Preparation and Characterization of Carbon Filaments

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-01

Kawasumi, "Whiskerization of Carbon Beads by Vapor Phase Growth of Carbon Fibers to Obtain Sea Urchin -Type Particles", Carbon 21, 89 (1983). 5) R.T.K...multiple fiber microstructure are possible on what appears to be a single fiber along the length of the fiber. However, without SEM micrographs, it is...180 minutes. Scanning Electron Microscopic ( SEM ) observations were cared out using P Philips series 505 SEM system, typically operating at an

[Spectral characteristics of decomposition of incorporated straw in compound polluted arid loess].

PubMed

Fan, Chun-Hui; Zhang, Ying-Chao; Xu, Ji-Ting; Wang, Jia-Hong

2014-04-01

The original loess from western China was used as soil sample, the spectral methods of scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) were used to investigate the characteristics of decomposed straw and formed humic acids in compound polluted arid loess. The SEM micrographs show the variation from dense to decomposed surface, and finally to damaged structure, and the EDS data reveal the phenomenon of element transfer. The newly-formed humic acids are of low aromaticity, helpful for increasing the activity of organic matters in loess. The FTIR spectra in the whole process are similar, indicating the complexity of transformation dynamics of humic acids. The molecular structure of humic acids becomes simpler, shown from 13C NMR spectra. The spectral methods are useful for humic acids identification in loess region in straw incorporation process.

Microbial structures in an Alpine Thermal Spring - Microscopic techniques for the examination of Biofilms in a Subsurface Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dornmayr-Pfaffenhuemer, Marion; Pierson, Elisabeth; Janssen, Geert-Jan; Stan-Lotter, Helga

2010-05-01

The research into extreme environments hast important implications for biology and other sciences. Many of the organisms found there provide insights into the history of Earth. Life exists in all niches where water is present in liquid form. Isolated environments such as caves and other subsurface locations are of interest for geomicrobiological studies. And because of their "extra-terrestrial" conditions such as darkness and mostly extreme physicochemical state they are also of astrobiological interest. The slightly radioactive thermal spring at Bad Gastein (Austria) was therefore examined for the occurrence of subsurface microbial communities. The surfaces of the submerged rocks in this warm spring were overgrown by microbial mats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed by the late Dr. Wolfgang Heinen revealed an interesting morphological diversity in biofilms found in this environment (1, 2). Molecular analysis of the community structure of the radioactive subsurface thermal spring was performed by Weidler et al. (3). The growth of these mats was simulated using sterile glass slides which were exposed to the water stream of the spring. Those mats were analysed microscopically. Staining, using fluorescent dyes such as 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindol (DAPI), gave an overview of the microbial diversity of these biofilms. Additional SEM samples were prepared using different fixation protocols. Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) allowed a three dimensional view of the analysed biofilms. This work presents some electron micrographs of Dr. Heinen and additionally new microscopic studies of the biofilms formed on the glass slides. The appearances of the new SEM micrographs were compared to those of Dr. Heinen that were done several years ago. The morphology and small-scale distribution in the microbial mat was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. The examination of natural biomats and biofilms grown on glass slides using several microscopical techniques suggest that the thermal springs in the Central Alps near Bad Gastein represent a novel and unique habitat for microbial life. Results obtained during these studies revealed reproducibility of Dr. Heinen's micrographs. Hollow reticulated filaments and flat ribbons with parallel hexagonal chambers (web-structures) were found repeatedly. Given the chance that subsurface environments represent a potent opportunity to detect life on planetary bodies it is of big interest to search for representative biosignatures found on earth today. References: 1. Lauwers A. M. & Heinen W. (1985) Mikroskopie (Wien) 42, 94-101. 2. Heinen W. & Lauwers A. M. (1985) Mikroskopie (Wien) 42, 124-134. 3. Weidler G. W., Dornmayr-Pfaffenhuemer M., Gerbl F. W., Heinen W., Stan-Lotter H. (2007) AEM 73, 259-270.

Microstructural investigations of 0.2% carbon content steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tollabimazraehno, Sajjad; Hingerl, Kurt

2011-10-01

The effect of thermal annealing to get different phases on low carbon steel was investigated. Steel sheets (0.2 wt. % C) of 900 μm thickness were heat treated to produce different structures. All the samples have the same starting point, transformation to coarse austenite at 900 degree Celsius. The nano indentation results revealed that samples have different hadness. By making conventional SEM micrographs, focus ion beam maps, and Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) the microstructural development and grain boundary variation of transformed phases martensite, biainte, tempered martensite and different combination of these phases were studied.

Evaluation of enamel by scanning electron microscopy green LED associated to hydrogen peroxide 35% for dental bleaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monteiro, Juliana S. C.; de Oliveira, Susana C. P. S.; Zanin, Fátima A. A.; Santos, Gustavo M. P.; Sampaio, Fernando J. P.; Gomes Júnior, Rafael Araújo; Gesteira, Maria F. M.; Vannier-Santos, Marcos A.; Pinheiro, Antônio Luiz B.

2014-02-01

Dental bleaching is a frequently requested procedure in clinical dental practice. The literature is contradictory regarding the effects of bleaching agents on both morphology and demineralization of enamel after bleaching. The aim of this study was to analyze by SEM the effect of 35% neutral hydrogen peroxide cured by green LED. Buccal surfaces of 15 pre-molars were sectioned and marked with a central groove to allow experimental and control groups on the same specimen. For SEM, 75 electron micrographs were evaluated by tree observers at 43X, 220X and 1000X. Quantitative analysis for the determination of the surface elemental composition of the samples through X-ray microanalysis by SEM was also performed. The protocol tested neither showed significant changes in mineral composition of the samples nor to dental enamel structure when compared to controls. SEM analysis allowed inferring that there were marked morphological differences between the enamel samples highlighting the need for the use of the same tooth in comparative morphological studies. The tested protocol did not cause morphological damage the enamel surface when compared to their respective controls.

Production of bacterial cellulose using different carbon sources and culture media.

PubMed

Mohammadkazemi, Faranak; Azin, Mehrdad; Ashori, Alireza

2015-03-06

In this work, the effects of carbon sources and culture media on the production and structural properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) have been studied. BC nanofibers were synthesized using Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain PTCC 1734. Media used were Hestrin-Schramm (H), Yamanaka (Y), and Zhou (Z). Five different carbon sources, namely date syrup, glucose, mannitol, sucrose, and food-grade sucrose were used in these media. All the produced BC pellicles were characterized in terms of dry weight production, biomass yield, thermal stability, crystallinity and morphology by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The obtained results showed that mannitol lead to the highest yield, followed by sucrose. The highest production efficiency of mannitol might be due to the nitrogen source, which plays an important role. The maximum improvement on the thermal stability of the composites was achieved when mannitol was used in H medium. In addition, the crystallinity was higher in BC formed in H medium compared to other media. FE-SEM micrographs illustrated that the BC pellicles, synthesized in the culture media H and Z, were stable, unlike those in medium Y that were unstable. The micrographs of BC produced in media containing mannitol and sucrose provided evidence of the strong interfacial adhesion between the BC fibers without noticeable aggregates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Laguna, O.; Collar, E.P.; Taranco, J.

Observations are made about microstructural aspects from HDPE and LDPE homopolymers and their blends as virgin materials and also from urban plastic wastes. Micrographs were taken by SEM. Micrographs corresponding to the fracture surface from specimens tested in an impact test clearly show different microstructural features due to polymer which is more than 50%. Parts were injection molded. A discussion is given about crystallization behavior of those materials obtained by DSC. For all blends the same results have been found, i.e., two peaks owing to each of the two polymers which are present in the blends.

Phonon Avoided and Scalable Cascade Lasers (PASCAL)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

up We fully developed the mask-less nanolithography technique. The SEM micrographs show that highly uniform nanoholes and nanopillars array can be...by the technique and we produced a large area of high uniform nanoholes perforated in Al films, which is a big step towards making quantum dot...spheres on photoresist ’ • A. W A - " > EN • • • ^Ti—i Figure 14 - SEM images series showing nanoholes generated with

Microstructural and optical properties of Mn doped NiO nanostructures synthesized via sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Shamim H.; Khan, Wasi; Naseem, Swaleha; Husain, Shahid; Nadeem, M.

2018-04-01

Undoped and Mn(0, 5%, 10% and 15%) doped NiO nanostructures were synthesized by sol-gel method. Structure, morphology and optical properties were investigated through XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy techniques. XRD data analysis reveals the single phase nature with cubic crystal symmetry of the samples and the average crystallite size decreases with the doping of Mn ions upto 10%. FTIR spectra further confirmed the purity and composition of the synthesized samples. The non-spherical shape of the nanostructures was observed from SEM micrographs and gain size of the nanostructures reduces with Mn doping in NiO, whereas agglomeration increases in doped sample. Optical band gap was estimated using Tauc'srelation and found to increase on incorporation of Mn upto 10% in host lattice and then decreases for further doping.

Microstructural, optical and electrical properties of LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3 perovskite nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, S. Asad; Naseem, Swaleha; Khan, Wasi; Sharma, A.; Naqvi, A. H.

2016-05-01

Perovskite nanocrystalline powder of LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3 was synthesized by sol-gel combustion route and characterized by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with EDS, UV-visible and LCR meter at room temperature Rietveld refinement of the XRD data confirms that the sample is in single phase-rhombohedral structure with space group R-3C. SEM micrograph shows clear nanostructure of the sample and EDS ensures the presence of all elements in good stoichiometric. The optical absorption indicates the maximum absorption at 315 nm and optical band gap of 2.94 eV was estimated using Tauc's relation. Dielectric constant (ɛ') and loss were found to decrease with increase in frequencies. The dielectric behavior was explained on the basis of Maxwell-Wagner's two layer model.

Structural and magnetic characterization of Ti doped cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Jaswinder; Kumar, Sunil; Kaur, Randeep; Agrawal, P.; Singh, Mandeep; Singh, Anupinder

2018-05-01

Synthesis of Co1-xTixFe2O4 solid solutions for 0.1≤x≤0.4 using the solid-state-reaction rate has been done. The prepared samples were characterized by using XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Magnetic studies have been done using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). XRD confirmed that Cobalt Ferrite spinel cubic structure in all prepared samples. The lattice parameter `a' increases with increase in the concentration of Ti. SEM micrograph shows good grain growth in all samples. Magnetic Study reveals that the M-H curves of all the prepared samples taken at room temperature are very well saturated. The maximum value of remnant magnetization (Mr ˜13.9 emu/g) and saturation magnetization (Ms ˜74.4 emu/g) has been observed for x =0.2 sample. Coercivity does not show any regular variation with increase in the molar concentration of Ti in CoFe2O4 at A-site.

A comparative study: Effect of plasma on V2O5 nanostructured thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Megha; Kumar, Prabhat; Sharma, Rabindar K.; Reddy, G. B.

2016-05-01

Vanadium pentoxide nanostructured thin films (NSTs) have been studied to analyze the effect of plasma on nanostructures grown and morphology of films deposited using sublimation process. Nanostructured thin films were deposited on glass substrates, one in presence of oxygen plasma and other in oxygen environment (absence of plasma). Films were characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM and HRTEM. XRD studies revealed α-V2O5 films (orthorhombic phase) with good crystallinity. However, film deposited in presence of plasma have higher peak intensities as compared to those deposited in absence of plasma. Raman studies also support these finding following same trends of considerable increase in intensity in case of film deposited in presence of plasma. SEM micrographs makes the difference more visible, as film deposited in plasma have well defined plate like structures whereas other film have not-clearly-defined petal-like structures. HRTEM results show orthorhombic phase with 0.39 nm interplanar spacing, as reported by XRD. Results are hereby in good agreement with each other.

Effects of gliadin addition on the rheological, microscopic and thermal characteristics of wheat gluten.

PubMed

Khatkar, B S; Barak, Sheweta; Mudgil, Deepak

2013-02-01

In the present study, micro-structural, thermal and rheological changes in the gluten network upon addition of gliadins at 5% and 10% levels were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic rheometry. The addition of gliadins decreased the peak dough height inferring decrease in dough strength. The dough stability also decreased from 3.20 to 1.40 min upon addition of 10% gliadin to the base flour. The TGA profile and the glass transition behavior of the control gluten and gluten obtained from dough with gliadin added at 5% and 10% levels showed decrease in thermal stability. The SEM micrograph of the control gluten showed foam like protein matrix. As the gliadin percentage in the gluten was increased, the compactness of the gluten structure reduced considerably leading to the formation of a more open weak gluten network. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tensile experiments and SEM fractography on bovine subchondral bone.

PubMed

Braidotti, P; Bemporad, E; D'Alessio, T; Sciuto, S A; Stagni, L

2000-09-01

Subchondral bone undecalcified samples, extracted from bovine femoral heads, are subjected to a direct tensile load. The Young's modulus of each sample is determined from repeated tests within the elastic limit. In a last test, the tensile load is increased up to the specimen failure, determining the ultimate tensile strength. The investigation is performed on both dry and wet specimens. The measured Young's modulus for dry samples is 10.3+/-2.5GPa, while that of wet samples is 3.5+/-1.2GPa. The ultimate tensile strengths are 36+/-10 and 30+/-7.5MPa for dry and wet specimens, respectively. SEM micrographs of failure surfaces show characteristic lamellar bone structures, with lamellae composed of calcified collagen fibers. Rudimentary osteon-like structures are also observed. Failure surfaces of wet samples show a marked fiber pull-out, while delamination predominates in dry samples. The obtained results are interpreted on the basis of the deformation mechanisms typical of fiber-reinforced laminated composite materials.

Fabrication and physical-chemical characterisation of polyelectrolyte microparticles: platform for controlled release of bioactives.

PubMed

Sun, Yuhui; Travas-Sejdic, Jadranka; Wen, Jingyuan; Alany, Raid G

2009-08-01

Porous CaCO(3) microparticles were fabricated by colloidal crystallization. Two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, poly (styrene sulfonate, PSS) and poly (allylamine hydrochloride, PAH) were adsorbed layer-by-layer on the CaCO(3) templates. Polyelectrolyte microcapsules were then obtained by removing the CaCO(3) core. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX), laser diffraction particle sizing and Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the physico-chemical properties of the constructed microcapsules. In vitro drug release studies were conducted using the model water-soluble drug Rhodamine B. Factors such as the number of polyelectrolyte layers and pH were investigated. SEM micrographs revealed uniform CaCO(3) microparticles, nearly spherical in shape with pronounced surface roughness, and highly developed interior porous structure. The surface of polyelectrolyte coated particles became rougher than the initial CaCO(3) microparticles. The acquired SEM micrographs of the (PSS/PAH)(n) microcapsules indicated that the number of layers affected the morphology of the microcapsules. The (PSS/PAH)(3) microcapsules revealed a very porous network with many holes resembling the initial morphology of CaCO(3) microparticles. Raman spectra showed peaks at 1125 cm(-1) (S=O bond) and 1600 cm(-1) (aromatic ring stretching) which represented the PSS molecule. The thickness of each layer was about 10 to 20 nm and it can be tailored to such nanometer level by controlling the number of adsorbed layers. The in vitro release of Rhodamine B was dependent on both the number of wall bilayers as well as the pH of the release media. These systems provide an opportunity for the development of controlled release dosage forms with greater effectiveness in the treatment of chronic conditions.

Synthesis of n-type Bi4-xLaxTi3O12 (x=0 to 0.45) by alternative mechanochemical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharanappa, Nagbasavanna

2017-05-01

Lanthanum doped bismuth titanate ceramic samples have been successfully synthesized by mechanochemical method showed good properties and have investigated the structure, microstructure, dielectric, Curie-Weiss behavior, thermoelectric properties, which resulted from substitution of La-ions in bismuth titanate. Plate-like shape with enhanced density is observed in the SEM micrographs. Ceramic samples exhibiting relaxor ferroelectric behavior by satisfying Curie-Weiss law. Thermoelectric studies reveal n-type semiconducting behavior of these samples. Synthesized compounds explored these desirable properties for innovative semiconductor based device applications.

Chinese wine classification system based on micrograph using combination of shape and structure features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Yi

2011-06-01

Chinese wines can be classification or graded by the micrographs. Micrographs of Chinese wines show floccules, stick and granule of variant shape and size. Different wines have variant microstructure and micrographs, we study the classification of Chinese wines based on the micrographs. Shape and structure of wines' particles in microstructure is the most important feature for recognition and classification of wines. So we introduce a feature extraction method which can describe the structure and region shape of micrograph efficiently. First, the micrographs are enhanced using total variation denoising, and segmented using a modified Otsu's method based on the Rayleigh Distribution. Then features are extracted using proposed method in the paper based on area, perimeter and traditional shape feature. Eight kinds total 26 features are selected. Finally, Chinese wine classification system based on micrograph using combination of shape and structure features and BP neural network have been presented. We compare the recognition results for different choices of features (traditional shape features or proposed features). The experimental results show that the better classification rate have been achieved using the combinational features proposed in this paper.

3D reconstruction of SEM images by use of optical photogrammetry software.

PubMed

Eulitz, Mona; Reiss, Gebhard

2015-08-01

Reconstruction of the three-dimensional (3D) surface of an object to be examined is widely used for structure analysis in science and many biological questions require information about their true 3D structure. For Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) there has been no efficient non-destructive solution for reconstruction of the surface morphology to date. The well-known method of recording stereo pair images generates a 3D stereoscope reconstruction of a section, but not of the complete sample surface. We present a simple and non-destructive method of 3D surface reconstruction from SEM samples based on the principles of optical close range photogrammetry. In optical close range photogrammetry a series of overlapping photos is used to generate a 3D model of the surface of an object. We adapted this method to the special SEM requirements. Instead of moving a detector around the object, the object itself was rotated. A series of overlapping photos was stitched and converted into a 3D model using the software commonly used for optical photogrammetry. A rabbit kidney glomerulus was used to demonstrate the workflow of this adaption. The reconstruction produced a realistic and high-resolution 3D mesh model of the glomerular surface. The study showed that SEM micrographs are suitable for 3D reconstruction by optical photogrammetry. This new approach is a simple and useful method of 3D surface reconstruction and suitable for various applications in research and teaching. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of Mn doped ZnS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashad, M. M.; Rayan, D. A.; El-Barawy, K.

2010-01-01

Nanocrystallite Mn doped Zn1-XS (X = 0 to 0.4) powders have been synthesized through a hydrothermal route. The effect of the hydrothermal temperature and Mn2+ ions substitution on the crystal structure, crystallite size, microstructure and magnetic properties were investigated using (XRD), (SEM) and (VSM). The results revealed that wurtzite zinc sulfide phase was formed using thiourea as a sulfur source at temperature 150- 200oC for 24 h. The crystallite size was (7.9-15.1 nm) was obtained at the same conditions. The doping of Mn2+ ions decreased the crystallite size of the formed ZnS wurtzite phase was in the range between 7.9 and 3.8 nm. SEM micrographs showed that the produced ZnS and Mn doped ZnS particles were appeared as spherical shape. The magnetic properties were improved by substitution of Mn2+ ions up to 0.2.

Effect of some biotic factors on microbially-induced calcite precipitation in cement mortar.

PubMed

Al-Salloum, Yousef; Abbas, H; Sheikh, Q I; Hadi, S; Alsayed, Saleh; Almusallam, Tarek

2017-02-01

Sporosarcina pasteurii , a common soil bacterium has been tested for microbial treatment of cement mortar. The present study also seeks to investigate the effects of growth medium, bacterial concentration and different buffers concerning the preparation of bacterial suspensions on the compressive strength of cement mortar. Two growth media, six different suspensions and two bacterial concentrations were used in the study. The influence of growth medium on calcification efficiency of S. pasteurii was insignificant. Significant improvement in the compressive as well as the tensile strength of cement mortar was observed. Microbial mineral precipitation visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shows fibrous material that increased the strength of cement mortar. Formation of thin strands of fillers observed through SEM micrographs improves the pore structure, impermeability and thus the compressive as well as the tensile strengths of the cement mortar. The type of substrate and its molarity have a significant influence on the strength of cement mortar.

Efficacy of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge for inactivating airborne pathogens

DOE PAGES

Romero-Mangado, Jaione; Dey, Avishek; Diaz-Cartagena, Diana C.; ...

2017-07-05

Atmospheric pressure plasmas have gained attention in recent years for several environmental applications. This technology could potentially be used to deactivate airborne microorganisms, surface-bound microorganisms, and biofilms. Here, the authors explore the efficacy of the atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) to inactivate airborne Staphylococcus epidermidis and Aspergillus niger that are opportunistic pathogens associated with nosocomial infections. This technology uses air as the source of gas and does not require any process gas such as helium, argon, nitrogen, or hydrogen. Moreover, the effect of DBD was studied on aerosolized S. epidermidis and aerosolized A. niger spores via scanning electron microscopymore » (SEM). The morphology observed on the SEM micrographs showed deformations in the cellular structure of both microorganisms. Cell structure damage upon interaction with the DBD suggests leakage of vital cellular materials, which is a key mechanism for microbial inactivation. The chemical structure of the cell surface of S. epidermidis was also analyzed by near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy before and after DBD exposure. Our results from surface analysis revealed that reactive oxygen species from the DBD discharge contributed to alterations on the chemistry of the cell membrane/cell wall of S. epidermidis.« less

Efficacy of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge for inactivating airborne pathogens

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

Romero-Mangado, Jaione; Dey, Avishek; Diaz-Cartagena, Diana C.

Atmospheric pressure plasmas have gained attention in recent years for several environmental applications. This technology could potentially be used to deactivate airborne microorganisms, surface-bound microorganisms, and biofilms. Here, the authors explore the efficacy of the atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) to inactivate airborne Staphylococcus epidermidis and Aspergillus niger that are opportunistic pathogens associated with nosocomial infections. This technology uses air as the source of gas and does not require any process gas such as helium, argon, nitrogen, or hydrogen. Moreover, the effect of DBD was studied on aerosolized S. epidermidis and aerosolized A. niger spores via scanning electron microscopymore » (SEM). The morphology observed on the SEM micrographs showed deformations in the cellular structure of both microorganisms. Cell structure damage upon interaction with the DBD suggests leakage of vital cellular materials, which is a key mechanism for microbial inactivation. The chemical structure of the cell surface of S. epidermidis was also analyzed by near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy before and after DBD exposure. Our results from surface analysis revealed that reactive oxygen species from the DBD discharge contributed to alterations on the chemistry of the cell membrane/cell wall of S. epidermidis.« less

Surfactant-free bio-synthesised Tio2 nanorods from Turbinaria conoides-a study on photocatalytic and anti-bacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhapriya, S.; Gomathipriya, P.

2018-06-01

In this study, Titania nanorods were synthesised from aqueous extract of Turbinaria conoides (brown seaweeds) (TiO2NRs-TC) under surfactant free medium. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesised nanorods was tested towards the photocatalytic decolourization using simulated dye wastewater containing Navy Blue HER (NBHER). The synthesised Titania nanorods were characterized by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrophotometer (EDS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). XRD pattern confirms the anatase phase formation and HR-SEM micrograph shows the presence of rod like structure with the size of about 50 nm. TEM analysis proves the rod like structure with a size of 45–50 nm which was in agreement with the XRD analysis and HR-SEM images. EDS and XDS confirmed the formation of Titania nanoparticles. The formation of TiO2NRs-TC has a beneficial influence on the dye Navy blue HER photodegradation. TiO2-TC nano rods also show superior photocatalytic ability in hydrogen generation (2.1 mmol/h‑1g‑1). The antibacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was examined using disc diffusion method which showed diverse susceptibility of microorganisms to the Titania nanoparticles.

Study of sintering temperature on the structure of silicon carbide membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadighzadeh, A.; Mashayekhan, Sh.; Nedaie, B.; Ghorashi, A. H.

2014-09-01

Study of the microstructure of silicon carbide (SiC) membrane as a function of sintering temperature and the percentage amount of additive kaolin is the outcome of the experimental fabrications presented in this paper. The SEM micrographs are used to investigate the impact of above parameters on the porosity of membrane. The experimental results show that the rise in the temperature causes more sintering of powder particles, growing granules, augmentation of the number of pores and consequently increasing the total porosity of membrane. Using XRD analyses, it is found that SiC amorphous phase is highly sensitive to the temperature and its crystallization physically grows with temperature increase.

New, hybrid pectin-based biosorbents

PubMed Central

Jakóbik-Kolon, Agata; Milewski, Andrzej K.; Karoń, Krzysztof; Bok-Badura, Joanna

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT In this work hybrid pectin-based biosorbents with secondary polysaccharide additives (gellan, carob and xanthan gum, ratio to pectin 1:1, 1:1 and 1:3, respectively) were obtained at two temperatures. The presence of these additives in prepared beads was confirmed by Raman spectra. The SEM micrographs show better homogeneity of blends and grater differences between structures of beads with various additives obtained at higher temperature. The sorption capacity of our hybrid biosorbents as well as sole pectin sorbent is rather the same, and equals 0.85 and 0.70 mmol/g for lead and cadmium, respectively, in pH 4–6. PMID:27812233

Spray deposited gallium doped tin oxide thinfilm for acetone sensor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preethi, M. S.; Bharath, S. P.; Bangera, Kasturi V.

2018-04-01

Undoped and gallium doped (1 at.%, 2 at.% and 3 at.%) tin oxide thin films were prepared using spray pyrolysis technique by optimising the deposition conditions such as precursor concentration, substrate temperature and spraying rate. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed formation of tetragonally structured polycrystalline films. The SEM micrographs of Ga doped films showed microstructures. The electrical resistivity of the doped films was found to be more than that of the undoped films. The Ga-doped tin oxide thin films were characterised for gas sensors. 1 at.% Ga doped thin films were found to be better acetone gas sensor, showed 68% sensitivity at 350°C temperature.

Investigation of multiferroic behavior on flakes-like BiFeO{sub 3}

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

Sheikh, Javed R.; Gaikwad, Vishwajit M.; Acharya, Smita A., E-mail: saha275@yahoo.com

2016-05-23

In present work, multiferroic BiFeO{sub 3} was synthesized by hydrothermal route. The rhombohedral structure was confirmed X-ray diffraction pattern and data fitted with Reitveld refinement using Full-Prof software suite. SEM micrograph shows flake like morphology. Frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss were studied and detected enhancement in dielectric constant. The magnetic measurement indicates antiferromagnetic nature of BFO. P-E curve shows ferroelectic hysteresis loop with remanent polarization (2Pr) 0.3518 µC/cm{sup 2}. The dielectric anomaly observed near T{sub N} can be assigned to magnetoelectric coupling which is useful in device application.

Synthesis and characterization of laminated Si/SiC composites.

PubMed

Naga, Salma M; Kenawy, Sayed H; Awaad, Mohamed; Abd El-Wahab, Hamada S; Greil, Peter; Abadir, Magdi F

2013-01-01

Laminated Si/SiC ceramics were synthesized from porous preforms of biogenous carbon impregnated with Si slurry at a temperature of 1500 °C for 2 h. Due to the capillarity infiltration with Si, both intrinsic micro- and macrostructure in the carbon preform were retained within the final ceramics. The SEM micrographs indicate that the final material exhibits a distinguished laminar structure with successive Si/SiC layers. The produced composites show weight gain of ≈5% after heat treatment in air at 1300 °C for 50 h. The produced bodies could be used as high temperature gas filters as indicated from the permeability results.

Description of larva and puparium of Oplodontha rubrithorax (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) from the Oriental Region.

PubMed

Nerudová, Jana; Kovac, Damir; Tóthová, Andrea

2015-05-01

This is the first description of larva and puparium of Oplodontha rubrithorax (Macquart, 1838) from the Oriental Region. Larvae were found at a hot spring in North Thailand. The morphological features and cuticular structures of the larva are documented by drawings and SEM micrographs and the main characters are compared with the European O. viridula (Fabricius, 1775), the only described larva of this genus. Differences between larvae of both species were only found in pubescence. The characteristic, somewhat dilated and slightly clavate hairs on the dorsal surface of the body segments of O. viridula larva are apparently lacking in the larva of O. rubrithorax.

Serial Section Scanning Electron Microscopy (S3EM) on Silicon Wafers for Ultra-Structural Volume Imaging of Cells and Tissues

PubMed Central

Horstmann, Heinz; Körber, Christoph; Sätzler, Kurt; Aydin, Daniel; Kuner, Thomas

2012-01-01

High resolution, three-dimensional (3D) representations of cellular ultrastructure are essential for structure function studies in all areas of cell biology. While limited subcellular volumes have been routinely examined using serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM), complete ultrastructural reconstructions of large volumes, entire cells or even tissue are difficult to achieve using ssTEM. Here, we introduce a novel approach combining serial sectioning of tissue with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a conductive silicon wafer as a support. Ribbons containing hundreds of 35 nm thick sections can be generated and imaged on the wafer at a lateral pixel resolution of 3.7 nm by recording the backscattered electrons with the in-lens detector of the SEM. The resulting electron micrographs are qualitatively comparable to those obtained by conventional TEM. S3EM images of the same region of interest in consecutive sections can be used for 3D reconstructions of large structures. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by reconstructing a 31.7 µm3 volume of a calyx of Held presynaptic terminal. The approach introduced here, Serial Section SEM (S3EM), for the first time provides the possibility to obtain 3D ultrastructure of large volumes with high resolution and to selectively and repetitively home in on structures of interest. S3EM accelerates process duration, is amenable to full automation and can be implemented with standard instrumentation. PMID:22523574

Serial section scanning electron microscopy (S3EM) on silicon wafers for ultra-structural volume imaging of cells and tissues.

PubMed

Horstmann, Heinz; Körber, Christoph; Sätzler, Kurt; Aydin, Daniel; Kuner, Thomas

2012-01-01

High resolution, three-dimensional (3D) representations of cellular ultrastructure are essential for structure function studies in all areas of cell biology. While limited subcellular volumes have been routinely examined using serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM), complete ultrastructural reconstructions of large volumes, entire cells or even tissue are difficult to achieve using ssTEM. Here, we introduce a novel approach combining serial sectioning of tissue with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a conductive silicon wafer as a support. Ribbons containing hundreds of 35 nm thick sections can be generated and imaged on the wafer at a lateral pixel resolution of 3.7 nm by recording the backscattered electrons with the in-lens detector of the SEM. The resulting electron micrographs are qualitatively comparable to those obtained by conventional TEM. S(3)EM images of the same region of interest in consecutive sections can be used for 3D reconstructions of large structures. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by reconstructing a 31.7 µm(3) volume of a calyx of Held presynaptic terminal. The approach introduced here, Serial Section SEM (S(3)EM), for the first time provides the possibility to obtain 3D ultrastructure of large volumes with high resolution and to selectively and repetitively home in on structures of interest. S(3)EM accelerates process duration, is amenable to full automation and can be implemented with standard instrumentation.

Electrical properties of palladium-doped CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Arashdeep; Md Mursalin, Sk.; Rana, P.; Sen, Shrabanee

2015-09-01

The effect of doping palladium (Pd) at the Cu site of CaCu3Ti4O12 powders (CCPTO) synthesized by sol-gel technique on electrical properties was studied. XRD analysis revealed the formation of CCTO and CCPTO ceramics with some minor quantities of impurities. SEM micrographs revealed that the grain size decreased with Pd doping. TEM micrographs of CCPTO powder showed the formation of irregular-shaped particles of ~40 nm. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss showed a significant enhancement with Pd doping. A significant decrease in grain-boundary resistance with Pd doping was ascertained by impedance spectroscopy study.

Structural properties and optical characterization of flower-like Mg doped NiO

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

Allaedini, Ghazaleh, E-mail: jiny-ghazaleh@yahoo.com; Tasirin, Siti Masrinda; Aminayi, Payam

In this study, un-doped and Mg doped NiO nanoparticles have been synthesized through a simple sol-gel method. To investigate the effect of Mg-doping on the structure of NiO, the obtained nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flower/star like morphology was clearly observed in the SEM micrographs. The BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) nitrogen absorption isotherm exhibits high specific surface area (∼37 m{sup 2} /g) for the Mg doped NiO nanoparticles. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) of the prepared Mg-NiO nanoparticles showed a face-centered cubic (f.c.c) structure, and the average particle size was estimated to be 32 nm using Scherrer’s formula. Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX)more » confirms that the NiO particles are successfully doped with Mg. Photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis optical absorption characteristics of the prepared nanoparticles have also been investigated in this study. The PL emission response showed a blue shift when NiO was doped with Mg, which is indicative of interstitial oxygen. The UV-Vis results demonstrate a band gap increase as NiO nanoparticles are doped with Mg.« less

Energy Harvesting and Storage Systems for Future AF Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-18

mechanical testing setup/procedures to determine the Young’s modulus and fracture strength of solar energy harvesting modules. Figure D1 SEM micrograph of...failure modes. (4 configurations; 2 repetitions) Table D3. Summary of mechanical testing activity The goal of the test is to determine the fracture ...

Method to deterministically study photonic nanostructures in different experimental instruments.

PubMed

Husken, B H; Woldering, L A; Blum, C; Vos, W L

2009-01-01

We describe an experimental method to recover a single, deterministically fabricated nanostructure in various experimental instruments without the use of artificially fabricated markers, with the aim to study photonic structures. Therefore, a detailed map of the spatial surroundings of the nanostructure is made during the fabrication of the structure. These maps are made using a series of micrographs with successively decreasing magnifications. The graphs reveal intrinsic and characteristic geometric features that can subsequently be used in different setups to act as markers. As an illustration, we probe surface cavities with radii of 65 nm on a silica opal photonic crystal with various setups: a focused ion beam workstation; a scanning electron microscope (SEM); a wide field optical microscope and a confocal microscope. We use cross-correlation techniques to recover a small area imaged with the SEM in a large area photographed with the optical microscope, which provides a possible avenue to automatic searching. We show how both structural and optical reflectivity data can be obtained from one and the same nanostructure. Since our approach does not use artificial grids or markers, it is of particular interest for samples whose structure is not known a priori, like samples created solely by self-assembly. In addition, our method is not restricted to conducting samples.

Electronic structure and chemical bonding in La1-x Sr x MnO3 perovskite ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thenmozhi, N.; Sasikumar, S.; Sonai, S.; Saravanan, R.

2017-04-01

This study reports on the synthesis of La1-x Sr x MnO3 (x  =  0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) manganites by high temperature solid state reaction method using lanthanum oxide, strontium carbonate and manganese oxide as starting materials. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, UV-vis, SEM/EDS and VSM. Structural characterization shows that all the prepared samples have the perovskite rhombohedral structure. Influence of Sr doping on electron density distributions in the lattice structure of LaMnO3 were analyzed through maximum entropy method (MEM). Cell parameters are found to be decreasing with the addition of Sr content. The qualitative and quantitative analysis by MEM reveals that, incorporation of Sr into LaMnO3 lattice enhances the ionic nature between La and O ions and decreases the covalent nature between Mn and O ions. Optical band gap values are determined from the UV-visible absorption spectra. Particles with polygonal form are observed from the SEM micrographs. The elemental compositions of the synthesized samples are confirmed by EDS. The magnetic properties studied from the M-H plot taken at room temperature indicated that, the prepared samples are exhibited ferromagnetic behavior.

Structure of first- and second-stage mineralized elements in teeth of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus.

PubMed

Robach, J S; Stock, S R; Veis, A

2009-12-01

Microstructure of the teeth of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus was investigated using optical microscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and SIMS (secondary ion mass spectroscopy). The study focused on the internal structure of the first-stage mineral structures of high Mg calcite (primary, secondary and carinar process plates, prisms) and on morphology of the columns of second-stage mineral (very high Mg calcite) that cement the first-stage material together. Optical micrographs under polarized light revealed contrast in the centers (midlines) of carinar process plates and in prisms in polished sections; staining of primary and carinar process plates revealed significant dye uptake at the plate centers. Demineralization with and without fixation revealed that the midlines of primary and carinar process plates (but not secondary plates) and the centers of prisms differed from the rest of the plate or prism, and SIMS showed proteins concentrated in these plate centers. SEM was used to study the morphology of columns, the fracture surfaces of mature teeth and the 3D morphology of prisms. These observations of internal structures in plates and prisms offer new insight into the mineralization process and suggest an important role for protein inclusions within the first-stage mineral. Some of the 3D structures not reported previously, such as twisted prisms and stacks of carinar process plates with nested wrinkles, may represent structural strengthening strategies.

Structure of first- and second-stage mineralized elements in teeth of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

PubMed Central

Robach, J. S.; Stock, S. R.; Veis, A.

2009-01-01

Microstructure of the teeth of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus was investigated using optical microscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and SIMS (secondary ion mass spectroscopy). The study focused on the internal structure of the first-stage mineral structures of high Mg calcite (primary, secondary and carinar process plates; prisms) and on morphology of the columns of second-stage mineral (very high Mg calcite) that cement the first-stage material together. Optical micrographs under polarized light revealed contrast in the centers (midlines) of carinar process plates and in prisms in polished sections; staining of primary and carinar process plates revealed significant dye uptake at the plate centers. Demineralization with and without fixation revealed that the midlines of primary and carinar process plates (but not secondary plates) and the centers of prisms differed from the rest of the plate or prism, and SIMS showed proteins concentrated in these plate centers. SEM was used to study the morphology of columns, the fracture surfaces of mature teeth and the 3D morphology of prisms. These observations of internal structures in plates and prisms offer new insight into the mineralization process and suggest an important role for protein inclusions within the first-stage mineral. Some of the 3D structures not reported previously, such as twisted prisms and stacks of carinar process plates with nested wrinkles, may represent structural strengthening strategies. PMID:19616101

Synthesis and characterization of laminated Si/SiC composites

PubMed Central

Naga, Salma M.; Kenawy, Sayed H.; Awaad, Mohamed; Abd El-Wahab, Hamada S.; Greil, Peter; Abadir, Magdi F.

