-fire larch recruitment impact C accumulation through stand density impacts on understory microclimate and permafrost thaw. We tested these hypotheses by (1) experimentally creating a soil burn severity gradient in a Cajander larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) forest near Cherskiy, Russia and (2) quantifying C pools across a stand density gradient within a 75-year old fire scar. From 2012-2015, we added larch seeds to plots burned at different severities and monitored recruitment along with permafrost and active layer (i.e., subject to annual freeze-thaw) conditions (SOL depth, temperature, moisture, and thaw depth). Across the density gradient, we inventoried larch trees and harvested ground-layer vegetation to estimate aboveground contribution to C pools. We quantified woody debris C pools and sampled belowground C pools (soil, fine roots, and coarse roots) in the organic + upper (0-10 cm) mineral soil. Larch recruits were rare in unburned and low severity plots, but a total of 6 new germinants m-2 were tallied in moderate and high severity plots during the study. Seedling survival for > 1 year was only 40 and 25% on moderate and high severity treatments, respectively, but yielded net larch recruitment of 2 seedlings m-2, compared to 0.3 seedlings m-2 on low severity plots. Density of both total and established recruits increased with decreasing residual SOL depth, which correlated with increased soil temperature, moisture, and thaw depth. At 75-year post-fire, total C pools increased with increased larch density, largely due to increased tree aboveground C pools and decreased ground-layer vegetation C pools, which corresponded to higher canopy cover, cooler soils, and shallower active layer depths. Our findings highlight the potential for a climate-driven increase in fire severity to alter tree recruitment, successional dynamics, and C cycling in Siberian larch forests.

Synthesis and properties of nanostructured sol-gel sorbents for simultaneous removal of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from flue gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buelna Quijada, Genoveva

2001-07-01

Regenerative, alumina-supported, copper-based sorbent/catalysts provide a promising technique for simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO x from flue gas. These sorbents can remove over 90% of SO2 and 70+% of NOx while generating no wastes, reducing energy consumption, and producing valuable by-products. The lack of a cost-effective sorbent with low attrition rate and good reactivity has been the main hurdle to commercialization of this copper oxide process. Developing such a sorbent is the focus of this dissertation. This work examines using sol-gel techniques rather than traditional processes to produce gamma-alumina and copper coated 7-alumina granular sorbents. Important modifications to the established sol-gel synthesis process were made, which minimized generated wastes and reduced preparation time and sorbent cost. A laboratory scale semi-continuous process providing a basis for large-scale synthesis was developed. The effect of the copper content on the surface area and dispersion of the active species on sol-gel-derived sorbents coated by the one step and wet-impregnation methods was studied. The sol-gel-derived sorbents showed superior sulfation and regeneration properties than the existing commercial sorbents used in the copper oxide process in terms of sulfation capacity, fast regeneration, recovery of sorption capacity, and SO2 concentration in the regenerated effluent. The optimum temperature for NO reduction by NH3 over sol-gel-derived CuO/gamma-Al2O3 was found to be 350°C for both fresh and sulfated catalysts. This was also the optimum operating temperature for simultaneous removal of SO2 and NOx from simulated flue gas. At 350°C, the adsorption capacity of the sol-gel sorbent/catalyst was higher than UOP's sorbent, and very close to the capacity of ALCOA's sorbent, while the catalytic activity for NO reduction of the sol-gel-derived CuO/gamma-Al 2O3 sorbent fell between the commercial sorbents. The new mesoporous sol-gel-derived materials showed larger surface area, better mechanical strength, and more uniform dispersion of the copper species than existing commercially available sorbents. The superior mechanical properties, better cost effectiveness, and comparable efficiency for simultaneous removal of SO2 and NOx of the sol-gel-derived CuO/gamma-Al 2O3 sorbents with respect to the commercial ones make them a good option for use in the copper oxide process for combined removal of SO2 and NOx from flue gas.

A new powder production route for transparent spinel windows: powder synthesis and window properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Ronald; Kochis, Michael; Reimanis, Ivar; Kleebe, Hans-Joachim

2005-05-01

Spinel powders for the production of transparent polycrystalline ceramic windows have been produced using a number of traditional ceramic and sol-gel methods. We have demonstrated that magnesium aluminate spinel powders produced from the reaction of organo-magnesium compounds with surface modified boehmite precursors can be used to produce high quality transparent spinel parts. The new powder production method allows fine control over the starting particle size, size distribution, purity and stoichiometry. The new process involves formation of a boehmite sol-gel from the hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides followed by surface modification of the boehmite nanoparticles using carboxylic acids. The resulting surface modified boehmite nanoparticles can then be metal exchanged at room temperature with magnesium acetylacetonate to make a precursor powder that is readily transformed into pure phase spinel.

Improving Corrosion Resistance of 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel Using ZrO2 Sol-Gel Coating in Nitric Acid Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazazi, Mahdi; Haghighi, Milad; Yarali, Davood; Zaynolabedini, Masoomeh H.

2018-03-01

In this study, thin-film coating of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) was prepared by sol-gel method and subsequent heat treatment process. The sol was prepared by controlled hydrolysis of zirconium tetrapropoxide using acetic acid and ethanol/acetylacetone mixture as catalyst and chelating agent, respectively, and finally deposited onto the 316L austenitic stainless steel (316L SS) using dip coating method in order to improve its corrosion resistance in nitric acid medium. The composition, structure, and morphology of the coated surface were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The obtained results from XRD and FTIR state the formation of tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 phase. Also, the obtained results from surface morphology investigation by SEM and AFM indicate the formation of smooth, homogeneous and uniform coatings on the steel substrate. Then, the corrosion behavior of stainless steel was investigated in a 1 and 10 M nitric acid solutions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarization test. The obtained results from these tests for ZrO2-coated specimens indicated a considerable improvement in the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel by an increase in corrosion potential and transpassive potential, and a decrease in passive current density and corrosion current density. The decrease in passive current density in both the concentration of solutions was two orders of magnitude from bare to coated specimens.

Short communication: Evaluation of a sol-gel-based stainless steel surface modification to reduce fouling and biofilm formation during pasteurization of milk.

PubMed

Liu, Dylan Zhe; Jindal, Shivali; Amamcharla, Jayendra; Anand, Sanjeev; Metzger, Lloyd

2017-04-01

Milk fouling and biofilms are common problems in the dairy industry across many types of processing equipment. One way to reduce milk fouling and biofilms is to modify the characteristics of milk contact surfaces. This study examines the viability of using Thermolon (Porcelain Industries Inc., Dickson, TN), a sol-gel-based surface modification of stainless steel, during thermal processing of milk. We used stainless steel 316L (control) and sol-gel-modified coupons in this study to evaluate fouling behavior and bacterial adhesion. The surface roughness as measured by an optical profiler indicated that the control coupons had a slightly smoother finish. Contact angle measurements showed that the modified surface led to a higher water contact angle, suggesting a more hydrophobic surface. The modified surface also had a lower surface energy (32.4 ± 1.4 mN/m) than the control surface (41.36 ± 2.7 mN/m). We evaluated the susceptibility of control and modified stainless steel coupons to fouling in a benchtop plate heat exchanger. We observed a significant reduction in the amount of fouled layer on modified surfaces. We found an average fouling weight of 19.21 mg/cm 2 and 0.37 mg/cm 2 on the control and modified stainless steel coupons, respectively. We also examined the adhesion of Bacillus and biofilm formation, and observed that the modified stainless steel surface offered greater resistance to biofilm formation. Overall, the Thermolon-modified surface showed potential in the thermal processing of milk, offering significantly lower fouling and bacterial attachment than the control surface. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wood surface modification by in-situ sol-gel deposition of hybrid inorganic-organic thin films

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala; Li-Piin Sung

2007-01-01

Interest in the use of nanoparticles of iron, titanium, aluminum, and zinc oxides in transparent coatings for wood is increasing. Such nano-composite coatings have the potential of not only preserving the natural color of the wood, but also stabilizing the wood surface against the combined degradative effects of sunlight and moisture. The nanoparticles can be used as...

Effect of nanoporous TiO2 coating and anodized Ca2+ modification of titanium surfaces on early microbial biofilm formation

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The soft tissue around dental implants forms a barrier between the oral environment and the peri-implant bone and a crucial factor for long-term success of therapy is development of a good abutment/soft-tissue seal. Sol-gel derived nanoporous TiO2 coatings have been shown to enhance soft-tissue attachment but their effect on adhesion and biofilm formation by oral bacteria is unknown. Methods We have investigated how the properties of surfaces that may be used on abutments: turned titanium, sol-gel nanoporous TiO2 coated surfaces and anodized Ca2+ modified surfaces, affect biofilm formation by two early colonizers of the oral cavity: Streptococcus sanguinis and Actinomyces naeslundii. The bacteria were detected using 16S rRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization together with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results Interferometry and atomic force microscopy revealed all the surfaces to be smooth (Sa ≤ 0.22 μm). Incubation with a consortium of S. sanguinis and A. naeslundii showed no differences in adhesion between the surfaces over 2 hours. After 14 hours, the level of biofilm growth was low and again, no differences between the surfaces were seen. The presence of saliva increased the biofilm biovolume of S. sanguinis and A. naeslundii ten-fold compared to when saliva was absent and this was due to increased adhesion rather than biofilm growth. Conclusions Nano-topographical modification of smooth titanium surfaces had no effect on adhesion or early biofilm formation by S. sanguinis and A. naeslundii as compared to turned surfaces or those treated with anodic oxidation in the presence of Ca2+. The presence of saliva led to a significantly greater biofilm biovolume but no significant differences were seen between the test surfaces. These data thus suggest that modification with sol-gel derived nanoporous TiO2, which has been shown to improve osseointegration and soft-tissue healing in vivo, does not cause greater biofilm formation by the two oral commensal species tested than the other surfaces. PMID:21385428

Structural Modification of Sol-Gel Materials through Retro Diels-Alder Reaction

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

SHALTOUT,RAAFAT M.; LOY,DOUGLAS A.; MCCLAIN,MARK D.

1999-12-08

Hydrolysis and condensation of organically bridged bis-triethoxysilanes, (EtO){sub 3}Si-R-Si(OEt){sub 3}, results in the formation of three dimensional organic/inorganic hybrid networks (Equation 1). Properties of these materials, including porosity, are dependent on the nature of the bridging group, R. Flexible groups (akylene-spacers longer than five carbons in length) polymerize under acidic conditions to give non-porous materials. Rigid groups (such as arylene-, alkynylene-, or alkenylene) form non-porous, microporous, and macroporous gels. In many cases the pore size distributions are quite narrow. One of the motivations for preparing hybrid organic-inorganic materials is to extend the range of properties available with sol-gel systems bymore » incorporating organic groups into the inorganic network. For example, organically modified silica gels arc either prepared by co-polymerizing an organoalkoxysilane with a silica precursor or surface silylating the inorganic gel. This can serve to increase hydrophobicity or to introduce some reactive organic functionality. However, the type and orientation of these organic functionalities is difficult to control. Furthermore, many organoalkoxysilanes can act to inhibitor even prevent gelation, limiting the final density of organic functionalities. We have devised a new route for preparing highly functionalized pores in hybrid materials using bridging groups that are thermally converted into the desired functionalities after the gel has been obtained. In this paper, we present the preparation and characterization of bridged polysilsesquioxanes with Diels-Alder adducts as the bridging groups from the sol-gel polymerization of monomers 2 and 4. The bridging groups are constructed such that the retro Diela-Alder reaction releases the dienes and leaves the dienophiles as integral parts of the network polymers. In the rigid architecture of a xerogel, this loss of organic functionality should liberate sufficient space to modify the overall porosity. Furthermore, the new porosity will be functionalized with the dienophilic olefin bridging group. We also demonstrate that by changing the type of Diels-Alder adduct used as the bridging group, we can change the temperature at which the retro-Diels-Alder reaction will occur.« less

Double-Layer Surface Modification of Polyamide Denture Base Material by Functionalized Sol-Gel Based Silica for Adhesion Improvement.

PubMed

Hafezeqoran, Ali; Koodaryan, Roodabeh

2017-09-21

Limited surface treatments have been proposed to improve the bond strength between autopolymerizing resin and polyamide denture base materials. Still, the bond strength of autopolymerizing resins to nylon polymer is not strong enough to repair the fractured denture effectively. This study aimed to introduce a novel method to improve the adhesion of autopolymerizing resin to polyamide polymer by a double layer deposition of sol-gel silica and N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AE-APTMS). The silica sol was synthesized by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as silica precursors. Polyamide specimens were dipped in TEOS-derived sol (TS group, n = 28), and exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light under O 2 flow for 30 minutes. UV-treated specimens were immersed in AE-APTMS solution and left for 24 hours at room temperature. The other specimens were either immersed in AE-APTMS solution (AP group, n = 28) or left untreated (NT group, n = 28). Surface characterization was investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Two autopolymerizing resins (subgroups G and T, n = 14) were bonded to the specimens, thermocycled, and then tested for shear bond strength with a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05). FTIR spectra of treated surfaces confirmed the chemical modification and appearance of functional groups on the polymer. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in shear bond strength among the study groups. Tukey's HSD showed that TS T and TS G groups had significantly higher shear bond strength than control groups (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, bond strength values of AP T were statistically significant compared to controls (p = 0.017). Amino functionalized TEOS-derived silica coating is a simple and cost-effective method for improving the bond strength between the autopolymerizing resin and polyamide denture base. Amino-functionalized silica coating could represent a more applicable and convenient option for improving the repair strength of autopolymerizing resin to polyamide polymer. © 2017 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

[In vitro evaluation of the gels properties prepared thermosensitive polymers as vehicles for administration substance by injection].

PubMed

Karolewicz, Bozena; Owczarek, Artur; Pluta, Janusz

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to prepare a thermoresponsive formulations, which are a carrier for substance administered directly into site of action and which obtain sol-gel transitions at physiological ranges of temperature. The investigated formulations of liquid consistency at room temperature were obtained in sterile conditions on the basis of nonionic polymers Pluronic F-127, Pluronic F-68 and anionic polymer hyaluronic acid in different concentrations. The sol-gel transition temperature of the formulations was investigated and their physicochemical properties such as pH, density, osmotic pressure, sol-gel transition temperature, texture and release of vancomycin hydrochloride were studied. In vitro release experiments indicated that the optimised platform was able to prolong vancomycin hydrochloride release and their physico-chemical properties allow for application by injection form.

Observation of an edge coherent mode and poloidal flow in the electron cyclotron wave induced high β{sub p} plasma in QUEST

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

Banerjee, Santanu, E-mail: sbanerje@ipr.res.in; Mishra, K.; Zushi, H.

Fluctuations are measured in the edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) of QUEST using fast visible imaging diagnostic. Electron cyclotron wave injection in the Ohmic plasma features excitation of low frequency coherent fluctuations near the separatrix and enhanced cross-field transport. Plasma shifts from initial high field side limiter bound (inboard limited, IL) towards inboard poloidal null (IPN) configuration with steepening of the density profile at the edge. This may have facilitated the increased edge and SOL fluctuation activities. Observation of the coherent mode, associated plasma flow, and particle out-flux, for the first time in the IPN plasma configuration in a sphericalmore » tokamak may provide further impetus to the edge and SOL turbulence studies in tokamaks.« less

Resistance to rocuronium of rat diaphragm as compared with limb muscles.

PubMed

Huang, Lina; Yang, Meirong; Chen, Lianhua; Li, Shitong

2014-12-01

Skeletal muscles are composed of different muscle fiber types. We investigated the different potency to rocuronium among diaphragm (DIA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus (SOL) in vitro as well as to investigate the differences of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) among these three typical kinds of muscles. The isolated left hemidiaphragm nerve-muscle preparations, the EDL sciatic nerve-muscle preparations, and the SOL sciatic nerve-muscle preparations were established to evaluate the potency to rocuronium. Concentration-response curves were constructed and the values of IC50 were obtained. The density of AChRs at the end plate and the number of AChRs per unit fiber cross fiber area (CSA), AChR affinity for muscle relaxants were evaluated. The concentration-twitch tension curves of rocuronium were significantly different. The curves demonstrated a shift to the right of the DIA compared with the EDL and SOL (P < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed between EDL and SOL (P > 0.05). IC50 was significantly largest in DIA, second largest in SOL, and smallest in EDL (P < 0.05). The number of AChRs per unit fiber CSA was largest in DIA, second largest in EDL, and smallest in SOL (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The DIA showed the lowest affinity of the AChRs, whereas the SOL showed the highest affinity. The resistance to rocuronium of DIA compared with EDL and SOL was verified. The DIA was characterized by the largest number of AChRs per unit fiber CSA and the lowest affinity of the AChRs. Although compared with SOL, EDL was proved to have larger number of AChRs per unit fiber CSA and the lower affinity of the AChRs. These findings may be the mechanisms of different potency to rocuronium in DIA, EDL, and SOL. The results of the study could help to explain the relationship between different composition of muscle fibers and the potency to muscle relaxants. Extra caution should be taken in clinical practice when monitoring muscle relaxation in anesthetic management using different muscles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Total fluid pressure imbalance in the scrape-off layer of tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Churchill, R. M.; Canik, J. M.; Chang, C. S.; Hager, R.; Leonard, A. W.; Maingi, R.; Nazikian, R.; Stotler, D. P.

2017-04-01

Simulations using the fully kinetic neoclassical code XGCa (X-point included guiding- center axisymmetric) were undertaken to explore the impact of kinetic effects on scrape-off layer (SOL) physics in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. XGCa is a total-f, gyrokinetic code which self-consistently calculates the axisymmetric electrostatic potential and plasma dynamics, and includes modules for Monte Carlo neutral transport. Previously presented XGCa results showed several noteworthy features, including large variations of ion density and pressure along field lines in the SOL, experimentally relevant levels of SOL parallel ion flow (Mach number  ˜ 0.5), skewed ion distributions near the sheath entrance leading to subsonic flow there, and elevated sheath potentials (Churchill 2016 Nucl. Mater. Energy 1-6). In this paper, we explore in detail the question of pressure balance in the SOL, as it was observed in the simulation that there was a large deviation from a simple total pressure balance (the sum of ion and electron static pressure plus ion inertia). It will be shown that both the contributions from the ion viscosity (driven by ion temperature anisotropy) and neutral source terms can be substantial, and should be retained in the parallel momentum equation in the SOL, but still falls short of accounting for the observed fluid pressure imbalance in the XGCa simulation results.

Recent progress towards a quantitative description of filamentary SOL transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carralero, D.; Siccinio, M.; Komm, M.; Artene, S. A.; D'Isa, F. A.; Adamek, J.; Aho-Mantila, L.; Birkenmeier, G.; Brix, M.; Fuchert, G.; Groth, M.; Lunt, T.; Manz, P.; Madsen, J.; Marsen, S.; Müller, H. W.; Stroth, U.; Sun, H. J.; Vianello, N.; Wischmeier, M.; Wolfrum, E.; ASDEX Upgrade Team; COMPASS Team; Contributors, JET; The EUROfusion MST Team

2017-05-01

A summary of recent results on filamentary transport, mostly obtained with the ASDEX-Upgrade tokamak (AUG), is presented and discussed in an attempt to produce a coherent picture of scrape-off layer (SOL) filamentary transport. A clear correlation is found between L-mode density shoulder formation in the outer midplane and a transition between the sheath-limited and the inertial filamentary regimes. Divertor collisionality is found to be the parameter triggering the transition. A clear reduction of the ion temperature takes place in the far SOL after the transition, both for the background and the filaments. This coincides with a strong variation of the ion temperature distribution, which deviates from Gaussianity and becomes dominated by a strong peak below 5 eV. The filament transition mechanism triggered by a critical value of collisionality seems to be generally applicable to inter-ELM H-mode plasmas, although a secondary threshold related to deuterium fueling is observed. EMC3-EIRENE simulations of neutral dynamics show that an ionization front near the main chamber wall is formed after the shoulder formation. Finally, a clear increase of SOL opacity to neutrals is observed, associated with the shoulder formation. A common SOL transport framework is proposed to account for all these results, and their potential implications for future generation devices are discussed.

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

Churchill, Randy M.; Canik, John M.; Chang, C. S.

Simulations using the fully kinetic neoclassical code XGCa (X-point included guiding-center axisymmetric) were undertaken to explore the impact of kinetic effects on scrape-off layer (SOL) physics in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. XGCa is a total-f, gyrokinetic code which self-consistently calculates the axisymmetric electrostatic potential and plasma dynamics, and includes modules for Monte Carlo neutral transport. Previously presented XGCa results showed several noteworthy features, including large variations of ion density and pressure along field lines in the SOL, experimentally relevant levels of SOL parallel ion flow (Mach number similar to 0.5), skewed ion distributions near the sheath entrance leading to subsonic flowmore » there, and elevated sheath potentials (Churchill 2016 Nucl. Mater. Energy 1-6). In this paper, we explore in detail the question of pressure balance in the SOL, as it was observed in the simulation that there was a large deviation from a simple total pressure balance (the sum of ion and electron static pressure plus ion inertia). It will be shown that both the contributions from the ion viscosity (driven by ion temperature anisotropy) and neutral source terms can be substantial, and should be retained in the parallel momentum equation in the SOL, but still falls short of accounting for the observed fluid pressure imbalance in the XGCa simulation results.« less

Three-dimensional simulations of plasma turbulence in the RFX-mod scrape-off layer and comparison with experimental measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riva, Fabio; Vianello, Nicola; Spolaore, Monica; Ricci, Paolo; Cavazzana, Roberto; Marrelli, Lionello; Spagnolo, Silvia

2018-02-01

The tokamak scrape-off layer (SOL) plasma dynamics is investigated in a circular limiter configuration with a low edge safety factor. Focusing on the experimental parameters of two ohmic tokamak inner-wall limited plasma discharges in RFX-mod [Sonato et al., Fusion Eng. Des. 74, 97 (2005)], nonlinear SOL plasma simulations are performed with the GBS code [Ricci et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 54, 124047 (2012)]. The numerical results are compared with the experimental measurements, assessing the reliability of the GBS model in describing the RFX-mod SOL plasma dynamics. It is found that the simulations are able to quantitatively reproduce the RFX-mod experimental measurements of the electron plasma density, electron temperature, and ion saturation current density (jsat) equilibrium profiles. Moreover, there are indications that the turbulent transport is driven by the same instability in the simulations and in the experiment, with coherent structures having similar statistical properties. On the other hand, it is found that the simulation results are not able to correctly reproduce the floating potential equilibrium profile and the jsat fluctuation level. It is likely that these discrepancies are, at least in part, related to simulating only the tokamak SOL region, without including the plasma dynamics inside the last close flux surface, and to the limits of applicability of the drift approximation. The turbulence drive is then identified from the nonlinear simulations and with the linear theory. It results that the inertial drift wave is the instability driving most of the turbulent transport in the considered discharges.

Melamine-formaldehyde aerogels

DOEpatents

Pekala, Richard W.

1992-01-01

Organic aerogels that are transparent and essentially colorless are prepa from the aqueous, sol-gel polymerization of melamine with formaldehyde. The melamine-formaldehyde (MF) aerogels have low densities, high surface areas, continuous porsity, ultrafine cell/pore sizes, and optical clarity.

Lower hybrid wave edge power loss quantification on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faust, I. C.; Brunner, D.; LaBombard, B.; Parker, R. R.; Terry, J. L.; Whyte, D. G.; Baek, S. G.; Edlund, E.; Hubbard, A. E.; Hughes, J. W.; Kuang, A. Q.; Reinke, M. L.; Shiraiwa, S.; Wallace, G. M.; Walk, J. R.

2016-05-01

For the first time, the power deposition of lower hybrid RF waves into the edge plasma of a diverted tokamak has been systematically quantified. Edge deposition represents a parasitic loss of power that can greatly impact the use and efficiency of Lower Hybrid Current Drive (LHCD) at reactor-relevant densities. Through the use of a unique set of fast time resolution edge diagnostics, including innovative fast-thermocouples, an extensive set of Langmuir probes, and a Lyα ionization camera, the toroidal, poloidal, and radial structure of the power deposition has been simultaneously determined. Power modulation was used to directly isolate the RF effects due to the prompt ( t < τ E ) response of the scrape-off-layer (SOL) plasma to Lower Hybrid Radiofrequency (LHRF) power. LHRF power was found to absorb more strongly in the edge at higher densities. It is found that a majority of this edge-deposited power is promptly conducted to the divertor. This correlates with the loss of current drive efficiency at high density previously observed on Alcator C-Mod, and displaying characteristics that contrast with the local RF edge absorption seen on other tokamaks. Measurements of ionization in the active divertor show dramatic changes due to LHRF power, implying that divertor region can be a key for the LHRF edge power deposition physics. These observations support the existence of a loss mechanism near the edge for LHRF at high density ( n e > 1.0 × 10 20 (m-3)). Results will be shown addressing the distribution of power within the SOL, including the toroidal symmetry and radial distribution. These characteristics are important for deducing the cause of the reduced LHCD efficiency at high density and motivate the tailoring of wave propagation to minimize SOL interaction, for example, through the use of high-field-side launch.

Lower Hybrid wave edge power loss quantification on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faust, I. C.

2015-11-01

For the first time, the power deposition of Lower Hybrid RF waves into the edge plasma of a diverted tokamak has been systematically quantified. Edge deposition represents a parasitic loss of power that can greatly impact the use and efficiency of Lower Hybrid Current Drive (LHCD) at reactor-relevant densities. Through the use of a unique set of fast time resolution edge diagnostics, including innovative fast-thermocouples, an extensive set of Langmuir probes, and a Lyα ionization camera, the toroidal, poloidal and radial structure of the power deposition has been simultaneously determined. Power modulation was used to directly isolate the RF effects due to the prompt (t <τE) response of the scrape-off-layer (SOL) plasma to LHRF power. LHRF power was found to absorb more strongly in the edge at higher densities. It is found that a majority of this edge-deposited power is promptly conducted to the divertor. This correlates with the loss of current drive efficiency at high density previously observed on Alcator C-Mod, and displaying characteristics that contrast with the local RF edge absorption seen on other tokamaks. Measurements of ionization in the active divertor show dramatic changes due to LHRF power, implying that divertor region can be key for the LHRF edge power deposition physics. These observations support the existence a loss mechanism near the edge for LHRF at high density (ne > 1 . 0 .1020 [m-3]). Results will be shown addressing the distribution of power within the SOL, including the toroidal symmetry and radial distribution. These characteristics are important for deducing the cause of the reduced LHCD efficiency at high density and motivates the tailoring of wave propagation to minimize SOL interaction, for example, through the use of high-field-side launch. This work was performed on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, a DoE Office of Science user facility, and is supported by USDoE award DE-FC02-99ER54512.

Improvements to the ICRH antenna time-domain 3D plasma simulation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smithe, David N.; Jenkins, Thomas G.; King, J. R.

2015-12-01

We present a summary of ongoing improvements to the 3D time-domain plasma modeling software that has been used to look at ICRH antennas on Alcator C-Mod, NSTX, and ITER [1]. Our past investigations have shown that in low density cases where the slow wave is propagating, strong amplitude lower hybrid resonant fields can occur. Such a scenario could result in significant parasitic power loss in the SOL. The primary resonance broadening in this case is likely collisions with neutral gas, and thus we are upgrading the model to include realistic neutral gas in the SOL, in order to provide a better understanding of energy balance in these situations. Related to this, we are adding a temporal variation capability to the local plasma density in front of the antenna in order to investigate whether the near fields of the antenna could modify the local density sufficiently to initiate a low density situation. We will start with a simple scalar ponderomotive potential density expulsion model [2] for the density evolution, but are also looking to eventually couple to a more complex fluid treatment that would include tensor pressures and convective physics and sources of neutrals and ionization. We also review continued benchmarking efforts, and ongoing and planned improvements to the computational algorithms, resulting from experience gained during our recent supercomputing runs on the Titan supercomputer, including GPU operations.

Solvation molar enthalpies and heat capacities of n-alkanes and n-alkylbenzenes on stationary phases of wide-ranging polarity.

PubMed

Lebrón-Aguilar, Rosa; Quintanilla-López, Jesús Eduardo; Santiuste, José María

2010-12-03

A comparison of the most usual gas chromatographic methods for the calculation of partial molar enthalpies of solvation (Δ(sol)H(o)) has been carried out. Those methods based on the fitting of lnV(g) or ln(k/T) vs. 1/T and ln(k/T) vs. (1/T and the temperature arrangement, T(a)) are the most adequate ones for obtaining Δ(sol)H(o) values. However, the latter is the only reliable option for Δ(sol)H(o) estimation when commercial WCOT capillary columns are used, since in this case the estimation of some variables involved in the V(g) determination is less accurate or even impossible. Consequently, in this paper, Δ(sol)H(o) obtained from ln(k/T) vs. (1/T+T(a)) fitting at 373.15 and 298.15K for n-alkanes and n-alkylbenzenes on 12 commercial capillary columns coated with stationary phases covering the 203-3608 McReynolds polarity range are reported. Moreover, molar heat capacities of solvation at constant pressure (Δ(sol)C(p)(o)) have also been calculated using this method. A clear influence on Δ(sol)H(o) of the type and content of the substitution group in the stationary phase was observed. In addition, a linear relationship of Δ(sol)C(p)(o) with the van der Waals volume of the n-alkanes and the temperature gradient of density of the stationary phase was found. The effect of the size of the hydrocarbon on both thermodynamic variables was also investigated. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Manipulating surface wettability and oil absorbency of diatomite depending on processing and ambient conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özen, İlhan; Şimşek, Süleyman; Okyay, Gamze

2015-03-01

In this study, a diatomite sample, which is a natural inorganic mineral with inherently high water and oil absorption capacity, was subjected to grinding before surface modification. Afterwards, the diatomite surface was modified via facile methods using a fluorocarbon (FC) chemical and stearic acid (SA) in addition to the sol-gel fluorosilanization (FS) process. The water and oil wettability, and oil absorbency properties of the unmodified and modified diatomites were investigated in addition to diatomite characterizations such as chemical content, surface area, particle size distribution, morphology, and modification efficiency. It was revealed that the wettability was changed completely depending on the surface modification agent and the media used, while the oil absorbency property surprisingly did not change. On the other hand, the oil absorbency was worsened by the grinding process, whereas the wettability was not affected.

Formation of grafted surface layers on silicon dioxide particles and their investigation by means of thermoprogrammed oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrova, E. O.; Novichkov, R. V.; Olenin, A. Yu.; Zuev, B. K.

2017-03-01

Silica nanoparticles are obtained according to the Stober-Fink-Bohn method, and their surfaces are chemically modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane. It is estimated that sols of porous silica nanoparticles (average sizes, 50-200 nm) form during primary chemical process; the average size of the particles can be increased to 400-500 nm by consecutive growth. Oxythermography (thermoprogrammed oxidation) measurements reveal a stepped dependence between the content of organic substance of nanoparticles and the duration of chemical modification reaction exists. It is concluded that this could be due to the formation of dense shell (or shells) as a result of sols aging between the cycles of growth; such shells impose diffusive restrictions when molecules penetrate into the pores of the internal volume of the particles.

Melamine-formaldehyde aerogels

DOEpatents

Pekala, R.W.

1992-01-14

Organic aerogels that are transparent and essentially colorless are prepared from the aqueous, sol-gel polymerization of melamine with formaldehyde. The melamine-formaldehyde (MF) aerogels have low densities, high surface areas, continuous porosity, ultrafine cell/pore sizes, and optical clarity. 3 figs.

PREPARATION OF HIGH-DENSITY, COMPACTIBLE THORIUM OXIDE PARTICLES

DOEpatents

McCorkle, K.H.; Kleinsteuber, A.T.; Schilling, C.E.; Dean, O.C.

1962-05-22

A method is given for preparing millimeter-size, highdensity thorium oxide particles suitable for fabrication into nuclear reactor feel elements by means of vibratory compaction. A thorium oxide gel containing 3.7 to 7 weight per cent residual volatile nitrate and water is prepared by drying a thorium oxide sol. The gel is then slowly heated to a temperature of about 450DEC, and the resulting gel fragments are calcined. The starting sol is prepared by repeated dispersion of oxalate-source thorium oxide in a nitrate system or by dispersion of steam-denitrated thorium oxide in water. (AEC)

Social values for ecosystem services (SolVES): A GIS application for assessing, mapping, and quantifying the social values of ecosystem services-Documentation and user manual, version 1.0

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sherrouse, Benson C.; Riegle, Jodi L.; Semmens, Darius J.

2010-01-01

In response to the need for incorporating quantified and spatially explicit measures of social values into ecosystem services assessments, the Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center, in collaboration with Colorado State University, has developed a geographic information system application, Social Values for Ecosystem Services (SolVES). SolVES can be used to assess, map, and quantify the perceived social values of ecosystem services. SolVES derives a quantitative social values metric, the Value Index, from a combination of spatial and nonspatial responses to public attitude and preference surveys. SolVES also generates landscape metrics, such as average elevation and distance to water, calculated from spatial data layers describing the underlying physical environment. Using kernel density calculations and zonal statistics, SolVES derives and maps the 10-point Value Index and reports landscape metrics associated with each index value for social value types such as aesthetics, biodiversity, and recreation. This can be repeated for various survey subgroups as distinguished by their attitudes and preferences regarding public uses of the forests such as motorized recreation and logging for fuels reduction. The Value Index provides a basis of comparison within and among survey subgroups to consider the effect of social contexts on the valuation of ecosystem services. SolVES includes regression coefficients linking the predicted value (the Value Index) to landscape metrics. These coefficients are used to generate predicted social value maps using value transfer techniques for areas where primary survey data are not available. SolVES was developed, and will continue to be enhanced through future versions, as a public domain tool to enable decision makers and researchers to map the social values of ecosystem services and to facilitate discussions among diverse stakeholders regarding tradeoffs between different ecosystem services in a variety of physical and social contexts.

Thioether-functionalized mesoporous fiber membranes: sol-gel combined electrospun fabrication and their applications for Hg2+ removal.

PubMed

Teng, Minmin; Wang, Hongtao; Li, Fengting; Zhang, Bingru

2011-03-01

Mesoporous polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/SiO(2) composite nanofiber membranes functionalized with thioether groups have been fabricated by a combination method of sol-gel process and electrospinning. The precursor sol was synthesized by one-step co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)propane tetrasulfide (BTESPTS, (CH(3)CH(2)O)(3)Si(CH(2))(3)S-S-S-S(CH(2))(3)Si-(OCH(2)CH(3))(3)), with the triblock copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (P123, EO(20)PO(70)EO(20)) as template. After the addition of PVP, nanofiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms, and an Elementar Vario EL analyzer. The composites were used as highly selective adsorbents for Hg(2+) due to the modification with thioether groups (-S-), and were conveniently separated from the waste water. The composite could be regenerated through acidification. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Surface modification of dental alumina ceramic with silica coating].

PubMed

Xie, Hai-Feng; Zhang, Fei-Min; Wang, Xiao-Zu; Xia, Yang

2006-12-01

To make silica coating through sol-gel process, and to evaluate the wettability of dental alumina ceramic with or without coating. Silica coating was prepared with colloidal silica sol on In-Ceram alumina ceramic surface which had been treated with air particle abrasion. Coating gel after heat treatment was observed with atomic force microscope (AFM), and was analyzed by infrared spectrum (IR) with gel without sintered as control. Contact angles of oleic acid to be finished, sandblasted and coated ceramic surface of were measured. AFM pictures showed that some parts of nano-particles in coating gel conglomerated after heat treatment. It can be seen from the IR picture that bending vibration absorption kurtosis of Si-OH also vanished after heat treatment. Among contact angles of three treated surface, the ones on polished surface were the biggest (P = 0.000, P = 0.000), and sandblasting+silica coating surface the smallest (P = 0.000, P = 0.003). Silica coating can be made with sol-gel process successfully. Heat treatment may reinforce Si-O-Si net structure of coating gel. Wettability of dental alumina ceramic with silica coating is higher than with sandblasting and polishing.

Physics of collisionless scrape-off-layer plasma during normal and off-normal Tokamak operating conditions.

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

Hassanein, A.; Konkashbaev, I.

1999-03-15

The structure of a collisionless scrape-off-layer (SOL) plasma in tokamak reactors is being studied to define the electron distribution function and the corresponding sheath potential between the divertor plate and the edge plasma. The collisionless model is shown to be valid during the thermal phase of a plasma disruption, as well as during the newly desired low-recycling normal phase of operation with low-density, high-temperature, edge plasma conditions. An analytical solution is developed by solving the Fokker-Planck equation for electron distribution and balance in the SOL. The solution is in good agreement with numerical studies using Monte-Carlo methods. The analytical solutionsmore » provide an insight to the role of different physical and geometrical processes in a collisionless SOL during disruptions and during the enhanced phase of normal operation over a wide range of parameters.« less

Improvement of Sol-Gel Derived PbZrxTi1-xO3 Film Properties Using Thermal Press Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneda, Toshihiko; Kim, Joo-Nam; Tokumitsu, Eisuke; Shimoda, Tatsuya

2010-09-01

A thermal press treatment was introduced in the sol-gel process of PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT) thin films for the first time and the crystalline and electrical characteristics of the PZT films were investigated. The thermal press treatment was applied to the amorphous PZT gel film before crystallization annealing. It is found that the crystalline orientation and grain size of the PZT film fabricated with the thermal press treatment are different from those of the film fabricated by the conventional sol-gel process without the thermal press treatment, even though the crystallization conditions are exactly the same. It is demonstrated that the electrical properties, especially leakage current density and breakdown field, are significantly improved for the PZT film fabricated with the thermal press treatment. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that the fatigue property is improved by introducing the thermal press treatment.

Relationship Between the Melting Temperature of hcp Iron at ICB Pressure and the Light Impurity Content of Earth's Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, O. L.

2001-12-01

The table below leads the reader through calculation of the core density deficit starting from the melting temperature (solidus), Tm, at the pressure, P, of the inner core boundary (ICB) (330 GPa). Tm values come from recent data of four sets of authors. Thermal pressure, Δ PTH, values were calculated in the author's laboratory. P0 = 330 - PTH is the P corresponding to the volume, V, of iron at Tm, V0 (sol.). P0 yields V0 (sol.) from an equation of state. The volume change of melting, Δ Vm, which leads to the liquidus V, V0 (liq.), was determined by the author. The liquidus density, ρ 0 (liq.), is higher than the seismic density at 330 GPa by the core density deficit. S wt.% is the amount of sulfur alone that satisfies the core ρ deficit. Δ Tf is the freezing point depression arising from impurities. %table { \\setlength{\\tabcolsep}{.05truein} \\begin{center} \\begin{tabular}{lcccc} \\multicolumn{5}{l}{ Core density deficit and freezing point depression} multicolumn{5}{l}{calculated from Tm} \\hline Tm (330)& 4800 K& 5850 K& 6700 K& 7500 K \\hline Δ PTH& 64.0& 82.0& 97.0& 112\\P0 (330 K)& 266& 248& 233& 218\\V0 (sol.)& 4.25& 4.30& 4.37& 4.43Δ Vm& .055& .055& .055& .055\\V0 (liq.)& 4.305& 4.355& 4.425& 4.485ρ (liq.)& 13.09& 12.94& 12.73& 12.48 core ρ def.& 7.1& 6& 4& 2.9 S wt.% & 7.3& 6.2& 3.8& 2.5 Δ Tf& ~ 330& ~ 300& ~ 200& ~ 150 \\hline \\multicolumn{5}{l}{Units: PTH & P0, GPa; V0 & Δ Vm, cm3mol.-1;} multicolumn{5}{l}{ρ , kg m-3x 103; core ρ def., %; Δ Tf, K.}\\ } Cosmochemists' estimates of viable amounts of S and Si in the core are most easily satisfied by the core density deficit arising from Tm = 5850 K. High Tm values result in surprisingly high values for Earth's ICB temperature, because Δ Tf is low. A large Δ PTH results in a low Δ Tf.

Integrating nanohybrid membranes of reduced graphene oxide: chitosan: silica sol gel with fiber optic SPR for caffeine detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kant, Ravi; Tabassum, Rana; Gupta, Banshi D.

2017-05-01

Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive drug consumed in the world for improving alertness and enhancing wakefulness. However, caffeine consumption beyond limits can result in lot of physiological complications in human beings. In this work, we report a novel detection scheme for caffeine integrating nanohybrid membranes of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in chitosan modified silica sol gel (rGO: chitosan: silica sol gel) with fiber optic surface plasmon resonance. The chemically synthesized nanohybrid membrane forming the sensing route has been dip coated over silver coated unclad central portion of an optical fiber. The sensor works on the mechanism of modification of dielectric function of sensing layer on exposure to analyte solution which is manifested in terms of red shift in resonance wavelength. The concentration of rGO in polymer network of chitosan and silica sol gel and dipping time of the silver coated probe in the solution of nanohybrid membrane have been optimized to extricate the supreme performance of the sensor. The optimized sensing probe possesses a reasonably good sensitivity and follows an exponentially declining trend within the entire investigating range of caffeine concentration. The sensor boasts of an unparalleled limit of detection value of 1.994 nM and works well in concentration range of 0-500 nM with a response time of 16 s. The impeccable sensor methodology adopted in this work combining fiber optic SPR with nanotechnology furnishes a novel perspective for caffeine determination in commercial foodstuffs and biological fluids.

Aerogel/Particle Composites for Thermoelectric Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paik, Jong-Ah; Sakamoto, Jeffrey; Jones, Steven

2006-01-01

Optimizing solution chemistry and the addition of titania and fumed silica powder reduces shrinkage. These materials would serve to increase thermal efficiency by providing thermal insulation to suppress lateral heat leaks. They would also serve to prolong operational lifetime by suppressing sublimation of certain constituents of thermoelectric materials (e.g., sublimation of Sb from CoSb3) at typical high operating temperatures. [The use of pure silica aerogels as cast-in-place thermal-insulation and sublimation-suppression materials was described in "Aerogels for Thermal Insulation of Thermoelectric Devices" (NPO-40630), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 30, No. 7 (July 2006), page 50.] A silica aerogel is synthesized in a solgel process that includes preparation of a silica sol, gelation of the sol, and drying of the gel in a solvent at a supercritical temperature and pressure. The utility of pure silica aerogel is diminished by a tendency to shrink (and, therefore, also to crack) during the gelation and supercritical-drying stages. Moreover, to increase suppression of sublimation, it is advantageous to make an aerogel having greater density, but shrinkage and cracking tend to increase with density. A composite material of the type under investigation consists mostly of titania oxide powder particles and a small addition of fumed silica powder, which are mixed into the sol along with other ingredients prior to the gelation stage of processing. The silica aerogel and fumed silica act as a binder, gluing the titania particles together. It is believed that the addition of fumed silica stiffens the aerogel network and reduces shrinkage during the supercritical-drying stage. Minimization of shrinkage enables establishment of intimate contact between thermoelectric legs and the composite material, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the material for thermal insulation and suppression of sublimation. To some extent, the properties of the composite can be tailored via the proportions of titania and other ingredients. In particular (see figure), the addition of a suitably large proportion of titania (e.g., 0.6 g/cu cm) along with a 10-percent increase in the amount of tetraethylorthosilicate [TEOS (an ingredient of the sol)] to an aerogel component having a density 40 mg/cm3makes it possible to cast a high-average-density (>0.1 g/cm3) aerogel/particle composite having low shrinkage (2.3 percent).

A Mathematical Model of Oxygen Transport in Skeletal Muscle During Hindlimb Unloading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Causey, Laura; Lewandowski, Beth E.; Weinbaum, Sheldon

2014-01-01

During hindlimb unloading (HU) dramatic fluid shifts occur within minutes of the suspension, leading to a less precise matching of blood flow to O2 demands of skeletal muscle. Vascular resistance directs blood away from certain muscles, such as the soleus (SOL). The muscle volume gradually reduces in these muscles so that eventually the relative blood flow returns to normal. It is generally believed that muscle volume change is not due to O2 depletion, but a consequence of disuse. However, the volume of the unloaded rat muscle declines over the course of weeks, whereas the redistribution of blood flow occurs immediately. Using a Krogh Cylinder Model, the distribution of O2 was predicted in two skeletal muscles: SOL and gastrocnemius (GAS). Effects of the muscle blood flow, volume, capillary density, and O2 uptake, are included to calculate the pO2 at rest and after 10 min and 15 days of unloading. The model predicts that 32 percent of the SOL muscle tissue has a pO2 1.25 mm Hg within 10 min, whereas the GAS maintains normal O2 levels, and that equilibrium is reached only as the SOL muscle cells degenerate. The results provide evidence that there is an inadequate O2 supply to the mitochondria in the SOL muscle after 10 min HU.

Total fluid pressure imbalance in the scrape-off layer of tokamak plasmas

DOE PAGES

Churchill, Randy M.; Canik, John M.; Chang, C. S.; ...

2017-03-10

Simulations using the fully kinetic neoclassical code XGCa (X-point included guiding-center axisymmetric) were undertaken to explore the impact of kinetic effects on scrape-off layer (SOL) physics in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. XGCa is a total-f, gyrokinetic code which self-consistently calculates the axisymmetric electrostatic potential and plasma dynamics, and includes modules for Monte Carlo neutral transport. Previously presented XGCa results showed several noteworthy features, including large variations of ion density and pressure along field lines in the SOL, experimentally relevant levels of SOL parallel ion flow (Mach number similar to 0.5), skewed ion distributions near the sheath entrance leading to subsonic flowmore » there, and elevated sheath potentials (Churchill 2016 Nucl. Mater. Energy 1-6). In this paper, we explore in detail the question of pressure balance in the SOL, as it was observed in the simulation that there was a large deviation from a simple total pressure balance (the sum of ion and electron static pressure plus ion inertia). It will be shown that both the contributions from the ion viscosity (driven by ion temperature anisotropy) and neutral source terms can be substantial, and should be retained in the parallel momentum equation in the SOL, but still falls short of accounting for the observed fluid pressure imbalance in the XGCa simulation results.« less

Recent advances in preparation and application of hybrid organic-silica monolithic capillary columns.

PubMed

Ou, Junjie; Lin, Hui; Zhang, Zhenbin; Huang, Guang; Dong, Jing; Zou, Hanfa

2013-01-01

Hybrid organic-silica monolithic columns, regarded as a second generation of silica-based monoliths, have received much interest due to their unique properties over the pure silica-based monoliths. This review mainly focuses on development in the fields of preparation of hybrid monolithic columns in a capillary and their application for CEC and capillary liquid chromatography separation, as well as for sample pretreatment of solid-phase microextraction and immobilized enzyme reactor since July 2010. The preparation approaches are comprehensively summarized with three routes: (i) general sol-gel process using trialkoxysilanes and tetraalkoxysilanes as coprecursors; (ii) "one-pot" process of alkoxysilanes and organic monomers concomitantly proceeding sol-gel chemistry and free radical polymerization; and (iii) other polymerization approaches of organic monomers containing silanes. The modification of hybrid monoliths containing reactive groups to acquire the desired surface functionality is also described. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Near-infrared luminescence from Y2O3:Eu3+, Yb3+ prepared by sol-gel method.

PubMed

Xie, Ying; Xiao, Lin J; Yan, Feng Q; Chen, Yong J; Li, Wen Z; Geng, Xiu J

2014-06-01

Eu3+ and Yb3+ codoped Y2O3 phosphors were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The phosphors possess absorption in the region of 300-550 nm, exhibiting an intense NIR emission of Yb3+ around 1000 nm, which is suitable for matching the maximum spectral response of c-Si solar cells. The optimum composition of Eu3+ and Yb3+ codoped Y2O3 was (Y1.94Yb0.04Eu0.02)2O3. It is observed that two-step energy transfer occurs from the 5D2 level of Eu3+ situated around (466 nm) exciting two neighboring Yb3+ ions to the 2F5/2 level (1000 nm). The down-conversion material based on Eu(3+)- Yb3+ couple may have great potential applications in c-Si solar cells to enhance their photovoltaic conversion efficiency via spectral modification.

Studies on modification of ZnO sol-gel spin coated on flexible substrate at low temperature: Effect of time exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamardin, Ili Liyana Khairunnisa; Ainuddin, Ainun Rahmahwati

2017-04-01

Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) Film has been chosen as flexible substrate recently in the application of a device. One of the TCO mostly used is ITO/PET substrates. Through this communication, the effect of time exposure of ZnO thin film by modified sol-gel deposited on flexible substrates was investigated. 0.75 M of NaOH and C6H8O7 were dropped directly into precursor solution right before aging process in order to modified precursor solution environment condition. x-ray diffraction pattern recorded plane (100) and (101) as preferential growth orientation. The (101) plane was selected to calculate the average crystallite. The atomic force microscopy indicated RMS value for NaOH samples increased with time exposure. Meanwhile, for C6H8O7 samples decreased with hot water treatment time exposure.