2012-01-01

Laminated Si/SiC ceramics were synthesized from porous preforms of biogenous carbon impregnated with Si slurry at a temperature of 1500 °C for 2 h. Due to the capillarity infiltration with Si, both intrinsic micro- and macrostructure in the carbon preform were retained within the final ceramics. The SEM micrographs indicate that the final material exhibits a distinguished laminar structure with successive Si/SiC layers. The produced composites show weight gain of ≈5% after heat treatment in air at 1300 °C for 50 h. The produced bodies could be used as high temperature gas filters as indicated from the permeability results. PMID:25685404

One-dimensional nanoferroic rods; synthesis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, M. A.; Seddik, U.; Okasha, N.; Imam, N. G.

2015-11-01

One-dimensional nanoferroic rods of BaTiO3 were synthesized by improved citrate auto-combustion technology using tetrabutyl titanate. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been used to characterize the prepared sample. The results indicated that the crystal structure of BaTiO3 is tetragonal phase with an average crystallite size of 47 nm. SEM image gives a cauliflower-like morphology of the agglomerated nanorods. The stoichiometry of the chemical composition of the BaTiO3 ceramic was confirmed by EDX. TEM micrograph exhibited that BaTiO3 nanoparticles have rod-like shape with an average length of 120 nm and width of 43 nm. AFM was used to investigate the surface topography and its roughness. The topography image in 3D showed that the BaTiO3 particles have a rod shape with an average particle size of 116 nm which in agreement with 3D TEM result.

Structural, thermal and electrical characterizations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyaniline composite

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

Singh, Kamal, E-mail: singhkamal204@gmail.com; Garg, Leena; Singh, Jaspal

2016-05-06

The undoped and doped composite of MWNTs (Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes) with PANI (/Polyaniline) was prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization. The MWNTs/PANI composites have been characterized by using various techniques like Thermogravometric Analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and conductivity measurement by using two probe method. TGA results has shown that thermal stability followed the pattern undoped MWNTs/PANI composite < doped MWNTs/PANI composite. FE-SEM micrographs demonstrated the morphological changes on the surface of MWNTs as a result of composite formation. Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectra ascertained the formation of the composite. Study ofmore » electrical characteristics demonstrated that the doped MWNTs/PANI composite (1.2 × 10{sup 1} Scm{sup −1}) have better conductivity than the undoped MWNTs/PANI composite (10{sup −4} Scm{sup −1}). These CNTs based polymeric composites are of great importance in developing new nano-scale devices for future chemical, mechanical and electronic applications.« less

Navicula sp. Sulfated Polysaccharide Gels Induced by Fe(III): Rheology and Microstructure

PubMed Central

Fimbres-Olivarría, Diana; López-Elías, José Antonio; Carvajal-Millán, Elizabeth; Márquez-Escalante, Jorge Alberto; Martínez-Córdova, Luis Rafael; Miranda-Baeza, Anselmo; Enríquez-Ocaña, Fernando; Valdéz-Holguín, José Eduardo; Brown-Bojórquez, Francisco

2016-01-01

A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Navicula sp. presented a yield of 4.4 (% w/w dry biomass basis). Analysis of the polysaccharide using gas chromatography showed that this polysaccharide contained glucose (29%), galactose (21%), rhamnose (10%), xylose (5%) and mannose (4%). This polysaccharide presented an average molecular weight of 107 kDa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the lyophilized Navicula sp. polysaccharide is an amorphous solid with particles of irregular shapes and sharp angles. The polysaccharide at 1% (w/v) solution in water formed gels in the presence of 0.4% (w/v) FeCl3, showing elastic and viscous moduli of 1 and 0.7 Pa, respectively. SEM analysis performed on the lyophilized gel showed a compact pore structure, with a pore size of approximately 150 nm. Very few studies on the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides using trivalent ions exist in the literature, and, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Navicula sp. PMID:27483255

Navicula sp. Sulfated Polysaccharide Gels Induced by Fe(III): Rheology and Microstructure.

PubMed

Fimbres-Olivarría, Diana; López-Elías, José Antonio; Carvajal-Millán, Elizabeth; Márquez-Escalante, Jorge Alberto; Martínez-Córdova, Luis Rafael; Miranda-Baeza, Anselmo; Enríquez-Ocaña, Fernando; Valdéz-Holguín, José Eduardo; Brown-Bojórquez, Francisco

2016-07-30

A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Navicula sp. presented a yield of 4.4 (% w/w dry biomass basis). Analysis of the polysaccharide using gas chromatography showed that this polysaccharide contained glucose (29%), galactose (21%), rhamnose (10%), xylose (5%) and mannose (4%). This polysaccharide presented an average molecular weight of 107 kDa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the lyophilized Navicula sp. polysaccharide is an amorphous solid with particles of irregular shapes and sharp angles. The polysaccharide at 1% (w/v) solution in water formed gels in the presence of 0.4% (w/v) FeCl₃, showing elastic and viscous moduli of 1 and 0.7 Pa, respectively. SEM analysis performed on the lyophilized gel showed a compact pore structure, with a pore size of approximately 150 nm. Very few studies on the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides using trivalent ions exist in the literature, and, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Navicula sp.

Chapter 16 Lumen Modification

Treesearch

Rebecca E. Ibach; Roger M. Rowell

2012-01-01

When wood is vacuum impregnated with liquid vinyl monomers that do not swell wood, and then in situ polymerized either by chemical catalyst-heat, or gamma radiation, the polymer is located almost solely in the lumens of the wood. Figure 16.1 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of unmodified wood showing open cells that are...

Carbon protrusions on PTFE surface prepared by ion irradiation and chemical defluorination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, T.; Iwaki, M.

2006-01-01

A surface of PTFE was covered with small protrusions by ion-beam irradiation. In this study, we converted PTFE protrusions into carbon protrusions by a defluorination (carbonization) process using sodium vapor. The morphology, composition and structure were analyzed by SEM-EDX, Raman spectroscopy and TEM. The irradiated PTFE sheets were packed in evacuated glass tubes with a sodium block and kept at 473 K for 2-48 h. The samples were then rinsed in HCl and distilled water to remove NaF precipitates. The EDX measurement showed that the NaF precipitates were completely removed by washing, and the percentage of carbon atoms was controlled from 60% to 99% by the treatment. Raman spectra showed that graphite structures grow during the defluorination process. TEM micrographs showed that the protrusions have a bubble structure and are covered with a thin wall. The carbonized protrusions were conductive and grew perpendicular to the substrate.

Role of Bi3+ substitution on structural, magnetic and optical properties of cobalt spinel ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anjum, Safia; Sehar, Fatima; Awan, M. S.; Zia, Rehana

2016-04-01

Bismuth-doped cobalt ferrite CoBi x Fe(2- x)O4 with x = 0, 0.1,0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 have been prepared using powder metallurgy route. The structural, morphological, elemental, magnetic and optical properties have been investigated using X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-rays, vibrating sample magnetometer and ultraviolet-visible spectrometer, respectively. X-ray diffractometer analysis confirms the formation of single-phase cubic spinel structure. As the substitution of larger ionic radii Bi3+ ions increases in cobalt ferrite which is responsible to increase the lattice parameters and decrease the crystallite size. SEM micrographs revealed the spherical shape of the particles with the nonuniform grain boundaries. The saturation magnetization decreases and bandgap energy increases as the concentration of non-magnetic Bi3+ ions increases.

Synthesis and fungicidal activity of novel 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4- thiadiazole derivatives containing 5-phenyl-2-furan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zi-Ning; Li, Ya-Sheng; Hu, De-Kun; Tian, Hao; Jiang, Jia-Zhen; Wang, Yuan; Yan, Xiao-Jing

2016-01-01

A series of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized using Lawesson’s reagent by an efficient approach under microwave irradiation in good yields. Their structures were characterized by MS, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. Their in vitro and in vivo fungicidal activities revealed that the title compounds exhibited considerable activity against five selected fungi, especially to Phytophthora infestans. In order to illustrate the mechanism of title compounds against P. infestans, scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM) were applied. The morphological and ultrastructural studies demonstrated that compound I18 led to swelling of hyphae, thickening and proliferating multilayer cell walls, excessive septation and accumulation of dense bodies. The bioassay results indicated compound I18 might act on cell wall biosynthesis, and blocked the nutrition transportation and led to cells senescence and death. Meanwhile, compound I18 had broad fungicidal activity against other twenty different kinds of fungi. These results suggested that title compounds were eligible to be development candidates and compound I18 as a promising lead compound was worthy to be further discovery, especially against P. infestans.

Enhancement of the Mechanical Properties of a Polylactic Acid/Flax Fiber Biocomposite by WPU, WPU/Starch, and TPS Polyurethanes Using Coupling Additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miskolczi, N.; Sedlarik, V.; Kucharczyk, P.; Riegel, E.

2018-01-01

This work is addressed to the synthesis of bio-based polymers and investigation of their application in a flax-fiber-reinforced polylactic acid. Polyurethane polymers were synthesized from polyphenyl-methane-diisocyanate, poly (ethylene oxide) glycol, and ricinoleic acid, and their structure was examined by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. It was established that the introduction of flax fibers and different compatibilizers into the polymers improved their mechanical properties. A vinyl-trimetoxy-silane and polyalkenyl-polymaleic-anhydride derivative with a high acid number produced the best effect on the properties, but samples without additives had the highest water absorption capacity. SEM micrographs showed a good correlation between the morphology of fracture structure of the composites and the mechanical properties of flax fibers.

Studies on Structural, Optical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Perylene-Doped p-terphenyl Luminophors.

PubMed

Desai, Netaji K; Mahajan, Prasad G; Bhopate, Dhanaji P; Dalavi, Dattatray K; Kamble, Avinash A; Gore, Anil H; Dongale, Tukaram D; Kolekar, Govind B; Patil, Shivajirao R

2018-01-01

A simple solid state reaction technique was employed for the preparation of polycrystalline luminophors of p-terphenyl containing different amounts of perylene followed by spectral characterization techniques viz. XRD, SEM, TGA-DSC, UV-Visible spectroscopy, thermo-electrical conductivity, fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence life time spectroscopy and temperature dependent fluorescence. X-ray diffraction profiles of the doped p-terphenyl reveal well-defined and sharp peaks indicate homogeneity and crystallinity. The SEM micrograph of pure p-terphenyl exhibit flakes like grains and then compact and finally gets separately with perylene amounts. The observed results indicate that closed packed crystal structures of doped p-terphenyl during crystal formation. The band gaps estimated from UV-visible spectroscopy decreased from 5.20 to 4.10 eV, while thermo-electrical conductivity increases with perylene content. The fluorescence spectra showed partial quenching of p-terphenyl fluorescence and simultaneously sensitization of perylene fluorescence at the excitation wavelength of p-terphenyl (290 nm) due to excitation energy transfer from p-terphenyl to perylene. The observed sensitization results are in harmony with intense blue color seen in fluorescence microscopy images and has high demand in scintillation process.

Synthesis and characterization of magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel (MAS) thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Syed Muhammad; Hussain, Tousif; Ahmad, Riaz; Siddiqui, Jamil; Ali, Dilawar

2018-01-01

In a quest to identify more economic routes for synthesis of magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel (MAS) thin films, dense plasma focus device was used with multiple plasma focus shots. Structural, bonding between composite films, surface morphological, compositional and hardness properties of MAS thin films were investigated by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-rays (EDX) analysis and Vickers micro hardness test respectively. In XRD graph, the presence of MgAl2O4 diffraction peaks in crystallographic orientations (222), (400) and (622) pointed out the successful formation of polycrystalline thin films of MgAl2O4 with face centered cubic structure. The FTIR spectrums showed a major common transmittance band at 697.95 cm-1 which belongs to MgAl2O4. SEM micrographs illustrated a mesh type, granular and multi layers microstructures with significant melting effects. EDX spectrum confirmed the existence of magnesium, oxygen and aluminum in MAS films. A common increasing behavior in micro-hardness of composite MgAl2O4 films by increasing number of plasma focus shots was found.

FIB-SEM tomography in biology.

PubMed

Kizilyaprak, Caroline; Bittermann, Anne Greet; Daraspe, Jean; Humbel, Bruno M

2014-01-01

Three-dimensional information is much easier to understand than a set of two-dimensional images. Therefore a layman is thrilled by the pseudo-3D image taken in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while, when seeing a transmission electron micrograph, his imagination is challenged. First approaches to gain insight in the third dimension were to make serial microtome sections of a region of interest (ROI) and then building a model of the object. Serial microtome sectioning is a tedious and skill-demanding work and therefore seldom done. In the last two decades with the increase of computer power, sophisticated display options, and the development of new instruments, an SEM with a built-in microtome as well as a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM), serial sectioning, and 3D analysis has become far easier and faster.Due to the relief like topology of the microtome trimmed block face of resin-embedded tissue, the ROI can be searched in the secondary electron mode, and at the selected spot, the ROI is prepared with the ion beam for 3D analysis. For FIB-SEM tomography, a thin slice is removed with the ion beam and the newly exposed face is imaged with the electron beam, usually by recording the backscattered electrons. The process, also called "slice and view," is repeated until the desired volume is imaged.As FIB-SEM allows 3D imaging of biological fine structure at high resolution of only small volumes, it is crucial to perform slice and view at carefully selected spots. Finding the region of interest is therefore a prerequisite for meaningful imaging. Thin layer plastification of biofilms offers direct access to the original sample surface and allows the selection of an ROI for site-specific FIB-SEM tomography just by its pronounced topographic features.

Notch Sensitivity of Fatigue Behavior of a Hi-Nicalon/SiC Ceramic Composite with an Oxidation Inhibited Matrix at 1200 degree C in Air and in Steam

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-24

Stress Ratio and Frequency. AGARD - CP -569, NATO, AGARD , SMP, 7 Rue Ancelle, 92200 Neuilly sur Seine, France, March 1996. 5. Chawla, K.K. Ceramic Matrix...fatigue at 1.0 Hz in air at 1200°C. σmax = 120 MPa, Nf = 77,575, tf = 21.5 h ........................................................ 73 Figure 55: SEM...areas of oxidation. ............ 73 Figure 56: SEM micrographs of the fiber fracture surfaces of specimen 13 tested in fatigue at 1.0 Hz in steam at

A gallery of the key characters to ease identification of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Gamasida: Dermanyssidae) and allow differentiation from Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae).

PubMed

Di Palma, Antonella; Giangaspero, Annunziata; Cafiero, Maria Assunta; Germinara, Giacinto S

2012-05-30

Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite) is a major threat for the poultry industry and is of significant interest for public health. Identification of D. gallinae can be difficult for scientists not familiar with mite morphology and terminology especially when trying to use identification keys. Moreover, this species may easily be confused with another dermanyssoid mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl mite), which often shares the same hosts and environment. Specimens of D. gallinae were collected at poultry farms in the Puglia and performed for light and scanning electron microscopy observations, identification and micrographs. Moreover specimens of O. sylviarum were collected separately macerated and mounted on slides for light microscopy observations, identification and pictures. The micrographs used in this study, based on LM and SEM observations, highlight the following important identifying characters of D. gallinae: the prominent shoulders of the dorsal shield and the jagged edges of the shield reticulations, the position of setae j1, s1 and the epigynal pores, and the presence on tibia IV pl of one seta. Additional micrographs highlighting the shape of the dorsal (abruptly narrowed posteriorly) and epigynal (narrowly rounded posteriorly) shields and the chelicera (elongate, with distinct digits) of O. sylviarum enable its differentiation from D.gallinae. The photographic support provided here (both LM and SEM pictures) can be considered a practical tool for scientists who are not well acquainted with the morphology of D.gallinae, and who are involved with classical and molecular systematics, veterinary and human health aspects of poultry red mites.

Effect of laser irradiation on the structural, morphological and electrical properties of polycrystalline TiO2 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M. I.; Ali, Asghar

TiO2 thin film is deposited on glass substrate by sol-gel dip coating technique. After deposition, films were irradiated by continuous wave (CW) diode laser at an angle of 45°. XRD shows both the anatase and brookite phases of TiO2. Nano particles of regular and control sizes are appeared in SEM micrographs. Therefore, shape and size of nano particles can be control by using Laser irradiation. The average sheet resistivity of TiO2 thin film irradiated by 0, 2, 4 and 6 min are 6.72 × 105, 5.32 × 105, 3.44 × 105 and 4.95 × 105 (ohm-m) respectively, according to four point probe.

FIB/SEM and SEM/EDS microstructural analysis of metal-ceramic and zirconia-ceramic interfaces.

PubMed

Massimi, F; Merlati, G; Sebastiani, M; Battaini, P; Menghini, P; Bemporad, E

2012-01-10

Recently introduced FIB/SEM analysis in microscopy seems to provide a high-resolution characterization of the samples by 3D (FIB) cross-sectioning and (SEM) high resolution imaging. The aim of this study was to apply the FIB/SEM and SEM/EDS analysis to the interfaces of a metal-ceramic vs. two zirconia-ceramic systems. Plate samples of three different prosthetic systems were prepared in the dental lab following the manufacturers' instructions, where metal-ceramic was the result of a ceramic veneering (porcelain-fused-to-metal) and the two zirconia-ceramic systems were produced by the dedicated CAD-CAM procedures of the zirconia cores (both with final sintering) and then veneered by layered or heat pressed ceramics. In a FIB/SEM equipment (also called DualBeam), a thin layer of platinum (1 μm) was deposited on samples surface crossing the interfaces, in order to protect them during milling. Then, increasingly deeper trenches were milled by a focused ion beam, first using a relatively higher and later using a lower ion current (from 9 nA to 0.28 nA, 30KV). Finally, FEG-SEM (5KV) micrographs (1000-50,000X) were acquired. In a SEM the analysis of the morphology and internal microstructure was performed by 13KV secondary and backscattered electrons signals (in all the samples). The compositional maps were then performed by EDS probe only in the metal-ceramic system (20kV). Despite the presence of many voids in all the ceramic layers, it was possible to identify: (1) the grain structures of the metallic and zirconia substrates, (2) the thin oxide layer at the metal-ceramic interface and its interactions with the first ceramic layer (wash technique), (3) the roughness of the two different zirconia cores and their interactions with the ceramic interface, where the presence of zirconia grains in the ceramic layer was reported in two system possibly due to sandblasting before ceramic firing.

Novel Processing of Boron Carbide (B4C): Plasma Synthesized Nano Powders and Pressureless Sintering Forming of Complex Shapes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

Figure 4. B4C plates formed via hot pressing with a curved shape. Commercial B4C shows a large number of lenticular graphitic inclusions, Figure 5...materials and they act as crack initiation points in flexure testing. Figure 5. SEM micrograph showing large lenticular graphitic inclusions in commercial

Lunar sample analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housley, R. M.

1983-01-01

The evolution of the lunar regolith under solar wind and micrometeorite bombardment is discussed as well as the size distribution of ultrafine iron in lunar soil. The most important characteristics of complex graphite, sulfide, arsenide, palladium, and platinum mineralization in a pegmatoid pyroxenite of the Stillwater Complex in Montana are examined. Oblique reflected light micrographs and backscattered electron SEM images of the graphite associations are included.

Field Emission Auger Electron Spectroscopy with Scanning Auger Microscopy |

Science.gov Websites

0.5 at.% for elements from lithium to uranium. Depth Profiling Removes successive layers by using size (> ~25 nm). Imaging Obtains SEM micrographs with up to 20,000x magnification by using raster scanning with a highly focused electron beam ≥25 nm in diameter. Using the same raster scan, SAM can

Degradation of raw corn stover powder (RCSP) by an enriched microbial consortium and its community structure.

PubMed

Feng, Yujie; Yu, Yanling; Wang, Xin; Qu, Youpeng; Li, Dongmei; He, Weihua; Kim, Byung Hong

2011-01-01

A microbial consortium with a high cellulolytic activity was enriched to degrade raw corn stover powder (RCSP). This consortium degraded more than 51% of non-sterilized RCSP or 81% of non-sterilized filter paper within 8 days at 40°C under facultative anoxic conditions. Cellulosome-like structures were observed in scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of RCSP degradation residue. The high cellulolytic activity was maintained during 40 subcultures in a medium containing cellulosic substrate. Small ribosomal gene sequence analyses showed the consortium contains uncultured and cultured bacteria with or without cellulolytic activities. Among these bacteria, some are anaerobic others aerobic. Analyses of the culture filtrate showed a typical anoxic polysaccharide fermentation during the culturing process. Reducing sugar concentration increased at early stage followed by various fermentation products that were consumed at the late stage. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphological and XPS study of ball milled Fe1-xAlx (0.3≤x≤0.6) alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajan, Sandeep; Kumar, Anil; Vyas, Anupam; Brajpuriya, Ranjeet

2018-05-01

The paper presents mechanical and XPS study of ball milled Fe1-xAlx (0.3≤x≤0.6) alloys. The author prepared the solid solution of Fe(Al) with different composition of Al by using mechanical alloying (MA) technique. The MA process induces a progressive dissolution of Al into Fe, resulted in the formation of an extended Fe(Al) solid solution with the bcc structure after 5 hr of milling. The SEM Images shows that the initial shape of particles disappeared completely, and their structure became a mixture of small and large angular-shaped crystallites with different sizes. The TEM micrograph also confirms the reduction in crystallite size and alloy formation. XPS study shows the shift in the binding energy position of both Fe and Al Peaks provide strong evidence of Fe(Al) phase formation after milling.

Study of structural, spectroscopic and dielectric properties of multiferroic cadmium doped Samarium manganite synthesized by solid state reaction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Vandana; Raina, Bindu; Verma, Seema; Bamzai, K. K.

2018-05-01

Samarium manganite doped with cadmium having general formula Sm1-xCdxMnO3 for x = 0.05, 0.15 were synthesized by solid state reaction technique. These compositions were characterized by various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dielectric. XRD analysis confirms the single phase formation with pervoskites structure having orthorhombic phase. Densities were determined and compared with the results obtained by Archimedes principle. The scanning electron micrograph shows that the particle size distribution is almost homogeneous and spherical in shape. FTIR analysis confirms the presence of various atomic bonds within a molecule. A very large value of dielectric constant was observed at low frequencies due to the presence of grains and interfaces. The dielectric constant value decreases with increase in cadmium doping at samarium site.

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

Sabau, Adrian S.; Greer, Clayton M.; Chen, Jian

Here, the increasing use of Carbon Fiber-reinforced Polymer matrix Composites (CFPC) and aluminum alloys as lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries demands enhanced surface preparation and control of surface morphology prior to joining. In this study, surfaces of both composite and aluminum were prepared for joining using an Nd:YAG laser in a two-beam interference setup, enabling the (a) structuring of the AL 5182 surface, (b) removal of the resin layer on top of carbon fibers, and (c) structuring of the carbon fibers. CFPC specimens of T700S carbon fiber, Prepreg - T8 3 epoxy, 5 ply thick, 0/90o plaquesmore » were used. The effect of laser fluence, scanning speed, and number of shots-per-spot was investigated on the removal rate of the resin without an excessive damage of the fibers. Optical micrographs, 3D imaging, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging were used to study the effect of the laser processing on surface morphology.« less

A novel biphasic calcium phosphate derived from fish otoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montañez-Supelano, N. D.; Sandoval-Amador, A.; Estupiñan-Durán, H. A.; Y Peña-Ballesteros, D.

2017-12-01

Calcium phosphates are bioceramics that have been widely used as bone substitutes because they encourage the formation of bone on their surface and can improve the healing of the bone. Hydroxyapatite HA (calcium/phosphorus ratio of 1.67) and tricalcium phosphate TCP (calcium/phosphorus ratio of 1.50) are the most common calcium phosphates. Natural materials have begun to be tested to make HA or TCP such as shells of cardiidae (family of mollusks) and eggshells. The calcium phosphate obtained has a high ability to precipitate apatite. In this work, the mixed phase ceramic of beta-Tri-calcium phosphate / hydroxyapatite (β-TCP/HA) was synthesized by aqueous precipitation from fish otoliths, which are monomineralic species composed of aragonite. Otoliths of the specie Plagioscion squamosissimus, commonly called the river croaker, were used. Techniques such as DRX, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS were used to characterize the raw material and the obtained material. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of two crystalline phases of calcium phosphates with 86.2% crystallinity. SEM micrographs showed agglomeration of particles with porous structure and submicron particle sizes.

The Microstructure and Physical Properties of Incinerated Paper-Cullet-Clay Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahar, M. R.; Hamzah, K.; Rohani, M. S.; Samah, K. A.; Razi, M. M.

A series of ceramic based on (x) incinerated recycle paper - (80-x) cullet - 20 Kaolin clay (where 10×45 wt%) has successfully been made by slip casting technique followed by sintering at 1000 °C. The actual composition of ceramic is analyzed using Energy Dispersive of X-Ray (EDAX) while the phase existence is determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. Their microstructural morphology is observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the physical properties are measured in term of their thermal shrinkage and hardness. It is found that the ceramic contain mostly of Silica and the phase is dominated by the existence of Quartz (SiO2), Wollastonite (CaSiO3) and Anorthite (Ca(Al2SiO8)). The SEM micrograph shows that the morphology is dominated by the existence of granular structure, and then become smoother as the cullet level is further increased. It is also found out that the thermal shrinkage is in the range 18% - 6.5% while the hardness is in the range of 152MPa- 1.463 GPa depending on composition.

Characterization of Antibiotic-Loaded Alginate-Osa Starch Microbeads Produced by Ionotropic Pregelation

PubMed Central

Fontes, Gizele Cardoso; Calado, Verônica Maria Araújo; Rossi, Alexandre Malta; da Rocha-Leão, Maria Helena Miguez

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the penicillin-loaded microbeads composed of alginate and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch prepared by ionotropic pregelation with calcium chloride and to evaluate their in vitro drug delivery profile. The beads were characterized by size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, swelling behavior, and degree of erosion. Also, the possible interaction between penicillin and biopolymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The SEM micrograph results indicated a homogeneous drug distribution in the matrix. Also, based on thermal analyses (TGA/DSC), interactions were detected between microbead components. Although FTIR spectra of penicillin-loaded microbeads did not reveal the formation of new chemical entities, they confirmed the chemical drug stability. XRD patterns showed that the incorporated crystalline structure of penicillin did not significantly alter the primarily amorphous polymeric network. In addition, the results confirmed a prolonged penicillin delivery system profile. These results imply that alginate and OSA starch beads can be used as a suitable controlled-release carrier for penicillin. PMID:23862146

Understanding the shrinkage of optical absorption edges of nanostructured Cd-Zn sulphide films for photothermal applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossain, Md. Sohrab; Kabir, Humayun; Rahman, M. Mahbubur; Hasan, Kamrul; Bashar, Muhammad Shahriar; Rahman, Mashudur; Gafur, Md. Abdul; Islam, Shariful; Amri, Amun; Jiang, Zhong-Tao; Altarawneh, Mohammednoor; Dlugogorski, Bogdan Z.

2017-01-01

In this article Cd-Zn sulphide thin films deposited onto soda lime glass substrates via chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique were investigated for photovoltaic applications. The synthesized films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopic methodologies. A higher degree of crystallinity of the films was attained with the increase of film thicknesses. SEM micrographs exhibited a partial crystalline structure with a particulate appearance surrounded by the amorphous grain boundaries. The optical absorbance and absorption coefficient of the films were also enhanced significantly with the increase in film thicknesses. Optical band-gap analysis indicated a monotonic decrease in direct and indirect band-gaps with the increase of thicknesses of the films. The presence of direct and indirect transitional energies due to the exponential falling edges of the absorption curves may either be due to the lack of long-range order or to the existence of defects in the films. The declination of the optical absorption edges was also confirmed via Urbach energy and steepness parameters studies.

Removal of Micrometer Size Morphological Defects and Enhancement of Ultraviolet Emission by Thermal Treatment of Ga-Doped ZnO Nanostructures

PubMed Central

Manzoor, Umair; Kim, Do K.; Islam, Mohammad; Bhatti, Arshad S.

2014-01-01

Mixed morphologies of Ga-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are synthesized by vapor transport method. Systematic scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies of different morphologies, after periodic heat treatments, gives direct evidence of sublimation. SEM micrographs give direct evidence that morphological defects of nanostructures can be removed by annealing. Ultra Violet (UV) and visible emission depends strongly on the annealing temperatures and luminescent efficiency of UV emission is enhanced significantly with each subsequent heat treatment. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that crystal quality improved by annealing and phase separation may occur at high temperatures. PMID:24489725

Removal of micrometer size morphological defects and enhancement of ultraviolet emission by thermal treatment of Ga-doped ZnO nanostructures.

PubMed

Manzoor, Umair; Kim, Do K; Islam, Mohammad; Bhatti, Arshad S

2014-01-01

Mixed morphologies of Ga-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are synthesized by vapor transport method. Systematic scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies of different morphologies, after periodic heat treatments, gives direct evidence of sublimation. SEM micrographs give direct evidence that morphological defects of nanostructures can be removed by annealing. Ultra Violet (UV) and visible emission depends strongly on the annealing temperatures and luminescent efficiency of UV emission is enhanced significantly with each subsequent heat treatment. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that crystal quality improved by annealing and phase separation may occur at high temperatures.

Multipulse nanosecond laser irradiation of silicon for the investigation of surface morphology and photoelectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardar, Maryam; Chen, Jun; Ullah, Zaka; Jelani, Mohsan; Tabassum, Aasma; Cheng, Ju; Sun, Yuxiang; Lu, Jian

2017-12-01

We irradiate the single crystal boron-doped silicon (Si) with different number of laser pulses at constant fluence (7.5 J cm-2) in ambient air using Nd:YAG laser and examine its surface morphology and photoelectric properties in details. The results obtained from optical micrographs reveal the increase in heat affected zone (HAZ) and melted area of laser irradiated Si with increasing number of laser pulses. The SEM micrographs evidence the formation of various surface morphologies like laser induced periodic surface structures, crater, microcracks, clusters, cavities, pores, trapped bubbles, nucleation sites, micro-bumps, redeposited material and micro- and nano-particles on the surface of irradiated Si. The surface profilometry analysis informs that the depth of crater is increased with increase in number of incident laser pulses. The spectroscopic ellipsometry reveals that the multipulse irradiation of Si changes its optical properties (refractive index and extinction coefficient). The current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curves of laser irradiated Si show that although the multipulse laser irradiation produces considerable number of surface defects and damages, the electrical properties of Si are well sustained after the multipulse irradiation. The current findings suggest that the multipulse irradiation can be an effective way to tune the optical properties of Si for the fabrication of wide range of optoelectronic devices.

A gallery of the key characters to ease identification of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Gamasida: Dermanyssidae) and allow differentiation from Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite) is a major threat for the poultry industry and is of significant interest for public health. Identification of D. gallinae can be difficult for scientists not familiar with mite morphology and terminology especially when trying to use identification keys. Moreover, this species may easily be confused with another dermanyssoid mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl mite), which often shares the same hosts and environment. Methods Specimens of D. gallinae were collected at poultry farms in the Puglia and performed for light and scanning electron microscopy observations, identification and micrographs. Moreover specimens of O. sylviarum were collected separately macerated and mounted on slides for light microscopy observations, identification and pictures. Results The micrographs used in this study, based on LM and SEM observations, highlight the following important identifying characters of D. gallinae: the prominent shoulders of the dorsal shield and the jagged edges of the shield reticulations, the position of setae j1, s1 and the epigynal pores, and the presence on tibia IV pl of one seta. Additional micrographs highlighting the shape of the dorsal (abruptly narrowed posteriorly) and epigynal (narrowly rounded posteriorly) shields and the chelicera (elongate, with distinct digits) of O. sylviarum enable its differentiation from D.gallinae. Conclusion The photographic support provided here (both LM and SEM pictures) can be considered a practical tool for scientists who are not well acquainted with the morphology of D.gallinae, and who are involved with classical and molecular systematics, veterinary and human health aspects of poultry red mites. PMID:22647594

Ultrasound synthesis of Y2O3: Dy3+ nanophosphor: Structural and photometric properties suitable for wLEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marappa, B.; Rudresha, M. S.; Nagabhsuhana, H.; Basavaraj, R. B.; Prasad, B. Daruka

2017-05-01

The facile ultrasound synthesis of Y2O3:Dy3+ nanostructures by using bio-surfactant mimosa pudica leaves extract. The concentration of bio-surfactant was the key factor in controlling the morphology of Y2O3 nanostructures. The formation of different morphologies of Y2O3: Dy3+ was characterized by SEM, TEM and HRTEM. The PXRD data and Rietveld analysis evident the formation of single phase Y2O3 with cubic crystal structure. The influence of Dy3+ concentration on the structure morphology, UV absorption, and PL emission of Y2O3: Dy3+ nanostructures were investigated systematically. Y2O3: Dy3+ exhibits intense warm white emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.32, 0.33) and CCT value is 5525 K which corresponds to vertical day light. SEM micrographs showed superstructure morphology influenced by both sonication time as well as surfactant concentration. Pl emission spectra shows three intense peaks observed at 480, 574 and 666 nm attributed to the Dy3+ transitions. The photometric properties were studied by evaluating the CIE, CCT diagrams and the results were very fruitful in making the white light emitting diodes. This method has been considered to be the cost effective and eco-friendly to synthesize nanomaterials with superior morphology suitable for display device applications.

Investigation of magnetic and structural properties of Ni-Zr co-doped M-type Sr-La hexaferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yujie; Wang, Fanhou; Shao, Juxiang; Huang, Duohui; Tang, Jin; Rehman, Khalid Mehmood Ur

2018-02-01

In this research, Ni2+ and Zr4+ co-doped Sr-La hexaferrites Sr0.7La0.3Fe12.0-2 x (NiZr) x O19 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) were synthesized by the standard ceramic method. The phase identification of the hexaferrites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that all the samples were in single phase M-type hexagonal structure and no impurity phase was observed. Lattice parameters ( c and a) increased with increasing NiZr content ( x) from 0.0 to 0.5. The morphology of the hexaferrites was analyzed by a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). FE-SEM micrographs showed that the grains exhibited hexagonal shape in a plate-like structure with clear grain boundaries. Magnetization properties of the hexaferrites were carried out at room temperature using a physical property measurement system-vibrating sample magnetometer. The values of saturation magnetization ( M s), remanent magnetization ( M r) and coercivity ( H c) were calculated from magnetic hysteresis ( M- H) loops. M s and H c decreased with increasing NiZr content ( x) from 0.0 to 0.5. M r and M r/ M s ratio first increased with increasing NiZr content ( x) from 0.0 to 0.1, and then decreased when NiZr content ( x) ≥ 0.1.

Growth and characterization of PbSe and Pb{sub 1{minus}x}Sn{sub x}Se layers on Si (100)

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

Sachar, H.K.; Chao, I.; Fang, X.M.

1998-12-31

Crack-free layers of PbSe were grown on Si (100) by a combination of liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) techniques. The PbSe layer was grown by LPE on Si(100) using a MBE-grown PbSe/BaF{sub 2}/CaF{sub 2} buffer layer structure. Pb{sub 1{minus}x}Sn{sub x}Se layers with tin contents in the liquid growth solution equal to 3%, 5%, 6%, 7%, and 10%, respectively, were also grown by LPE on Si(100) substrates using similar buffer layer structures. The LPE-grown PbSe and Pb{sub 1{minus}x}Sn{sub x}Se layers were characterized by optical Nomarski microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electronmore » microscopy (SEM). Optical Nomarski characterization of the layers revealed their excellent surface morphologies and good growth solution wipe-offs. FTIR transmission experiments showed that the absorption edge of the Pb{sub 1{minus}x}Sn{sub x}Se layers shifted to lower energies with increasing tin contents. The PbSe epilayers were also lifted-off from the Si substrate by dissolving the MBE-grown BaF{sub 2} buffer layer. SEM micrographs of the cleaved edges revealed that the lifted-off layers formed structures suitable for laser fabrication.« less

Surface characterization of carbon fiber polymer composites and aluminum alloys after laser interference structuring

DOE PAGES

Sabau, Adrian S.; Greer, Clayton M.; Chen, Jian; ...

2016-05-03

Here, the increasing use of Carbon Fiber-reinforced Polymer matrix Composites (CFPC) and aluminum alloys as lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries demands enhanced surface preparation and control of surface morphology prior to joining. In this study, surfaces of both composite and aluminum were prepared for joining using an Nd:YAG laser in a two-beam interference setup, enabling the (a) structuring of the AL 5182 surface, (b) removal of the resin layer on top of carbon fibers, and (c) structuring of the carbon fibers. CFPC specimens of T700S carbon fiber, Prepreg - T8 3 epoxy, 5 ply thick, 0/90o plaquesmore » were used. The effect of laser fluence, scanning speed, and number of shots-per-spot was investigated on the removal rate of the resin without an excessive damage of the fibers. Optical micrographs, 3D imaging, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging were used to study the effect of the laser processing on surface morphology.« less

Epicuticular Wax Crystals of Wollemia nobilis: Morphology and Chemical Composition

PubMed Central

Dragota, Simona; Riederer, Markus

2007-01-01

Background and Aims The morphology of the epicuticular leaf waxes of Wollemia nobilis (Araucariaceae) was studied with special emphasis on the relationship between the microstructure of epicuticular wax crystals and their chemical composition. Wollemia nobilis is a unique coniferous tree of the family Araucariaceae and is of very high scientific value as it is the sole living representative of an ancient genus, which until 1994 was known only from fossils. Methods Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas chromatography (GC) combined with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) were used for characterizing the morphology and the chemical structure of the epicuticular wax layer of W. nobilis needles. Key Results The main component of the leaf epicuticular wax of W. nobilis is nonacosan-10-ol. This secondary alcohol together with nonacosane diols is responsible for the tubular habit of the epicuticular wax crystals. Scanning electron micrographs revealed differences in the fine structure of adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces that could be explained by gas chromatographic studies after selective mechanical removal of the waxes. Conclusions SEM investigations established the tubular crystalline microstructure of the epicuticular wax of W. nobilis leaves. GC–MS and NMR experiments showed that nonacosan-10-ol is the major constituent of the epicuticular wax of W. nobilis leaves. PMID:17611192

RF-plasma vapor deposition of siloxane on paper. Part 1: Physical evolution of paper surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahin, Halil Turgut

2013-01-01

An alternative, new approach to improve the hydrophobicity and barrier properties of paper was evaluated by radio-frequency (RF) plasma octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTSO) vapor treatment. The interaction between OMCTSO and paper, causing the increased hydophobicity, is likely through covalent bonding. The deposited thin silicone-like polymeric layer from OMCTSO plasma treatment possessed desirable hydrophobic properties. The SEM micrographs showed uniformly distributed grainy particles with various shapes on the paper surface. Deposition of the silicone polymer-like layer with the plasma treatment affects the distribution of voids in the network structure and increases the barrier against water intake and air. The water absorptivity was reduced by 44% for the OMCTSO plasma treated sheet. The highest resistance to air flow was an approximately 41% lower air permeability than virgin paper.

Understanding the formation and growth of Ag nanoparticles on silver chromate induced by electron irradiation in electron microscope: A combined experimental and theoretical study

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

Fabbro, Maria T.; Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Universitat Jaume I, Campus del Riu Sec, E-12071 Castellón; Gracia, Lourdes

Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. These microcrystals were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), micro-Raman (MR). XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement data showed that the material exhibits an orthorhombic structure without any deleterious phases. FE-SEM and TEM micrographs revealed the morphology and the growth of Ag nanoparticles on Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals during electron beam irradiation. These events were directly monitored in real-time. Their optical properties were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy that allowed the calculation of themore » optical band gap energy. Theoretical analyses based on the density functional theory level indicate that the incorporation of electrons is responsible for structural modifications and formation of defects on the [AgO{sub 6}] and [AgO{sub 4}] clusters, generating ideal conditions for the growth of Ag nanoparticles. - Graphical abstract: Theoretical representation of the Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} orthorhombic structure. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals indicate an orthorhombic structure. • The formation of Ag{sup 0} promotes Ag-nanoparticle growth on the surface of the Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4}. • Electron irradiation of the material induces the formation of Ag vacancies.« less

The effect of the distance between acidic site and basic site immobilized on mesoporous solid on the activity in catalyzing aldol condensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiaofang; Yu, Xiaobo; Wu, Shujie; Liu, Bo; Liu, Heng; Guan, Jingqi; Kan, Qiubin

2011-02-01

Acid-base bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts containing carboxylic and amine groups, which were immobilized at defined distance from one another on the mesoporous solid were synthesized by immobilizing lysine onto carboxyl-SBA-15. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 adsorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), transmission electron micrographs (TEM), elemental analysis, and back titration. Proximal-C-A-SBA-15 with a proximal acid-base distance was more active than maximum-C-A-SBA-15 with a maximum acid-base distance in aldol condensation reaction between acetone and various aldehydes. It appears that the distance between acidic site and basic site immobilized on mesoporous solid should be an essential factor for catalysis optimization.

Structural, magnetic and electronic structure properties of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles

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

Kumar, Shalendra, E-mail: shailuphy@gmail.com; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon, Gyeongnam 641-773; Song, T.K., E-mail: tksong@changwon.ac.kr

Highlights: • XRD and HR-TEM results show the single phase nature of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles. • XMCD and dc magnetization results indicate the RT-FM in Co doped ZnO nanoparticles. • Co L{sub 3,2} NEXAFS spectra infer that Co ions are in 2+ valence state. • O K edge NEXAFS spectra show that O vacancy increases with Co doping in ZnO. - Abstract: We reported structural, magnetic and electronic structure studies of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles. Doping of Co ions in ZnO host matrix has been studied and confirmed using various methods; such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanningmore » electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersed X-ray (EDX), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, magnetic hysteresis loop measurements and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). From the XRD and HR-TEM results, it is observed that Co doped ZnO nanoparticles have single phase nature with wurtzite structure and exclude the possibility of secondary phase formation. FE-SEM and TEM micrographs show that pure and Co doped nanoparticles are nearly spherical in shape. O K edge NEXAFS spectra indicate that O vacancies increase with Co doping. The Co L{sub 3,2} edge NEXAFS spectra revealed that Co ions are in 2+ valence state. DC magnetization hysteresis loops and XMCD results clearly showed the intrinsic origin of temperature ferromagnetism in Co doped ZnO nanoparticles.« less

CdS thin films prepared by continuous wave Nd:YAG laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Tenpas, Eric W.; Vuong, Khanh D.; Williams, James A.; Schuesselbauer, E.; Bernstein, R.; Fagan, J. G.; Wang, Xing W.

1995-08-01

We report new results on continuous wave Nd:YAG laser deposition of cadmium sulfide thin films. Substrates were soda-lime silicate glass, silica glass, silicon, and copper coated formvar sheets. As deposited films were mixtures of cubic and hexagonal phases, with two different grain sizes. As revealed by SEM micrographs, films had smooth surface morphology. As revealed by TEM analysis, grain sizes were extremely small.

Synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence properties of Bi³⁺ co-doped CaSiO₃:Eu³⁺ nanophosphor.

PubMed

Kumar, M Madesh; Krishna, R Hari; Nagabhushana, B M; Shivakumara, C

2015-03-15

Ceramic luminescent powders with the composition Ca(0.96-x)Eu0.04Bi(x)SiO3 (x=0.01-0.05) were prepared by solution combustion method. The nanopowders are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. PXRD patterns of calcined (950°C for 3h) Ca(0.96-x)Eu0.04Bi(x)SiO3 powders exhibit monoclinic phase with mean crystallite sizes ranging from 28 to 48 nm. SEM micrographs show the products are foamy, agglomerated and fluffy in nature due to the large amount of gases liberated during combustion reaction. TEM micrograph shows the crystalline characteristics of the nanoparticles. Upon 280 nm excitation, the photoluminescence of the Ca(0.96-x)Eu0.04Bi(x)SiO3 particles show red emission at 611 nm corresponding to 5D0→7F2 transition. It is observed that PL intensity increases with Bi(3+) concentration. Our work demonstrates very interesting energy transfer from Bi(3+) to Eu(3+) in CaSiO3 host. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of agricultural controllable humic acid superabsorbent.

PubMed

Gao, Lijuan; Wang, Shiqiang; Zhao, Xuefei

2013-12-01

Humic acid superabsorbent polymer (P(AA/AM-HA)) and superabsorbent polymer (P(AA/AM)) were synthesized by aqueous solution polymerization method using acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM) and humic acid (HA) as raw material. The effects of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) crosslinking agent, potassium peroxydisulfate (KPS) initiator, reaction temperature, HA content, ratio of AA to AM, concentration of monomer and neutralization of AA on water absorption were investigated. Absorption and desorption ratios of nitrogen fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer were also investigated by determination of absorption and desorption ratio of NH4(+), PO4(3-) on P(AA/AM-HA) and P(AA/AM). The P(AA/AM-HA) and P(AA/AM) were characterized by Fourier translation infrared spectroscopy, biological photomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal conditions obtained were as follows: the weight ratio of MBA to AA and AM was 0.003; the weight ratio of KPS to AA and AM was 0.008; the weight ratio of HA to AA was 0.1; the mole ratio of AM to AA is 0.1; the mole ratio of NaOH to AA is 0.9; the reaction temperature was 60°C. P(AA/AM-HA) synthesized under optimal conditions, has a good saline tolerance, its water absorbency in distilled water and 0.9 wt.% saline solution is 1180 g/g and 110 g/g, respectively. P(AA/AM-HA) achieves half saturation in 6.5 min. P(AA/AM-HA) is superior to P(AA/AM) on absorption of NH4(+), PO4(3-). The SEM micrograph of P(AA/AM-HA) shows a fine alveolate structure. The biological optical microscope micrograph of P(AA/AM-HA) shows a network structure. Graft polymerization between P(AA/AM) and HA was demonstrated by infrared spectrum. The P(AA/AM-HA) superabsorbent has better absorbing ability of water and fertilizer, electrolytic tolerance and fewer cost than P(AA/AM) superabsorbent. Copyright © 2013 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recent advances in 3D SEM surface reconstruction.

PubMed

Tafti, Ahmad P; Kirkpatrick, Andrew B; Alavi, Zahrasadat; Owen, Heather A; Yu, Zeyun

2015-11-01

The scanning electron microscope (SEM), as one of the most commonly used instruments in biology and material sciences, employs electrons instead of light to determine the surface properties of specimens. However, the SEM micrographs still remain 2D images. To effectively measure and visualize the surface attributes, we need to restore the 3D shape model from the SEM images. 3D surface reconstruction is a longstanding topic in microscopy vision as it offers quantitative and visual information for a variety of applications consisting medicine, pharmacology, chemistry, and mechanics. In this paper, we attempt to explain the expanding body of the work in this area, including a discussion of recent techniques and algorithms. With the present work, we also enhance the reliability, accuracy, and speed of 3D SEM surface reconstruction by designing and developing an optimized multi-view framework. We then consider several real-world experiments as well as synthetic data to examine the qualitative and quantitative attributes of our proposed framework. Furthermore, we present a taxonomy of 3D SEM surface reconstruction approaches and address several challenging issues as part of our future work. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of structural and magnetic properties of M-type hexaferrite permanent magnet based on synthesis temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anjum, Safia; Sehar, Fatima; Mustafa, Zeeshan; Awan, M. S.

2018-01-01

The main purpose of this research work is to develop the single domain magnetic particles of M-type barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) using oxide precursors employing conventional powder metallurgy technique. The phase formation and magnetic performance of the powders and magnets will be optimized by adjusting calcination and sintering temperatures. The synthesis of M-type barium hexaferrite was carried out in two sections. A series of four samples have been prepared by initial wet mixed powders calcined at different temperatures, i.e., 750, 850, 950 and 1050 °C. On the basis of structural analysis, the sample calcined at 950 °C has been selected and further divided into four parts to sintered them at 1100, 1150, 1200 and 1250 °C. The structural measurements depict the confirmation of M-type barium hexaferrite structure. SEM micrographs show the hexagonal-shaped grains. The abrupt decrease in coercivity for the sample sintered at 1250 °C has been seen which may be due to high sintering temperature, at which the particles have multi-domain properties.

Wood decay: a submicroscopic view

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

Blanchette, R.A.

1980-01-01

Typical patterns of decay in softwoods are shown by ultrastructural differences revealed by SEM. Illustrative micrographs are reproduced showing fungi and their effects. Brown rot fungi (e.g. Fomitopsis pinicolor) degrade cellulose leaving a lignin skeleton. White rot fungi (e.g. Coriolus versicolor and Hirschioporus abietinus) degrade both lignin and cellulose. White pocket rots (e.g. Phellinus pini) primarily degrade lignin; they have potential for use in paper making, or the production of animal feed.

Mechanical Property Comparison of the Soviet BS-41 and the US M993 Armor-Penetrating Cores

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-23

influences the formation of cracks at the tips of hardness indentations. The observations from the optical and SEM micrographs allow one to better...core is a fine-grained WC cemented in cobalt. The M993 core was determined to have superior hardness and indentation toughness. The superior... hardness , toughness, microstructure, composition 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT UU 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 20 19a

Contributions of Stress and Oxidation on the Formation of Whiskers in Pb-free Solders

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-29

environmental factors influencing formation of tin whiskers on electrodeposited lead free, tin coatings over copper (or copper containing) substrates is the...Oxidation on the Formation of Whiskers in Pb‐free Solders,” WP-1754 15. SUBJECT TERMS Tin Whiskers, Residual Stress, Environmental Degradation 16...showing the surface of a tin film with whisker .................... 2 Figure 2: SEM Micrograph of Tin film on Copper Substrate cross-sectioned by FIB

Enhanced electrical properties of SrBi4Ti4O15 ceramic with addition of ZrO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamatha, B.; Rani, G. Neeraja; Shankar, J.

2018-04-01

Polycrystalline SrBi4Ti3.95Zr0.05O15 (SBZT) ceramic was prepared by solid-state double sintering method. It was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM). With the increased addition of ZrO2, the electrical properties as dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric were studied. From XRD, single-phase formation with orthorhombic structure was identified by the increase of ZrO2. The remnant polarization (Pr) and dielectric constant was found to be increased with the increase of ZrO2. With the increase of ZrO2, Curie temperature (Tc) was found to be decreased. The planar electromechanical coupling coefficient (Kp = 0.57) and Piezoelectric coefficient (d33 = 18 pC/N) was found to be increased with the increase of ZrO2.

Optical and electrical properties of ion beam textured Kapton and Teflon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mirtich, M. J.; Sovey, J. S.

1977-01-01

Results are given for ion beam texturing of polyimide (Kapton) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (Teflon) by means of a 30-cm diam electron bombardment argon ion source. Ion beam-textured Kapton and Teflon surfaces are evaluated for various beam energies, current densities, and exposure times. The optical properties and sheet resistance are measured after each exposure. Provided in the paper are optical spectral data, resistivity measurements, calculated absorptance and emittance measurements, and surface structure SEM micrographs for various exposures to argon ions. It is found that Kapton becomes conducting and Teflon nonconducting when ion beam-textured. Textured Kapton exhibits large changes in the transmittance and solar absorptance, but only slight changes in reflectance. Surface texturing of Teflon may allow better adherence of subsequent sputtered metallic films for a high absorptance value. The results are valuable in spacecraft charging applications.

Impedance spectroscopic and dielectric properties of nanosized Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12 ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Sunita; Yadav, Shiv Sundar; Singh, M. M.; Mandal, K. D.

2014-11-01

Yttrium Copper Titanate (Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12) nanoceramic is structurally analogous to CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO). X-ray diffraction (XRD) of Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12 (YCTO) shows the presence of all normal peaks of CCTO. SEM micrograph exhibits the presence of bimodal grains of size ranging from 1-2 μm. Bright field TEM image clearly displays nanocrystalline particle which is supported by presence of a few clear rings in the corresponding selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. It exhibits a high value of dielectric constant (ɛ‧ = 8434) at room temperature and 100 Hz frequency with characteristic relaxation peaks. Impedance and modulus studies revealed the presence of temperature-dependent Maxwell-Wagner type of relaxation in the ceramic.

Flexible regenerated cellulose/polypyrrole composite films with enhanced dielectric properties.

PubMed

Raghunathan, Sreejesh Poikavila; Narayanan, Sona; Poulose, Aby Cheruvathur; Joseph, Rani

2017-02-10

Flexible regenerated cellulose/polypyrrole (RC-PPy) conductive composite films were prepared by insitu polymerization of pyrrole on regenerated cellulose (RC) matrix using ammonium persulphate as oxidant. FTIR, XPS and XRD analysis of RC-PPy composite films revealed strong interaction between polypyrrole (PPy) and RC matrix. XRD results indicated that crystalline structure of RC matrix remains intact even after composite formation. SEM micrographs revealed the formation of a continuous conductive network of PPy particles in the RC matrix, leading to significant improvement in electrical and dielectric properties. The electrical conductivity of RC-PPy composites with 12wt% of PPy was 3.2×10 -5 S/cm, which is approximately seven fold higher than that of RC. Composites showed high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss values, which is essential in capacitor application. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of boron nitride coatings on quartz fibers: Thickness control and mechanism research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yu; Wang, Shubin

2011-10-01

Boron nitride (BN) coatings were successfully synthesized on quartz fibers by dip-coating in boric acid and urea solutions at 700 °C. The SEM micrographs indicated that the quartz fibers were fully covered by coatings with smooth surface. The XRD, FT-IR, XPS spectra and HR-TEM results showed that the composition of the coatings which combined closely with the quartz fibers was polycrystalline h-BN. By changing the dip circles, the coating thickness was well controlled. The thicknesses of samples dipped less than six circles increased linearly with dipping-circles; and the increment of coating thickness would slow down when the fibers were dipped 10 circles. After being dipped for 10 circles, the thickness was about 300 nm. The coating thickness was also established by calculation and the calculated results were consistent with the results measured by micrograph.

Effect of film thickness on NO2 gas sensing properties of sprayed orthorhombic nanocrystalline V2O5 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, A. A.; Moholkar, A. V.

2017-09-01

The nanocrystalline V2O5 thin films with different thicknesses have been grown onto the glass substrates using chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP) deposition method. The XRD study shows that the films exhibit an orthorhombic crystal structure. The narrow scan X-ray photoelectron spectrum of V-2p core level doublet gives the binding energy difference of 7.3 eV, indicating that the V5+ oxidation state of vanadium. The FE-SEM micrographs show the formation of nanorods-like morphology. The AFM micrographs show the high surface area to volume ratio of nanocrystalline V2O5 thin films. The optical study gives the band gap energy values of 2.41 eV, 2.44 eV, 2.47 eV and 2.38 eV for V2O5 thin films deposited with the thicknesses of 423 nm, 559 nm, 694 nm and 730 nm, respectively. The V2O5 film of thickness 559 nm shows the NO2 gas response of 41% for 100 ppm concentration at operating temperature of 200 °C with response and recovery times of 20 s and 150 s, respectively. Further, it shows the rapid response and reproducibility towards 10 ppm NO2 gas concentration at 200 °C. Finally, NO2 gas sensing mechanism based on chemisorption process is discussed.

Synthesis of ZnO nanorods and observation of resistive switching memory in ZnO based polymer nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Manjula G.; Malakar, Meenakshi; Mohapatra, Saumya R.; Chowdhury, Avijit

2018-05-01

This research reports the observation of bipolar resistive switching memory in ZnO nanorod based polymer nanocomposites. We synthesized ZnO nanorods by wet-chemical method and characterized them using XRD, UV-VIS spectroscopy and SEM. The synthesized materials have hexagonal ZnO phase with grain size of 24 nm and having strong orientation along (101) direction as observed from XRD. The SEM micrograph confirms the formation of ZnO nanorods with diameter in the range of 10 to 20 nm and length of the order of 1 µm. From optical absorption spectra the band gap is estimated to be 2.42 eV. ZnO nanorods were dispersed in PVDF-HFP polymer matrix to prepare the nanocomposite. This nanocomposite was used as active layer in the devices having sandwich structure of ITO/PVDF-HFP+ZnO nanorods/Al. Bipolar non-volatile memory was observed with ON-OFF resistance ratio of the order of 103 and with a wide voltage window of 2.3V. The switching mechanism could be due to the trapping and de-trapping of electrons by the ZnO nanorods in the nanocomposite during ON and OFF states respectively.

Synthesis and characterization of novel 4-Tetra-4-Tolylsulfonyl ZnPc thin films for optoelectronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalil, Salah; Tazarki, Helmi; Souli, Mehdi; Guasch, Cathy; Jamoussi, Bassem; Kamoun, Najoua

2017-11-01

Novel 4-Tetra-4-Tolylsulfonyl:zinc phthalocyanine and simple zinc phthalocyanine were synthesized. Our materials were grown on glass substrates by spin coating technique. Thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electronic micrograph (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), spectrophotometer and Hall effect measurement. X-ray spectra reveal that 4-Tetra-4-Tolylsulfonyl:zinc phthalocyanine (4T4TS:ZnPc) and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) thin films have a monoclinic crystalline structure in β phase. The surface properties and chemical composition were detailed using XPS measurement. SEM were used to investigate the surface morphology for 4T4TS:ZnPc and ZnPc thin films. Atomic force microscopy images have shown a decrease in surface roughness after substitution. Optical properties were investigated by measuring transmission and reflection spectra. Electrical properties were studied and the different electrical parameters was measured and compared on glass, silicon and tin dioxide substrates by Hall Effect technique. All obtained results indicate an improvement in physical properties of 4T4TS:ZnPc which allows used it in optoelectronic applications.

Structure and Corrosion Behavior of Arc-Sprayed Zn-Al Coatings on Ductile Iron Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonabi, Salar Fatoureh; Ashrafizadeh, Fakhreddin; Sanati, Alireza; Nahvi, Saied Mehran

2018-02-01

In this research, four coatings including pure zinc, pure aluminum, a double-layered coating of zinc and aluminum, and a coating produced by simultaneous deposition of zinc and aluminum were deposited on a cast iron substrate using electric arc-spraying technique. The coatings were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDS map and spot analyses. Adhesion strength of the coatings was evaluated by three-point bending tests, where double-layered coating indicated the lowest bending angle among the specimens, with detection of cracks at the coating-substrate interface. Coatings produced by simultaneous deposition of zinc and aluminum possessed a relatively uniform distribution of both metals. In order to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the coatings, cyclic polarization and salt spray tests were conducted. Accordingly, pure aluminum coating showed susceptibility to pitting corrosion and other coatings underwent uniform corrosion. For double-layered coating, SEM micrographs revealed zinc corrosion products as flaky particles in the pores formed by pitting on the surface, an indication of penetration of corrosion products from the lower layer (zinc) to the top layer (aluminum). All coatings experienced higher negative corrosion potentials than the iron substrate, indicative of their sacrificial behavior.

The effects of engine operating conditions on CCD chemistry and morphology

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

Yeh, S.W.; Moore, S.M.; Sabourin, E.T.

1996-10-01

The effects of engine driving cycle and engine coolant temperature on combustion chamber deposit (CCD) surface chemistry and morphology were assessed by the use of XPS and scanning electron micrographs. A 3.1L V6 test cell engine was used to generate a six test matrix that compared deposit surface chemistry and morphology under two distinctly different driving cycles, each cycle being evaluated at three separate engine coolant temperatures. Deposit material for each respective test was collected by removable combustion chamber sample probes that were subjected to XPS surface analysis and SEM evaluation. Discernible trends were observed in surface chemistry and depositmore » amounts with respect to changes in both driving cycle and coolant temperature. However, much more pronounced were deposit morphological changes recorded by SEM in different engine coolant temperature regimes for both of the utilized driving cycles. Deposit nodules formed in one temperature regime were seen to be typically much larger in size, highly irregular in shape, and appeared to be porous in structure. At a different operating temperature, the deposit nodules were observed to be extremely uniform and more tightly packed.« less

Tannin-based flax fibre reinforced composites for structural applications in vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, J.; Abhyankar, H.; Nassiopoulos, E.; Njuguna, J.

2012-09-01

Innovation is often driven by changes in government policies regulating the industries, especially true in case of the automotive. Except weight savings, the strict EU regulation of 95% recyclable material-made vehicles drives the manufactures and scientists to seek new 'green materials' for structural applications. With handing at two major drawbacks (production cost and safety), ECHOSHELL is supported by EU to develop and optimise structural solutions for superlight electric vehicles by using bio-composites made of high-performance natural fibres and resins, providing enhanced strength and bio-degradability characteristics. Flax reinforced tannin-based composite is selected as one of the candidates and were firstly investigated with different fabric lay-up angles (non-woven flax mat, UD, [0, 90°]4 and [0, +45°, 90°, -45°]2) through authors' work. Some of the obtained results, such as tensile properties and SEM micrographs were shown in this conference paper. The UD flax reinforced composite exhibits the best tensile performance, with tensile strength and modulus of 150 MPa and 9.6 MPa, respectively. It was observed that during tension the oriented-fabric composites showed some delamination process, which are expected to be eliminated through surface treatment (alkali treatment etc.) and nanotechnology, such as the use of nano-fibrils. Failure mechanism of the tested samples were identified through SEM results, indicating that the combination of fibre pull-out, fibre breakage and brittle resins failure mainly contribute to the fracture failure of composites.

Structural and morphological study of Zn0.9Mn0.05Fe0.05O synthesized by sol-gel wet chemical precipitation route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, S. K.; Dolia, S. N.; Choudhary, B. L.; Prashant, B. L.

2018-04-01

Transition metal substituted Zinc oxide (ZnO) has drawn a great deal of attention due to its excellent properties. Zn0.9Mn0.05Fe0.05O sample synthesized was by Sol-gel wet chemical precipitation route at temperature 350°C. The crystallinity and the structure of Zn0.9Mn0.05Fe0.05O was determined by X-ray diffraction by Cu-Kα radiations operated at 40kV and 35mA in the range of 20° to 80°. The pattern gets indexed in wurtzite (hexagonal) structure with lattice constants a=b=3.2525Å and c=5.2071Å and approves the single phase material with no impurity. The values of particle size assessed by Debye Scherer’s (DS) formula lie in the range of 13nm to 33nm indicating the nano-crystalline nature of the sample. The morphological analysis of the sample was performed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. The observed size of Zn0.9Mn0.05Fe0.05O nanoparticles by TEM micrograph exhibits the similar trend with the size calculated by Debye-Scherer formula. TEM image show the irregular shape of the nanoparticles and particle size lies in the range of 10-35nm. Similar to SEM image, the slight agglomeration of the nanoparticles have been observed from TEM.

Novel nanohybrids of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes and clay: synthesis and structural determinations.

PubMed

Kianfar, Ali Hossein; Mahmood, Wan Ahmad Kamil; Dinari, Mohammad; Azarian, Mohammad Hossein; Khafri, Fatemeh Zare

2014-06-05

The [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PBu(3))(OH(2))]BF4 and [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(Solv)]BF(4), complexes were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis techniques. The coordination geometry of [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(H(2)O)]BF(4) was determined by X-ray crystallography. It has been found that the complex is containing [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(H(2)O)]BF(4) and [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(EtOH)]BF(4) hexacoordinate species in the solid state. Cobalt atom exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry and the Me(2)Salen ligand has the N2O2 coordinated environment in the equatorial plane. The [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(H(2)O)]BF(4) complex shows a dimeric structure via hydrogen bonding between the phenolate oxygen and hydrogens of coordinated H2O molecule. These complexes were incorporated into Montmorillonite-K10 nanoclay. The modified clays were identified by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, TGA/DTA, SEM and TEM techniques. According to the XRD results of the new nanohybrid materials, the Schiff base complexes are intercalated in the interlayer spaces of the clay. SEM and TEM micrographs show that the resulting hybrid nanomaterials have layer structures. Also, TGA/DTG results show that the intercalation reaction was taken place successfully. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Structural and magnetically enhanced ferroelectric properties of Nd3+ and Fe3+ substituted Pb(Zr0.45Ti0.55)O3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Randeep; Singh, Anupinder

2018-05-01

The influence of Nd3+ and Fe3+ substitution on Pb(Zr0.45Ti0.55)O3 composition prepared via solid state reaction route have been studied. The structural evolution was investigated using an X-ray diffraction (XRD). Non perovskite Pb2Ti2O7, ZrO2 and PbO phases were observed along with the rhombohedral phase. The SEM micrograph shows the surface morphology of the samples. The density of the sample was calculated by using Archimedes principle and found to be 8.45g/cm3. The magnetic data depicts the presence of both the ferromagnetic as well as antiferromagnetic character in the solid solution. In ferroelectric studies, the values of remnant polarization (Pr) and coercive field (Ec) enhanced from 2.60 μC/cm2 - 3.44 µC/cm2 and 15.82kV/cm - 22.91kV/cm respectively.

Temperature dependent dielectric relaxation and ac-conductivity of alkali niobate ceramics studied by impedance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Abhinav; Mantry, Snigdha Paramita; Fahad, Mohd.; Sarun, P. M.

2018-05-01

Sodium niobate (NaNbO3) ceramics is prepared by conventional solid state reaction method at sintering temperature 1150 °C for 4 h. The structural information of the material has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The XRD analysis of NaNbO3 ceramics shows an orthorhombic structure. The FE-SEM micrograph of NaNbO3 ceramics exhibit grains with grain sizes ranging between 1 μm to 5 μm. The surface coverage and average grain size of NaNbO3 ceramics are found to be 97.6 % and 2.5 μm, respectively. Frequency dependent electrical properties of NaNbO3 is investigated from room temperature to 500 °C in wide frequency range (100 Hz-5 MHz). Dielectric constant, ac-conductivity, impedance, modulus and Nyquist analysis are performed. The observed dielectric constant (1 kHz) at transition temperature (400 °C) are 975. From conductivity analysis, the estimated activation energy of NaNbO3 ceramics is 0.58 eV at 10 kHz. The result of Nyquist plot shows that the electrical behavior of NaNbO3 ceramics is contributed by grain and grain boundary responses. The impedance and modulus spectrum asserts that the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior and non-Debye type relaxation in NaNbO3.

Effect of reactive agent and transesterification catalyst on properties of PLA/PBAT blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitivut, S.; Suttiruengwong, S.; Seadan, M.

2015-07-01

This research aimed to study the properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends with two different reactive systems: free radical reaction through peroxide (Perkadox) and transesterification catalyst (tetrabutyl titanate; TBT). Two blends composed of PLA as a matrix phase with the composition of 80 and 70 percent by weight. PLA/PBAT blends with Perkadox were prepared in twin screw extruder, whereas PLA/PBAT blends with TBT were prepared in an internal mixer. The morphology of the blends was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tensile and impact testingsof the blends were reported. In case of the blends with Perkadox, SEM micrographs revealed that the size of particles was substantially reduced when adding more Perkadox. Young's modulus and the tensile strength of all blend ratios were insignificantly changed, whereas the elongation at break was decreased when compared to non-reactive blends due to the possible crosslinking reaction as observed from melt flow index (MFI) values. When adding Perkadox, the impact strength of PLA/PBAT (80/20) remained almost unchanged. However, the impact strength of PLA/PBAT (70/30) was enhanced, increasing to 110% for 0.05 phr Perkadox. In case of the blends with TBT, SEM micrographs showed the decrease in the particle size of PBAT phase when adding TBT. Young's modulus and the tensile strength of all blend ratios were not different, but the elongation at break was improved when adding TBT owing to the transesterification reaction. For PLA/PBAT (80/20), the elongation at break was increased by 39%, whereas the elongation at break was increased by 15% for PLA/PLA (70/30). The impact strength of all blend ratios unaffected.

A study of the UV and VUV degradation of FEP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Graeme A.; Hill, David J. T.; Odonnell, James H.; Pomery, Peter J.; Rasoul, Firas A.

1993-01-01

UV and VUV degradation of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) copolymer was studied using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ESR study revealed the formation of a terminal polymer radical. The stability of this radical was investigated under different environments. An XPS study of FEP film exposed to VUV and atomic oxygen showed that oxidation takes place on the polymer surface. The study revealed also that the percentage of CF2 in the polymer surface decreased with exposure time and the percentage of CF, CF3, and carbon attached to oxygen increased. SEM micrographs of FEP film exposed to VUV and atomic oxygen identified a rough surface with undulations similar to sand dunes.

A facile synthesis of metal nanoparticle - graphene composites for better absorption of solar radiation

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

Sharma, Bindu; Mulla, Rafiq; Rabinal, M. K., E-mail: mkrabinal@yahoo.com

2015-06-24

Herein, a facile chemical approach has been adopted to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)- graphene (G) composite to study photothermal effect. Sodium borohydride (SBH), a strong reducing agent has been selected for this work. Effect of SBH concentrations on optical behavior of AgNPs-G composite was also investigated. Resultant materials were characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM micrographs confirm wrapping of AgNPs into graphene whereas XRD analysis reveals their particle size variation between 47 nm to 69 nm. Optical studies throw a light on theirmore » strong absorption behavior towards solar radiation.« less

A scanning electron microscope technique for studying the sclerites of Cichlidogyrus.

PubMed

Fannes, Wouter; Vanhove, Maarten P M; Huyse, Tine; Paladini, Giuseppe

2015-05-01

The genus Cichlidogyrus (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) includes more than 90 species, most of which are gill parasites of African cichlid fishes. Cichlidogyrus has been studied extensively in recent years, but scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations of the isolated hard parts have not yet been undertaken. In this paper, we describe a method for isolating and scanning the sclerites of individual Cichlidogyrus worms. Twenty-year-old, formol-fixed specimens of Cichlidogyrus casuarinus were subjected to proteinase K digestion in order to release the sclerites from the surrounding soft tissues. SEM micrographs of the haptoral sclerites and the male copulatory organ are presented. The ability to digest formol-fixed specimens makes this method a useful tool for the study of historical museum collections.

Effect of Al doping on structural and mechanical properties of Ni-Cd ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shidaganal, Lata C.; Gandhad, Sheela S.; Hiremath, C. S.; Mathad, S. N.; Jeergal, P. R.; Pujar, R. B.

2018-05-01

Ferrites are ceramic magnetic materials which behave like a conventional ferromagnetic. Ni-Zn ferrites are commercially used as electromagnetic interfaces in hard disc drives, laptops and other electronic devices. Here we are going to report on the structural and mechanical properties of Al doped Ni-Cd ferrites synthesized by standard double sintering ceramic method by using AR grade Al oxide, Ni oxide, Cd oxide and ferric oxide in molar proportions with a general chemical formula Ni0.5 Cd0.5 Alx Fe2-x O4 where x=0.1 to 0.4.X-ray analysis confirms the formation of single phase FCC spinel structure. The decrease in lattice constant with Al concentration is attributed to Vegard's law. IR spectra indicate prominent absorption bands near 400cm-1and 600cm-1 which are assigned to fundamental vibrations of complexes in A and B sites respectively. SEM micrographs exhibit fine grains without segregation of impurities. The average grain diameter is found vary from 1.00µm to 0.9 µm which is in agreement with Vegard's law.

Influence of Sn-Mg co-substitution on the microstructural and magnetic characteristics of M-type SrCaLa hexagonal ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yujie; Wang, Fanhou; Huang, Duohui; Shao, Juxiang; Tang, Jin; Ur Rehman, Khalid Mehmood; Wu, Zhen

2018-04-01

Sn-Mg co-substituted M-type SrCaLa hexaferrites Sr0.5Ca0.2La0.3Fe12.0-2x(SnMg)xO19 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) have been synthesized by ball milling and calcining. The results of X-ray diffraction show that a single magnetoplumbite phase is exhibited in all the samples and no impurity phase is observed in the structure. Lattice constants (c and a) increase with increasing Sn-Mg content (x) from 0.0 to 0.5. Platelet like structure exhibited by FE-SEM micrographs confirms the hexagonal structure of the synthesized samples. The saturation magnetization (Ms) first increases with increasing SnMg content (x) from 0.0 to 0.1, and then decreases when Sn-Mg content (x) ≥ 0.1. The remanent magnetization (Mr), Mr/Ms ratio, coercivity (Hc), magnetic anisotropy field (Ha) and first anisotropy constant (K1) decrease with increasing Sn-Mg content (x) from 0.0 to 0.5.

Spray pyrolysed Ru:TiO2 thin film electrodes prepared for electrochemical supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fugare, B. Y.; Thakur, A. V.; Kore, R. M.; Lokhande, B. J.

2018-04-01

Ru doped TiO2 thin films are prepared by using 0.06 M aqueous solution of potassium titanium oxalate (pto), and 0.005 M aqueous solution of ruthenium tri chloride (RuCl3) precursors. The deposition was carried on stainless steel (SS) by using well known ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique (USPT) at 723° K by maintaining the spray rate 12 cc/min and compressed air flow rate 10 Lmin-1. Prepared Ru:TiO2 thin films were characterized by structurally, morphologically and electrochemically. Deposited RuO2 shows amorphous structure and TiO2 shows tetragonal crystal structure with rutile as prominent phase at very low decomposition temperature. SEM micrographs of RuO2 exhibits porous, interconnected, spherical grains type morphology and TiO2 shows porous, nanorods and nanoplates like morphology and also Ru doped TiO2 shows porous, spherical, granular and nanorods type morphology. The electrochemical cyclic voltammetery shows mixed capacitive behavior. The achieved highest value of specific capacitance 2692 F/g was Ru doped TiO2 electrode in 0.5 M H2SO4.

The Influence of Novel Alloying Additions on the Performance of Magnesium Alloy AZ31B

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

More recently, alloys using a variety of the rare earth elements have been developed. Typically, these alloys have shown significant improvements...in mechanical properties and to a lesser degree in corrosion performance. However, rare earth elements are often costly and heavier than Mg. Thus...1.0 0.004 Max — — Note: Fe = iron; RE = rare earth . SEM micrograph and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) results for selected alloys are shown in

Topical Meeting on Microphysics of Surfaces, Beams, and Adsorbates Held at Santa Fe, New Mexico on 4-6 February 1985.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-18

during excimer laser ablation. Results are %%% Study on the Mechanism of Ion-Assisted Etching, F. H. M. correlated with interferometric measurements of...report on real time interferometric measurements of free electron density and laser induced .,- fluorescence studies of atoms and molecules in the...compared with morphology exam- Ined with Nomarski micrographs and SEM. In addition, the struc- ture and composition of the deposited lines were analysed

Direct and continuous synthesis of VO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, M. J.; Marchand, P.; Denis, C. J.; Bear, J. C.; Darr, J. A.; Parkin, I. P.