Embedding Luminescent Nanocrystals in Silica Sol-Gel Matrices

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

procedure necessary to form low-density silica aerogels using supercritical drying procedures. The resulting aerogel networks show a high surface area...reactions. Recent research that just begins to delve into the subject of taking quantum dot semiconductors in silica aerogels was published in...surface of the QD is desirable. As such, ultra low-density silica aerogel materials are an excellent medium for sensor applications as they can be

Kinetic simulation of edge instability in fusion plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulton, Daniel Patrick

In this work, gyrokinetic simulations in edge plasmas of both tokamaks and field reversed. configurations (FRC) have been carried out using the Gyrokinetic Toroidal Code (GTC) and A New Code (ANC) has been formulated for cross-separatrix FRC simulation. In the tokamak edge, turbulent transport in the pedestal of an H-mode DIII-D plasma is. studied via simulations of electrostatic driftwaves. Annulus geometry is used and simulations focus on two radial locations corresponding to the pedestal top with mild pressure gradient and steep pressure gradient. A reactive trapped electron instability with typical ballooning mode structure is excited in the pedestal top. At the steep gradient, the electrostatic instability exhibits unusual mode structure, peaking at poloidal angles theta=+- pi/2. Simulations find this unusual mode structure is due to steep pressure gradients in the pedestal but not due to the particular DIII-D magnetic geometry. Realistic DIII-D geometry has a stabilizing effect compared to a simple circular tokamak geometry. Driftwave instability in FRC is studied for the first time using gyrokinetic simulation. GTC. is upgraded to treat realistic equilibrium calculated by an MHD equilibrium code. Electrostatic local simulations in outer closed flux surfaces find ion-scale modes are stable due to the large ion gyroradius and that electron drift-interchange modes are excited by electron temperature gradient and bad magnetic curvature. In the scrape-off layer (SOL) ion-scale modes are excited by density gradient and bad curvature. Collisions have weak effects on instabilities both in the core and SOL. Simulation results are consistent with density fluctuation measurements in the C-2 experiment using Doppler backscattering (DBS). The critical density gradients measured by the DBS qualitatively agree with the linear instability threshold calculated by GTC simulations. One outstanding critical issue in the FRC is the interplay between turbulence in the FRC. core and SOL regions. While the magnetic flux coordinates used by GTC provide a number of computational advantages, they present unique challenges at the magnetic field separatrix. To address this limitation, a new code, capable of coupled core-SOL simulations, is formulated, implemented, and successfully verified.

Method to produce alumina aerogels having porosities greater than 80 percent

DOEpatents

Poco, John F.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.

2003-09-16

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

Comparison of measured and modeled gas-puff emissions on Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Seung-Gyou; Terry, J. L.; Stotler, D. P.; Labombard, B. L.; Brunner, D. F.

2017-10-01

Understanding neutral transport in tokamak boundary plasmas is important because of its possible effects on the pedestal and scrape-off layer (SOL). On Alcator C-Mod, measured neutral line emissions from externally-puffed deuterium and helium gases are compared with the synthetic results of a neutral transport code, DEGAS 2. The injected gas flow rate and the camera response are absolutely calibrated. Time-averaged SOL density and temperature profiles are input to a steady-state simulation. An updated helium atomic model is employed in DEGAS2. Good agreement is found for the D α peak brightness and profile shape. However, the measured helium I line brightness is found to be lower than that in the simulation results by a roughly a factor of three over a wide range of density particularly in the far SOL region. Two possible causes for this discrepancy are reviewed. First, local cooling due to gas puff may suppress the line emission. Second, time-dependent turbulence effect may impact the helium neutral transport. Unlike deuterium atoms that gain energy from charge exchange and dissociation processes, helium neutrals remain cold and have a relatively short mean free path, known to make them prone to turbulence based on the Kubo number criterion. Supported by USDoE awards: DE-FC02-99ER54512, DE-SC0014251, and DE-AC02-09CH11466.

High-Quality Solution-Processed Silicon Oxide Gate Dielectric Applied on Indium Oxide Based Thin-Film Transistors.

PubMed

Jaehnike, Felix; Pham, Duy Vu; Anselmann, Ralf; Bock, Claudia; Kunze, Ulrich

2015-07-01

A silicon oxide gate dielectric was synthesized by a facile sol-gel reaction and applied to solution-processed indium oxide based thin-film transistors (TFTs). The SiOx sol-gel was spin-coated on highly doped silicon substrates and converted to a dense dielectric film with a smooth surface at a maximum processing temperature of T = 350 °C. The synthesis was systematically improved, so that the solution-processed silicon oxide finally achieved comparable break downfield strength (7 MV/cm) and leakage current densities (<10 nA/cm(2) at 1 MV/cm) to thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2). The good quality of the dielectric layer was successfully proven in bottom-gate, bottom-contact metal oxide TFTs and compared to reference TFTs with thermally grown SiO2. Both transistor types have field-effect mobility values as high as 28 cm(2)/(Vs) with an on/off current ratio of 10(8), subthreshold swings of 0.30 and 0.37 V/dec, respectively, and a threshold voltage close to zero. The good device performance could be attributed to the smooth dielectric/semiconductor interface and low interface trap density. Thus, the sol-gel-derived SiO2 is a promising candidate for a high-quality dielectric layer on many substrates and high-performance large-area applications.

Tuning of thermally induced sol-to-gel transitions of moderately concentrated aqueous solutions of doubly thermosensitive hydrophilic diblock copolymers poly(methoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate)-b-poly(ethoxydi(ethylene glycol) acrylate-co-acrylic acid).

PubMed

Jin, Naixiong; Zhang, Hao; Jin, Shi; Dadmun, Mark D; Zhao, Bin

2012-03-15

We report in this article a method to tune the sol-to-gel transitions of moderately concentrated aqueous solutions of doubly thermosensitive hydrophilic diblock copolymers that consist of two blocks exhibiting distinct lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) in water. A small amount of weak acid groups is statistically incorporated into the lower LCST block so that its LCST can be tuned by varying solution pH. Well-defined diblock copolymers, poly(methoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate)-b-poly(ethoxydi(ethylene glycol) acrylate-co-acrylic acid) (PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA)), were prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and postpolymerization modification. PTEGMA and PDEGEA are thermosensitive water-soluble polymers with LCSTs of 58 and 9 °C, respectively, in water. A 25 wt % aqueous solution of PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA) with a molar ratio of DEGEA to AA units of 100:5.2 at pH = 3.24 underwent multiple phase transitions upon heating, from a clear, free-flowing liquid (<15 °C) to a clear, free-standing gel (15-46 °C) to a clear, free-flowing hot liquid (47-56 °C), and a cloudy mixture (≥57 °C). With the increase of pH, the sol-to-gel transition temperature (T(sol-gel)) shifted to higher values, while the gel-to-sol transition (T(gel-sol)) and the clouding temperature (T(clouding)) of the sample remained essentially the same. These transitions and the tunability of T(sol-gel) originated from the thermosensitive properties of two blocks of the diblock copolymer and the pH dependence of the LCST of P(DEGEA-co-AA), which were confirmed by dynamic light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Using the vial inversion test method, we mapped out the C-shaped sol-gel phase diagrams of the diblock copolymer in aqueous buffers in the moderate concentration range at three different pH values (3.24, 5.58, and 5.82, all measured at ~0 °C). While the upper temperature boundaries overlapped, the lower temperature boundary shifted upward and the critical gelation concentration increased with the increase of pH. The AA content in PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA) was found to have a significant effect on the pH dependence of T(sol-gel). For PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA) with a molar ratio of DEGEA to AA units of 100:10, the T(sol-gel) of its 25 wt % aqueous solution increased faster with the increase of pH than that of PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA) with a DEGEA-to-AA molar ratio of 100:5.2. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Analysis by oxygen atom number density measurement of high-speed hydrophilic treatment of polyimide using atmospheric pressure microwave plasma

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

Ono, S.

2015-03-30

This paper describes the fundamental experimental data of the plasma surface modification of the polyimide using atmospheric pressure microwave plasma source. The experimental results were discussed from the point of view of the radical’s behavior, which significantly affects the modification mechanism. The purpose of the study is to examine how the value of the oxygen atom density will affect the hydrophilic treatment in the upstream region of the plasma where gas temperature is very high. The surface modification experiments were performed by setting the polyimide film sample in the downstream region of the plasma. The degree of the modification wasmore » measured by a water contact angle measurement. The water contact angle decreased less than 30 degrees within 1 second treatment time in the upstream region. Very high speed modification was observed. The reason of this high speed modification seems that the high density radical which contributes the surface modification exist in the upstream region of the plasma. This tendency is supposed to the measured relatively high electron density (~10{sup 15}cm{sup −3}) at the center of the plasma. We used the electric heating catalytic probe method for oxygen radical measurement. An absolute value of oxygen radical density was determined by catalytic probe measurement and the results show that ~10{sup 15}cm{sup −3} of the oxygen radical density in the upstream region and decreases toward downstream region. The experimental results of the relation of the oxygen radical density and hydrophilic modification of polyimide was discussed.« less

SOL effects on the pedestal structure in DIII-D discharges

DOE PAGES

Sontag, Aaron C.; Chen, Xi; Canik, John; ...

2017-05-24

SOLPS analysis explains the differences in pedestal structure associated with different ion ∇B drift directions in DIII-D. Core transport models predict that fusion power scales roughly as the square of the pressure at the top of the pedestal, so understanding the effects that determine pedestal structure in steady-state operational scenarios is important to projecting scenarios developed in DIII-D to ITER and other devices. Both experiments and modeling indicate that scrape off layer (SOL) conditions are important in optimizing the pedestal structure for high-beta steady-state scenarios. The SOLPS code is used to provide interpretive analysis of the pedestal and SOL tomore » examine the nature of flows and fueling on the pedestal structure including the effects of drifts in the fluid model. This analysis shows that flows driven by the ion ∇B drift are outward when this drift is toward the x-point in a single-null divertor configuration (favorable ∇B direction for reduced H-mode power threshold), and inward when the drift is away from the x-point (unfavorable ∇B direction). It is hypothesized that these flows decrease the density gradient in the pedestal in the favorable direction, thereby stabilizing the kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) and increasing the pedestal width. Comparisons of pedestal structures in similarly shaped DIII-D steady-state plasmas confirm this change, showing increased density pedestal width and lower peak density and lower separatrix density with the favorable drift direction. The pedestal temperature is higher in the lower density case, resulting in an increased pedestal pressure, which indicates that the increased particle flux does not significantly degrade energy confinement. Modeling of cases with constant ∇B drift direction but changing between the more open lower divertor and more closed upper divertor show that there is increased fueling inside the pedestal with the more open geometry. As a result, the pedestal fueling rate for both attached and detached cases is always lower with more closed divertor geometry than in any cases with more open geometry.« less

Benchmark Results Of Active Tracer Particles In The Open Souce Code ASPECT For Modelling Convection In The Earth's Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, J.; Kaloti, A. P.; Levinson, H. R.; Nguyen, N.; Puckett, E. G.; Lokavarapu, H. V.

2016-12-01

We present the results of three standard benchmarks for the new active tracer particle algorithm in ASPECT. The three benchmarks are SolKz, SolCx, and SolVI (also known as the 'inclusion benchmark') first proposed by Duretz, May, Gerya, and Tackley (G Cubed, 2011) and in subsequent work by Theilman, May, and Kaus (Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2014). Each of the three benchmarks compares the accuracy of the numerical solution to a steady (time-independent) solution of the incompressible Stokes equations with a known exact solution. These benchmarks are specifically designed to test the accuracy and effectiveness of the numerical method when the viscosity varies up to six orders of magnitude. ASPECT has been shown to converge to the exact solution of each of these benchmarks at the correct design rate when all of the flow variables, including the density and viscosity, are discretized on the underlying finite element grid (Krobichler, Heister, and Bangerth, GJI, 2012). In our work we discretize the density and viscosity by initially placing the true values of the density and viscosity at the intial particle positions. At each time step, including the initialization step, the density and viscosity are interpolated from the particles onto the finite element grid. The resulting Stokes system is solved for the velocity and pressure, and the particle positions are advanced in time according to this new, numerical, velocity field. Note that this procedure effectively changes a steady solution of the Stokes equaton (i.e., one that is independent of time) to a solution of the Stokes equations that is time dependent. Furthermore, the accuracy of the active tracer particle algorithm now also depends on the accuracy of the interpolation algorithm and of the numerical method one uses to advance the particle positions in time. Finally, we will present new interpolation algorithms designed to increase the overall accuracy of the active tracer algorithms in ASPECT and interpolation algotithms designed to conserve properties, such as mass density, that are being carried by the particles.

SOL effects on the pedestal structure in DIII-D discharges

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

Sontag, Aaron C.; Chen, Xi; Canik, John

SOLPS analysis explains the differences in pedestal structure associated with different ion ∇B drift directions in DIII-D. Core transport models predict that fusion power scales roughly as the square of the pressure at the top of the pedestal, so understanding the effects that determine pedestal structure in steady-state operational scenarios is important to projecting scenarios developed in DIII-D to ITER and other devices. Both experiments and modeling indicate that scrape off layer (SOL) conditions are important in optimizing the pedestal structure for high-beta steady-state scenarios. The SOLPS code is used to provide interpretive analysis of the pedestal and SOL tomore » examine the nature of flows and fueling on the pedestal structure including the effects of drifts in the fluid model. This analysis shows that flows driven by the ion ∇B drift are outward when this drift is toward the x-point in a single-null divertor configuration (favorable ∇B direction for reduced H-mode power threshold), and inward when the drift is away from the x-point (unfavorable ∇B direction). It is hypothesized that these flows decrease the density gradient in the pedestal in the favorable direction, thereby stabilizing the kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) and increasing the pedestal width. Comparisons of pedestal structures in similarly shaped DIII-D steady-state plasmas confirm this change, showing increased density pedestal width and lower peak density and lower separatrix density with the favorable drift direction. The pedestal temperature is higher in the lower density case, resulting in an increased pedestal pressure, which indicates that the increased particle flux does not significantly degrade energy confinement. Modeling of cases with constant ∇B drift direction but changing between the more open lower divertor and more closed upper divertor show that there is increased fueling inside the pedestal with the more open geometry. As a result, the pedestal fueling rate for both attached and detached cases is always lower with more closed divertor geometry than in any cases with more open geometry.« less

Mini-dystrophin Expression Down-regulates IP3-mediated Calcium Release Events in Resting Dystrophin-deficient Muscle Cells

PubMed Central

Balghi, Haouaria; Sebille, Stéphane; Mondin, Ludivine; Cantereau, Anne; Constantin, Bruno; Raymond, Guy; Cognard, Christian

2006-01-01

We present here evidence for the enhancement, at rest, of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)–mediated calcium signaling pathway in myotubes from dystrophin-deficient cell lines (SolC1(−)) as compared to a cell line from the same origin but transfected with mini-dystrophin (SolD(+)). With confocal microscopy, the number of sites discharging calcium (release site density [RSD]) was quantified and found more elevated in SolC1(−) than in SolD(+) myotubes. Variations of membrane potential had no significant effect on this difference, and higher resting [Ca2+]i in SolC1(−) (Marchand, E., B. Constantin, H. Balghi, M.C. Claudepierre, A. Cantereau, C. Magaud, A. Mouzou, G. Raymond, S. Braun, and C. Cognard. 2004. Exp. Cell Res. 297:363–379) cannot explain alone higher RSD. The exposure with SR Ca2+ channel inhibitors (ryanodine and 2-APB) and phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) significantly reduced RSD in both cell types but with a stronger effect in dystrophin-deficient SolC1(−) myotubes. Immunocytochemistry allowed us to localize ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as well as IP3 receptors (IP3Rs), IP3R-1 and IP3R-2 isoforms, indicating the presence of both RyRs-dependent and IP3-dependent release systems in both cells. We previously reported evidence for the enhancement, through a Gi protein, of the IP3-mediated calcium signaling pathway in SolC1(−) as compared to SolD(+) myotubes during a high K+ stimulation (Balghi, H., S. Sebille, B. Constantin, S. Patri, V. Thoreau, L. Mondin, E. Mok, A. Kitzis, G. Raymond, and C. Cognard. 2006. J. Gen. Physiol. 127:171–182). Here we show that, at rest, these regulation mechanisms are also involved in the modulation of calcium release activities. The enhancement of resting release activity may participate in the calcium overload observed in dystrophin-deficient myotubes, and our findings support the hypothesis of the regulatory role of mini-dystrophin on intracellular signaling. PMID:16847098

Porous ceramic membrane with superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface for reclaiming oil from oily water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Changhong; Xu, Youqian; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Yang; Li, Jun

2012-01-01

A porous ceramic tube with superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface was fabricated by sol-gel and then surface modification with polyurethane-polydimethysiloxane, and an oil-water separator based on the porous ceramic tube was erected to characterize superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface's separation efficiency and velocity when being used to reclaim oil from oily water and complex oily water containing clay particle. The separator is fit for reclaiming oil from oily water.

Production of monodisperse cerium oxide microspheres with diameters near 100 µm by internal-gelation sol–gel methods

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

Katalenich, Jeffrey A.; Kitchen, Brian B.; Pierson, Bruce D.

Cerium dioxide microspheres with uniform diameters between 65 – 211 µm were fabricated using internal gelation sol-gel methods. Although uniform microspheres are produced for nuclear fuel applications with diameters above 300 µm, sol-gel microspheres with diameters of 50 - 200 µm have historically been made by emulsion techniques and had poor size uniformity [1, 2]. An internal gelation, sol-gel apparatus was designed and constructed to accommodate the production of small, uniform microspheres whereby cerium-containing solutions were dispersed into flowing silicone oil and heated in a gelation column to initiate solidification [3, 4]. Problems with premature feed gelation and microsphere coalescencemore » were overcome by equipment modifications unique among known internal gelation setups. Microspheres were fabricated and sized in batches as a function of dispersing needle diameter and silicone oil flow rate in the two-fluid nozzle in order to determine the range of sizes possible and corresponding degree of monodispersity. Initial experiments with poor size uniformity were linked to microsphere coalescence in the gelation column prior to solidification as well as excessive flow rates for the cerium feed solution. Average diameter standard deviations as low as 2.23% were observed after optimization of flow rates and minimization of coalescence reactions.« less

Early Changes in Costameric and Mitochondrial Protein Expression with Unloading Are Muscle Specific

PubMed Central

Li, Ruowei; Linnehan, Richard M.; Castells, Josiane; Tesch, Per; Gustafsson, Thomas

2014-01-01

We hypothesised that load-sensitive expression of costameric proteins, which hold the sarcomere in place and position the mitochondria, contributes to the early adaptations of antigravity muscle to unloading and would depend on muscle fibre composition and chymotrypsin activity of the proteasome. Biopsies were obtained from vastus lateralis (VL) and soleus (SOL) muscles of eight men before and after 3 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and subjected to fibre typing and measures for costameric (FAK and FRNK), mitochondrial (NDUFA9, SDHA, UQCRC1, UCP3, and ATP5A1), and MHCI protein and RNA content. Mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) of types I and II muscle fibres in VL and type I fibres in SOL demonstrated a trend for a reduction after ULLS (0.05 ≤ P < 0.10). FAK phosphorylation at tyrosine 397 showed a 20% reduction in VL muscle (P = 0.029). SOL muscle demonstrated a specific reduction in UCP3 content (−23%; P = 0.012). Muscle-specific effects of ULLS were identified for linear relationships between measured proteins, chymotrypsin activity and fibre MCSA. The molecular modifications in costamere turnover and energy homoeostasis identify that aspects of atrophy and fibre transformation are detectable at the protein level in weight-bearing muscles within 3 days of unloading. PMID:25313365

Controlled Thermoresponsive Hydrogels by Stereocomplexed PLA-PEG-PLA Prepared via Hybrid Micelles of Pre-Mixed Copolymers with Different PEG Lengths

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

Abebe, Daniel G.; Fujiwara, Tomoko

2012-09-05

The stereocomplexed hydrogels derived from the micelle mixture of two enantiomeric triblock copolymers, PLLA-PEG-PLLA and PDLA-PEG-PDLA, reported in 2001 exhibited sol-to-gel transition at approximately body temperature upon heating. However, the showed poor storage modulus (ca. 1000 Pa) determined their insufficiency as injectable implant biomaterials for many applications. In this study, the mechanical property of these hydrogels was significantly improved by the modifications of molecular weights and micelle structure. Co-micelles composed of block copolymers with two sizes of PEG block length were shown to possess unique and dissimilar properties from the micelles composed of single-sized block copolymers. The stereomixture of PLA-PEG-PLAmore » comicelles showed a controllable sol-to-gel transition at a wide temperature range of 4 and 80 C. The sol-gel phase diagram displays a linear relationship of temperature versus copolymer composition; hence, a transition at body temperature can be readily achieved by adjusting the mixed copolymer ratio. The resulting thermoresponsive hydrogels exhibit a storage modulus notably higher (ca. 6000 Pa) than that of previously reported hydrogels. As a physical network solely governed by self-reorganization of micelles, followed by stereocomplexation, this unique system offers practical, safe, and simple implantable biomaterials.« less

Optical Constants of Crystallized TiO2 Coatings Prepared by Sol-Gel Process

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaodong; Wu, Guangming; Zhou, Bin; Shen, Jun

2013-01-01

Titanium oxide coatings have been deposited by the sol-gel dip-coating method. Crystallization of titanium oxide coatings was then achieved through thermal annealing at temperatures above 400 °C. The structural properties and surface morphology of the crystallized coatings were studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Characterization technique, based on least-square fitting to the measured reflectance and transmittance spectra, is used to determine the refractive indices of the crystallized TiO2 coatings. The stability of the synthesized sol was also investigated by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer. The influence of the thermal annealing on the optical properties was then discussed. The increase in refractive index with high temperature thermal annealing process was observed, obtaining refractive index values from 1.98 to 2.57 at He-Ne laser wavelength of 633 nm. The Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy studies indicate that the index variation is due to the changes in crystalline phase, density, and morphology during thermal annealing. PMID:28811410

Optical Constants of Crystallized TiO₂ Coatings Prepared by Sol-Gel Process.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaodong; Wu, Guangming; Zhou, Bin; Shen, Jun

2013-07-12

Titanium oxide coatings have been deposited by the sol-gel dip-coating method. Crystallization of titanium oxide coatings was then achieved through thermal annealing at temperatures above 400 °C. The structural properties and surface morphology of the crystallized coatings were studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Characterization technique, based on least-square fitting to the measured reflectance and transmittance spectra, is used to determine the refractive indices of the crystallized TiO₂ coatings. The stability of the synthesized sol was also investigated by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer. The influence of the thermal annealing on the optical properties was then discussed. The increase in refractive index with high temperature thermal annealing process was observed, obtaining refractive index values from 1.98 to 2.57 at He-Ne laser wavelength of 633 nm. The Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy studies indicate that the index variation is due to the changes in crystalline phase, density, and morphology during thermal annealing.

Microstructural changes in NiFe2O4 ceramics prepared with powders derived from different fuels in sol-gel auto-combustion technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, Lalita; Bokolia, Renuka; Sreenivas, K.

2016-05-01

Structural properties of Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) ceramics prepared from powders derived from sol gel auto-combustion method using different fuels (citric acid, glycine and Dl-alanine) are compared. Changes in the structural properties at different sintering temperatures are investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of single phase material with cubic structure. Ceramics prepared using the different powders obtained from different fuels show that that there are no significant changes in lattice parameters. However increasing sintering temperatures show significant improvement in density and grain size. The DL-alanine fuel is found to be the most effective fuel for producing NIFe2O4 powders by the sol-gel auto combustion method and yields highly crystalline powders in the as-burnt stage itself at a low temperature (80 °C). Subsequent use of the powders in ceramic manufacturing produces dense NiFe2O4 ceramics with a uniform microstructure and a large grain size.

METHOD OF COMBINING HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN

DOEpatents

McBride, J.P.

1962-02-27

A method is given for the catalytic recombination of radiolytic hydrogen and/or deulerium and oxygen resulting from the subjection or an aqueous thorium oxide or thorium oxide-uranium oxide slurry to ionizing radiation. An improved catalyst is prepared by providing paliadium nitrate in an aqueous thorium oxide sol at a concentration of at least 0.05 grams per gram of thorium oxide and contacting the sol with gaseous hydrogen to form flocculated solids. The solids are then recovered and added to the slurry to provide a palladium concentration of 100 to 1000 parts per million. Recombination is effected by the calalyst at a rate sufficient to support high nuclear reactor power densities. (AEC)

Additive Manufacturing of Transparent Silica Glass from Solutions.

PubMed

Cooperstein, Ido; Shukrun, Efrat; Press, Ofir; Kamyshny, Alexander; Magdassi, Shlomo

2018-06-06

A sol, aqueous solution-based ink is presented for fabrication of 3D transparent silica glass objects with complex geometries, by a simple 3D printing process conducted at room temperature. The ink combines a hybrid ceramic precursor that can undergo both the photopolymerization reaction and a sol-gel process, both in the solution form, without any particles. The printing is conducted by localized photopolymerization with the use of a low-cost 3D printer. Following printing, upon aging and densifying, the resulting objects convert from a gel to a xerogel and then to a fused silica. The printed objects, which are composed of fused silica, are transparent and have tunable density and refractive indices.

Deletion of Mbtps1 (Pcsk8, S1p, Ski-1) Gene in Osteocytes Stimulates Soleus Muscle Regeneration and Increased Size and Contractile Force with Age*

PubMed Central

Gorski, Jeff P.; Huffman, Nichole T.; Vallejo, Julian; Brotto, Leticia; Chittur, Sridar V.; Breggia, Anne; Stern, Amber; Huang, Jian; Mo, Chenglin; Seidah, Nabil G.; Bonewald, Lynda; Brotto, Marco

2016-01-01

Conditional deletion of Mbtps1 (cKO) protease in bone osteocytes leads to an age-related increase in mass (12%) and in contractile force (30%) in adult slow twitch soleus muscles (SOL) with no effect on fast twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles. Surprisingly, bone from 10–12-month-old cKO animals was indistinguishable from controls in size, density, and morphology except for a 25% increase in stiffness. cKO SOL exhibited increased expression of Pax7, Myog, Myod1, Notch, and Myh3 and 6-fold more centralized nuclei, characteristics of postnatal regenerating muscle, but only in type I myosin heavy chain-expressing cells. Increased expression of gene pathways mediating EGF receptor signaling, circadian exercise, striated muscle contraction, and lipid and carbohydrate oxidative metabolism were also observed in cKO SOL. This muscle phenotype was not observed in 3-month-old mice. Although Mbtps1 mRNA and protein expression was reduced in cKO bone osteocytes, no differences in Mbtps1 or cre recombinase expression were observed in cKO SOL, explaining this age-related phenotype. Understanding bone-muscle cross-talk may provide a fresh and novel approach to prevention and treatment of age-related muscle loss. PMID:26719336

Understanding tungsten divertor sourcing and SOL transport using multiple poloidally-localized sources in DIII-D ELM-y H-mode discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unterberg, Ea; Donovan, D.; Barton, J.; Wampler, Wr; Abrams, T.; Thomas, Dm; Petrie, T.; Guo, Hy; Stangeby, Pg; Elder, Jd; Rudakov, D.; Grierson, B.; Victor, B.

2017-10-01

Experiments using metal inserts with novel isotopically-enriched tungsten coatings at the outer divertor strike point (OSP) have provided unique insight into the ELM-induced sourcing, main-SOL transport, and core accumulation control mechanisms of W for a range of operating conditions. This experimental approach has used a multi-head, dual-facing collector probe (CP) at the outboard midplane, as well as W-I and core W spectroscopy. Using the CP system, the total amount of W deposited relative to source measurements shows a clear dependence on ELM size, ELM frequency, and strike point location, with large ELMs depositing significantly more W on the CP from the far-SOL source. Additionally, high spatial ( 1mm) and ELM resolved spectroscopic measurements of W sourcing indicate shifts in the peak erosion rate. Furthermore, high performance discharges with rapid ELMs show core W concentrations of few 10-5, and the CP deposition profile indicates W is predominantly transported to the midplane from the OSP rather than from the far-SOL region. The low central W concentration is shown to be due to flattening of the main plasma density profile, presumably by on-axis electron cyclotron heating. Work supported under USDOE Cooperative Agreement DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Time-dependent analysis of visible helium line-ratios for electron temperature and density diagnostic using synthetic simulations on NSTX-U

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

Muñoz Burgos, J. M.; Barbui, T.; Schmitz, O.

Helium line-ratios for electron temperature (T e) and density (n e) plasma diagnostic in the Scrape-Off-Layer (SOL) and Edge regions of tokamaks are widely used. Due to their intensities and proximity of wavelengths, the singlet 667.8 and 728.1 nm, and triplet 706.5 nm visible lines have been typically preferred. Time-dependency of the triplet line (706.5 nm) has been previously analyzed in detail by including transient effects on line-ratios during gas-puff diagnostic applications. In this work, several line-ratio combinations within each of the two spin systems are analyzed with the purpose of eliminating transient effects to extend the application of thismore » powerful diagnostic to high temporal resolution characterization of plasmas. The analysis is done using synthetic emission modeling and diagnostic for low electron density NSTX SOL plasma conditions by several visible lines. Quasi-static equilibrium, and time-dependent models are employed to evaluate transient effects of the atomic population levels that may affect the derived electron temperatures and densities as the helium gas-puff penetrates the plasma. Ultimately, the analysis of a wider range of spectral lines will help to extend this powerful diagnostic to experiments where the wavelength range of the measured spectra may be constrained either by limitations of the spectrometer, or by other conflicting lines from different ions.« less

Time-dependent analysis of visible helium line-ratios for electron temperature and density diagnostic using synthetic simulations on NSTX-U

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

Muñoz Burgos, J. M., E-mail: jmunozbu@pppl.gov; Stutman, D.; Tritz, K.

Helium line-ratios for electron temperature (T{sub e}) and density (n{sub e}) plasma diagnostic in the Scrape-Off-Layer (SOL) and edge regions of tokamaks are widely used. Due to their intensities and proximity of wavelengths, the singlet, 667.8 and 728.1 nm, and triplet, 706.5 nm, visible lines have been typically preferred. Time-dependency of the triplet line (706.5 nm) has been previously analyzed in detail by including transient effects on line-ratios during gas-puff diagnostic applications. In this work, several line-ratio combinations within each of the two spin systems are analyzed with the purpose of eliminating transient effects to extend the application of thismore » powerful diagnostic to high temporal resolution characterization of plasmas. The analysis is done using synthetic emission modeling and diagnostic for low electron density NSTX SOL plasma conditions by several visible lines. Quasi-static equilibrium and time-dependent models are employed to evaluate transient effects of the atomic population levels that may affect the derived electron temperatures and densities as the helium gas-puff penetrates the plasma. The analysis of a wider range of spectral lines will help to extend this powerful diagnostic to experiments where the wavelength range of the measured spectra may be constrained either by limitations of the spectrometer or by other conflicting lines from different ions.« less

Time-dependent analysis of visible helium line-ratios for electron temperature and density diagnostic using synthetic simulations on NSTX-U

DOE PAGES

Muñoz Burgos, J. M.; Barbui, T.; Schmitz, O.; ...

2016-07-11

Helium line-ratios for electron temperature (T e) and density (n e) plasma diagnostic in the Scrape-Off-Layer (SOL) and Edge regions of tokamaks are widely used. Due to their intensities and proximity of wavelengths, the singlet 667.8 and 728.1 nm, and triplet 706.5 nm visible lines have been typically preferred. Time-dependency of the triplet line (706.5 nm) has been previously analyzed in detail by including transient effects on line-ratios during gas-puff diagnostic applications. In this work, several line-ratio combinations within each of the two spin systems are analyzed with the purpose of eliminating transient effects to extend the application of thismore » powerful diagnostic to high temporal resolution characterization of plasmas. The analysis is done using synthetic emission modeling and diagnostic for low electron density NSTX SOL plasma conditions by several visible lines. Quasi-static equilibrium, and time-dependent models are employed to evaluate transient effects of the atomic population levels that may affect the derived electron temperatures and densities as the helium gas-puff penetrates the plasma. Ultimately, the analysis of a wider range of spectral lines will help to extend this powerful diagnostic to experiments where the wavelength range of the measured spectra may be constrained either by limitations of the spectrometer, or by other conflicting lines from different ions.« less

The effect of surfactant-free TiO2 surface hydroxyl groups on physicochemical, optical and self-cleaning properties of developed coatings on polycarbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaghoubi, H.; Dayerizadeh, A.; Han, S.; Mulaj, M.; Gao, W.; Li, X.; Muschol, M.; Ma, S.; Takshi, A.

2013-12-01

TiO2 is a prototypical transition metal oxide with physicochemical properties that can be modified more readily through sol-gel synthesis than through other techniques. Herein, we report on the change in the density of the hydroxyl groups on the surface of synthesized surfactant-free TiO2 nanoparticles in water due to varying the pH (7.3, 8.3, 9.3 and 10.3) of the peroxotitanium complex, i.e. the amorphous sol, prior to refluxing. This resulted in colloidal solutions with differing crystallinity, nanoparticle size, optical indirect bandgaps and photocatalytic activity. It was shown that increasing the density of hydroxyl groups on TiO2 particles coupled with low-temperature annealing (90 °C) induced an anatase to rutile transformation. Increasing the pH of the peroxotitanium complex interrupted the formation of anatase phase in crystalline sol, as evidenced by intensity increases of the Raman bands at ˜822 (Ti-O-H) and 906 cm-1 (vibrational Ti-O-H) and an intensity decrease of the band at 150 cm-1 (anatase photonic Eg). Films prepared from higher pH suspensions showed lower roughness. The reaction rate constants for photo-induced self-cleaning activity of TiO2 films prepared from colloidal solutions at pH 7.3, 8.3, 9.3 and 10.3 were estimated at 0.017 s-1, 0.014 s-1, 0.007 s-1 and 0.006 s-1, respectively.

Zinc Oxide—From Synthesis to Application: A Review

PubMed Central

Kołodziejczak-Radzimska, Agnieszka; Jesionowski, Teofil

2014-01-01

Zinc oxide can be called a multifunctional material thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties. The first part of this paper presents the most important methods of preparation of ZnO divided into metallurgical and chemical methods. The mechanochemical process, controlled precipitation, sol-gel method, solvothermal and hydrothermal method, method using emulsion and microemulsion enviroment and other methods of obtaining zinc oxide were classified as chemical methods. In the next part of this review, the modification methods of ZnO were characterized. The modification with organic (carboxylic acid, silanes) and inroganic (metal oxides) compounds, and polymer matrices were mainly described. Finally, we present possible applications in various branches of industry: rubber, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile, electronic and electrotechnology, photocatalysis were introduced. This review provides useful information for specialist dealings with zinc oxide. PMID:28788596

A fluid modeling perspective on the tokamak power scrape-off width using SOLPS-ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, Eric

2016-10-01

SOLPS-ITER, a 2D fluid code, is used to conduct the first fluid modeling study of the physics behind the power scrape-off width (λq). When drift physics are activated in the code, λq is insensitive to changes in toroidal magnetic field (Bt), as predicted by the 0D heuristic drift (HD) model developed by Goldston. Using the HD model, which quantitatively agrees with regression analysis of a multi-tokamak database, λq in ITER is projected to be 1 mm instead of the previously assumed 4 mm, magnifying the challenge of maintaining the peak divertor target heat flux below the technological limit. These simulations, which use DIII-D H-mode experimental conditions as input, and reproduce the observed high-recycling, attached outer target plasma, allow insights into the scrape-off layer (SOL) physics that set λq. Independence of λq with respect to Bt suggests that SOLPS-ITER captures basic HD physics: the effect of Bt on the particle dwell time ( Bt) cancels with the effect on drift speed ( 1 /Bt), fixing the SOL plasma density width, and dictating λq. Scaling with plasma current (Ip), however, is much weaker than the roughly 1 /Ip dependence predicted by the HD model. Simulated net cross-separatrix particle flux due to magnetic drifts exceeds the anomalous particle transport, and a Pfirsch-Schluter-like SOL flow pattern is established. Up-down ion pressure asymmetry enables the net magnetic drift flux. Drifts establish in-out temperature asymmetry, and an associated thermoelectric current carries significant heat flux to the outer target. The density fall-off length in the SOL is similar to the electron temperature fall-off length, as observed experimentally. Finally, opportunities and challenges foreseen in ongoing work to extrapolate SOLPS-ITER and the HD model to ITER and future machines will be discussed. Supported by U.S. Department of Energy Contract DESC0010434.

Modified surface of titanium dioxide nanoparticles-based biosensor for DNA detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadzirah, Sh.; Hashim, U.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

A new technique was used to develop a simple and selective picoammeter DNA biosensor for identification of E. coli O157:H7. This biosensor was fabricated from titanium dioxide nanoparticles that was synthesized by sol-gel method and spin-coated on silicon dioxide substrate via spinner. 3-Aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) was used to modify the surface of TiO2. Simple surface modification approach has been applied; which is single dropping of APTES onto the TiO2 nanoparticles surface. Carboxyl modified probe DNA has been bind onto the surface of APTES/TiO2 without any amplifier element. Electrical signal has been used as the indicator to differentiate each step (surface modification of TiO2 and probe DNA immobilization). The I-V measurements indicate extremely low current (pico-ampere) flow through the device which is 2.8138E-10 A for pure TiO2 nanoparticles, 2.8124E-10 A after APTES modification and 3.5949E-10 A after probe DNA immobilization.

Electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer film via sol-gel technology and multi-walled carbon nanotubes-chitosan functional layer for sensitive determination of quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid.

PubMed

Yang, Yukun; Fang, Guozhen; Liu, Guiyang; Pan, Mingfei; Wang, Xiaomin; Kong, Lingjie; He, Xinlei; Wang, Shuo

2013-09-15

Quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid (QCA) is difficult to measure since only trace levels are present in commercial meat products. In this study, a rapid, sensitive and selective molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for QCA determination was successfully constructed by combination of a novel modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The GCE was fabricated via stepwise modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)-chitosan (CS) functional composite and a sol-gel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film on the surface. MWNTs-CS composite was used to enhance the electron transfer rate and expand electrode surface area, and consequently amplify QCA reduction electrochemical response. The imprinted mechanism and experimental parameters affecting the performance of MIP film were discussed in detail. The resulting MIP/sol-gel/MWNTs-CS/GCE was characterized using various electrochemical methods involving cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and DPV. The sensor using MIP/sol-gel/MWNTs-CS/GCE as working electrode showed a linear current response to the target QCA concentration in the wide range from 2.0×10(-6) to 1.0×10(-3)molL(-1) with a low detection limit of 4.4×10(-7)molL(-1) (S/N=3). The established sensor with excellent reproductivity and stability was applied to evaluate commercial pork products. At five concentration levels, the recoveries and standard deviations were calculated as 93.5-98.6% and 1.7-3.3%, respectively, suggesting the proposed sensor is promising for the accurate quantification of QCA at trace levels in meat samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of the Kinetics and Equilibrium of the Adsorption of Oils onto Hydrophobic Jute Fiber Modified via the Sol-Gel Method.

PubMed

Lv, Na; Wang, Xiaoli; Peng, Shitao; Zhang, Huaqin; Luo, Lei

2018-05-12

A new kind of hydrophobic and oil sorbent based on jute fiber was successfully prepared by the integration of silica onto a fiber surface via the sol-gel method and subsequent hydrophobic modification with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Compared with the hydrophilic raw fiber, the modified fiber had a water contact angle (CA) of 136.2°, suggesting that the material has good hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the ability of oil in the oil/water system (taking diesel for example) to absorb was revealed by the kinetics, the isotherm equation, and the thermodynamic parameters. Adsorption behavior was kinetically investigated using pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order models. The data mostly correlated with the pseudo first-order model. The equilibrium adsorption at 298 K was assessed by using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Freundlich model had greater consistency with the experimental data. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrate that the adsorption of diesel is spontaneous, favorable, and exothermic.

Sol-gel synthesized ZnO for optoelectronics applications: a characterization review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harun, Kausar; Hussain, Fayaz; Purwanto, Agus; Sahraoui, Bouchta; Zawadzka, Anna; Azmin Mohamad, Ahmad

2017-12-01

The rapid growth in green technology has resulted in a marked increase in the incorporation of ZnO in energy and optoelectronic devices. Research involving ZnO is being given renewed attention in the quest to fully exploit its promising properties. The purity and state of defects in the ZnO system are optimized through several modifications to the synthesis conditions and the starting materials. These works have been verified through a series of characterizations. This review covers the essential characterization outcomes of pure ZnO nanoparticles. Emphasis is placed on recent techniques, examples and some issues concerning sol-gel synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Thermal, phase, structural and morphological observations are combined to ascertain the level of purity of ZnO. The subsequent elemental and optical characterizations are also discussed. This review would be the collective information and suggestions at one place for investigators to focus on the best development of ZnO-based optical and energy devices.

Electrochemical characterization of monoclinic and orthorhombic Li3CrF6 as positive electrodes in lithium-ion batteries synthesized by a sol-gel process with environmentally benign chemicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lieser, Georg; Winkler, Volker; Geßwein, Holger; de Biasi, Lea; Glatthaar, Sven; Hoffmann, M. J.; Ehrenberg, Helmut; Binder, Joachim R.

2015-10-01

Lithium transition metal fluorides (Li3MF6; M = Fe, V) with cryolite structure are investigated as positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A novel sol-gel process with trifluoroacetic acid as fluorine source was used to synthesize monoclinic and orthorhombic Li3CrF6. A ball milling process with Li3CrF6, binder, and conductive agent was applied to form a Li3CrF6 composite, which was electrochemically characterized against lithium metal for the first time. The electrochemical properties of two different modifications are quite similar, with a reversible specific capacity of 111 mAhg-1 for monoclinic Li3CrF6 and 106 mAhg-1 for orthorhombic Li3CrF6 (1 eq. Li ≙ 143 mAhg-1). The electrochemically active redox couple CrIII/CrII was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Metal nanoparticles in DBS card materials modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metelkin, A.; Frolov, G.; Kuznetsov, D.; Kolesnikov, E.; Chuprunov, K.; Kondakov, S.; Osipov, A.; Samsonova, J.

2015-11-01

In the recent years the method of collecting and storing Dried Blood Spots (DBS) on special cellulose membrane (paper) has gained wide popularity. But possible damage of biosamples caused by microorganisms in case of their incomplete drying is a disadvantage of the method. It can be overcome by treating sample-collection membranes with colloidal solutions of metal nanoparticles, having antibacterial effect. The team studied antibacterial properties of nonwoven material samples with various coatings (alcohol sols of copper, aluminium, iron, titanium, silver and vanadium nanoparticles). Colloidal solutions of nanoparticles were obtained by means of electroerosion method with further low-temperature plasma condensation. Antibacterial activity of fiberglass and cellulose membrane samples with nanoparticle coatings was studied using B. cereus and plaque bacteria cultures. It was revealed that nanostructured coatings can suppress bacterial activity; in addition they can diffuse from the membrane surface into medium which leads to widening the areas of inhibiting testing cultures’ growth. Thus, membrane materials treatment with alcohol-sols of metal nanoparticles can be seen as promising for conferring antibacterial properties to DBS carriers.

An improved biosensor for acetaldehyde determination using a bienzymatic strategy at poly(neutral red) modified carbon film electrodes.

PubMed

Ghica, Mariana Emilia; Pauliukaite, Rasa; Marchand, Nicolas; Devic, Eric; Brett, Christopher M A

2007-05-15

Improved biosensors for acetaldehyde determination have been developed using a bienzymatic strategy, based on a mediator-modified carbon film electrode and co-immobilisation of NADH oxidase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Modification of the carbon film electrode with poly(neutral red) mediator resulted in a sensitive, low-cost and reliable NADH detector. Immobilisation of the enzymes was performed using encapsulation in a sol-gel matrix or cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The bienzymatic biosensors were characterized by studying the influence of pH, applied potential and co-factors. The sol-gel and glutaraldehyde biosensors showed a linear response up to 60 microM and 100 microM, respectively, with detection limits of 2.6 microM and 3.3 microM and sensitivities were 1.7 microA mM(-1) and 5.6 microA mM(-1). The optimised biosensors showed good stability and good selectivity and have been tested for application for the determination of acetaldehyde in natural samples such as wine.

Deactivation of photocatalytically active ZnO nanoparticle and enhancement of its compatibility with organic compounds by surface-capping with organically modified silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Zhi; Zhang, Zhijun

2011-02-01

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and dimethyldiethoxysilane (DEDMS) were used as co-precursors to prepare organically modified silica (ormosil) via sol-gel process. The resultant ormosil was adopted for surface-capping of ZnO nanoparticle, where methyl (organic functional group) and silica (inorganic component) were simultaneously introduced onto the surface of the nanoparticles for realizing dual surface-modification. The ormosil-capped ZnO nanoparticle showed strong hydrophobicity and good compatibility with organic phases, as well as effectively decreased photocatalytic activity and almost unchanged ultraviolet (UV)-shielding ability. More importantly, the comprehensive properties of ormosil-capped ZnO nanoparticle could be manipulated by adjusting the molar ratio of TEOS to DEDMS during sol-gel process. This should help to open a wider window to better utilizing the unique and highly attractive properties such as high UV-shielding ability and high-visible light transparency of ZnO nanoparticle in sunscreen cosmetics.

Dimensional and Structural Control of Silica Aerogel Membranes for Miniaturized Motionless Gas Pumps.

PubMed

Zhao, Shanyu; Jiang, Bo; Maeder, Thomas; Muralt, Paul; Kim, Nayoung; Matam, Santhosh Kumar; Jeong, Eunho; Han, Yen-Lin; Koebel, Matthias M

2015-08-26

With growing public interest in portable electronics such as micro fuel cells, micro gas total analysis systems, and portable medical devices, the need for miniaturized air pumps with minimal electrical power consumption is on the rise. Thus, the development and downsizing of next-generation thermal transpiration gas pumps has been investigated intensively during the last decades. Such a system relies on a mesoporous membrane that generates a thermomolecular pressure gradient under the action of an applied temperature bias. However, the development of highly miniaturized active membrane materials with tailored porosity and optimized pumping performance remains a major challenge. Here we report a systematic study on the manufacturing of aerogel membranes using an optimized, minimal-shrinkage sol-gel process, leading to low thermal conductivity and high air conductance. This combination of properties results in superior performance for miniaturized thermomolecular air pump applications. The engineering of such aerogel membranes, which implies pore structure control and chemical surface modification, requires both chemical processing know-how and a detailed understanding of the influence of the material properties on the spatial flow rate density. Optimal pumping performance was found for devices with integrated membranes with a density of 0.062 g cm(-3) and an average pore size of 142.0 nm. Benchmarking of such low-density hydrophobic active aerogel membranes gave an air flow rate density of 3.85 sccm·cm(-2) at an operating temperature of 400 °C. Such a silica aerogel membrane based system has shown more than 50% higher pumping performance when compared to conventional transpiration pump membrane materials as well as the ability to withstand higher operating temperatures (up to 440 °C). This study highlights new perspectives for the development of miniaturized thermal transpiration air pumps while offering insights into the fundamentals of molecular pumping in three-dimensional open-mesoporous materials.

Preparation of mesoporous silica microparticles by sol-gel/emulsion route for protein release.

PubMed

Vlasenkova, Mariya I; Dolinina, Ekaterina S; Parfenyuk, Elena V

2018-04-06

Encapsulation of therapeutic proteins into particles from appropriate material can improve both stability and delivery of the drugs, and the obtained particles can serve as a platform for development of their new oral formulations. The main goal of this work was development of sol-gel/emulsion method for preparation of silica microcapsules capable of controlled release of encapsulated protein without loss of its native structure. For this purpose, the reported in literature direct sol-gel/W/O/W emulsion method of protein encapsulation was used with some modifications, because the original method did not allow to prepare silica microcapsules capable for protein release. The particles were synthesized using sodium silicate and tetraethoxysilane as silica precursors and different compositions of oil phase. In vitro kinetics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) release in buffer (pH 7.4) was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. Structural state of encapsulated BSA and after release was evaluated. It was found that the synthesis conditions influenced substantially the porous structure of the unloaded silica particles, release properties of the BSA-loaded silica particles and structural state of the encapsulated and released protein. The modified synthesis conditions made it possible to obtain the silica particles capable of controlled release of the protein during a week without loss of the protein native structure.

Organo-metallic elements for associative information processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potember, Richard S.; Poehler, Theodore O.

1989-01-01

In the three years of the program we have: (1) built and tested a 4 bit element matrix device for possible use in high density content-addressable memories systems; (2) established a test and evaluation laboratory to examine optical materials for nonlinear effects, saturable absorption, harmonic generation and photochromism; (3) successfully designed, constructed and operated a codeposition processing system that enables organic materials to be deposited on a variety of substrates to produce optical grade coatings and films. This system is also compatible with other traditional microelectronic techniques; (4) used the sol-gel process with colloidal AgTCNQ to fabricate high speed photochromic switches; (5) develop and applied for patent coverage to make VO2 optical switching materials via the sol-gel processing using vanadium (IV) alkoxide compounds.

[Modification and luminescence properties of transparent Lu2SiO5 : Ce3+ thin-film phosphors].

PubMed

Fan, Yang-Yang; Liu, Xiao-Lin; Gu, Mu; Ni, Chen; Huang, Shi-Ming; Liu, Bo

2011-02-01

To achieve high-spatial-resolution for X-ray imaging and flat panel display, transparent thin-film phosphors have been attracted much attention in recent years. In comparison with conventional powder phosphors, the transparent thin-film phosphors have some outstanding advantages such as high contrast and resolution, superior thermal conductivity and better adhesion. Cerium-doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate Lu2 SiO5 (LSO) is one promising candidate due to its high density (7.4 g x cm(-3)), high light yield (27 300 photons x MeV(-1)), short decay time (40 ns), and excellent chemical stability. The sol-gel method is one of the most important techniques for deposition of functional thin films, because it possesses a number of advantages over conventional film formation techniques, such as low processing temperature, easy coating of large surfaces, homogenous multicomponent films, and cheap equipments. In X-ray imaging application, the thickness of the thin-film phosphor is the most important factor, which can increase X-ray absorption of the film and then strengthen its luminescence intensity. In the present work, transparent LSO : Ce film was successfully prepared using sol-gel method and spin-coating technique by using inorganic salts as raw materials, 2-methoxyethanol as solvent, and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as modifier without inert atmosphere. The effect of PEG on the luminescence properties of the film was investigated in detail. The results indicated that PEG200 played an important role in the formation of LSO : Ce film, improving its quality and luminescent intensity. The film thickness of 0.9 microm was achieved after 5 times of coating. The luminescence properties of the film were studied. Their performances were good, which implied that the film would have promising applications in high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging and flat panel display devices.

The size effect to O2- -Ce4+ charge transfer emission and band gap structure of Sr2 CeO4.

PubMed

Wang, Wenjun; Pan, Yu; Zhang, Wenying; Liu, Xiaoguang; Li, Ling

2018-04-24

Sr 2 CeO 4 phosphors with different crystalline sizes were synthesized by the sol-gel method or the solid-state reaction. Their crystalline size, luminescence intensity of O 2- -Ce 4+ charge transfer and energy gaps were obtained through the characterization by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectra, as well as UV-visible diffuse reflectance measurements. An inverse relationship between photoluminescence (PL) spectra and crystalline size was observed when the heating temperature was from 1000°C to 1300°C. In addition, band energy calculated for all samples showed that a reaction temperature of 1200°C for the solid-state method and 1100°C for sol-gel method gave the largest values, which corresponded with the smallest crystalline size. Correlation between PL intensity and crystalline size showed an inverse relationship. Band structure, density of states and partial density of states of the crystal were calculated to analyze the mechanism using the cambrige sequential total energy package (CASTEP) module integrated with Materials Studio software. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In situ growth of sol-gel-derived nano-VO2 film and its phase transition characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Qiwu; Huang, Wanxia; Lu, Tiecheng; Yue, Fang; Xiao, Yang; Hu, Yanyan

2014-10-01

We reported the growth of VO2 film deposited by an inorganic sol-gel method, followed by post-annealing. An in situ evolution of the grain size in the films with different annealing temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C for 90 min), annealing times (500 °C for 20, 40, 60, and 90 min), and film thicknesses (30, 150 and 320 nm) was observed. The results indicated that the grain size distribution in the sol-gel-derived VO2 films was mediated by the density of nucleation center, which was varied in the films with different extents of thermal deformation during the annealing. By increasing the film thickness from 30 to 320 nm, a compact nanostructure with uniform distribution of grain size could be formed. It suggested that the in situ-evolved nanostructure in the thicker VO2 film will lead to lower threshold temperature and enhanced transition intensity in the phase transition. The effect of nanoscale grain size on the lower phase transition temperature in the VO2 film was discussed.

Microstructural changes in NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ceramics prepared with powders derived from different fuels in sol-gel auto-combustion technique

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

Chauhan, Lalita, E-mail: chauhan.lalita5@gmail.com; Sreenivas, K.; Bokolia, Renuka

2016-05-23

Structural properties of Nickel ferrite (NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) ceramics prepared from powders derived from sol gel auto-combustion method using different fuels (citric acid, glycine and Dl-alanine) are compared. Changes in the structural properties at different sintering temperatures are investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of single phase material with cubic structure. Ceramics prepared using the different powders obtained from different fuels show that that there are no significant changes in lattice parameters. However increasing sintering temperatures show significant improvement in density and grain size. The DL-alanine fuel is found to be the most effective fuel for producing NIFe{sub 2}O{submore » 4} powders by the sol-gel auto combustion method and yields highly crystalline powders in the as-burnt stage itself at a low temperature (80 °C). Subsequent use of the powders in ceramic manufacturing produces dense NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ceramics with a uniform microstructure and a large grain size.« less

Study of near SOL decay lengths in ASDEX Upgrade under attached and detached divertor conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, H. J.; Wolfrum, E.; Kurzan, B.; Eich, T.; Lackner, K.; Scarabosio, A.; Paradela Pérez, I.; Kardaun, O.; Faitsch, M.; Potzel, S.; Stroth, U.; the ASDEX Upgrade Team

2017-10-01

A database with attached, partially detached and completely detached divertors has been constructed in ASDEX Upgrade discharges in both H-mode and L-mode plasmas with Thomson Scattering data suitable for the analysis of the upstream SOL electron profiles. By comparing upstream temperature decay width, {λ }{Te,u}, with the scaling of the SOL power decay width, {λ }{q\\parallel e}, based on the downstream IR measurements, it is found that a simple relation based on classical electron conduction can relate {λ }{Te,u} and {λ }{q\\parallel e} well. The combined dataset can be described by both a single scaling and a separate scaling for H-modes and L-modes. For the single scaling, a strong inverse dependence of, {λ }{Te,u} on the separatrix temperature, {T}e,u, is found, suggesting the classical parallel Spitzer-Harm conductivity as dominant mechanism controlling the SOL width in both L-mode and H-mode over a large set of plasma parameters. This dependence on {T}e,u explains why, for the same global plasma parameters, {λ }{q\\parallel e} in L-mode is approximately twice that in H-mode and under detached conditions, the SOL upstream electron profile broadens when the density reaches a critical value. Comparing the derived scaling from experimental data with power balance, gives the cross-field thermal diffusivity as {χ }\\perp \\propto {T}e{1/2}/{n}e, consistent with earlier studies on Compass-D, JET and Alcator C-Mod. However, the possibility of the separate scalings for different regimes cannot be excluded, which gives results similar to those previously reported for the H-mode, but here the wider SOL width for L-mode plasmas is explained simply by the larger premultiplying coefficient. The relative merits of the two scalings in representing the data and their theoretical implications are discussed.

Deletion of Mbtps1 (Pcsk8, S1p, Ski-1) Gene in Osteocytes Stimulates Soleus Muscle Regeneration and Increased Size and Contractile Force with Age.

PubMed

Gorski, Jeff P; Huffman, Nichole T; Vallejo, Julian; Brotto, Leticia; Chittur, Sridar V; Breggia, Anne; Stern, Amber; Huang, Jian; Mo, Chenglin; Seidah, Nabil G; Bonewald, Lynda; Brotto, Marco

2016-02-26

Conditional deletion of Mbtps1 (cKO) protease in bone osteocytes leads to an age-related increase in mass (12%) and in contractile force (30%) in adult slow twitch soleus muscles (SOL) with no effect on fast twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles. Surprisingly, bone from 10-12-month-old cKO animals was indistinguishable from controls in size, density, and morphology except for a 25% increase in stiffness. cKO SOL exhibited increased expression of Pax7, Myog, Myod1, Notch, and Myh3 and 6-fold more centralized nuclei, characteristics of postnatal regenerating muscle, but only in type I myosin heavy chain-expressing cells. Increased expression of gene pathways mediating EGF receptor signaling, circadian exercise, striated muscle contraction, and lipid and carbohydrate oxidative metabolism were also observed in cKO SOL. This muscle phenotype was not observed in 3-month-old mice. Although Mbtps1 mRNA and protein expression was reduced in cKO bone osteocytes, no differences in Mbtps1 or cre recombinase expression were observed in cKO SOL, explaining this age-related phenotype. Understanding bone-muscle cross-talk may provide a fresh and novel approach to prevention and treatment of age-related muscle loss. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Rare Earth Ion-Doped Upconversion Nanocrystals: Synthesis and Surface Modification

PubMed Central

Chang, Hongjin; Xie, Juan; Zhao, Baozhou; Liu, Botong; Xu, Shuilin; Ren, Na; Xie, Xiaoji; Huang, Ling; Huang, Wei

2014-01-01

The unique luminescent properties exhibited by rare earth ion-doped upconversion nanocrystals (UCNPs), such as long lifetime, narrow emission line, high color purity, and high resistance to photobleaching, have made them widely used in many areas, including but not limited to high-resolution displays, new-generation information technology, optical communication, bioimaging, and therapy. However, the inherent upconversion luminescent properties of UCNPs are influenced by various parameters, including the size, shape, crystal structure, and chemical composition of the UCNPs, and even the chosen synthesis process and the surfactant molecules used. This review will provide a complete summary on the synthesis methods and the surface modification strategies of UCNPs reported so far. Firstly, we summarize the synthesis methodologies developed in the past decades, such as thermal decomposition, thermal coprecipitation, hydro/solvothermal, sol-gel, combustion, and microwave synthesis. In the second part, five main streams of surface modification strategies for converting hydrophobic UCNPs into hydrophilic ones are elaborated. Finally, we consider the likely directions of the future development and challenges of the synthesis and surface modification, such as the large-scale production and actual applications, stability, and so on, of the UCNPs. PMID:28346995

Comparative divertor-transport study for helical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Y.; Kobayashi, M.; Sardei, F.; Masuzaki, S.; Kisslinger, J.; Morisaki, T.; Grigull, P.; Yamada, H.; McCormick, K.; Ohyabu, N.; König, R.; Yamada, I.; Giannone, L.; Narihara, K.; Wenzel, U.; Morita, S.; Thomsen, H.; Miyazawa, J.; Hildebrandt, D.; Watanabe, T.; Wagner, F.; Ashikawa, N.; Ida, K.; Komori, A.; Motojima, O.; Nakamura, Y.; Peterson, B. J.; Sato, K.; Shoji, M.; Tamura, N.; Tokitani, M.; LHD experimental Group

2009-09-01

Using the island divertors (IDs) of W7-AS and W7-X and the helical divertor (HD) of LHD as examples, the paper presents a comparative divertor transport study for three typical helical devices of different machine sizes following two distinct divertor concepts, aiming at identifying common physics issues/effects for mutual validation and combined studies. Based on EMC3/EIRENE simulations supported by experimental results, the paper first reviews and compares the essential transport features of the W7-AS ID and the LHD HD in order to build a base and framework for a predictive study of W7-X. The fundamental role of low-order magnetic islands in both divertor concepts is emphasized. Preliminary EMC3/EIRENE simulation results for W7-X are presented and discussed with respect to W7-AS and LHD in order to show how the individual field and divertor topologies affect the divertor transport and performance. For instance, a high recycling regime, which is absent from W7-AS and LHD, is predicted to exist for W7-X. The paper focuses on identifying and understanding the role of divertors for high density plasma operations in helical devices. In this regard, special attention is paid to investigating the divertor function for controlling intrinsic impurities. Impurity transport behaviour and wall-sputtering processes of CX-neutrals are studied under different divertor plasma conditions. A divertor retention effect on intrinsic impurities at high SOL collisonalities is predicted for all the three devices. The required SOL plasma conditions and the underlying mechanisms are analysed in detail. Numerical results are discussed in conjunction with the experimental observations for high density divertor plasmas in W7-AS and LHD. Different SOL transport regimes are numerically identified for the standard divertor configuration of W7-X and the possible consequences on high density plasmas are assessed. All the EMC3-EIRENE simulations presented in this paper are based on vacuum fields and comparisons with local diagnostics are made for low-ß plasmas.

Influence of surface microroughness by plasma deposition and chemical erosion followed by TiO2 coating upon anticoagulation, hydrophilicity, and corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy stent.

PubMed

Wang, Gui-Xue; Shen, Yang; Zhang, He; Quan, Xue-Jun; Yu, Qing-Song

2008-06-15

Two different surface modification techniques were used to change the surface morphology and roughness of stents at the micrometer level, and eventually improve their surface adhesion properties with respect to endothelial cells. One was chemical erosion followed by sol-gel TiO(2) coating, and the other was low temperature gas plasma deposition. After surface modification, the biocompatibility including the anticoagulation properties, hydrophilicity, and corrosion resistance of these stents was evaluated. It was found that both techniques could change the surface morphology of the stents with microroughness. In comparison with the control, the treated NiTi alloy intravascular stents showed increased surface hydrophilicity and enhanced anticoagulation properties. However, the corrosion properties of the stents were not improved significantly.

Method for producing metal oxide aerogels having densities less than 0.02 g/cc

DOEpatents

Tillotson, Thomas M.; Poco, John F.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.; Thomas, Ian M.

1994-01-01

A two-step method is described for making transparent aerogels which have a density of less than 0.003 g/cm.sup.3 to those with a density of more than 0.8 g/cm.sup.3, by a sol/gel process and supercritical extraction. Condensed metal oxide intermediate made with purified reagents can be diluted to produce stable aerogels with a density of less than 0.02 g/cm.sup.3. High temperature, direct supercritical extraction of the liquid phase of the gel produces hydrophobic aerogels which are stable at atmospheric moisture conditions. Monolithic, homogeneous silica aerogels with a density of less than 0.02 to higher than 0.8 g/cm.sup.3, with high thermal insulation capacity, improved mechanical strength and good optical transparency, are described.

Enhancement of the inverted polymer solar cells via ZnO doped with CTAB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivashnamugan, Kundan; Guo, Tzung-Fang; Hsu, Yao-Jane; Wen, Ten-Chin

2018-02-01

A facile approach enhancing electron extraction in zinc oxide (ZnO) electron transfer interlayer and improving performance of bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) by adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) into sol-gel ZnO precursor solution was demonstrated in this work. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) has a 24.1% increment after modification. Our results show that CTAB can dramatically influence optical, electrical and morphological properties of ZnO electron transfer layer, and work as effective additive to enhance the performance of bulk- heterojunction polymer solar cells.

Surface modification of ZnO quantum dots by organosilanes and oleic acid with enhanced luminescence for potential biological application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rissi, Nathalia Cristina; Hammer, Peter; Aparecida Chiavacci, Leila

2017-01-01

Luminescent ZnO-QDs is a promising candidate for biological application, especially due to their low toxicity. Nevertheless, colloidal ZnO-QDs prepared by sol-gel route are unstable in water and incompatible with lipophilic systems, hindering their application in biology and medicine. To tackle the problem, this study reports three different strategies for surface modification of ZnO-QDs by: (i) hydrophilic (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), (ii) hydrophobic hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HTMS) and then by (iii) oleic acid (OA) and HTMS bilayer. Capped ZnO-QDs by GPTMS and HTMS were performed by hydrolysis and condensation reactions under basic catalysis, leading to the formation of siloxane layer, involving strong interaction between the silanes with hydroxylated surface of ZnO, thereby creating a covalent bond—ZnO-O-Si. Alternatively, OA and HTMS were employed as hydrophobic agent to form a bilayer barrier surrounding the nanoparticles (NPs). Capped ZnO-QDS were analyzed by techniques including: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, as well as the monitoring of excitonic peak of ZnO by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Photoluminescence measurements confirmed the importance of capping agents. Bare ZnO-QDs powder showed lowest photoluminescence intensity and displacement to yellow region when compared with ZnO-QDs capped, which present a higher photoluminescence in the green region. The above results can be related to changes of the concentration of oxygen vacancies (V o) and also by increased presence of surface defect density. Silane capping represents the best choice for high stability and photoluminescence enhancement of ZnO-QDs.

Biasing, acquisition, and interpretation of a dense Langmuir probe array in NSTX.

PubMed

Jaworski, M A; Kallman, J; Kaita, R; Kugel, H; LeBlanc, B; Marsala, R; Ruzic, D N

2010-10-01

A dense array of 99 Langmuir probes has been installed in the lower divertor region of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). This array is instrumented with a system of electronics that allows flexibility in the choice of probes to bias as well as the type of measurement (including standard swept, single probe, triple probe, and operation as passive floating potential and scrape-off-layer SOL current monitors). The use of flush-mounted probes requires careful interpretation. The time dependent nature of the SOL makes swept-probe traces difficult to interpret. To overcome these challenges, the single- and triple-Langmuir probe signals are used in complementary fashion to determine the temperature and density at the probe location. A comparison to midplane measurements is made.

Improving experimental phases for strong reflections prior to density modification

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

Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck; Hilgenfeld, Rolf, E-mail: hilgenfeld@biochem.uni-luebeck.de

A genetic algorithm has been developed to optimize the phases of the strongest reflections in SIR/SAD data. This is shown to facilitate density modification and model building in several test cases. Experimental phasing of diffraction data from macromolecular crystals involves deriving phase probability distributions. These distributions are often bimodal, making their weighted average, the centroid phase, improbable, so that electron-density maps computed using centroid phases are often non-interpretable. Density modification brings in information about the characteristics of electron density in protein crystals. In successful cases, this allows a choice between the modes in the phase probability distributions, and the mapsmore » can cross the borderline between non-interpretable and interpretable. Based on the suggestions by Vekhter [Vekhter (2005 ▶), Acta Cryst. D61, 899–902], the impact of identifying optimized phases for a small number of strong reflections prior to the density-modification process was investigated while using the centroid phase as a starting point for the remaining reflections. A genetic algorithm was developed that optimizes the quality of such phases using the skewness of the density map as a target function. Phases optimized in this way are then used in density modification. In most of the tests, the resulting maps were of higher quality than maps generated from the original centroid phases. In one of the test cases, the new method sufficiently improved a marginal set of experimental SAD phases to enable successful map interpretation. A computer program, SISA, has been developed to apply this method for phase improvement in macromolecular crystallography.« less

77 FR 37779 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

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Phase transformation, improved ferroelectric and magnetic properties of (1 − x) BiFeO{sub 3}–xPb(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} solid solutions

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

Sharma, Subhash, E-mail: rk.dwivedi@jiit.ac.in, E-mail: subhash1jiit@gmail.com; Singh, Vikash; Dwivedi, R. K., E-mail: rk.dwivedi@jiit.ac.in, E-mail: subhash1jiit@gmail.com

2014-06-14

The authors prepared (1 − x)BiFeO{sub 3} – (x)Pb(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} for x ≤ 0.30 by sol-gel method and investigated the material's structures, magnetic and electrical properties. Detailed Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data revealed that the system retains distorted rhombohedral R3c structure for x ≤ 0.10 but transforms to monoclinic (Cc) structure for x > 0.10. Disappearance of some Raman modes corresponding to A1 modes and the decrease in the intensities of the remaining A1 modes with increasing x in the Raman spectra, which is a clear indication of structural modification and symmetry changes brought about by PZT doping. Enhanced magnetization with PZT doping content maymore » be attributed to the gradual change and destruction in the spin cycloid structure of BiFeO{sub 3.} The leakage current density at 3.5 kV/cm was reduced by approximately three orders of magnitude by doping PZT (x = 0.30), compared with BFO ceramics.« less

75 FR 70936 - Accreditation and Approval of Inspectorate America Corporation, as a Commercial Gauger and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

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75 FR 70936 - Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory

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2010-11-19

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Tailoring the affinity of organosilica membranes by introducing polarizable ethenylene bridges and aqueous ozone modification.

PubMed

Xu, Rong; Kanezashi, Masakoto; Yoshioka, Tomohisa; Okuda, Tetsuji; Ohshita, Joji; Tsuru, Toshinori

2013-07-10

Bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene (BTESEthy) was used as a novel precursor to develop a microporous organosilica membrane via the sol-gel technique. Water sorption measurements confirmed that ethenylene-bridged BTESEthy networks had a higher affinity for water than that of ethane-bridged organosilica materials. High permeance of CO2 with high CO2/N2 selectivity was explained relative to the strong CO2 adsorption on the network with π-bond electrons. The introduction of polarizable and rigid ethenylene bridges in the network structure led to improved water permeability and high NaCl rejection (>98.5%) in reverse osmosis (RO). Moreover, the aqueous ozone modification promoted significant improvement in the water permeability of the membrane. After 60 min of ozone exposure, the water permeability reached 1.1 × 10(-12) m(3)/(m(2) s Pa), which is close to that of a commercial seawater RO membrane. Meanwhile, molecular weight cutoff measurements indicated a gradual increase in the effective pore size with ozone modification, which may present new options for fine-tuning of membrane pore sizes.

75 FR 70934 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

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Raman study of TiO2 coatings modified by UV pulsed laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belka, Radosław; Keczkowska, Justyna; Sek, Piotr

2016-12-01

The TiO2 coatings were prepared by simple sol-gel method and modified by UV pulsed laser. TiO2, also know as titania, is a ceramic compound, existing in numerous polymorphic forms, mainly as tetragonal rutile and anatase, and rhomboidal brookite. Rutile is the most stable form of titanium dioxide, whereas anatase is a metastable form, created in lower temperatures than rutile. Anatase is marked with higher specific surface area, porosity and a higher number of surface hydroxyl groups as compared to rutile. The unique optical and electronic properties of TiO2 results in its use as semiconductors dielectric mirrors, sunscreen and UV-blocking pigments and especially as photocatalyst. In this paper, the tetraisopropoxide was used as Ti precursor according to sol-gel method. An organic base was applied during sol preparation. Prepared gel was coated on glass substrates and calcined in low temperature to obtain amorphous phase of titania. Prepared coatings were modified by UV picosecond pulse laser with different pulse repetition rate and pulse power. Physical modification of the coatings using laser pulses was intended in order change the phase content of the produced material. Raman spectroscopy (RS) method was applied to studies of modified coatings as it is one of the basic analytical techniques, supporting the identification of compounds and obtaining information about the structure. Especially, RS is a useful method for distinguishing the anatase and rutile phases. In these studies, anatase to rutile transformation was observed, depending on laser parameters.

EMG and mechanical changes during sprint starts at different front block obliquities.

PubMed

Guissard, N; Duchateau, J; Hainaut, K

1992-11-01

The effect of decreased front block obliquity on start velocity was studied during sprint starts. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), the soleus (Sol), and the vastus medialis (VM) was recorded and analyzed at a 70 degrees, a 50 degrees, and a 30 degrees angle between the foot plate surface and the horizontal. Integrated EMGs (IEMG) were compared with muscle length changes in the MG and Sol in relation to foot and knee movements. The results indicate that decreasing front block obliquity significantly (P < 0.05) increases the start velocity without any change to the total duration of the pushing phase and the overall EMG activity. This improvement in sprint start performance is associated with the enhanced contribution of the MG during eccentric and concentric phases of calf muscles contraction. In the "set position" the initial length of MG and Sol is increased at 50 degrees and 30 degrees as compared with 70 degrees. The subsequent stretch-shortening cycle is improved and contributes more effectively to the speed of the muscle shortening. Moreover, lengthening these muscles during the eccentric phase stretches the muscle spindles, and the reflex activities that contribute to the observed increase in the MG IEMG, are present when the slope of the block is reduced. The results indicate that decreasing front block obliquity induces neural and mechanical modifications that contribute to increasing the sprint start velocity without any increase in the duration of the pushing phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhanced corrosion resistance and cellular behavior of ultrafine-grained biomedical NiTi alloy with a novel SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, C. Y.; Nie, F. L.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S. C.; Ruan, Liqun; Valiev, R. Z.

2011-04-01

NiTi alloy has a unique combination of mechanical properties, shape memory effects and superelastic behavior that makes it attractive for several biomedical applications. In recent years, concerns about its biocompatibility have been aroused due to the toxic or side effect of released nickel ions, which restricts its application as an implant material. Bulk ultrafine-grained Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy (UFG NiTi) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study. A homogeneous and smooth SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating without cracks was fabricated on its surface by dip-coating method with the aim of increasing its corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility. Electrochemical tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed that the pitting corrosion potential of UFG NiTi was increased from 393 mV(SCE) to 1800 mV(SCE) after coated with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 film and the corrosion current density decreased from 3.41 μA/cm2 to 0.629 μA/cm2. Meanwhile, the sol-gel coating significantly decreased the release of nickel ions of UFG NiTi when soaked in SBF. UFG NiTi with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating exhibited enhanced osteoblast-like cells attachment, spreading and proliferation compared with UFG NiTi without coating and CG NiTi.

Combining ray tracing and CFD in the thermal analysis of a parabolic dish tubular cavity receiver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craig, Ken J.; Marsberg, Justin; Meyer, Josua P.

2016-05-01

This paper describes the numerical evaluation of a tubular receiver used in a dish Brayton cycle. In previous work considering the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to perform the calculation of the absorbed radiation from the parabolic dish into the cavity as well as the resulting conjugate heat transfer, it was shown that an axi-symmetric model of the dish and receiver absorbing surfaces was useful in reducing the computational cost required for a full 3-D discrete ordinates solution, but concerns remained about its accuracy. To increase the accuracy, the Monte Carlo ray tracer SolTrace is used to perform the calculation of the absorbed radiation profile to be used in the conjugate heat transfer CFD simulation. The paper describes an approach for incorporating a complex geometry like a tubular receiver generated using CFD software into SolTrace. The results illustrate the variation of CFD mesh density that translates into the number of elements in SolTrace as well as the number of rays used in the Monte Carlo approach and their effect on obtaining a resolution-independent solution. The conjugate heat transfer CFD simulation illustrates the effect of applying the SolTrace surface heat flux profile solution as a volumetric heat source to heat up the air inside the tube. Heat losses due to convection and thermal re-radiation are also determined as a function of different tube absorptivities.

Method for producing metal oxide aerogels having densities less than 0. 02 g/cc

DOEpatents

Tillotson, T.M.; Poco, J.F.; Hrubesh, L.W.; Thomas, I.M.

1994-01-04

A two-step method is described for making transparent aerogels which have a density of less than 0.003 g/cm[sup 3] to those with a density of more than 0.8 g/cm[sup 3], by a sol/gel process and supercritical extraction. Condensed metal oxide intermediate made with purified reagents can be diluted to produce stable aerogels with a density of less than 0.02 g/cm[sup 3]. High temperature, direct supercritical extraction of the liquid phase of the gel produces hydrophobic aerogels which are stable at atmospheric moisture conditions. Monolithic, homogeneous silica aerogels with a density of less than 0.02 to higher than 0.8 g/cm[sup 3], with high thermal insulation capacity, improved mechanical strength and good optical transparency, are described. 7 figures.

Improvement of J(sc) in a Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cell by Using a Thin Carbon Intermediate Layer at the Cu2ZnSnS4/Mo Interface.

PubMed

Zhou, Fangzhou; Zeng, Fangqin; Liu, Xu; Liu, Fangyang; Song, Ning; Yan, Chang; Pu, Aobo; Park, Jongsung; Sun, Kaiwen; Hao, Xiaojing

2015-10-21

Back contact modification plays an important role in improving energy conversion efficiency of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells. In this paper, an ultrathin carbon layer is introduced on molybdenum (Mo)-coated soda lime glass (SLG) prior to the deposition of CZTS precursor to improve the back contact and therefore enhance CZTS solar cell efficiency. By introducing this layer, the short circuit current (Jsc) and device conversion efficiency increase for both nonvacuum (sol-gel) and vacuum (sputtering) methods. Specifically, for the sol-gel based process, Jsc increases from 13.60 to 16.96 mA/cm(2) and efficiency from 4.47% to 5.52%, while for the sputtering based process, Jsc increases from 17.50 to 20.50 mA/cm(2) and efficiency from 4.10% to 5.20%. Furthermore, introduction of this layer does not lead to any deterioration of either open circuit voltage (Voc) or fill factor (FF).

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

Haryadi, E-mail: haryadi@polban.ac.id; Gunawan, Y. B.; Harjogi, D.

The modification of Nafion 117 - TMSP (trimethoxysylilprophanthiol) composite membrane has been conducted by in-situ sol-gel method followed by characterization of structural and properties of material using spectroscopic techniques. The performance of composite membrane has then been examined in the single stack module of Fe-Cr Redox Flow Battery. It was found that the introduction of silica from TMSP through sol-gel process within the Nafion 117 membrane produced composite membrane that has slightly higher proton conductivity values as compared to the pristine of Nafion 117 membrane observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The degree of swelling of water in the composite membranemore » demonstrated greatly reduced than a pristine Nafion 117 signifying low water cross over. The SEM-EDX measurements indicated that there was no phase separation occurred suggesting that silica nanoparticles are distributed homogeneously within the composite membrane. The composite membrane used as separator in the system of Fe-Cr Redox Flow Battery revealed no cross mixing (crossover) occurred between anolyte and catholyte in the system as observed from the total voltage measurements that closed to the theoretical value. The battery efficiency generally increased as the volume of the electrolytes enlarged.« less

Stability and morphology of Ag nanoplatelets probed by depolarized dynamic light scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimbone, M.; Contino, A.; Maccarrone, G.; Musumeci, P.; Lo Faro, M. J.; Calcagno, L.

2018-06-01

The stability of silver nanoplatelet (NP) suspensions prepared with different concentrations of trisodium citrate (TSC) was studied by depolarized dynamic light scattering (DDLS) and UV–vis spectrometry. The morphology of the nanoparticles, as well as the color and stability of the sols, are tuned by the concentration of the capping agent. The nanoparticles prepared with high TSC concentration (>10‑4 M) are blue triangular NPs showing a slight truncation of the tips with aging. When low TSC concentrations are used, the color of the sols changes from blue to yellow with aging time and a strong modification of the morphology occurs: the nanoparticle shape changes from triangular to spherical. Remarkably, they show a high degree of anisotropy. The aging process was followed by the UV–vis spectra and by measuring the rotational diffusion coefficient by DDLS, providing information on the nanoparticle size and shape evolution. The high intensity of depolarized signal and the high value of rotational diffusion coefficient suggest that the aging process increases the thickness and the roughness of the nanoparticles

UC/MALDI-MS analysis of HDL; evidence for density-dependent post-translational modifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Jeffery D.; Henriquez, Ronald R.; Tichy, Shane E.; Russell, David H.; McNeal, Catherine J.; Macfarlane, Ronald D.

2007-12-01

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the nature of the post-translational modifications of the major apolipoproteins of HDL is different for density-distinct subclasses. These subclasses were separated by ultracentrifugation using a novel density-forming solute to yield a high-resolution separation. The serum of two subjects, a control with a normolipidemic profile and a subject with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, was studied. Aliquots of three HDL subclasses were analyzed by MALDI and considerable differences were seen when comparing density-distinct subclasses and also when comparing the two subjects. A detailed analysis of the post-translational modification pattern of apoA-1 shows evidence of considerable protease activity, particularly in the more dense fractions. We conclude that part of the heterogeneity of the population of HDL particles is due to density-dependent protease activity.

Calsequestrin content and SERCA determine normal and maximal Ca2+ storage levels in sarcoplasmic reticulum of fast- and slow-twitch fibres of rat.

PubMed

Murphy, Robyn M; Larkins, Noni T; Mollica, Janelle P; Beard, Nicole A; Lamb, Graham D

2009-01-15

Whilst calsequestrin (CSQ) is widely recognized as the primary Ca2+ buffer in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in skeletal muscle fibres, its total buffering capacity and importance have come into question. This study quantified the absolute amount of CSQ isoform 1 (CSQ1, the primary isoform) present in rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus fibres, and related this to their endogenous and maximal SR Ca2+ content. Using Western blotting, the entire constituents of minute samples of muscle homogenates or segments of individual muscle fibres were compared with known amounts of purified CSQ1. The fidelity of the analysis was proven by examining the relative signal intensity when mixing muscle samples and purified CSQ1. The CSQ1 contents of EDL fibres, almost exclusively type II fibres, and soleus type I fibres [SOL (I)] were, respectively, 36 +/- 2 and 10 +/- 1 micromol (l fibre volume)(-1), quantitatively accounting for the maximal SR Ca2+ content of each. Soleus type II [SOL (II)] fibres (approximately 20% of soleus fibres) had an intermediate amount of CSQ1. Every SOL (I) fibre examined also contained some CSQ isoform 2 (CSQ2), which was absent in every EDL and other type II fibre except for trace amounts in one case. Every EDL and other type II fibre had a high density of SERCA1, the fast-twitch muscle sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase isoform, whereas there was virtually no SERCA1 in any SOL (I) fibre. Maximal SR Ca2+ content measured in skinned fibres increased with CSQ1 content, and the ratio of endogenous to maximal Ca2+ content was inversely correlated with CSQ1 content. The relative SR Ca2+ content that could be maintained in resting cytoplasmic conditions was found to be much lower in EDL fibres than in SOL (I) fibres (approximately 20 versus >60%). Leakage of Ca2+ from the SR in EDL fibres could be substantially reduced with a SR Ca2+ pump blocker and increased by adding creatine to buffer cytoplasmic [ADP] at a higher level, both results indicating that at least part of the Ca2+ leakage occurred through SERCA. It is concluded that CSQ1 plays an important role in EDL muscle fibres by providing a large total pool of releasable Ca2+ in the SR whilst maintaining free [Ca2+] in the SR at sufficiently low levels that Ca2+ leakage through the high density of SERCA1 pumps does not metabolically compromise muscle function.

Environment Conscious, Biomorphic Ceramics from Pine and Jelutong Wood Precursors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Mrityunjay; Yee, Bo-Moon; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Environment conscious, biomorphic ceramics have been fabricated from pine and jelutong wood precursors. A carbonaceous preform is produced through wood pyrolysis and subsequent infiltration with oxides (ZrO2 sols) and liquid silicon to form ceramics. These biomorphic ceramics show a wide variety of microstructures, densities, and hardness behavior that are determined by the type of wood and infiltrants selected.

Structural, morphological and dielectric properties of BiNbO{sub 4} ceramics prepared by the sol-gel method

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

Devesa, S.; Graça, M.P.; Costa, L.C., E-mail: kady@ua.pt

2016-06-15

Highlights: • The thermal treatment at 1200 °C generates a non-stoichiometric secondary phase. • The secondary phase Bi{sub 3.54}Nb{sub 7.09}O{sub 22.7}, is responsible for the highest Q × f and density. • The samples with triclinic BiNbO{sub 4} have the highest ε′. - Abstract: BiNbO{sub 4} ceramic powders were prepared using the sol-gel method. The fine particles were pressed into cylinders and, then, they were treated at temperatures between 500 and 1150 °C. The structure was studied by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy and the morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The measurements of the complex permittivity were mademore » in a resonant cavity operating at 2.7 GHz, using the small perturbation method. The reversible phase transformation between β-BiNbO{sub 4} and α-BiNbO{sub 4} was observed. The density, dielectric constant (ε') and the dielectric loss (tg δ) of the prepared powders increase with the sintering temperature, and the sample treated at 1150 °C shows the highest ε' and the highest Q × f.« less

Results from core-edge experiments in high Power, high performance plasmas on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Petrie, T. W.; Fenstermacher, M. E.; Holcomb, C. T.; ...

2016-12-24

Here, significant challenges to reducing divertor heat flux in highly powered near-double null divertor (DND) hybrid plasmas, while still maintaining both high performance metrics and low enough density for application of RF heating, are identified. For these DNDs on DIII-D, the scaling of the peak heat flux at the outer target (q ⊥ P) ∝ [P SOL x I P] 0.92 for P SOL = 8-19 MW and I P = 1.0–1.4 MA, and is consistent with standard ITPA scaling for single-null H-mode plasmas. Two divertor heat flux reduction methods were tested. First, applying the puff-and-pump radiating divertor to DIII-Dmore » plasmas may be problematical at high power and H98 (≥ 1.5) due to improvement in confinement time with deuterium gas puffing which can lead to unacceptably high core density under certain conditions. Second, q ⊥ P for these high performance DNDs was reduced by ≈35% when an open divertor is closed on the common flux side of the outer divertor target (“semi-slot”) but also that heating near the slot opening is a significant source for impurity contamination of the core.« less

Division of Labor Among the Yeast Sol Proteins Implicated in tRNA Nuclear Export and Carbohydrate Metabolism

PubMed Central

Stanford, D. R.; Whitney, M. L.; Hurto, R. L.; Eisaman, D. M.; Shen, W.-C.; Hopper, A. K.

2004-01-01

SOL1, the founding member of the S. cerevisiae SOL family, was previously identified as a multi-copy suppressor of the los1 defect in tRNA-mediated nonsense suppression. Here we report that the four-member SOL family is not essential and that individual family members appear to have distinct functions. SOL1–SOL4 are homologous to genes encoding 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6Pgl) involved in the pentose phosphate pathway. Both Sol3p and Sol4p affect this activity. However, Sol4p does not act as a los1 multi-copy suppressor. In contrast, neither Sol1p nor Sol2p, both of which correct the los1 defect in nonsense suppression, possess detectable 6Pgl activity. Rather, Sol1p and Sol2p appear to function in tRNA nuclear export as sol1 and sol2 mutants possess elevated levels of nuclear tRNA. Members of the Sol protein family appear to have different subcellular distributions. Thus, Sol3p and Sol4p likely function in carbohydrate metabolism, while Sol1p and Sol2p appear to have roles in tRNA function and nuclear export, thereby defining an unusual protein family whose individual members are biochemically distinct and spatially dispersed. PMID:15454531

Division of labor among the yeast Sol proteins implicated in tRNA nuclear export and carbohydrate metabolism.

PubMed

Stanford, D R; Whitney, M L; Hurto, R L; Eisaman, D M; Shen, W-C; Hopper, A K

2004-09-01

SOL1, the founding member of the S. cerevisiae SOL family, was previously identified as a multi-copy suppressor of the los1 defect in tRNA-mediated nonsense suppression. Here we report that the four-member SOL family is not essential and that individual family members appear to have distinct functions. SOL1-SOL4 are homologous to genes encoding 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6Pgl) involved in the pentose phosphate pathway. Both Sol3p and Sol4p affect this activity. However, Sol4p does not act as a los1 multi-copy suppressor. In contrast, neither Sol1p nor Sol2p, both of which correct the los1 defect in nonsense suppression, possess detectable 6Pgl activity. Rather, Sol1p and Sol2p appear to function in tRNA nuclear export as sol1 and sol2 mutants possess elevated levels of nuclear tRNA. Members of the Sol protein family appear to have different subcellular distributions. Thus, Sol3p and Sol4p likely function in carbohydrate metabolism, while Sol1p and Sol2p appear to have roles in tRNA function and nuclear export, thereby defining an unusual protein family whose individual members are biochemically distinct and spatially dispersed.

75 FR 70935 - Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories. http:[sol][sol]cbp.gov[sol]xp[sol]cgov[sol]import[sol]operations-- support[sol]labs--scientific--svcs[sol]commercial--gaugers[sol]. DATES: The accreditation and approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as commercial gauger and laboratory...

75 FR 70935 - Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories. http:[sol][sol]cbp.gov[sol]xp[sol]cgov[sol]import[sol]operations-- support[sol]labs--scientific--svcs[sol]commercial--gaugers[sol]. DATES: The accreditation and approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as commercial gauger and...

Plasticity of the Intrinsic Period of the Human Circadian Timing System

PubMed Central

Scheer, Frank A.J.L.; Wright, Kenneth P.; Kronauer, Richard E.; Czeisler, Charles A.

2007-01-01

Human expeditions to Mars will require adaptation to the 24.65-h Martian solar day-night cycle (sol), which is outside the range of entrainment of the human circadian pacemaker under lighting intensities to which astronauts are typically exposed. Failure to entrain the circadian time-keeping system to the desired rest-activity cycle disturbs sleep and impairs cognitive function. Furthermore, differences between the intrinsic circadian period and Earth's 24-h light-dark cycle underlie human circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as advanced sleep phase disorder and non-24-hour sleep-wake disorders. Therefore, first, we tested whether exposure to a model-based lighting regimen would entrain the human circadian pacemaker at a normal phase angle to the 24.65-h Martian sol and to the 23.5-h day length often required of astronauts during short duration space exploration. Second, we tested here whether such prior entrainment to non-24-h light-dark cycles would lead to subsequent modification of the intrinsic period of the human circadian timing system. Here we show that exposure to moderately bright light (∼450 lux; ∼1.2 W/m2) for the second or first half of the scheduled wake episode is effective for entraining individuals to the 24.65-h Martian sol and a 23.5-h day length, respectively. Estimations of the circadian periods of plasma melatonin, plasma cortisol, and core body temperature rhythms collected under forced desynchrony protocols revealed that the intrinsic circadian period of the human circadian pacemaker was significantly longer following entrainment to the Martian sol as compared to following entrainment to the 23.5-h day. The latter finding of after-effects of entrainment reveals for the first time plasticity of the period of the human circadian timing system. Both findings have important implications for the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders and human space exploration. PMID:17684566

Sol-gel synthesis and densification of aluminoborosilicate powders. Part 1: Synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bull, Jeffrey; Selvaduray, Guna; Leiser, Daniel

1992-01-01

Aluminoborosilicate powders high in alumina content were synthesized by the sol-gel process utilizing various methods of preparation. Properties and microstructural effects related to these syntheses were examined. After heating to 600 C for 2 h in flowing air, the powders were amorphous with the metal oxides comprising 87 percent of the weight and uncombusted organics the remainder. DTA of dried powders revealed a T(sub g) at approximately 835 C and an exotherm near 900 C due to crystallization. Powders derived from aluminum secbutoxide consisted of particles with a mean diameter 5 microns less than those from aluminum isopropoxide. Powders synthesized with aluminum isopropoxide produced agglomerates comprised of rod shaped particulates while powders made with the secbutoxide precursor produced irregular glassy shards. Compacts formed from these powders required different loadings for equivalent densities according to the method of synthesis.

The Mars Pathfinder atmospheric structure investigation/meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment.

PubMed

Schofield, J T; Barnes, J R; Crisp, D; Haberle, R M; Larsen, S; Magalhães, J A; Murphy, J R; Seiff, A; Wilson, G

1997-12-05

The Mars Pathfinder atmospheric structure investigation/meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment measured the vertical density, pressure, and temperature structure of the martian atmosphere from the surface to 160 km, and monitored surface meteorology and climate for 83 sols (1 sol = 1 martian day = 24.7 hours). The atmospheric structure and the weather record are similar to those observed by the Viking 1 lander (VL-1) at the same latitude, altitude, and season 21 years ago, but there are differences related to diurnal effects and the surface properties of the landing site. These include a cold nighttime upper atmosphere; atmospheric temperatures that are 10 to 12 degrees kelvin warmer near the surface; light slope-controlled winds; and dust devils, identified by their pressure, wind, and temperature signatures. The results are consistent with the warm, moderately dusty atmosphere seen by VL-1.

Tailoring Wettability Through the Surface Modification of Electro-spun Polymers by Plasma and Sol-gel Treatments

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

Sa Majesté la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2014 DRDC-RDDC-2014-R102 i...avec la surface des matériaux est d’une importance fondamentale pour de nombreux processus, dont l’adhésion, les réactions chimiques, le transport...hydrodynamique et la nettoyabilité des surfaces. Les propriétés des surfaces peuvent se situer dans une gamme allant d’un caractère hydrophile ou

Altération dans des sols de scories issues d'un atelier de fusion du plomb.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobanska, Sophie; Ledésert, Béatrice; Deneele, Dimitri; Laboudigue, Agnès

2000-08-01

A smelter located in northern France produces lead and zinc. Large amounts of metal bearing slag particles result from the process and constitute a main environmental problem. This work presents a characterization of the slag grains at the exit of the furnace and in the surrounding soils where they are frequently found. Their comparison shows an alteration in soils revealed by a strong increase of their porosity and a modification of their morphology. Chemical analyses indicate that Pb and Zn are released in the soils during the partial dissolution of the slag particles.

[Biomass and density of 2 seagrass species in southern Quintana Roo, Mexico].

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Aguirre, M A; de la Fuente-Betancourt, M G; Cervantes-Martínez, A

2000-01-01

The biomass and productivity of a seagrass community are useful for determining the ecological status of the coast. Leaf biomass and shoot density in beds of Thalassia testudinum Banks & Sol. ex K. D. Koenig, were compared for two environments in the Mexican Caribbean coast (N = 6 quadrants/site) in November 1998. Shoot and leaf biomass values were lower in the mangrove-associated meadow than in the reef lagoon meadow. This could be related to the higher percentage of epiphytes on the leaves. In addition, T. testudinum had more biomass than Syringodium filiforme Kütz in the reef lagoon.

Improving experimental phases for strong reflections prior to density modification

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

Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; Hilgenfeld, Rolf; Terwilliger, Thomas C.

Experimental phasing of diffraction data from macromolecular crystals involves deriving phase probability distributions. These distributions are often bimodal, making their weighted average, the centroid phase, improbable, so that electron-density maps computed using centroid phases are often non-interpretable. Density modification brings in information about the characteristics of electron density in protein crystals. In successful cases, this allows a choice between the modes in the phase probability distributions, and the maps can cross the borderline between non-interpretable and interpretable. Based on the suggestions by Vekhter [Vekhter (2005), Acta Cryst. D 61, 899–902], the impact of identifying optimized phases for a small numbermore » of strong reflections prior to the density-modification process was investigated while using the centroid phase as a starting point for the remaining reflections. A genetic algorithm was developed that optimizes the quality of such phases using the skewness of the density map as a target function. Phases optimized in this way are then used in density modification. In most of the tests, the resulting maps were of higher quality than maps generated from the original centroid phases. In one of the test cases, the new method sufficiently improved a marginal set of experimental SAD phases to enable successful map interpretation. Lastly, a computer program, SISA, has been developed to apply this method for phase improvement in macromolecular crystallography.« less

Improving experimental phases for strong reflections prior to density modification

DOE PAGES

Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; Hilgenfeld, Rolf; Terwilliger, Thomas C.; ...

2013-09-20

Experimental phasing of diffraction data from macromolecular crystals involves deriving phase probability distributions. These distributions are often bimodal, making their weighted average, the centroid phase, improbable, so that electron-density maps computed using centroid phases are often non-interpretable. Density modification brings in information about the characteristics of electron density in protein crystals. In successful cases, this allows a choice between the modes in the phase probability distributions, and the maps can cross the borderline between non-interpretable and interpretable. Based on the suggestions by Vekhter [Vekhter (2005), Acta Cryst. D 61, 899–902], the impact of identifying optimized phases for a small numbermore » of strong reflections prior to the density-modification process was investigated while using the centroid phase as a starting point for the remaining reflections. A genetic algorithm was developed that optimizes the quality of such phases using the skewness of the density map as a target function. Phases optimized in this way are then used in density modification. In most of the tests, the resulting maps were of higher quality than maps generated from the original centroid phases. In one of the test cases, the new method sufficiently improved a marginal set of experimental SAD phases to enable successful map interpretation. Lastly, a computer program, SISA, has been developed to apply this method for phase improvement in macromolecular crystallography.« less

75 FR 73996 - Approval and Promulgation of State Air Quality Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-30

...:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes... http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov Web site is an... through http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and...

Analytical chemistry at the interface between materials science and biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, Janese Christine

This work describes several research efforts that lie at the new interfaces between analytical chemistry and other disciplines, namely materials science and biology. In the materials science realm, the search for new materials that may have useful or unique chromatographic properties motivated the synthesis and characterization of electrically conductive sol-gels. In the biology realm, the search for new surface fabrication schemes that would permit or even improve the detection of specific biological reactions motivated the design of miniaturized biological arrays. Collectively, this work represents some of analytical chemistry's newest forays into these disciplines. This dissertation is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter that provides background information pertinent to several key aspects of the work contained in this dissertation. Chapter 2 describes the synthesis and characterization of electrically conductive sol-gels derived from the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of a vanadium alkoxide. Specifically, this chapter describes our attempts to increase the conductivity of vanadium sol-gels by optimizing the acidic and drying conditions used during synthesis. Chapter 3 reports the construction of novel antigenic immunosensing platforms of increased epitope density using Fab'-SH antibody fragments on gold. Here, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thin-layer cell (TLC) and confocal fluorescence spectroscopies, and scanning force microscopy (SFM) are employed to characterize the fragment-substrate interaction, to quantify epitope density, and to demonstrate fragment viability and specificity. Chapter 4 presents a novel method for creating and interrogating double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) microarrays suitable for screening protein:dsDNA interactions. Using the restriction enzyme ECoR1, we demonstrate the ability of the atomic force microscope (AFM) to detect changes in topography that result from the enzymatic cleavage of dsDNA microarrays containing the correct recognition sequence. Chapter 5 explores more fully the microarray fabrication process described in Chapter 4. Specifically, experiments characterizing the effect of deposition conditions on oligonucleotide topography and as well as those that describe array density optimization are presented. Chapter 6 presents general conclusions from the work recorded in this dissertation and speculates on its extension.

Nerve injury affects the capillary supply in rat slow and fast muscles differently.

PubMed

Cebasek, Vita; Radochová, Barbora; Ribaric, Samo; Kubínová, Lucie; Erzen, Ida

2006-02-01

The goal of this study was to determine the acute effects of permanent denervation on the length density of the capillary network in rat slow soleus (SOL) and fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles and the effect of short-lasting reinnervation in slow muscle only. Denervation was performed by cutting the sciatic nerve. Both muscles were excised 2 weeks later. Reinnervation was studied 4 weeks after nerve crush in SOL muscle only. Capillaries and muscle fibres were visualised by triple immunofluorescent staining with antibodies against CD31 and laminin and with fluorescein-labelled Griffonia (Bandeira) simplicifolia lectin. A recently developed stereological approach allowing the estimation of the length of capillaries adjacent to each individual fibre (Lcap/Lfib) was employed. Three-dimensional virtual test grids were applied to stacks of optical images captured with a confocal microscope and their intersections with capillaries and muscle fibres were counted. Interrelationships among capillaries and muscle fibres were demonstrated with maximum intensity projection of the acquired stacks of optical images. The course of capillaries in EDL seemed to be parallel to the fibre axes, whereas in SOL, their preferential direction deviated from the fibre axes and formed more cross-connections among neighbouring capillaries. Lcap/Lfib was clearly reduced in denervated SOL but remained unchanged in EDL, although the muscle fibres significantly atrophied in both muscle types. When soleus muscle was reinnervated, capillary length per unit fibre length was completely restored. The physiological background for the different responses of the capillary network in slow and fast muscle is discussed.

Analysis of drift effects on the tokamak power scrape-off width using SOLPS-ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, E. T.; Goldston, R. J.; Kaveeva, E. G.; Makowski, M. A.; Mordijck, S.; Rozhansky, V. A.; Senichenkov, I. Yu; Voskoboynikov, S. P.