2015-11-01

Monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles are of interest due to the material's thermochromic properties, however, direct synthesis routes to VO2 nanoparticles are often inaccessible due to the high synthesis temperatures or long reaction times required. Herein, we present a two-step synthesis route for the preparation of monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles using Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis (CHFS) followed by a short post heat treatment step. A range of particle sizes, dependent on synthesis conditions, were produced from 50 to 200 nm by varying reaction temperatures and the residence times in the process. The nanoparticles were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The nanoparticles were highly crystalline with rod and sphere-like morphologies present in TEM micrographs, with the size of both the rod and spherical particles being highly dependent on both reaction temperature and residence time. SEM micrographs showed the surface of the powders produced from the CHFS process to be highly uniform. The samples were given a short post synthesis heat treatment to ensure that they were phase pure monoclinic VO2, which led to them exhibiting a large and reversible switch in optical properties (at near-IR wavelengths), which suggests that if such materials can be incorporated into coatings or in composites, they could be used for fenestration in architectural applications.

Direct and continuous synthesis of VO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Powell, M J; Marchand, P; Denis, C J; Bear, J C; Darr, J A; Parkin, I P

2015-11-28

Monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles are of interest due to the material's thermochromic properties, however, direct synthesis routes to VO2 nanoparticles are often inaccessible due to the high synthesis temperatures or long reaction times required. Herein, we present a two-step synthesis route for the preparation of monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles using Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis (CHFS) followed by a short post heat treatment step. A range of particle sizes, dependent on synthesis conditions, were produced from 50 to 200 nm by varying reaction temperatures and the residence times in the process. The nanoparticles were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The nanoparticles were highly crystalline with rod and sphere-like morphologies present in TEM micrographs, with the size of both the rod and spherical particles being highly dependent on both reaction temperature and residence time. SEM micrographs showed the surface of the powders produced from the CHFS process to be highly uniform. The samples were given a short post synthesis heat treatment to ensure that they were phase pure monoclinic VO2, which led to them exhibiting a large and reversible switch in optical properties (at near-IR wavelengths), which suggests that if such materials can be incorporated into coatings or in composites, they could be used for fenestration in architectural applications.

Water-repellent coatings prepared by modification of ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakradhar, R. P. S.; Dinesh Kumar, V.

Superhydrophobic coatings with a static water contact angle (WCA) > 150° were prepared by modifying ZnO nanoparticles with stearic acid (ZnO@SA). ZnO nanoparticles of size ˜14 nm were prepared by solution combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal that as prepared ZnO has hexagonal wurtzite structure whereas the modified coatings convert to zinc stearate. Field emission scanning electron micrographs (FE-SEM) show the dual morphology of the coatings exhibiting both particles and flakes. The flakes are highly fluffy in nature with voids and nanopores. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrum shows the stearate ion co-ordinates with Zn2+ in the bidentate form. The surface properties such as surface free energy (γp) and work of adhesion (W) of the unmodified and modified ZnO coatings have been evaluated. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy reveals that surface defects play a major role in the wetting behavior.

Biodegradable and bioactive CGP/PVA film for fungal growth inhibition.

PubMed

Silva, Bárbara Dumas S; Ulhoa, Cirano J; Batista, Karla A; Di Medeiros, Maria Carolina; Da Silva Filho, Rômulo Roosevelt; Yamashita, Fabio; Fernandes, Kátia F

2012-07-01

In this study, chitinolytic enzymes produced by Trichoderma asperellum were immobilized on a biodegradable film manufactured with a blend of cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and tested as a fungal growth inhibitor. The film was produced by casting a blend of CGP and PVA solution on glass molds. The CGP/PVA film showed 68% water solubility, tensile strength of 23.7 MPa, 187.2% elongation and 52% of mass loss after 90 days in soil. The presence of T-CWD enzymes immobilized by adsorption or covalent attachment resulted in effective inhibition of fungal growth. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was the most sensitive organism, followed by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. SEM micrograph showed that the presence of immobilized T-CWD enzymes on CGP/PVA film produced morphological modifications on vegetative and germinative structures of the microorganisms, particularly hyphae disruption and changes of spores shape. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite and ammonium sulfate from phosphogypsum waste

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

Mousa, Sahar, E-mail: dollyriri@yahoo.com; King Abdulaziz University, Science and Art College, Chemistry Department, Rabigh Campus, P.O. Box:344, Postal code: 21911 Rabigh; Hanna, Adly

2013-02-15

Graphical abstract: TEM micrograph of dried HAP at 800 °C. -- Abstract: Phosphogypsum (PG) waste which is derived from phosphoric acid manufacture by using wet method was converted into hydroxyapatite (HAP) and ammonium sulfate. Very simple method was applied by reacting PG with phosphoric acid in alkaline medium with adjusting pH using ammonia solution. The obtained nano-HAP was dried at 80 °C and calcined at 600 °C and 900 °C for 2 h. Both of HAP and ammonium sulfate were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) to study the structural evolution. The thermal behavior of nano-HAP wasmore » studied; the particle size and morphology were estimated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the results showed that HAP nano-crystalline and ammonium sulfate can successfully be produced from phosphogypsum waste.« less

Viscoelastic Properties and Morphology of Mumio-based Medicated Hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zandraa, Oyunchimeg; Jelínková, Lenka; Roy, Niladri; Sáha, Tomáš; Kitano, Takeshi; Saha, Nabanita

2011-07-01

Novel medicated hydrogels were prepared (by moist heat treatment) with PVA, agar, mumio, mare's milk (MM), seabuckthorn oil (SB oil) and salicylic acid (SA) for wound dressing/healing application. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) show highly porous structure of these hydrogels. The swelling behaviour of the hydrogels in physiological solution displays remarkable liquid absorption property. The knowledge obtained from rheological investigations of these-systems may be highly useful for the characterization of the newly developed topical formulations. In the present study, an oscillation frequency sweep test was used for the evaluation of storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) of five different formulations, over an angular frequency range from 0.1 to 100 rad.s-1. The influence of healing agents and swelling effect on the rheological properties of mumio-based medicated hydrogels was investigated to judge its application on uneven surface of body.

Fabrication and Characterization of Dense Zirconia and Zirconia-Silica Ceramic Nanofibers

PubMed Central

Guo, Guangqing; Fan, Yuwei

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to prepare dense zirconia-yttria (ZY), zirconia-silica (ZS) and zirconia-yttria-silica (ZYS) nanofibers as reinforcing elements for dental composites. Zirconium (IV) propoxide, yttrium nitrate hexahydrate, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were used as precursors for the preparation of zirconia, yttria, and silica sols. A small amount (1–1.5 wt%) of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was used as a carry polymer. The sols were preheated at 70 °C before electrospinning and their viscosity was measured with a viscometer at different heating time. The gel point was determined by viscosity–time (η–t) curve. The ZY, ZS and ZYS gel nanofibers were prepared using a special reactive electrospinning device under the conditions near the gel point. The as-prepared gel nanofibers had diameters between 200 and 400 nm. Dense (nonporous) ceramic nanofibers of zirconia-yttria (96/4), zirconia-silica (80/20) and zirconia-yttria-silica (76.8/3.2/20) with diameter of 100–300 nm were obtained by subsequent calcinations at different temperatures. The gel and ceramic nanofibers obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM micrograph revealed that ceramic ZY nanofibers had grained structure, while ceramic ZS and ZYS nanofibers had smooth surfaces, both showing no visible porosity under FE-SEM. Complete removal of the polymer PEO was confirmed by TGA/DSC and FT-IR. The formation of tetragonal phase of zirconia and amorphous silica was proved by XRD. In conclusion, dense zirconia-based ceramic nanofibers can be fabricated using the new reactive sol–gel electrospinning technology with minimum organic polymer additives. PMID:21133090

Electrocatalytically Active Nickel-Based Electrode Coatings Formed by Atmospheric and Suspension Plasma Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghasibeig, M.; Mousavi, M.; Ben Ettouill, F.; Moreau, C.; Wuthrich, R.; Dolatabadi, A.

2014-01-01

Ni-based electrode coatings with enhanced surface areas, for hydrogen production, were developed using atmospheric plasma spray (APS) and suspension plasma spray (SPS) processes. The results revealed a larger electrochemical active surface area for the coatings produced by SPS compared to those produced by APS process. SEM micrographs showed that the surface microstructure of the sample with the largest surface area was composed of a large number of small cauliflower-like aggregates with an average diameter of 10 μm.

Studies on fabrication of glass fiber reinforced composites using polymer blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, R. H.; Kachhia, P. H.; Patel, S. N.; Rathod, S. T.; Valand, J. K.

2018-05-01

Glass fiber reinforced PVC/NBR composites have been fabricated via hot compression moulding process. PVC is brittle in nature and thus lower thermal stability. Therefore, to improve the toughness of PVC, NBR was incorporated in certain proportions. As both are polar and thus they are compatible. To improve the strength property further, these blends were used to fabricate glass fiber reinforced composites. SEM micrograph shows good wettability of the blend with glass fibers resulting in proper bonding which increase the strength of the composites.

Nanographite-TiO2 photoanode for dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, S. S.; Sharma, Khushboo; Sharma, Vinay

2016-05-01

Nanographite-TiO2 (NG-TiO2) composite was successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method and its performance as the photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. Environmental Scanning electron microscope (E-SEM) micrographs show the uniform distribution of TiO2 nanoflowers deposited over nanographite sheets. The average performance characteristics of the assembled cell in terms of short-ciruit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) were measured.

Multi-Energy Processing for Novel Coating Technologies

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-18

tungsten carbide (WC) substrate (BS-6S, Basic Carbide Corp.) with a dimension of 25.4 x 25.4 x 1.6 mm^ and a cobalt composition of 6% was placed on a...as dopant sources. (a) No NH3 + No laser (b) NH3 added, No laser (c) 10.591 ^m Figure 4.4 SEM micrographs of the diamond films deposited using...typed 37 diamond. Nitrogen was widely used as n-typed dopant . Nitrogen-containing additives in CVD diamond growth led to severe deterioration of the

Orthorhombic MoO3 nanobelts based NO2 gas sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, A. A.; Moholkar, A. V.

2017-05-01

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanobelts have been deposited onto the glass substrates using chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP) deposition method. The XRD patterns reveal that films are polycrystalline having an orthorhombic crystal structure. Raman spectra confirm that the films are orthorhombic in phase. The XPS study shows the presence of two well resolved spectral lines of Mo-3d core levels appearing at the binding energy values of 232.82 eV and 235.95 eV corresponding to Mo-3d5/2 and Mo-3d3/2, respectively. These binding energy values are assigned to Mo6+ oxidation state of fully oxidized MoO3. The FE-SEM micrographs show the formation of nanobelts-like morphology. The AFM micrographs reveal that the RMS surface roughness increases from 16.5 nm to 17.5 nm with increase in film thickness from 470 nm to 612 nm and then decreases to 16 nm for 633 nm film thickness. The band gap energy is found to be decreased from 3.40 eV to 3.38 eV. To understand the electronic transport phenomenon in MoO3 thin films, dielectric properties are studied. For 612 nm film thickness, the highest NO2 gas response of 68% is obtained at an operating temperature of 200 °C for 100 ppm concentration with response and recovery times of 15 s and 150 s, respectively. The lower detection limit is found to be 10 ppm which is half of the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value of 20 ppm. Finally, NO2 gas sensing mechanism in an orthorhombic MoO3 crystal structure is discussed in detail.

Fabrication of high-performance supercapacitors based on transversely oriented carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markoulidis, F.; Lei, C.; Lekakou, C.

2013-04-01

High-performance supercapacitors with organic electrolyte 1 M TEABF4 (tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate) in PC (propylene carbonate) were fabricated and tested, based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) deposited by electrophoresis on three types of alternative substrates: aluminium foil, ITO (indium tin oxide) coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film and PET film. In all cases, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) micrographs demonstrated that protruding, transversely oriented MWNT structures were formed, which should increase the transverse conductivity of these MWNT electrodes. The best supercapacitor cell of MWNT electrodes deposited on aluminium foil displayed good transverse orientation of the MWNT structures as well as an in-plane MWNT network at the feet of the protruding structures, which ensured good in-plane conductivity. Capacitor cells with MWNT electrodes deposited either on ITO-coated PET film or on PET film demonstrated lower but still very good performance due to the high density of transversely oriented MWNT structures (good transverse conductivity) but some in-plane inhomogeneities. Capacitor cells with drop-printed MWNTs on aluminium foil, without any transverse orientation, had 16-30 times lower specific capacitance and 5-40 times lower power density than the capacitor cells with the electrophoretically deposited MWNT electrodes.

Development and characterization of Mn2+-doped MgO nanoparticles by solution combustion synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basha, Md. Hussain; Gopal, N. O.; Rao, J. L.; Nagabhushana, H.; Nagabhushana, B. M.; Chakradhar, R. P. S.

2015-06-01

Mn doped MgO Nanoparticles have been prepared by Solution Combustion Synthesis. The synthesized sample is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The prepared MgO:Mn (1 mol%) nano crystals appear to be of simple cubic crystalline phase with lattice parameters a = 4.218(2) Å and cell volume = 74.98 (7) Å3. SEM micrograph of powders show highly porous, many agglomerates with irregular morphology, large voids, cracks and pores. EPR spectrum of the sample at room temperature exhibit an isotropic sextet hyperfine pattern, centered at g=1.99, characteristic if Mn2+ ions with S=I=5/2.The observed g value and the hyperfine value reveal the ionic bonding between Mn2+ and its surroundings.

Hydroxyapatite nanocrystals: simple preparation, characterization and formation mechanism.

PubMed

Mohandes, Fatemeh; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud; Fathi, Mohammadhossein; Fereshteh, Zeinab

2014-12-01

Crystalline hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles and nanorods have been successfully synthesized via a simple precipitation method. To control the shape and particle size of HAP nanocrystals, coordination ligands derived from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde were first prepared, characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectroscopies, and finally applied in the synthesis process of HAP. On the other hand, the HAP nanocrystals were also characterized by several techniques including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the FE-SEM and TEM micrographs, it was found that the morphology and crystallinity of the HAP powders depended on the coordination mode of the ligands. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of cement dosage and early curing towards Kuala Perlis dredged marine sediments: a ɛv - σv and SEM-EDX approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syakeera Nordin, Nurul; Chan, Chee-Ming

2017-11-01

Cement is the primary material used in solidifying the soft soils. This material was applied in solidifying Kuala Perlis dredged marine sediments (DMS). These unwanted sediments are classified as high plasticity silt, MH with 3.36 LL of wc/LL value. At dosage 10 and 20 % of cemented-DMS and 3 days curing time, compression curve results shows the settlement criteria were enhanced than the natural DMS. Unfortunately, the settlement criteria are not complies with the permissible settlement limit and applicable pressure. The formation of cementing compounds appears in the SEM micrograph for 10 and 20 % of cemented-DMS. EDX analysis shows the Ca:Si ratio were increased for cemented-DMS due to the formation of C-S-H gel.

Microbial examination of anaerobic sludge adaptation to animal slurry.

PubMed

Moset, V; Cerisuelo, A; Ferrer, P; Jimenez, A; Bertolini, E; Cambra-López, M

2014-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the microbial population of anaerobic sludge digesters during the adaptation to pig slurry (PS) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and qualitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the relationship between microbial parameters and sludge physicochemical composition and methane yield was examined. Results showed that the addition of PS to an unadapted thermophilic anaerobic digester caused an increase in volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, a decrease in removal efficiency and CH4 yield. Additionally, increases in total bacteria and total archaea were observed using qPCR. Scanning electron micrographs provided a general overview of the sludge's cell morphology, morphological diversity and degree of organic matter degradation. A change in microbial morphotypes from homogeneous cell morphologies to a higher morphological diversity, similar to that observed in PS, was observed with the addition of PS by SEM. Therefore, the combination of qPCR and SEM allowed expanding the knowledge about the microbial adaptation to animal slurry in thermophilic anaerobic digesters.

Structural, optical and magnetic investigation of Gd implanted CeO2 nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaviyarasu, K.; Murmu, P. P.; Kennedy, J.; Thema, F. T.; Letsholathebe, Douglas; Kotsedi, L.; Maaza, M.

2017-10-01

Gadolinium implanted cerium oxide (Gd-CeO2) nanocomposites is an important candidate which have unique hexagonal structure and high K- dielectric constant. Gd-CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the peaks are consistent with pure phase cubic structure the XRD pattern also confirmed crystallinity and phase purity of the sample. Nanocrystals sizes were found to be up to 25 nm as revealed by XRD and SEM. It is suggested that Gd gives an affirmative effect on the ion influence behavior of Gd-CeO2. XRD patterns showed formation of new phases and SEM micrographs revealed hexagonal structure. Photoluminescence measurement (PL) reveals the systematic shift of the emission band towards lower wavelength thereby ascertaining the quantum confinement effect (QCE). The PL spectrum has wider broad peak ranging from 390 nm to 770 nm and a sharp one centered on at 451.30 nm which is in tune with Gd ions. In the Raman spectra showed intense band observed between 460 cm-1 and 470 cm-1 which is attributed to oxygen ions into CeO2. Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in un-doped and Gd implanted and annealed CeO2 nanocrystals. In the recent studies, ceria based materials have been considered as one of the most promising electrolytes for reduced temperature SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) system due to their high ionic conductivities allowing its use in stainless steel supported fuel cells. CeO2 having an optical bandgap 3.3 eV and n-type carrier density which make it a promising candidate for various technological application such as buffer layer on silicon on insulator devices.

Effect of molarity on sol-gel routed nano TiO2 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourduraj, Stephen; Williams, Rayar Victor

The nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films have been prepared for the molar concentrations of titanium tetra isopropoxide (TTIP) 0.05M, 0.1M, 0.15M and 0.2M by sol-gel routed spin coating technique with calcination at 450∘C. The processing parameters such as, pH value (8), catalyst HCl (0.1ml), spin speed (3000rpm) and calcination temperature (450∘C) are optimized. The crystalline nature and surface morphology were analyzed by XRD, SEM and AFM analysis. The XRD results confirm that the films are crystalline with anatase phase, and are nanostructured. The SEM micrographs of the TiO2 film reveal the spherical nature of the particle. AFM analysis establishes that the uniformity of the TiO2 thin film was optimized at 0.2M. The optical measurements show that the transmittance depends on the molarity, and the optical band gap energy of TiO2 films is found to be inversely proportional to molarity. The I-V characteristics exhibit that the molarity strongly influences the electrical conductivity of the film. The results indicate that the significant effect of molarity on structural, optical and electrical properties of the nanostructured TiO2 thin films will be useful to photovoltaic application.

The effects of fuel type in synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles by microwave assisted combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karcıoğlu Karakaş, Zeynep; Boncukçuoğlu, Recep; Karakaş, İbrahim H.

2016-04-01

In this study, it was investigated the effects of the used fuels on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of nanoparticles in nanoparticle synthesis with microwave assisted combustion method with an important method in quick, simple and low cost at synthesis of the nanoparticles. In this aim, glycine, urea and citric acid were used as fuel, respectively. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. We observed that fuel type is quite effective on magnetic properties and surface properties of the nanoparticles. X-ray difractograms of the obtained nanoparticles were compared with standard powder diffraction cards of NiFe2O4 (JCPDS Card Number 54-0964). The results demonstrated that difractograms are fully compatible with standard reflection peaks. According to the results of the XRD analysis, the highest crystallinity was observed at nanoparticles synthesized with glycine. The results demonstrated that the nanoparticles prepared with urea has the highest surface area. The micrographs of SEM showed that all of the nanoparticles have nano-crystalline behaviour and particles indication cubic shape. VSM analysis demonstrated that the type of fuel used for synthesis is highly effective a parameter on magnetic properties of nanoparticles.

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Bombyx Mori Silk Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Y.; Martin, D. C.

1997-03-01

The microstructure of B. Mori silk fibers before and after degumming was examined by TEM, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), WAXS and low voltage SEM. SEM micrographs of the neat cocoon revealed a network of pairs of twisting filaments. After degumming, there were only individual filaments showing a surface texture consistent with an oriented fibrillar structure in the fiber interior. WAXS patterns confirmed the oriented beta-sheet crystal structure common to silkworm and spider silks. Low dose SAED results were fully consistent with the WAXS data, and revealed that the crystallographic texture did not vary significantly across the fiber diameter. TEM observations of microtomed fiber cross sections indicated a somewhat irregular shape, and also revealed a 0.5-2 micron sericin coating which was removed by the degumming process. TEM observations of the degummed silk fiber showed banded features with a characteristic spacing of nominally 600 nm along the fiber axis. These bands were oriented in a roughly parabolic or V-shape pointing along one axis within a given fiber. We hypothesize that this orientation is induced by the extrusion during the spinning process. Equatorial DF images revealed that axial and lateral sizes of the β-sheet crystallites in silk fibroin ranged from 20 to 170 nm and from 1 to 24 nm, respectively. Crazes developed in the degummed silk fiber parallel to the fiber direction. The formation of these crazes suggests that there are significant lateral interactions between fibrils in silk fibers.

Effect of tungsten (W) on structural and magnetic properties of electroplated NiFe thin films for MEMS applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kannan, R.; Devaki, P.; Premkumar, P. S.; Selvambikai, M.

2018-04-01

Electrodeposition of nanocrystalline NiFe and NiFeW thin films were carried out from ammonium citrate bath at a constant current density and controlled pH of 8 by varying the bath temperature from 40 °C to 70 °C. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the electrodeposited NiFe and NiFeW soft magnetic thin films were studied by using SEM and EDAX. The SEM micrographs of the films coated at higher electrodeposited bath temperature have no micro cracks and also the films have more uniform surface morphology. The existence of crystalline nature of the coated films were analysed by XRD. The presence of predominant peaks in x-ray diffraction pattern (compared with JCPDS data) reveal that the average crystalline size was in the order of few tens of nano meters. The magnetic properties such as coercivity, saturation magnetization and magnetic flux density have been calculated from vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. The VSM result shows that the NiFeW thin film synthesised at 70 °C exhibit the lower coercivity with higher saturation magnetization. The hardness and adhesion of the electroplated films have been investigated. Reasons for variation in magnetic properties and structural characteristics are also discussed. The electroplated NiFe and NiFeW thin films can be used for Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) applications due to their excellent soft magnetic behaviour.

Effect of nitrogen ion implantation on the structural and optical properties of indium oxide thin films

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

Sethi, Riti; Aziz, Anver; Siddiqui, Azher M., E-mail: amsiddiqui@jmi.ac.in

2016-06-10

: We report here synthesis and subsequent nitrogen ion implantation of indium oxide (In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) thin films. The films were implanted with 25 keV N{sup +} beam for different ion doses between 3E15 to 1E16 ions/cm{sup 2}. The resulting changes in structural and optical properties were investigated using XRD, SEM-EDAX and UV-Vis Spectrometry. XRD studies reveal decrease in crystallite size from 20.06 to 12.42 nm with increase in ion dose. SEM micrographs show an increase in the grain size from 0.8 to 1.35 µm with increase in ion dose because of the agglomeration of the grains. Also, from EDAXmore » data on pristine and N-implanted thin films the presence of indium and oxygen without any traces of impurity elements could be seen. However, at lower ion doses such as 3E15 and 5E15 ions/cm{sup 2}, no evidence of the presence of nitrogen ion was seen. However, for the ion dose of 1E16 ions/cm{sup 2}, evidence of presence of nitrogen can be seen in the EDAX data. Band gap calculations reveal a decrease in band gap from 3.54 to 3.38 eV with increasing ion dose. However, the band gap was found to again show an increase to 3.58 eV at the highest ion dose owing to quantum confinement effect.« less

The effect of substrate temperature on the microstructural, electrical and optical properties of Sn-doped indium oxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raoufi, Davood; Taherniya, Atefeh

2015-06-01

In this work, Sn doping In2O3 (ITO) thin films with a thickness of 200 nm were deposited on glass substrates by electron beam evaporation (EBE) method at different substrate temperatures. The crystal structure of these films was studied by X-ray diffraction technique. The sheet resistance was measured by a four-point probe. Van der Pauw method was used to measure carrier density and mobility of ITO films. The optical transmittance spectra were recorded in the wavelength region of 300-800 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used for the surface morphology analysis. The prepared ITO films exhibited body-centered cubic (BCC) structure with preferred orientation of growth along the (2 2 2) crystalline plane. The grain size of the films increases by rising the substrate temperature. Transparency of the films, over the visible light region, is increased with increasing the substrate temperature. It is found that the electrical properties of ITO films are significantly affected by substrate temperature. The electrical resistivity decreases with increasing substrate temperature, whereas the carrier density and mobility are enhanced with an increase in substrate temperature. The evaluated values of energy band gap Eg for ITO films were increase from 3.84 eV to 3.91 eV with increasing the substrate temperatures from 200 °C to 500 °C. The SEM micrographs of the films revealed a homogeneous growth without perceptible cracks with particles which are well covered on the substrate.

SEM Analysis of Surface Impact on Biofilm Antibiotic Treatment.

PubMed

Gomes, Luciana Calheiros; Mergulhão, Filipe José

2017-01-01

The aim of this work was to use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the effect of ampicillin treatment on Escherichia coli biofilms formed on two surface materials with different properties, silicone (SIL) and glass (GLA). Epifluorescence microscopy (EM) was initially used to assess biofilm formation and killing efficiency on both surfaces. This technique showed that higher bacterial colonization was obtained in the hydrophobic SIL than in the hydrophilic GLA. It has also shown that higher biofilm inactivation was attained for GLA after the antibiotic treatment (7-log reduction versus 1-log reduction for SIL). Due to its high resolution and magnification, SEM enabled a more detailed analysis of the antibiotic effect on biofilm cells, complementing the killing efficiency information obtained by EM. SEM micrographs revealed that ampicillin-treated cells have an elongated form when compared to untreated cells. Additionally, it has shown that different materials induced different levels of elongation on cells exposed to antibiotic. Biofilms formed on GLA showed a 37% higher elongation than those formed on SIL. Importantly, cell elongation was related to viability since ampicillin had a higher bactericidal effect on GLA-formed biofilms. These findings raise the possibility of using SEM for understanding the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments by observation of biofilm morphology.

SEM analysis of defects and wear on Ni-Ti rotary instruments.

PubMed

Arantes, Werington Borges; da Silva, Celso Monteiro; Lage-Marques, José Luiz; Habitante, Sandramarcia; da Rosa, Luiz Carlos Laureano; de Medeiros, João Marcelo Ferreira

2014-01-01

SEM analysis of endodontic instruments from a Ni-Ti rotary system was assessed, before and after using them, considering their defects and deformations. Twenty Twisted File®, BioRąCe®, Mtwo®, and EndoWave® instruments were micrographed at 190× magnification. The files were washed and micrographed again to view alterations as to the presence or absence of irregular edges, grooves, microcavities, and scraping. Simulated root canal preparations were performed using these instruments. The instruments were cleaned and received a microscopic analysis after being used five times. After analysis tests were tested using Fisher's exact test and Kappa to evaluate the concordance among examiners. There was a statistically significant difference with respect to deformations between Twisted File® and other instruments (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in strains between the other groups (p > 0.05). All Twisted File® instruments showed the same defects; however damage were lower than those found in BioRace® and Mtwo®. The Endowave® did not show the same defects. In accordance with the data we conclude that the presence of defects was higher in Twisted File® instruments as the instruments and BioRace® Mtwo® brand, the defect rate was smaller and Endowave® instruments had no defects. Regarding the presence of wear after five uses among the groups all instruments showed changes in their cutting blades. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Iron encapsulated in 3D N-doped carbon nanotube/porous carbon hybrid from waste biomass for enhanced oxidative activity.

PubMed

Yao, Yunjin; Zhang, Jie; Wu, Guodong; Wang, Shaobin; Hu, Yi; Su, Cong; Xu, Tongwen

2017-03-01

Novel iron encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported on porous carbon (Fe@N-C) 3D structured materials for degrading organic pollutants were fabricated from a renewable, low-cost biomass, melamine, and iron salt as the precursors. SEM and TEM micrographs show that iron encapsulated bamboo shaped CNTs are vertically standing on carbon sheets, and thus, a 3D hybrid was formed. The catalytic activities of the prepared samples were thoroughly evaluated by activation of peroxymonosulfate for catalytic oxidation of Orange II solutions. The influences of some reaction conditions (pH, temperature, and concentrations of reactants, peroxymonosulfate, and dye) were extensively evaluated. It was revealed that the adsorption could enrich the pollutant which was then rapidly degraded by the catalytically generated radicals, accelerating the continuous adsorption of residual pollutant. Remarkable carbon structure, introduction of CNTs, and N/Fe doping result in promoted adsorption capability and catalytic performances. Due to the simple synthetic process and cheap carbon precursor, Fe@N-C 3D hybrid can be easily scaled up and promote the development of Fenton-like catalysts.

An Evaluation of Structural, Topographic, Optical, and Temperature-Dependent Electrical Features of Sol-Gel Spin-Coated p-NiO/n-Si Heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turgut, Güven; Duman, Songül; Özcelik, Fikriye Şeyma

2017-06-01

p-NiO/n-Si heterodiode was deposited with an easy and cheap sol-gel route using a spin coater. The XRD results revealed that NiO film had polycrystalline cubic bunsenite structure with (200) preferential direction. The AFM and SEM micrographs indicated that the film was composed of homogenously distributed nanoparticles on n-Si surface. The uniform scattering of Ni and O elements was also seen from EDX mapping pictures. The band gap value for NiO sample was found to be 3.74 eV. The current-voltage ( I- V) properties of Ag/p-NiO/n-Si heterojunction were inquired in the temperature range of 80 K to 300 K (-193 °C to 27 °C). The temperature coefficient of barrier height of the Ag/p-NiO/n-Si heterojunction was determined to be 2.6 meV/K. The I- V measurements showed that the barrier height of the heterojunction increased with an increment in the temperature.

Effect of different temperature-time combinations on physicochemical, microbiological, textural and structural features of sous-vide cooked lamb loins.

PubMed

Roldán, Mar; Antequera, Teresa; Martín, Alberto; Mayoral, Ana Isabel; Ruiz, Jorge

2013-03-01

Lamb loins were subjected to sous-vide cooking at different combinations of temperature (60, 70, and 80 °C) and time (6, 12, and 24 h). Different physicochemical, histological and structural parameters were studied. Increasing cooking temperatures led to higher weight losses and lower moisture contents, whereas the effect of cooking time on these variables was limited. Samples cooked at 60 °C showed the highest lightness and redness, while increasing cooking temperature and cooking time produced higher yellowness values. Most textural variables in a texture profile analysis showed a marked interaction between cooking temperature and time. Samples cooked for 24h showed significantly lower values for most of the studied textural parameters for all the temperatures considered. Connective tissue granulation at 60 °C and gelation at 70 °C were observed in the SEM micrographs. The sous-vide cooking of lamb loins dramatically reduced microbial population even with the less intense heat treatment studied (60 °C-6 h). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro deposition of hydroxyapatite on cortical bone collagen stimulated by deformation-induced piezoelectricity.

PubMed

Noris-Suárez, Karem; Lira-Olivares, Joaquin; Ferreira, Ana Marina; Feijoo, José Luis; Suárez, Nery; Hernández, Maria C; Barrios, Esteban

2007-03-01

In the present work, we have studied the effect of the piezoelectricity of elastically deformed cortical bone collagen on surface using a biomimetic approach. The mineralization process induced as a consequence of the piezoelectricity effect was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SEM micrographs showed that mineralization occurred predominantly over the compressed side of bone collagen, due to the effect of piezoelectricity, when the sample was immersed in the simulated body fluid (SBF) in a cell-free system. The TSDC method was used to examine the complex collagen dielectric response. The dielectric spectra of deformed and undeformed collagen samples with different hydration levels were compared and correlated with the mineralization process followed by SEM. The dielectric measurements showed that the mineralization induced significant changes in the dielectric spectra of the deformed sample. DSC and TSDC results demonstrated a reduction of the collagen glass transition as the mineralization process advanced. The combined use of SEM, TSDC, and DSC showed that, even without osteoblasts present, the piezoelectric dipoles produced by deformed collagen can produce the precipitation of hydroxyapatite by electrochemical means, without a catalytic converter as occurs in classical biomimetic deposition.

Highly tunable porous organic polymer (POP) supports for metallocene-based ethylene polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiong; Li, Zhenyou; Han, Xiaoyu; Han, Zhengang; Bai, Yongxiao

2017-10-01

Porous organic Polymers (POPs) can not only exhibit high specific surface area and pore volume, but also tunable pore size distribution. Herein, copolymers of 2-hydroxyethylmethylacrylate (HEMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) with specific pore structure were synthesized via a dispersion polymerization strategy, and then immobilized metallocene catalysts with well-defined pore structure were obtained on the produced POP supports. The nitrogen sorption and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results demonstrate that the pore structure of the immobilized metallocene catalyst is highly dependent on the pore structure of the POPs, and the pore structure of metallocene catalysts or the POPs has a significant influence on the molecular chain growth of the produced polyethylene. By tuning the distribution of the active species scattered in the micro- and the narrow meso-pore range (roughly ≤4 nm), the chain growth of the polyolefin can be tailored effectively during the polymerization process, although differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) results show that the chemical composition distributions (CCDs) of produced PE from the POPs-supported metallocene catalysts are not determined by polymerization activity or molecule chain length, but mainly by the active site species scattered in the supported catalysts. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) shows that the produced polyethylene has highly porous fabric which consists of nanofiber and spherical beads of micron dimension.

Tuning the optical properties of ZnO nanorods by variation of precursor concentration through hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Lakshmi; Kar, Asit Kumar

2018-05-01

ZnO nanorods with varying precursor concentration have been successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The effect of the precursor concentration on the structural, morphological and optical properties of the resulting nanorods was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The crystalline structural characterization demonstrated that the synthesized materials crystallize in pure ZnO wurtzite structure without any other secondary phase. SEM micrographs demonstrate nanorod type features in all the samples. In addition, they show that increase of precursor concentration changes the length and diameter of nanorods. The UV-Vis studies show a strong absorption band in UV region at 373 nm attributed to the band-edge absorption of wurtzite hexagonal ZnO, blue shifted relative to its bulk form (380 nm). The PL spectra of obtained nanorods excited at 360 nm present broad visible emission. Moreover, as the visible region (from 510 to 550 nm) is concerned, it is speculated that the increase of the precursor concentration affects strongly the kind of interstitial defects (Oi, Zni and Vo) formed in ZnO nanorods. The luminescence intensity decreases with the increase of precursor concentration.

Evaluation of poly (vinyl alcohol) based cryogel-zinc oxide nanocomposites for possible applications as wound dressing materials.

PubMed

Chaturvedi, Archana; Bajpai, Anil K; Bajpai, Jaya; K Singh, Sunil

2016-08-01

In this investigation cryogels composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by repeated freeze thaw method followed by in situ precipitation of zinc oxide nanoparticles within the cryogel networks. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the nanocomposites. The morphologies of native PVA cryogels and PVA cryogel-ZnO nanocomposites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The SEM analysis suggested that cryogels show a well-defined porous morphology whereas TEM micrographs revealed the presence of nearly spherical and well separated zinc oxide nanoparticles with diameter<100nm. XRD results showed all relevant Bragg's reflections for crystal structure of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) was conducted to evaluate thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Mechanical properties of nanocomposites were determined in terms of tensile strength and percent elongation. Biocompatible nature was ascertained by anti-haemolytic activity, bovine serum albumin (blood protein) adsorption and in vitro cytotoxicity tests. The prepared nanocomposites were also investigated for swelling and deswelling behaviours. The results revealed that both the swelling and deswelling process depend on the chemical composition of the nanocomposites, number of freeze-thaw cycles, pH and temperature of the swelling medium. The developed biocompatible PVA cryogel-ZnO nanocomposites were also tested for antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring transmission Kikuchi diffraction using a Timepix detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vespucci, S.; Winkelmann, A.; Mingard, K.; Maneuski, D.; O'Shea, V.; Trager-Cowan, C.

2017-02-01

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a well-established scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based technique [1]. It allows the non-destructive mapping of the crystal structure, texture, crystal phase and strain with a spatial resolution of tens of nanometers. Conventionally this is performed by placing an electron sensitive screen, typically consisting of a phosphor screen combined with a charge coupled device (CCD) camera, in front of a specimen, usually tilted 70° to the normal of the exciting electron beam. Recently, a number of authors have shown that a significant increase in spatial resolution is achievable when Kikuchi diffraction patterns are acquired in transmission geometry; that is when diffraction patterns are generated by electrons transmitted through an electron-transparent, usually thinned, specimen. The resolution of this technique, called transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), has been demonstrated to be better than 10 nm [2,3]. We have recently demonstrated the advantages of a direct electron detector, Timepix [4,5], for the acquisition of standard EBSD patterns [5]. In this article we will discuss the advantages of Timepix to perform TKD and for acquiring spot diffraction patterns and more generally for acquiring scanning transmission electron microscopy micrographs in the SEM. Particularly relevant for TKD, is its very compact size, which allows much more flexibility in the positioning of the detector in the SEM chamber. We will furthermore show recent results using Timepix as a virtual forward scatter detector, and will illustrate the information derivable on producing images through processing of data acquired from different areas of the detector. We will show results from samples ranging from gold nanoparticles to nitride semiconductor nanorods.

Mechanical Reinforcement of Epoxy Composites with Carbon Fibers and HDPE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, R.; Chang, Q.; Huang, X.; Li, J.

2018-01-01

Silanized carbon fibers (CFs) and a high-density polyethylene with amino terminal groups (HDPE) were introduced into epoxy resins to fabricate high-performance composites. A. mechanical characterization of the composites was performed to investigate the effect of CFs in cured epoxy/HDPE systems. The composites revealed a noticeable improvement in the tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and impact strength in comparison with those of neat epoxy and cured epoxy/HDPE systems. SEM micrographs showed that the toughening effect could be explained by yield deformations, phase separation, and microcracking.

Fabrication and Characterization of novel W80Ni10Nb10 alloy produced by mechanical alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, R.; Patra, A.; Karak, S. K.; Pattanaik, A.; Mishra, S. C.

2016-02-01

Nanostructured tungsten (W) based alloy with nominal composition of W80Ni10Nb10 (in wt. %) was synthesized by mechanical alloying of elemental powders of tungsten (W), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nb) in a high energy planetary ball-mill for 20 h using chrome steel as grinding media and toluene as process control agent followed by compaction at 500 MPa pressure for 5 mins and sintering at 1500°C for 2 h in Ar atmosphere. The phase evolution and the microstructure of the milled powder and consolidated product were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystallite size of W in W80Ni10Nb10 powder was reduced from 100 μm at 0 h to 45.6 nm at 10 h and 34.1 nm at 20 h of milling whereas lattice strain increases to 35% at 20 h of milling. The dislocation density shows sharp increase up to 5 h of milling and the rate of increase drops beyond 5 to 20 h of milling. The lattice parameter of tungsten in W80Ni10Nb10 expanded upto 0.04% at 10 h of milling and contracted upto 0.02% at 20 h of milling. The SEM micrograph revealed the presence of spherical and elongated particles in W80Ni10Nb10 powders at 20 h of milling. The particle size decreases from 100 μm to 2 μm with an increase in the milling time from 0 to 20 hours. The crystallite size of W in milled W80Ni10Nb10 alloy as evident from bright field TEM image was in well agreement with the measured crystallite size from XRD. Structure of W in 20 h milled W80Ni10Nb10 alloy was identified by indexing of selected area diffraction (SAD) pattern. Formation of NbNi intermetallic was evident from XRD pattern and SEM micrograph of sintered alloy. Maximum sinterability of 90.8% was achieved in 20 h milled sintered alloy. Hardness and wear study was also conducted to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the sintered product. Hardness of W80Ni10Nb10 alloy reduces with increasing load whereas wear rate increases with increasing load. The evaluated hardness value in the present study for all loads is lower than the literature reported hardness of nanostructured W.

Damage of Escherichia coli membrane by bactericidal agent polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride: micrographic evidences.

PubMed

Zhou, Z X; Wei, D F; Guan, Y; Zheng, A N; Zhong, J J

2010-03-01

The purpose of this study was to provide micrographic evidences for the damaged membrane structure and intracellular structure change of Escherichia coli strain 8099, induced by polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG). The bactericidal effect of PHMG on E. coli was investigated based on beta-galactosidase activity assay, fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate confocal laser scanning microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that a low dose (13 microg ml(-1)) of PHMG slightly damaged the outer membrane structure of the treated bacteria and increased the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane, while no significant damage was observed to the morphological structure of the cells. A high dose (23 microg ml(-1)) of PHMG collapsed the outer membrane structure, led to the formation of a local membrane pore across the membrane and badly damaged the internal structure of the cells. Subsequently, intracellular components were leaked followed by cell inactivation. Dose-dependent membrane disruption was the main bactericidal mechanism of PHMG. The formation of the local membrane pores was probable after exposure to a high dose (23 microg ml(-1)) of PHMG. Micrographic evidences were provided about the damaged membrane structure and intracellular structure change of E. coli. The presented information helps understand the bactericidal mechanism of PHMG by membrane damage.

Structural, Magnetic and Microwave Absorption Properties of Hydrothermally Synthesized (Gd, Mn, Co) Substituted Ba-Hexaferrite Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torabi, Z.; Arab, A.; Ghanbari, F.

2018-02-01

Gd, Mn and Co substituted barium hexagonal ferrite nanoparticles, according to the formula Ba1- x Gd x Fe12-2 y (MnCo) y O19 and the proportion of y = x/2 (and x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1), have been prepared by hydrothermal method. Structural, magnetic and absorption microwave properties of the compositions were evaluated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), vibrating sample magnetometry, and vector network analysis. Studying the XRDs data showed the single-phase structure of all samples without any impurities at 900°C calcination temperature. FE-SEM micrographs demonstrated that the morphology of the nanoparticles has planar and nearly hexagonal morphology. The nanoparticles size calculated within the range of 62-85 nm. Study of the room temperature hysteresis loops of calcined samples indicated that maximum magnetizations and coercivities decreased compared to undoped composite with respect to x. The alterations of magnetizations and coercivities are related to the site occupation of substituted ions, change in grain growth inhibition and the effect of spin canting. Moreover, the results of microwave absorption measurements demonstrated that the maximum reflection loss of substituted Ba-hexaferrite equivalent to - 47 dB in sample x = 0.5 with thickness 5.6 mm at a frequency about 17.2 GHz and a bandwidth of 2 GHz greater than - 10 dB. The results showed that Gd has good potential for use as a rare-earth substitution in permanent magnet hexaferrites and these composites can be employed as absorbers in the gigahertz frequency range.

Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) applied in the surface modification of hydroxyapatite to develop polydimethylsiloxane/hydroxyapatite composites.

PubMed

Bareiro, O; Santos, L A

2014-03-01

Nanometric hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles were modified with 5 or 10 wt.% tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) solutions in order to prepare polydimethylsiloxane/hydroxyapatite (PDMS/HAp) composites. The surface modification of the HAp particles was studied by transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) and by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) equipment. The dispersion state of the modified particles in the PDMS matrix was also assessed by SEM. The composite phase composition was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The composite thermodynamic parameters of cross-linking were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TEM micrographs and EDS spectra indicated evidence of silica-coating formation on the surface of modified HAp particles. SEM results showed that the HAp particles formed agglomerates in the PDMS matrix. It was found that the introduction of HAp particles into the PDMS changed the enthalpy of cross-linking and the temperature of the beginning of the cross-linking reaction. EDS results indicated that the surface modification of HAp produced composites showing thermodynamic parameters that were more similar to those of unfilled PDMS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

IBIS integrated biological imaging system: electron micrograph image-processing software running on Unix workstations.

PubMed

Flifla, M J; Garreau, M; Rolland, J P; Coatrieux, J L; Thomas, D

1992-12-01

'IBIS' is a set of computer programs concerned with the processing of electron micrographs, with particular emphasis on the requirements for structural analyses of biological macromolecules. The software is written in FORTRAN 77 and runs on Unix workstations. A description of the various functions and the implementation mode is given. Some examples illustrate the user interface.

Does your SEM really tell the truth?--How would you know? Part 1.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E

2013-01-01

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has gone through a tremendous evolution to become a critical tool for many and diverse scientific and industrial applications. The high resolution of the SEM is especially suited for both qualitative and quantitative applications especially for nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing. Quantitatively, measurement, or metrology is one of the main uses. It is likely that one of the first questions asked before even the first scanning electron micrograph was ever recorded was: "… how big is that?" The quality of that answer has improved a great deal over the past few years especially since today these instruments are being used as a primary measurement tool on semiconductor processing lines to monitor the manufacturing processes. The well-articulated needs of semiconductor production prompted a rapid evolution of the instrument and its capabilities. Over the past 20 years or so, instrument manufacturers, through substantial semiconductor industry investment of research and development (R&D) money, have vastly improved the performance of these instruments. All users have benefited from this investment, especially where quantitative measurements with an SEM are concerned. But, how good are these data? This article discusses some of the most important aspects and larger issues associated with imaging and measurements with the SEM that every user should know, and understand before any critical quantitative work is attempted. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Room temperature magnetoelectric coupling and electrical properties of Ni doped Co - ferrite - PZT nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Sarit; Mandal, S. K.; Dey, P.; Saha, B.

2018-04-01

Multiferroic magnetoelectric materials are very interesting for the researcher for the potential application in device preparation. We have prepared 0.3Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 - 0.7PbZr0.58Ti0.42O3 magnetoelectric nanocomposites through chemical pyrophoric reaction process followed by solid state reaction and represented magnetoelectric coupling coefficient, thermally and magnetically tunable AC electrical properties. For the structural characterization XRD pattern and SEM micrograph have been analyzed. AC electrical properties reveal that the grain boundaries resistances are played dominating role in the conduction process in the system. Dielectric studies are represents that the dielectric polarization is decreased with frequency as well as magnetic field where it increases with increasing temperature. The dielectric profiles also represents the electromechanical resonance at a frequency of ˜183 kHz. High dielectric constant and low dielectric loss at room temperature makes the material very promising for the application of magnetic field sensor devices.

Mechanical, structural and thermal properties of Ag-Cu and ZnO reinforced polylactide nanocomposite films.

PubMed

Ahmed, Jasim; Arfat, Yasir Ali; Castro-Aguirre, Edgar; Auras, Rafael

2016-05-01

Plasticized polylactic acid (PLA) based nanocomposite films were prepared by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) and two selected nanoparticles (NPs) [silver-copper (Ag-Cu) alloy (<100 nm) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (<50 and <100 nm)] through solvent casting method. Incorporation of Ag-Cu alloy into the PLA/PEG matrix increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) significantly. The crystallinity of the nanocomposites (NCs) was significantly influenced by NP incorporation as evidenced from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The PLA nanocomposite reinforced with NPs exhibited much higher tensile strength than that of PLA/PEG blend. Melt rheology of NCs exhibited a shear-thinning behavior. The mechanical property drastically reduced with a loading of NPs, which is associated with degradation of PLA. SEM micrographs exhibited that both Ag-Cu alloy and ZnO NPs were dispersed well in the PLA film matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cassava/sugar palm fiber reinforced cassava starch hybrid composites: Physical, thermal and structural properties.

PubMed

Edhirej, Ahmed; Sapuan, S M; Jawaid, Mohammad; Zahari, Nur Ismarrubie

2017-08-01

A hybrid composite was prepared from cassava bagasse (CB) and sugar palm fiber (SPF) using casting technique with cassava starch (CS) as matrix and fructose as a plasticizer. Different loadings of SPF (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w of dry starch) were added to the CS/CB composite film containing 6% CB. The addition of SPF significantly influenced the physical properties. It increased the thickness while decreasing the density, water content, water solubility and water absorption. However, no significant effect was noticed on the thermal properties of the hybrid composite film. The incorporation of SPF increased the relative crystallinity up to 47%, compared to 32% of the CS film. SEM micrographs indicated that the filler was incorporated in the matrix. The film with a higher concentration of SPF (CS-CB/SPF8) showed a more heterogeneous surface. It could be concluded that the incorporation of SPF led to changes in cassava starch film properties, potentially affecting the film performances. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of pH adjustment, homogenization and diafiltration on physicochemical, reconstitution, functional and rheological properties of medium protein milk protein concentrates (MPC70).

PubMed

Meena, Ganga Sahay; Singh, Ashish Kumar; Gupta, Vijay Kumar; Borad, Sanket; Arora, Sumit; Tomar, Sudhir Kumar

2018-04-01

Poor solubility is the major limiting factor in commercial applications of milk protein concentrates (MPC) powders. Retentate treatments such as pH adjustment using disodium phosphate (Na 2 HPO 4 ), also responsible for calcium chelation with homogenization and; its diafiltration with 150 mM NaCl solution were hypothesized to improve the functional properties of treated MPC70 powders. These treatments significantly improved the solubility, heat stability, water binding, dispersibility, bulk density, flowability, buffer index, foaming and emulsifying capacity of treated powders over control. Rheological behaviour of reconstituted MPC solutions was best explained by Herschel Bulkley model. Compared to rough, large globular structures with dents in control; majorly intact, separate, smaller particles of smooth surface, without any aggregation were observed in SEM micrograph of treated powders. Applied treatments are easy, cost-effective and capable to improve functional properties of treated powders that could replace control MPC70 powder in various food applications where protein functionality is of prime importance.

Effect of freeze-thawing conditions for preparation of chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels and drug release studies.

PubMed

Figueroa-Pizano, M D; Vélaz, I; Peñas, F J; Zavala-Rivera, P; Rosas-Durazo, A J; Maldonado-Arce, A D; Martínez-Barbosa, M E

2018-09-01

The freezing-thawing is an advantageous method to produce hydrogels without crosslinking agents. In this study chitosan-poly(vinyl alcohol) (CS-PVA) hydrogels were prepared by varying the freezing conditions and composition, which affect the final characteristics of the products. The swelling degree, morphology, porosity, and diflunisal drug loading, as well as the drug release profiles were evaluated. The hydrogel swelling ratio was found to be mainly affected by the CS content, the number of freezing cycles and the temperature. SEM micrographs and porosity data confirm that pore size increases with the chitosan content. However, the use of either lower temperatures or longer freezing times, results in higher porosity and smaller pores. The drug release times of the CS-PVA hydrogels were as long as 30 h, and according to the mathematical fitting, a simple diffusion mechanism dominates the process. Moreover, a mathematical model predicting the hydrogels physical and structural behavior is proposed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-TiC Metal Matrix Composite Prepared by Conventional, Microwave and Spark Plasma Sintering Methods

PubMed Central

Ghasali, Ehsan; Fazili, Ali; Alizadeh, Masoud; Shirvanimoghaddam, Kamyar; Ebadzadeh, Touradj

2017-01-01

In this research, the mechanical properties and microstructure of Al-15 wt % TiC composite samples prepared by spark plasma, microwave, and conventional sintering were investigated. The sintering process was performed by the speak plasma sintering (SPS) technique, microwave and conventional furnaces at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C, respectively. The results showed that sintered samples by SPS have the highest relative density (99% of theoretical density), bending strength (291 ± 12 MPa), and hardness (253 ± 23 HV). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations showed the formation of TiO2 from the surface layer decomposition of TiC particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in all sintered samples. The SEM/EDS analysis revealed the formation of TiO2 around the porous TiC particles. PMID:29088114

Functionalized antibiofilm thin coatings based on PLA-PVA microspheres loaded with usnic acid natural compounds fabricated by MAPLE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grumezescu, Valentina; Socol, Gabriel; Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai; Holban, Alina Maria; Ficai, Anton; Truşcǎ, Roxana; Bleotu, Coralia; Balaure, Paul Cǎtǎlin; Cristescu, Rodica; Chifiriuc, Mariana Carmen

2014-05-01

We report the fabrication of thin coatings of PLA-PVA microspheres loaded with usnic acid by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) onto Ti substrate. The obtained coatings have been physico-chemically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared microscopy (IRM). In vitro biological assays have been performed in order to evaluate the influence of fabricated microsphere thin coatings on the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development as well as their biocompatibility. SEM micrographs have revealed a uniform morphology of thin coatings, while IRM investigations have proved both the homogeneity and functional groups integrity of prepared thin coatings. The obtained microsphere-based thin coatings have proved to be efficient vehicles for usnic acid natural compound with antibiofilm activity, as demonstrated by the inhibitory activity on S. aureus mature biofilm development, opening new perspectives for the prevention and therapy associated to biofilm related infections.

Microscopy based studies on the interaction of bio-based silver nanoparticles with Bombyx mori Nuclear Polyhedrosis virus.

PubMed

Tamilselvan, Selvaraj; Ashokkumar, Thirunavukkarasu; Govindaraju, Kasivelu

2017-04-01

In the present investigation, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) interactions with Bombyx mori Nuclear Polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) were characterized using High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microcopy (AFM) and Confocal Microscope (CM). HR-SEM study reveals that the biosynthesized AgNPs have interacted with BmNPV and were found on the surface. TEM micrographs of normal and viral polyhedra treated with AgNPs showed that the nanoparticles were accumulated in the membrane and it was noted that some of the AgNPs successfully penetrated the membrane by reaching the capsid of BmNPV. AFM and confocal microscopy studies reveal that the disruption in the shell membrane tends to lose its stability due to exposure of AgNPs to BmNPV. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and characterization of Mn{sup 2+}-doped MgO nanoparticles by solution combustion synthesis

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

Basha, Md. Hussain; Gopal, N. O., E-mail: nogopal@yahoo.com; Rao, J. L.

2015-06-24

Mn doped MgO Nanoparticles have been prepared by Solution Combustion Synthesis. The synthesized sample is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The prepared MgO:Mn (1 mol%) nano crystals appear to be of simple cubic crystalline phase with lattice parameters a = 4.218(2) Å and cell volume = 74.98 (7) Å{sup 3}. SEM micrograph of powders show highly porous, many agglomerates with irregular morphology, large voids, cracks and pores. EPR spectrum of the sample at room temperature exhibit an isotropic sextet hyperfine pattern, centered at g=1.99, characteristic if Mn{sup 2+} ions with S=I=5/2.The observedmore » g value and the hyperfine value reveal the ionic bonding between Mn{sup 2+} and its surroundings.« less

Examination of Scanning Electron Microscope and Computed Tomography Images of PICA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, John W.; Stackpoole, Margaret M.; Shklover, Valery

2010-01-01

Micrographs of PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator) taken using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and 3D images taken with a Computed Tomography (CT) system are examined. PICA is a carbon fiber based composite (Fiberform ) with a phenolic polymer matrix. The micrographs are taken at different surface depths and at different magnifications in a sample after arc jet testing and show different levels of oxidative removal of the charred matrix (Figs 1 though 13). CT scans, courtesy of Xradia, Inc. of Concord CA, were captured for samples of virgin PICA, charred PICA and raw Fiberform (Fig. 14). We use these images to calculate the thermal conductivity (TC) of these materials using correlation function (CF) methods. CF methods give a mathematical description of how one material is embedded in another and is thus ideally suited for modeling composites like PICA. We will evaluate how the TC of the materials changes as a function of surface depth. This work is in collaboration with ETH-Zurich, which has expertise in high temperature materials and TC modeling (including CF methods).

Porous carbon materials synthesized using IRMOF-3 and furfuryl alcohol as precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deka, Pemta Tia; Ediati, Ratna

2016-03-01

IRMOF-3 crystals have been synthesized using solvothermal method by adding zinc nitrate hexahydrate with 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid in N'N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at 100°C for 24 (note as IR-24) and 72 h (note as IR-72). The obtained crystals were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), FTIR and Isothermal adsorption-desorption N2. The diffractogram solids synthesized show characteristic peak at 2θ 6.8, 9.6 and 13.7°. SEM micrograph show cubic shape of IRMOF-3 crystal. Based on FTIR characterization, IRMOF-3 appear at wavelength (1691,46; 1425,3; 1238,21; 1319,22 dan 3504,42)cm-1. The Isotherm of crystal IRMOF-3 at heating time 24 h and 72 h are type IV. The surface area of IR-24 and IR-72 are respectively 24,758 m2/g and 29,139 m2/g with its dominant mesopores. Carbonaceous materials has been successfully synthesized using IR-24, IR-72 and furfuryl alcohol (FA) as second carbon precursor with variation of carbonation temperature 550, 700 and 850°C. The XRD result from both carbonaceous materials show formation of amorphous carbon and caharacteristic peak of ZnO oxide. Micrograph SEM show that carbonaceous materials have cubic shape as IRMOF-3 and SEM-EDX result indicate Zn and nitrogen content of these materials has decrease until temperature 850°C. Porous carbon using IR-24 and FA (notes as C-24) has increased surface area with higher carbonation temperature. The highest surface area is 1495,023 m2/g. Total pore volume and pore size of C-24 from low to high temperature respectively as (0,338; 0,539 and 1,598) cc/g; (0,107; 0,152 and 0,610) cc/g. Porous carbon using IR-72 and FA (notes as C-72) has smaller surface area than C-24 but its also increased during higher carbonation heating. The highest surface area is 1029,668 m2/g.The total pore volume and pore size of these carbon materials from low to high temperature respectively as (0,390; 0,727 and 1,345) cc/g and (0,065; 0,157 and 0,381) cc/g. Carbonaceous materials with high porosity and nitrogen content will be expected increase mechanical properties and hydrogen storage from these materials.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chromate Conversion Coatings on GALVALUME and Galvanized Steel Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domínguez-Crespo, M. A.; Onofre-Bustamante, E.; Torres-Huerta, A. M.; Rodríguez-Gómez, F. J.; Rodil, S. E.; Flores-Vela, A.

2009-07-01

The morphology, composition, and corrosion performance of chromate conversion coatings (CCCs) formed on GALVALUME (Fe-Al-Zn) and galvanized steel (Fe-Zn) samples have been studied, and different immersion times (0, 10, 30, and 60 seconds) have been compared. The coated surfaces were analyzed using light microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical measurements in a NaCl solution (3 wt pct). The electrochemical measurements were carried out using the polarization resistance, Tafel, and ac impedance methods. A nonuniform growth of the CCCs having a porous morphology and cracks that appear extended to the base metal was observed. The XRD patterns show that the coatings mainly consist of CrO3, Cr2O3, and traces of Cr2O{7/-2}. The electrochemical results show that GALVALUME presents a better behavior than that of the galvanized steel alloys at each dipping time. The SEM micrographs show that the galvanized steel treatments resulted in the formation of a more uniform film, but their protection barrier broke down faster than that of the GALVALUME samples in contact with the aggressive media. The samples that underwent the lowest degree of dissolution were those with a dipping time of 30 seconds. The difference in the corrosion protection given by the two substrate types could be attributed to the structural properties, grain size, composition, and roughness, which affect oxygen diffusion.

Degradation of blue and red inks by Ag/AgCl photocatalyst under UV light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daupor, Hasan; Chenea, Asmat

2017-08-01

Objective of this research, cubic Ag/AgCl photocatalysts with an average particle size of 500 nm has been successfully synthesized via a modified precipitation reaction between ZrCl4 and AgNO3. Method for analysis, the crystal structure of the product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphology and composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis diffuse-reflection spectra (DRS) and so on. The result showed that the optical absorption spectrum exhibited strong absorption in the visible region around 500-600 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metallic silver nanoparticles. SEM micrographs showed that the obtained Ag/AgCl had cubic morphology and appeared on the porous surface as the cubic cage morphology. As a result, this porous surface also positively affected the photocatalytic reaction. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained product was evaluated by the photodegradation of blue and red ink solutions under UV light irradiation, and it was interestingly, discovered that AgCl could degrade 0.25% and 0.10% in 7 hours for blue and red inks solution respectively, Which were higher than of commercial AgCl. The result suggested that the morphology of Ag/AgCl strongly affected their photocatalytic activities. O2-, OH- reaction. radicals and Cl° atom are main species during photocatalytic reaction.

Potentiodynamic Polarization Studies and Surface Chemical Composition of Bismuth Titanate (BixTiyOz) Films Produced through Radiofrequency Magnetron Sputtering

PubMed Central

Alfonso, José E.; Olaya, Jhon J.; Pinzón, Manuel J.; Marco, José F.

2013-01-01

The applications of Bismuth Titanate (BixTiyOz) materials have been focused on their electronic and optical properties, but with respect to the use of these compounds in applications like corrosion resistance, have been very few or nonexistent. For this reason, in the present investigation BixTiyOz thin films were deposited using RF magnetron sputtering onto silicon wafers, stainless steel 316L, and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrates, in order to carry out a study of the corrosion behavior of this compound. The structural properties of the coatings were studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), the morphology was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the corrosion resistance behavior of the coated and uncoated substrates was evaluated via the Potentiodynamic Polarization technique, and surface chemical composition was evaluated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD results indicated that the films were amorphous. The SEM micrographs showed that the deposited films were homogeneous, but in some cases there were cracks. The potentiodynamic polarization technique showed that the corrosion current in the coated substrates decreased by an order of two magnitudes with respect to the uncoated substrates, but in both cases the corrosion mechanism was pitting due to the pores in the film. The XPS analysis shows that the deposited films contain both Bi3+ and Ti4+. PMID:28788338

Potentiodynamic Polarization Studies and Surface Chemical Composition of Bismuth Titanate (Bi x Ti y O z ) Films Produced through Radiofrequency Magnetron Sputtering.

PubMed

Alfonso, José E; Olaya, Jhon J; Pinzón, Manuel J; Marco, José F

2013-10-08

The applications of Bismuth Titanate (Bi x Ti y O z ) materials have been focused on their electronic and optical properties, but with respect to the use of these compounds in applications like corrosion resistance, have been very few or nonexistent. For this reason, in the present investigation Bi x Ti y O z thin films were deposited using RF magnetron sputtering onto silicon wafers, stainless steel 316L, and titanium alloy (Ti₆Al₄V) substrates, in order to carry out a study of the corrosion behavior of this compound. The structural properties of the coatings were studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), the morphology was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the corrosion resistance behavior of the coated and uncoated substrates was evaluated via the Potentiodynamic Polarization technique, and surface chemical composition was evaluated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD results indicated that the films were amorphous. The SEM micrographs showed that the deposited films were homogeneous, but in some cases there were cracks. The potentiodynamic polarization technique showed that the corrosion current in the coated substrates decreased by an order of two magnitudes with respect to the uncoated substrates, but in both cases the corrosion mechanism was pitting due to the pores in the film. The XPS analysis shows that the deposited films contain both Bi 3+ and Ti 4+ .

Studying the morphological features of plasma treated silver and PEGylated silver nanoparticles: antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waseem, M.; Awan, T.; Yasin, H. M.; Rehman, N. U.

2018-03-01

A strategy to treat the silver and PEGylated silver nanoparticles with plasma was being purposed. Oil in water (o/w) microemulsion method was used for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) having molecular weight 600 was used to coat the surface of AgNPs. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to characterize the plasma and it is noted that plasma treatment is useful to modify the structural characteristic of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were treated with helium-oxygen mixture plasma, generated in plasma needle at atmospheric pressure. Both AgNPs and PEGylated AgNPs before and after plasma treatment were characterized by x-rays diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crystallite size of silver nanoparticles after the treatment of plasma decreases from 71 nm to 27 nm. The SEM micrographs show that the size of Ag nanoparticles was nearly 118 nm whereas the thickness of the silver needle was around 135 nm. All the characteristics IR bands associated to the silver nanoparticles were detected. The FTIR spectrum also support the accumulation of OH radicals in the plasma treated samples. The samples before and after plasma treatment were screened against Gram positive (Bacillus Subtilis and Staphylococcus Aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) bacteria. The promising response was detected when plasma treated PEGylated AgNPs was tested against bacterial strains.

Fabrication Studies of Ternary Rare Earth Sulfides for Infrared Applications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

sulfides. 1 The initial thrust of this investigation has been two-fold. The first objective was to satisfy a need for small , fully dense samples of...0I 60 55.50 45 40 15 30 25 20 28, CuKa Figure 3. X-ray diffraction pattern of CaLa 2S 4fired for 100 hours at 10600C. Small amounts of CaS (and...been increased 9 PBN-81-511 100 urn Figure 4. SEM micrograph of a mixture of La O and CaCO 3 before firing. The small cubes are CaCO The Ia2ോ

Calcinations effect on the grain size distributions Al2O3 powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Issa, Tarik Talib; Mohammed, Awattif A.; Kamil, Dunia

2012-09-01

Fine of Al2O3 Powder was calcined at 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C respectively for 2 hours under static air, x-ray diffraction, optical microscope and grain size distribution were done to analysis the resulting data after calcinations process. Batter particle size was achieved at 800°C of value (0.486) μm, while batter particles mean value of size 7.18 μm was found at 400°C. SEM micrographs shows that the agglomerate particles were vanished due to the calcinations process.

Miscibility and Morphology of Poly(lactic ACID)/POLY(Β-HYDROXYBUTYRATE) Blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tri Phuong, Nguyen; Guinault, Alain; Sollogoub, Cyrille

2011-01-01

The miscibility and morphology of poly(lactic)acid (PLA)/polyβ-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) prepared by melt blending method were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), melt rheology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. FTIR and DSC methods present some limits to examine the miscibility state of PLA/PHB blends. This drawback can be overcome with the Cole-Cole method by observing the η" = f(η') curves to confirm the miscibility of semicrystalline PLA/ semicrystalline PHB blends. MEB micrographs of fractured surface of blends were also used to investigate the miscibility of these blends.

Formation of mixed-layer structures in smectites intercalated with tryptone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Block, K. A.; Trusiak, A.; Steiner, J. C.; Katz, A.; Gottlieb, P.; Alimova, A.

2012-12-01

Stable clay-protein complexes are fundamental to studies of the critical zone, terrestrial ecosystems, pharmacology, and industrial applications such as bioremediation. Two sets of montmorillonite clays were purified and made homoionic for Na and Mg. Mg-montmorillonite and Na-montmorillonite were mixed with tryptone (casein digest) in a 9:1 and 18:1 clay:tryptone ratio, resulting in the formation of reversible intercalated structures. X-ray diffraction analysis of the protein-clay complexes produced profiles consisting of two peaks associated with the smectite 001 reflection and a related tryptone-packet peak similar to that produced by a mixed layer clay structure. Shifts in the 002, 003, and 004 diffraction maxima are attributed to disorder caused by the interaction with the protein. Line broadening in the smectite-tryptone XRD spectra is interpreted to be the result of interlayer absorption. Adsorption produces coherent crystalline packets of regularly interbedded tryptone and smectite platelets. SEM images reveal clay platelets with upwardly rolled edges that tend toward cylindrical structures with the production of occasional tubes in the smaller platelet size range as noted for organic compound-kaolinite intercalation reported by Fenoll Hach-Ali and Weiss (1969). Reference: Fenoll Hach-Ali, P.F., Weiss, A., 1969. Estudio de la reaccion de caolinita y N-metilform- amida. Quimica LXV, 769-790. Scanning electron micrograph of tryptone-intercalated clay platelets exhibiting rolled edge structure.

Microstructure and characterization of W-type hexaferrite Ba1-xLaxFe22+Fe163+O27 prepared by solid state method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jin; Liu, Xiansong; Mehmood Ur Rehman, Khalid; Li, Dan; Li, Mingling; Yang, Yujie

2018-04-01

We report a successful preparation of Ba1-xLaxFe22+Fe163+O27 (x = 0.00-0.10) W-type hexagonal ferrites by standard ceramic method in a reduced oxygen atmosphere. In this work, the effect of the substitution La3+ rare-earth ions for Ba2+ ions on the structural and magnetic properties of the prepared samples have been studied. The phase identification of magnetic powders was performed by X-ray diffraction. The results of XRD show that the single phase was observed in the W-type ferrites with different La content. The SEM micrographs showed that the ferrites have formed the hexagonal structure. The magnetic properties of the samples were metric by a vibrating sample magnetometer. The coercivity (Hc) of the particles decreases with the increase of La content(x), while the saturation magnetization (Ms) of the particles first increases with x from 0 to 0.05, and then begins to decrease when x continues to increase. The monotonic dependence of the magnetic anisotropy field Ha and coercivity Hc on the La3+ doping amount is found to be mainly dominated by the competition between Ms and Keff.

Sectonema caobangense sp. n. from Vietnam (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae)

PubMed Central

Álvarez-Ortega, Sergio; Duong Nguyen, Thi Anh; Abolafia, Joaquín; Bonkowski, Michael; Peña-Santiago, Reyes

2016-01-01

Sectonema caobangense sp. n. from evergreen forest soil in Vietnam is described, including scanning electron micrograph (SEM) observations and D2-D3 LSU rDNA analysis. The new species is characterized by its 3.12 to 5.80 mm long body, lip region offset by deep constriction and 21 to 23 μm broad, mural tooth 13 to 14 μm long at its ventral side, 940 to 1,112 μm long neck, pharyngeal expansion occupying 61% to 69% of total neck length, uterus a long simple tube-like structure 292 to 363 μm long or 2.7 to 2.9 times the corresponding body diameter, pars refringens vaginae well developed, V = 48 to 56, short (36–51 μm, c = 77–132, c′ = 0.5–0.8) and rounded tail, 87 to 99 μm long spicules, and four or five irregularly spaced ventromedian supplements bearing hiatus. Sectonema caobangense sp. n. differs from the typical pattern of Sectonema in the nature of the stomatal protrusible structure, bearing a mural tooth attached to the ventral side of the stoma. Molecular data obtained and the derived evolutionary trees support a close phylogenetic relationship with other Sectonema species. PMID:27418702

Structural, Morphological, Differential Scanning Calorimetric and Thermogravimetric Studies of Ball Milled Fe Doped Nanoscale La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 Manganite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astik, Nidhi; Jha, Prafulla K.; Pratap, Arun

2018-03-01

The ball milling route has been used to produce the La0.67Sr0.33Mn0.85Fe0.15O3 (LSMFO) nanocrystalline sample from oxide precursors. The sample was characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TGA) measurements. The x-ray diffraction confirms the phase purity of sample and shows that the sample crystallizes in the rhombohedral perovskite structure with a R-3c space group. The scanning electron micrograph shows the presence of well-faceted crystallites of LSMFO. The EDAX spectrum demonstrates the molar ratio of different elements of nanocrystalline LSMFO. Furthermore, the crystallite size using the Debye-Scherrer formula and William-Hall analysis has been found as 24 nm and 29 nm, respectively. Our results support the idea that a good quality nanocrystalline LSMFO sample can be obtained using the ball milling route. We also discuss the DSC and TGA curves and analyse the results in terms of phase transition, calcination temperature and activation barrier energies.

Review of free software tools for image analysis of fluorescence cell micrographs.

PubMed

Wiesmann, V; Franz, D; Held, C; Münzenmayer, C; Palmisano, R; Wittenberg, T

2015-01-01

An increasing number of free software tools have been made available for the evaluation of fluorescence cell micrographs. The main users are biologists and related life scientists with no or little knowledge of image processing. In this review, we give an overview of available tools and guidelines about which tools the users should use to segment fluorescence micrographs. We selected 15 free tools and divided them into stand-alone, Matlab-based, ImageJ-based, free demo versions of commercial tools and data sharing tools. The review consists of two parts: First, we developed a criteria catalogue and rated the tools regarding structural requirements, functionality (flexibility, segmentation and image processing filters) and usability (documentation, data management, usability and visualization). Second, we performed an image processing case study with four representative fluorescence micrograph segmentation tasks with figure-ground and cell separation. The tools display a wide range of functionality and usability. In the image processing case study, we were able to perform figure-ground separation in all micrographs using mainly thresholding. Cell separation was not possible with most of the tools, because cell separation methods are provided only by a subset of the tools and are difficult to parametrize and to use. Most important is that the usability matches the functionality of a tool. To be usable, specialized tools with less functionality need to fulfill less usability criteria, whereas multipurpose tools need a well-structured menu and intuitive graphical user interface. © 2014 Fraunhofer-Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS Journal of Microscopy © 2014 Royal Microscopical Society.

Influence of samarium substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of M-type hexagonal ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasmin, Nazia; Mirza, Misbah; Muhammad, Safdar; Zahid, Maria; Ahmad, Mukhtar; Awan, M. S.; Muhammad, Altaf

2018-01-01

The M-type hexagonal ferrites with chemical formula SrFe12-xSmxO19 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) were synthesized via sol-gel method. We studied the effects of substitution of rare earth on the structural and magnetic temperament of M-type hexaferrites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) strategies are employed for the systematical examination of micrographs and structures of the samples. The magnetic particularities are studied by the use of vibrating sample magnetometery. The M-H loops are used to investigate the hard magnetic behavior of all the samples. The substantial value of coercivity (>1 kOe) for all the samples shows that the particular sample is permanent magnet and reveals the hard magnetic action. It is observed that values of saturation magnetization (Mr) and remanence (Ms) decline with increasing the rare earth ions substitution. This decrease may follow spin canting and the magnetic dilution, which results in dislocation of superexchange interactions. The improvement in Hc may be because of large anisotropy of magnetocrystalline, where ion anisotropy of Fe2+ ion on the 2a site probably overriding in all hexaferrites series. The synthesized composites were useful for applications in magnetic microwave absorbing materials.