2016-12-01

SOLPS-ITER, a comprehensive 2D scrape-off layer modeling package, is used to examine the physical mechanisms that set the scrape-off width ({λq} ) for inter-ELM power exhaust. Guided by Goldston’s heuristic drift (HD) model, which shows remarkable quantitative agreement with experimental data, this research examines drift effects on {λq} in a DIII-D H-mode magnetic equilibrium. As a numerical expedient, a low target recycling coefficient of 0.9 is used in the simulations, resulting in outer target plasma that is sheath limited instead of conduction limited as in the experiment. Scrape-off layer (SOL) particle diffusivity (D SOL) is scanned from 1 to 0.1 m2 s-1. Across this diffusivity range, outer divertor heat flux is dominated by a narrow (˜3-4 mm when mapped to the outer midplane) electron convection channel associated with thermoelectric current through the SOL from outer to inner divertor. An order-unity up-down ion pressure asymmetry allows net ion drift flux across the separatrix, facilitated by an artificial mechanism that mimics the anomalous electron transport required for overall ambipolarity in the HD model. At {{D}\\text{SOL}}=0.1 m2 s-1, the density fall-off length is similar to the electron temperature fall-off length, as predicted by the HD model and as seen experimentally. This research represents a step toward a deeper understanding of the power scrape-off width, and serves as a basis for extending fluid modeling to more experimentally relevant, high-collisionality regimes.

Analysis of drift effects on the tokamak power scrape-off width using SOLPS-ITER

DOE PAGES

Meier, E. T.; Goldston, R. J.; Kaveeva, E. G.; ...

2016-11-02

SOLPS-ITER, a comprehensive 2D scrape-off layer modeling package, is used to examine the physical mechanisms that set the scrape-off width (more » $${{\\lambda}_{q}}$$ ) for inter-ELM power exhaust. Guided by Goldston's heuristic drift (HD) model, which shows remarkable quantitative agreement with experimental data, this research examines drift effects on $${{\\lambda}_{q}}$$ in a DIII-D H-mode magnetic equilibrium. As a numerical expedient, a low target recycling coefficient of 0.9 is used in the simulations, resulting in outer target plasma that is sheath limited instead of conduction limited as in the experiment. Scrape-off layer (SOL) particle diffusivity (D SOL) is scanned from 1 to 0.1 m2 s –1. Across this diffusivity range, outer divertor heat flux is dominated by a narrow (~3–4mm when mapped to the outer midplane) electron convection channel associated with thermoelectric current through the SOL from outer to inner divertor. An order-unity up–down ion pressure asymmetry allows net ion drift flux across the separatrix, facilitated by an artificial mechanism that mimics the anomalous electron transport required for overall ambipolarity in the HD model. At $${{D}_{\\text{SOL}}}=0.1$$ m2 s –1, the density fall-off length is similar to the electron temperature fall-off length, as predicted by the HD model and as seen experimentally. Furthermore, this research represents a step toward a deeper understanding of the power scrape-off width, and serves as a basis for extending fluid modeling to more experimentally relevant, high-collisionality regimes.« less

Electrical characteristics and density of states of thin-film transistors based on sol-gel derived ZnO channel layers with different annealing temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Mirkhani, V.; Yapabandara, K.; Cheng, R.; Hernandez, G.; Khanal, M. P.; Sultan, M. S.; Uprety, S.; Shen, L.; Zou, S.; Xu, P.; Ellis, C. D.; Sellers, J. A.; Hamilton, M. C.; Niu, G.; Sk, M. H.; Park, M.

2018-04-01

We report on the fabrication and electrical characterization of bottom gate thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on a sol-gel derived ZnO channel layer. The effect of annealing of ZnO active channel layers on the electrical characteristics of the ZnO TFTs was systematically investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicate that the crystal quality of the ZnO improves with increasing annealing temperature. Both the device turn-on voltage (Von) and threshold voltage (VT) shift to a positive voltage with increasing annealing temperature. As the annealing temperature is increased, both the subthreshold slope and the interfacial defect density (Dit) decrease. The field effect mobility (μFET) increases with annealing temperature, peaking at 800 °C and decreases upon further temperature increase. An improvement in transfer and output characteristics was observed with increasing annealing temperature. However, when the annealing temperature reaches 900 °C, the TFTs demonstrate a large degradation in both transfer and output characteristics, which is possibly produced by non-continuous coverage of the film. By using the temperature-dependent field effect measurements, the localized sub-gap density of states (DOSs) for ZnO TFTs with different annealing temperatures were determined. The DOSs for the subthreshold regime decrease with increasing annealing temperature from 600 °C to 800 °C and no substantial change was observed with further temperature increase to 900 °C.

The cascade from local to global dust storms on Mars: Temporal and spatial thresholds on thermal and dynamical feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toigo, Anthony D.; Richardson, Mark I.; Wang, Huiqun; Guzewich, Scott D.; Newman, Claire E.

2018-03-01

We use the MarsWRF general circulation model to examine the temporal and spatial response of the atmosphere to idealized local and regional dust storm radiative heating. The ability of storms to modify the atmosphere away from the location of dust heating is a likely prerequisite for dynamical feedbacks that aid the growth of storms beyond the local scale, while the ability of storms to modify the atmosphere after the cessation of dust radiative heating is potentially important in preconditioning the atmosphere prior to large scale storms. Experiments were conducted over a range of static, prescribed storm sizes, durations, optical depth strengths, locations, and vertical extents of dust heating. Our results show that for typical sizes (order 105 km2) and durations (1-10 sols) of local dust storms, modification of the atmosphere is less than the typical variability of the unperturbed (storm-free) state. Even if imposed on regional storm length scales (order 106 km2), a 1-sol duration storm similarly does not significantly modify the background atmosphere. Only when imposed for 10 sols does a regional dust storm create a significant impact on the background atmosphere, allowing for the possibility of self-induced dynamical storm growth. These results suggest a prototype for how the subjective observational categorization of storms may be related to objective dynamical growth feedbacks that only become available to storms after they achieve a threshold size and duration, or if they grow into an atmosphere preconditioned by a prior large and sustained storm.

Shadow-casted ultrathin surface coatings of titanium and titanium/silicon oxide sol particles via ultrasound-assisted deposition.

PubMed

Karahan, H Enis; Birer, Özgür; Karakuş, Kerem; Yıldırım, Cansu

2016-07-01

Ultrasound-assisted deposition (USAD) of sol nanoparticles enables the formation of uniform and inherently stable thin films. However, the technique still suffers in coating hard substrates and the use of fast-reacting sol-gel precursors still remains challenging. Here, we report on the deposition of ultrathin titanium and titanium/silicon hybrid oxide coatings using hydroxylated silicon wafers as a model hard substrate. We use acetic acid as the catalyst which also suppresses the reactivity of titanium tetraisopropoxide while increasing the reactivity of tetraethyl orthosilicate through chemical modifications. Taking the advantage of this peculiar behavior, we successfully prepared titanium and titanium/silicon hybrid oxide coatings by USAD. Varying the amount of acetic acid in the reaction media, we managed to modulate thickness and surface roughness of the coatings in nanoscale. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies showed the formation of conformal coatings having nanoroughness. Quantitative chemical state maps obtained by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested the formation of ultrathin (<10nm) coatings and thickness measurements by rotating analyzer ellipsometry supported this observation. For the first time, XPS chemical maps revealed the transport effect of ultrasonic waves since coatings were directly cast on rectangular substrates as circular shadows of the horn with clear thickness gradient from the center to the edges. In addition to the progress made in coating hard substrates, employing fast-reacting precursors and achieving hybrid coatings; this report provides the first visual evidence on previously suggested "acceleration and smashing" mechanism as the main driving force of USAD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antibacterial Drug Releasing Materials by Post-Polymerization Surface Modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chng, Shuyun; Moloney, Mark G.; Wu, Linda Y. L.

Functional materials are available by the post-polymerization surface modification of diverse polymers in a three-step process mediated, firstly, by carbene insertion chemistry, secondly, by diazonium coupling, and thirdly by modification with a remotely tethered spiropyran unit, and these materials may be used for the reversible binding and release of Penicillin V. Surface loading densities of up to 0.19mmol/g polymer are achievable, leading to materials with higher loading densities and release behavior relative to unmodified controls, and observable antibacterial biocidal activity.

Modification of Ti6Al4V implant surfaces by biocompatible TiO2/PCL hybrid layers prepared via sol-gel dip coating: Structural characterization, mechanical and corrosion behavior.

PubMed

Catauro, Michelina; Bollino, Flavia; Giovanardi, Roberto; Veronesi, Paolo

2017-05-01

Surface modification of metallic implants is a promising strategy to improve tissue tolerance, osseointegration and corrosion resistance of them. In the present work, bioactive and biocompatible organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared using a sol-gel dip coating route. They consist of an inorganic TiO 2 matrix in which different percentages of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, were incorporated. The coatings were used to modify the surface of Ti6Al4V substrates in order to improve their wear and corrosion resistance. The chemical structure of the coatings was analyzed by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Coating microstructure, mechanical properties and ability to inhibit the corrosion of the substrates were evaluated as a function of the PCL amount. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the polymer allows to obtain crack-free coatings, but when high percentages were added uncoated areas appear. Nano-indentation tests revealed that, as expected, surface hardness and elastic modulus decrease as the percentage of polymeric matrix increases, but scratch testing demonstrated that the coatings are effective in preventing scratching of the underlying metallic substrate, at least for PCL contents up to 20wt%. The electrochemical tests (polarization curves acquired in order to evaluate the corrosion resistance) allowed to asses that the coatings have a significant effect in term of corrosion potential (E corr ) but they do not significantly affect the passivation process that titanium undergoes in contact with the test solution used (modified Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline or DPBS). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of a colloid solution of silica-coated gold nanoparticles for X-ray imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yoshio; Nagasu, Ryoko; Shibuya, Kyosuke; Nakagawa, Tomohiko; Kubota, Yohsuke; Gonda, Kohsuke; Ohuchi, Noriaki

2014-08-01

This work proposes a method for fabricating silica-coated gold (Au) nanoparticles, surface modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (Au/SiO2/PEG), with a particle size of 54.8 nm. X-ray imaging of a mouse is performed with the colloid solution. A colloid solution of 17.9 nm Au nanoparticles was prepared by reducing Au ions (III) with sodium citrate in water at 80 °C. The method used for silica-coating the Au nanoparticles was composed of surface-modification of the Au nanoparticles with (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APMS) and a sol-gel process. The sol-gel process was performed in the presence of the surface-modified Au nanoparticles using tetraethylorthosilicate, APMS, water, and sodium hydroxide, in which the formation of silica shells and the introduction of amino groups to the silica-coated particles took place simultaneously (Au/SiO2-NH2). Surface modification of the Au/SiO2-NH2 particles with PEG, or PEGylation of the particle surface, was performed by adding PEG with a functional group that reacted with an amino group in the Au/SiO2-NH2 particle colloid solution. A computed tomography (CT) value of the aqueous colloid solution of Au/SiO2/PEG particles with an actual Au concentration of 0.112 M was as high as 922 ± 12 Hounsfield units, which was higher than that of a commercial X-ray contrast agent with the same iodine concentration. Injecting the aqueous colloid solution of Au/SiO2/PEG particles into a mouse increased the light contrast of tissues. A CT value of the heart rose immediately after the injection, and this rise was confirmed for up to 6 h.

75 FR 70905 - President's Export Council: Meeting of the President's Export Council

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... Council will convene its next meeting via live webcast on the Internet at http:[sol][sol]whitehouse.gov[sol]live. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J. Marc Chittum, President's Export Council, Room 4043...'s Export Council Web site at http:[sol][sol]trade.gov[sol]pec[sol]peccomments.asp; or Paper...

Structural properties and gas sensing behavior of sol-gel grown nanostructured zinc oxide

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

Rajyaguru, Bhargav; Gadani, Keval; Kansara, S. B.

2016-05-06

In this communication, we report the results of the studies on structural properties and gas sensing behavior of nanostructured ZnO grown using acetone precursor based modified sol-gel technique. Final product of ZnO was sintered at different temperatures to vary the crystallite size while their structural properties have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement performed at room temperature. XRD results suggest the single phasic nature of all the samples and crystallite size increases from 11.53 to 20.96 nm with increase in sintering temperature. Gas sensing behavior has been studied for acetone gas which indicates that lower sintered samples are moremore » capable to sense the acetone gas and related mechanism has been discussed in the light of crystallite size, crystal boundary density, defect mechanism and possible chemical reaction between gas traces and various oxygen species.« less

Synthesis of nano-sized lithium cobalt oxide via a sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guangfen; Zhang, Jing

2012-07-01

In this study, nano-structured LiCoO2 thin film were synthesized by coupling a sol-gel process with a spin-coating method using polyacrylic acid (PAA) as chelating agent. The optimized conditions for obtaining a better gel formulation and subsequent homogenous dense film were investigated by varying the calcination temperature, the molar mass of PAA, and the precursor's molar ratios of PAA, lithium, and cobalt ions. The gel films on the silicon substrate surfaces were deposited by multi-step spin-coating process for either increasing the density of the gel film or adjusting the quantity of PAA in the film. The gel film was calcined by an optimized two-step heating procedure in order to obtain regular nano-structured LiCoO2 materials. Both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to analyze the crystalline and the morphology of the films, respectively.

Photoluminescence and photoconductivity studies on amorphous and crystalline ZnO thin films obtained by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valverde-Aguilar, G.; Manríquez Zepeda, J. L.

2015-03-01

Amorphous and crystalline ZnO thin films were obtained by the sol-gel process. A precursor solution of ZnO was synthesized by using zinc acetate dehydrate as inorganic precursor at room temperature. The films were spin-coated on silicon and glass wafers and gelled in humid air. The films were calcined at 450 °C for 15 min to produce ZnO nanocrystals with a wurtzite structure. Crystalline ZnO film exhibits an absorption band located at 359 nm (3.4 eV). Photoconductivity technique was used to determine the charge transport mechanism on both kinds of films. Experimental data were fitted with straight lines at darkness and under illumination at 355 and 633 nm wavelengths. This indicates an ohmic behavior. The photovoltaic and photoconductivity parameters were determined from the current density versus the applied electrical field results.

The thermodynamic characteristics of solutions of Bu4NI in dimethylsulfoxide over a wide concentration range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safonova, L. P.; Shmukler, L. E.; Kolker, A. M.

2008-05-01

The integral heats of solution of Bu4NI in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were measured at 298.15, 313.15, and 328.15 K and concentrations from dilute to saturation. The standard enthalpies and heat capacities of solution and solvation of Bu4NI in DMSO at various temperatures and the bar C_p^o (Bu_4 N^ + ) value at 298.15 K were calculated. The obtained and literature data were used to consider the influence of the nature of solvents on Δsol H m (Bu4NI) and of the electrolyte on Δsol H m in dimethylsulfoxide at 298.15 K. The dynamic viscosity and density of the Bu4NI-DMSO system were determined at various concentrations and temperatures. The Eyring equation was used to calculate the activation energy of viscous flow at all the concentrations studied.

Biasing, Acquisition and Interpretation of a Dense Langmuir Probe Array in NSTX

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

Jaworski, M. A.; Kallman, J.; Kaita, R.

2010-09-22

A dense array of 99 Langmuir probes has been installed in the lower divertor region of the National Spherical Torus Experiments (NSTX). This array is instrumented with a system of elec- tronics that allows flexibility in the choice of probes to bias as well as the type of measurement (including standard swept, single probe, triple probe and operation as passive floating potential and scrape-off-layer (SOL) current monitors). The use of flush-mounted probes requires careful inter- pretation. The time dependent nature of the SOL makes swept-probe traces difficult to interpret. To overcome these challenges, the single- and triple-Langmuir probe signals aremore » used in comple- mentary fashion to determine the temperature and density at the probe location. A comparison to mid-plane measurements is made. Work is supported by DOE contracts DE-AC02-09CHI1466 and DE-PS02-07ER07-29.« less

Los1p, involved in yeast pre-tRNA splicing, positively regulates members of the SOL gene family.

PubMed

Shen, W C; Stanford, D R; Hopper, A K

1996-06-01

To understand the role of Los1p in pre-tRNA splicing, we sought los1 multicopy suppressors. We found SOL1 that suppresses both point and null LOS1 mutations. Since, when fused to the Ga14p DNA-binding domain, Los1p activates transcription, we tested whether Los1p regulates SOL1. We found that las1 mutants have depleted levels of SOL1 mRNA and Sol1p. Thus, LOS1 appears to positively regulate SOL1. SOL1 belongs to a multigene family with at least two additional members, SOL2 and SOL3. Sol proteins have extensive similarity to an unusual group of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases. As the similarities are restricted to areas separate from the catalytic domain, these G6PDs may have more than one function. The SOL family appears to be unessential since cells with a triple disruption of all three SOL genes are viable. SOL gene disruptions negatively affect tRNA-mediated nonsense suppression and the severity increases with the number of mutant SOL genes. However, tRNA levels do not vary with either multicopy SOL genes or with SOL disruptions. Therefore, the Sol proteins affect tRNA expression/ function at steps other than transcription or splicing. We propose that LOS1 regulates gene products involved in tRNA expression/function as well as pre-tRNA splicing.

The NEPRF (Naval Environmental Prediction Research Facility) Sunglint Pattern Calculation and Display System

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

CDATE,TN IQNX(1)=IDIFDTG(CIQNX,CDATE) SOL = FLOAT(IQNX(1))/24.DO/365.DO*360.DO*PI/180.DO SOLDEC=23.5DO*DSIN( SOL ) C C FIND THE LONGITUDE OF EQUATOR...CROSSING EQCX=LN IF(LH.EQ.1HW) EQCX=360.DO-EQCX C C FIND THE SOLAR LONGITUDE C READ (CTN,7004) SOL ,AMDA SOL = SOL +AMDA/60.DO SOL =DMOD(540.DO- SOL *15.DO,360.DO...AMDAxEQCX- SOL +360.DO AMDA=DMOD(AMDA, 360.DO) C WRITE (6,6000) IDATE WRITE (6,6001) HT,SIA IQNX(1)wIHE IF(SOL.LT.180.) GO TO 12 SOLz360.DO- SOL IQNX(1

Processing and Characterization of Sol-Gel Cerium Oxide Microspheres

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

McClure, Zachary D.; Padilla Cintron, Cristina

Of interest to space exploration and power generation, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) can provide long-term power to remote electronic systems without the need for refueling or replacement. Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) remains one of the more promising materials for thermoelectric power generation due to its high power density, long half-life, and low gamma emissions. Traditional methods for processing Pu-238 include ball milling irregular precipitated powders before pressing and sintering into a dense pellet. The resulting submicron particulates of Pu-238 quickly accumulate and contaminate glove boxes. An alternative and dust-free method for Pu-238 processing is internal gelation via sol-gel techniques. Sol-gel methodology createsmore » monodisperse and uniform microspheres that can be packed and pressed into a pellet. For this study cerium oxide microspheres were produced as a surrogate to Pu-238. The similar electronic orbitals between cerium and plutonium make cerium an ideal choice for non-radioactive work. Before the microspheres can be sintered and pressed they must be washed to remove the processing oil and any unreacted substituents. An investigation was performed on the washing step to find an appropriate wash solution that reduced waste and flammable risk. Cerium oxide microspheres were processed, washed, and characterized to determine the effectiveness of the new wash solution.« less

Sol-gel derived electrode materials for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chuan

1998-12-01

Electrochemical capacitors have been receiving increasing interest in recent years for use in energy storage systems because of their high energy and power density and long cycle lifes. Possible applications of electrochemical capacitors include high power pulsed lasers, hybrid power system for electric vehicles, etc. In this dissertation, the preparation of electrode materials for use as electrochemical capacitors has been studied using the sol-gel process. The high surface area electrode materials explored in this work include a synthetic carbon xerogel for use in a double-layer capacitor, a cobalt oxide xerogel for use in a pseudocapacitor, and a carbon-ruthenium xerogel composite, which utilizes both double-layer and faradaic capacitances. The preparation conditions of these materials were investigated in detail to maximize the surface area and optimize the pore size so that more energy could be stored while minimizing mass transfer limitations. The microstructures of the materials were also correlated with their performance as electrochemical capacitors to improve their energy and power densities. Finally, an idealistic mathematical model, including both double-layer and faradaic processes, was developed and solved numerically. This model can be used to perform the parametric studies of an electrochemical capacitor so as to gain a better understanding of how the capacitor works and also how to improve cell operations and electrode materials design.

Surface morphology, optical, and electrochromic properties of nanostructured nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) prepared by sol-gel method: effects of Ni/Fe molar ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazhan, Z.; Ghodsi, F. E.; Mazloom, J.

2016-05-01

Nanostructured nickel ferrite (NF) was prepared by the sol-gel method and calcined at 500 °C for 2 h. The effect of Ni/Fe molar ratios (0, 10, 30, 50 %) on structural, morphological, compositional, optical, and magnetic properties of samples was investigated using analytical tools. XRD patterns indicated the presence of hematite phase in the pure and 10 % NF samples. The samples of 30 and 50 % Ni/Fe molar ratios showed the formation of nickel ferrite structure. Using AFM images, power spectrum density analysis were performed for Ni/Fe with different molar ratio. Also the effect of thickness on morphology of 30 % sample was studied. The fractal dimension increases by increasing the Ni/Fe molar ratio. Optical parameters were evaluated by theoretical approach, and compositional dependence of these parameters was discussed comprehensively. Band gap narrowing was observed in nickel ferrite thin films by increasing the nickel contents from 10 to 50 %. Magnetic analysis revealed that increasing nickel content improved the saturation magnetization. Electrochemical measurements indicated that NF thin films have higher total charge density rather than Fe2O3 thin films and the ion storage capacitance of NF thin films increased by increasing the Ni/Fe content.

Crystal structure and luminescent properties of Sr2SiO4:Eu2+ phosphor prepared by sol-gel method.

PubMed

Pan, Heng; Li, Xu; Zhang, Jinping; Guan, Li; Su, Hongxin; Yang, Zhiping; Teng, Feng

2016-07-04

A series of Eu2+ (0.0025≤ × ≤0.025) activated Sr2SiO4:xEu2+ (SSO:xEu2+) phosphors were synthesized via a sol-gel method. The phosphors were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The differences between α' and β phase of SSO in the density of states and energy band gap were investigated. The energy gap of α'-SSO and β-SSO are 4.489 and 4.106 eV, respectively. While, two samples showed similar total and partial densities of states. Under the excitation by the ultra violet (UV) light (365 nm), the SSO:xEu2+ phosphor exhibited a green emission band from 400 to 700 nm, which was corresponding to the transition of 5d → 4f of Eu2+ ions. Two emission peaks at 464 and 532 nm could be obtained through Gauss fitting curves. The ratio of the blue to green emission peak decreased with the Eu2+ concentration and the peaks shifted regularly with it. The thermal quenching property was investigated and its activation energy was calculated. The results indicated that this phosphor could be a candidate of green phosphor for UV-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The Sizing and Optimization Language, (SOL): Computer language for design problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucas, Stephen H.; Scotti, Stephen J.

1988-01-01

The Sizing and Optimization Language, (SOL), a new high level, special purpose computer language was developed to expedite application of numerical optimization to design problems and to make the process less error prone. SOL utilizes the ADS optimization software and provides a clear, concise syntax for describing an optimization problem, the OPTIMIZE description, which closely parallels the mathematical description of the problem. SOL offers language statements which can be used to model a design mathematically, with subroutines or code logic, and with existing FORTRAN routines. In addition, SOL provides error checking and clear output of the optimization results. Because of these language features, SOL is best suited to model and optimize a design concept when the model consits of mathematical expressions written in SOL. For such cases, SOL's unique syntax and error checking can be fully utilized. SOL is presently available for DEC VAX/VMS systems. A SOL package is available which includes the SOL compiler, runtime library routines, and a SOL reference manual.

Preparation and evaluation of a macroporous molecularly imprinted hybrid silica monolithic column for recognition of proteins by high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Lin, Zian; Yang, Fan; He, Xiwen; Zhao, Xiaomiao; Zhang, Yukui

2009-12-04

A novel type of macroporous molecularly imprinted hybrid silica monolithic column was first developed for recognition of proteins. The macroporous silica-based monolithic skeleton was synthesized in a 4.6mm i.d. stainless steel column by a mild sol-gel process with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as a sole precursor, and then vinyl groups were introduced onto the surface of the silica skeleton by chemical modification of gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (gamma-MAPS). Subsequently, the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coating was copolymerized and anchored onto the surface of the silica monolith. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (Lyz), which differ greatly in molecular size, isoelectric point, and charge, were representatively selected for imprinted templates to evaluate recognition property of the hybrid silica-based MIP monolith. Some important factors, such as template-monomer molar ratio, total monomer concentration and crosslinking density, were systematically investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the obtained hybrid silica-based MIP monolith showed higher binding affinity for template than its corresponding non-imprinted (NIP) monolith. The imprinted factor (IF) for BSA and Lyz reached 9.07 and 6.52, respectively. Moreover, the hybrid silica-based MIP monolith displayed favorable binding characteristics for template over competitive protein. Compared with the imprinted silica beads for stationary phase and in situ organic polymer-based hydrogel MIP monolith, the hybrid silica MIP monolith exhibited higher recognition, stability and lifetime.

Evidence of modifications of micellar interface in sol-gel glass

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

Catuara, C.M.; Lin, C.T.

1994-12-31

A new sol-gel procedure using micellar solutions has been developed to immobilize local anesthetic drugs in optically transparent glass. Dibucaine was selected as a direct emission probe at 77 K for determining the forms of the anesthetic drug (free base, monoprotonated, and/or diprotonated) and its location (hydrophobic core, interfacial layer or hydrophilic region) in micelles. The photophysical properties of local anesthetics obtained in gels are compared to those in solutions. During the gelation stage, the predominant drug species was identified as free base dibucaine embedded in the hydrophobic core of neutral as well as charged micelles. This observation suggests thatmore » the micellar interface was modified by the large hydrophilic gel surface during the gelation stage. The modified micellar interface allows an increase in the partition of free base dibucaine into the hydrophobic region. At the xerogel stage, however, the collapse of micellar structure provides a direct interaction of dibucaine with the acidic gel surface, leading to a formation of diprotonated dibucaine. The results are discussed in terms of molecular basis of pharmacological implications such as drug delivery, release, and transport under microencapsulation conditions.« less

Polymer Nanocomposites As Future Materials For Defense & Energy Applications-High Energy Density Storage Systems With Reduced Size And Weight For Pulse Power Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-21

Std Z39-18 Sol-Gel CCTO /P(VDF-HFP) Composites with High Energy Density During the previous reporting period we found that CCTO (CaCu3Ti4O12...composites containing CCTO synthesized by the standard solid-state route. At the optimal 20 vol% CCTO loading, our CCTO -P(VDF-HFP) composite has εr ~82 at...Ceramics such as BaTiO3 or CaCu3Ti4O12 ( CCTO ) have high dielectric permittivities, but they suffer from very low breakdown field strength and thus low

A Computer Code for Fully-Coupled Rocket Nozzle Flows (FULLNOZ)

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-04-01

surface (i.e. each integration It would be useful to incorporate an "initializing" scheme which utilizes comb tstion chamber properties as initial...density is greater than the critical electron density. (During the initial stages of the expansion process , where particle tempera- tures are very high it...34iW to19Cs*4909too xs *d99$900 wool ?* 0. SeFC16, .t) .6?900 1, 3x *,30?%I0 to 41,171 0I. 9"CI ,."v *?’o.9 A3 qhbs99r.oo, v.U118 0.1 ,t It Od Cs Sol-C

A one-step in-situ assembly strategy to construct PEG@MOG-100-Fe shape-stabilized composite phase change material with enhanced storage capacity for thermal energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junyong; Andriamitantsoa, Radoelizo S.; Atinafu, Dimberu G.; Gao, Hongyi; Dong, Wenjun; Wang, Ge

2018-03-01

A novel in-situ assembly strategy has been developed to synthesis polyethylene glycol (PEG)@iron-benzenetricarboxylate metal-organic gel (MOG-100-Fe) shape-stabilized composite phase change materials by regulating metal-to-ligand ratio. The PEG@MOG-100-Fe was prepared by an ingenious introduction of PEG into the traditional sol-gel prepared MOG-100-Fe. The composite exhibited high heat storage density and thermal stability. The PEG loading content reached up to 92% without any leakage above its melting point. The heat storage density reaches to 152.88

Los1p, involved in yeast pre-tRNA splicing, positively regulates members of the SOL gene family

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

Shen, W.C.; Stanford, D.R.; Hopper, A.K.

1996-06-01

To understand the role of Los1p in pre-tRNA splicing, we sought los1 multicopy suppressors. We found SOL1 that suppresses both point and null LOS1 mutations. Since, when fused to the Gal4p DNA-binding domain, Los1p activates transcription, we tested whether Los1p regulates SOL1. We found that los1 mutants have depleted levels of SOL1 mRNA and Sol1p. Thus, LOS1 appears to positively regulate SOL1. SOL1 belongs to a multigene family with at least two additional members, SOL2 and SOL3. Sol proteins have extensive similarity to an unusual group of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases (G6PDs). As the similarities are restricted to areas separate from themore » catalytic domain, these G6PDs may have more than one function. The SOL gene disruptions negatively affect tRNA-mediated nonsense suppression and the severity increases with the number of mutant SOL genes. However, tRNA levels do not vary with either multicopy SOL genes or with SOL disruptions. Therefore, the Sol proteins affect tRNA expression/function at steps other than transcription or splicing. We propose that LOS1 regulates gene products involved in tRNA expression/function as well as pre-tRNA splicing. 64 refs., 6 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Iterative model building, structure refinement and density modification with the PHENIX AutoBuild wizard.

PubMed

Terwilliger, Thomas C; Grosse-Kunstleve, Ralf W; Afonine, Pavel V; Moriarty, Nigel W; Zwart, Peter H; Hung, Li Wei; Read, Randy J; Adams, Paul D

2008-01-01

The PHENIX AutoBuild wizard is a highly automated tool for iterative model building, structure refinement and density modification using RESOLVE model building, RESOLVE statistical density modification and phenix.refine structure refinement. Recent advances in the AutoBuild wizard and phenix.refine include automated detection and application of NCS from models as they are built, extensive model-completion algorithms and automated solvent-molecule picking. Model-completion algorithms in the AutoBuild wizard include loop building, crossovers between chains in different models of a structure and side-chain optimization. The AutoBuild wizard has been applied to a set of 48 structures at resolutions ranging from 1.1 to 3.2 A, resulting in a mean R factor of 0.24 and a mean free R factor of 0.29. The R factor of the final model is dependent on the quality of the starting electron density and is relatively independent of resolution.

Microscopic mechanism of amino silicone oil modification and modification effect with different amino group contents based on molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Liping; Li, Wenjun; Chen, Dachuan; Yuan, Jianmin; Lu, Gang; Zhou, Dianwu

2018-05-01

The microscopic mechanism of amino silicone oil (ASO) modification of natural fiber was investigated for the first time using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation at the atomic and molecular levels. The MD simulation results indicated that the ASO molecular interacted with the cellulose molecular within the natural fiber, mainly by intermolecular forces of Nsbnd Hsbnd O and Osbnd Hsbnd N hydrogen bonds and the molecular chain of ASO absorbed onto the natural fiber in a selective orientation, i.e., the hydrophobic alkyl groups (sbnd CnH2n+1) project outward and the polar amino groups (sbnd NH2) point to the surface of natural fiber. Consequently, the ASO modification changed the surface characteristic of natural fiber from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Furthermore, the modification effects of the ASO modification layer with different amino group contents (m:n ratio) were also evaluated in this study by calculating the binding energy between the ASO modifier and natural fiber, and the cohesive energy density and free volume of the ASO modification layer. The results showed that the binding energy reached a maximum when the m:n ratio of ASO was of 8:4, suggesting that a good bonding strength was achieved at this m:n ratio. It was also found that the cohesive energy density enhanced with the increase in the amino group content, and the higher the cohesive energy density, the easier the formation of the ASO modification layer. However, the fraction free volume decreased with the increase in the amino group content. This is good for improving the water-proof property of natural fiber. The present work can provide an effective method for predicting the modification effects and designing the optimized m:n ratio of ASO modification.

75 FR 57956 - Draft Revision of the Federalwide Assurance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-23

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77 FR 30439 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Apopka, FL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-23

... through the Internet at http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito...:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Persons wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this... http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed...

76 FR 38585 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Wilkes-Barre, PA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-01

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75 FR 73015 - Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Newport, VT

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2010-11-29

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78 FR 32212 - Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Factoryville, PA

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2013-05-29

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75 FR 62024 - Metal and Nonmetal Dams

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2010-10-07

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76 FR 52297 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Safeguarding Unclassified DoD Information

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2011-08-22

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78 FR 32213 - Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Bedford, PA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-29

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75 FR 73016 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Kenbridge, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-29

... the Internet at http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Horrocks...:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Comments wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on... comments submitted through http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can...

At the nano-level modified cotton knitwear prototype development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukle, S.; Vihodceva, S.; Belakova, D.; Lukasevica, B.; Riepniece, A.

2017-10-01

This article reviews efficiency of the fluorine, silica and zinc compounds containing textile coating conformity with the day-to-day wearing conditions of cotton knitwear used as the first level clothing to the wearer skin. Silica sol modified with the zinc acetate dehydrate was used for the weft knitted cotton single-jersey and double-jersey fabrics chemical modification. The experimental part of the presented research includes the evaluation of the fabrics structure characteristics, air and vapour permeability and water-repellent abilities. The wettability of cotton textiles were evaluated by the water contact angle before and after modification as well after hydrothermal treatment. Images of the obtained modified fibres surfaces analysed by scanning electron microscopy, and fibres surface chemical composition has been determined with dispersive X-ray analysis. Conformity of modified textiles properties important to the wearing comfort and the inserted additional functions determined by testing textiles “in vitro” verified “in vivo” in experimental wearing process where 100 volunteers of different professions had participated.

Intermittent turbulence and turbulent structures in LAPD and ET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, T. A.; Pace, D. C.; White, A. E.; Gauvreau, J.-L.; Gourdain, P.-A.; Schmitz, L.; Taylor, R. J.

2006-12-01

Strongly intermittent turbulence is observed in the shadow of a limiter in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) and in both the inboard and outboard scrape-off-layer (SOL) in the Electric Tokamak (ET) at UCLA. In LAPD, the amplitude probability distribution function (PDF) of the turbulence is strongly skewed, with density depletion events (or "holes") dominant in the high density region and density enhancement events (or "blobs") dominant in the low density region. Two-dimensional cross-conditional averaging shows that the blobs are detached, outward-propagating filamentary structures with a clear dipolar potential while the holes appear to be part of a more extended turbulent structure. A statistical study of the blobs reveals a typical size of ten times the ion sound gyroradius and a typical velocity of one tenth the sound speed. In ET, intermittent turbulence is observed on both the inboard and outboard midplane.

75 FR 70956 - Post Office Closing

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2010-11-19

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75 FR 70965 - Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received

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2010-11-19

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Natural Variation at sympathy for the ligule Controls Penetrance of the Semidominant Liguleless narrow-R Mutation in Zea mays

PubMed Central

Buescher, Elizabeth M.; Moon, Jihyun; Runkel, Anne; Hake, Sarah; Dilkes, Brian P.

2014-01-01

Leaf architecture determines plant structural integrity, light harvesting, and economic considerations such as plant density. Ligules, junctions at the leaf sheath and blade in grasses, protect stalks from environmental stresses and, in conjunction with auricles, controls leaf angle. Previous studies in mutants have recessive liguleless mutants (lg1 and lg2) and dominant mutations in knotted1-like homeobox genes (Lg3-O, Lg4, and Kn1) involved in ligule development. Recently, a new semidominant liguleless mutant, Liguleless narrow (Lgn-R), has been characterized in maize that affects ligule and auricle development and results in a narrow leaf phenotype. We show that quantitative genetic variation affects penetrance of Lgn-R. To examine the genetic architecture underlying Lgn-R expressivity, crosses between Lgn-R/+ mutants in a B73 background and intermated B73 x Mo17 recombinant inbred lines were evaluated in multiple years and locations. A single main-effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 1 (sympathy for the ligule; sol) was discovered with a Mo17-contributed allele that suppressed Lgn-R mutant phenotypes. This QTL has a genetic-interaction with a locus on chromosome 7 (lucifer; lcf) for which the B73-contributed allele increases the ability of the solMo17 allele to suppress Lgn-R. Neither of the genetic intervals likely to contain sol or lcf overlap with any current liguleless genes nor with previously identified genome-wide association QTL connected to leaf architecture. Analysis of phenotypes across environments further identified a genotype by enviroment interaction determining the strength of the sol x lcf interaction. PMID:25344411

Hierarchical porous photoanode based on acid boric catalyzed sol for dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleki, Khatereh; Abdizadeh, Hossein; Golobostanfard, Mohammad Reza; Adelfar, Razieh

2017-02-01

The hierarchical porous photoanode of the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is synthesized through non-aqueous sol-gel method based on H3BO3 as an acid catalyst and the efficiencies of the fabricated DSSC based on these photoanodes are compared. The sol parameters of 0.17 M, water mole ratio of 4.5, acid mole ratio of 0.45, and solvent type of ethanol are introduced as optimum parameters for photoanode formation without any detectable cracks. The optimized hierarchical photoanode mainly contains anatase phase with slight shift toward higher angles, confirming the doping of boron into titania structure. Moreover, the porous structure involves two ranges of average pore sizes of 20 and 635 nm. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) shows the proper scattering and blueshift in band gap. The paste parameters of solid:liquid, TiO2:ethyl cellulose, and terpineol:ethanol equal to 11:89, 3.5:7.5, and 25:64, respectively, are assigned as optimized parameters for this novel paste. The photovoltaic properties of short circuit current density, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency of 5.89 mA/cm2, 703 mV, 0.7, and 2.91% are obtained for the optimized sample, respectively. The relatively higher short circuit current of the main sample compared to other samples is mainly due to higher dye adsorption in this sample corresponding to its higher surface area and presumably higher charge transfer confirmed by low RS and Rct in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data. Boric acid as a catalyst in titania sol not only forms hierarchical porous structure, but also dopes the titania lattice, which results in appreciated performance in this device.

The preliminary SOL (Sizing and Optimization Language) reference manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucas, Stephen H.; Scotti, Stephen J.

1989-01-01

The Sizing and Optimization Language, SOL, a high-level special-purpose computer language has been developed to expedite application of numerical optimization to design problems and to make the process less error-prone. This document is a reference manual for those wishing to write SOL programs. SOL is presently available for DEC VAX/VMS systems. A SOL package is available which includes the SOL compiler and runtime library routines. An overview of SOL appears in NASA TM 100565.

77 FR 22328 - Guidance for Industry on the Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Food...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-13

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76 FR 38340 - Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution...

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2011-06-30

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77 FR 35703 - Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget

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2012-06-14

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75 FR 32533 - WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Shrimp...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

... should be submitted electronically to http:[sol][sol] www.regulations.gov , docket number USTR-2010-0008. If you are unable to submit comments using http:[sol][sol] www.regulations.gov , please contact Sandy.... Persons may submit public comments electronically to http:[sol][sol] www.regulations.gov docket number...

Role of cold isostatic pressing in the formation of the properties of ZrO{sub 2}-base ceramics obtained from ultradisperse powders

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

Akimov, G.Y.; Prokhorov, I.Y.; Gorelik, I.V.

1995-09-01

The physicomechanical properties of ceramics obtained from plasmachemical and sol-gel powders of partially stabilized (3% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) zirconia (PSZ) and its compositions with 20% Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} by cold isostatic pressing (CIP) at a pressure of at most 2 GPa and sintering at 1300-1650{degrees}C are investigated. It is established that plasmachemical PSZ exhibits its best properties (K{sub 1c} = 7.8 MPa {center_dot} m{sup 1/2}, a strength of 650 MPa) only after complete disintegration at a CIP of 0.1 GPa and a sintering temperature of 1650{degrees}C, when the material is sintered to a density of 5.5 g/cm{sup 3}. After partialmore » stabilization and CIP at 0.1 GPa the plasmachemical composition of PSZ + 20% Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is sintered at 1650{degrees}C to a density of 4.7 g/cm{sup 3}, but has K{sub 1c} = 8.5 MPa {center_dot} m{sup 1/2} and a strength of 700 MPa. The deagglomerated sol-gel powder exhibits properties at a level of K{sub 1c} = 12.4 MPa {center_dot} m{sup 1/2} and a strength of 950 MPa at a density above 6.0 g/cm{sup 3} after CIP at 0.3 GPa and sintering at 1450{degrees}C. The latter obviously has the best mechanical properties of all the investigated materials.« less

Separation of uranium from (Th,U)O.sub.2 solid solutions

DOEpatents

Chiotti, Premo; Jha, Mahesh Chandra

1976-09-28

Uranium is separated from mixed oxides of thorium and uranium by a pyrometallurgical process in which the oxides are mixed with a molten chloride salt containing thorium tetrachloride and thorium metal which reduces the uranium oxide to uranium metal which can then be recovered from the molten salt. The process is particularly useful for the recovery of uranium from generally insoluble high-density sol-gel thoria-urania nuclear reactor fuel pellets.

75 FR 70897 - Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; South American Cactus...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... either of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov[sol]fdmspublic[sol]component[sol]main ?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2010-0106 to submit or view comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Postal Mail[sol]Commercial Delivery: Please send...

77 FR 34032 - American River Power III, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

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2012-06-08

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76 FR 12958 - Amnor Hydro West Inc.; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

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78 FR 22275 - Collection of Information under Review by Office of Management and Budget

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-15

... following means: (1) Online: (a) To Coast Guard docket at http:[sol][sol] www.regulations.gov . (b) To OIRA... Federal holidays. You may also find the docket on the Internet at http:[sol][sol] www.regulations.gov . Copies of the ICRs are available through the docket on the Internet at http:[sol][sol] www.regulations...

Divertor, scrape-off layer and pedestal particle dynamics in the ELM cycle on ASDEX Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laggner, F. M.; Keerl, S.; Gnilsen, J.; Wolfrum, E.; Bernert, M.; Carralero, D.; Guimarais, L.; Nikolaeva, V.; Potzel, S.; Cavedon, M.; Mink, F.; Dunne, M. G.; Birkenmeier, G.; Fischer, R.; Viezzer, E.; Willensdorfer, M.; Wischmeier, M.; Aumayr, F.; the EUROfusion MST1 Team; the ASDEX Upgrade Team

2018-02-01

In addition to the relaxation of the pedestal, edge localised modes (ELMs) introduce changes to the divertor and scrape-off layer (SOL) conditions. Their impact on the inter-ELM pedestal recovery is investigated, with emphasis on the electron density (n e) evolution. The typical ELM cycle occurring in an exemplary ASDEX Upgrade discharge interval at moderate applied gas puff and heating power is characterised, utilising several divertor, SOL and pedestal diagnostics. In the studied discharge interval the inner divertor target is detached before the ELM crash, while the outer target is attached. The particles and power expelled by the ELM crash lead to a re-attachment of the inner target plasma. After the ELM crash, the outer divertor target moves into a high recycling regime with large n e in front of the plate, which is accompanied by high main chamber neutral fluxes. On similar timescales, the inner target fully detaches and the high field side high density region (HFSHD) is formed reaching up to the high field side midplane. This state evolves again to the pre-ELM state, when the main chamber neutral fluxes are reduced later in the ELM cycle. Neither the timescale of the appearance of the HFSHD nor the increase of the main chamber neutral fluxes fit the timescale of the n e pedestal, which is faster. It is found that during the n e pedestal recovery, the magnetic activity at the low field side midplane is strongly reduced indicating a lower level of fluctuations. A rough estimation of the particle flux across the pedestal suggests that the particle flux is reduced in this period. In conclusion, the evolution of the n e pedestal is determined by a combination of neutral fluxes, HFSHD and reduced particle flux across the pedestal. A reduced particle flux explains the fast, experimentally observed re-establishment of the n e pedestal best, whereas neutrals and HFSHD impact on the evolution of the SOL and separatrix conditions.

High-beta steady-state research with integrated modeling in the JT-60 Upgrade

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

Ozeki, T.

2007-05-15

Improvement of high-beta performance and its long sustainment was obtained with ferritic steel tiles in the JT-60 Upgrade (JT-60U) [T. Fujita et al., Phys. Plasmas 50, 104 (2005)], which were installed inside the vacuum vessel to reduce fast ion loss by decreasing the toroidal field ripple. When a separation between the plasma surface and the wall was small, high-beta plasmas reached the ideal wall stability limit, i.e., the ideal magnetohydrodynamics stability limit with the wall stabilization. A small rotation velocity of 0.3% of the Alfven velocity was found to be effective for suppressing the resistive wall mode. Sustainment of themore » high normalized beta value of {beta}{sub N}=2.3 has been extended to 28.6 s ({approx}15 times the current diffusion time) by improvement of the confinement and increase in the net heating power. Based on the research in JT-60U experiments and first-principle simulations, integrated models of core, edge-pedestal, and scrape-off-layer (SOL) divertors were developed, and they clarified complex features of reactor-relevant plasmas. The integrated core plasma model indicated that the small amount of electron cyclotron (EC) current density of about half the bootstrap current density could effectively stabilize the neoclassical tearing mode by the localized EC current accurately aligned to the magnetic island center. The integrated edge-pedestal model clarified that the collisionality dependence of energy loss due to the edge-localized mode was caused by the change in the width of the unstable mode and the SOL transport. The integrated SOL-divertor model clarified the effect of the exhaust slot on the pumping efficiency and the cause of enhanced radiation near the X-point multifaceted asymmetric radiation from edge. Success in these consistent analyses using the integrated code indicates that it is an effective means to investigate complex plasmas and to control the integrated performance.« less

77 FR 21761 - Alice Falls Corporation, Alice Falls Hydro, LLC; Notice of Application for Transfer of License...

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2012-04-11

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76 FR 72699 - KC Hydro LLC of New Hampshire; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-25

....2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site http:[sol][sol]www.ferc.gov/docs... registration, using the eComment system at http:[sol][sol]www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must... http:[sol][sol]www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P-14248-000) in the...

So, Why Sol-Mi? American Music Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Peggy D.

2005-01-01

Walk into any primary grade music class in the U.S., and you will likely hear teacher and students singing a musical greeting, such as "Good morning boys and girls" (sol-mi-mi-sol-sol-mi) and the response "Good morning Miss Purdy" (sol-mi-mi-sol-mi-mi). Since about the 1970s, teachers have been beginning and ending music class for young children…

Method of making ionic liquid mediated sol-gel sorbents

DOEpatents

Malik, Abdul; Shearrow, Anne M.

2017-01-31

Ionic liquid (IL)-mediated sol-gel hybrid organic-inorganic materials present enormous potential for effective use in analytical microextraction. One obstacle to materializing this prospect arises from high viscosity of ILs significantly slowing down sol-gel reactions. A method was developed which provides phosphonium-based, pyridinium-based, and imidazolium-based IL-mediated advanced sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid materials for capillary microextraction. Scanning electron microscopy results demonstrate that ILs can serve as porogenic agents in sol-gel reactions. IL-mediated sol-gel coatings prepared with silanol-terminated polymers provided up to 28 times higher extractions compared to analogous sol-gel coatings prepared without any IL in the sol solution. This study shows that IL-generated porous morphology alone is not enough to provide effective extraction media: careful choice of the organic polymer and the precursor with close sol-gel reactivity must be made to ensure effective chemical bonding of the organic polymer to the created sol-gel material to be able to provide the desired sorbent characteristics.

Effect of the scrape-off layer in AORSA full wave simulations of fast wave minority, mid/high harmonic, and helicon heating regimes

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

Bertelli, N., E-mail: nbertell@pppl.gov; Gerhardt, S.; Hosea, J. C.

2015-12-10

Several experiments on different machines and in different fast wave (FW) heating regimes, such as hydrogen minority heating and high harmonic fast waves, have found strong interactions between radio-frequency (RF) waves and the scrape-off layer (SOL) region. This paper examines the propagation and the power loss in the SOL by using the full wave code AORSA, in which the edge plasma beyond the last closed flux surface (LCFS) is included in the solution domain and a collisional damping parameter is used as a proxy to represent the real, and most likely nonlinear, damping processes. 3D AORSA results for the Nationalmore » Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX), where a full antenna spectrum is reconstructed, are shown, confirming the same behavior found for a single toroidal mode results in Bertelli et al, Nucl. Fusion, 54 083004, 2014, namely, a strong transition to higher SOL power losses (driven by the RF field) when the FW cut-off is moved away from in front of the antenna by increasing the edge density. Additionally, full wave simulations have been extended to “conventional” tokamaks with higher aspect ratios, such as the DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod, and EAST devices. DIII-D results show similar behavior found in NSTX and NSTX-U, consistent with previous DIII-D experimental observations. In contrast, a different behavior has been found for Alcator C-Mod and EAST, which operate in the minority heating regime unlike NSTX/NSTX-U and DIII-D, which operate in the mid/high harmonic regime. A substantial discussion of some of the main aspects, such as (i) the pitch angle of the magnetic field; (ii) minority heating vs. mid/high harmonic regimes is presented showing the different behavior of the RF field in the SOL region for NSTX-U scenarios with different plasma current. Finally, the preliminary results of the impact of the SOL region on the evaluation of the helicon current drive efficiency in DIII-D is presented for the first time and briefly compared with the different regimes mentioned above.« less

Effect of the scrape-off layer in AORSA full wave simulations of fast wave minority, mid/high harmonic, and helicon heating regimes

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

Bertelli, Nicola; Jaeger, E. F.; Lau, Cornwall H

2015-01-01

Several experiments on different machines and in different fast wave (FW) heating regimes, such as hydrogen minority heating and high harmonic fast waves, have found strong interactions between radio-frequency (RF) waves and the scrape-off layer (SOL) region. This paper examines the propagation and the power loss in the SOL by using the full wave code AORSA, in which the edge plasma beyond the last closed flux surface (LCFS) is included in the solution domain and a collisional damping parameter is used as a proxy to represent the real, and most likely nonlinear, damping processes. 3D AORSA results for the Nationalmore » Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX), where a full antenna spectrum is reconstructed, are shown, confirming the same behavior found for a single toroidal mode results in Bertelli et al, Nucl. Fusion, 54 083004, 2014, namely, a strong transition to higher SOL power losses (driven by the RF field) when the FW cut-off is moved away from in front of the antenna by increasing the edge density. Additionally, full wave simulations have been extended to "conventional" tokamaks with higher aspect ratios, such as the DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod, and EAST devices. DIII-D results show similar behavior found in NSTX and NSTX-U, consistent with previous DIII-D experimental observations. In contrast, a different behavior has been found for Alcator C-Mod and EAST, which operate in the minority heating regime unlike NSTX/NSTX-U and DIII-D, which operate in the mid/high harmonic regime. A substantial discussion of some of the main aspects, such as (i) the pitch angle of the magnetic field; (ii) minority heating vs. mid/high harmonic regimes is presented showing the different behavior of the RF field in the SOL region for NSTX-U scenarios with different plasma current. Finally, the preliminary results of the impact of the SOL region on the evaluation of the helicon current drive efficiency in DIII-D is presented for the first time and briefly compared with the different regimes mentioned above.« less

Identification, expression, and immuno-reactivity of Sol i 2 & Sol i 4 venom proteins of queen red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

PubMed

Lockwood, Stephanie A; Haghipour-Peasley, Jilla; Hoffman, Donald R; Deslippe, Richard J

2012-10-01

We report on two low-molecular weight proteins that are stored in the venom of queen red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Translated amino acid sequences identified one protein to have 74.8% identity with the Sol i 2w worker allergen, and the other protein was found to have 96/97% identity with Sol i 4.01w/4.02w worker allergens. Both Sol i 2 and Sol i 4 queen and worker proteins were expressed using pEXP1-DEST vector in SHuffle™ T7 Express lysY Escherichia coli. Proteins were expressed at significant concentrations, as opposed to the μg/ml amounts by our previous expression methods, enabling further study of these proteins. Sol i 2q protein bound weakly to human IgE, sera pooled from allergic patients, whereas Sol i 2w, Sol i 4.01w, and Sol i 4q proteins bound strongly. Despite Sol i 2w and Sol i 2q proteins having 74.8% identity, the queen protein is less immuno-reactive than the worker allergen. This finding is consistent with allergic individuals being less sensitive to queen than worker venom. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phospholipid Fatty Acids as Physiological Indicators of Paracoccus denitrificans Encapsulated in Silica Sol-Gel Hydrogels

PubMed Central

Trögl, Josef; Jirková, Ivana; Kuráň, Pavel; Akhmetshina, Elmira; Brovdyová, Tat′jána; Sirotkin, Alexander; Kirilina, Tatiana

2015-01-01

The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) content was determined in samples of Paracoccus denitrificans encapsulated in silica hydrogel films prepared from prepolymerized tetramethoxysilane (TMOS). Immediately after encapsulation the total PLFA concentration was linearly proportional to the optical density (600 nm) of the input microbial suspension (R2 = 0.99). After 7 days this relationship remained linear, but with significantly decreased slope, indicating a higher extinction of bacteria in suspensions of input concentration 108 cells/mL and higher. trans-Fatty acids, indicators of cytoplasmatic membrane disturbances, were below the detection limit. The cy/pre ratio (i.e., ratio of cyclopropylated fatty acids (cy17:0 + cy19:0) to their metabolic precursors (16:1ω7 + 18:1ω7)), an indicator of the transition of the culture to a stationary growth-phase, decreased depending on co-immobilization of nutrients in the order phosphate buffer > mineral medium > Luria Broth rich medium. The ratio, too, was logarithmically proportional to cell concentration. These results confirm the applicability of total PLFA as an indicator for the determination of living biomass and cy/pre ratio for determination of nutrient limitation of microorganisms encapsulated in sol-gel matrices. This may be of interest for monitoring of sol-gel encapsulated bacteria proposed as optical recognition elements in biosensor construction, as well as other biotechnological applications. PMID:25690547

Sol-gel-processed yttrium-doped NiO as hole transport layer in inverted perovskite solar cells for enhanced performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zijun; Chen, Da; Yang, Pan; Yang, Lijun; Qin, Laishun; Huang, Yuexiang; Zhao, Xiaochong

2018-05-01

In this work, high-performance inverted planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using sol-gel processed Y-doped NiO thin films as hole transport layer (HTL) were demonstrated. Y-doped NiO thin films containing different Y doping concentrations were successfully prepared through a simple sol-gel process. The Y doping could significantly improve the electrical conductivity of NiO thin film, and the photovoltaic performance of Y-doped NiO HTL-based PSC devices outperformed that of the pristine NiO HTL-based device. Notably, the PSC using a 5%Y-NiO HTL exhibited the champion performance with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.00 V, a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 23.82 mA cm-2, a fill factor (FF) of 68% and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.31%, resulting in a 27.62% enhancement in PCE in comparison with the NiO device. The enhanced performance of the Y-doped NiO device could be attributed to the improved hole mobility, the high quality compact active layer morphology, the more efficient charge extraction from perovskite absorber as well as the lower recombination probability of charge carriers. Thus, this work provides a simple and effective approach to improve the electrical conductivity of p-type NiO thin films for use as a promising HTL in high performance PSCs.

Full wave simulations of fast wave efficiency and power losses in the scrape-off layer of tokamak plasmas in mid/high harmonic and minority heating regimes

DOE PAGES

Bertelli, N.; Jaeger, E. F.; Hosea, J. C.; ...

2015-12-17

Here, several experiments on different machines and in different fast wave (FW) heating regimes, such as hydrogen minority heating and high harmonic fast waves (HHFW), have found strong interaction between radio-frequency (RF) waves and the scrape-off layer (SOL) region. This paper examines the propagation and the power loss in the SOL by using the full wave code AORSA, in which the edge plasma beyond the last closed flux surface (LCFS) is included in the solution domain and a collisional damping parameter is used as a proxy to represent the real, and most likely nonlinear, damping processes. 2D and 3D AORSAmore » results for the National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) have shown a strong transition to higher SOL power losses (driven by the RF field) when the FW cut-off is removed from in front of the antenna by increasing the edge density. Here, full wave simulations have been extended for 'conventional' tokamaks with higher aspect ratios, such as the DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod, and EAST devices. DIII-D results in HHFW regime show similar behavior found in NSTX and NSTX-U, consistent with previous DIII-D experimental observations. In contrast, a different behavior has been found for C-Mod and EAST, which operate in the minority heating regime.« less

Growth of ZnO films in sol-gel electrophoretic deposition by different solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallajzadeh, Amir Mohammad; Abdizadeh, Hossein; Taheri, Mahtab; Golobostanfard, Mohammad Reza

2018-01-01

This article introduces a process to fabricate zinc oxide (ZnO) films through combining sol preparation and electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The experimental results have proved that the EPD process is a powerful route to fabricate ZnO films with desire thickness from stable colloidal suspension under a direct current (DC) electric field. In this method, ZnO sol is prepared by dissolving zinc acetate dehydrate (ZAD) as the main precursor and diethanolamine (DEA) as the additive in various solvents such as methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and 2-proponal (2-PrOH). The deposition was performed under a constant voltage of 30 V for 2 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) were used to characterize ZnO films. XRD pattern of the ZnO film prepared by MeOH shows the highest degree of preferential orientation and this is mainly attributed to the higher dielectric constant of the MeOH which results in higher current density in electrophoretic deposit ion. The SEM cross section images also show that the thickness of the ZnO film enhances by decreasing the solvent chain length. According to SEM results, as the viscosity of the medium increased, more compact layers are formed, which can be attributed to the lower deposition rates in heavier alcohols.

Methods for and products of processing nanostructure nitride, carbonitride and oxycarbonitride electrode power materials by utilizing sol gel technology for supercapacitor applications

DOEpatents

Huang, Yuhong; Wei, Oiang; Chu, Chung-tse; Zheng, Haixing

2001-01-01

Metal nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder with high surface area (up to 150 m.sup.2 /g) is prepared by using sol-gel process. The metal organic precursor, alkoxides or amides, is synthesized firstly. The metal organic precursor is modified by using unhydrolyzable organic ligands or templates. A wet gel is formed then by hydrolysis and condensation process. The solvent in the wet gel is then be removed supercritically to form porous amorphous hydroxide. This porous hydroxide materials is sintered to 725.degree. C. under the ammonia flow and porous nitride powder is formed. The other way to obtain high surface area nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder is to pyrolyze polymerized templated metal amides aerogel in an inert atmosphere. The electrochemical capacitors are prepared by using sol-gel prepared nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder. Two methods are used to assemble the capacitors. Electrode is formed either by pressing the mixture of nitride powder and binder to a foil, or by depositing electrode coating onto metal current collector. The binder or coating is converted into a continuous network of electrode material after thermal treatment to provide enhanced energy and power density. Liquid electrolyte is soaked into porous electrode. The electrochemical capacitor assembly further has a porous separator layer between two electrodes/electrolyte and forming a unit cell.

Iterative model building, structure refinement and density modification with the PHENIX AutoBuild wizard

PubMed Central

Terwilliger, Thomas C.; Grosse-Kunstleve, Ralf W.; Afonine, Pavel V.; Moriarty, Nigel W.; Zwart, Peter H.; Hung, Li-Wei; Read, Randy J.; Adams, Paul D.

2008-01-01

The PHENIX AutoBuild wizard is a highly automated tool for iterative model building, structure refinement and density modification using RESOLVE model building, RESOLVE statistical density modification and phenix.refine structure refinement. Recent advances in the AutoBuild wizard and phenix.refine include automated detection and application of NCS from models as they are built, extensive model-completion algorithms and automated solvent-molecule picking. Model-completion algorithms in the AutoBuild wizard include loop building, crossovers between chains in different models of a structure and side-chain optimization. The AutoBuild wizard has been applied to a set of 48 structures at resolutions ranging from 1.1 to 3.2 Å, resulting in a mean R factor of 0.24 and a mean free R factor of 0.29. The R factor of the final model is dependent on the quality of the starting electron density and is relatively independent of resolution. PMID:18094468

Metal-silica sol-gel materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiegman, Albert E. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

The present invention relates to a single phase metal-silica sol-gel glass formed by the co-condensation of a transition metal with silicon atoms where the metal atoms are uniformly distributed within the sol-gel glass as individual metal centers. Any transition metal may be used in the sol-gel glasses. The present invention also relates to sensor materials where the sensor material is formed using the single phase metal-silica sol-gel glasses. The sensor materials may be in the form of a thin film or may be attached to an optical fiber. The present invention also relates to a method of sensing chemicals using the chemical sensors by monitoring the chromatic change of the metal-silica sol-gel glass when the chemical binds to the sensor. The present invention also relates to oxidation catalysts where a metal-silica sol-gel glass catalyzes the reaction. The present invention also relates to a method of performing oxidation reactions using the metal-silica sol-gel glasses. The present invention also relates to organopolymer metal-silica sol-gel composites where the pores of the metal-silica sol-gel glasses are filled with an organic polymer polymerized by the sol-gel glass.

Characterisation of SOL density fluctuations in front of the LHCD PAM launcher in Tore

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

Oosako, T.; Ekedahl, A.; Goniche, M.

2011-12-23

The density fluctuations, modified by Lower Hybrid Wave (LHW), is analyzed in Tore Supra with reference to the injected LHW power, density and the gap between LCFS (Last Closed Flux Surface) and the PAM (passive-active-multijunction) launcher. The density fluctuations are measured with RF probes installed at the PAM launcher front. A density scan at nominal toroidal field (3.8 T) shows that the fluctuations rate stays nearly constant ({approx}50%) for <3.5x10{sup 19}m{sup -3} and with LHW power up to 2MW. However, when increasing the density above <{approx}4.2x10{sup 19}m{sup -3}, using strong gas puffing, the fluctuation rate increases to >70%more » and is characterized by strong negative spikes, with typical frequency >100kHz. These are most likely originating from acceleration of electrons in the LHW near field due to parasitic absorption, as evidenced on the IR images, showing hot spots on the side limiters.« less

Experimental Phasing: Substructure Solution and Density Modification as Implemented in SHELX.

PubMed

Thorn, Andrea

2017-01-01

This chapter describes experimental phasing methods as implemented in SHELX. After introducing fundamental concepts underlying all experimental phasing approaches, the methods used by SHELXC/D/E are described in greater detail, such as dual-space direct methods, Patterson seeding and density modification with the sphere of influence algorithm. Intensity differences from data for experimental phasing can also be used for the generation and usage of difference maps with ANODE for validation and phasing purposes. A short section describes how molecular replacement can be combined with experimental phasing methods. The second half covers practical challenges, such as prerequisites for successful experimental phasing, evaluation of potential solutions, and what to do if substructure search or density modification fails. It is also shown how auto-tracing in SHELXE can improve automation and how it ties in with automatic model building after phasing.

Analysis of filament statistics in fast camera data on MAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farley, Tom; Militello, Fulvio; Walkden, Nick; Harrison, James; Silburn, Scott; Bradley, James

2017-10-01

Coherent filamentary structures have been shown to play a dominant role in turbulent cross-field particle transport [D'Ippolito 2011]. An improved understanding of filaments is vital in order to control scrape off layer (SOL) density profiles and thus control first wall erosion, impurity flushing and coupling of radio frequency heating in future devices. The Elzar code [T. Farley, 2017 in prep.] is applied to MAST data. The code uses information about the magnetic equilibrium to calculate the intensity of light emission along field lines as seen in the camera images, as a function of the field lines' radial and toroidal locations at the mid-plane. In this way a `pseudo-inversion' of the intensity profiles in the camera images is achieved from which filaments can be identified and measured. In this work, a statistical analysis of the intensity fluctuations along field lines in the camera field of view is performed using techniques similar to those typically applied in standard Langmuir probe analyses. These filament statistics are interpreted in terms of the theoretical ergodic framework presented by F. Militello & J.T. Omotani, 2016, in order to better understand how time averaged filament dynamics produce the more familiar SOL density profiles. This work has received funding from the RCUK Energy programme (Grant Number EP/P012450/1), from Euratom (Grant Agreement No. 633053) and from the EUROfusion consortium.

Effect of processing parameters and pore structure of nanostructured silica aerogel on the physical properties of aerogel blankets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latifi, Fatemeh; Talebi, Zahra; Khalili, Haleh; Zarrebini, Mohammad

2018-05-01

This work investigates the influence of processing parameters and aerogel pore structure on the physical properties and hydrophobicity of aerogel blankets. Aerogel blankets were produced by in situ synthesis of nanostructured silica aerogel on a polyester nonwoven substrate. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, contact angle test and FE-SEM images were used to characterize both the aerogel particles and the blankets. The results showed that the weight and thickness of the blanket were reduced when the low amount of catalyst was used. A decrease in the aerogel pore size from 22 to 11 nm increased the weight and thickness of the blankets. The xerogel particles with high density and pore size of 5 nm reduced the blanket weight. Also, the blanket weight and thickness were increased due to increasing the sol volume. It was found that the hydrophobicity of aerogel blankets is not influenced by sol volume and pore structure of silica aerogel.

Substantial Fast-Wave Power Flux in the SOL of a Cylindrical Model; Comparison with Coaxial Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkins, R. J.; Bertelli, N.; Hosea, J. C.; Phillips, C. K.; Taylor, G.; Wilson, J. R.

2015-11-01

The NSTX high-harmonic fast-wave (HHFW) heating system can lose a significant amount of power along magnetic fields lines in the SOL to the divertor regions under certain conditions. A cylindrical cold-plasma model, with parameters resembling those of NSTX, shows the existence of modes with relatively large RF field amplitudes in the low-density annulus, similar to recent results found with the full-wave simulation AORSA. Here, we compare and contrast these modes against ``coaxial modes,'' modes that resemble TEM modes found in coaxial cables. We also compute the 3D Poynting flux as a function of length along the cylinder for comparison to NSTX. Such work is part of an effort to include the proper edge damping into full-wave codes so that they can reproduce the losses observed in NSTX and predict their importance for ITER. This work was supported by DOE Contract No. DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Effect of annealing temperature on microstructural evolution and electrical properties of sol-gel processed ZrO2/Si films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Soo Min; Lee, Seung Muk; Park, Kyung; Lee, Myung Soo; Joo, Jinho; Lim, Jun Hyung; Kim, Hyoungsub; Yoon, Jae Jin; Kim, Young Dong

2011-01-01

High-permittivity (k) ZrO2/Si(100) films were fabricated by a sol-gel technique and the microstructural evolution with the annealing temperature (Ta) was correlated with the variation of their electrical performance. With increasing Ta, the ZrO2 films crystallized into a tetragonal (t) phase which was maintained until 700 °C at nanoscale thicknesses. Although the formation of the t-ZrO2 phase obviously enhanced the k value of the ZrO2 dielectric layer, the maximum capacitance in accumulation was decreased by the growth of a low-k interfacial layer (IL) between ZrO2 and Si with increasing Ta. On the other hand, the gate leakage current was remarkably depressed with increasing Ta probably due to the combined effects of the increased IL thickness, optical band gap of ZrO2, and density of ZrO2 and decreased remnant organic components.

[In vitro evaluation of the gels properties prepared on Pluronic F-127 as vehicles for administration prolactin by injection].

PubMed

Karolewicz, Bozena; Pawlik-Gałczyńska, Anna; Pluta, Janusz; Ryszka, Florian

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to prepare a thermoresponsive formulations, which are a carrier for proteins--prolactin administered directly into solid tumor and which obtain sol-gel transitions at physiological ranges of temperature. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone that in vivo and in vitro exhibits antiangiogenic properties. Application of this protein in the proposed formulations can be particularly advantageous because of its relatively low stability and limited ability to transmembrane penetration. The paper prepared thermoresponsive carriers, based on nonionic polymer Pluronic F-127 with selected excipients such as dextran 7000, PEG 400, Tween 20 and Tween 80. The sol-gel transition temperature of the formulations was investigated and their physicochemical properties such as pH, density, osmotic pressure were studied. In the remainder of the work carried out tests of prolactin release from the proposed media. The results obtained indicate that a significant influence on the theological parameters obtained carriers and the availability of pharmaceutical composition of prolactin was developed formulation.

Controllable formation of high density SERS-active silver nanoprism layers on hybrid silica-APTES coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilipavicius, J.; Kaleinikaite, R.; Pucetaite, M.; Velicka, M.; Kareiva, A.; Beganskiene, A.

2016-07-01

In this work sol-gel process for preparation of the uniform hybrid silica-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) coatings on glass surface is presented from mechanistic point of view. The suggested synthetic approach is straightforward, scalable and provides the means to tune the amount of amino groups on the surface simply by changing concentration of APTES in the initial sol. Deposition rate of different size silver nanoprisms (AgNPRs) on hybrid silica coatings of various amounts of APTES were studied and their performance as SERS materials were probed. The acquired data shows that the deposition rate of AgNPRs can be tuned by changing the amount of APTES. The optimal amount of APTES was found to be crucial for successful AgNPRs assembly and subsequent uniformity of the final SERS substrate-too high APTES content may result in rapid non-stable aggregation and non-uniform assembly process. SERS study revealed that SERS enhancement is the strongest at moderate AgNPRs aggregation level whereas it significantly drops at high aggregation levels.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of Ti-doped hematite thin films prepared by the sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Xiaojuan; Yang, Xin; Liu, Shangjun; Xu, Ying; Jiang, Chunping; Chen, Jinwei; Wang, Ruilin

2012-01-01

Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 thin films were successfully prepared on FTO substrates by the sol-gel route. Hematite film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The XRD data showed α-Fe2O3 had a preferred (1 1 0) orientation which belonged to the rhombohedral system. Interestingly, the grains turned into worm-like shape after annealed at high temperature. The IPCE could reach 32.6% at 400 nm without any additional potential vs. SCE. Titanium in the lattice can affect the photo electro chemical performance positively by increasing the conductivity of the thin film. So the excited electrons and holes could live longer, rather than recombining with each other rapidly as undoped hematite. And the efficient carrier density on the Ti-doped anode surface was higher than the undoped anode, which contribute to the well PEC performance.

Communication—Sol-Gel Synthesized Magnesium Vanadium Oxide, Mg x V 2 O 5 · nH 2 O: The Role of Structural Mg 2+ on Battery Performance

DOE PAGES

Yin, Jiefu; Pelliccione, Christopher J.; Lee, Shu Han; ...

2016-07-12

Magnesium intercalated vanadium oxide xerogels, Mg 0.1V 2O 5 · 2.35H 2O and Mg 0.2V 2O 5 · 2.46H 2O were synthesized using an ion removal sol gel strategy. X-ray diffraction indicated lamellar ordering with turbostratic character. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated greater distortion of the vanadium-oxygen coordination environment in Mg 0.2V 2O 5 · 2.46H 2O. Elemental analysis after cycling in Li + or Mg 2+ based electrolytes revealed that the magnesium content was unchanged, indicating structural Mg 2+ are retained. Furthermore, the Mg 0.1V 2O 5 · 2.35H 2O material displayed high voltage, energy density, and discharge/charge efficiency, indicatingmore » promise as a cathode material for future magnesium based batteries.« less

Conventional and two step sintering of PZT-PCN ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keshavarzi, Mostafa; Rahmani, Hooman; Nemati, Ali; Hashemi, Mahdieh

2018-02-01

In this study, PZT-PCN ceramic was made via sol-gel seeding method and effects of conventional sintering (CS) as well as two-step sintering (TSS) were investigated on microstructure, phase formation, density, dielectric and piezoelectric properties. First, high quality powder was achieved by seeding method in which the mixture of Co3O4 and Nb2O5 powder was added to the prepared PZT sol to form PZT-PCN gel. After drying and calcination, pyrochlore free PZT-PCN powder was synthesized. Second, CS and TSS were applied to achieve dense ceramic. The optimum temperature used for 2 h of conventional sintering was obtained at 1150 °C; finally, undesired ZrO2 phase formed in CS procedure was removed successfully with TSS procedure and dielectric and piezoelectric properties were improved compared to the CS procedure. The best electrical properties obtained for the sample sintered by TSS in the initial temperature of T 1 = 1200 °C and secondary temperature of T 2 = 1000 °C for 12 h.

Allowing for Slow Evolution of Background Plasma in the 3D FDTD Plasma, Sheath, and Antenna Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smithe, David; Jenkins, Thomas; King, Jake

2015-11-01

We are working to include a slow-time evolution capability for what has previously been the static background plasma parameters, in the 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) plasma and sheath model used to model ICRF antennas in fusion plasmas. A key aspect of this is SOL-density time-evolution driven by ponderomotive rarefaction from the strong fields in the vicinity of the antenna. We demonstrate and benchmark a Scalar Ponderomotive Potential method, based on local field amplitudes, which is included in the 3D simulation. And present a more advanced Tensor Ponderomotive Potential approach, which we hope to employ in the future, which should improve the physical fidelity in the highly anisotropic environment of the SOL. Finally, we demonstrate and benchmark slow time (non-linear) evolution of the RF sheath, and include realistic collisional effects from the neutral gas. Support from US DOE Grants DE-FC02-08ER54953, DE-FG02-09ER55006.

Thickening compositions containing xanthomonas gum and hydroxyalkyl ether of guar gum

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

Jordan, W.A.

1973-07-24

Natural and synthetic gums have been used as thickeners for foods, coatings, paints, dyes, explosive slurries, oil-well fluids, and many other applications. Thickening compositions are described which consist of xanthomonas gum and hydroxyalkyl ether of guar gum and are suitable for use in explosive slurries. Aqueous sols of xanthomonas gum are plastic in nature and exhibit higher gel strengths than sols of other gums. Aqueous sols of hydroxyalkyl ether of guar are almost Newtonian and exhibit little or no gel strength. Aqueous sols of the thickening compositions of the present invention are plastic in character. At certain concentrations of themore » thickening compositions in aqueous sols, the sols have higher gel strengths than can be obtained from xanthomonas gum alone. At certain concentrations, the aqueous sols containing the thickening compositions exhibit greater viscosity differentials than do sols containing xanthomonas gum alone. In addition, the aqueous sols exhibit a greater drop in viscosity as the thickening composition concentration is reduced than do aqueous sols of xanthomonas gum alone.(5 claims)« less

Molecularly imprinted hydroxyapatite thin film for bilirubin recognition.

PubMed

Yang, Zhengpeng; Zhang, Chunjing

2011-11-15

A novel piezoelectric sensor has been developed for bilirubin (BR) detection, based on the modification of molecularly imprinted hydroxyapatite (HAP) film onto a quartz crystal by molecular imprinting and surface sol-gel technique. The performance of the developed BR biosensor was evaluated and the results indicated that a sensitive BR biosensor could be fabricated. The obtained BR biosensor presents high-selectivity monitoring of BR, better reproducibility, shorter response time (37 min), wider linear range (0.05-80μM) and lower detection limit (0.01μM). The analytical application of the BR biosensor confirms the feasibility of BR detection in serum sample. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis and characterization of size tunable silica-capped gold core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wangoo, Nishima; Shekhawat, Gajendra; Wu, Jin-Song; Bhasin, Aman K. K.; Suri, C. R.; Bhasin, K. K.; Dravid, Vinayak

2012-08-01

Silica-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@SiO2) with controlled silica-shell thickness were prepared by a modified Stober's method using 10-nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as seeds. The AuNPs were silica-coated with a sol-gel reaction using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a silica source and ammonia as a catalyst. An increase in TEOS concentration resulted in an increase in shell thickness. The NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning near-field ultrasound holography and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The method required no surface modification and the synthesized core shell nanoparticles can be used for various types of biological applications.

SOL - SIZING AND OPTIMIZATION LANGUAGE COMPILER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scotti, S. J.

1994-01-01

SOL is a computer language which is geared to solving design problems. SOL includes the mathematical modeling and logical capabilities of a computer language like FORTRAN but also includes the additional power of non-linear mathematical programming methods (i.e. numerical optimization) at the language level (as opposed to the subroutine level). The language-level use of optimization has several advantages over the traditional, subroutine-calling method of using an optimizer: first, the optimization problem is described in a concise and clear manner which closely parallels the mathematical description of optimization; second, a seamless interface is automatically established between the optimizer subroutines and the mathematical model of the system being optimized; third, the results of an optimization (objective, design variables, constraints, termination criteria, and some or all of the optimization history) are output in a form directly related to the optimization description; and finally, automatic error checking and recovery from an ill-defined system model or optimization description is facilitated by the language-level specification of the optimization problem. Thus, SOL enables rapid generation of models and solutions for optimum design problems with greater confidence that the problem is posed correctly. The SOL compiler takes SOL-language statements and generates the equivalent FORTRAN code and system calls. Because of this approach, the modeling capabilities of SOL are extended by the ability to incorporate existing FORTRAN code into a SOL program. In addition, SOL has a powerful MACRO capability. The MACRO capability of the SOL compiler effectively gives the user the ability to extend the SOL language and can be used to develop easy-to-use shorthand methods of generating complex models and solution strategies. The SOL compiler provides syntactic and semantic error-checking, error recovery, and detailed reports containing cross-references to show where each variable was used. The listings summarize all optimizations, listing the objective functions, design variables, and constraints. The compiler offers error-checking specific to optimization problems, so that simple mistakes will not cost hours of debugging time. The optimization engine used by and included with the SOL compiler is a version of Vanderplatt's ADS system (Version 1.1) modified specifically to work with the SOL compiler. SOL allows the use of the over 100 ADS optimization choices such as Sequential Quadratic Programming, Modified Feasible Directions, interior and exterior penalty function and variable metric methods. Default choices of the many control parameters of ADS are made for the user, however, the user can override any of the ADS control parameters desired for each individual optimization. The SOL language and compiler were developed with an advanced compiler-generation system to ensure correctness and simplify program maintenance. Thus, SOL's syntax was defined precisely by a LALR(1) grammar and the SOL compiler's parser was generated automatically from the LALR(1) grammar with a parser-generator. Hence unlike ad hoc, manually coded interfaces, the SOL compiler's lexical analysis insures that the SOL compiler recognizes all legal SOL programs, can recover from and correct for many errors and report the location of errors to the user. This version of the SOL compiler has been implemented on VAX/VMS computer systems and requires 204 KB of virtual memory to execute. Since the SOL compiler produces FORTRAN code, it requires the VAX FORTRAN compiler to produce an executable program. The SOL compiler consists of 13,000 lines of Pascal code. It was developed in 1986 and last updated in 1988. The ADS and other utility subroutines amount to 14,000 lines of FORTRAN code and were also updated in 1988.

Impact of protein supplementation and exercise in preventing changes in gene expression profiling in woman muscles after long-term bedrest as revealed by microarray analysis.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chopard, Angele; Lecunff, Martine; Danger, Richard; Teusan, Raluca; Jasmin, Bernard J.; Marini, Jean-Francois; Leger, Jean

Long duration space flights have a dramatic impact on human physiology and under such a condition, skeletal muscles are known to be one of the most affected systems. A thorough understanding of the basic mechanisms leading to muscle impairment under microgravity, which causes significant loss of muscle mass as well as structural disorders, is necessary for the development of efficient space flight countermeasures. This study was conducted under the aegis of the European Space Agency (ESA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the USA (NASA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the French "Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales" (CNES). It gave us the opportunity to investigate for the first time the effects of prolonged disuse (long-term bedrest, LTBR) on the transcriptome of different muscle types in healthy women (control, n=8), as well as the potential beneficial impact of protein supplementation (nutrition, n=8) and a combined resistance and aerobic exercise training program (exercise, n=8). Pre- (LTBR -8) and post- (LTBR +59) biopsies were obtained from vastus lateralis (VL) and soleus (SOL) muscles from each subject. Skeletal muscle gene expression profiles were obtained using a custom made microarray containing 6681 muscle-relevant genes. 555 differentiallyexpressed and statistically-significant genes were identified in control group following 60 days of LTBR, including 348 specific for SOL, 83 specific for VL, and 124 common for the two types of muscle (p<0.05). After LTBR, both muscle types exhibited a consistent decrease in pathways involved in fatty acid oxidation, ATP synthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation (p<0.05). However, the postural SOL muscle exhibited a higher level of changes with mRNA encoding proteins involved in protein synthesis and activation of protein degradation (mainly ubiquitinproteasome components) (p<0.05). Major changes in muscle function, such as those involved in calcium signaling and muscle structure including modifications of extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal components, were significant in SOL. Among the two recently described markers of atrophy, only MAFbx transcripts exhibited an increase in VL following 60 days of LTBR. While protein supplementation reduced the number of differentially-expressed genes by 40 and 25% for SOL and VL, respectively, the combined exercise regimen resulted in a marked beneficial and compensatory effect by decreasing the number of differentially-expressed mRNAs by more than 90% in both SOL and VL muscles. Together, these findings provide an overview of skeletal muscle impairment following prolonged disuse by identifying specific groups of genes related to muscle function, as well as metabolic and canonical signaling pathways. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of regular exercise in the maintenance of both slow and fast muscle phenotypes. Finally, our approach will prove useful in designing and optimizing specific countermeasures aimed at counteracting muscle atrophy in a microgravity environment.

75 FR 39710 - Postal Classification Change

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-12

.... ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online system at http:[sol][sol]www... the Commission's Web site (http:[sol][sol]www.prc.gov). Proposed edits to the draft Mail...

Active corrosion protection performance of an epoxy coating applied on the mild steel modified with an eco-friendly sol-gel film impregnated with green corrosion inhibitor loaded nanocontainers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izadi, M.; Shahrabi, T.; Ramezanzadeh, B.

2018-05-01

In this study the corrosion resistance, active protection, and cathodic disbonding performance of an epoxy coating were improved through surface modification of steel by a hybrid sol-gel system filled with green corrosion inhibitors loaded nanocontainer as intermediate layer on mild steel substrate. The green inhibitor loaded nanocontainers (GIN) were used to induce active inhibition performance in the protective coating system. The corrosion protection performance of the coated panels was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), salt spray, and cathodic disbonding tests. It was observed that the corrosion inhibition performance of the coated mild steel panels was significantly improved by utilization of active multilayer coating system. The inhibitor release from nanocontainers at the epoxy-silane film/steel interface resulted in the anodic and cathodic reactions restriction, leading to the lower coating delamination from the substrate and corrosion products progress. Also, the active inhibition performance of the coating system was approved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis on the panels with artificial defects. The inhibitive agents were released to the scratch region and blocked the active sites on the metal surface.

Biotemplated Synthesis of Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles via Lignocellulosic Waste Material

PubMed Central

Bagheri, Samira; Abd Hamid, Sharifah Bee

2014-01-01

Anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were synthesized by sol-gel method using rice straw as a soft biotemplate. Rice straw, as a lignocellulosic waste material, is a biomass feedstock which is globally produced in high rate and could be utilized in an innovative approach to manufacture a value-added product. Rice straw as a reliable biotemplate has been used in the sol-gel method to synthesize ultrasmall sizes of TiO2-NPs with high potential application in photocatalysis. The physicochemical properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were investigated by a number of techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet visible spectra (UV-Vis), and surface area and pore size analysis. All results consensually confirmed that particle sizes of synthesized titanium dioxide were template-dependent, representing decrease in the nanoparticles sizes with increase of biotemplate concentration. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles as small as 13.0 ± 3.3 nm were obtained under our experimental conditions. Additionally, surface area and porosity of synthesized TiO2-NPs have been enhanced by increasing rice straw amount which results in surface modification of nanoparticles and potential application in photocatalysis. PMID:25126547

Fabrication of Silica-Coated Hollow Carbon Nanospheres Encapsulating Fe3O4 Cluster for Magnetical and MR Imaging Guided NIR Light Triggering Hyperthermia and Ultrasound Imaging.

PubMed

Huang, Yun-Kai; Su, Chia-Hao; Chen, Jiu-Jeng; Chang, Chun-Ting; Tsai, Yu-Hsin; Syu, Sheng-Fu; Tseng, Tsu-Ting; Yeh, Chen-Sheng

2016-06-15

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-carbon (C) hybrid zero-dimensional nanostructures normally can be categorized into core-shell and yolk-shell architectures. Although IONP-C is a promising theranostic nanoagent, the in vivo study has surprisingly been less described. In addition, little effort has strived toward the fabrication of yolk-shell compared to the core-shell structures. In this context, we synthesized a yolk-shell type of the silica-coated hollow carbon nanospheres encapsulating IONPs cluster, which can be dispersed in aqueous solution for systemic studies in vivo, via the preparation involving the mixed micellization, polymerization/hollowing, sol-gel (hydration-condensation), and pyrolysis processes. Through a surface modification of the polyethylenimine followed by the sol-gel process, the silica shell coating was able to escape from condensing and sintering courses resulting in aggregation, due to the annealing. Not limited to the well-known functionalities in magnetical targeting and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for IONP-C hybrid structures, we expanded this yolk-shell NPs as a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive echogenic nanoagent giving an enhanced ultrasound imaging. Overall, we fabricated the NIR sensitive yolk-shell IONP-C to activate ultrasound imaging and photothermal ablation under magnetically and MR imaging guided therapy.

Hybrid inorganic-organic capsules for efficient intracellular delivery of novel siRNAs against influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

PubMed

Timin, Alexander S; Muslimov, Albert R; Petrova, Aleksandra V; Lepik, Kirill V; Okilova, Maria V; Vasin, Andrey V; Afanasyev, Boris V; Sukhorukov, Gleb B

2017-03-07

The implementation of RNAi technology into the clinical practice has been significantly postponing due to the issues regarding to the delivery of naked siRNA predominantly to target cells. Here we report the approach to enhance the efficiency of siRNA delivery by encapsulating the siRNA into new carrier systems which are obtained via the combination of widely used layer-by-layer technique and in situ modification by sol-gel chemistry. We used three types of siRNAs (NP-717, NP-1155 and NP-1496) in encapsulated form as new therapeutic agents against H1N1 influenza virus infection. By employing the hybrid microcontainers for the siRNA encapsulation we demonstrate the reduction of viral nucleoprotein (NP) level and inhibition of influenza virus production in infected cell lines (MDCK and A549). The obtained hybrid carriers based on assembled biodegradable polyelectrolytes and sol-gel coating possess several advantages such as a high cell uptake efficiency, low toxicity, efficient intracellular delivery of siRNAs and the protection of siRNAs from premature degradation before reaching the target cells. These findings underpin a great potential of versatile microencapsulation technology for the development of anti-viral RNAi delivery systems against influenza virus infection.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Bi1-x Ba x FeO3 Prepared by a PEG400 Assisted Sol-Gel Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chenlan; Chen, Jianguo; Jin, Dengren; Cheng, Jinrong

2018-03-01

Ferroelectric Bi1-x Ba x FeO3 nanoparticles for x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.10 were synthesized by a polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) assisted sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction reveals that Bi1-x Ba x FeO3 nanoparticles exhibit a distorted rhombohedral structure with the R3c space group, and the diffraction peaks shift upon incorporation of Ba. Transmission electron microscope analysis shows that the particle size of Bi1-x Ba x FeO3 nanoparticles is in the range of 30-60 nm, decreasing with an increase in Ba content. Bi1-x Ba x FeO3 nanoparticles have band gaps in the range of 1.68-2.0 eV, which are capable of responding to visible light irradiation. The rate of the photocatalytic degradation of Bi1-x Ba x FeO3 nanoparticles for x = 0.03 to methyl orange (MO) dye achieves about 81% under visible light irradiation for 3 h, which is higher than that of 66% for pure phase BiFeO3 (BFO). Moreover, the effects of Ba2+ modification on the band gap of BFO crystallites have been investigated and discussed.

Comparative measurements of piezoelectric coefficient of PZT films by Berlincourt, interferometer, and vibrometer methods.

PubMed

Huang, Zhaorong; Zhang, Qi; Corkovic, Silvana; Dorey, Robert; Whatmore, Roger W

2006-12-01

Chemical solution deposition (CSD) techniques were used to prepare lead zirconate (Zr) titanate (Ti) (PZT) thin films with Zr/Ti ratios of 30/70 and 52/48. Usually CSD processing is restricted to making crack-free, single-layer films of 70-nm thick, but modifications to the sol-gel process have permitted the fabrication of dense, crack-free, single layers up to 200 to 300 nm thick, which can be built-up into layers up to 3-microm thick. Thicker PZT films (> 2-microm single layer) can be produced by using a composite sol-gel/ceramic process. Knowledge of the electroactive properties of these materials is essential for modeling and design of novel micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, but accurate measurement of these properties is by no means straightforward. A novel, double-beam, common-path laser interferometer has been developed to measure the longitudinal (d33) piezoelectric coefficient in films; the results were compared with the values obtained by Berlin-court and laser scanning vibrometer methods. It was found that, for thin-film samples, the d(33,f) values obtained from the Berlincourt method are usually larger: than those obtained from the interferometer and the vibrometer methods; the reasons for this are discussed.

The SOL-2/Neto Auxiliary Protein Modulates the Function of AMPA-Subtype Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors

PubMed Central

Wang, Rui; Mellem, Jerry E.; Jensen, Michael; Brockie, Penelope J.; Walker, Craig S.; Hoerndli, Frédéric J.; Madsen, David M.; Maricq, Andres V.

2012-01-01

Summary The neurotransmitter glutamate mediates excitatory synaptic transmission by gating ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). AMPA receptors (AMPARs), a subtype of iGluR, are strongly implicated in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. We previously discovered two classes of AMPAR auxiliary proteins in C. elegans that modify receptor kinetics and thus change synaptic transmission. Here, we have identified another auxiliary protein, SOL-2, a CUB-domain protein that associates with both the related auxiliary subunit SOL-1 and with the GLR-1 AMPAR. In sol-2 mutants, behaviors dependent on glutamatergic transmission are disrupted, GLR-1-mediated currents are diminished, and GLR-1 desensitization and pharmacology are modified. Remarkably, a secreted variant of SOL-1 delivered in trans can rescue sol-1 mutants and this rescue depends on in cis expression of SOL-2. Finally, we demonstrate that SOL-1 and SOL-2 have an ongoing role in the adult nervous system to control AMPAR-mediated currents. PMID:22958824

The SOL-2/Neto auxiliary protein modulates the function of AMPA-subtype ionotropic glutamate receptors.

PubMed

Wang, Rui; Mellem, Jerry E; Jensen, Michael; Brockie, Penelope J; Walker, Craig S; Hoerndli, Frédéric J; Hauth, Linda; Madsen, David M; Maricq, Andres V

2012-09-06

The neurotransmitter glutamate mediates excitatory synaptic transmission by gating ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). AMPA receptors (AMPARs), a subtype of iGluR, are strongly implicated in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. We previously discovered two classes of AMPAR auxiliary proteins in C. elegans that modify receptor kinetics and thus change synaptic transmission. Here, we have identified another auxiliary protein, SOL-2, a CUB-domain protein that associates with both the related auxiliary subunit SOL-1 and with the GLR-1 AMPAR. In sol-2 mutants, behaviors dependent on glutamatergic transmission are disrupted, GLR-1-mediated currents are diminished, and GLR-1 desensitization and pharmacology are modified. Remarkably, a secreted variant of SOL-1 delivered in trans can rescue sol-1 mutants, and this rescue depends on in cis expression of SOL-2. Finally, we demonstrate that SOL-1 and SOL-2 have an ongoing role in the adult nervous system to control AMPAR-mediated currents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overview of ASDEX Upgrade results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroth, U.; Adamek, J.; Aho-Mantila, L.; Äkäslompolo, S.; Amdor, C.; Angioni, C.; Balden, M.; Bardin, S.; Barrera Orte, L.; Behler, K.; Belonohy, E.; Bergmann, A.; Bernert, M.; Bilato, R.; Birkenmeier, G.; Bobkov, V.; Boom, J.; Bottereau, C.; Bottino, A.; Braun, F.; Brezinsek, S.; Brochard, T.; Brüdgam, M.; Buhler, A.; Burckhart, A.; Casson, F. J.; Chankin, A.; Chapman, I.; Clairet, F.; Classen, I. G. J.; Coenen, J. W.; Conway, G. D.; Coster, D. P.; Curran, D.; da Silva, F.; de Marné, P.; D'Inca, R.; Douai, D.; Drube, R.; Dunne, M.; Dux, R.; Eich, T.; Eixenberger, H.; Endstrasser, N.; Engelhardt, K.; Esposito, B.; Fable, E.; Fischer, R.; Fünfgelder, H.; Fuchs, J. C.; Gál, K.; García Muñoz, M.; Geiger, B.; Giannone, L.; Görler, T.; da Graca, S.; Greuner, H.; Gruber, O.; Gude, A.; Guimarais, L.; Günter, S.; Haas, G.; Hakola, A. H.; Hangan, D.; Happel, T.; Härtl, T.; Hauff, T.; Heinemann, B.; Herrmann, A.; Hobirk, J.; Höhnle, H.; Hölzl, M.; Hopf, C.; Houben, A.; Igochine, V.; Ionita, C.; Janzer, A.; Jenko, F.; Kantor, M.; Käsemann, C.-P.; Kallenbach, A.; Kálvin, S.; Kantor, M.; Kappatou, A.; Kardaun, O.; Kasparek, W.; Kaufmann, M.; Kirk, A.; Klingshirn, H.-J.; Kocan, M.; Kocsis, G.; Konz, C.; Koslowski, R.; Krieger, K.; Kubic, M.; Kurki-Suonio, T.; Kurzan, B.; Lackner, K.; Lang, P. T.; Lauber, P.; Laux, M.; Lazaros, A.; Leipold, F.; Leuterer, F.; Lindig, S.; Lisgo, S.; Lohs, A.; Lunt, T.; Maier, H.; Makkonen, T.; Mank, K.; Manso, M.-E.; Maraschek, M.; Mayer, M.; McCarthy, P. J.; McDermott, R.; Mehlmann, F.; Meister, H.; Menchero, L.; Meo, F.; Merkel, P.; Merkel, R.; Mertens, V.; Merz, F.; Mlynek, A.; Monaco, F.; Müller, S.; Müller, H. W.; Münich, M.; Neu, G.; Neu, R.; Neuwirth, D.; Nocente, M.; Nold, B.; Noterdaeme, J.-M.; Pautasso, G.; Pereverzev, G.; Plöckl, B.; Podoba, Y.; Pompon, F.; Poli, E.; Polozhiy, K.; Potzel, S.; Püschel, M. J.; Pütterich, T.; Rathgeber, S. K.; Raupp, G.; Reich, M.; Reimold, F.; Ribeiro, T.; Riedl, R.; Rohde, V.; Rooij, G. v.; Roth, J.; Rott, M.; Ryter, F.; Salewski, M.; Santos, J.; Sauter, P.; Scarabosio, A.; Schall, G.; Schmid, K.; Schneider, P. A.; Schneider, W.; Schrittwieser, R.; Schubert, M.; Schweinzer, J.; Scott, B.; Sempf, M.; Sertoli, M.; Siccinio, M.; Sieglin, B.; Sigalov, A.; Silva, A.; Sommer, F.; Stäbler, A.; Stober, J.; Streibl, B.; Strumberger, E.; Sugiyama, K.; Suttrop, W.; Tala, T.; Tardini, G.; Teschke, M.; Tichmann, C.; Told, D.; Treutterer, W.; Tsalas, M.; Van Zeeland, M. A.; Varela, P.; Veres, G.; Vicente, J.; Vianello, N.; Vierle, T.; Viezzer, E.; Viola, B.; Vorpahl, C.; Wachowski, M.; Wagner, D.; Wauters, T.; Weller, A.; Wenninger, R.; Wieland, B.; Willensdorfer, M.; Wischmeier, M.; Wolfrum, E.; Würsching, E.; Yu, Q.; Zammuto, I.; Zasche, D.; Zehetbauer, T.; Zhang, Y.; Zilker, M.; Zohm, H.

2013-10-01

The medium size divertor tokamak ASDEX Upgrade (major and minor radii 1.65 m and 0.5 m, respectively, magnetic-field strength 2.5 T) possesses flexible shaping and versatile heating and current drive systems. Recently the technical capabilities were extended by increasing the electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) power, by installing 2 × 8 internal magnetic perturbation coils, and by improving the ion cyclotron range of frequency compatibility with the tungsten wall. With the perturbation coils, reliable suppression of large type-I edge localized modes (ELMs) could be demonstrated in a wide operational window, which opens up above a critical plasma pedestal density. The pellet fuelling efficiency was observed to increase which gives access to H-mode discharges with peaked density profiles at line densities clearly exceeding the empirical Greenwald limit. Owing to the increased ECRH power of 4 MW, H-mode discharges could be studied in regimes with dominant electron heating and low plasma rotation velocities, i.e. under conditions particularly relevant for ITER. The ion-pressure gradient and the neoclassical radial electric field emerge as key parameters for the transition. Using the total simultaneously available heating power of 23 MW, high performance discharges have been carried out where feed-back controlled radiative cooling in the core and the divertor allowed the divertor peak power loads to be maintained below 5 MW m-2. Under attached divertor conditions, a multi-device scaling expression for the power-decay length was obtained which is independent of major radius and decreases with magnetic field resulting in a decay length of 1 mm for ITER. At higher densities and under partially detached conditions, however, a broadening of the decay length is observed. In discharges with density ramps up to the density limit, the divertor plasma shows a complex behaviour with a localized high-density region in the inner divertor before the outer divertor detaches. Turbulent transport is studied in the core and the scrape-off layer (SOL). Discharges over a wide parameter range exhibit a close link between core momentum and density transport. Consistent with gyro-kinetic calculations, the density gradient at half plasma radius determines the momentum transport through residual stress and thus the central toroidal rotation. In the SOL a close comparison of probe data with a gyro-fluid code showed excellent agreement and points to the dominance of drift waves. Intermittent structures from ELMs and from turbulence are shown to have high ion temperatures even at large distances outside the separatrix.

Scalable and template-free synthesis of nanostructured Na{sub 1.08}V{sub 6}O{sub 15} as high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

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

Zheng, Shili, E-mail: slzheng@ipe.ac.cn; Wang, Xinran; Yan, Hong

2016-09-15

Highlights: • Nanostructured Na{sub 1.08}V{sub 6}O{sub 15} was synthesized through additive-free sol-gel process. • Prepared Na{sub 1.08}V{sub 6}O{sub 15} demonstrated high capacity and sufficient cycling stability. • The reaction temperature was optimized to allow scalable Na{sub 1.08}V{sub 6}O{sub 15} fabrication. - Abstract: Developing high-capacity cathode material with feasibility and scalability is still challenging for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, a high-capacity ternary sodium vanadate compound, nanostructured NaV{sub 6}O{sub 15}, was template-free synthesized through sol-gel process with high producing efficiency. The as-prepared sample was systematically post-treated at different temperature and the post-annealing temperature was found to determine the cycling stabilitymore » and capacity of NaV{sub 6}O{sub 15}. The well-crystallized one exhibited good electrochemical performance with a high specific capacity of 302 mAh g{sup −1} when cycled at current density of 0.03 mA g{sup −1}. Its relatively long-term cycling stability was characterized by the cell performance under the current density of 1 A g{sup −1}, delivering a reversible capacity of 118 mAh g{sup −1} after 300 cycles with 79% capacity retention and nearly 100% coulombic efficiency: all demonstrating its significant promise of proposed strategy for large-scale synthesis of NaV{sub 6}O{sub 15} as cathode with high-capacity and high energy density for LIBs.« less

Silica- and germania-based dual-ligand sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid sorbents combining superhydrophobicity and π-π interaction. The role of inorganic substrate in sol-gel capillary microextraction.