Does your SEM really tell the truth? How would you know? Part 2.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E; Purushotham, Kavuri P

2014-01-01

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has gone through a tremendous evolution to become indispensable for many and diverse scientific and industrial applications. The improvements have significantly enriched and augmented the overall SEM performance and have made the instrument far easier to operate. But, the ease of operation also might lead, through operator complacency, to poor results. In addition, the user friendliness has seemingly reduced the need for thorough operator training for using these complex instruments. One might then conclude that the SEM is just a very expensive digital camera or another peripheral device for a computer. Hence, a person using the instrument may be lulled into thinking that all of the potential pitfalls have been eliminated and they believe everything they see on the micrograph is always correct. But, this may not be the case. An earlier paper (Part 1), discussed some of the potential issues related to signal generation in the SEM, instrument calibration, electron beam interactions and the need for physics-based modeling to understand the actual image formation mechanisms. All these were summed together in a discussion of how these issues effect measurements made with the instrument. This second paper discusses another major issue confronting the microscopist: electron-beam-induced specimen contamination. Over the years, NIST has done a great deal of research into the issue of sample contamination and its removal and elimination and some of this work is reviewed and discussed here. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preparation of acid-base bifunctional mesoporous KIT-6 (KIT: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) and its catalytic performance in Knoevenagel reaction

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

Xu, Ling; Wang, Chunhua; Guan, Jingqi, E-mail: guanjq@jlu.edu.cn

2014-05-01

Acid-base bifunctional mesoporous catalysts Al-KIT-6-NH{sub 2} containing different aluminum content have been synthesized through post synthetic grafting method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), transmission electron micrographs (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), IR spectra of pyridine adsorption, NH{sub 3}-TPD and TG analysis. The characterization results indicated that the pore structure of KIT-6 was well kept after the addition of aluminum and grafting of aminopropyl groups. The acid amount of Al-KIT-6 increased with enhancing aluminum content. Catalytic results showed that weak acid and weak base favor the Knoevenagel reaction, while catalysts with strong acid andmore » weak base exhibited worse catalytic behavior. - Graphical abstract: The postulated steps of mechanism for the acid-base catalyzed process are as follows: (1) the aldehyde gets activated by the surface acidic sites which allow the amine undergoes nucleophilic to attack the carbonyl carbon of benzaldehyde. (2) Water is released in the formation of imine intermediate. (3) The ethyl cyanoacetate reacts with the intermediate. (4) The benzylidene ethyl cyanoacetate is formed and the amine is regenerated. - Highlights: • KIT-6 and Al-KIT-6-NH{sub 2} with different Si/Al ratios has been successfully prepared. • 79.4% Yield was obtained over 46-Al-KIT-6-NH{sub 2} within 20 min in Knoevenagel reaction. • Low Al-content Al-KIT-6-NH{sub 2} shows better catalytic stability than high Al-content catalysts. • There is acid-base synergistic effect in Knoevenagel reaction.« less

Microstructural, mechanical and electrochemical behaviour of a 7017 Al–Zn–Mg alloy of different tempers

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

Rout, Prasanta Kumar, E-mail: prasantonnet55@yahoo.com; Ghosh, M.M.; Ghosh, K.S., E-mail: ksghosh2001@yahoo.co.uk

2015-06-15

The aim of the investigation is to assess the microstructural features and associated physical, mechanical and electrochemical properties of a 7017 Al–Zn–Mg alloy of various tempers. A 7017 Al–Zn–Mg alloy was subjected to different ageing schedules to produce under-(T4), peak-(T6), over-(T7) and highly over-aged tempers. Optical microscopy, hardness measurement, electrical conductivity measurement, tensile testing and SEM fractographs, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical polarization studies have been used to characterize the alloy tempers. Hardness measurement and tensile testing showed the characteristic age hardening phenomenon of aluminium alloys. Optical and TEM micrographs have revealed the variation inmore » size of matrix strengthening η′ (MgZn{sub 2}) and also the size and distribution of grain boundary η (MgZn{sub 2}) precipitate with ageing time. DSC thermograms exhibiting exothermic and endothermic peaks indicated the characteristic solid state reaction sequence of the 7017 alloy. Potentiodynamic polarization study of the 7017 alloy of various tempers in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at near neutral pH showed typical active metal dissolution behaviour, but at pH 12 an active–passive–transpassive transition behaviour has been observed. - Graphical abstract: TEM micrograph of the 7017 aluminium alloy of various tempers (a, b) under aged (T4), (c, d) peak aged (T6), (e, f) over aged (T7) and (g, h) highly over-aged. Display Omitted - Highlights: • 7017 Al-Zn-Mg alloy was subjected to different artificial ageing treatments. • Characterization of 7017 alloy tempers by hardness, tensile, DSC, TEM and electrochemical behaviour. • Structure-properties relationship of the 7017 Al-Zn-Mg alloy of various tempers.« less

Testing and comparison of the coating materials for immunosensors on QCM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oztuna, Ali; Nazir, Hasan

2012-06-01

In immunoassay based biosensors development studies polymers, as a matrix, and thiol, amine and aldehyde derivative compounds, as a antibody linker, are to be experimented. Aim of this study is to test amine and acetate functional group containing derivatives in liquid phase in order to develop an antibody immobilization strategy for Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) system. In our study, 4-aminothiophenol (4-AT), carboxylated-PVC (PVC-COOH) and aminated- PVC (PVC-NH2) compared with each other as a coating material. Surface of the coated AT-cut gold crystals were characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscobe (SEM) and tested in a Bacillus anthracis (GenBank: GQ375871) spores immunoassay model system. Subsequently, a series of SEM micrographs were taken again in order to investigate surface morphology and show the presence of the B. anthracis spores on the sensor surface. When experimental results and SEM images were evaluated together, it was suggested that with the synthesis of PVC like open-chained polymers, containing -NH2 and -SH functional groups, B. anthracis spore detection can be accomplished on QCM without requiring complicated immobilization procedures and expensive preliminary preparations.

Evaluation of intracameral injection of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on the corneal endothelium by scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Ari, Seyhmus; Nergiz, Yusuf; Aksit, Ihsan; Sahin, Alparslan; Cingu, Kursat; Caca, Ihsan

2015-03-01

To evaluate the effects of intracameral injection of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on the corneal endothelium by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty-eight female rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups. Rabbits in groups 1 and 2 underwent intracameral injection of 1 mg/0.1 mL and 0.5 mg/0.05 mL ranibizumab, respectively; group 3 was injected with 1.25 mg/0.05 mL bevacizumab. All three groups were injected with a balanced salt solution (BSS) into the anterior chamber of the left (fellow) eye. None of the rabbits in group 4 underwent an injection. Corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were measured before the injections, on the first day, and in the first month after injection. The rabbits were sacrificed and corneal tissues were excised in the first month after injection. Specular microscopy was used for the corneal endothelial cell count. Endothelial cell density was assessed and comparisons drawn between the groups and the control. Micrographs were recorded for SEM examination. The structure of the corneal endothelial cells, the junctional area of the cell membrane, the distribution of microvillus, and the cell morphology of the eyes that underwent intracameral injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), BSS, and the control group were compared. Corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were not significantly different between the groups that underwent anti-VEGF or BSS injection and the control group on the first day and in the first month of injection. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly diminished in all three groups; predominantly in group 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The SEM examination revealed normal corneal endothelial histology in group 3 and the control group. Eyes in group 1 exhibited indistinctness of corneal endothelial cell borders, microvillus loss in the luminal surface, excessive blebbing, and disintegration of intercellular junctions. In group 2, the cell structure of the corneal endothelium and intercellular junctions were normal. However, a relative reduction was observed in the microvillus density of endothelial cells. Although eyes in group 3 were morphologically similar to fellow eyes and the control group, disarrangement in endothelial cell borders was evident. The SEM examination pointed out deterioration in endothelial cell morphology after intracameral injection of 1 and 0.5 mg ranizumab. However, the effects of intracameral bevacizumab injection on corneal endothelial cells were similar to those found in fellow eyes and the control group. Further large-scale studies that examine the cellular changes by transmission electron microscopy are required to support the results of the present study that evaluates the structural changes in endothelial cells by SEM.

Physical study on Cobalt-Indium Co-doped ZnO nanofilms as hydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mimouni, R.; Mahdhi, N.; Boubaker, K.; Madouri, A.; Amlouk, M.

2016-03-01

The present work reports some physical investigations on (Co,In) codoped zinc oxide nanofilms deposited on glass substrates at 460 °C by the spray pyrolysis technique. The effect of Co and In concentration on the structural, morphological, optical and surface wettability properties have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, optical measurement, photoluminescence spectroscopy as well as the measurement of hydrophobicity in terms of water contact angle. It is found that all films crystallized in würtzite ZnO phase, with a preferentially orientation towards (002) direction parallel to c-axis. The Raman spectra of the samples exhibit the presence of E2high characteristic mode of würtzite structure with high crystallinity as well as two dominant bands 1LO and 2LO. Also, no additional modes introduced by codopoing have been found. SEM micrographs show the uniform deposition of fine grains on surface films. Thicknesses of films are less than 100 nm. In addition, optical investigations indicate that the band gap narrowing of (Co,In) codoped ZnO thin films is due to the increase in the band tail width. Indeed, PL study indicates that (Co,In) codoped ZnO nanofilms exhibit a large decrease of the UV luminescence, which is assigned to the trapping of photo-generated electrons by both In3+ and Co2+ ions as well as an improvement of charge separation in the ZnO thin films. Finally, the (Co,In) codoping influences the surface wettability property and transform the ZnO character from hydrophilic (θ < 90°) for pure ZnO nanofilm to hydrophobic (θ > 90°) for (Co,In) codoped ZnO ones.

Facial synthesis of nanostructured ZnCo2O4 on carbon cloth for supercapacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Swati J.; Park, Jungsung; Lee, Dong-Weon

2017-12-01

In this work, we have synthesized the ZnCo2O4 electrode by a facial one-step hydrothermal method on a carbon cloth for the supercapacitor application. The structural and phase purity of the prepared electrode material was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface morphology and elemental stoichiometry were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The FE-SEM micrograph illustrates that the ZnCo2O4 material is composed of microstrips with a ~0.5 μm width and length in micron uniformly covered the carbon cloth surface. The ZnCo2O4 electrode material further investigated for electrochemical analyses. The cyclic voltammetry results showed that the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 1084 F/g at 2 mV/s scan rate. Remarkably, a maximum energy density of 12.5 Wh/kg was attained at a current density of 2 mA/cm2 with the power density of 3.6 kW/kg for the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode. Furthermore, the 96.2 % capacitive retention is obtained at a higher scan rate of 100 mV/s after 1000 CV cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability of the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode. The frequency-dependent rate capability and an ideal capacitive behaviour of the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode were analyzed using impedance analyses; a representing the ion diffusion structure of the material. These results show that the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode could be a promising material for supercapacitor application.

Fast response of sprayed vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanorods towards nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, A. A.; Suryawanshi, M. P.; Kim, J. H.; Moholkar, A. V.

2017-05-01

The V2O5 nanorods have been successfully spray deposited at optimized substrate temperature of 400 °C onto the glass substrates using vanadium trichloride (VCl3) solution of different concentrations. The effect of solution concentration on the physicochemical and NO2 gas sensing properties of sprayed V2O5 nanorods is studied at different operating temperatures and gas concentrations. The XRD study reveals the formation of V2O5 having an orthorhombic symmetry. The FE-SEM micrographs show the nanorods-like morphology of V2O5. The AFM micrographs exhibit a well covered granular surface topography. For direct allowed transition, the band gap energy values are found to be decreased from 2.45 eV to 2.42 eV. The nanorods deposited with 30 mM solution concentration shows the maximum response of 24.2% for 100 ppm NO2 gas concentration at an operating temperature of 200 °C with response and recovery times of 13 s and 140 s, respectively. Finally, the chemisorption mechanism of NO2 gas on the V2O5 nanorods is discussed.

Conductive polymer/reduced graphene oxide/Au nano particles as efficient composite materials in electrochemical supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shabani Shayeh, J.; Ehsani, A.; Ganjali, M. R.; Norouzi, P.; Jaleh, B.

2015-10-01

Polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide/Au nano particles (PANI/rGO/AuNPs) as a hybrid supercapacitor were deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) method as ternary composites and their electrochemical performance was evaluated in acidic medium. Scanning electron micrographs clearly revealed the formation of nanocomposites on the surface of the working electrode. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) clearly revealed the formation of nanocomposites on the surface of working electrode. Different electrochemical methods including galvanostatic charge-discharge (CD) experiments, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were carried out in order to investigate the applicability of the system as a supercapacitor. Based on the cyclic voltammogram results obtained, PANI/rGO/AuNPs gave higher specific capacitance, power and energy values than PANI at a current density of 1 mA cm-2. Specific capacitance (SC) of PANI and PANI/rGO/AuNPs electrodes calculated using CV method are 190 and 303 F g-1, respectively. The present study introduces new nanocomposite materials for electrochemical redox capacitors with advantages including long life cycle and stability due to synergistic effects of each component.

Synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotube from different grades of carbon black using arc discharge method

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

Arora, Neha, E-mail: n4neha31@gmail.com; Sharma, N. N.; Director, School of Automobile, Mechanical & Mechatronics, Manipal University,Jaipur,India

2016-04-13

This paper describes the synthesis of nanotube from different grades (Tread * A(non-ASTM), N134,N121,N660 and N330)of carbon black using DC arc discharge method at 40A current for 60sec. Carbon black samples of different grades were procured from industry (Aditya Birla Science and Technology Limited, India). Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM) of the deposited carbon nanostructures suggests that MWCNTs are formed at 40A and for a minimal exposure time of 60sec.The result formed indicates the N330 grade of carbon black gets converted to MWCNTs (Multiwall Carbon nanotube) as compared to other grades.

Synthesis of optically transparent ceramic of CaF2 doped with Mn and Ce for thermoluminescent dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sen, Shashwati; Singh, S. G.; Patra, G. D.; Shinde, S.; Bhattacharya, S.; Gadkari, S. C.

2012-06-01

Nano-particles of CaF2: Mn were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. Optically transparent ceramics were obtained by vacuum hot-pressing at 1000°C under 20 MPa pressure for 2 h. The duration of pressure and dehydration of the initial powder was found important to achieve the transparency. 50% transparency was observed for a polished disc of 1 mm thickness. SEM micrographs revealed the absence of voids in hot pressed samples. These samples were found to be highly sensitive and linear for TLD and can measure doses from mGy to kGy.

Two new species of the genus Paramitraceras Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 (Opiliones: Laniatores: Stygnopsidae) from Chiapas, Mexico.

PubMed

Cruz-López, Jesús A; Francke, Oscar F

2013-01-01

Parainitraceras pickardcanibridgei sp. nov. and Paramitraceras tzotzil sp. nov. from Chiapas, Mexico are described based on specimens previously determined as Paramitraceras granulatum Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 by Goodnight and Goodnight. The male genitalia of the new species and P. granulatum are illustrated with scanning electronic micrographs (SEMs) or drawings derived from them. The importance of the ocular tubercle, cheliceral dentition and sexual dimorphism, pedipalpal armature and male genitalia as taxonomic characters within the genus is discussed as well as differences and similarities between Paramitraceras Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 and its most similar genus, Sbordonia Šilhavý, 1977.

A new species of the genus Ammonicera (Prosobranchia, Omalogyridae) in a coralline algae community from Jeju Island, off the south coast of Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waki, Tsukasa; Rolán, Emilio; Noseworthy, Ronald G.; Kang, Hyun-Sil; Choi, Kwang-Sik

2017-12-01

A species of the genus Ammonicera Vayssière, 1893 collected from coralline algae communities in Jeju Island, South Korea, is described as a new species, A. aurea, for science. Its morphological characters are described and illustrated by SEM micrographs. This new species can be clearly distinguished from other Ammonicera species from the Pacific Ocean by the presence of a spiral cord and about 25 slightly-elevated axial ribs, resulting in about 25 nodules at intersecting points of the cord and ribs on the last whorl of the teleoconch.

Observation of ferromagnetism in Mn doped KNbO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikandan, M.; Venkateswaran, C.

2015-06-01

Pure and Mn doped KNbO3 have been prepared by ball milling assisted ceramic method. Mn ion had been doped at Nb site to induce ferromagnetism at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal the formation of orthorhombic phase. High resolution scanning electron micrograph (HR-SEM) of both pure and Mn doped samples show a mixture of spherical and plate like particles. Room temperature magnetic behavior of both the samples were analyzed using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). 5% Mn doped KNbO3 exhibits ferromagnetic behavior. Observed ferromagnetic feature has been explained by interactions between bound magnetic polarons which are created by Mn4+ ions.

Morphological and Optical Characteristics of Chitosan(1-x):Cuox (4 ≤ x ≤ 12) Based Polymer Nano-Composites: Optical Dielectric Loss as an Alternative Method for Tauc's Model.

PubMed

Aziz, Shujahadeen B

2017-12-13

In this work, copper (Cu) nanoparticles with observable surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) peaks were synthesized by an in-situ method. Chitosan host polymer was used as a reduction medium and a capping agent for the Cu nanoparticles. The surface morphology of the samples was investigated through the use of scanning electron micrograph (SEM) technique. Copper nanoparticles appeared as chains and white specks in the SEM images. The strong peaks due to the Cu element observed in the spectrum of energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. For the nanocomposite samples, obvious peaks due to the SPR phenomena were obtained in the Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra. The effect of Cu nanoparticles on the host band gap was understood from absorption edges shifting of absorption edges to lower photon energy. The optical dielectric loss parameter obtained from the measurable quantities was used as an alternative method to study the band structure of the samples. Quantum mechanical models drawbacks, in the study of band gap, were explained based on the optical dielectric loss. A clear dispersion region was able to be observed in refractive indices spectra of the composite samples. A linear relationship with a regression value of 0.99 was achieved between the refractive index and volume fractions of CuI content. Cu nanoparticles with various sizes and homogenous dispersions were also determined from transmission electron microscope (TEM) images.

Morphological and Optical Characteristics of Chitosan(1−x):Cuox (4 ≤ x ≤ 12) Based Polymer Nano-Composites: Optical Dielectric Loss as an Alternative Method for Tauc’s Model

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this work, copper (Cu) nanoparticles with observable surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) peaks were synthesized by an in-situ method. Chitosan host polymer was used as a reduction medium and a capping agent for the Cu nanoparticles. The surface morphology of the samples was investigated through the use of scanning electron micrograph (SEM) technique. Copper nanoparticles appeared as chains and white specks in the SEM images. The strong peaks due to the Cu element observed in the spectrum of energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. For the nanocomposite samples, obvious peaks due to the SPR phenomena were obtained in the Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra. The effect of Cu nanoparticles on the host band gap was understood from absorption edges shifting of absorption edges to lower photon energy. The optical dielectric loss parameter obtained from the measurable quantities was used as an alternative method to study the band structure of the samples. Quantum mechanical models drawbacks, in the study of band gap, were explained based on the optical dielectric loss. A clear dispersion region was able to be observed in refractive indices spectra of the composite samples. A linear relationship with a regression value of 0.99 was achieved between the refractive index and volume fractions of CuI content. Cu nanoparticles with various sizes and homogenous dispersions were also determined from transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. PMID:29236074

Chemical crosslinking of acrylic acid to form biocompatible pH sensitive hydrogel reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)

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

Lim, Lim Sze; Ahmad, Ishak; Lazim, Mohd Azwani Shah Mat

2014-09-03

The purpose of this study is to produce a novel pH and temperature sensitive hydrogel, composed of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). CNC was extracted from kenaf fiber through a series of alkali and bleaching treatments followed by acid hydrolysis. The PAA was then subjected to chemical cross-linking using the cross-linking agent (N,N-methylenebisacrylamide) with CNC entrapped in PAA matrix. The mixture was casted onto petri dish to obtain disc shape hydrogel. The effects of reaction conditions such as the ratio of PAA and CNC on the swelling behavior of the hydrogel obtained towards pH and temperature were studied.more » The obtained hydrogel was further subjected to different tests such swelling test for swelling behaviour at different pH and temperature along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology analysis. The hydrogel obtained showed excellent pH sensitivity and obtained maximum swelling at pH 7. Besides that, hydrogel obtained showed significant increase in swelling ratio when temperature of swelling medium was increased from 25°C to 37°C. SEM micrograph showed that the pore size of the hydrogel decreases with increase of CNC content proving that the hydrogel structure became more rigid with addition of CNC. The PAA/CNC hydrogel with such excellent sensitivity towards pH and temperature can be developed further as drug carrier.« less

Fabrication of chitosan/gallic acid 3D microporous scaffold for tissue engineering applications.

PubMed

Thangavel, Ponrasu; Ramachandran, Balaji; Muthuvijayan, Vignesh

2016-05-01

This study explores the potential of gallic acid incorporated chitosan (CS/GA) 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds were prepared by freezing and lyophilization technique and characterized. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of GA in chitosan (CS) gel. DSC and TGA analysis revealed that the structure of chitosan was not altered due to the incorporation of GA, but thermal stability was significantly increased compared to the CS scaffold. SEM micrographs showed smooth, homogeneous, and microporous architecture of the scaffolds with good interconnectivity. CS/GA scaffolds exhibited approximately 90% porosity on average, increased swelling (600-900%) and controlled biodegradation (15-40%) in PBS (pH 7.4 at 37°C) with 1 mg/mL of lysozyme. CS/GA scaffolds showed 2-4 fold decrease in CFUs (p < 0.05) for both gram positive and gram negative bacteria compared to the CS scaffold. Cytotoxicity of these scaffolds was evaluated using NIH 3T3 L1 fibroblast cells. CS/GA 0.25% scaffold showed similar viability with CS scaffold at 24 and 48 h. CS/GA scaffolds (0.5-1.0%) showed 60-75% viability at 24 h and 90% at 48 h. SEM images showed that an increased cell attachment was observed for CS/GA scaffolds compared to CS scaffolds. These findings authenticate that CS/GA scaffolds were cytocompatible and would be useful for tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Formation of silicon nanowire packed films from metallurgical-grade silicon powder using a two-step metal-assisted chemical etching method.

PubMed

Ouertani, Rachid; Hamdi, Abderrahmen; Amri, Chohdi; Khalifa, Marouan; Ezzaouia, Hatem

2014-01-01

In this work, we use a two-step metal-assisted chemical etching method to produce films of silicon nanowires shaped in micrograins from metallurgical-grade polycrystalline silicon powder. The first step is an electroless plating process where the powder was dipped for few minutes in an aqueous solution of silver nitrite and hydrofluoric acid to permit Ag plating of the Si micrograins. During the second step, corresponding to silicon dissolution, we add a small quantity of hydrogen peroxide to the plating solution and we leave the samples to be etched for three various duration (30, 60, and 90 min). We try elucidating the mechanisms leading to the formation of silver clusters and silicon nanowires obtained at the end of the silver plating step and the silver-assisted silicon dissolution step, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that the processed Si micrograins were covered with densely packed films of self-organized silicon nanowires. Some of these nanowires stand vertically, and some others tilt to the silicon micrograin facets. The thickness of the nanowire films increases from 0.2 to 10 μm with increasing etching time. Based on SEM characterizations, laser scattering estimations, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and Raman spectroscopy, we present a correlative study dealing with the effect of the silver-assisted etching process on the morphological and structural properties of the processed silicon nanowire films.

Formation of silicon nanowire packed films from metallurgical-grade silicon powder using a two-step metal-assisted chemical etching method

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this work, we use a two-step metal-assisted chemical etching method to produce films of silicon nanowires shaped in micrograins from metallurgical-grade polycrystalline silicon powder. The first step is an electroless plating process where the powder was dipped for few minutes in an aqueous solution of silver nitrite and hydrofluoric acid to permit Ag plating of the Si micrograins. During the second step, corresponding to silicon dissolution, we add a small quantity of hydrogen peroxide to the plating solution and we leave the samples to be etched for three various duration (30, 60, and 90 min). We try elucidating the mechanisms leading to the formation of silver clusters and silicon nanowires obtained at the end of the silver plating step and the silver-assisted silicon dissolution step, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that the processed Si micrograins were covered with densely packed films of self-organized silicon nanowires. Some of these nanowires stand vertically, and some others tilt to the silicon micrograin facets. The thickness of the nanowire films increases from 0.2 to 10 μm with increasing etching time. Based on SEM characterizations, laser scattering estimations, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and Raman spectroscopy, we present a correlative study dealing with the effect of the silver-assisted etching process on the morphological and structural properties of the processed silicon nanowire films. PMID:25349554

Titanium Ions Release from an Innovative Titanium-Magnesium Composite: an in Vitro Study.

PubMed

Stanec, Zlatko; Halambek, Jasna; Maldini, Krešimir; Balog, Martin; Križik, Peter; Schauperl, Zdravko; Ćatić, Amir

2016-03-01

The innovative titanium-magnesium composite (Ti-Mg) was produced by powder metallurgy (P/M) method and is characterized in terms of corrosion behavior. Two groups of experimental material, 1 mass% (Ti-1Mg) and 2 mass% (Ti-2Mg) of magnesium in titanium matrix, were tested and compared to commercially pure titanium (CP Ti). Immersion test and chemical analysis of four solutions: artificial saliva; artificial saliva pH 4; artificial saliva with fluoride and Hank balanced salt solution were performed after 42 days of immersion, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect the amount of released titanium ions (Ti). SEM and EDS analysis were used for surface characterization. The difference between the results from different test solutions was assessed by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test at p<0.05. The influence of predictor variables was found by multiple regression analysis. The results of the present study revealed a low corrosion rate of titanium from the experimental Ti-Mg group. Up to 46 and 23 times lower dissolution of Ti from Ti-1Mg and Ti-2Mg, respectively was observed compared to the control group. Among the tested solutions, artificial saliva with fluorides exhibited the highest corrosion effect on all specimens tested. SEM micrographs showed preserved dual phase surface structure and EDS analysis suggested a favorable surface bioactivity. In conclusion, Ti-Mg produced by P/M as a material with better corrosion properties when compared to CP Ti is suggested.

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

Garcia-Mateo, Carlos, E-mail: cgm@cenim.csic.es

Since the major strengthening mechanisms in nanocrystalline bainitic steels arise from the exceptionally small size of the bainitc ferrite plate, accurate determination of this parameter is fundamental for quantitative relating the microstructure to the mechanical properties. In this work, the thickness of the bainitic ferrite subunits obtained by different bainitic heat treatments was determined in two steels, with carbon contents of 0.3 and 0.7 wt.%, from SEM and TEM micrographs. As these measurements were made on 2D images taken from random sections, the method includes some stereological correction factors to obtain accurate information. Finally, the determined thicknesses of bainitic ferritemore » plates were compared with the crystallite size calculated from the analysis of X-ray diffraction peak broadening. Although in some case the values obtained for crystallite size and plate thickness can be similar, this study confirms that indeed they are two different parameters. - Highlights: •Bainitic microstructure in a nanostructured and sub-micron steel •Bainitic ferrite plate thickness measured by SEM and TEM •Crystallite size determined by X-ray analysis.« less

Synthesis and characterization of NiO nanopowder by sol-gel process

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

Ningsih, Sherly Kasuma Warda

2015-09-30

Preparation of nickel oxide (NiO) nanopowder by sol-gel process has been studied. NiO nanopowders were obtained by sol-gel method by using nickel nitrate hexahydrate and sodium hydroxide and aquadest were used as precursor, agent precipitator and solvent, respectively. The powders were formed by drying at 110°C and followed by heating in the furnace at 400°C for 1.5 hours. The product was obtained black powder. The product was characterized by Energy Dispesive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The ED-XRF pattern shows the composition of NiO produced was 97.1%. The XRD pattern showed NiO forms weremore » produced generally in monoclinic stucture. The crystalline size of NiO was obtained in the range 40-85 nm. SEM micrograph clearly showed that powder had a spherical with uniform distribution size is 0.1-1.0 µm approximately.« less

Sol-gel synthesis and characterizations of crystalline NaGd(WO4)2 powder for anisotropic transparent ceramic laser application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durairajan, A.; Thangaraju, D.; Balaji, D.; Moorthy Babu, S.

2013-02-01

NaGd(WO4)2 powders were synthesized at different pH (3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5) values by conventional Pechini method. Sodium and gadolinium nitrate salts and ammonium paratungstate are used as starting precursors. Metal cations were chelated by citric acid and individual citrates were bound together with ethylene glycol. Synthesized gel was analyzed using differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermo gravimetric (TG) and FT-IR spectroscopy to understand the degradation of gel and formation of metal citrates. Calcined powders (250, 600, 700 and 800 °C) were characterized by powder XRD, FT-IR, Raman and FE-SEM analysis. The temperature dependent phase formation was examined by powder XRD. The morphological changes at different pH derived powders were observed with FE-SEM micrographs. Stepwise organic liberation with respect to temperature and presence of carbon content in the pre-fired powder were analyzed using FT-IR analysis. Raman spectrum reveals disordered tungstate vibrations in the NGW matrix.

Electrochemical synthesis of poly(pyrrole-co-o-anisidine)/chitosan composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yalçınkaya, Süleyman; Çakmak, Didem

2017-05-01

In this study, poly(pyrrole-co-o-anisidine)/chitosan composite films were electrochemically synthesized in various monomers feed ratio (pyrrole: o-anisidine; 9:1, 7:3, 1:1, 3:7 and 1:9) of pyrrole and o-anisidine on the platinum electrode. Electrochemical synthesis of the composite films was carried out via cyclic voltammetry technique. They were characterized by FT-IR, cyclic voltammetry, SEM micrographs, digital images, TGA and DSC techniques. The SEM results indicated that the particle size of the composite decreased with increasing o-anisidine ratio and the films became more likely to be smooth morphology. The TGA results proved that the film of the composite with 1:1 ratio showed highest final degradation temperature and lowest weight loss (83%) compared to copolymer and 9:1 1:9 composite films. The 1:1 composite film had higher thermal stability than copolymer and the other composite films (9:1 1:9). Meanwhile, electrochemical studies exhibited that the 1/9 composite film had good electrochemical stability as well.

Peat Water Purification by Hydroxyapatite (HAp) Synthesized from Waste Pensi (Corbicula moltkiana) Shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajri Alif, Matlal; Aprillia, Wandha; Arief, Syukri

2018-01-01

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) were synthesized from Pensi (Corbicula moltkiana) sheels by hydrothermal method and used as adsorbent for peat water purification. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to investigate the effects of various factors such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, and pH. The obtained materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that HAP calcined at 900°C (HAP900) and 1000°C (HAP1000) have a poorly crystalline shape. HAP900 also contain Tetracalsium Phosphate (TTCP) with a Ca/P molar ratio 2.18, while HAP 1000 contain HAp with a Ca/P molar ratio 1.67. Optimum condition for peat water purification with HAP900 and HAP1000 were both achieved at 1 hours, 1 grams adsorben mass at pH 2. SEM micrographs show that after purification, the surface of HAP were covered by organic compounds from peat water.

Microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of barium titanate nanoparticles for multi layered ceramic capacitor applications.

PubMed

Thirumalai, Sundararajan; Shanmugavel, Balasivanandha Prabu

2011-01-01

Barium titanate is a common ferroelectric electro-ceramic material having high dielectric constant, with photorefractive effect and piezoelectric properties. In this research work, nano-scale barium titanate powders were synthesized by microwave assisted mechano-chemical route. Suitable precursors were ball milled for 20 hours. TGA studies were performed to study the thermal stability of the powders. The powders were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDX Analysis. Microwave and Conventional heating were performed at 1000 degrees C. The overall heating schedule was reduced by 8 hours in microwave heating thereby reducing the energy and time requirement. The nano-scale, impurity-free and defect-free microstructure was clearly evident from the SEM micrograph and EDX patterns. LCR meter was used to measure the dielectric constant and dielectric loss values at various frequencies. Microwave heated powders showed superior dielectric constant value with low dielectric loss which is highly essential for the fabrication of Multi Layered Ceramic Capacitors.

Fractality and growth of He bubbles in metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajita, Shin; Ito, Atsushi M.; Ohno, Noriyasu

2017-08-01

Pinholes are formed on surfaces of metals by the exposure to helium plasmas, and they are regarded as the initial process of the growth of fuzzy nanostructures. In this study, number density of the pinholes is investigated in detail from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of tungsten and tantalum exposed to the helium plasmas. A power law relation was identified between the number density and the size of pinholes. From the slope and the region where the power law was satisfied, the fractal dimension D and smin, which characterize the SEM images, are deduced. Parametric dependences and material dependence of D and smin are revealed. To explain the fractality, simple Monte-Carlo simulations including random walks of He atoms and absorption on bubble was introduced. It is shown that the initial position of the random walk is one of the key factors to deduce the fractality. The results indicated that new nucleations of bubbles are necessary to reproduce the number-density distribution of bubbles.

Nanosilver microalgae biosynthesis: cell appearance based on SEM and EDX methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pancasakti Kusumaningrum, Hermin; Zainuri, Muhammad; Marhaendrajaya, Indras; Subagio, Agus

2018-05-01

Microbial contamination has caused public health problems in the world population. This problem has spurred the development of methods to overcome and prevent microbial invasion. The extensive use of antibiotics has facilitated the continued emergence and spread of resistant organisms. Synthesized of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) on microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa offer environmentally safe antimicrobial agent. The present study is focused on the biosynthesis of AgNPs using microalgae C. pyrenoidosa. The research methods was conducted by insertion of nanosilver particle into microalgae cells with and without agitation to speed up the process of formation nanosilver microalgae. The formation of microalgae SNP was analyzes by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) methods. The research result showed that nanosilver microalgae biosynthesis using the agitation treatment was exhibited better performance in particle insertion and cell stability, comparing with no agitation treatment. However, synthesis of nanosilver microalgae tend to reduce the cell size.

Novel conduction behavior in nanopores coated with hydrophobic molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balagurusamy, Venkat; Stolovitzky, Gustavo; Afzali-Ardakani, Ali

2015-03-01

We obtain (Bi0.7Pb0.3)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 nano-crystals by sol-gel improved with acrylamide and microwaves, not reported in the literature. TGA gives an idea of the reaction temperatures (200-550 ° C) for the formation of binary, ternary and unknown materials. SEM and TEM shows morphology and crystal size 30-33 nm. We studied the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of the gel quenching, by varying the temperature and time according to a previous thermal analysis. Starting compounds (bismuth oxide, strontium carbonate, copper acetate, lead nitrate and calcium sulfate) were analyzed by XRD. By AFM we observed the dehydrated gel surface absorbed water from the environment. From the micrographs we measured the size of the fibers, grains and nano-crystals. We found at 560 ° C Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox compound with tetragonal crystal structure, corresponding to the 2:2:2:3 compound, with Tc 110 K. At 860 ° C seen a shift of some reflections corresponding to two phases. Xerogel magnetic measurement shows antiferromagnetic behavior at 63 K.

Adsorption of an anionic dye on a novel low-cost mesoporous adsorbent: kinetic, thermodynamic and isotherm studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Msaad, Asmaa; Belbahloul, Mounir; Zouhri, Abdeljalil

2018-05-01

Our activated carbon was prepared successfully using phosphoric acid as an activated agent. The activated carbon was characterized by Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett- Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The aim of our study is to evaluate the adsorption capacity of Methyl Orange (MO) on Ziziphus lotus activated carbon. Adsorption isotherms were studied according to Langmuir and Freundlich Model, and adsorption kinetics according to pseudo-first and second-order. Results show that the maximum adsorption was reached in the first 10min at ambient temperature with a yield of 96.31%. The Langmuir isotherm shows a correlation coefficient of 99.4 % higher than Freundlich model and the adsorption kinetic model follow a pseudo-second-order with a maximum adsorption capacity of 769.23 mg/g. FTIR and X-Ray spectroscopy indicate that our activated carbon has an amorphous structure with the presence of functional groups, where BET analysis revealed a high surface area of 553 mg/g, which facilitate the adsorption process

The response of structure and function of the gravireceptor in a vertebrate to near weightlessness.

PubMed

Neubert, J; Briegleb, W; Schatz, A; Hertwig, I; Kruse, B

1988-02-01

The paper sums up results of a 7-day space flight experiment (D-l-Mission-BW-STA 00-STATEX) using growing frog embryos and larvae (Xenopus laevis) as a model system. Evaluation of photographs taken from the surface of sectioned deep-frozen objects, and micrographs using TEM and SEM show no aberrations in the shape, size, position, or respective electron density of the otolith membranes in larvae developed for 154 h under near-zero g. The further evaluation of the "weightless larvae" revealed a probably not yet described otolith-like formation below the dorsal wall of the vestibulum. In the weightless larvae this formation outnumbers, also qualitatively, strongly the 1-g control samples. The swimming behavior of the tadpoles which was observed about one hour after landing of the Space Shuttle showed a typical anomaly (loop swimming), which is known from larvae developed on the clinostat or from fish flown aboard Apollo capsules. An extra result is the lack of striking effects of cosmic radiation on the embryonic development of the flown Xenopus eggs.

Study of the Effect on Ionic Conductivity and Structral Morphology of the SR Doped Lanthanum Gallate Solid Electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sood, Kapil; Singh, K.; Pandey, O. P.

2013-07-01

In the present study, lanthanum gallate and Sr-doped lanthanum gallate samples were prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. The phase conformation has been performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. The elemental composition has been confirmed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Ac conductivity of the samples has been measured in the frequency range 0.1-106 Hz and from 50-800 °C. The impedance plots among real and complex impedances at particular temperature have been discussed. The behavior shows the effect of bulk and grain boundary effects of the doped sample. The impedance plots with frequency have been analyzed. The plots have been well fitted to equivalent circuit model. The conductivity shows the Arrhenius type of behavior. The activation energy has been calculated from the plots and represents that the conductivity through the material is mainly ionic. The structural morphology of the samples has been investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The micrograph shows that the porosity and grain size both decreases with Sr-doping.

Synthesis, characterization and anti-bacterial activities of pure and Co-doped BaSO4 nanoparticles via chemical precipitation route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivakumar, S.; Soundhirarajan, P.; Venkatesan, A.; Khatiwada, Chandra Prasad

2015-02-01

In the present study, we reported that the synthesis and characterization of pure and diverse mole Co-doped BaSO4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical precipitation technique. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) brought out the information about the synthesized products is orthorhombic structure and highly crystalline in nature. The average grain size of the samples was determined by using the Debye-Scherer's equation. The existence of functional groups and band area of the samples were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The direct and indirect band gap energy of pure and doped samples was carried out using UV-VIS-DRS. The surface micrograph, morphological distribution and elemental compositions of the synthesized products were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDS). Thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) techniques were analyzed thermal behaviour of pure and Co-doped samples. Finally, antibacterial activities found the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are more active in transporter, dehydrogenize and periplasmic enzymatic activities of pure and doped samples.

Studies on structural, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties of YFeO3 ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suthar, Lokesh; Jha, V. K.; Bhadala, Falguni; Roy, M.; Sahu, S.; Barbar, S. K.

2017-10-01

The polycrystalline ceramic sample of YFeO3 has been synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction method using high-purity oxides. The formation of the compound has been confirmed by the room temperature (RT) X-ray diffraction analysis. The refined lattice parameters obtained by Rietveld analysis are: a = 5.5907 Å, b = 7.6082 Å and c = 5.2849 Å with orthorhombic symmetry in space group Pnma. The average grain size obtained from the SEM micrograph is around 2 µm. The three-dimensional surface morphology has been investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the average roughness measured in the sampling area of 100.07 µm2 is around 142 nm. The frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric constant has been measured. The material shows high dielectric constant value (750) at RT. The activation energy obtained from dc conductivity using Arrhenius relation σ = σ oexp(-Ea/kT) is 2.12 eV. Thermal analysis shows phase change around 625 K with minimum weight loss (i.e. 1.27% of initial weight) from RT to 1273 K. The magnetization measurement indicates soft magnetic behaviour.

The response of structure and function of the gravireceptor in a vertebrate to near weightlessness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neubert, J.; Briegleb, W.; Schatz, A.; Hertwig, I.; Kruse, B.

The paper sums up results of a 7-day space flight experiment (D-1-Mission-BW-STA 00-STATEX) using growing frog embryos and larvae ( Xenopus laevis) as a model system. Evaluation of photographs taken from the surface of sectioned deep-frozen objects, and micrographs using TEM and SEM show no aberrations in the shape, size, position, or respective electron density of the otolith membranes in larvae developed for 154 h under near-zero g. The further evaluation of the "weightless larvae" revealed a probably not yet described otolith-like formation below the dorsal wall of the vestibulum. In the weightless larvae this formation outnumbers, also qualitatively, strongly the 1- g control samples. The swimming behavior of the tadpoles which was observed about one hour after landing of the Space Shuttle showed a typical anomaly (loop swimming), which is known from larvae developed on the clinostat or from fish flown aboard Apollo capsules. An extra result is the lack of striking effects of cosmic radiation on the embryonic development of the flown Xenopus eggs.

Fabrication of a silica aerogel and examination of its hydrophobic properties via contact angle and 3M water repellency tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazrouei-Sebdani, Z.; Javazmi, L.; Khoddami, A.; Shams-Ghahfarokhi, F.; Low, T.

2017-05-01

Aerogels are dry gels with a very high specific pore volume. Aerogels with increased hydrophobicity have significant potential to expand their use as lightweight materials. Considering its special nanostructure and exceptional properties, this paper focuses on the synthesis and hydrophobic evaluation of a silica aerogel. The structural properties were investigated by measuring density, SEM micrographs, and BET analyses. Also, the hydrophobic evaluation was carried out by measuring 3M water repellency and water/alcohol contact angle. The BET analysis showed successful synthesis of the nanoporous silica aerogel with a pore size of 24 nm and porosity of 89%. The synthesized aerogel showed 3M water repellency of 3 and water contact angle of 129.6°. Also, it is worth-mentioning that as the alcohol content of the drops in 3M water repellency test is increased, the drop contact angle is decreased due to its lower surface tension. Thus, the contact angle reaches the zero at 3M water repellency test number of 4 (water/alcohol 60/40).

Spectroscopic study of the inhibition of calcium oxalate calculi by Larrea tridentata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinales, Luis Alonso

The causes of urolithiasis include such influences as diet, metabolic disorders, and genetic factors which have been documented as sources that aggravate urinary calculi depositions and aggregations, and, implicitly, as causes of urolithiasis. This study endeavors to detail the scientific mechanisms involved in calcium oxalate calculi formation, and, more importantly, their inhibition under growth conditions imposed by the traditional medicinal approach using the herbal extract, Larrea tridentata. The calculi were synthesized without and with Larrea tridentata infusion by employing the single diffusion gel technique. A visible decrease in calcium oxalate crystal growth with increasing amounts of Larrea tridentata herbal infusion was observed in photomicrographs, as well as a color change from white-transparent for pure crystals to light orange-brown for crystals with inhibitor. Analysis of the samples, which includes Raman, infrared absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) techniques, demonstrate an overall transition in morphology of the crystals from monohydrate without herbal extract to dihydrate with inhibitor. Furthermore, the resulting data from Raman and infrared absorption support the possibilities of the influences, in this complex process, of NDGA and its derivative compounds from Larrea tridentata, and of the bonding of the magnesium of the inhibitor with the oxalate ion on the surface of the calculi crystals. This assumption corroborates well with the micrographs obtained under higher magnification, which show that the separated small crystallites consist of darker brownish cores, which we attribute to the dominance of growth inhibition by NDGA, surrounded by light transparent thin shells, which possibly correspond to passivation of the crystals by magnesium oxalate. The SEM results reveal the transformation from the dominant monoclinic structure of the calcium oxalate crystals grown alone to the tetragonal dipyramidal crystal structure of the calcium oxalate crystals grown with Larrea tridentata. Comparison between XRD experimental and simulated data, besides corroborating with our previous results, show that each sample is a combination of different structures.

Optimization of a sponge cake formulation with inulin as fat replacer: structure, physicochemical, and sensory properties.

PubMed

Rodríguez-García, Julia; Puig, Ana; Salvador, Ana; Hernando, Isabel

2012-02-01

The effects of several fat replacement levels (0%, 35%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) by inulin in sponge cake microstructure and physicochemical properties were studied. Oil substitution for inulin decreased significantly (P < 0.05) batter viscosity, giving heterogeneous bubbles size distributions as it was observed by light microscopy. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy the fat was observed to be located at the bubbles' interface, enabling an optimum crumb cake structure development during baking. Cryo-SEM micrographs of cake crumbs showed a continuous matrix with embedded starch granules and coated with oil; when fat replacement levels increased, starch granules appeared as detached structures. Cakes with fat replacement up to 70% had a high crumb air cell values; they were softer and rated as acceptable by an untrained sensory panel (n = 51). So, the reformulation of a standard sponge cake recipe to obtain a new product with additional health benefits and accepted by consumers is achieved. Practical Application:  In this study, fat is replaced by inulin in cakes, which is a fiber mainly obtained from chicory roots. Sponge cake formulations with reductions in fat content up to 70% are achieved. These high-quality products can be labeled as "reduced in fat" according to U.S. FDA (2009) and EU regulations (European-Union 2006). © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

Phase formation and microstructure of gamma irradiated Bi-2223 Superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

‘Atiqah Mohiju, Zaahidah; Alieya Adnan, Natasha; Hamid, Nasri A.; Abdullah, Yusof

2018-01-01

The Bi-2223 superconductor has been synthesized using the conventional solid state reaction method. The effect of gamma irradiation on phase formation and microstructure of high-temperature Bi-2223 superconductor ceramic was investigated. The bulk samples sample were palletized with 7 tons pressure of hydraulic press machine and sintered at 840°C for 48 hours. The gamma irradiation was performed at the Nuclear Malaysian Agency with dose of 50 kGray at room temperature. Structure characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the patterns for all the samples demonstrate well-defined peaks all of which could be indexed on the basis of a Bi-2223 phase structure. However, for irradiated sample, it showed reduction in the peak intensity indicating a decrease in the content of the Bi-2223 superconducting phase. The effect of gamma (γ) irradiation on surface morphology and its composites has also been investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the micrograph shows that the grains are distributed randomly with poorly connected inter and intra-grain microstructure. This shows that the morphology of the Bi-2223 superconductor is very sensitive to gamma irradiation. The effect on the phase formation and microstructure of non-irradiated and gamma irradiated of Bi-2223 superconductor is compared and evaluated.

Short range shooting distance estimation using variable pressure SEM images of the surroundings of bullet holes in textiles.

PubMed

Hinrichs, Ruth; Frank, Paulo Ricardo Ost; Vasconcellos, M A Z

2017-03-01

Modifications of cotton and polyester textiles due to shots fired at short range were analyzed with a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM). Different mechanisms of fiber rupture as a function of fiber type and shooting distance were detected, namely fusing, melting, scorching, and mechanical breakage. To estimate the firing distance, the approximately exponential decay of GSR coverage as a function of radial distance from the entrance hole was determined from image analysis, instead of relying on chemical analysis with EDX, which is problematic in the VP-SEM. A set of backscattered electron images, with sufficient magnification to discriminate micrometer wide GSR particles, was acquired at different radial distances from the entrance hole. The atomic number contrast between the GSR particles and the organic fibers allowed to find a robust procedure to segment the micrographs into binary images, in which the white pixel count was attributed to GSR coverage. The decrease of the white pixel count followed an exponential decay, and it was found that the reciprocal of the decay constant, obtained from the least-square fitting of the coverage data, showed a linear dependence on the shooting distance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flexible magnetic membranes based on bacterial cellulose and its evaluation as electromagnetic interference shielding material.

PubMed

Marins, Jéssica A; Soares, Bluma G; Barud, Hernane S; Ribeiro, Sidney J L

2013-10-01

Flexible magnetic membranes with high proportion of magnetite were successfully prepared by previous impregnation of the never dried bacterial cellulose pellicles with ferric chloride followed by reduction with sodium bisulfite and alkaline treatment for magnetite precipitation. Membranes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating magnetometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and impedance spectroscopy. Microwave properties of these membranes were investigated in the X-band (8.2 to 12.4 GHz). FEG-SEM micrographs show an effective coverage of the BC nanofibers by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Membranes with up to 75% in weight of particles have been prepared after 60 min of reaction. Magnetite nanoparticles in the form of aggregates well adhered to the BC fibers were observed by SEM. The average crystal sizes of the magnetic particles were in the range of 10±1 to 13±1 nm (estimated by XRD). The magnetic particles in the BC pellicles presented superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization in the range of 60 emu g(-1) and coercive force around 15 Oe. These magnetic pellicles also displayed high electrical permittivity and a potential application as microwave absorber materials. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical characterization of fritted glass for architectural applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonsson, Jacob C.; Rubin, Michael D.; Nilsson, Annica M.; Jonsson, Andreas; Roos, Arne

2009-04-01

Fritted glass is commonly used as a light diffusing element in modern buildings. Traditionally it has been used for aesthetic purposes but it can also be used for energy savings by incorporating it in novel daylighting systems? To answer such questions the light scattering properties must be properly characterized. This paper contains measurements of different varieties of fritted glass, ranging from the simplest direct-hemispherical measurements to angle-resolved goniometer measurements. Modeling the light scattering to obtain the full bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) extends the measured data, making it useful in simulation programs such as Window 6 and Radiance. Surface profilometry results and SEM micrographs are included to demonstrate the surface properties of the samples studied.

Biodegradation of thermoplastic starch/eggshell powder composites.

PubMed

Bootklad, Munlika; Kaewtatip, Kaewta

2013-09-12

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) was prepared using compression molding and chicken eggshell was used as a filler. The effect of the eggshell powder (EP) on the properties of TPS was compared with the effect of commercial calcium carbonate (CC). The organic compound on the surface of the eggshell powder acted as a coupling agent that resulted in a strong adhesion between the eggshell powder and the TPS matrix, as confirmed by SEM micrographs. The biodegradation was determined by the soil burial test. The TPS/EP composites were more rapidly degraded than the TPS/CC composites. In addition, the eggshell powder improved the water resistance and thermal stability of the TPS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphological and physicochemical properties of dip-coated poly {(2,5-diyl pyrrole) [4-nitrobenzylidène]} (PPNB) thin films: towards photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mouchaal, Younes; Gherrass, Hamou; Bendoukha Reguig, Abdelkarim; Hachemaoui, Aïcha; Yahiaoui, Ahmed; Makha, Mohamed; Khelil, Abdelbacet; Bernede, Jean-Christian

2015-02-01

A new material: conjugated poly {(2,5-diyl pyrrole) [4-nitrobenzylidène]}, that we called (PPNB), has been synthesized and characterized. The cyclic voltammetry has been used in order to estimate first oxidation (Ep) and reduction (En) potentials of our polymer. These values have been assigned, respectively, to the position of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and determination of the energy band gap which have been estimated to be 6.16, 3.89 and 2.27 eV respectively. Energy levels values of the HOMO and LUMO of the PPNB polymeric donor material were evaluated and the results are compatible with an electron transfer to C60 within an eventual junction, such values show that PPNB could be probed for applications in organic solar cells as donor material. PPNB Thin films have been deposited by dip-coating technique from Dichloromethane solvent with different polymer concentrations, and a dipping speed of 3.0 cm/min. For morphological characterization of the films scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out. The samples, when observed by SEM, reveals that the films deposited are less dense, uniform. Cross-sectional SEM micrographs PPNB films show that thickness of the layers is homogeneous and has value of 35-40 nm. Optical characteristics of the polymer thin films were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy; absorption of wide range of wavelengths from 350 to 700 nm was observed. The optical band gap energy ranges between 1.9 eV and 1.94 eV. Based on these analyzes we realized heterojunction organic solar cells with the structure: ITO/Au/PPNB/C60/BCP/Al, the cells had a photovoltaique effect after J-V measuring, however the efficiency of photo generation under AM1.5 illumination was weak (about 0.02%) and needs to be improved.

Study on biofilm-forming properties of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Taj, Yasmeen; Essa, Farhan; Aziz, Faisal; Kazmi, Shahana Urooj

2012-05-14

The purpose of this study was to observe the formation of biofilm, an important virulence factor, by isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in Pakistan by different conventional methods and through electron microscopy. We screened 115 strains of S. aureus isolated from different clinical specimens by tube method (TM), air-liquid interface coverslip assay method, Congo red agar (CRA) method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Out of 115 S. aureus isolates, 63 (54.78%) showed biofilm formation by tube method. Biofilm forming bacteria were further categorized as high producers (n = 23, 20%) and moderate producers (n = 40, 34.78%). TM coordinated well with the coverslip assay for strong biofilm-producing strains in 19 (16.5%) isolates. By coverslip method, weak producers were difficult to differentiate from biofilm negative isolates. Screening on CRA showed biofilm formation only in four (3.47%) strains. Scanning electron micrographs showed the biofilm-forming strains of S. aureus arranged in a matrix on the propylene surface and correlated well with the TM. Biofilm production is a marker of virulence for clinically relevant staphylococcal infections. It can be studied by various methods but screening on CRA is not recommended for investigation of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. Electron micrograph images correlate well with the biofilm production as observed by TM.

Synthesis of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide by needle platy natural vein graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathnayake, R. M. N. M.; Wijayasinghe, H. W. M. A. C.; Pitawala, H. M. T. G. A.; Yoshimura, Masamichi; Huang, Hsin-Hui

2017-01-01

Among natural graphite varieties, needle platy vein graphite (NPG) has very high purity. Therefore, it is readily used to prepare graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). In this study, GO and rGO were prepared using chemical oxidation and reduction process, respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD studies confirmed the increase of the interlayer spacing of GO and rGO in between 3.35 to 8.66 A°. AFM studies showed the layer height of rGO to be 1.05 nm after the reduction process. TEM micrographs clearly illustrated that the prepared GO has more than 25 layers, while the rGO has only less than 15 layers. Furthermore, the effect of chemical oxidation and reduction processes on surface morphology of graphite were clearly observed in FESEM micrographs. The calculated RO/C of GO and rGO using XPS analysis are 5.37% and 1.77%, respectively. The present study revealed the successful and cost effective nature of the chemical oxidation, and the reduction processes for the production of GO and rGO out of natural vein graphite.

The effect of home bleaching agents on the surface roughness of five different composite resins: A SEM evaluation.

PubMed

Cengiz, Esra; Kurtulmus-Yilmaz, Sevcan; Ulusoy, Nuran; Deniz, Sule Tugba; Yuksel-Devrim, Ece

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) on the surface roughness of five different composite resins using profilometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thirty-six specimens (1 mm thick, 10 mm in diameter) of five composite resins were fabricated. Each composite group was equally divided into three subgroups as control, CP and HP. In control group, specimens were stored in daily refreshed distilled water during the 14-day testing period. In other groups, 10% HP (Opalescence Treswhite) and 10% CP (Opalescence PF) were applied and surface roughness values (Ra) of each specimen were measured with a profilometer at the end of 14 days. Additionally, SEM analysis was performed to evaluate the surface deformations of composite resins. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Ra values of composite groups exposed to bleaching agents were statistically higher than control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between Ra values after HP and CP application within each composite group while SEM micrographs showed higher surface alterations at HP group compared to CP. Among the composite resins tested, Ceram-X Mono revealed the lowest Ra values after CP and HP applications as seen at SEM images. Home bleaching agents increased the surface roughness of all composites. Except CP applied Ceram-X mono specimens, Ra values of all composite resins evaluated in this study exceeded the critical limit of 0.2 μm. Ceram-X mono was the least affected composite material after bleaching application. SCANNING 38:277-283, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Titanium Ions Release from an Innovative Titanium-Magnesium Composite: an in Vitro Study

PubMed Central

Halambek, Jasna; Maldini, Krešimir; Balog, Martin; Križik, Peter; Schauperl, Zdravko; Ćatić, Amir

2016-01-01

Background The innovative titanium-magnesium composite (Ti-Mg) was produced by powder metallurgy (P/M) method and is characterized in terms of corrosion behavior. Material and methods Two groups of experimental material, 1 mass% (Ti-1Mg) and 2 mass% (Ti-2Mg) of magnesium in titanium matrix, were tested and compared to commercially pure titanium (CP Ti). Immersion test and chemical analysis of four solutions: artificial saliva; artificial saliva pH 4; artificial saliva with fluoride and Hank balanced salt solution were performed after 42 days of immersion, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect the amount of released titanium ions (Ti). SEM and EDS analysis were used for surface characterization. Results The difference between the results from different test solutions was assessed by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test at p<0.05. The influence of predictor variables was found by multiple regression analysis. The results of the present study revealed a low corrosion rate of titanium from the experimental Ti-Mg group. Up to 46 and 23 times lower dissolution of Ti from Ti-1Mg and Ti-2Mg, respectively was observed compared to the control group. Among the tested solutions, artificial saliva with fluorides exhibited the highest corrosion effect on all specimens tested. SEM micrographs showed preserved dual phase surface structure and EDS analysis suggested a favorable surface bioactivity. Conclusion In conclusion, Ti-Mg produced by P/M as a material with better corrosion properties when compared to CP Ti is suggested. PMID:27688425

Alternative sweeteners influence the biomass of oral biofilm.

PubMed

Abdul Razak, Fathilah; Baharuddin, Baizatul Amirah; Akbar, Elisya Farha Mohd; Norizan, Amira Hanim; Ibrahim, Nur Fazilah; Musa, Md Yusoff

2017-08-01

Compact-structured oral biofilm accumulates acids that upon prolonged exposure to tooth surface, causes demineralisation of enamel. This study aimed to assess the effect of alternative sweeteners Equal Stevia ® , Tropicana Slim ® , Pal Sweet ® and xylitol on the matrix-forming activity of plaque biofilm at both the early and established stages of formation. Saliva-coated glass beads (sGB) were used as substratum for the adhesion of a mixed-bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mitis. Biofilms formed on sGB at 3h and 24h represented the early and established-plaque models. The biofilms were exposed to three doses of the sweeteners (10%), introduced at three intervals to simulate the exposure of dental plaque to sugar during three consecutive food intakes. The treated sGB were (i) examined under the SEM and (ii) collected for turbidity reading. The absorbance indicated the amount of plaque mass produced. Analysis was performed comparative to sucrose as control. Higher rate of bacterial adherence was determined during the early compared to established phases of formation. Comparative to the sweeteners, sucrose showed a 40% increase in bacterial adherence and produced 70% more plaque-mass. Bacterial counts and SEM micrographs exhibited absence of matrix in all the sweetener-treated biofilms at the early phase of formation. At the established phase, presence of matrix was detected but at significantly lower degree compared to sucrose (p<0.05). Alternatives sweeteners promoted the formation of oral biofilm with lighter mass and lower bacterial adherence. Hence, suggesting alternative sweeteners as potential antiplaque agents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-Healing Efficiency of Cementitious Materials Containing Microcapsules Filled with Healing Adhesive: Mechanical Restoration and Healing Process Monitored by Water Absorption

PubMed Central

Li, Wenting; Jiang, Zhengwu; Yang, Zhenghong; Zhao, Nan; Yuan, Weizhong

2013-01-01

Autonomous crack healing of cementitious composite, a construction material that is susceptible to cracking, is of great significance to improve the serviceability and to prolong the longevity of concrete structures. In this study, the St-DVB microcapsules enclosing epoxy resins as the adhesive agent were embedded in cement paste to achieve self-healing capability. The self-healing efficiency was firstly assessed by mechanical restoration of the damaging specimens after being matured. The flexural and compressive configurations were both used to stimulate the localized and distributed cracks respectively. The effects of some factors, including the content of microcapsules, the curing conditions and the degree of damage on the healing efficiency were investigated. Water absorption was innovatively proposed to monitor and characterize the evolution of crack networks during the healing process. The healing cracks were observed by SEM-EDS following. The results demonstrated that the capsule-containing cement paste can achieve the various mechanical restorations depending on the curing condition and the degree of damage. But the voids generated by the surfactants compromised the strength. Though no noticeable improved stiffness obtained, the increasing fracture energy was seen particularly for the specimen acquiring 60% pre-damage. The sorptivity and amount of water decreased with cracks healing by the adhesive, which contributed to cut off and block ingress of water. The micrographs by SEM-EDS also validated that the cracks were bridged by the hardened epoxy as the dominated elements of C and O accounted for 95% by mass in the nearby cracks. PMID:24312328

Self-healing efficiency of cementitious materials containing microcapsules filled with healing adhesive: mechanical restoration and healing process monitored by water absorption.

PubMed

Li, Wenting; Jiang, Zhengwu; Yang, Zhenghong; Zhao, Nan; Yuan, Weizhong

2013-01-01

Autonomous crack healing of cementitious composite, a construction material that is susceptible to cracking, is of great significance to improve the serviceability and to prolong the longevity of concrete structures. In this study, the St-DVB microcapsules enclosing epoxy resins as the adhesive agent were embedded in cement paste to achieve self-healing capability. The self-healing efficiency was firstly assessed by mechanical restoration of the damaging specimens after being matured. The flexural and compressive configurations were both used to stimulate the localized and distributed cracks respectively. The effects of some factors, including the content of microcapsules, the curing conditions and the degree of damage on the healing efficiency were investigated. Water absorption was innovatively proposed to monitor and characterize the evolution of crack networks during the healing process. The healing cracks were observed by SEM-EDS following. The results demonstrated that the capsule-containing cement paste can achieve the various mechanical restorations depending on the curing condition and the degree of damage. But the voids generated by the surfactants compromised the strength. Though no noticeable improved stiffness obtained, the increasing fracture energy was seen particularly for the specimen acquiring 60% pre-damage. The sorptivity and amount of water decreased with cracks healing by the adhesive, which contributed to cut off and block ingress of water. The micrographs by SEM-EDS also validated that the cracks were bridged by the hardened epoxy as the dominated elements of C and O accounted for 95% by mass in the nearby cracks.

The internalization of posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs) in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. II. The inter-relationship of optical quality and structure as a function of age.

PubMed

Kuszak, J R; Al-Ghoul, K J; Novak, L A; Peterson, K L; Herbert, K L; Sivak, J G

1999-05-06

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat is an animal model for human retinal degenerative disease and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs). The purpose of this study was to correlate the structure and optical quality of RCS lenses with PSCs as a function of their internalization, with normal, non-cataractous, age-matched control lenses. Correlative light (LM), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), three-dimensional computer assisted drawings (3D-CADs) and low power helium-neon laser scan analysis were used to examine the structure and function of lenses. The optical properties (average focal length variability; sharpness of focus) of RCS rat lenses are quantitatively compromised by PSCs. Correlative LM and SEM analysis of RCS lenses at various stages of PSC internalization (1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age), revealed that the sutures formed by additional fiber growth were progressively more abnormal. During PSC internalization, two to nine small suture branches were formed and arranged in modified line to multiple y configurations rather than the normal three branch y sutures. These temporal changes were also chronicled in animated 3D-CAD videos derived from lens reconstructions based on LM and SEM micrographs from the selected time points stated above. However, laser scan analysis also revealed that as the PSCs of RCS rat lenses were progressively internalized, there was a steady improvement in total sharpness of focus that reached normal levels by 12 months of age. The correlation of laser scan and structural data from specific regions of lenses revealed the following: 1. The abnormal posterior sutures of RCS rats with internalized PSCs effect a greater reduction in optical quality than normal posterior sutures of age-matched controls; 2. However, the resulting abnormal suture plane area was cumulatively similar to that of age-matched controls; 3. Thus, total optical quality was similar between RCS lenses with internalized PSCs and age-matched controls by 12 months of age. The results of this study show that RCS lenses with internalized PSCs can appear grossly, and indeed optically perform, at levels comparable to aged lenses. These findings are consistent with clinical observations of spontaneous recovery from PSC. The results suggest that human PSCs that occur as a consequence of retinal degenerative disease could also be the result of abnormal posterior suture growth. If this is proven to be the case, such PSCs may have some capacity for repair or recovery thereby obviating their surgical removal.

Effects of Polishing Bur Application Force and Reuse on Sintered Zirconia Surface Topography.

PubMed

Fischer, N G; Tsujimoto, A; Baruth, A G

2018-03-16

Limited information is available on how to polish and finish zirconia surfaces following computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), specifically, how differing application forces and reuse of zirconia polishing systems affect zirconia topography. To determine the effect of differing, clinically relevant, polishing application forces and multiple usages of polishing burs on the surface topography of CAD/CAM zirconia. One hundred twenty 220-grit carbide finished zirconia disks were sintered according to manufacturer's directions and divided into two groups for the study of two coarse polishing bur types. Each group was divided into subgroups for polishing (15,000 rpm) at 15 seconds for 1.0 N, 4.5 N, or 11 N of force using a purpose-built fixture. Subgroups were further divided to study the effects of polishing for the first, fifth, 15th, and 30th bur use, simulating clinical procedures. Unpolished surfaces served as a control group. Surfaces were imaged with noncontact optical profilometry (OP) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure average roughness values (Ra). Polishing burs were optically examined for wear. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on burs and zirconia surfaces. One-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD (honest significant difference) tests (α=0.05) were used for statistical analyses. AFM and OP Ra values of all polished surfaces were significantly lower than those of the unpolished control. Different polishing forces and bur reuse showed no significant differences in AFM Ra. However, significant differences in OP Ra were found due to differing application forces and bur reuse between the first and subsequent uses. SEM and optical micrographs revealed notable bur wear, increasing with increasing reuse. SEM and AFM micrographs clearly showed polished, periodic zirconia surfaces. Nanoscale topography, as analyzed with kurtosis and average groove depth, was found dependent on the specific polishing bur type. These in vitro results suggest changes in OP Ra due to bur reuse and polishing application force. Within the parameters of this study, the resultant topography of zirconia polishing is force-dependent and the reuse of coarse polishing burs is possible without statistically significant differences in Ra values after initial use. Nanoscale and microscale topography were shown to depend on specific polishing bur type.

A deep convolutional neural network approach to single-particle recognition in cryo-electron microscopy.

PubMed

Zhu, Yanan; Ouyang, Qi; Mao, Youdong

2017-07-21

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become a mainstream tool for the structural determination of biological macromolecular complexes. However, high-resolution cryo-EM reconstruction often requires hundreds of thousands of single-particle images. Particle extraction from experimental micrographs thus can be laborious and presents a major practical bottleneck in cryo-EM structural determination. Existing computational methods for particle picking often use low-resolution templates for particle matching, making them susceptible to reference-dependent bias. It is critical to develop a highly efficient template-free method for the automatic recognition of particle images from cryo-EM micrographs. We developed a deep learning-based algorithmic framework, DeepEM, for single-particle recognition from noisy cryo-EM micrographs, enabling automated particle picking, selection and verification in an integrated fashion. The kernel of DeepEM is built upon a convolutional neural network (CNN) composed of eight layers, which can be recursively trained to be highly "knowledgeable". Our approach exhibits an improved performance and accuracy when tested on the standard KLH dataset. Application of DeepEM to several challenging experimental cryo-EM datasets demonstrated its ability to avoid the selection of un-wanted particles and non-particles even when true particles contain fewer features. The DeepEM methodology, derived from a deep CNN, allows automated particle extraction from raw cryo-EM micrographs in the absence of a template. It demonstrates an improved performance, objectivity and accuracy. Application of this novel method is expected to free the labor involved in single-particle verification, significantly improving the efficiency of cryo-EM data processing.

A Stochastic Kinematic Model of Class Averaging in Single-Particle Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Park, Wooram; Midgett, Charles R.; Madden, Dean R.; Chirikjian, Gregory S.

2011-01-01

Single-particle electron microscopy is an experimental technique that is used to determine the 3D structure of biological macromolecules and the complexes that they form. In general, image processing techniques and reconstruction algorithms are applied to micrographs, which are two-dimensional (2D) images taken by electron microscopes. Each of these planar images can be thought of as a projection of the macromolecular structure of interest from an a priori unknown direction. A class is defined as a collection of projection images with a high degree of similarity, presumably resulting from taking projections along similar directions. In practice, micrographs are very noisy and those in each class are aligned and averaged in order to reduce the background noise. Errors in the alignment process are inevitable due to noise in the electron micrographs. This error results in blurry averaged images. In this paper, we investigate how blurring parameters are related to the properties of the background noise in the case when the alignment is achieved by matching the mass centers and the principal axes of the experimental images. We observe that the background noise in micrographs can be treated as Gaussian. Using the mean and variance of the background Gaussian noise, we derive equations for the mean and variance of translational and rotational misalignments in the class averaging process. This defines a Gaussian probability density on the Euclidean motion group of the plane. Our formulation is validated by convolving the derived blurring function representing the stochasticity of the image alignments with the underlying noiseless projection and comparing with the original blurry image. PMID:21660125

Synthesis and electrochemical studies on Al 2O 3 coated LiNi 0.5Co 0.44Fe 0.06VO 4 for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fey, George Ting-Kuo; Muralidharan, Pandurangan; Cho, Yung-Da

LiNi 0.5Co 0.44Fe 0.06VO 4 cathode material has been synthesized by a citric acid:polyethylene glycol polymeric method at 723 K for 5 h in air. The surface of the LiNi 0.5Co 0.44Fe 0.06VO 4 was coated with various wt.% of Al 2O 3 by a wet chemical procedure and heat treated 873 K for 2 h in air. The samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM techniques. XRD patterns expose that the complete crystalline phase occurred at 723 K and there was no indication of new peaks for the coated samples. FTIR spectra show that the complete removal of organic residues and the formation of LiNi 0.5Co 0.44Fe 0.06VO 4. TG/DTGA results reveal that the formation of LiNi 0.5Co 0.44Fe 0.06VO 4 occurred between 480 and 670 K and the complete crystalline occurred at 723 K. SEM micrographs show the various morphological stages of the polymeric intermediates. TEM micrographs of the pristine LiNi 0.5Co 0.44Fe 0.06VO 4 reveal that the particle size ranged from 130 to 150 nm and Al 2O 3 coating on the fine particles was compact and had an average thickness of about 15 nm. The charge-discharge experiments were carried out between 2.8 and 4.9 V (versus Li) at a current rate of 0.15 C. The 1.0 wt.% Al 2O 3 coated sample had the best electrochemical performance, with an initial capacity of 65 mAh g -1 and capacity retention of 60% after 50 cycles. The electrochemical impedance behavior suggests that the failure of pristine cathode performance is associated with an increase in the impedance growth on the surface of the cathode material upon continuous cycling.

Co-Precipitation Synthesis and Characterization of SrBi2Ta2O9 Ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afqir, Mohamed; Tachafine, Amina; Fasquelle, Didier; Elaatmani, Mohamed; Carru, Jean-Claude; Zegzouti, Abdelouahad; Daoud, Mohamed

2018-04-01

Strontium bismuth tantalate (SrBi2Ta2O9) was synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The sample was characterized by x-ray powder diffraction patterns (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the dielectric properties are reported at room temperature. No secondary phases were found while heating the powder at 850°C and the pure SrBi2Ta2O9 phase was formed, as revealed by XRD. The characteristic bands for SrBi2Ta2O9 were observed by FTIR at approximately 619 cm-1 and 810 cm-1. SEM micrographs for the sample displayed thin plate-like grains. The grain size was less than 1 μm and the crystallite size of about 24 nm. Dielectric response at room temperature shows that the SrBi2Ta2O9 ceramic has low loss values, and the flattening of the dielectric constant at higher frequencies. The observed Curie temperature is comparable with those reported in the literature.

Combined Extraction Processes of Lipid from Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae: Microwave Prior to Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction

PubMed Central

Dejoye, Céline; Vian, Maryline Abert; Lumia, Guy; Bouscarle, Christian; Charton, Frederic; Chemat, Farid

2011-01-01

Extraction yields and fatty acid profiles from freeze-dried Chlorella vulgaris by microwave pretreatment followed by supercritical carbon dioxide (MW-SCCO2) extraction were compared with those obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction alone (SCCO2). Work performed with pressure range of 20–28 Mpa and temperature interval of 40–70 °C, gave the highest extraction yield (w/w dry weight) at 28 MPa/40 °C. MW-SCCO2 allowed to obtain the highest extraction yield (4.73%) compared to SCCO2 extraction alone (1.81%). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of microalgae oil showed that palmitic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acid were the most abundant identified fatty acids. Oils obtained by MW-SCCO2 extraction had the highest concentrations of fatty acids compared to SCCO2 extraction without pretreatment. Native form, and microwave pretreated and untreated microalgae were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). SEM micrographs of pretreated microalgae present tearing wall agglomerates. After SCCO2, microwave pretreated microalgae presented several micro cracks; while native form microalgae wall was slightly damaged. PMID:22272135

Silver nanoparticle production by Rhizopus stolonifer and its antibacterial activity against extended spectrum {beta}-lactamase producing (ESBL) strains of Enterobacteriaceae

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

Banu, Afreen; Rathod, Vandana, E-mail: drvandanarathod@rediffmail.com; Ranganath, E.

Highlights: {yields} Silver nanoparticle production by using Rhizopus stolonifer. {yields} Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against extended spectrum {beta}-lactamase producing (ESBL) strains of Enterobacteriaceae. {yields} Synergistic effect of antibiotics with silver nanoparticles towards ESBL-strains. {yields} Characterization of silver nanoparticles made by UV-vis spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM). -- Abstract: This report focuses on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the fungus, Rhizopus stolonifer and its antimicrobial activity. Research in nanotechnology highlights the possibility of green chemistry pathways to produce technologically important nanomaterials. Characterization of newly synthesized silvermore » nanoparticles was made by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). TEM micrograph revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with size ranging between 3 and 20 nm. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) showed excellent antibacterial activity against ESBL-strains which includes E. coli, Proteus. sp. and Klebsiella sp.« less

Pretreatment of Wheat Bran for Suitable Reinforcement in Biocomposites

PubMed Central

Rahman, Atikur; Ulven, Chad A.; Johnson, Maren A.; Durant, Cheyenne; Hossain, Khwaja G.

2018-01-01

Wheat bran, abundant but underutilized, was investigated for its potential as a reinforcement in biocomposites through different pretreatment methods. Pretreatment methods included were dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH), dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4), liquid hot water (LHW), calcium hydroxide (CaOH), organosolv such as aqueous ethanol (EtOH), and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Changes in chemical composition and fiber characteristics of the treated bran were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cellulose content increased to 35.1% and 29.6% in brans treated with H2SO4 and NaOH, respectively. The SEM micrographs showed surface cleaning of treated bran while maintaining sufficient surface roughness for the H2SO4, NaOH, and MIBK treated brans. Crystallinity index increased slightly for all treatments except H2SO4. NaOH and H2SO4 pretreated brans achieved important fiber characteristics, which could be useful for making thermoplastic biocomposites. Innovative use of bran in thermoplastic will create more opportunities for growers while enhancing biodegradability. PMID:29417961

Combining autohydrolysis and ionic liquid microwave treatment to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of Eucalyptus globulus wood.

PubMed

Rigual, Victoria; Santos, Tamara M; Domínguez, Juan Carlos; Alonso, M Virginia; Oliet, Mercedes; Rodriguez, Francisco

2018-03-01

The combination of autohydrolysis and ionic liquid microwave treatments of eucalyptus wood have been studied to facilitate sugar production in a subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis step. Three autohydrolysis conditions (150 °C, 175 °C and 200 °C) in combination with two ionic liquid temperatures (80 °C and 120 °C) were compared in terms of chemical composition, enzymatic digestibility and sugar production. Morphology was measured (using SEM) and the biomass surface was visualized with confocal fluorescence microscopy. The synergistic cooperation of both treatments was demonstrated, enhancing cellulose accessibility. At intermediate autohydrolysis conditions (175 °C) and low ionic liquid temperature (80 °C), a glucan digestibility of 84.4% was obtained. Using SEM micrographs, fractal dimension (as a measure of biomass complexity) and lacunarity (as a measure of homogeneity) were calculated before and after pretreatment. High fractals dimensions and low lacunarities correspond to morphologically complex and homogeneous samples, that are better digested by enzyme cocktails. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anticorrosion Coating using Olea sp. Leaves Extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikhmal, W. M. K. W. M.; Yasmin, M. Y. N.; Fazira, M. F. M.; Rafizah, W. A. W.; Nik, W. B. Wan; Sabri, M. G. M.