PubMed

Seyyal, Emre; Malik, Abdul

2017-04-29

Principles of sol-gel chemistry were utilized to create silica- and germania-based dual-ligand surface-bonded sol-gel coatings providing enhanced performance in capillary microextraction (CME) through a combination of ligand superhydrophobicity and π-π interaction. These organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared using sol-gel precursors with bonded perfluorododecyl (PF-C 12 ) and phenethyl (PhE) ligands. Here, the ability of the PF-C 12 ligand to provide enhanced hydrophobic interaction was advantageously combined with π-π interaction capability of the PhE moiety to attain the desired sorbent performance in CME. The effect of the inorganic sorbent component on microextraction performance of was explored by comparing microextraction characteristics of silica- and germania-based sol-gel sorbents. The germania-based dual-ligand sol-gel sorbent demonstrated superior CME performance compared to its silica-based counterpart. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the created silica- and germania-based dual-ligand sol-gel sorbents suggested higher carbon loading on the germania-based sorbent. This might be indicative of more effective condensation of the organic ligand-bearing sol-gel-active chemical species to the germania-based sol-gel network (than to its silica-based counterpart) evolving in the sol solution. The type and concentration of the organic ligands were varied in the sol-gel sorbents to fine-tune extraction selectivity toward different classes of analytes. Specific extraction (SE) values were used for an objective comparison of the prepared sol-gel CME sorbents. The sorbents with higher content of PF-C 12 showed remarkable affinity for aliphatic hydrocarbons. Compared to their single-ligand sol-gel counterparts, the dual-ligand sol-gel coatings demonstrated significantly superior CME performance in the extraction of alkylbenzenes, providing up to ∼65.0% higher SE values. The prepared sol-gel CME coatings provided low ng L -1 limit of detections (LOD) (4.2-26.3 ng L -1 ) for environmentally important analytes including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones and aliphatic hydrocarbons. In CME-GC experiments (n = 5), the capillary-to-capillary RSD value was ∼2.1%; such a low RSD value is indicative of excellent reproducibility of the sol-gel method used for the preparation of these CME coatings. The dual-ligand sol-gel coating provided stable performance in capillary microextraction of analytes from saline samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reactive Molecular Dynamics Investigations of Alkoxysilane Sol-Gel and Surface Coating Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deetz, Joshua David

The ability to generate nanostructured materials with tailored morphology or chemistry is of great technological interest. One proven method of generating metal-oxide materials, and chemically modifying metal-oxide surfaces is through the reactions of molecular building blocks known as alkoxysilanes. Alkoxysilanes are a class of chemicals which contain one or more organic alkoxy groups bonded to silicon atoms. Alkoxysilane (Si-O-R) chemical groups can undergo reactions to form bridges (Si-O-M) with metal oxides. Due to their ability to "attach" to metal-oxides through condensation reactions, alkoxysilanes have a number of interesting applications, such as: the generation of synthetic siloxane materials through the sol-gel process, and the formation of functionalized surface coatings on metal-oxide surfaces. Despite widespread study of sol-gel and surface coatings processes, it is difficult to predict the morphology of the final products due to the large number of process variables involved, such as precursor molecule structure, solvent effects, solution composition, temperature, and pH. To determine the influence of these variables on the products of sol-gel and coatings processes reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used. A reactive force field was used (ReaxFF) to allow the chemical bonds in simulation to dynamically form and break. The force field parameters were optimized using a parallel optimization scheme with a combination of experimental information, and density functional theory calculations. Polycondensation of alkoxysilanes in mixtures of alcohol and water were studied. Steric effects were observed to influence the rates of hydrolysis and condensation in solutions containing different precursor monomers. By restricting the access of nucleophiles to the central silicon atom, the nucleation rate of siloxanes can be controlled. The influence of solution precursor, water, and methanol composition on reaction rates was explored. It was determined that the rate of alkoxysilane hydrolysis is strongly dependent on the concentration of water. The dynamics of siloxane cluster formation are revealed, which provides insight for experimentalists. The silanization of hydroxylated silica surfaces by alkoxysilanes was modeled in pseudo-infinite liquid solution. Butyl-, octyl-, or dodecylsilanes were exposed to hydroxylated silica surfaces in order to observe the influence of silyl headgroup size on the morphology and formation kinetics of silane films on silica substrates. The radius of gyration and order parameter of the hydrocarbon silyl groups were found to increase with grafting density. This was the first simulation study of the dynamic grafting of alkoxysilanes to a substrate.

77 FR 1127 - Open Meeting of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness (PCJC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-09

... live webcast at http:[sol][sol]www.whitehouse.gov/live. DATES: The meeting will be held on January 17..., DC 20220. In general, all statements will be posted on the White House Web site (http:[sol][sol]www... 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The meeting will be broadcast on the internet via live webcast at http:[sol...

75 FR 70923 - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; HIT Standards Committee...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... be conducted virtually only. Dial into the meeting: 1-877-705-6006; webcast: http:[sol][sol]altarum..., and the background material will be posted on ONC's Web site after the meeting, at http:[sol][sol... committed to the orderly conduct of its advisory committee meetings. Please visit our Web site at http:[sol...

[Basic Studies on Locoregional Injection of a Newly Designed Chitin Sol].

PubMed

Chiba, Takehiro; Sugitachi, Akio; Kume, Kouhei; Segawa, Takenori; Nishinari, Yutaka; Ishida, Kaoru; Noda, Hironobu; Nishizuka, Satoshi; Kimura, Yusuke; Koeda, Keisuke; Sasaki, Akira

2015-11-01

Systemic chemotherapy in advanced cancer cases often provokes serious adverse events. We aimed to examine the fundamental properties and efficacy of a novel chitin sol, an anti-cancer agent with minor side effects designed to avoid the adverse effects of chemotherapy and enhance the QOL and ADL of patients. DAC-70 was used to create the novel agent termed DAC-70 sol. The anti-proliferative activity was assayed by the WST method using different types of cell lines. The anti-cancer efficacy of the novel agent was examined using cancer-bearing mice. DAC-70 sol was easily injectable through a 21-G needle. The sol suppressed proliferation of the cells in vitro. Intra-tumor injection of DAC-70 sol inhibited the rapid growth of solid tumors in the mice. CDDP-loaded DAC-70 sol, CDDP/DAC-70 sol, successfully controlled malignant ascites in the mice (p<0.05). Neither recurrence nor severe complications were encountered in these animals. These basic data strongly suggest that locoregional administration of our newly designed DAC-70 sol and CDDP/DAC-70 sol is clinically useful as novel cancer chemotherapy for advanced cases. This warrants further clinical studies in cancer chemotherapy.

Hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel materials and components for integrated optoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dong

On the technical platform of hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel, the integrated optoelectronics in the forms of heterogeneous integration between the hybrid sol-gel waveguide and the high refractive index semiconductors and the nonlinear functional doping of disperse red chromophore into hybrid sol-gel is developed. The structure of hybrid sol-gel waveguide on high index semiconductor substrate is designed with BPM-CAD software. A hybrid sol-gel based on MAPTMS and TEOS suitable for lower cladding for the waveguide is developed. The multi-layer hybrid sol-gel waveguide with good mode confinement and low polarization dependence is fabricated on Si and InP. As proof of concept, a 1 x 12 beam splitter based on multimode interference is fabricated on silicon substrate. The device shows excess loss below 0.65 dB and imbalance below 0.28 dB for both TE and TM polarization. A nonlinear active hybrid sol-gel doped with disperse red 13 has been developed by simple co-solvent method. It permits high loading concentration and has low optical loss at 1550 nm. The second-order nonlinear property of the active sol-gel is induced with corona poling and studied with second harmonic generation. A 3-fold of enhancement in the poling efficiency is achieved by blue light assisted corona poling. The chromophore alignment stability is improved by reducing the free volume of the formed inorganic network from the sol-gel condensation reaction. An active sol-gel channel waveguide has been fabricated using active and passive hybrid sol-gel materials by only photopatterning and spin-coating. An amplitude modulator based on the active sol-gel containing 30 wt.% of DR13 shows an electro-optic coefficient of 14 pm/V at 1550 nm and stable operation within the observation time of 24 days.

Electron density inversed by plasma lines induced by suprathermal electron in the ionospheric modification experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiang; Zhou, Chen

2018-05-01

Incoherent scatter radar (ISR) is the most powerful ground-based measurement facility to study the ionosphere. The plasma lines are not routinely detected by the incoherent scatter radar due to the low intensity, which falls below the measured spectral noise level of the incoherent scatter radar. The plasma lines are occasionally enhanced by suprathermal electrons through the Landau damping process and detectable to the incoherent scatter radar. In this study, by using the European Incoherent Scatter Association (EISCAT) UHF incoherent scatter radar, the experiment observation presents that the enhanced plasma lines were observed. These plasma lines were considered as manifest of the suprathermal electrons generated by the high-frequency heating wave during the ionospheric modification. The electron density profile is also obtained from the enhanced plasma lines. This study can be a promising technique for obtaining the accurate electron density during ionospheric modification experiment.

Curiosity Rock or Soil Sampling Sites on Mars, Through November 2016

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-12-13

nal Caption Released with Image: This graphic maps locations of the sites where NASA's Curiosity Mars rover collected its first 19 rock or soil samples for analysis by laboratory instruments inside the vehicle. It also presents images of the drilled holes where 15 rock-powder samples were acquired. Curiosity scooped two soil samples at each of the other two sites: Rocknest and Gobabeb. The diameter of each drill hole is about 0.6 inch (1.6 centimeters), slightly smaller than a U.S. dime. The images used here are raw color, as recorded by the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera. Notice the differences in color of the material at different drilling sites. For the map, north is toward the upper left corner. The scale bar represents 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). The base map is from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The latest sample site included is "Sebina,"where Curiosity drilled into bedrock of the Murray formation on Oct. 20, 2016, during the 1,495th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Curiosity landed in August 2012 on the plain (named Aeolis Palus) near Mount Sharp (or Aeolis Mons). The drilling dates for the first 13 rock samples collected are, by location: "John Klein" on Feb. 8, 2013 (Sol 182); "Cumberland" on May 19, 2013 (Sol 279); "Windjana" on May 5, 2014 (Sol 621); "Confidence Hills" on Sept. 24, 2014 (Sol 759); "Mojave" on Jan. 29, 2015 (Sol 882); "Telegraph Peak" on Feb. 24, 2015 (Sol 908); "Buckskin" on July 30, 2015 (Sol 1060); "Big Sky" on Sept. 29, 2015 (Sol 1119); "Greenhorn" on Oct. 18, 2015 (Sol 1137); "Lubango" on April 23, 2016 (Sol 1320); "Okoruso" on May 5, 2016 (Sol 1332); "Oudam" on June 4, 2016 (Sol 1361); "Quela" on Sept. 18, 2016 (Sol 1464). http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21254

Nanoporous Silica Thermal Insulation for Space Shuttle Cryogenic Tanks: A Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noever, David A.

1999-01-01

Nanoporous silica (with typical 10-50 nm porous radii) has been benchmarked for thermal insulators capable of maintaining a 150 K/cm temperature gradient. For cryogenic use in aerospace applications, the combined features for low-density, high thermal insulation factors, and low temperature compatibility are demonstrated in a prototype sandwich structure between two propulsion tanks. Theoretical modelling based on a nanoscale fractal structure suggest that the thermal conductivity scales proportionally (exponent, 1.7) with the material density-lower density increases the thermal insulation rating. Computer simulations, however, support the optimization tradeoff between material strength (Young moduli, proportional to density with exponent, 3.7), the characteristic (colloidal silica, less than 5 nm) particle size, and the thermal rating. The results of these simulations indicate that as nanosized particles are incorporated into the silica backbone, the resulting physical properties will be tailored by the smallest characteristic length and their fractal interconnections (dimension and fractal size). The application specifies a prototype panel which takes advantage of the processing flexibility inherent in sol-gel chemistry.

75 FR 63865 - National Science Board; Sunshine Act Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-18

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76 FR 79168 - U.S. Department of Energy Audit Guidance: For-Profit Recipients

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-21

... Federal eRulemaking Portal at http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting... access the guidance at: http:[sol][sol]energy.gov/management/downloads/ draft-profit-audit-guidance-fy...

Peak-Flux-Density Spectra of Large Solar Radio Bursts and Proton Emission from Flares.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-19

of the microwave peak (Z 1000 sfu in U-bursts) served as an indicator that the energy release during the impulsive phase was sufficient to produce a... energy or wave- length tends to be prominent in all, and cautions about over-interpreting associa- tions/correlations observed in samples of big flares...Sung, L. S., and McDonald, F. B. (1975) The variation of solar proton energy spectra and size distribution with helio- longitude, Sol. Phys. 41: 189. 28

Epidemiological aspects of self-reported sleep onset latency in Japanese junior high school children.

PubMed

Alexandru, Gaina; Michikazu, Sekine; Shimako, Hamanishi; Xiaoli, Chen; Hitomi, Kanayama; Takashi, Yamagami; Robert, Williams W; Sadanobu, Kagamimori

2006-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between sleep onset latency (SOL) and other sleep-wake patterns and media use habits in Japanese schoolchildren. A total of 9,718 junior high school children responded (12.8 years) and 9199 questionnaires were used in the present analyses. The questionnaire assessed sleep-wake patterns, TV viewing and videogame habits. Overall, 72.1% of the subjects reported short SOL (20 min) were strongly associated with disturbed sleep manifested especially by increased risk of night awakenings, decreased sleep depth, and bad sleep in general (overall sleep quality). Prolonged SOL was also associated with daytime sleepiness, difficulties in falling asleep, bad morning feeling and sleep insufficiency. We found a U-shaped relationship between sleep period and SOL. Increase in bedtime was accompanied by increased risk of prolonged SOL. The impact of ultra-short and ultra-long SOL (or=40 min) was also analysed. Long durations of watching television and playing videogame were significantly associated with prolonged SOL. After adjustment for sex, girls presented significantly higher risk of prolonged SOL. Body mass index adjustment did not reveal any significant results. SOL presents a significant component of sleep-wake habits; poor sleep hygiene and insufficient sleep time significantly increase SOL. Parents, healthcare practitioners and children themselves should be aware of the potentially negative influence of prolonged SOL. Additionally, the optimal coherent sleep-wake schedule must be promoted in parallel with the limitation on the viewing TV and game practices.

Curiosity First 14 Rock or Soil Sampling Sites on Mars

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-06-13

This graphic maps locations of the first 14 sites where NASA's Curiosity Mars rover collected rock or soil samples for analysis by laboratory instruments inside the vehicle. It also presents images of the drilled holes where 12 rock-powder samples were acquired. At the other two sites -- Rocknest and Gobabeb -- Curiosity scooped soil samples. The diameter of each drill hole is about 0.6 inch (1.6 centimeters), slightly smaller than a U.S. dime. The images used here are raw color, as recorded by the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera. Notice the differences in color of the material at different drilling sites. The latest sample site included is "Oudam," where Curiosity drilled into mudstone of the "Murray formation" on June 4, during the 1,361th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Curiosity landed in August 2012 on the plain (named Aeolis Palus) near Mount Sharp (or Aeolis Mons). Dates when the first 11 drilled-rock samples were collected are: "John Klein" on Feb. 8, 2013 (Sol 182); "Cumberland" on May 19, 2013 (Sol 279); "Windjana" on May 5, 2014 (Sol 621); "Confidence Hills" on Sept. 24, 2014 (Sol 759); "Mojave" on Jan. 29, 2015 (Sol 882); "Telegraph Peak" on Feb. 24, 2015 (Sol 908); "Buckskin" on July 30, 2015 (Sol 1060); "Big Sky" on Sept. 29, 2015 (Sol 1119); "Greenhorn" on Oct. 18, 2015 (Sol 1137); "Lubango" on April 23, 2016 (Sol 1320); and "Okoruso" on May 5, 2016 (Sol 1332). http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20748

Eddy Viscosity for Variable Density Coflowing Streams,

DTIC Science & Technology

EDDY CURRENTS, *JET MIXING FLOW, *VISCOSITY, *AIR FLOW, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW, AXISYMMETRIC FLOW, MATHEMATICAL PREDICTION, THRUST AUGMENTATION , EJECTORS , COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, SECONDARY FLOW, DENSITY, MODIFICATION.

76 FR 3180 - National Science Board; Sunshine Act Meetings; Notice

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-19

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Application of the docking program SOL for CSAR benchmark.

PubMed

Sulimov, Alexey V; Kutov, Danil C; Oferkin, Igor V; Katkova, Ekaterina V; Sulimov, Vladimir B

2013-08-26

This paper is devoted to results obtained by the docking program SOL and the post-processing program DISCORE at the CSAR benchmark. SOL and DISCORE programs are described. SOL is the original docking program developed on the basis of the genetic algorithm, MMFF94 force field, rigid protein, precalculated energy grid including desolvation in the frame of simplified GB model, vdW, and electrostatic interactions and taking into account the ligand internal strain energy. An important SOL feature is the single- or multi-processor performance for up to hundreds of CPUs. DISCORE improves the binding energy scoring by the local energy optimization of the ligand docked pose and a simple linear regression on the base of available experimental data. The docking program SOL has demonstrated a good ability for correct ligand positioning in the active sites of the tested proteins in most cases of CSAR exercises. SOL and DISCORE have not demonstrated very exciting results on the protein-ligand binding free energy estimation. Nevertheless, for some target proteins, SOL and DISCORE were among the first in prediction of inhibition activity. Ways to improve SOL and DISCORE are discussed.

Infrared and Raman spectra of triacetoxyvinylsilane, aqueous sol-gel and xerogel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ying-Sing; Ba, Abdul; Mahmood, Maleeha S.

2009-04-01

Triacetoxyvinylsilane (TAVS) has been used as a precursor to prepare sol-gel under aqueous conditions. The sol-gel product has been applied for the surface treatment of aluminum. Infrared and Raman spectra have been collected for TAVS and for TAVS sol-gel, xerogel and sol-gel-coated aluminum. Vibrational analyses have been suggested for the recorded spectra based essentially on the group frequencies and the spectral variation with the change of the sol-gel product states and the vibrational assignments of similar molecules. From the recorded infrared and Raman spectra of the sol-gel and xerogel, it is found that the sol-gel produced in the process with TAVS is essentially the same as that prepared from vinyltriethoxysilane. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) of TAVS xerogel has been conducted, and an explanation has been given in coordination with the results obtained from IR spectroscopic study of the xerogels cured at different temperatures. The study has demonstrated the thermal effect on the condensation of the sol-gel process and on the vinyl decomposition of TAVS xerogel.

A comparative density functional theory study of electronic structure and optical properties of γ-aminobutyric acid and its cocrystals with oxalic and benzoic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Filho, J. G.; Freire, V. N.; Caetano, E. W. S.; Ladeira, L. O.; Fulco, U. L.; Albuquerque, E. L.

2013-11-01

In this letter, we study the electronic structure and optical properties of the active medicinal component γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its cocrystals with oxalic (OXA) and benzoic (BZA) acid by means of the density functional theory formalism. It is shown that the cocrystallization strongly weakens the zwitterionic character of the GABA molecule leading to striking differences among the electronic band structures and optical absorption spectra of the GABA crystal and GABA:OXA, GABA:BZA cocrystals, originating from distinct sets of hydrogen bonds. Calculated band widths and Δ-sol band gap estimates indicate that both GABA and GABA:OXA, GABA:BZA cocrystals are indirect gap insulators.

Feasibility of development of a nuclear density gage for determining the density of plastic concrete at a particular stratum : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-05-01

Development of a nuclear density gage for determining the degree of consolidation of plastic concrete in selected horizontal layers was determined to be feasible. A commercially available, with some modifications, two-probe density gage (detector in ...

Sol-gel processing to form doped sol-gel monoliths inside hollow core optical fiber and sol-gel core fiber devices made thereby

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, Harry C. (Inventor); Ott, Melanie N. (Inventor); Manuel, Michele V. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A process of fabricating a fiber device includes providing a hollow core fiber, and forming a sol-gel material inside the hollow core fiber. The hollow core fiber is preferably an optical fiber, and the sol-gel material is doped with a dopant. Devices made in this manner includes a wide variety of sensors.

Sol-gel layers for ceramic microsystems application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czok, Mateusz; Golonka, Leszek

2016-11-01

This paper describes research on sol-gel solutions preparation process. Utilize of a sol-gel layers in the LTCC technology for reduction of surface roughness and influence on the ceramics properties is examined and described. The influence of sol-gel layer on possible sedimentation of dyes or biological substances in channels, mixers or chambers of ceramic microfluidic structures was investigated. Moreover, properties of sol-gel coated surfaces have been precisely examined and described. Finally, positive results of conducted experiments made it possible to design and manufacture a simple microfluidic ceramic structure, with embedded protective layer of sol-gel, for fluorescence measurements.

Fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic fibers by extrusion of PZT powder and PZT sol mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yoshimasa; Um, Tae Y.; Qiu, Jinhao; Tani, Junji; Takahashi, Hirofumi

2001-07-01

This study aims to fabricate Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic fibers by extrusion with mixture of PZT powder and PZT sol. The added PZT sol in this study played a role as a binder; the sol changed into PZT crystalline during sintering, and removal process of additives before sintering was not required. To obtain PZT fibers, the condition of sol viscosity adjustment, the mixture ratio of powder and sol for fiber extrusion, and the sintering condition for obtaining polycrystalline fibers were investigated. PZT precursor solution was synthesized from lead acetate trihydrate, zirconium n-propoxide and titanium isopropoxide by reflux at 120 degree(s)C for 3 hours with 2-methoxyethanol. The appropriate adjustment of spinnable sol was achieved by the addition of acetic acid for suppressing the hydrolysis reaction and the curing sol at 80 degree(s)C for promoting the condensation of sol. Green fibers with diameter of about 300micrometers were successfully extruded from the mixture of PZT powder and sol. The extruded fibers sintered at 1200 degree(s)C had the microstructure with 2-6micrometers grains and had no pores or cracks. From the result of displacement behavior measurement, PZT fibers fabricated by firing at 1200 degree(s)C in this study were considered to have desired piezoelectric properties.

Flexible freestanding sandwich type ZnO/rGO/ZnO electrode for wearable supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, Mina; Golobostanfard, Mohammad Reza; Abdizadeh, Hossein

2017-10-01

The development of flexible supercapacitors with high energy and power density as one of the main components of wearable electronics is in an enormous interest. In this report, a unique flexible electrode based on freestanding sandwich type ZnO/rGO/ZnO paper is fabricated by a simple low cost sol-gel method for utilizing in flexible supercapacitor. ZnO layers are deposited on both sides of rGO paper which is prepared by a modified Hummer's method and evaporation induced assembly. The uniform and densely packed ZnO layers are formed on graphene oxide paper and the paper is simultaneously reduced. Structural analysis reveals the formation of ZnO thin films on both sides of rGO nanosheets, which leads to the sandwich architecture. Also, the effect of ZnO sol-gel process parameters on microstructure of sandwich paper are investigated and the most suitable condition for highest supercapacity performance is the solvent of 1-PrOH, stabilizer of TeA, sol concentration of 0.2 M, deposition speed of 30 mm min-1, and 10 deposited layers. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and cyclic voltammetry confirm that the incorporation of ZnO improves the capacitive performance of rGO electrode. Moreover, ZnO/rGO/ZnO flexible electrode exhibits suitable capacitance value of 60.63 F g-1 at scan rate of 5 mV/s.

Fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic fibers by extrusion of Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 powder and Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 sol mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Jinhao; Tani, Junji; Kobayashi, Yoshimasa; Um, Tae Young; Takahashi, Hirofumi

2003-06-01

In this study, Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic fibers were fabricated by extrusion from a mixture of PZT powder and PZT sol. The added PZT sol in this study played the role of a binder; the sol changed into crystalline PZT during sintering, and removal of additives before sintering was not required. To obtain the required PZT fibers, the sol viscosity adjustment condition, the mixture ratio of powder and sol for fiber extrusion, and the sintering condition for obtaining polycrystalline fibers were investigated. The PZT precursor solution was synthesized from lead acetate trihydrate, zirconium n-propoxide, and titanium isopropoxide by reflux at 120 °C for 3 h with 2-methoxyethanol. The appropriate adjustment of the spinnable sol was achieved by the addition of acetic acid to suppress the hydrolysis reaction and by curing the sol at 80 °C to promote the condensation of the sol. Green fibers with diameters of about 300µm were successfully extruded from the mixture of PZT powder and sol (powder:sol = 5- 8:1, molar ratio). The extruded fibers, sintered at 1200 °C, had a microstructure with 2- 6µm grains and had no pores or cracks. From the results of displacement behavior measurements, the PZT fibers fabricated by firing at 1200 °C in this study were considered to have the desired piezoelectric properties.

Sol-gel based oxidation catalyst and coating system using same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leighty, Bradley D. (Inventor); Watkins, Anthony N. (Inventor); Patry, JoAnne L. (Inventor); Schryer, Jacqueline L. (Inventor); Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

An oxidation catalyst system is formed by particles of an oxidation catalyst dispersed in a porous sol-gel binder. The oxidation catalyst system can be applied by brush or spray painting while the sol-gel binder is in its sol state.

ZnO-based regenerable sulfur sorbents for fluid-bed/transport reactor applications

DOEpatents

Slimane, Rachid B.; Abbasian, Javad; Williams, Brett E.

2004-09-21

A method for producing regenerable sulfur sorbents in which a support material precursor is mixed with isopropanol and a first portion of deionized water at an elevated temperature to form a sol mixture. A metal oxide precursor comprising a metal suitable for use as a sulfur sorbent is dissolved in a second portion of deionized water, forming a metal salt solution. The metal salt solution and the sol mixture are mixed with a sol peptizing agent while heating and stirring, resulting in formation of a peptized sol mixture. The metal oxide precursor is dispersed substantially throughout the peptized sol mixture, which is then dried, forming a dry peptized sol mixture. The dry peptized sol mixture is then calcined and the resulting calcined material is then converted to particles.

Solvent-resistant sol-gel polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane coating for on-line hyphenation of capillary microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Segro, Scott S; Malik, Abdul

2008-09-26

A sol-gel polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane (PDMDPS) coating was developed for capillary microextraction on-line hyphenated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This coating was created using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as the sol-gel precursor and di-hydroxy-terminated PDMDPS as the sol-gel active polymer. The methyl and phenyl groups on the sol-gel active polymer and the methyl groups on the sol-gel precursor ultimately turned into pendant groups providing the ability to extract non-polar analytes. A 40-cm segment of 0.25 mm I.D. fused silica capillary containing the sol-gel PDMDPS coating was installed as an external sampling loop in an HPLC injection port. Aqueous samples containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aromatic compounds, ketones, and aldehydes were passed through this capillary wherein the analytes were extracted by the sol-gel coating. The extracted analytes were then transferred to the HPLC column using isocratic or gradient elution with an acetonitrile/water mobile phase. This capillary demonstrated excellent extraction capability for non-polar (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds) as well as moderately polar compounds, such as aromatic amines, ketones, and aldehydes. The test results indicate that PDMDPS can be successfully immobilized into a sol-gel network and that the resulting solvent-resistant sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid coating can be effectively used for on-line hyphenation of capillary microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography. The test results also indicate that the sol-gel PDMDPS coated capillary is resistant to high-temperature solvents, making it suitable for applications in high-temperature HPLC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the creation of a silica-based sol-gel PDMDPS coating used in capillary microextraction on-line hyphenated to HPLC.

Sol-gel chemistry-based Ucon-coated columns for capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Hayes, J D; Malik, A

1997-07-18

A sol-gel chemistry-based novel approach for the preparation of a Ucon-coated fused-silica capillary column in capillary electrophoresis is presented. In this approach the sol-gel process is carried out inside 25 microm I.D. fused-silica capillaries. The sol solution contained appropriate quantities of an alkoxide-based sol-gel precursor, a polymeric coating material (Ucon), a crosslinking reagent, a surface derivatizing reagent, controlled amounts of water and a catalyst dissolved in a suitable solvent system. The coating procedure involves filling a capillary with the sol solution and allowing the sol-gel process to proceed for an optimum period. Hydrolysis of the alkoxide precursor and polycondensation of the hydrolyzed products with the surface silanol groups and the hydroxy-terminated Ucon molecules lead to the formation of a surface-bonded sol-gel coating on the inner walls of the capillary. The thickness of the coated film can be controlled by varying the reaction time, coating solution composition and experimental conditions. Commercial availability of high purity sol-gel precursors (e.g., TEOS 99.999%), the ease of coating, run-to-run and column-to-column reproducibility, and long column lifetimes make sol-gel coating chemistry very much suitable for being applied in analytical microseparations column technology. Test samples of basic proteins and nucleotides were used to evaluate the column performance. These results show that the sol-gel coating scheme has allowed for the generation of bio-compatible surfaces characterized by high separation efficiencies in CE. For different types of solutes, the sol-gel coated Ucon column consistently provided migration time R.S.D. values of the order of 0.5%.

Red cell storage in E-Sol 5 and Adsol additive solutions: paired comparison using mixed and non-mixed study designs.

PubMed

Radwanski, K; Thill, M; Min, K

2014-05-01

If transfusion of older stored red cells is found to negatively affect clinical outcome, one possible alternative to shortened outdate is the use of new additive solutions (AS) that ameliorate the storage lesion. Erythro-Sol (E-Sol), a previously developed next-generation AS, has been reformulated into E-Sol 5, which is compatible with current anticoagulants and AS volumes. The effect of E-Sol 5 on red cells during storage compared to current AS has not been reported. Paired, ABO-matched whole-blood units were collected into CPD anticoagulant, pooled, split and processed into plasma and red cell units with either 110 ml of Adsol or 105 ml of E-Sol 5 within 8 h of collection. In Study 1, paired units in E-Sol 5 and Adsol were sampled on Day 0 and every 7 days up to Day 42 (n = 10). In Study 2, paired units in E-Sol 5 and Adsol were sampled only on Day 0 and Day 42 (n = 10). In Study 1, 2,3 DPG levels were maintained until Day 28 in E-Sol 5 units and Day 14 in Adsol units. ATP levels were higher in E-Sol 5 units until Day 21, after which they were comparable between the two groups. In both studies, metabolic activity was greater in E-Sol 5 units with respect to glucose consumption and lactate production. Morphology scores were higher, and haemolysis and microparticles generated were lower in E-Sol 5 vs. Adsol units. Weekly mixing of units lowered haemolysis and microparticle levels and increased potassium content on Day 42 in both additive solutions. Regardless of whether units are mixed weekly or are stored non-mixed, E-Sol 5 slows the progression of the red cell storage lesion and improves the overall in vitro quality of RBC throughout storage. © 2013 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Sol-gel approach to in situ creation of high pH-resistant surface-bonded organic-inorganic hybrid zirconia coating for capillary microextraction (in-tube SPME).

PubMed

Alhooshani, Khalid; Kim, Tae-Young; Kabir, Abuzar; Malik, Abdul

2005-01-07

A novel zirconia-based hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coating was developed for capillary microextraction (CME) (in-tube SPME). High degree of chemical inertness inherent in zirconia makes it very difficult to covalently bind a suitable organic ligand to its surface. In the present work, this problem was addressed from a sol-gel chemistry point of view. Principles of sol-gel chemistry were employed to chemically bind a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer (polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane, PDMDPS) to a sol-gel zirconia network in the course of its evolution from a highly reactive alkoxide precursor undergoing controlled hydrolytic polycondensation reactions. A fused silica capillary was filled with a properly designed sol solution to allow for the sol-gel reactions to take place within the capillary for a predetermined period of time (typically 15-30 min). In the course of this process, a layer of the evolving hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel polymer got chemically anchored to the silanol groups on the capillary inner walls via condensation reaction. At the end of this in-capillary residence time, the unbonded part of the sol solution was expelled from the capillary under helium pressure, leaving behind a chemically bonded sol-gel zirconia-PDMDPS coating on the inner walls. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and aldehydes were efficiently extracted and preconcentrated from dilute aqueous samples using sol-gel zirconia-PDMDPS coated capillaries followed by thermal desorption and GC analysis of the extracted solutes. The newly developed sol-gel hybrid zirconia coatings demonstrated excellent pH stability, and retained the extraction characteristics intact even after continuous rinsing with a 0.1 M NaOH solution for 24 h. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a sol-gel zirconia-based hybrid organic-inorganic coating as an extraction medium in solid phase microextraction (SPME).

Hydrophobicity of hemp shiv treated with sol-gel coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Atif; Calabria-Holley, Juliana; Schorr, Diane; Jiang, Yunhong; Lawrence, Mike; Blanchet, Pierre

2018-03-01

This is the first time sol-gel technology is used in the treatment of hemp shiv to develop sustainable thermal insulation building materials. The impact on the hydrophobicity of hemp shiv by depositing functionalised sol-gel coatings using hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) has been investigated. Bio-based materials have tendency to absorb large amounts of water due to their hydrophilic nature and highly porous structure. In this work, the influence of catalysts, solvent dilution and HDTMS loading in the silica sols on the hydrophobicity of hemp shiv surface has been reported. The hydrophobicity of sol-gel coated hemp shiv increased significantly when using acid catalysed sols which provided water contact angles of up to 118° at 1% HDTMS loading. Ethanol diluted sol-gel coatings enhanced the surface roughness of the hemp shiv by 36% as observed under 3D optical profilometer. The XPS results revealed that the surface chemical composition of the hemp shiv was altered by the sol-gel coating, blocking the hydroxyl sites responsible for hydrophilicity.

Modified silica sol coatings for surface enhancement of leather.

PubMed

Mahltig, Boris; Vossebein, Lutz; Ehrmann, Andrea; Cheval, Nicolas; Fahmi, Amir

2012-06-01

The presented study reports on differently modified silica sols for coating applications on leather. Silica sols are prepared by acidic hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and modified by silane compounds with fluorinated and non-fluorinated alkylgroups. In contrast to many earlier investigations regarding sol-gel applications on leather, no acrylic resin is used together with the silica sols when applying on leather. The modified silica particles are supposed to aggregate after application, forming thus a modified silica coating on the leather substrate. Scanning electron microscopy investigation shows that the applied silica coatings do not fill up or close the pores of the leather substrate. However, even if the pores of the leather are not sealed by this sol-gel coating, an improvement of the water repellent and oil repellent properties of the leather substrates are observed. These improved properties of leather by application of modified silica sols can provide the opportunity to develop sol-gel products for leather materials present in daily life.

Optical properties of Na2O-TiO2-SiO2 glass films prepared by the sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barton, Ivo; Matejec, Vlastimil; Mrazek, Jan; Predoana, Luminita; Zaharescu, Maria

2017-12-01

Layers based on TiO2-SiO2 systems fabricated by sol-gel method have been investigated for the preparation of planar waveguides, antireflective coatings, Bragg mirrors, etc. However, at high titania contents such materials exhibit high viscosities and tendency to phase separation. In this paper we present optical properties of films containing TiO2 which are prepared via a novel approach sol-gel on the basis of ternary Na2O-TiO2-SiO2 glasses and which can exhibit lower viscosities. Films of Na2O-TiO2-SiO2 systems were prepared from input sols mixed of silica, titania and sodium oxide sols. The silica sol was prepared from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), ethanol, hydrochloric acid and water, with a TEOS c= 2 mol/l and water/alkoxide ratio 1.75. The titania sol was mixed from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TiPr), propan-2-ol, nitric acid and water, c= 0.5 mol/l, RW= 0.42. The sodium oxide sols with c= 0.474 mol/l were prepared from sodium ethoxide and ethanol. Input sols were prepared by mixing the silica and titania sols first and then the sodium sol was added. The input sols were aged for one hour. Stable input sols were obtained. The input sols were deposited on glass and silica slides by dip-coating technique at a withdrawing speeds of 200 mm/min. Applied gel layers were thermally treated at temperatures of 450 and 900°C. Layers containing sodium oxide and titania in concentration ranges of 0-20 mol.% and 0-30 mol.% respectively have been fabricated. Optical properties of layers were determined by UV-VIS-NIR transmission and reflection spectrophotometry. Refractive indices of layers were determined by spectral ellipsometry and from transmission spectra. Optical properties were correlated with results of XRD spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Transparent homogenous films with a maximum refractive index of 1.61 at a wavelength of 600 nm have been obtained.

Radiation hardening in sol-gel derived Er{sup 3+}-doped silica glasses

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

Hari Babu, B., E-mail: hariphy2012@gmail.com, E-mail: matthieu.lancry@u-psud.fr; León Pichel, Mónica; Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d'Orsay, UMR CNRS-UPSud 8182, Université Paris Sud, 91405 Orsay

2015-09-28

The aim of the present paper is to report the effect of radiation on the Er{sup 3+}-doped sol-gel silica glasses. A possible application of these sol-gel glasses could be their use in harsh radiation environments. The sol-gel glasses are fabricated by densification of erbium salt-soaked nanoporous silica xerogels through polymeric sol-gel technique. The radiation-induced attenuation of Er{sup 3+}-doped sol-gel silica is found to increase with erbium content. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies reveal the presence of E′{sub δ} point defects. This happens in the sol-gel aluminum-silica glass after an exposure to γ-rays (kGy) and in sol-gel silica glass after an exposuremore » to electrons (MGy). The concentration levels of these point defects are much lower in γ-ray irradiated sol-gel silica glasses. When the samples are co-doped with Al, the exposure to γ-ray radiation causes a possible reduction of the erbium valence from Er{sup 3+} to Er{sup 2+} ions. This process occurs in association with the formation of aluminum oxygen hole centers and different intrinsic point defects.« less

Landscape attributes as drivers of the geographical variation in density of Sapajus nigritus Kerr, 1792, a primate endemic to the Atlantic Forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendges, Carla D.; Melo, Geruza L.; Gonçalves, Alberto S.; Cerezer, Felipe O.; Cáceres, Nilton C.

2017-10-01

Neotropical primates are among the most well studied forest mammals concerning their population densities. However, few studies have evaluated the factors that influence the spatial variation in the population density of primates, which limits the possibility of inferences towards this animal group, especially at the landscape-level. Here, we compiled density data of Sapajus nigritus from 21 forest patches of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We tested the effects of climatic variables (temperature, precipitation), landscape attributes (number of patches, mean inter-patch isolation distance, matrix modification index) and patch size on the population density using linear models and the Akaike information criterion. Our findings showed that the density of S. nigritus is influenced by landscape attributes, particularly by fragmentation and matrix modification. Overall, moderately fragmented landscapes and those surrounded by matrices with intermediate indexes of temporal modification (i.e., crop plantations, forestry) are related to high densities of this species. These results support the assumptions that ecologically flexible species respond positively to forest fragmentation. However, the non-linear relationship between S. nigritus density and number of patches suggests that even the species that are most tolerant to forest cover changes seem to respond positively only at an intermediate level of habitat fragmentation, being dependent of both a moderate degree of forest cover and a high quality matrix. The results we found here can be a common response to fragmentation for those forest dweller species that are able to use the matrix as complementary foraging sites.

Sol-Gel Derived Hafnia Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, Jay D.; Stackpoole, Mairead; Blum, Yigal; Sacks, Michael; Ellerby, Don; Johnson, Sylvia M.; Venkatapathy, Ethiras (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Sol-gel derived hafnia coatings are being developed to provide an oxidation protection layer on ultra-high temperature ceramics for potential use in turbine engines (ultra-efficient engine technology being developed by NASA). Coatings using hafnia sol hafnia filler particles will be discussed along with sol synthesis and characterization.

Magnetoelectric properties of Co-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrimali, V. G.; Rathod, K. N.; Dhruv, Davit; Zankat, Alpa; Sagapariya, Khushal; Solanki, Sapana; Solanki, P. S.; Shah, N. A.; Kataria, B. R.

2018-05-01

The magnetoelectric (ME) properties of sol-gel grown BiFe0.95Co0.05O3 (BFCO) nanoceramics, with different sizes, were investigated at room-temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement was performed to investigate structural properties of the samples understudy. Magnetic field-dependent dielectric permittivity has been systematically investigated in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz. To ensure the origin of magnetodielectric response, the magnetoimpedance (MI) spectroscopy was adopted using equivalent circuit model. The a.c. conductivity was found to obey the Jonscher’s universal power law. The modifications in spiral spin structure in the BFCO nanoparticles with size less than ˜62 nm significantly affect the ME coupling parameters.

Piezoelectric detection of bilirubin based on bilirubin-imprinted titania film electrode.

PubMed

Yang, Zhengpeng; Yan, Jinlong; Zhang, Chunjing

2012-02-01

A novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a high selectivity and sensitivity has been developed for bilirubin determination, based on the modification of bilirubin-imprinted titania film onto a quartz crystal by molecular imprinting and surface sol-gel techniques. The performance of the developed bilirubin biosensor was evaluated and the results indicated that a sensitive bilirubin biosensor could be fabricated. The obtained bilirubin biosensor presents high-selectivity monitoring of bilirubin, better reproducibility, shorter response time (30 min), wider linear range (0.1-50 μM), and lower detection limit (0.05 μM). The analytical application of the bilirubin biosensor confirms the feasibility of bilirubin determination in serum sample. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Isocyanate Cross-Linked Silica: Structurally Strong Aerogels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leventis, Nicholas; Sotiriou-Leventis, Chariklia; Zhang, Guo-Hui; Rawashdeh, Abdel-Monem M.

2002-01-01

Molecular-level synergism between the silica nanoparticles of pre-formed monoliths and molecular cross-linkers inverts the relative host-guest roles in glass-polymer composites, leading to new strong low-density materials. Attempts to load gels with variable amounts of polyurethane precursors such as di-ISO and diol end-capped polybutylene adipate followed by heat treatment, washing, and supercritical drying led to opaque materials, somewhat stronger than silica but still quite brittle and much inferior to the materials described above. Direct mixing of a diisocyanate and an alcohol-free sol has been attempted recently by Yim et al. Reportedly, that procedure leads to week-long gelation times and requires an at least equally long aging period. In our attempt to add various amounts of di-ISO in a base-catalyzed sol in PC, we also noticed a week-long gelation time. The resulting aerogels were translucent but no less brittle than native silica. According to more recent studies, if propylene carbonate is replaced with acetone, it leads not only to shorter processing times, but also to much stronger gels that can tolerate loads in excess of 40 kg in the arrangement presented. We attribute that behavior to the lower viscosity of acetone, that allows faster diffusion of the di-ISO solution within the pores before di-ISO has time to react with the surface of silica. Further studies are underway to vary the chemical identity of the diisocyanate, as well as the composition and density of silica.

Experimental pathways to understand and avoid high-Z impurity contamination from ICRF heating in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinke, Matthew

2016-10-01

Recent results from Alcator C-Mod and JET demonstrate progress in understanding and mitigating core high-Z impurity contamination linked to ICRF heating in tokamaks with high-Z PFCs. Theory has identified two likely mechanisms: impurity sources due to sputtering enhanced by RF-rectified sheaths and greater cross-field SOL transport due to ExB convective cells. New experiments on Alcator C-Mod and JET demonstrate convective cell transport is likely a sub-dominant effect, despite directly observing ExB flows from rectified RF fields on C-Mod. Trace N2 introduced in the far SOL on field lines connected to and well away from an active ICRF antenna result in similar levels of core nitrogen, indicating local RF-driven transport is weak. This suggests the core high-Z density, nZ,core, is determined by sheath-induced sputtering and RF-independent SOL transport, allowing further reductions through antenna design. ICRF heating on C-Mod uses a unique, field aligned (FAA) and a pair of conventional, toroidally aligned (TAA) antennas. The FAA is designed to reduce rectified voltages relative to the TAA, and the impact of sheath-induced sputtering is explored by observing nZ,core while varying the TAA/FAA heating mix. A reduction of approximately 50% in core high-Z content is seen in L-modes when using the FAA and high-Z sources at the antenna limiter are effectively eliminated, indicating the remaining RF-driven source is away from the limiter. A drop in nZ,core may also be realized by locating the RF antenna on the inboard side where SOL transport aids impurity screening. New C-Mod experiments demonstrate up to a factor of 5 reduction in core nitrogen when N2 is injected on the high-field side as compared to low-field side impurity fueling. Varying the magnetic topology helps to elucidate the SOL transport physics responsible, laying a physics basis for inboard RF antenna placement. This work is supported by U.S. DOE Award DE-FC02-99ER54512, using Alcator C-Mod and carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from Euratom under Grant Agreement No 633053.

Effects of fiber density and plasma modification of nanofibrous membranes on the adhesion and growth of HaCaT keratinocytes.

PubMed

Bacakova, Marketa; Lopot, Frantisek; Hadraba, Daniel; Varga, Marian; Zaloudkova, Margit; Stranska, Denisa; Suchy, Tomas; Bacakova, Lucie

2015-01-01

It may be possible to regulate the cell colonization of biodegradable polymer nanofibrous membranes by plasma treatment and by the density of the fibers. To test this hypothesis, nanofibrous membranes of different fiber densities were treated by oxygen plasma with a range of plasma power and exposure times. Scanning electron microscopy and mechanical tests showed significant modification of nanofibers after plasma treatment. The intensity of the fiber modification increased with plasma power and exposure time. The exposure time seemed to have a stronger effect on modifying the fiber. The mechanical behavior of the membranes was influenced by the plasma treatment, the fiber density, and their dry or wet state. Plasma treatment increased the membrane stiffness; however, the membranes became more brittle. Wet membranes displayed significantly lower stiffness than dry membranes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed a slight increase in oxygen-containing groups on the membrane surface after plasma treatment. Plasma treatment enhanced the adhesion and growth of HaCaT keratinocytes on nanofibrous membranes. The cells adhered and grew preferentially on membranes of lower fiber densities, probably due to the larger area of void spaces between the fibers. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Experiments examining the shapes of isolated bars in comparison with those occurring in braided rivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Komar, P. D.

1984-01-01

Sand bars and islands within braided rivers have characteristic rhomboid or diamond shapes, often becoming very complex in form as the density of islands increases. Similar forms are observed in the martian outflow channels where the islands occur in groups. This contrasts with the more isolated martian islands which have airfoil shapes, as do isolated streamlined islands in rivers and in the Channeled Scabland. These observations indicate that the bar and island forms are controlled by the density of the islands, with increasing island interaction and flow modification as the density increases. As a continuation of previous flume experiments on the shapes of isolated islands, a new series of experiments investigate the modifications produced by a progressive increase in island density, finally leading to a true braided system.

Microwave Interferometry (90 GHz) for Hall Thruster Plume Density Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

Hall thruster . The interferometer has been modified to overcome initial difficulties encountered during the preliminary testing. The modifications include the ability to perform remote and automated calibrations as well as an aluminum enclosure to shield the interferometer from the Hall thruster plume. With these modifications, it will be possible to make unambiguous electron density measurements of the thruster plume as well as to rapidly and automatically calibrate the interferometer to eliminate the effects of signal drift. Due to the versatility

Ionospheric chemical releases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernhardt, Paul A.; Scales, W. A.

1990-01-01

Ionospheric plasma density irregularities can be produced by chemical releases into the upper atmosphere. F-region plasma modification occurs by: (1) chemically enhancing the electron number density; (2) chemically reducing the electron population; or (3) physically convecting the plasma from one region to another. The three processes (production, loss, and transport) determine the effectiveness of ionospheric chemical releases in subtle and surprising ways. Initially, a chemical release produces a localized change in plasma density. Subsequent processes, however, can lead to enhanced transport in chemically modified regions. Ionospheric modifications by chemical releases excites artificial enhancements in airglow intensities by exothermic chemical reactions between the newly created plasma species. Numerical models were developed to describe the creation and evolution of large scale density irregularities and airglow clouds generated by artificial means. Experimental data compares favorably with theses models. It was found that chemical releases produce transient, large amplitude perturbations in electron density which can evolve into fine scale irregularities via nonlinear transport properties.

76 FR 55377 - Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County, WA, Notice of Availability of Final...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-07

... Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http:[sol][sol]www... http:[sol][sol]www.ferc.gov/docs- filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via e-mail of new filings and...

Superhydrophobic, Hybrid, Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Nanofibrous Mats for Oil/Water Separation by Tailored Surface Modification.

PubMed

Arslan, Osman; Aytac, Zeynep; Uyar, Tamer

2016-08-03

Electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers (CA-NF) have been modified with perfluoro alkoxysilanes (FS/CA-NF) for tailoring their chemical and physical features aiming oil-water separation purposes. Strikingly, hybrid FS/CA-NF showed that perfluoro groups are rigidly positioned on the outer surface of the nanofibers providing superhydrophobic characteristic with a water contact angle of ∼155°. Detailed analysis showed that hydrolysis/condensation reactions led to the modification of the acetylated β(1 → 4) linked d-glucose chains of CA transforming it into a superhydrophobic nanofibrous mat. Analytical data have revealed that CA-NF surfaces can be selectively controlled for fabricating the durable, robust and water resistant hybrid electrospun nanofibrous mat. The -OH groups available on the CA structure allowed the basic sol-gel reactions started by the reactive FS hybrid precursor system which can be monitored by spectroscopic analysis. Since alkoxysilane groups on the perfluoro silane compound are capable of reacting for condensation together with the CA, superhydrophobic nanofibrous mat is obtained via electrospinning. This structural modification led to the facile fabrication of the novel oil/water nanofibrous separator which functions effectively demonstrated by hexane/oil and water separation experiments. Perfluoro groups consequently modified the hydrophilic CA nanofibers into superhydrophobic character and therefore FS/CA-NF could be quite practical for future applications like water/oil separators, as well as self-cleaning or water resistant nanofibrous structures.

Outdoor weathering of sol-gel-treated wood

Treesearch

Mandla A Tshabalala; Ryan Libert; Nancy Ross Sutherland

2009-01-01

Outdoor weathering of wood specimens treated with sol-gel formulations based on methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS), hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMOS), and ferric-zirconia-titania (Fe-Zr-Ti) sol was evaluated. The sol-gel process allowed deposition of a thin film of hybrid inorganic-organic networks (gel) in the wood cell wall that resulted in improved outdoor weathering...

76 FR 29290 - Medical Review Board Public Meeting; Correction and Republication

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-20

.... Do not submit the same comments by more than one method. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Search docket number FMCSA-2011- 0131, and follow the online instructions for... at http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please refer to...

Green synthesis of Au nanostructures at room temperature using biodegradable plant surfactants

EPA Science Inventory

One-step green synthesis of gold (Au) nanostructures is described using naturally occurring biodegradable plant surfactants such as VeruSOL-3™ (mixture of d-limonene and plant-based surfactants), VeruSOL-10™, VeruSOL-11™ and VeruSOL-12™ (individual plant-based surfactants deri...

SolTrace | Concentrating Solar Power | NREL

Science.gov Websites

NREL packaged distribution or from source code at the SolTrace open source project website. NREL Publications Support FAQs SolTrace open source project The code uses Monte-Carlo ray-tracing methodology. The -tracing capabilities. With the release of the SolTrace open source project, the software has adopted

Fluorine-18 radiolabeling of low-density lipoproteins: a potential approach for characterization and differentiation of metabolism of native and oxidized low-density lipoproteins in vivo.

PubMed

Pietzsch, Jens; Bergmann, Ralf; Rode, Katrin; Hultsch, Christina; Pawelke, Beate; Wuest, Frank; van den Hoff, Joerg

2004-11-01

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is regarded as a crucial event in atherogenesis. Assessing the metabolic fate of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in vivo with radiotracer techniques is hindered by the lack of suitable sensitive and specific radiolabeling methods. We evaluated an improved methodology based on the radiolabeling of native LDL (nLDL) and oxLDL with the positron emitter fluorine-18 ((18)F) by conjugation with N-succinimidyl-4-[(18)F]fluorobenzoate ([(18)F]SFB). We investigated whether radiolabeling of LDL induces adverse structural modifications. Results suggest that radiolabeling of both nLDL and oxLDL using [(18)F]SFB causes neither additional oxidative structural modifications of LDL lipids and proteins nor alteration of their biological activity and functionality, respectively. Thus, radiolabeling of LDL using [(18)F]SFB could prove to be a promising approach for studying the kinetics of oxLDL in vivo.

Studies of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxylsilane and bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane sol-gel coating on copper and aluminum.

PubMed

Li, Ying-Sing; Lu, Weijie; Wang, Yu; Tran, Tuan

2009-09-01

Bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTMSE) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) have been used as precursors to prepare sol-gels and hybrid sol-gel under acidic condition. From the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data on MPTMS sol-gel coated aluminum and copper, it has been shown that the silane film is covalently bonded to Al surface through the interfacial condensation. There is no evidence of bonding interaction between the thiol group and the Cu. The recorded reflection adsorption IR (RAIR) spectrum has provided evidence that the coating BTMSE film covalently interacts with Al. Vibrational assignments have been suggested for pure BTMSE, BTMSE sol-gel, BTMSE xerogel, and BTMSE coated Al panel based on the group frequencies and the variation of frequencies with the sample treatment conditions. The progression of condensation reaction has been observed from the IR spectra of the BTMSE sol-gel and the sol-gel coated film after the treatments at different temperatures with different lengths of time. The corrosion protection of the sol-gel coated Al and Cu has been characterized in NaCl solutions by cyclic voltammetric, potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy methods. All these electrochemical measurements indicate that the sol-gel coated metals have better corrosion protection than the corresponding uncoated metals.

High Performance Perovskite Hybrid Solar Cells with E-beam-Processed TiOx Electron Extraction Layer.

PubMed

Meng, Tianyu; Liu, Chang; Wang, Kai; He, Tianda; Zhu, Yu; Al-Enizi, Abdullah; Elzatahry, Ahmed; Gong, Xiong

2016-01-27

Perovskite hybrid solar cells (pero-HSCs) have drawn great attention in the last 5 years. The efficiencies of pero-HSCs have been boosted from 3.8% to over 20%. However, one of the bottlenecks for commercialization of pero-HSCs is to make a high electrical conductive TiOx electron extraction layer (EEL). In this study, we report high performance pero-HSCs with TiOx EEL, where the TiOx EEL is fabricated by electron beam (e-beam) evaporation, which has been proved to be a well-developed manufacturing process. The resistance of the e-beam evaporated TiOx EEL is smaller than that of sol-gel processed TiOx EEL. Moreover, the dark current densities and interfacial charge carrier recombination of pero-HSCs incorporated with e-beam processed TiOx EEL is also smaller than that of pero-HSCs incorporated with sol-gel processed TiOx EEL. All these result in efficient pero-HSCs with high reproducibility. These results demonstrate that our method provides a simple and facile way to approach high performance pero-HSCs.

A comparative study of the properties of five-layered Aurivillius oxides A2Bi4Ti5O18 (A = Ba, Pb, and Sr) synthesized by different wet chemical routes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubey, Shivangi; Subohi, Oroosa; Kurchania, Rajnish

2018-07-01

This paper reports the detailed study of the effect of different wet chemical synthesis routes (solution combustion, co-precipitation, and sol-gel route) on the microstructure, phase formation, dielectric, electrical, and ferroelectric properties of five-layered Aurivillius oxides: A2Bi4Ti5O18 (A = Ba, Pb, and Sr). Different synthesis parameters like the precursors used, synthesis temperature, and reaction time affects the morphology of the ceramics. Microstructure in turn influences the dielectric and ferroelectric properties. It was observed that the sol-gel-synthesized ceramics possess higher dielectric constant and remanent polarization, low dielectric loss due to lower conductivity in these samples as a result of higher density in these compounds as compared to those synthesized by other wet chemical synthesis routes such as solution combustion route and co-precipitation technique. The XRD data are used for phase analysis and surface morphology is studied using SEM images. Dielectric and electrical properties are investigated as a function of frequency and temperature.

Electromagnetic effects on dynamics of high-beta filamentary structures

DOE PAGES

Lee, Wonjae; Umansky, Maxim V.; Angus, J. R.; ...

2015-01-12

The impacts of the electromagnetic effects on blob dynamics are considered. Electromagnetic BOUT++ simulations on seeded high-beta blobs demonstrate that inhomogeneity of magnetic curvature or plasma pressure along the filament leads to bending of the blob filaments and the magnetic field lines due to increased propagation time of plasma current (Alfvén time). The bending motion can enhance heat exchange between the plasma facing materials and the inner SOL region. The effects of sheath boundary conditions on the part of the blob away from the boundary are also diminished by the increased Alfvén time. Using linear analysis and the BOUT++ simulation,more » it is found that electromagnetic effects in high temperature and high density plasmas reduce the growth rate of resistive drift wave turbulence when resistivity drops below some certain value. Lastly, in the course of blobs motion in the SOL its temperature is reduced, which leads to enhancement of resistive effects, so the blob can switch from electromagnetic to electrostatic regime, where resistive drift wave turbulence become important.« less

Magnetic, ferroelectric and leakage current properties of gadolinium doped bismuth ferrite thin films by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hone-Zern; Kao, Ming-Cheng; Young, San-Lin; Hwang, Jun-Dar; Chiang, Jung-Lung; Chen, Po-Yen

2015-05-01

Bi0.9Gd0.1FeO3 (BGFO) thin films were fabricated on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by using the sol-gel technology. The effects of annealing temperature (400-700 °C) on microstructure and multiferroic properties of thin films were investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the BGFO thin films had an orthorhombic structure. The thin films showed ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties with remanent polarization (2Pr) of 10 μC/cm2, remnant magnetization (2Mr) of 2.4 emu/g and saturation magnetization (Ms) of 5.3 emu/g. A small leakage current density (J) was 4.64×10-8 A/cm2 under applied field 100 kV/cm. It was found that more than one conduction mechanism is involved in the electric field range used in these experiments. The leakage current mechanisms were controlled by Poole-Frenkel emission in the low electric field region and by Schottky emission from the Pt electrode in the high field region.

Turbulence, intermittency, and transport in the limiter shadow in LAPD and ET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, Troy

2002-11-01

Turbulence in the scrape-off-layer (SOL) of tokamaks is often found to be intermittent, a tendency which has been attributed to the presence and transport of coherent structures (``blobs''). A recent theory [S.I. Krasheninnikov, shape Phys. Lett. A series 283, 368 (2001)] suggests that transport of these structures is controlled by nabla B and curvature drift driven polarization. I will present a study of turbulence and intermittency in limited discharges in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) (where rotation may substitute for nabla B drift) and in the Electric Tokamak (ET) at UCLA. In LAPD, strongly intermittent turbulence in the 1-50 kHz range is observed localized to limiter produced gradients. A detailed study of these fluctuations will be presented, focusing on transport, dependencies on magnetic field, plasma density, and the presence of flows or rotation. A comparison with initial probe and imaging measurements of fluctuation characteristics in the SOL of the Electric Tokamak, in discharges with either an axisymmetric belt limiter or a toroidally localized limiter, will also be presented.

Ecological differentiation within a cosmopolitan group of planktonic freshwater bacteria (SOL cluster, Saprospiraceae, Bacteroidetes).

PubMed

Schauer, Michael; Kamenik, Christian; Hahn, Martin W

2005-10-01

Members of the monophyletic SOL cluster are large filamentous bacteria inhabiting the pelagic zone of many freshwater habitats. The abundances of SOL bacteria and compositions of SOL communities in samples from 115 freshwater ecosystems around the globe were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization with cluster- and subcluster-specific oligonucleotide probes. The vast majority (73%) of sampled ecosystems harbored SOL bacteria, and all three previously described SOL subclusters (LD2, HAL, and GKS2-217) were detected. The morphometric and chemicophysical parameters and trophic statuses of ecosystems were related to the occurrence and subcluster-specific composition of SOL bacteria by multivariate statistical methods. SOL bacteria did not occur in acidic lakes (pH < 6), and their abundance was negatively related to high trophy and pH. The subcluster-specific variation in the compositions of SOL communities could be related to the pH, electrical conductivity, altitude, and trophic status of ecosystems. All three known SOL subclusters differed in respect to their tolerated ranges of pH and conductivity. Complete niche separation was observed between the vicarious subclusters GKS2-217 and LD2; the former occurred in soft-water lakes, whereas the latter was found in a broad range of hard-water habitats. The third subgroup (HAL) showed a wide environmental tolerance and was usually found sympatrically with the LD2 or GKS2-217 subcluster. Ecological differentiation of SOL bacteria at the subcluster level was most probably driven by differential adaptation to water chemistry. The distribution of the two vicarious taxa seems to be predominantly controlled by the geological backgrounds of the catchment areas of the habitats.

Fast and efficient proteolysis by reusable pepsin-encapsulated magnetic sol-gel material for mass spectrometry-based proteomics applications.

PubMed

Kayili, H Mehmet; Salih, Bekir

2016-08-01

Hydrophobic silicon-based material having magnetic properties was fairly synthesized by a classical sol-gel approach. Pepsin enzyme was encapsulated in the sol-gel material and the enzyme activity was evaluated in consequence of the digestion of some common proteins such as α- and β-casein, cytochrome c, myoglobin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) both in a single protein batch and in the protein mixture. The optimum digestion time of the studied proteins using pepsin-encapsulated magnetic sol-gel material was found to be 20min. To produce the magnetic sol-gel material for convenient and easy proteomics applications, Fe3O4 was doped inside sol-gel material during the gelation step. It was observed that the activity of encapsulated pepsin was not affected by the amount of Fe3O4. Poly(ethylene glycol) was also inserted in sol-gel bulk to obtain suitable roughness and increase the hydrophilicity of the material surface to let protein molecules reach to the sol-gel material easily. The digestion of the protein mixture and non-fat bovine milk was performed with the pepsin-encapsulated magnetic sol-gel material and the digested solutions were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS for the protein identification. Reusability of the pepsin-encapsulated sol-gel material was examined and it was determined that they could be used at least 20 times. Finally, IgG digestions with a fast incubation time period were carried out using pepsin-encapsulated sol-gel material for generation of (Fab)2 product to evaluate the kinetic performance of the material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sol-gel open tubular ODS columns with reversed electroosmotic flow for capillary electrochromatography.

PubMed

Hayes, J D; Malik, A

2001-03-01

Sol-gel chemistry was successfully used for the fabrication of open tubular columns with surface-bonded octadecylsilane (ODS) stationary-phase coating for capillary electrochromatography (OT-CEC). Following column preparations, a series of experiments were performed to investigate the performance of the sol-gel coated ODS columns in OT-CEC. The incorporation of N-octadecyldimethyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride as one of the sol-gel precursors played an important role in the electrochromatographic performance of the prepared columns. This chemical reagent possesses a chromatographically favorable, bonded ODS moiety, in conjunction with three methoxy groups allowing for sol-gel reactivity. In addition, a positively charged nitrogen atom is present in the molecular structure of this reagent and provides a positively charged capillary surface responsible for the reversed electroosmotic flow (EOF) in the columns during CEC operation. Comparative studies involving the EOF within such sol-gel ODS coated and uncoated capillaries were performed using acetonitrile and methanol as the organic modifiers in the mobile phase. The use of a deactivating reagent, phenyldimethylsilane, in the sol-gel solution was evaluated. Efficiency values of over 400,000 theoretical plates per meter were achieved in CEC on a 64 cm x 25 microm i.d. sol-gel ODS open tubular column. Test mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene derivatives, and aromatic aldehydes and ketones were used to evaluate the CEC performances of both nondeactivated and deactivated open tubular sol-gel columns. The effects of mobile-phase organic modifier contents and pH on EOF in such columns were evaluated. The prepared sol-gel ODS columns are characterized by switchable electroosmotic flow. A pH value of approximately 8.5 was found correspond to the isoelectric point for the prepared sol-gel ODS coatings.

All optical controlled photonic integrated circuits using azo dye functionized sol-gel material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Xianjun

The main focus of this dissertation is development and characterization of all-optical controllable azo dye functionized sol gel material, demonstrating a PIC fabrication technique on glass substrate using such material, and exploration and feasibility demonstration of three PIC functional devices namely optical variable attenuator, optical switches, and optical tunable filters using the material. The realization of all the devices in this dissertation are based on one material: dye functionalized sol-gel material. A photochromic sol-gel material functionalized with azo dye was synthesized and characterized. It possesses a photochromic characteristic under the control of green laser beam illumination. The material characteristics suggest the possibility of a new promising material platform candidate for the fabrication of alloptical controlled photonic integrated circuits. As the first potential application of the dye functionalized sol-gel material, an alloptical variable attenuator was designed and demonstrated. The optical variable attenuation is achieved in Mach-Zehnder interferometric configuration through all-optical modulation of sol-gel waveguide phase shifters. A 2 x 2 optical switch based on multimode interference (MMI) waveguide structure is proposed in the dissertation. The schematic configuration of the optical switch consists of a cascade of two identical MMIs with two all-optical controlled phase shifters realized by using the photochromic sol-gel material. The cross or bar switch state of the optical switch is determined by the phase difference between the two sol-gel waveguide phase shifters. An all-optical tunable filter is designed and its feasibility demonstrated by using the sol-gel photochromic material. Except for the phase change demonstrated on sol-gel waveguide phase shifters, dynamic gratings were observed on sol-gel film when exposed to two interference beams. This reveals the possibility of realizing Bragg grating-based tunable filters. The schematic configuration of proposed tunable filters consists of a single straight waveguide embedded with a sol-gel waveguide. The wavelength tuning of the tunable filters is accomplished by varying the grating period.

Rheology of polyaniline-dinonylnaphthalene disulfonic acid (DNNDSA) montmorillonite clay nanocomposites in the sol state: shear thinning versus pseudo-solid behavior.

PubMed

Garai, Ashesh; Nandi, Arun K

2008-04-01

The melt rheology of polyaniline (PANI)-dinonylnaphthalenedisulfonic acid (DNNDSA) gel nanocomposites (GNCs) with organically modified (modified with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide)-montmorillonite (om-MMT) clay has been studied for three different clay concentrations at the temperature range 120-160 degrees C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dc-conductivity data (approximately 10(-3) S/cm) indicate that the PANI-DNNDSA melt is in sol state and it is not de-doped at that condition. The WAXS data indicate that in GNC-1 sol clay tactoids are in exfoliated state but in the other sols they are in intercalated state. The zero shear viscosity (eta0), storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") increase than that of pure gel in the GNCs. The pure sol and the sols of gel nanocomposites (GNCs) exhibit Newtonian behavior for low shear rate (< 6 x 10(-3) s(-1)) and power law variation for the higher shear rate region. The characteristic time (A) increase with increasing clay concentration and the power law index (n) decreases with increase in clay concentration in the GNCs indicating increased shear thinning for the clay addition. Thus the sols of om-clay nanocomposites of PANI-DNNDSA system are easily processible. The storage modulus (G') of GNC sols are higher than that of pure PANI-DNNDSA sol, GNC1 sol shows a maximum of 733% increase in storage modulus and the percent increase decreases with increase in temperature. Exfoliated nature of clay tactoids has been attributed for the above dramatic increase of G'. The PANI-DNNDSA sol nanocomposites behave as a pseudo-solid at higher frequency where G' and loss modulus (G") show a crossover point in the frequency sweep experiment at a fixed temperature. The crossover frequency decreases with increase in clay concentration and it increases with increase in temperature for GNC sols. The pseudo-solid behavior has been explained from jamming or network formation of clay tactoids under shear. A probable explanation of the two apparently contradictory phenomena of shear thinning versus pseudo-solid behavior of the nanocomposite sols is discussed.

[Study on the preparation and properties of novel silica microporous antireflective coating by sol-gel process].

PubMed

Shang, Meng-Ying; Cao, Lin-Hong; Liu, Miao; Luo, Xuan; Ren, Hong-Bo; Ye, Xin; Tang, Yong-Jian; Jiang, Xiao-Dong

2013-04-01

Silica sol was prepared by acid catalyzed sol-gel process using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as precursor and dimethyldietoxysilane (DDS) as pore-forming agent. A novel kind of monolayer microporous silica anti-reflective (AR) coating was obtained on K9 glass substrate by dip-coating technique and then heat treated at 500 degrees C. The effects of different DDS/TEOS molar ratios on refractive index, transmittance and hardness were investigated. A positive correlation was found between the transmittance and the DDS/TEOS molar ratio due to the increasing porosity. The maximum transmittance can reach 99.7% with the molar ratio of DDS/TEOS rising to 1 : 1. Meanwhile, the refractive index was found quite close to the ideal value 1.22. Nevertheless, higher molar ratio will lead to a bad film-forming property. On the other hand, the hardness of the coatings decreased with the DDS increasing but still remained more than 2 h when the transmittance reached highest. Besides, these coatings exhibit a well abrasion-resistance and excellent adhesivity. The maximum transmittance was only dropped by 0.071% and 0.112% after abrasion for 500 and 1 000 times respectively. Accelerated corrosion tests indicated that the transmittance of traditional coatings rapidly fell down to the substrate level (-92%) after immersion for 5 min, while the transmittance of our novel coating almost linearly decreased and was kept 93.2% after 56 min. In other words, the environment-resistance of our novel silica AR coating is ten times higher than that of traditional ones. The promotions of the coating performances benefit from its micropore structure (-0. 4 nm) with which water molecule can be effectively prevented. With its high transmittance, good mechanical properties and high environment-resistance, this kind of novel coating has a potential application in the field of solar glass modification to improve its anti-reflective properties.

A novel tantalum-based sol-gel packed microextraction syringe for highly specific enrichment of phosphopeptides in MALDI-MS applications.

PubMed

Çelikbıçak, Ömür; Atakay, Mehmet; Güler, Ülkü; Salih, Bekir

2013-08-07

A new tantalum-based sol-gel material was synthesized using a unique sol-gel synthesis pathway by PEG incorporation into the sol-gel structure without performing a calcination step. This improved its chemical and physical properties for the high capacity and selective enrichment of phosphopeptides from protein digests in complex biological media. The specificity of the tantalum-based sol-gel material for phosphopeptides was evaluated and compared with tantalum(V) oxide (Ta2O5) in different phosphopeptide enrichment applications. The tantalum-based sol-gel and tantalum(V) oxide were characterized in detail using FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and also using a surface area and pore size analyzer. In the characterization studies, the surface morphology, pore volume, crystallinity of the materials and PEG incorporation into the sol-gel structure to produce a more hydrophilic material were successfully demonstrated. The X-ray diffractograms of the two different materials were compared and it was noted that the broad signals of the tantalum-based sol-gel clearly represented the amorphous structure of the sol-gel material, which was more likely to create enough surface area and to provide more accessible tantalum atoms for phosphopeptides to be easily adsorbed when compared with the neat and more crystalline structure of Ta2O5. Therefore, the phosphopeptide enrichment performance of the tantalum-based sol-gels was found to be remarkably higher than the more crystalline Ta2O5 in our studies. Phosphopeptides at femtomole levels could be selectively enriched using the tantalum-based sol-gel and detected with a higher signal-to-noise ratio by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometer (MALDI-MS). Moreover, phosphopeptides in a tryptic digest of non-fat bovine milk as a complex real-world biological sample were retained with higher yield using a tantalum-based sol-gel. Additionally, the sol-gel material was packed into a standard syringe (0.5 mL) to enhance the ease of use of the sol-gel material and for the elimination of additional mixing and separation procedures during the adsorption, washing and elution steps of the enrichment procedure. It was found that up to 28 phosphopeptides in milk digest were easily detectable by MALDI-MS at femtomole levels (around 20 fmol) using the microextraction syringe within less than one minute.

Atom-scale covalent electrochemical modification of single-layer graphene on SiC substrates by diaryliodonium salts

DOE PAGES

Gearba, Raluca I.; Mueller, Kory M.; Veneman, Peter A.; ...

2015-05-09

Owing to its high conductivity, graphene holds promise as an electrode for energy devices such as batteries and photovoltaics. However, to this end, the work function and doping levels in graphene need to be precisely tuned. One promising route for modifying graphene’s electronic properties is via controlled covalent electrochemical grafting of molecules. We show that by employing diaryliodonium salts instead of the commonly used diazonium salts, spontaneous functionalization is avoided. This then allows for precise tuning of the grafting density. Moreover, by employing bis(4-nitrophenyl)iodonium(III) tetrafluoroborate (DNP) salt calibration curves, the surface functionalization density (coverage) of glassy carbon was controlled usingmore » cyclic voltammetry in varying salt concentrations. These electro-grafting conditions and calibration curves translated directly over to modifying single layer epitaxial graphene substrates (grown on insulating 6H-SiC (0 0 0 1)). In addition to quantifying the functionalization densities using electrochemical methods, samples with low grafting densities were characterized by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM). We show that the use of buffer-layer free graphene substrates is required for clear observation of the nitrophenyl modifications. Furthermore, atomically-resolved STM images of single site modifications were obtained, showing no preferential grafting at defect sites or SiC step edges as supposed previously in the literature. Most of the grafts exhibit threefold symmetry, but occasional extended modifications (larger than 4 nm) were observed as well.« less

Development of Octyl Methoxy Cinnamates (OMC)/Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) Nanoparticles by Sol-Gel Emulsion Method.

PubMed

Wu, Pey-Shiuan; Lee, Yi-Ching; Kuo, Yi-Ching; Lin, Chih-Chien

2017-12-07

Although octyl methoxy cinnamates (OMC) is the most used Ultraviolet B (UVB) filter in sunscreen, it has poor light stability in emulsion system. In this study, OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared via sol-gel emulsion method. Tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) was used as the silica source to encapsulate OMC. Modification of experimental parameters such as stirring speed of condensation reaction and emulsion condition, pH value of acid-catalyzed, surfactant and different percentage of TEOS and OMC, adding of OMC and surfactant to different phase may affect the particle size, and yield and entrapment efficiency in preparation process of OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles. Concluding all the parameter, we found that when condensation reaction and emulsion conditions are at 1000 rpm, pH 1.5, Span 80/Tween 20, TEOS/OMC ratios 1:1, OMC and surfactants added in oil phase, resulting in smaller particle sizes 476.5 nm, higher yield 95.8%, and higher entrapment efficiency 61.09%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully prepared. In vitro release profile supposed that OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles can delay OMC releasing and had 60.83% decreasing of cumulative amount. Therefore, the OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles have the potential to develop as new sunscreen materials in the use for cosmetics field in the future.

Electrochemically assisted fabrication of size-exclusion films of organically modified silica and application to the voltammetry of phospholipids.

PubMed

Mehdi, B Layla; Rutkowska, Iwona A; Kulesza, Pawel J; Cox, James A

2013-06-01

Modification of electrodes with nm-scale organically modified silica films with pores diameters controlled at 10- and 50-nm is described. An oxidation catalyst, mixed-valence ruthenium oxide with cyano crosslinks or gold nanoparticles protected by dirhodium-substituted phosophomolybdate (AuNP-Rh 2 PMo 11 ), was immobilized in the pores. These systems comprise size-exclusion films at which the biological compounds, phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin, were electrocatalytically oxidized without interference from surface-active concomitants such as bovine serum albumin. 10-nm pores were obtained by adding generation-4 poly(amidoamine) dendrimer, G4-PAMAM, to a (CH 3 ) 3 SiOCH 3 sol. 50-nm pores were obtained by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GC) with a sub-monolayer film of aminopropyltriethoxylsilane, attaching 50-nm diameter poly(styrene sulfonate), PSS, spheres to the protonated amine, transferring this electrode to a (CH 3 ) 3 SiOCH 3 sol, and electrochemically generating hydronium at uncoated GC sites, which catalyzed ormosil growth around the PSS. Voltammetry of Fe(CN) 6 3- and Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+ demonstrated the absence of residual charge after removal of the templating agents. With the 50-nm system, the pore structure was sufficiently defined to use layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly of AuNP-Rh 2 PMo 11 therein. Flow injection amperometry of phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin demonstrated analytical utility of these electrodes.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Ordered β-Cyclodextrin-Containing Silicas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trofymchuk, Iryna Mykolaivna; Roik, Nadiia; Belyakova, Lyudmila

2016-03-01

New approaches for β-cyclodextrin-containing silicas synthesis were demonstrated. Materials with hexagonally ordered mesoporous structure were prepared by postsynthesis grafting and by co-condensation methods. β-Cyclodextrin activated by a N, N'-carbonyldiimidazole was employed for postsynthesis treatment of 3-aminopropyl-modified MCM-41 support as well as for sol-gel synthesis with β-cyclodextrin-containing organosilane and tetraethyl orthosilicate participation in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The successful incorporation of cyclic oligosaccharide moieties in silica surface layer was verified by means of FT-IR spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Obtained β-cyclodextrin-containing materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and low-temperature adsorption-desorption of nitrogen. In spite of commensurable loading of β-cyclodextrin groups attained by both proposed approaches (up to 0.028 μmol · m-2), it was found that co-condensation procedure provides uniform distribution of β-cyclodextrin functionalities in silica framework, whereas postsynthesis grafting results in modification of external surface of silica surface. Adsorption of benzene from aqueous solutions onto the surface of β-cyclodextrin-containing materials prepared by co-condensation method was studied as the function of time and equilibrium concentration. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to evaluate adsorption processes and parameters. Adsorption experiments showed that β-cyclodextrin-containing silicas could be promising for the trace amount removal of aromatics from water.

Influence of PCL on mechanical properties and bioactivity of ZrO2-based hybrid coatings synthesized by sol-gel dip coating technique.

PubMed

Catauro, Michelina; Bollino, Flavia; Veronesi, Paolo; Lamanna, Giuseppe

2014-06-01

The biological properties of medical implants can be enhanced through surface modifications such as to provide a firm attachment of the implant. In this study, organic-inorganic hybrid coatings have been synthesized via sol-gel dip coating. They consist of an inorganic ZrO2 matrix in which different amounts of poly(ε-caprolactone) have been entrapped to improve the mechanical properties of the films. The influence of the PCL amount on the microstructural, biological and mechanical properties of the coating has been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses have shown that the hybrids used for the coating are homogenous and totally amorphous materials; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has demonstrated that hydrogen bonds arise between the organic and inorganic phases. SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have highlighted the nanostructured nature of the film. SEM and EDS analyses, after soaking the samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF), have pointed out the apatite formation on the coating surface, which proves the bone-bonding ability of the nanocomposite bioactive films. Scratch and nano-indentation tests have shown that the coating hardness, stiffness and Young's modulus decrease in the presence of large amounts of the organic phase. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Method of producing optical quality glass having a selected refractive index

DOEpatents

Poco, John F.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.

2000-01-01

Optical quality glass having a selected refractive index is produced by a two stage drying process. A gel is produced using sol-gel chemistry techniques and first dried by controlled evaporation until the gel volume reaches a pre-selected value. This pre-selected volume determines the density and refractive index of the finally dried gel. The gel is refilled with solvent in a saturated vapor environment, and then dried again by supercritical extraction of the solvent to form a glass. The glass has a refractive index less than the full density of glass, and the range of achievable refractive indices depends on the composition of the glass. Glasses having different refractive indices chosen from an uninterrupted range of values can be produced from a single precursor solution.

Synthesis of dense yttrium-stabilised hafnia pellets for nuclear applications by spark plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyrpekl, Vaclav; Holzhäuser, Michael; Hein, Herwin; Vigier, Jean-Francois; Somers, Joseph; Svora, Petr

2014-11-01

Dense yttrium-stabilised hafnia pellets (91.35 wt.% HfO2 and 8.65 wt.% Y2O3) were prepared by spark plasma sintering consolidation of micro-beads synthesised by the "external gelation" sol-gel technique. This technique allows a preparation of HfO2-Y2O3 beads with homogenous yttria-hafnia solid solution. A sintering time of 5 min at 1600 °C was sufficient to produce high density pellets (over 90% of the theoretical density) with significant reproducibility. The pellets have been machined in a lathe to the correct dimensions for use as neutron absorbers in an experimental test irradiation in the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten, Holland, in order to investigate the safety of americium based nuclear fuels.

75 FR 70962 - California Green Trade Corridor Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... Final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact can be obtained or viewed online at http:[sol][sol]www..., users need to obtain a free copy of Acrobat Reader. The Acrobat Reader can be obtained from http:[sol][sol]www.adobe.com/ prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html. By order of the Maritime Administrator. Dated...

76 FR 38591 - National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Secondary Lead Smelting; Extension of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-01

... comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-2011-0344, by one of the following methods: http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: a-and-r... and may be made available online at http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov, including any personal...

Sol-Gel deposition of inorganic alkoxides on wood surfaces to enhance their durability under exposure to sunlight and moisture

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala

2005-01-01

Wood specimens were coated with sol-gel deposits of aluminum isopropoxide, titanium isopropoxide, or zirconium propoxide in the presence of methytrimethoxysilane. Both zirconium propoxide and titanium isopropoxide sol-gel deposits reduced water sorption, whereas aluminum isopropoxide sol-gel deposit increased water sorption, compared with uncoated wood specimens. There...

Sol-gel processing with inorganic metal salt precursors

DOEpatents

Hu, Zhong-Cheng

2004-10-19

Methods for sol-gel processing that generally involve mixing together an inorganic metal salt, water, and a water miscible alcohol or other organic solvent, at room temperature with a macromolecular dispersant material, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) added. The resulting homogenous solution is incubated at a desired temperature and time to result in a desired product. The methods enable production of high quality sols and gels at lower temperatures than standard methods. The methods enable production of nanosize sols from inorganic metal salts. The methods offer sol-gel processing from inorganic metal salts.

Reactive Processing of Environmentally Conscious, Biomorphic Ceramics from Natural Wood Precursors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, M.; Yee, Bo-Moon

2003-01-01

Environmentally conscious, biomorphic ceramics (Ecoceramics) are a new class of materials that are manufactured from renewable resources and wastes. In this study, silicon carbide and oxide-based biomorphic ceramics have been fabricated from pine and jelutong wood precursors. A carbonaceous preform is produced through wood pyrolysis and subsequent infiltration with oxides (ZrO2 sols) and liquid silicon to form ceramics. These biomorphic ceramics show a wide variety of microstructures, densities, and hardness behavior that are determined by the type of wood and infiltrants selected.

Three-dimensional multichannel aerogel of carbon quantum dots for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Lv, Lingxiao; Fan, Yueqiong; Chen, Qing; Zhao, Yang; Hu, Yue; Zhang, Zhipan; Chen, Nan; Qu, Liangti

2014-06-13

A three-dimensional (3D) carbon quantum dot (CQD) aerogel has been prepared by in situ assembling CQDs in the sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) and subsequently pyrolyzing the formed CQD gel. Compared to the supercapacitor based on the CQD-free aerogel, the supercapacitor fabricated with the CQD aerogel showed 20-fold higher specific capacitance (294.7 F g(-1) at the current density of 0.5 A g(-1)) and an excellent stability over 1000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles.

Three-dimensional multichannel aerogel of carbon quantum dots for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Lingxiao; Fan, Yueqiong; Chen, Qing; Zhao, Yang; Hu, Yue; Zhang, Zhipan; Chen, Nan; Qu, Liangti

2014-06-01

A three-dimensional (3D) carbon quantum dot (CQD) aerogel has been prepared by in situ assembling CQDs in the sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) and subsequently pyrolyzing the formed CQD gel. Compared to the supercapacitor based on the CQD-free aerogel, the supercapacitor fabricated with the CQD aerogel showed 20-fold higher specific capacitance (294.7 F g-1 at the current density of 0.5 A g-1) and an excellent stability over 1000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles.

Method of Cross-Linking Aerogels Using a One-Pot Reaction Scheme

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Ann B.; Capadona, Lynn A.

2008-01-01

A document discusses a new, simplified method for cross-linking silica and other oxide aerogels, with a polymeric material to increase strength of such materials without adversely affecting porosity or low density. This innovation introduces the polymer precursor into the sol before gelation either as an agent, which co-reacts with the oxide gel, or as soluble polymer precursors, which do not interact with the oxide gel in any way. Subsequent exposure to heat, light, catalyst or other method of promoting polymerization causes cross-linking without any additional infiltration steps.

Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-06-19

Intra-abdominal Fat; Metabolic Syndrome; High Cholesterol; Triglycerides High; Diet Habit; High Blood Sugar; Liver Fat; Dietary Modification; HDL Cholesterol, Low Serum; Cardiovascular Diseases; High Density Lipoprotein Deficiency; Low-density-lipoprotein-type; Cardiovascular Risk Factor; Diabetes

New computational tools for H/D determination in macromolecular structures from neutron data.

PubMed

Siliqi, Dritan; Caliandro, Rocco; Carrozzini, Benedetta; Cascarano, Giovanni Luca; Mazzone, Annamaria

2010-11-01

Two new computational methods dedicated to neutron crystallography, called n-FreeLunch and DNDM-NDM, have been developed and successfully tested. The aim in developing these methods is to determine hydrogen and deuterium positions in macromolecular structures by using information from neutron density maps. Of particular interest is resolving cases in which the geometrically predicted hydrogen or deuterium positions are ambiguous. The methods are an evolution of approaches that are already applied in X-ray crystallography: extrapolation beyond the observed resolution (known as the FreeLunch procedure) and a difference electron-density modification (DEDM) technique combined with the electron-density modification (EDM) tool (known as DEDM-EDM). It is shown that the two methods are complementary to each other and are effective in finding the positions of H and D atoms in neutron density maps.

Regulation of the sol Locus Genes for Butanol and Acetone Formation in Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 by a Putative Transcriptional Repressor

PubMed Central

Nair, Ramesh V.; Green, Edward M.; Watson, David E.; Bennett, George N.; Papoutsakis, Eleftherios T.

1999-01-01

A gene (orf1, now designated solR) previously identified upstream of the aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase gene aad (R. V. Nair, G. N. Bennett, and E. T. Papoutsakis, J. Bacteriol. 176:871–885, 1994) was found to encode a repressor of the sol locus (aad, ctfA, ctfB and adc) genes for butanol and acetone formation in Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Primer extension analysis identified a transcriptional start site 35 bp upstream of the solR start codon. Amino acid comparisons of SolR identified a potential helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif in the C-terminal half towards the center of the protein, suggesting a regulatory role. Overexpression of SolR in strain ATCC 824(pCO1) resulted in a solvent-negative phenotype owing to its deleterious effect on the transcription of the sol locus genes. Inactivation of solR in C. acetobutylicum via homologous recombination yielded mutants B and H (ATCC 824 solR::pO1X) which exhibited deregulated solvent production characterized by increased flux towards butanol and acetone formation, earlier induction of aad, lower overall acid production, markedly improved yields of solvents on glucose, a prolonged solvent production phase, and increased biomass accumulation compared to those of the wild-type strain. PMID:9864345

Spectroscopic studies of triethoxysilane sol-gel and coating process.

PubMed

Li, Ying-Sing; Ba, Abdul

2008-10-01

Silica sol-gels have been prepared under different conditions using triethoxysilane (TES) as precursor. The prepared sol-gels have been used to coat aluminum for corrosion protection. Vibrational assignments have been made for most vibration bands of TES, TES sol-gel, TES sol-gel-coated aluminum and xerogel. It has been noticed that air moisture may have helped the hydrolysis of the thin coating films. Xerogels have been obtained from the sol-gel under different temperature conditions and the resulting samples have been characterized by using infrared and Raman spectroscopic methods. IR data indicate that the sol-gel process is incomplete under the ambient conditions although an aqueous condition can have slightly improved the process. Two nonequivalent silicon atoms have been identified from the collected 29Si NMR spectra for the sol-gel, supporting the result derived from the IR data. The frequency of Si-H bending vibration has been found to be more sensitive to the skeletal structure than that of the Si-H stretching vibration. A higher temperature condition could favor the progression of hydrolysis and condensation. A temperature higher than 300 degrees C would cause sample decomposition without seriously damaging the silica network. From infrared intensity measurements and thermo-gravimetric analyses, the fractions of incomplete hydrolysis and condensation species have been estimated to be 4% and 3%, respectively. Electrochemical data have shown that the sol-gel coating significantly improves the corrosion protection properties of aluminum.

Effect of Chelating Agents on the Stability of Nano-TiO2 Sol Particles for Sol-Gel Coating.

PubMed

Maeng, Wan Young; Yoo, Mi

2015-11-01

Agglomeration of sol particles in a titanium alkoxide (tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT), > 97%) solution during the hydrolysis and condensation steps makes the sol solution difficult to use for synthesizing homogeneous sol-gel coating. Here, we have investigated the effect of stabilizing agents (acetic acid and ethyl acetoacetate (EAcAc)) on the agglomeration of Ti alkoxide particles during hydrolysis and condensation in order to determine the optimized conditions for controlling the precipitation of TiO2 particles. The study was conducted at R(AC) ([acetic acid]/[TBOT]) = 0.1-5 and R(EAcAc)([EAcAc]/[TBOT]) = 0.05-0.65. We also studied the effects of a basic catalyst ethanolamine (ETA), water, and HCl on sol stability. The chelating ligands in the precursor sol were analyzed with FT-IR. The coating properties were examined by focused ion beam. The stabilizing agents (acetic acid and EAcAc) significantly influenced the agglomeration and precipitation of TBOT precursor particles during hydrolysis. As R(AC) and R(EAcAc) increased, the agglomeration remarkably decreased. The stability of the sol with acetic acid and EAcAc arises from the coordination of the chelating ligand to TBOT that hinders hydrolysis and condensation. A uniform fine coating (thickness: 30 nm) on stainless steel was obtained by using an optimized sol with R(AC) = 0.5 and R(EAcAc) = 0.65.

20 CFR 10.706 - How will a beneficiary know if OWCP or SOL has determined that action against a third party is...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false How will a beneficiary know if OWCP or SOL... Third Party Liability § 10.706 How will a beneficiary know if OWCP or SOL has determined that action... is transferred to SOL, a second notification may be issued. ...

75 FR 70903 - Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale; Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period on Marine Mammal...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

...: Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. Fax: 301-713-0376, Attn: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation... are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov...

Structural analysis and corrosion studies on an ISO 5832-9 biomedical alloy with TiO2 sol-gel layers.

PubMed

Burnat, B; Dercz, G; Blaszczyk, T

2014-03-01

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between the structural and corrosion properties of an ISO 5832-9 biomedical alloy modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) layers. These layers were obtained via the sol-gel method by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide in isopropanol solution. To obtain TiO2 layers with different structural properties, the coated samples were annealed at temperatures of 200, 300, 400, 450, 500, 600 and 800 °C for 2 h. For all the prepared samples, accelerated corrosion measurements were performed in Tyrode's physiological solution using electrochemical methods. The most important corrosion parameters were determined: corrosion potential, polarization resistance, corrosion rate, breakdown and repassivation potentials. Corrosion damage was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Structural analysis was carried out for selected TiO2 coatings annealed at 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C. In addition, the morphology, chemical composition, crystallinity, thickness and density of the deposited TiO2 layers were determined using suitable electron and X-ray measurement methods. It was shown that the structure and character of interactions between substrate and deposited TiO2 layers depended on annealing temperature. All the obtained TiO2 coatings exhibit anticorrosion properties, but these properties are related to the crystalline structure and character of substrate-layer interaction. From the point of view of corrosion, the best TiO2 sol-gel coatings for stainless steel intended for biomedical applications seem to be those obtained at 400 °C.

High severity experimental burns in Siberian larch forests increase permafrost thaw and larch tree regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, H. D.; Davydov, S.; Zimov, N.; Mack, M. C.

2013-12-01

Global change models predict increased fire activity in boreal forests as climate warms and dries. We hypothesized that fire-driven decreases in soil organic layer (SOL) depth will (1) increase permafrost thaw by reducing the insulating capacity of the SOL and (2) improve seedbed conditions for tree regeneration. Over time, these changes will lead to altered patterns of above- and belowground carbon (C) accumulation. To test these hypotheses, we conducted plot-level experimental burns in July 2012 in a low-density, mature larch stand near the Northeast Science Station in Cherskii, Siberia. Dried fuels of naturally occurring vegetation were added to plots to achieve four burn severity treatments based on residual SOL depths: control, low (> 8 cm), moderate (5-8 cm), and high severity (2-5 cm). Pre-fire and during two growing seasons post-fire, we measured thaw depth, soil moisture, and soil temperature to determine severity effects on permafrost thaw. We also sowed larch seeds in fall 2012 and quantified germination rates the following growing season. By 1 wk post-fire, thaw depth was 15-25 cm deeper in plots burned at high severity (55 cm) compared to other treatments (30-40 cm). These differences in thaw depth with burn severity were maintained during the subsequent growing season and were associated with increased soil temperature and moisture. Larch regeneration was 10x higher on severely burned plots than those unburned. Our findings highlight the potential for increased fire severity to degrade permafrost and alter successional dynamics and patterns of C accumulation.

Preparation of TiO(2) layers on cp-Ti and Ti6Al4V by thermal and anodic oxidation and by sol-gel coating techniques and their characterization.

PubMed

Velten, D; Biehl, V; Aubertin, F; Valeske, B; Possart, W; Breme, J

2002-01-01

The excellent biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys used, for example, for medical devices, is associated with the properties of their surface oxide. For a better understanding of the tissue reaction in contact with the oxide layer, knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of this layer is of increasing interest. In this study, titania films were produced on cp-Ti and Ti6Al4V substrates by thermal oxidation, anodic oxidation, and by the sol-gel process. The thickness and structure of the films produced under different conditions were determined by ellipsometry, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements. The corrosion properties of these layers were investigated by current density-potential curves under physiological conditions. The oxide layers produced on cp-Ti and Ti6Al4V by thermal oxidation consist of TiO(2) in the rutile structure. For the anodized samples the structure of TiO(2) is a mixture of amorphous phase and anatase. The structure of the coatings produced by the sol-gel process for a constant annealing time depends on the annealing temperature, and with increasing temperature successively amorphous, anatase, and rutile structure is observed. Compared to the uncoated, polished substrate with a natural oxide layer, the corrosion resistance of cp-Ti and Ti6Al4V is increased for the samples with an oxide layer thickness of about 100 nm, independent of the oxidation procedure. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

[Effects of different surface modifications on micro-structure and adhesion of zirconia ceramic: an in vitro study].

PubMed

Siwen, Li; Shishi, Li; Yanhong, Wang; Hongmei, Ma

2017-02-01

This study evaluated the effect of different mechanical-chemical surface treatments on the characteristics, microstructure, and composition of zirconia ceramics and on the zirconia-dentin adhesion. The sintered commercial zirconia blocks (IPS e.max ZirCAD) were sectioned into 126 beams (6 mm×6 mm×5 mm) and randomly assigned to seven experimental groups (n=18). The zirconia block specimens were further treated as follows: (A) untreated, as control; (B) sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3; (C) sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3+30 μm silica powder; (D) sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3+30% silica-sol coating; (E) sandblasted with 110 μm Al2O3; (F) sandblasted with 110 μm Al2O3+30 μm silica powder; and (G) sandblasted with 110 μm Al2O3+30% silica-sol coating. The surface roughness (Ra) of zirconia ceramics using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) after seven surface treatments was analyzed. Seventy specimens of dentin surfaces were prepared. A dual-cure resin cement was applied into zirconia surfaces with its corresponding adhesive components to dentin. Shear bond strength (SBS) of each sample was measured using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 17.0 software. Ra of zirconia were significantly different compared with the control group (P<0.05). The crystalline transformation from tetragonal phase to monoclinic phase was observed after surface modification. Monoclinic volume content of the heat-treated group was highest than that in other groups. The content of element Si in the heat-treated group was higher than that in other treatment groups accompanied by a decrease in elements Zr, Y, and Hf after being treated by two silica-coating methods. Air abrasion significantly increased the micro-cracks in the ceramic surface and caused the grain boundaries to disappear. A serious shrinkage of the thin silica film can be observed after sintering procedure. This process induced cracks and the film to strip away slightly from the surfaces of Y-TZP substrate. The SBS values from large to small were F and G groups, C and D groups, B and E groups (P<0.05), and control group (P<0.05). Alumina sandblasting, silica powder abrasion, and silica-sol coating affect the surface morphology, structure, and composition of the tooth. This effect can also achieve the improved micro-mechanical interlocking or chemical bonding and finally increase the bond strength between zirconia and tooth. Alumina sandblasting followed by silica coating is an effective technique to increase the bonding strength between the zirconia ceramic and dentin.
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Robust functional statistics applied to Probability Density Function shape screening of sEMG data.

PubMed

Boudaoud, S; Rix, H; Al Harrach, M; Marin, F

2014-01-01

Recent studies pointed out possible shape modifications of the Probability Density Function (PDF) of surface electromyographical (sEMG) data according to several contexts like fatigue and muscle force increase. Following this idea, criteria have been proposed to monitor these shape modifications mainly using High Order Statistics (HOS) parameters like skewness and kurtosis. In experimental conditions, these parameters are confronted with small sample size in the estimation process. This small sample size induces errors in the estimated HOS parameters restraining real-time and precise sEMG PDF shape monitoring. Recently, a functional formalism, the Core Shape Model (CSM), has been used to analyse shape modifications of PDF curves. In this work, taking inspiration from CSM method, robust functional statistics are proposed to emulate both skewness and kurtosis behaviors. These functional statistics combine both kernel density estimation and PDF shape distances to evaluate shape modifications even in presence of small sample size. Then, the proposed statistics are tested, using Monte Carlo simulations, on both normal and Log-normal PDFs that mimic observed sEMG PDF shape behavior during muscle contraction. According to the obtained results, the functional statistics seem to be more robust than HOS parameters to small sample size effect and more accurate in sEMG PDF shape screening applications.

Some modification of cellulose nanocrystals for functional Pickering emulsions

PubMed Central

Saidane, Dorra; Perrin, Emilie; Cherhal, Fanch; Guellec, Florian

2016-01-01

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are negatively charged colloidal particles well known to form highly stable surfactant-free Pickering emulsions. These particles can vary in surface charge density depending on their preparation by acid hydrolysis or applying post-treatments. CNCs with three different surface charge densities were prepared corresponding to 0.08, 0.16 and 0.64 e nm−2, respectively. Post-treatment might also increase the surface charge density. The well-known TEMPO-mediated oxidation substitutes C6-hydroxyl groups by C6-carboxyl groups on the surface. We report that these different modified CNCs lead to stable oil-in-water emulsions. TEMPO-oxidized CNC might be the basis of further modifications. It is shown that they can, for example, lead to hydrophobic CNCs with a simple method using quaternary ammonium salts that allow producing inverse water-in-oil emulsions. Different from CNC modification before emulsification, modification can be carried out on the droplets after emulsification. This way allows preparing functional capsules according to the layer-by-layer process. As a result, it is demonstrated here the large range of use of these biobased rod-like nanoparticles, extending therefore their potential use to highly sophisticated formulations. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Soft interfacial materials: from fundamentals to formulation’. PMID:27298429

Controlled release of vancomycin from thin sol-gel films on implant surfaces successfully controls osteomyelitis.

PubMed

Adams, Christopher S; Antoci, Valentin; Harrison, Gerald; Patal, Payal; Freeman, Terry A; Shapiro, Irving M; Parvizi, Javad; Hickok, Noreen J; Radin, Shula; Ducheyne, Paul

2009-06-01

Peri-prosthetic infection remains a serious complication of joint replacement surgery. Herein, we demonstrate that a vancomycin-containing sol-gel film on Ti alloy rods can successfully treat bacterial infections in an animal model. The vancomycin-containing sol-gel films exhibited predictable release kinetics, while significantly inhibiting S. aureus adhesion. When evaluated in a rat osteomyelitis model, microbiological analysis indicated that the vancomycin-containing sol-gel film caused a profound decrease in S. aureus number. Radiologically, while the control side showed extensive bone degradation, including abscesses and an extensive periosteal reaction, rods coated with the vancomycin-containing sol-gel film resulted in minimal signs of infection. MicroCT analysis confirmed the radiological results, while demonstrating that the vancomycin-containing sol-gel film significantly protected dense bone from resorption and minimized remodeling. These results clearly demonstrate that this novel thin sol-gel technology can be used for the targeted delivery of antibiotics for the treatment of periprosthetic as well as other bone infections. Copyright 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society

Thermodynamic analysis of sol-gel transition of gelatin in terms of water activity in various solutions.

PubMed

Miyawaki, Osato; Omote, Chiaki; Matsuhira, Keiko

2015-12-01

Sol-gel transition of gelatin was analyzed as a multisite stoichiometric reaction of a gelatin molecule with water and solute molecules. The equilibrium sol-gel transition temperature, Tt , was estimated from the average of gelation and melting temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry. From Tt and the melting enthalpy, ΔHsol , the equilibrium sol-to-gel ratio was estimated by the van't Hoff equation. The reciprocal form of the Wyman-Tanford equation, which describes the sol-to-gel ratio as a function of water activity, was successfully applied to obtain a good linear relationship. From this analysis, the role of water activity on the sol-gel transition of gelatin was clearly explained and the contributions of hydration and solute binding to gelatin molecules were separately discussed in sol-gel transition. The general solution for the free energy for gel-stabilization in various solutions was obtained as a simple function of solute concentration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of aqueous electrolytes on the electrochemical behaviors of supercapacitors based on hierarchically porous carbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Xianyou; Jiang, Lanlan; Wu, Hao; Wu, Chun; Su, Jingcang

2012-10-01

Hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs) have been prepared by sol-gel self-assembly technology with nickel oxide and surfactant as the dual template. The porous carbons are further activated by nitric acid. The electrochemical behaviors of supercapacitors using HPCs as electrode material in different aqueous electrolytes, e.g., (NH4)2SO4, Na2SO4, H2SO4 and KOH are studied by cyclic voltametry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, cyclic life, leakage current, self-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the supercapacitors in various electrolytes perform definitely capacitive behaviors; especially in 6 M KOH electrolyte the supercapacitor represents the best electrochemical performance, the shortest relaxation time, and nearly ideal polarisability. The energy density of 8.42 Wh kg-1 and power density of 17.22 kW kg-1 are obtained at the operated voltage window of 1.0 V. Especially, the energy density of 11.54 Wh kg-1 and power density of 10.58 kW kg-1 can be achieved when the voltage is up to 1.2 V.

Density and composition of microorganisms during long-term (418 day) growth of potato using biologically reclaimed nutrients from inedible plant biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1997-01-01

A study evaluating alternative methods for long term operation of biomass production systems was recently completed at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The 418-day study evaluated repeated batch versus mixed-aged production of potato grown on either standard 12-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution or solutions including nutrients recycled from inedible plant material. The long term effects of closure and recycling on microbial dynamics were evaluated by monitoring the microbial communities associated with various habitats within the plant growth system (i.e., plant roots, nutrient solution, biofilms within the hydroponic systems, atmosphere, and atmospheric condensate). Plate count methods were used to enumerate and characterize microorganisms. Microscopic staining methods were used to estimate total cell densities. The primary finding was that the density and composition of microbial communities associated with controlled environmental plant growth systems are stable during long term operation. Continuous production resulted in slightly greater stability. Nutrient recycling, despite the addition of soluble organic material from the waste processing system, did not significantly increase microbial density in any of the habitats.

Optical fiber sensor having a sol-gel fiber core and a method of making

DOEpatents

Tao, Shiquan; Jindal, Rajeev; Winstead, Christopher; Singh, Jagdish P.

2006-06-06

A simple, economic wet chemical procedure is described for making sol-gel fibers. The sol-gel fibers made from this process are transparent to ultraviolet, visible and near infrared light. Light can be guided in these fibers by using an organic polymer as a fiber cladding. Alternatively, air can be used as a low refractive index medium. The sol-gel fibers have a micro pore structure which allows molecules to diffuse into the fiber core from the surrounding environment. Chemical and biochemical reagents can be doped into the fiber core. The sol-gel fiber can be used as a transducer for constructing an optical fiber sensor. The optical fiber sensor having an active sol-gel fiber core is more sensitive than conventional evanescent wave absorption based optical fiber sensors.

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.

Hybrid sol-gel optical materials

DOEpatents

Zeigler, J.M.

1993-04-20

Hybrid sol-gel materials comprise silicate sols cross-linked with linear polysilane, polygermane, or poly(silane-germane). The sol-gel materials are useful as optical identifiers in tagging and verification applications and, in a different aspect, as stable, visible light transparent non-linear optical materials. Methyl or phenyl silicones, polyaryl sulfides, polyaryl ethers, and rubbery polysilanes may be used in addition to the linear polysilane. The linear polymers cross-link with the sol to form a matrix having high optical transparency, resistance to thermooxidative aging, adherence to a variety of substrates, brittleness, and a resistance to cracking during thermal cycling.

Hybrid sol-gel optical materials

DOEpatents

Zeigler, John M.

1993-01-01

Hybrid sol-gel materials comprise silicate sols cross-linked with linear polysilane, polygermane, or poly(silane-germane). The sol-gel materials are useful as optical identifiers in tagging and verification applications and, in a different aspect, as stable, visible light transparent non-linear optical materials. Methyl or phenyl silicones, polyaryl sulfides, polyaryl ethers, and rubbery polysilanes may be used in addition to the linear polysilane. The linear polymers cross-link with the sol to form a matrix having high optical transparency, resistance to thermooxidative aging, adherence to a variety of substrates, brittleness, and a resistance to cracking during thermal cycling.

Hybrid sol-gel optical materials

DOEpatents

Zeigler, John M.

1992-01-01

Hybrid sol-gel materials comprise silicate sols cross-linked with linear polysilane, polygermane, or poly(silane-germane). The sol-gel materials are useful as optical identifiers in tagging and verification applications and, in a different aspect, as stable, visible light transparent non-linear optical materials. Methyl or phenyl silicones, polyaryl sulfides, polyaryl ethers, and rubbery polysilanes may be used in addition to the linear polysilane. The linear polymers cross-link with the sol to form a matrix having high optical transparency, resistance to thermooxidative aging, adherence to a variety of substrates, brittleness, and a resistance to cracking during thermal cycling.

The Improvement of Foam Concrete Geoecoprotective Properties in Transport Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svatovskaya, Larisa; Kabanov, Alexander; Sychov, Maxim

2017-10-01

The article analyses 2 kinds of properties of silica sol foam concrete: technical and geoecoprotective ones. Foam concrete stabilized with silica sol foam has lower heat conductivity resulting in fuel saving. Foam concrete obtained according to sol absorption technology has lower water absorption and is good enough for blocking to prevent the environment pollution. Pollution blocking can be achieved by two methods. The first method is saturation of an article affected by oil products with silica sol. The second method is to create a special preventive protection using silica sol screen. The article shows geoecoprotective properties of protein foam soil systems.

Method of making particles from an aqueous sol

DOEpatents

Rankin, G.W.; Hooker, J.R.

1973-07-24

A process for preparing gel particles from an aqueous sol by forming the sol into droplets in a liquid system wherein the liquid phase contains a liquid organic solvent and a barrier agent. The barrier agent prevents dehydration from occurring too rapidly and permits surface tension effects to form sol droplets into the desired spheroidal shape. A preferred barrier agent is mineral oil. (Official Gazette)

Solventless sol-gel chemistry through ring-opening polymerization of bridged disilaoxacyclopentanes

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

RAHIMIAN,KAMYAR; LOY,DOUGLAS A.

2000-04-04

Disilaoxacyclopentanes have proven to be excellent precursors to sol-gel type materials. These materials have shown promise as precursors for encapsulation and microelectronics applications. The polymers are highly crosslinked and are structurally similar to traditional sol-gels, but unlike typical sol-gels they are prepared without the use of solvents and water, they have low VOC's and show little shrinkage during processing.

78 FR 2988 - New England Hydropower Company, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-15

... above mean sea level (msl); (3) an existing 12-foot-long, 16-foot-wide, 10-foot-deep head box and intake....2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site http:[sol][sol]www.ferc.gov/docs... Commission's Web site at http:[sol][sol]www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P...

Impact of neutral density fluctuations on gas puff imaging diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wersal, C.; Ricci, P.

2017-11-01

A three-dimensional turbulence simulation of the SOL and edge regions of a toroidally limited tokamak is carried out. The simulation couples self-consistently the drift-reduced two-fluid Braginskii equations to a kinetic equation for neutral atoms. A diagnostic neutral gas puff on the low-field side midplane is included and the impact of neutral density fluctuations on D_α light emission investigated. We find that neutral density fluctuations affect the D_α emission. In particular, at a radial distance from the gas puff smaller than the neutral mean free path, neutral density fluctuations are anti-correlated with plasma density, electron temperature, and D_α fluctuations. It follows that the neutral fluctuations reduce the D_α emission in most of the observed region and, therefore, have to be taken into account when interpreting the amplitude of the D_α emission. On the other hand, higher order statistical moments (skewness, kurtosis) and turbulence characteristics (such as correlation length, or the autocorrelation time) are not significantly affected by the neutral fluctuations. At distances from the gas puff larger than the neutral mean free path, a non-local shadowing effect influences the neutral density fluctuations. There, the D_α fluctuations are correlated with the neutral density fluctuations, and the high-order statistical moments and measurements of other turbulence properties are strongly affected by the neutral density fluctuations.

Tantala-based sol-gel coating for capillary microextraction on-line coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Tran, MinhPhuong; Turner, Erica B; Segro, Scott S; Fang, Li; Seyyal, Emre; Malik, Abdul

2017-11-03

A sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid sorbent, consisting of chemically integrated tantalum (V) ethoxide (TaEO) and polypropylene glycol methacrylate (PPGM), was developed for capillary microextraction (CME). The sol-gel sorbent was synthesized within a fused silica capillary through hydrolytic polycondensation of TaEO and chemical incorporation of PPGM into the evolving sol-gel tantala network. A part of the organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel network evolving in the vicinity of the capillary walls had favorable conditions to get chemically bonded to the silanol groups on the capillary surface forming a surface-bonded coating. The newly developed sol-gel sorbent was employed to isolate and enrich a variety of analytes from aqueous samples for on-line analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a UV detector. CME was performed on aqueous samples containing trace concentrations of analytes representing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, amines, nucleosides, and nucleotides. This sol-gel hybrid coating provided efficient extraction with CME-HPLC detection limits ranging from 4.41pM to 28.19 pM. Due to direct chemical bonding between the sol-gel sorbent coating and the fused silica capillary inner surface, this sol-gel sorbent exhibited enhanced solvent stability. The sol-gel tantala-based sorbent also exhibited excellent pH stability over a wide pH range (pH 0-pH 14). Furthermore, it displayed great performance reproducibility in CME-HPLC providing run-to-run HPLC peak area relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 0.23% and 3.83%. The capillary-to-capillary RSD (n=3), characterizing capillary preparation method reproducibility, ranged from 0.24% to 4.11%. The results show great performance consistency and application potential for the sol-gel tantala-PPGM sorbent in various fields including biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Subjective-Objective Sleep Discrepancy Is Associated With Alterations in Regional Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Insomnia and Good Sleeper Controls.

PubMed

Kay, Daniel B; Karim, Helmet T; Soehner, Adriane M; Hasler, Brant P; James, Jeffrey A; Germain, Anne; Hall, Martica H; Franzen, Peter L; Price, Julie C; Nofzinger, Eric A; Buysse, Daniel J

2017-11-01

Sleep discrepancies are common in primary insomnia (PI) and include reports of longer sleep onset latency (SOL) than measured by polysomnography (PSG) or "negative SOL discrepancy." We hypothesized that negative SOL discrepancy in PI would be associated with higher relative glucose metabolism during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in brain networks involved in conscious awareness, including the salience, left executive control, and default mode networks. PI (n = 32) and good sleeper controls (GS; n = 30) completed [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans during NREM sleep, and relative regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRglc) was measured. Sleep discrepancy was calculated by subtracting PSG-measured SOL on the PET night from corresponding self-report values the following morning. We tested for interactions between group (PI vs. GS) and SOL discrepancy for rCMRglc during NREM sleep using both a region of interest mask and exploratory whole-brain analyses. Significant group by SOL discrepancy interactions for rCMRglc were observed in several brain regions (pcorrected < .05 for all clusters). In the PI group, more negative SOL discrepancy (self-reported > PSG-measured SOL) was associated with significantly higher relative rCMRglc in the right anterior insula and middle/posterior cingulate during NREM sleep. In GS, more positive SOL discrepancy (self-reported < PSG-measured SOL) was associated with significantly higher relative rCMRglc in the right anterior insula, left anterior cingulate cortex, and middle/posterior cingulate cortex. Although preliminary, these findings suggest regions of the brain previously shown to be involved in conscious awareness, and the perception of PSG-defined states may also be involved in the phenomena of SOL discrepancy. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Comparison of efficacy and side-effect profile of oral PUVA vs. oral PUVA sol in the treatment of vitiligo: a 36-week prospective study.

PubMed

Singh, S; Khandpur, S; Sharma, V K; Ramam, M

2013-11-01

Both Oral PUVA and PUVA sol have been successfully used in vitiligo treatment. However, there is paucity of studies comparing the two therapies, especially under subtropical conditions of abundant sunlight where PUVA sol is more feasible. To compare the efficacy and side effects of oral PUVA versus oral PUVA sol therapy in generalized vitiligo. Comparative prospective clinical trial conducted on consecutive patients of generalized vitiligo. Response to treatment was assessed using change in Lund & Browder (L & B) score for assessment of reduction in body surface area of involvement, patient global assessment (PGA) of improvement in vitiligo, investigator's global assessment (IGA) of extent of repigmentation, and quality of life (QOL) assessment using Tjioe et al questionnaire. Thirty five patients were recruited- 18 in PUVA and 17 in PUVA sol group. Mean percentage change in L & B score at 36 weeks was 46.4% in PUVA and 26.1% in PUVA sol group (P = 0.06), mean PGA score in PUVA was 4.58 ± 2.23 and in PUVA sol group was 6 ± 2.08 (P = 0.13), mean IGA score was 3.08 ± 1.68 in PUVA and 1.79 ± 0.57 in PUVA sol group (P = 0.11). QOL scores were significantly higher in PUVA group as compared to the PUVA sol group (P = 0.04). Side effects were comparable in two groups except for phototoxic side effects which were significantly more in PUVA group. PUVA is more efficacious than PUVA sol and also provides greater psychological benefit in treatment of generalized vitiligo but is associated with more phototoxic adverse effects. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2012 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

rhEGF-containing thermosensitive and mucoadhesive polymeric sol-gel for endoscopic treatment of gastric ulcer and bleeding.

PubMed

Maeng, Jin Hee; So, Jung Won; Kim, Jungju; Kim, In Ae; Jung, Ji Hoon; Min, Kyunghyun; Lee, Don Haeng; Yang, Su-Geun

2014-03-01

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a standard diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal ulcers and cancer. In this study, we have developed recombinant human epidermal growth factor-containing ulcer-coating polymeric sol-gel for endoscopic application. Chitosan and pluronic F127 were employed for their thermoresponsive and bioadhesive properties. At temperatures below 21, polymeric sol-gel remains liquid during endoscopic application and transforms to gel at body temperature after application on ulcers. In an in vitro cellular wounding assay, recombinant human epidermal growth factor sol-gel significantly enhanced the cell migration and decreased the wounding area (68%) compared to nontreated, recombinant human epidermal growth factor solution, and sol-gel without recombinant human epidermal growth factor (42, 49, and 32 % decreased at day 1). The in vivo ulcer-healing study was performed in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer rat model and proved that our recombinant human epidermal growth factor endoscopic sol-gel facilitated the ulcer-healing process more efficiently than the other treatments. Ulcer sizes in the recombinant human epidermal growth factor sol-gel group were decreased 2.9- and 2.1-fold compared with those in the nontreated group on days 1 and 3 after ulceration, respectively. The mucosal thickness in the recombinant human epidermal growth factor sol-gel group was significantly increased compared to that in the nontreated group (3.2- and 6.9-fold on days 1 and 3 after ulceration, respectively). In a gastric retention study, recombinant human epidermal growth factor sol-gel stayed on the gastric mucosa more than 2 h after application. The present study suggests that recombinant human epidermal growth factor sol-gel is a prospective candidate for treating gastric ulcers via endoscopic application.

High-rate nano-crystalline Li 4Ti 5O 12 attached on carbon nano-fibers for hybrid supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naoi, Katsuhiko; Ishimoto, Shuichi; Isobe, Yusaku; Aoyagi, Shintaro

A lithium titanate (Li 4Ti 5O 12)-based electrode which can operate at unusually high current density (300 C) was developed as negative electrode for hybrid capacitors. The high-rate Li 4Ti 5O 12 electrode has a unique nano-structure consisting of unusually small nano-crystalline Li 4Ti 5O 12 (ca. 5-20 nm) grafted onto carbon nano-fiber anchors (nc-Li 4Ti 5O 12/CNF). This nano-structured nc-Li 4Ti 5O 12/CNF composite are prepared by simple sol-gel method under ultra-centrifugal force (65,000 N) followed by instantaneous annealing at 900 °C for 3 min. A model hybrid capacitor cell consisting of a negative nc-Li 4Ti 5O 12/CNF composite electrode and a positive activated carbon electrode showed high energy density of 40 Wh L -1 and high power density of 7.5 kW L -1 comparable to conventional EDLCs.

Large Energy Storage Density and High Thermal Stability in a Highly Textured (111)-Oriented Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 Relaxor Thin Film with the Coexistence of Antiferroelectric and Ferroelectric Phases.

PubMed

Peng, Biaolin; Zhang, Qi; Li, Xing; Sun, Tieyu; Fan, Huiqing; Ke, Shanming; Ye, Mao; Wang, Yu; Lu, Wei; Niu, Hanben; Zeng, Xierong; Huang, Haitao

2015-06-24

A highly textured (111)-oriented Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 (PBZ) relaxor thin film with the coexistence of antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric (FE) phases was prepared on a Pt/TiOx/SiO2/Si(100) substrate by using a sol-gel method. A large recoverable energy storage density of 40.18 J/cm(3) along with an efficiency of 64.1% was achieved at room temperature. Over a wide temperature range of 250 K (from room temperature to 523 K), the variation of the energy density is within 5%, indicating a high thermal stability. The high energy storage performance was endowed by a large dielectric breakdown strength, great relaxor dispersion, highly textured orientation, and the coexistence of FE and AFE phases. The PBZ thin film is believed to be an attractive material for applications in energy storage systems over a wide temperature range.

Optimisation of a sol-gel synthesis route for the preparation of MgF2 particles for a large scale coating process.

PubMed

Scheurell, K; Noack, J; König, R; Hegmann, J; Jahn, R; Hofmann, Th; Löbmann, P; Lintner, B; Garcia-Juan, P; Eicher, J; Kemnitz, E

2015-12-07

A synthesis route for the preparation of optically transparent magnesium fluoride sols using magnesium acetate tetrahydrate as precursor is described. The obtained magnesium fluoride sols are stable for several months and can be applied for antireflective coatings on glass substrates. Reaction parameters in the course of sol synthesis are described in detail. Thus, properties of the precursor materials play a crucial role in the formation of the desired magnesium fluoride nanoparticles, this is drying the precursor has to be performed under defined mild conditions, re-solvation of the dried precursor has to be avoided and addition of water to the final sol-system has to be controlled strictly. Important properties of the magnesium fluoride sols like viscosity, particle size distribution, and structural information are presented as well.

Strength of interactions between immobilized dye molecules and sol-gel matrices.

PubMed

Ismail, Fanya; Schoenleber, Monika; Mansour, Rolan; Bastani, Behnam; Fielden, Peter; Goddard, Nicholas J

2011-02-21

In this paper we present a new theory to re-examine the immobilization technique of dye doped sol-gel films, define the strength and types of possible bonds between the immobilized molecule and sol-gel glass, and show that the immobilized molecule is not free inside the pores as was previously thought. Immobilizing three different pH sensitive dyes with different size and functional groups inside the same sol-gel films revealed important information about the nature of the interaction between the doped molecule and the sol-gel matrix. The samples were characterized by means of ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), mercury porosimetry (MP), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((29)Si NMR) and field-emission environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM-FEG). It was found that the doped molecule itself has a great effect on the strength and types of the bonds. A number of factors were identified, such as number and types of the functional groups, overall charge, size, pK(a) and number of the silanol groups which surround the immobilized molecule. These results were confirmed by the successful immobilization of bromocresol green (BCG) after a completely polymerized sol-gel was made. The sol-gel consisted of 50% tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and 50% methyltriethoxysilane (MTEOS) (w/w). Moreover, the effect of the immobilized molecule on the structure of the sol-gel was studied by means of a leaky waveguide (LW) mode for doped films made before and after polymerization of the sol-gel.

Electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization of surface sol-gel processes.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaohong; Wilson, George S

2004-09-28

(3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MTS) forms a unique film on a platinum substrate by self-assembly and sol-gel cross-linking. The gelating and drying states of the self-assembled MTS sol-gel films were probed by use of electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. The thiol moiety was the only active group within the sol-gel network. Gold nanoparticles were employed to detect the availability of the thiol group and their interaction further indicated the physicochemical states of the sol-gel inner structure. It was found that the thiol groups in the open porous MTS aerogel matrix were accessible to the gold nanoparticles while thiol groups in the compact MTS xerogel network were not accessible to the gold nanoparticles. The characteristics of the sol-gel matrix change with time because of its own irreversible gelating and drying process. The present work provides direct evidence of gold nanoparticle binding with thiol groups within the sol-gel structures and explains the different permeability of "aerogel" and "xerogel" films of MTS on the basis of electrochemical and spectroscopic results. Two endogenous species, hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid, were used to test the permeability of the self-assembled sol-gel film in different states. The MTS xerogel film on the platinum electrode was extremely selective against ascorbic acid while maintaining high sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide in contrast to the relatively high permeability of ascorbic acid in the MTS aerogel film. This study showed the potential of the MTS sol-gel film as a nanoporous material in biosensor development.

Bactericidal micron-thin sol-gel films prevent pin tract and periprosthetic infection.

PubMed

Qu, Haibo; Knabe, Christine; Burke, Megan; Radin, Shula; Garino, Jonathan; Schaer, Thomas; Ducheyne, Paul

2014-08-01

Orthopedic injuries constitute the majority of wounds sustained by U.S. soldiers in recent conflicts. The risk of infection is considerable with fracture fixation devices. In this pilot study, we examined the use of unique bactericidal micron-thin sol-gel films on fracture fixation devices and their ability to prevent and eradicate infections. External fixation was studied with micron-thin sol-gel coated percutaneous pins releasing triclosan and inserted medially into rabbit tibiae. A total of 11 rabbits received percutaneous pins that were either uncoated or sol-gel/triclosan coated. Internal fracture fixation was also studied using sol-gel coated intramedullary (IM) nails releasing vancomycin in the intramedullary tibiae. Six sheep received IM nails that were coated with a sol-gel film that either contained vancomycin or did not contain vancomycin. All animals were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus around the implant. Animals were euthanized at 1 month postoperative. Rabbits receiving triclosan/sol-gel coated percutaneous pins did not show signs of infection. Uncoated percutaneous pins had a significantly higher infection rate. In the sheep study, there were no radiographic signs of osteomyelitis with vancomycin/sol-gel coated IM nails, in contrast to the observations in the control cohort. Hence, the nanostructured sol-gel controlled release technology offers the promise of a reliable and continuous delivery system of bactericidals from orthopedic devices to prevent and treat infection. Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Electrochemical and In Vitro Behavior of Nanostructure Sol-Gel Coated 316L Stainless Steel Incorporated with Rosemary Extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motalebi, Abolfazl; Nasr-Esfahani, Mojtaba

2013-06-01

The corrosion resistance of AISI 316L stainless steel for biomedical applications, was significantly enhanced by means of hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel thin films deposited by spin-coating. Thin films of less than 100 nm with different hybrid characters were obtained by incorporating rosemary extract as green corrosion inhibitor. The morphology, composition, and adhesion of hybrid sol-gel coatings have been examined by SEM, EDX, and pull-off test, respectively. Addition of high additive concentrations (0.1%) did not disorganize the sol-gel network. Direct pull-off test recorded a mean coating-substrate bonding strength larger than 21.2 MPa for the hybrid sol-gel coating. The effect of rosemary extract, with various added concentrations from 0.012 to 0.1%, on the anticorrosion properties of sol-gel films have been characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution and has been compared to the bare metal. Rosemary extract additions (0.05%) have significantly increased the corrosion protection of the sol-gel thin film to higher than 90%. The in vitro bioactivity of prepared films indicates that hydroxyapatite nuclei can form and grow on the surface of the doped sol-gel thin films. The present study shows that due to their excellent anticorrosion properties, bioactivity and bonding strength to substrate, doped sol-gel thin films are practical hybrid films in biomedical applications.

Microstructure evolution, thermal stability and fractal behavior of water vapor flow assisted in situ growth poly(vinylcarbazole)-titania quantum dots nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mombrú, Dominique; Romero, Mariano; Faccio, Ricardo; Mombrú, Alvaro W.

2017-12-01

Here, we report a novel strategy for the preparation of TiO2 quantum dots fillers prepared from alkoxide precursor via in situ water vapor flow diffusion into poly(N-vinylcarbazole) host. A detailed characterization by means of infrared and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry is reported. The growth mechanism of both crystallites and particles was mostly governed by the classical coarsening reaction limited growth and the polymer host showed no detectable chemical modifications at the interface or active participation in the growing process. The main relevance of our strategy respect to the typical sol-gel growth in solution is the possibility of the interruption of the reaction by simple stopping the water vapor flow diffusion into the polymer host thus achieving good control in the nanoparticles size. The thermal stability and fractal behavior of our nanocomposites were also studied by differential scanning calorimetry and in situ small angle X-ray scattering versus temperature. Strong correlations between modifications in the fractal behavior and glass transition or fusion processes were observed for these nanocomposites.

[Preparation and catalytic activity of surface-modification CNTs/TiO2 composite photocatalysts].

PubMed

Wang, Huan-Ying; Li, Wen-Jun; Chang, Zhi-Dong; Zhou, Hua-Lei; Guo, Hui-Chao

2011-09-01

A novel kind of carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide (CNTs/TiO2) composite photocatalyst was prepared by a modified sol-gel method in which the nanoscaled TiO2 particles were uniformly deposited on the CNTs modified with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The composites were characterized by a range of analytical techniques including high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show the successful covering of the CNTs with PVP, forming core-shell structure. The nanoscaled TiO2 particles were uniformly deposited on the surface of CNTs reducing the bare CNTs which avoid losing the absorption and scattering of photons. The combination of CNTs and TiO2 particles imply the enhanced interactions between the CNTs and TiO2 interface which possibly becomes heterojunction. The composites become mesoporous crystalline TiO2 (anatase) clusters after annealing at 500 degrees C, and the surface area increases obviously. The photocatalytic activities of surface modification CNTs/TiO2 (smCNTs/TiO2) composites are extremely enhanced from the results of the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB).

Nonlinear GARCH model and 1 / f noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kononovicius, A.; Ruseckas, J.

2015-06-01

Auto-regressive conditionally heteroskedastic (ARCH) family models are still used, by practitioners in business and economic policy making, as a conditional volatility forecasting models. Furthermore ARCH models still are attracting an interest of the researchers. In this contribution we consider the well known GARCH(1,1) process and its nonlinear modifications, reminiscent of NGARCH model. We investigate the possibility to reproduce power law statistics, probability density function and power spectral density, using ARCH family models. For this purpose we derive stochastic differential equations from the GARCH processes in consideration. We find the obtained equations to be similar to a general class of stochastic differential equations known to reproduce power law statistics. We show that linear GARCH(1,1) process has power law distribution, but its power spectral density is Brownian noise-like. However, the nonlinear modifications exhibit both power law distribution and power spectral density of the 1 /fβ form, including 1 / f noise.

Improved reliability from a plasma-assisted metal-insulator-metal capacitor comprising a high-k HfO2 film on a flexible polyimide substrate.

PubMed

Meena, Jagan Singh; Chu, Min-Ching; Kuo, Shiao-Wei; Chang, Feng-Chih; Ko, Fu-Hsiang

2010-03-20

We have used a sol-gel spin-coating process to fabricate a new metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor comprising a 10 nm-thick high-k thin dielectric HfO(2) film on a flexible polyimide (PI) substrate. The surface morphology of this HfO(2) film was investigated using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed that continuous and crack-free film growth had occurred on the film surface. After oxygen (O(2)) plasma pretreatment and subsequent annealing at 250 degrees C, the film on the PI substrate exhibited a low leakage current density of 3.64 x 10(-9) A cm(-2) at 5 V and a maximum capacitance density of 10.35 fF microm(-2) at 1 MHz. The as-deposited sol-gel film was completely oxidized when employing O(2) plasma at a relatively low temperature (ca. 250 degrees C), thereby enhancing the electrical performance. We employed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at both high and low resolution to examine the chemical composition of the film subjected to various treatment conditions. The shift of the XPS peaks towards higher binding energy, revealed that O(2) plasma treatment was the most effective process for the complete oxidation of hafnium atoms at low temperature. A study of the insulator properties indicated the excellent bendability of our MIM capacitor; the flexible PI substrate could be bent up to 10(5) times and folded to near 360 degrees without any deterioration in its electrical performance.

Surface analysis and biocorrosion properties of nanostructured surface sol-gel coatings on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy implants.

PubMed

Advincula, Maria C; Petersen, Don; Rahemtulla, Firoz; Advincula, Rigoberto; Lemons, Jack E

2007-01-01

Surfaces of biocompatible alloys used as implants play a significant role in their osseointegration. Surface sol-gel processing (SSP), a variant of the bulk sol-gel technique, is a relatively new process to prepare bioreactive nanostructured titanium oxide for thin film coatings. The surface topography, roughness, and composition of sol-gel processed Ti6Al4V titanium alloy coatings was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS). This was correlated with corrosion properties, adhesive strength, and bioreactivity in simulated body fluids (SBF). Electroimpedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization studies indicated similar advantageous corrosion properties between sol-gel coated and uncoated Ti6Al4V, which was attributed to the stable TiO2 composition, topography, and adhesive strength of the sol-gel coating. In addition, inductive coupled plasma (ICP) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) analysis of substrates immersed in SBF revealed higher deposition of calcium and phosphate and low release rates of alloying elements from the sol-gel modified alloys. The equivalent corrosion behavior and the definite increase in nucleation of calcium apatite indicate the potential of the sol-gel coating for enhanced bioimplant applications. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of the mutual influence of Ion Cyclotron and Lower Hybrid Range of frequencies systems on EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbanczyk, Guillaume; Zhang, Xinjun; Qin, Chengming; Zhao, Yanping; Zhang, Tao; Zhang, Ling; Li, Jiangang; Yuan, Shuai; Chen, Liang; Zhang, Heng; Zhang, Jiahui; Wang, Jianhua; Yang, Xiuda; Qian, Jinping

2017-10-01

Waves in the Ion Cyclotron (ICRF) and Lower Hybrid (LH) Range of Frequencies are efficient techniques respectively to heat the plasma and drive current. Main difficulties come from a trade-off between good RF coupling and acceptable level of impurities release. The mutual influence of both systems makes such equilibrium often hard to reach [1]. In order to investigate those interactions based on Scrape-Off Layer (SOL) plasma parameters, a new reciprocating probe was designed allying a three tips Langmuir probe with an emissive wire. The emissive filament provides a precise measure of plasma potential [2], which can be used to calibrate Langmuir probe's results. This paper reports on experimental results obtained on EAST, where there are two ICRF antennas and two LH launchers. Among others diagnostics, the new reciprocating probe enabled to evidence the deleterious influence of ICRF power on LHWs coupling in L-mode plasmas. In areas connected with an active ICRF antenna, SOL potentials increase while densities tend to decrease, respectively enhancing impurities release and deteriorating LHWs coupling. This phenomenon has mostly been attributed to RF sheath; the one that forms on top of Plasma Facing Components (PFCs) and causes ExB density convections [3]. From those experiments it seems ICRF has a strong influence on magnetically connected areas, both in the near field - influencing ICRF waves coupling - and in farther locations such as in front of LH grills. Moreover, influence of ICRF on LH system was observed both in L and H modes. Those results are consistent with RF sheath rectification process. Concerning the influence of LHWs on ICRF coupling, nothing was observed in L-mode. Besides during H-mode experiments, LHWs have been identified as having a mitigating effect on ELMs [4], which on average lowers the pedestal, increasing edge densities to the profit of ICRF waves coupling.

DLTS analysis of amphoteric interface defects in high-TiO{sub 2} MOS structures prepared by sol-gel spin-coating

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

Kumar, Arvind; Mondal, Sandip; Rao, K. S. R. Koteswara, E-mail: ksrkrao@physics.iisc.ernet.in, E-mail: raoksrk@gmail.com

2015-11-15

High-κ TiO{sub 2} thin films have been fabricated from a facile, combined sol – gel spin – coating technique on p and n type silicon substrate. XRD and Raman studies headed the existence of anatase phase of TiO{sub 2} with a small grain size of 18 nm. The refractive index ‘n’ quantified from ellipsometry is 2.41. AFM studies suggest a high quality, pore free films with a fairly small surface roughness of 6 Å. The presence of Ti in its tetravalent state is confirmed by XPS analysis. The defect parameters observed at the interface of Si/TiO{sub 2} were studied bymore » capacitance – voltage (C – V) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The flat – band voltage (V{sub FB}) and the density of slow interface states estimated are – 0.9, – 0.44 V and 5.24×10{sup 10}, 1.03×10{sup 11} cm{sup −2}; for the NMOS and PMOS capacitors, respectively. The activation energies, interface state densities and capture cross – sections measured by DLTS are E{sub V} + 0.30, E{sub C} – 0.21 eV; 8.73×10{sup 11}, 6.41×10{sup 11} eV{sup −1} cm{sup −2} and 5.8×10{sup −23}, 8.11×10{sup −23} cm{sup 2} for the NMOS and PMOS structures, respectively. A low value of interface state density in both P- and N-MOS structures makes it a suitable alternate dielectric layer for CMOS applications. And also very low value of capture cross section for both the carriers due to the amphoteric nature of defect indicates that the traps are not aggressive recombination centers and possibly can not contribute to the device operation to a large extent.« less

A membraneless biofuel cell powered by ethanol and alcoholic beverage.

PubMed

Deng, Liu; Shang, Li; Wen, Dan; Zhai, Junfeng; Dong, Shaojun

2010-09-15

In this study, we reported on the construction of a stable single-chamber ethanol/O(2) biofuel cell harvesting energy from the ethanol and alcoholic beverage. We prepared a composite film which consisted of partially sulfonated (3-mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxysilane sol-gel (PSSG) and chitosan (CHI). The combination of ion-exchange capacity sol-gel and biopolymer chitosan not only provided the attached sites for mediator MDB and AuNPs to facilitate the electron transfer along the substrate reaction, but also gave the suitable microenvironment to retain the enzyme activity in long term. The ethanol bioanode was constructed with the film coimmobilized dehydrogenase (ADH), Meldola's blue (MDB) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The MDB/AuNPs/PSSG-CHI-ADH composite modified electrode showed prominent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of ethanol. The oxygen biocathode consisted of laccase and AuNPs immobilized on the PSSG-CHI composite membrane. The AuNPs/PSSG-CHI-laccase modified electrode catalyzed four-electron reduction of O(2) to water, without any mediator. The assembled single-chamber biofuel cell exhibited good stability and power output towards ethanol. The open-circuit voltage of this biofuel cell was 860 mV. The maximum power density of the biofuel cell was 1.56 mWcm(-2) at 550 mV. Most interestingly, this biofuel cell showed the similar performance when the alcoholic beverage acted as the fuel. When this biofuel cell ran with wine as the fuel, the maximum power output density was 3.21 mAcm(-2) and the maximum power density was 1.78 mWcm(-2) at 680 mV of the cell voltage. Our system exhibited stable and high power output in the multi-component substrate condition. This cell has great potential for the development and practical application of bioethanol fuel cell. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

32 CFR 536.41 - Determination of liability-generally.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... local, law applies to an interpretation of the SOL under all subparts. Minority or incompetence does not toll the SOL. Case law developed under the FTCA will be used in other subparts in interpreting SOL...

Turbulent transport regimes and the SOL heat flux width

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myra, J. R.; D'Ippolito, D. A.; Russell, D. A.

2014-10-01

Understanding the responsible mechanisms and resulting scaling of the scrape-off layer (SOL) heat flux width is important for predicting viable operating regimes in future tokamaks, and for seeking possible mitigation schemes. Simulation and theory results using reduced edge/SOL turbulence models have produced SOL widths and scalings in reasonable accord with experiments in many cases. In this work, we attempt to qualitatively and conceptually understand various regimes of edge/SOL turbulence and the role of turbulent transport in establishing the SOL heat flux width. Relevant considerations include the type and spectral characteristics of underlying instabilities, the location of the gradient drive relative to the SOL, the nonlinear saturation mechanism, and the parallel heat transport regime. Recent SOLT turbulence code results are employed to understand the roles of these considerations and to develop analytical scalings. We find a heat flux width scaling with major radius R that is generally positive, consistent with older results reviewed in. The possible relationship of turbulence mechanisms to the heuristic drift mechanism is considered, together with implications for future experiments. Work supported by US DOE grant DE-FG02-97ER54392.

New Record Five-Wheel Drive, Spirit's Sol 1856

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2009-01-01

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit used its navigation camera to take the images that have been combined into this stereo, 180-degree view of the rover's surroundings during the 1,856th Martian day, or sol, of Spirit's surface mission (March 23, 2009). The center of the view is toward the west-southwest.

The rover had driven 25.82 meters (84.7 feet) west-northwestward earlier on Sol 1856. This is the longest drive on Mars so far by a rover using only five wheels. Spirit lost the use of its right-front wheel in March 2006. Before Sol 1856, the farthest Spirit had covered in a single sol's five-wheel drive was 24.83 meters (81.5 feet), on Sol 1363 (Nov. 3, 2007).

The Sol 1856 drive made progress on a route planned for taking Spirit around the western side of the low plateau called 'Home Plate.' A portion of the northwestern edge of Home Plate is prominent in the left quarter of this image, toward the south.

This view is presented as a cylindrical projection with geometric seam correction.

Sol-gel technique for the preparation of beta-cyclodextrin derivative stationary phase in open-tubular capillary electrochromatography.

PubMed

Wang, Y; Zeng, Z; Guan, N; Cheng, J

2001-07-01

A novel open-tubular capillary electrochromatography (OT-CEC) column coated with 2,6-dibutyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DB-beta-CD) was prepared using sol-gel technique. In the sol-gel approach, owing to the three-dimensional network of sol-gel and the strong chemical bond between the stationary phase and the surface of capillary columns, good chromatographic characteristics and unique selectivity in separating isomers were shown. We achieved high efficiencies of 5-14 x 10(4) plates/m for the isomeric nitrophenols using the sol-gel-derived DB-beta-CD columns. The migration time reproducibility of the separation of the isomeric nitrophenols was better than 2.2% over five runs and 4.5% from column to column. These sol-gel-coated DB-beta-CD columns have shown improved separations of isomeric aminophenols, isomeric dihydroxybenzenes and isomeric nitrophenols, in comparison with the sol-gel matrix capillary column. The influences of buffer pH and methanol solvent on separation were investigated. The chiral resolution of enantiomers such as ibuprofen and binaphthol was explored primarily.

Sol-gel immobilized short-chain poly(ethylene glycol) coating for capillary microextraction of underivatized polar analytes.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Sameer; Shearrow, Anne M; Malik, Abdul

2007-12-07

Sol-gel coating with covalently bonded low-molecular-weight (MW<300 Da) poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains was developed for capillary microextraction (CME). The sol-gel chemistry proved effective in the immobilization of low-molecular-weight PEGs thanks to the formation of chemical bonds between the organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel PEG coating and the fused silica capillary inner surface. This chemical anchorage provided excellent thermal and solvent stability to the created sol-gel PEG coating as is evidenced by its high upper limit of allowable conditioning temperature (340 degrees C) and its practically identical performance before and after rinsing with various solvents. The prepared sol-gel PEG coating provided simultaneous extraction of moderately polar and highly polar analytes from aqueous samples without requiring derivatization, pH adjustment or salting-out procedures. Detection limits on the order of nanogram per liter (ng/L) were achieved in CME-GC-flame ionization detection experiments designed for the preconcentration and trace analysis of both highly polar and moderately polar compounds extracted directly from aqueous media using sol-gel short-chain PEG coated microextraction capillaries.

Electrical characteristics of paraelectric lead lanthanum zirconium titanate thin films for dynamic random access memory applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, R. E., Jr.; Maniar, P. D.; Olowolafe, J. O.; Campbell, A. C.; Mogab, C. J.

1992-02-01

Paraelectric lead lanthanum zirconium titanate (PLZT) films, 150 nm thick, were deposited using a spin-coat, sol-gel process followed by a 650 °C oxygen anneal. X-ray diffraction indicated complete conversion to the perovskite phase. Sputter-deposited platinum electrodes were employed with the PLZT films to form thin-film capacitors with the best combination of high charge storage density (26.1 μC/cm2 at 3 V and 36.4 μC/cm2 at 5 V) and leakage current density (0.2 μA/cm2 at 3 V and 0.5 μA/cm2 at 5 V ) reported to date. The electrical characteristics of these thin-film capacitors meet the requirements for a planar bit cell capacitor for 64-Mbit dynamic random access memories.

20 CFR 10.709 - What happens if a beneficiary directed by OWCP or SOL to take action against a third party does...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... OWCP or SOL to take action against a third party does not believe that a claim can be successfully... beneficiary directed by OWCP or SOL to take action against a third party does not believe that a claim can be... should request that OWCP or SOL release him or her from the obligation to proceed. This request should be...

Fabrication of advanced electrochemical energy materials using sol-gel processing techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, C. T.; Chu, Jay; Zheng, Haixing

1995-01-01

Advanced materials play an important role in electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemical capacitors. They are being used as both electrodes and electrolytes. Sol-gel processing is a versatile solution technique used in fabrication of ceramic materials with tailored stoichiometry, microstructure, and properties. The application of sol-gel processing in the fabrication of advanced electrochemical energy materials will be presented. The potentials of sol-gel derived materials for electrochemical energy applications will be discussed along with some examples of successful applications. Sol-gel derived metal oxide electrode materials such as V2O5 cathodes have been demonstrated in solid-slate thin film batteries; solid electrolytes materials such as beta-alumina for advanced secondary batteries had been prepared by the sol-gel technique long time ago; and high surface area transition metal compounds for capacitive energy storage applications can also be synthesized with this method.

Reconstruction of active regular motion in amoeba extract: dynamic cooperation between sol and gel states.

PubMed

Nishigami, Yukinori; Ichikawa, Masatoshi; Kazama, Toshiya; Kobayashi, Ryo; Shimmen, Teruo; Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Sonobe, Seiji

2013-01-01

Amoeboid locomotion is one of the typical modes of biological cell migration. Cytoplasmic sol-gel conversion of an actomyosin system is thought to play an important role in locomotion. However, the mechanisms underlying sol-gel conversion, including trigger, signal, and regulating factors, remain unclear. We developed a novel model system in which an actomyosin fraction moves like an amoeba in a cytoplasmic extract. Rheological study of this model system revealed that the actomyosin fraction exhibits shear banding: the sol-gel state of actomyosin can be regulated by shear rate or mechanical force. Furthermore, study of the living cell indicated that the shear-banding property also causes sol-gel conversion with the same order of magnitude as that of shear rate. Our results suggest that the inherent sol-gel transition property plays an essential role in the self-regulation of autonomous translational motion in amoeba.

3-(Triethoxysilyl)propionitrile sol-gel coating.

PubMed

Li, Ying-Sing; Xiao, Yun; Wright, Paul B; Tran, Tuan

2005-05-01

3-(Triethoxysilyl)propionitrile (TESPN) sol-gel has been prepared under different conditions. It was employed for coating the surfaces of quartz and aluminum. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of TESPN and TESPN sol-gels have been recorded in the study of the sol-gel process. Transmission and reflection absorption IR (RAIR) spectra of TESPN sol-gel coated quartz and aluminum have also been collected for better understanding the film formation on the substrate surfaces. Spectra collected at different temperatures indicated that the silane film on quartz decomposes at 700 degrees C. Results from thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) supported this result. Based on the group frequencies and the spectral behavior in different states, some vibrational modes were assigned to the observed bands. The anticorrosion behavior of the sol-gel coated aluminum in comparison with the uncoated metal was evaluated by measuring the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS).

Effectiveness of silica based sol-gel microencapsulation method for odorants and flavors leading to sustainable environment

PubMed Central

Ashraf, Muhammad Aqeel; Khan, Aysha Masood; Ahmad, Mushtaq; Sarfraz, Maliha

2015-01-01

Microencapsulation has become a hot topic in chemical research. Technology mainly used for control release and protection purposes. The sol-gel micro encapsulation approach for fragrance and aroma in porous silica-based materials leads to sustainable odorant and flavored materials with novel and unique beneficial properties. Sol-gel encapsulation of silica based micro particles considered economically cheap as capital investment in manufacturing is very low and environmentally friendly. Amorphous sol-gel SiO2 is non-toxic and safe, whereas the sol-gel entrapment of delicate chemicals in its inner pores results in pronounced chemical and physical stabilization of the entrapped active agents, thereby broadening the practical utilization of chemically unstable essential oils (EOs). Reviewing progress in the fabrication of diverse odorant and flavored sol-gels, shows us how different synthetic strategies are appropriate for practical application with important health and environmental benefits. PMID:26322304

Effectiveness of silica based sol-gel microencapsulation method for odorants and flavors leading to sustainable environment.

PubMed

Ashraf, Muhammad Aqeel; Khan, Aysha Masood; Ahmad, Mushtaq; Sarfraz, Maliha

2015-01-01

Microencapsulation has become a hot topic in chemical research. Technology mainly used for control release and protection purposes. The sol-gel micro encapsulation approach for fragrance and aroma in porous silica-based materials leads to sustainable odorant and flavored materials with novel and unique beneficial properties. Sol-gel encapsulation of silica based micro particles considered economically cheap as capital investment in manufacturing is very low and environmentally friendly. Amorphous sol-gel SiO2 is non-toxic and safe, whereas the sol-gel entrapment of delicate chemicals in its inner pores results in pronounced chemical and physical stabilization of the entrapped active agents, thereby broadening the practical utilization of chemically unstable essential oils (EOs). Reviewing progress in the fabrication of diverse odorant and flavored sol-gels, shows us how different synthetic strategies are appropriate for practical application with important health and environmental benefits.

Creation of high-refractive-index amorphous titanium oxide thin films from low-fractal-dimension polymeric precursors synthesized by a sol-gel technique with a hydrazine monohydrochloride catalyst.

PubMed

Shimizu, Wataru; Nakamura, Satoshi; Sato, Takaaki; Murakami, Yasushi

2012-08-21

Amorphous titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) thin films exhibiting high refractive indices (n ≈ 2.1) and high transparency were fabricated by spin-coating titanium oxide liquid precursors having a weakly branched polymeric structure. The precursor solution was prepared from titanium tetra-n-butoxide (TTBO) via the catalytic sol-gel process with hydrazine monohydrochloride used as a salt catalyst, which serves as a conjugate acid-base pair catalyst. Our unique catalytic sol-gel technique accelerated the overall polycondensation reaction of partially hydrolyzed alkoxides, which facilitated the formation of liner polymer-like titanium oxide aggregates having a low fractal dimension of ca. (5)/(3), known as a characteristic of the so-called "expanded polymer chain". Such linear polymeric features are essential to the production of highly dense amorphous TiO(2) thin films; mutual interpenetration of the linear polymeric aggregates avoided the creation of void space that is often generated by the densification of high-fractal-dimension (particle-like) aggregates produced in a conventional sol-gel process. The mesh size of the titanium oxide polymers can be tuned either by water concentration or the reaction time, and the smaller mesh size in the liquid precursor led to a higher n value of the solid thin film, thanks to its higher local electron density. The reaction that required no addition of organic ligand to stabilize titanium alkoxides was advantageous to overcoming issues from organic residues such as coloration. The dense amorphous film structure suppressed light scattering loss owing to its extremely smooth surface and the absence of inhomogeneous grains or particles. Furthermore, the fabrication can be accomplished at a low heating temperature of <80 °C. Indeed, we successfully obtained a transparent film with a high refractive index of n = 2.064 (at λ = 633 nm) on a low-heat-resistance plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate), at 60 °C. The result offers an efficient route to high-refractive-index amorphous TiO(2) films as well as base materials for a wider range of applications.