2018-04-01

Olive leaves extract (OLE) was evaluated as green corrosion inhibitor for stainless steel grade 316L (SS316L) in several media using scanning electron microscope (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results reveals several active compound indicated by O-H stretch, C=O stretch, C-OH stretch and C-N stretch which can be attributed to oleuropein and hydroxtyrosol acting as the main inhibiting sources for corrosion. The results obtained also show the inhibition efficiency of OLE increase with the increase of OLE concentration. Through its inhibitive action elucidate from the electrochemical analysis, the extract was found to act as a mixed type inhibitor. Micrographs by SEM showed that the surface of steel which has been coated with 0% and 20% of OLE coating extract possess a lot of pin holes or pores while the steel with 10% of OLE coating extract shows the surface has multiple cracks. This study clearly shows the efficiency of OLE as anticorrosion coating for control of stainless steel in marine application.

Micro-mechanics of ionic electroactive polymer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Punning, Andres; Põldsalu, Inga; Kaasik, Friedrich; Vunder, Veiko; Aabloo, Alvo

2015-04-01

Commonly, modeling of the bending behavior of the ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators is based on the classical mechanics of cantilever beam. It is acknowledged, that the actuation of the ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators is symmetric about the centroid - the convex side of the actuator is expanding and the concave side is contracting for exactly the same amount, while the thickness of the actuator remains invariant. Actuating the IEAP actuators and sensors under scanning electron microscope (SEM), in situ, reveals that for some types of them this approach is incorrect. Comparison of the SEM micrographs using the Digital Image Correction (DIC) method results with the precise strain distribution of the IEAP actuators in two directions: in the axial direction, and in the direction of thickness. This information, in turn, points to the physical processes taking place within the electrodes as well as membrane of the trilayer laminate of sub-millimeter thickness. Comparison of the EAP materials, engaged as an actuator as well as a sensor, reveals considerable differences between the micro-mechanics of the two modes.

Graphite to Graphene via Graphene Oxide: An Overview on Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansora, D. P.; Shimpi, N. G.; Mishra, S.

2015-12-01

This work represents a state-of-the-art technique developed for the preparation of graphene from graphite-metal electrodes by the arc-discharge method carried out in a continuous flow of water. Because of continuous arcing of graphite-metal electrodes, the graphene sheets were observed in water with uniformity and little damage. These nanosheets were subjected to various purification steps such as acid treatment, oxidation, water washing, centrifugation, and drying. The pure graphene sheets were analyzed using Raman spectrophotometry, x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM). Peaks of Raman spectra were recorded at (1300-1400 cm-1) and (1500-1600 cm-1) for weak D-band and strong G-band, respectively. The XRD pattern showed 85.6% crystallinity of pure graphite, whereas pure graphene was 66.4% crystalline. TEM and FE-SEM micrographs revealed that graphene sheets were overlapped to each other and layer-by-layer formation was also observed. Beside this research work, we also reviewed recent developments of graphene and related nanomaterials along with their preparations, properties, functionalizations, and potential applications.

Microstructural Evolution of Secondary Phases in the Cast Duplex Stainless Steels CD3MN and CD3MWCuN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yoon-Jun; Ugurlu, Ozan; Jiang, Chao; Gleeson, Brian; Chumbley, L. Scott

2007-02-01

The isothermal formation behavior of secondary phases in two types of duplex stainless steels (DSS), CD3MN and CD3MWCuN, was characterized. Samples were heat treated from 1 minute to 30 days at temperatures from 700°C to 900°C. Small carbide (M23C6) and nitride (Cr2N) precipitates, together with the intermetallic phases sigma and chi, were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Based on SEM analysis, time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves for the sigma and chi phases were determined by measuring their volume fractions from backscattered electron micrographs of heat-treated and quenched sample cross sections. Resulting TTT curves showed that the maximum formation temperature for chi is lower than that for sigma, while the time to reach 1 vol pct formation is much less for sigma than it is for chi. The thermodynamic driving forces associated with the sigma and chi formation were assessed using Thermo-Calc.

Polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate-adipate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wenguang

A series of blends consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) and aliphatic succinate polyester (BionolleRTM #3000) had been prepared and investigated. The results of mechanical property investigations showed that using 20 wt% Bionolle#3000 can significantly increase the toughness of PLA. BionolleRTM #3000 also reduces the physical aging rate of PLA so blends remain tough longer. Conversely, the stiffness of BionolleRTM #3000 can be significantly increased by blending in PLA. DMA and DSC results show that PLA/BionolleRTM 3000 blends are not thermodynamically miscible, but are compatible blends. Studies have also been performed to determine the amount and rate of aerobic biodegradation of PLA/aliphatic succinate polyester blends in biologically active composting, enzymatic, and soil environments. The changes in molecular weight, molecular structure and thermal properties in the composting environment were also studied by GPC, NMR and DSC analyses. The research results showed BionolleRTM #3000 had a high degradation rate, while PLA had a low degradation rate. PLA/BionolleRTM #3000 blends had moderate degradation rates that increased with BionolleRTM #3000 content. The melt flow behavior of PLA/BionolleRTM #3000 blends has been studied by capillary rheometry. The relationship of the blends' viscosity with their composition, shear stress, shear rate, and temperature has been investigated. Power law index and activation energy of PLA, BionolleRTM #3000 and their blends have been calculated. The experimental and theoretical data can let us understand the processability of PLA/BionolleRTM #3000 blends. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological structure of the PLA/BionolleRTM #3000 blends. Micrographs of the samples made from different methods (blown film, extrudate and compression molding sheet) were taken; their differences in morphology were compared. For comparison, the micrographs of blend PLA/BionolleRTM #6000 was also studied. The results show that BionolleRTM #3000 has a very strong ability to form the continuous phase in the blends and in films made from the blends. A partial continuous net structure with very thin wall thickness (0.1˜0.2 mum) can form in blends with 20 part of BionolleRTM #3000. The reason why PLA/BionolleRTM #6000 blends do not have good mechanical properties is that the size of the phase domain is too big (five times that of PLA/BionolleRTM #3000 blends).

Using simulated fluorescence cell micrographs for the evaluation of cell image segmentation algorithms.

PubMed

Wiesmann, Veit; Bergler, Matthias; Palmisano, Ralf; Prinzen, Martin; Franz, Daniela; Wittenberg, Thomas

2017-03-18

Manual assessment and evaluation of fluorescent micrograph cell experiments is time-consuming and tedious. Automated segmentation pipelines can ensure efficient and reproducible evaluation and analysis with constant high quality for all images of an experiment. Such cell segmentation approaches are usually validated and rated in comparison to manually annotated micrographs. Nevertheless, manual annotations are prone to errors and display inter- and intra-observer variability which influence the validation results of automated cell segmentation pipelines. We present a new approach to simulate fluorescent cell micrographs that provides an objective ground truth for the validation of cell segmentation methods. The cell simulation was evaluated twofold: (1) An expert observer study shows that the proposed approach generates realistic fluorescent cell micrograph simulations. (2) An automated segmentation pipeline on the simulated fluorescent cell micrographs reproduces segmentation performances of that pipeline on real fluorescent cell micrographs. The proposed simulation approach produces realistic fluorescent cell micrographs with corresponding ground truth. The simulated data is suited to evaluate image segmentation pipelines more efficiently and reproducibly than it is possible on manually annotated real micrographs.

A novel route for synthesis of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite from eggshell waste.

PubMed

Siva Rama Krishna, D; Siddharthan, A; Seshadri, S K; Sampath Kumar, T S

2007-09-01

The eggshell waste has been value engineered to a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) by microwave processing. To highlight the advantages of eggshell as calcium precursor in the synthesis of HA (OHA), synthetic calcium hydroxide was also used to form HA (SHA) following similar procedure and were compared with a commercially available pure HA (CHA). All the HAs were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and specific surface area measurements. Nanocrystalline nature of OHA is revealed through characteristic broad peaks in XRD patterns, platelets of length 33-50 nm and width 8-14 nm in TEM micrograph and size calculations from specific surface area measurements. FT-IR spectra showed characteristic bands of HA and additionally peaks of carbonate ions. The cell parameter calculations suggest the formation of carbonated HA of B-type. The OHA exhibits superior sinterability in terms of hardness and density than both SHA and CHA may be due to larger surface area of its spherulite structure. The in vitro dissolution study shows longer stability in phosphate buffer and cell culture test using osteoblast cells establishes biocompatibility of OHA.

Physicochemical and mechanical properties of freeze cast hydroxyapatite-gelatin scaffolds with dexamethasone loaded PLGA microspheres for hard tissue engineering applications.

PubMed

Ghorbani, Farnaz; Nojehdehian, Hanieh; Zamanian, Ali

2016-12-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-gelatin scaffolds incorporated with dexamethasone-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres were synthesized by freeze casting technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated a unidirectional microstructure and a decrease in the pore size as a function of temperature gradient. Higher amounts of HA resulted in a decrease in the pore size. According to the results, at lower cooling rates, the formation of a lamellar structure decreased the mechanical strength, but at the same time, enhanced the swelling ratio, biodegradation rate and drug release level. On the other hand, higher weight ratios of HA increased the compressive strength, and reduced the swelling ratio, biodegradation rate and drug release level. The results obtained by furrier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and bioactivity analysis illustrated that the interactions of the materials support the apatite formation in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Based on the obtained results, the synthesized composite scaffolds have the necessary mechanical and physicochemical features to support the regeneration of defects and to maintain their stability during the neo-tissue formation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CoO doping effects on the ZnO films through EBPDV technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inês Basso Bernardi, Maria; Queiroz Maia, Lauro June; Antonelli, Eduardo; Mesquita, Alexandre; Li, Maximo Siu; Gama, Lucianna

2014-03-01

Nanometric Zn1-xCo xO (x = 0.020, 0.025 and 0.030 in mol.%) nanopowders were obtained from low temperature calcination of a resin prepared using the Pechini's method. Firing the Zn1-xCoxO resin at 400 °C/2 h a powder with hexagonal structure was obtained as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The powder presented average particle size of 40 nm observed by field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs and average crystallite size of 10 nm calculated from the XRD using Scherrer's equation. Nanocrystalline Zn1-xCo xO films with good homogeneity and optical quality were obtained with 280-980 nm thicknesses by electron beam physical vapour deposition (EBPVD) under vacuum onto silica substrate at 25 °C. Scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun showed that the film microstructure is composed by spherical grains and some needles. In these conditions of deposition the films presented only hexagonal phase observed by XRD. The UV-visible-NIR and diffuse reflectance properties of the films were measured and the electric properties were calculated using the reflectance and transmittance spectra.

Physicochemical properties, in-vitro digestibility and structural elucidation of RS4 from rice starch.

PubMed

Ashwar, Bilal Ahmad; Gani, Adil; Shah, Asima; Masoodi, Farooq Ahmad

2017-12-01

Starches extracted from four different rice cultivars were phosphorylated by using STMP/STPP to make modified food starches with high contents of type 4 resistant starch (RS4). The results revealed 10- fold improvement in RS4 content by the phosphorylation of starch. The phosphorus % and DS values of rice starches ranged from 0.33 to 0.35, and 0.016 to 0.018, respectively. FT-IR spectroscopy showed reduction of OH stretching band at 3290cm-1 and the appearance of PO at 1244-1266cm-1 which confirms crosslinking of starch with STMP/STPP. Phosphorylation was found to increase water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, bile-acid binding and lightness, whereas amylose content, swelling power, solubility index and light transmittance were decreased with phosphorylation. DSC analyses revealed increase in thermal transition temperatures of the crosslinked starches which suggests that the application of STMP/STPP as a crosslinker can improve the integrality and stability of starch. SEM micro-graphs revealed that phosphorylated rice starch granules retained their integrity, while some fissures appeared on the surface of some granules. XRD analysis revealed decreased crystallinity of RS4 rice starches. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and evaluation of novel flavour microcapsules containing vanilla oil using complex coacervation approach.

PubMed

Yang, Ziming; Peng, Zheng; Li, Jihua; Li, Sidong; Kong, Lingxue; Li, Puwang; Wang, Qinghuang

2014-02-15

A novel flavour microcapsule containing vanilla oil (VO) was developed using complex coacervation approach, aimed to control release of VO and enhance its thermostability for spice application in food industry. Viscosity of chitosan (CS) and VO/CS ratio were optimised for fabrication of microcapsules. The flavour microcapsules were evaluated by scanning electron micrograph (SEM), laser confocal microscopy (LSCM), particle size analyser, infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), thermal analysis and controlled-release analysis. The microcapsules were in spherical with good dispersibility when moderate viscosity CS was used. 94.2% of encapsulation efficiency was achieved in VO/CS ratio of 2:1. The FT-IR study proved chemical cross-linking reaction occurred between genipin and chitosan, but a physical interaction between CS and VO. A core-shell structure of microcapsule was confirmed by LSCM, which was beneficial to improve the thermostability of VO in microcapsule. Moreover, VO could be remained about 60% in the microcapsules after release for 30 days, which demonstrated the flavour microcapsules had good potential to serve as a high quality food spice with long residual action and high thermostability. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Pseudomonas spp. isolated from effluent of an electroplating industry.

PubMed

Punjabi, Kapil; Yedurkar, Snehal; Doshi, Sejal; Deshapnde, Sunita; Vaidya, Shashikant

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to isolate and screen bacteria from soil and effluent of electroplating industries for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and characterize the potential isolate. Soil and effluent of electroplating industries from Mumbai were screened for bacteria capable of synthesizing silver nanoparticles. From two soils and eight effluent samples 20 bacterial isolates were obtained, of these, one was found to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Synthesis of silver nanoparticle by bacteria was confirmed by undertaking characterization studies of nanoparticles that involved spectroscopy and electron microscopic techniques. The potential bacteria was found to be Gram-negative short rods with its biochemical test indicating Pseudomonas spp . Molecular characterization of the isolate by 16S r DNA sequencing was carried out which confirmed its relation to Pseudomonas hibiscicola ATCC 19867. Stable nanoparticles synthesized were 50 nm in size and variable shapes as seen in SEM micrographs. The XRD and FTIR confirmed the crystalline structure of nanoparticles and presence of biomolecules mainly proteins as agents for reduction and capping of nanoparticles. The study demonstrates synthesis of nanoparticles by bacteria from effluent of electroplating industry. This can be used for large scale synthesis of nanoparticles by cost effective and environmentally benign mode of synthesis.

The influence of chemical surface modification of kenaf fiber using hydrogen peroxide on the mechanical properties of biodegradable kenaf fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites.

PubMed

Razak, Nur Inani Abdul; Ibrahim, Nor Azowa; Zainuddin, Norhazlin; Rayung, Marwah; Saad, Wan Zuhainis

2014-03-07

Bleaching treatment of kenaf fiber was performed in alkaline medium containing hydrogen peroxide solution maintained at pH 11 and 80 °C for 60 min. The bleached kenaf fiber was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The bleached kenaf fiber was then compounded with poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) via a melt blending method. The mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) performance of the product was tested. The fiber treatment improved the mechanical properties of PLA/bleached kenaf fiber composites. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) morphological analysis showed improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the fiber surface and polymer matrix.

Review on Microstructure Analysis of Metals and Alloys Using Image Analysis Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rekha, Suganthini; Bupesh Raja, V. K.

2017-05-01

The metals and alloys find vast application in engineering and domestic sectors. The mechanical properties of the metals and alloys are influenced by their microstructure. Hence the microstructural investigation is very critical. Traditionally the microstructure is studied using optical microscope with suitable metallurgical preparation. The past few decades the computers are applied in the capture and analysis of the optical micrographs. The advent of computer softwares like digital image processing and computer vision technologies are a boon to the analysis of the microstructure. In this paper the literature study of the various developments in the microstructural analysis, is done. The conventional optical microscope is complemented by the use of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and other high end equipments.

Hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2-ZnO-graphene nanocomposite towards photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gayathri, S.; Jayabal, P.; Ramakrishnan, V.

2015-06-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) - Zinc oxide (ZnO) - Graphene (G) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized through facile hydrothermal method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and the micro-Raman spectroscopic technique revealed the formation of TiO2-ZnO-Graphene (TZG) nanocomposite. The ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles decorated graphene sheets were clearly noticeable in the Field Emission Scanning Electron Micrograph (FE-SEM). The UV-Visible absorption spectra clearly indicated that the formation of TZG nanocomposite enriched the absorption in the visible region. Hence, the prepared nanocomposite can be used as photocatalyst to remove organic dyes from water and as photoanode in the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

The effect of epoxidized soybean oil on mechanical and rheological properties of poly(butylene succinate)/lignin via vane extruder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huanyu; Huang, Zhaoxia; Qu, Jinping; Meng, Cong

2016-03-01

Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESO) have been used as the compatilizer in the Poly (butylene succinate)/lignin (PBS/lignin) composites. Compatibilized composites were fabricated by a novel vane extruder (VE) which can generate global and dynamic elongational flow. The effects of ESO on the mechanical, rheological properties and morphology of PBS/lignin were studied. The results indicated that the use of ESO had plasticizing effect on the matrix PBS while the addition reduced tensile strength. From SEM micrographs it could be clearly observed that there was a better interfacial adhesion between lignin and matrix. Meanwhile, rheological tests showed the incorporation of ESO improved its Newtonian behavior and can enhance PBS's flexibility.

Application of fractal and grey level co-occurrence matrix analysis in evaluation of brain corpus callosum and cingulum architecture.

PubMed

Pantic, Igor; Dacic, Sanja; Brkic, Predrag; Lavrnja, Irena; Pantic, Senka; Jovanovic, Tomislav; Pekovic, Sanja

2014-10-01

This aim of this study was to assess the discriminatory value of fractal and grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis methods in standard microscopy analysis of two histologically similar brain white mass regions that have different nerve fiber orientation. A total of 160 digital micrographs of thionine-stained rat brain white mass were acquired using a Pro-MicroScan DEM-200 instrument. Eighty micrographs from the anterior corpus callosum and eighty from the anterior cingulum areas of the brain were analyzed. The micrographs were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health ImageJ software and its plugins. For each micrograph, seven parameters were calculated: angular second moment, inverse difference moment, GLCM contrast, GLCM correlation, GLCM variance, fractal dimension, and lacunarity. Using the Receiver operating characteristic analysis, the highest discriminatory value was determined for inverse difference moment (IDM) (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve equaled 0.925, and for the criterion IDM≤0.610 the sensitivity and specificity were 82.5 and 87.5%, respectively). Most of the other parameters also showed good sensitivity and specificity. The results indicate that GLCM and fractal analysis methods, when applied together in brain histology analysis, are highly capable of discriminating white mass structures that have different axonal orientation.

Documentation of operational protocol for the use of MAMA software

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

Schwartz, Daniel S.

2016-01-21

Image analysis of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs is a complex process that can vary significantly between analysts. The factors causing the variation are numerous, and the purpose of Task 2b is to develop and test a set of protocols designed to minimize variation in image analysis between different analysts and laboratories, specifically using the MAMA software package, Version 2.1. The protocols were designed to be “minimally invasive”, so that expert SEM operators will not be overly constrained in the way they analyze particle samples. The protocols will be tested using a round-robin approach where results from expert SEM usersmore » at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Testing will be compared. The variation of the results will be used to quantify uncertainty in the particle image analysis process. The round-robin exercise will proceed with 3 levels of rigor, each with their own set of protocols, as described below in Tasks 2b.1, 2b.2, and 2b.3. The uncertainty will be developed using NIST standard reference material SRM 1984 “Thermal Spray Powder – Particle Size Distribution, Tungsten Carbide/Cobalt (Acicular)” [Reference 1]. Full details are available in the Certificate of Analysis, posted on the NIST website (http://www.nist.gov/srm/).« less

Endobacterial morphotypes in nudibranch cerata tips: a SEM analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuett, Christian; Doepke, Hilke

2013-06-01

The SEM investigation of nudibranch cerata material exhibits endobacterial morphotypes found in 12 out of 13 species tested: Aeolidia papillosa, Berghia caerulescens, Coryphella brownii, Coryphella lineata, Coryphella verrucosa, Cuthona amoena, Facelina coronata, Flabellina pedata, Dendronotus frondosus, Doto coronata, Tritonia plebeia and Janolus cristatus. Endobacteria could not be detected inside Tritonia hombergi. Endobacterial morphology found inside nudibranch species was compared to bacterial morphotypes detected earlier in tentacles of cnidarian species. SEM micrographs show endobacterial analogy among nudibranch species, but also similarity to cnidarian endobacteria investigated earlier. Of course, morphological data of microbes do not allow their identification. However, since most of these nudibranch species prey on cnidaria, it cannot be excluded that many of the endobacteria detected inside nudibranch species may originate from their cnidarian prey. Our previous data describing genetic affiliation of endobacteria from nudibranchian and cnidarian species support this assumption. Dominant coccoid endobacteria mostly exhibit smooth surface and are tightly packed as aggregates and/or wrapped in envelopes. Such bacterial aggregate type has been described previously in tentacles of the cnidarian species Sagartia elegans. Similar coccoid bacteria, lacking envelopes were also found in other nudibranch species. A different type of coccoid bacteria, characterized by a rough surface, was detected inside cerata of the nudibranch species Berghia caerulescens, and surprisingly, inside tentacles of the cnidarian species Tubularia indivisa. In contrast to cnidarian endobacteria, rod-shaped microorganisms are largely absent in nudibranch cerata.

Studies on the Fe3+ Doping Effect on Structural, Optical and Catalytic Properties of Hydrothermally Synthesized TiO2 Photocatalyst

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

Kamble, Ravi; Sabale, Sandip; Chikode, Prashant

2017-08-01

Pure TiO2 and Fe3+-TiO2 nanoparticles have been prepared by simple hydrothermal method with different Fe3+ concentrations. The synthesized nanoparticles are analysed to determine its structural, optical, morphological and compositional properties using X-ray diffraction, Raman, UV-DRS, photoluminescence, Mossbauer, XPS, TEM and SEM/EDS. The EDS micrograph confirms the existence of Fe3+ atoms in the TiO2 matrix with 0.85, 1.52 and 1.87 weight percent. The crystallite size and band gap decrease with increase in Fe3+concentration. The average particle size obtained from TEM is 7-11 nm which is in good agreement with XRD results. Raman bands at 640 cm-1, 517 cm-1 and 398 cm-1more » further confirm pure phase anatase in all samples. XPS shows the proper substitutions of few sites of Ti4+ ions by Fe3+ ions in the TiO2 host lattice. The intensity of PL spectra for Fe3+-TiO2 shows a gradual decrease in the peak intensity with increasing Fe3+ concentration in TiO2, and it indicates lower recombination rate as Fe3+ ions increases. These nanoparticles are further studied for its photocatalytic activities using malachite green dye under UV light, visible light and sunlight.« less

Effect of lattice strain on structural and magnetic properties of Ca substituted barium hexaferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sunil; Supriya, Sweety; Pandey, Rabichandra; Pradhan, Lagen Kumar; Singh, Rakesh Kumar; Kar, Manoranjan

2018-07-01

The calcium (Ca2+) substituted M-type barium hexaferrite (Ba1-xCaxFe12O19) for Ca2+ (x = 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100, 0.150, and 0.200) have been synthesized by the citrate sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns with Rietveld refinement reveal the formation of hexagonal crystal structure with P63/mmc space group. The lattice parameters a = b and c decrease, whereas lattice strain found to increase with the increase in Ca concentration in the samples. The analysis of Raman spectra well supports the XRD patterns analysis. The average particle size is obtained from the FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) micrographs and these are similar to that of crystallite size obtained from the XRD pattern analysis. The saturation magnetization and magnetocrystalline anisotropy have been obtained by employing the "Law of Approach (LA) to Saturation magnetization" technique at room temperature. The saturation magnetization and magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant are maximum for 5% Ca substitution in barium hexaferrite. It could be due to lattice strain mediated magnetism. However, these magnetic properties decrease for more than the 5% Ca substitution in barium hexaferrite. It could be due to decrease of magnetic exchange interaction (Fe-O-Fe) in the sample. A correlation between magnetic interaction and lattice strain has been observed in Ca2+ substituted M-type barium hexaferrite.

Synthesis of nanocrystalline diamonds by microwave plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, V. S.; Jain, Deepti; Sathe, V. G.; Ganesan, V.; Bhoraskar, S. V.

2007-03-01

Nanocrystalline diamonds, varying in size from 40 to 400 nm, with random faceting were grown without the help of initial nucleation sites on nickel substrates as seen by scanning electron micrographs. These carbonaceous films were deposited in a microwave plasma reactor using hexane/nitrogen based chemical vapour deposition. The substrate temperatures during deposition were varied from 400 to 600 °C. The morphological investigations obtained by scanning electron micrographs and atomic force microscopy revealed the presence of nanocrystallites with multifaceted structures. Micro Raman investigations were carried out on the deposited films, which conclusively inferred that the growth of nanodiamond crystallites seen in the scanning electron micrographs correlate with clear Raman peaks appearing at 1120 and 1140 cm-1. Nanoindentation analysis with atomic force microscopy has revealed that the carbonaceous deposition identified by the Raman line at ~1140 cm-1, in fact, is related to nanodiamond on account of its hardness which was ~30 GPa. X-ray diffraction data supported this fact.

Structure and magnetic properties of SiO{sub 2}/PCL novel sol–gel organic–inorganic hybrid materials

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

Catauro, Michelina, E-mail: michelina.catauro@unina2.it; Bollino, Flavia; Cristina Mozzati, Maria

2013-07-15

Organic–inorganic nanocomposite materials have been synthesized via sol–gel. They consist of an inorganic SiO{sub 2} matrix, in which different percentages of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) have been incorporated. The formation of H-bonds among the carbonyl groups of the polymer chains and Si–OH group of the inorganic matrix has been proved by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis and has been confirmed by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis highlighted the amorphous nature of the synthesized materials. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph and atomic force microscope (AFM) topography showed their homogeneous morphology and nanostructure nature. Considering the opportunitymore » to synthesize these hybrid materials under microgravity conditions by means of magnetic levitation, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry has been used to quantify their magnetic susceptibility. This measure has shown that the SiO{sub 2}/PCL hybrid materials are diamagnetic and that their diamagnetic susceptibility is independent of temperature and increases with the PCL amount. - Graphical abstract: Characterization and magnetic properties of SiO{sub 2}/PCL organic–inorganic hybrid materials synthesized via sol–gel. FT-IR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; solid-state NMR: solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance; SQUID: superconducting quantum interference device. - Highlights: • Sol–gel synthesis of SiO{sub 2}/PCL amorphous class I organic–inorganic hybrid materials. • FT-IR and NMR analyses show the hydrogen bonds formation between SiO{sub 2} and PCL. • AFM and SEM analyses confirm that the SiO{sub 2}/PCL are homogenous hybrid materials. • The SQUID measures show that the simples are diamagnetic. • Diamagnetic susceptibility of SiO{sub 2}/PCL materials increases with the PCL amount.« less

Phase Competition Induced Bio-Electrochemical Resistance and Bio-Compatibility Effect in Nanocrystalline Zr x -Cu100-x Thin Films.

PubMed

Badhirappan, Geetha Priyadarshini; Nallasivam, Vignesh; Varadarajan, Madhuri; Leobeemrao, Vasantha Priya; Bose, Sivakumar; Venugopal, Elakkiya; Rajendran, Selvakumar; Angleo, Peter Chrysologue

2018-07-01

Nano-crystalline Zrx-Cu100-x (x = 20-100 at.%) thin films with thickness ranging from 50 to 185 nm were deposited by magnetron co-sputtering with individual Zr and Cu targets. The as-sputtered thin films were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Glancing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) for structural and morphological properties. The crystallite size was found to decrease from 57 nm to 37 nm upon increasing the Zr content from 20 to 30 at.% with slight increase in the lattice strain from 0.17 to 0.33%. Further, increase in Zr content to 40 at.% leads to increase in the crystallite size to 57 nm due to stabilization of C10Zr7 phase along with the presence of nanocrystalline Cu-Zr phase. A bimodal distribution of grain size was observed from FE-SEM micrograph was attributed to the highest surface roughness in Zr30Cu70 thin films comprised of Cu10Zr7, Cu9Zr2, Cu-Zr intermetallic phases. In-vitro electrochemical behaviors of nano-crystalline Zrx-Cu100-x thin films in simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization studies. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data fitting by equivalent electrical circuit fit model suggests that inner bulk layer contributes to high bio-corrosion resistance in Zrx-Cu100-x thin films with increase in Zr content. The results of cyto-compatibility assay suggested that Zr-Cu thin film did not introduce cytotoxicity to osteoblast cells, indicating its suitability as a bio-coating for minimally invasive medical devices.

Investigation of physico-chemical properties and microbial community during poultry manure co-composting process.

PubMed

Farah Nadia, Omar; Xiang, Loo Yu; Lie, Lee Yei; Chairil Anuar, Dzulkornain; Mohd Afandi, Mohammed P; Azhari Baharuddin, Samsu

2015-02-01

Co-composting of poultry manure and rubber wood sawdust was performed with the ratio of 2:1 (V/V) for a period of 60 days. An investigation was carried out to study the extracellular enzymatic activities and structural degradation utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microbial succession was also determined by using denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis (DGGE). The compost was able to reach its highest temperature of 71°C at day 3 and stabilized between 30 and 40°C for 8 weeks. CMCase, FPase and β-glucosidase acted synergistically in order to degrade the cellulosic substrate. The xylanase activities increased gradually during the composting and reached the peak value of 11.637 U/g on day 35, followed by a sharp decline. Both LiP and MnP activities reached their peak values on day 35 with 0.431 and 0.132 U/g respectively. The FT-IR spectra revealed an increase in aromaticity and a decrease in aliphatic compounds such as carbohydrates as decomposition proceeded. TGA/DTG data exhibited significant changes in weight loss in compost samples, indicating degradation of organic matter. SEM micrographs showed higher amounts of parenchyma exposed on the surface of rubber wood sawdust at day 60, showing significant degradation. DGGE and 16S rDNA analyses showed that Burkholderia sp., Pandoraea sp., and Pseudomonas sp. were present throughout the composting process. Ornithinibacillus sp. and Castellaniella ginsengisoli were only found in the initial stage of the composting, while different strains of Burkholderia sp. also occurred in the later stage of composting. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Evaluation of fracture toughness and mechanical properties of ternary thiol-ene-methacrylate systems as resin matrix for dental restorative composites.

PubMed

Beigi, Saeed; Yeganeh, Hamid; Atai, Mohammad

2013-07-01

Study and evaluation of fracture toughness, flexural and dynamic mechanical properties, and crosslink density of ternary thiol-ene-methacrylate systems and comparison with corresponding conventional methacrylate system were considered in the present study. Urethane tetra allyl ether monomer (UTAE) was synthesized as ene monomer. Different formulations were prepared based on combination of UTAE, BisGMA/TEGDMA and a tetrathiol monomer (PETMP). The photocuring reaction was conducted under visible light using BD/CQ combination as photoinitiator system. Mechanical properties were evaluated via measuring flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to study the morphology of the fractured specimen's cross section. Viscoelastic properties of the samples were also determined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The same study was performed on a conventional methacrylate system. The data were analyzed and compared by ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (significance level=0.05). The results showed improvement in fracture toughness of the specimens containing thiol-ene moieties. DMTA revealed a lower glass transition temperature and more homogenous structure for thiol-ene containing specimens in comparison to the system containing merely methacrylate monomer. The flexural modulus and flexural strength of the specimens with higher thiol-ene content were lower than the neat methacrylate system. The SEM micrographs of the fractured surface of specimens with higher methacrylate content were smooth and mirror-like (shiny) which represent brittle fracture. The thiol-ene-methacrylate system can be used as resin matrix of dental composites with enhanced fracture toughness in comparison to the methacrylate analogous. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of a Ta interlayer on the phase transition of TiSi2 on Si(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Hyeongtag; Jung, Bokhee; Kim, Young Do; Yang, Woochul; Nemanich, R. J.

2000-09-01

This study examines the effects of a thin Ta interlayer on the formation of TiSi2 on Si(111) substrate. The Ta interlayer was introduced by depositing Ta and Ti films sequentially on an atomically clean Si(111) substrate in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system. Samples of 100 Å Ti with 5 and 10 Å Ta interlayers were compared to similar structures without an interlayer. After deposition, the substrates were annealed for 10 min, in situ, at temperatures between 500 and 750 °C in 50 °C increments. The TiSi2 formation with and without the Ta interlayer was analyzed with an X-ray diffractometer, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a four-point probe. The AES analysis data showed a 1:2 ratio of Ti:Si in the Ti-silicide layer and indicated that the Ta layer remained at the interface between TiSi2 and the Si(111) substrate. The C 49-C 54 TiSi2 phase transition temperature was lowered by ˜200 °C. The C 49-C 54 TiSi2 phase transition temperature was 550 °C for the samples with a Ta interlayer and was 750 °C for the samples with no Ta interlayer. The sheet resistance of the Ta interlayered Ti silicide showed lower values of resistivity at low temperatures which indicated the change in phase transition temperature. The C 54 TiSi2 displayed different crystal orientation when the Ta interlayer was employed. The SEM and TEM micrographs showed that the TiSi2 with a Ta interlayer significantly suppressed the tendency to islanding and surface agglomeration.

Optimal endothelialisation of a new compliant poly(carbonate-urea)urethane vascular graft with effect of physiological shear stress.

PubMed

Salacinski, H J; Tai, N R; Punshon, G; Giudiceandrea, A; Hamilton, G; Seifalian, A M

2000-10-01

to define the optimal seeding conditions of a new stress free poly(carbonate-urea)urethane (CPU) graft with compliance similar to that of human artery with honeycomb structure engineered during the manufacturing process to enhance adhesion and growth of endothelial cells. (111)Indium-oxine radiolabeled human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were seeded onto CPU grafts at (a) concentrations from 2-24x10(5)cells/cm(2)and (b) incubated for 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h. Following incubation, graft segments were subjected to three washing/gamma counting procedures and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell viability was measured using a modified Alamar blue(TM)assay. To test physiological retention a pulsatile flow phantom was used to subject optimally seeded (16x10(5), 4 h) CPU grafts to arterial shear stress for 6 h with real time acquisition of scintigraphic images of seeded grafts using a nuclear medicine gamma camera system. the seeding efficiency of 54+/-13% post three washes was achieved using 16x10(5)cells/cm(2). Similarly in SEM micrographs a seeding density of 16x10(5)cells/cm(2)resulted in a confluent monolayer. Seeded CPU segments incubated for 4 h exhibited significantly higher resistance to wash-off than segments incubated for 30 min (p <0.05). Exposure of seeded grafts to pulsatile shear stress resulted in some cell loss with 67+/-3% of cells adherent following 6 h of perfusion with ongoing metabolic activity. Thus, optimal conditions were 16x10(5)cells/cm(2)at 4 h. the optimal seeding conditions have been defined for "tissue-engineered" vascular graft which allow complete endothelialisation and high cell-to-substrate strength that resists hydrodynamic stress. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Atom Optics for Bose-Einstein Condensates (BEC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-25

Electron Micrograph of the Top View of Test Chip A .......................................29 11. A Scanning Electron Micrograph of the Cross...Sectional View of Test Chip A .....................29 12. A Scanning Electron Micrograph of the Top View of Test Chip B...30 13. A Scanning Electron Micrograph of the Cross Sectional View of Test Chip B .....................30 14. Toner Masks for Etching

Simulation of local ion transport in lamellar block copolymer electrolytes based on electron micrographs

DOE PAGES

Chintapalli, Mahati; Higa, Kenneth; Chen, X. Chelsea; ...

2016-12-19

A method is presented in this paper to relate local morphology and ionic conductivity in a solid, lamellar block copolymer electrolyte for lithium batteries, by simulating conductivity through transmission electron micrographs. The electrolyte consists of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) mixed with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide salt (SEO/LiTFSI), where the polystyrene phase is structural phase and the poly(ethylene oxide)/LiTFSI phase is ionically conductive. The electric potential distribution is simulated in binarized micrographs by solving the Laplace equation with constant potential boundary conditions. A morphology factor, f, is reported for each image by calculating the effective conductivity relative to a homogenous conductor. Images from twomore » samples are examined, one annealed with large lamellar grains and one unannealed with small grains. The average value off is 0.45 ± 0.04 for the annealed sample, and 0.37 ± 0.03 for the unannealed sample, both close to the value predicted by effective medium theory, 1/2. Simulated conductivities are compared to published experimental conductivities. The value of f Unannealed/f Annealed is 0.82 for simulations and 6.2 for experiments. Simulation results correspond well to predictions by effective medium theory but do not explain the experimental measurements. Finally, observation of nanoscale morphology over length scales greater than the size of the micrographs (~1 μm) may be required to explain the experimental results.« less

Simulation of local ion transport in lamellar block copolymer electrolytes based on electron micrographs

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

Chintapalli, Mahati; Higa, Kenneth; Chen, X. Chelsea

A method is presented in this paper to relate local morphology and ionic conductivity in a solid, lamellar block copolymer electrolyte for lithium batteries, by simulating conductivity through transmission electron micrographs. The electrolyte consists of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) mixed with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide salt (SEO/LiTFSI), where the polystyrene phase is structural phase and the poly(ethylene oxide)/LiTFSI phase is ionically conductive. The electric potential distribution is simulated in binarized micrographs by solving the Laplace equation with constant potential boundary conditions. A morphology factor, f, is reported for each image by calculating the effective conductivity relative to a homogenous conductor. Images from twomore » samples are examined, one annealed with large lamellar grains and one unannealed with small grains. The average value off is 0.45 ± 0.04 for the annealed sample, and 0.37 ± 0.03 for the unannealed sample, both close to the value predicted by effective medium theory, 1/2. Simulated conductivities are compared to published experimental conductivities. The value of f Unannealed/f Annealed is 0.82 for simulations and 6.2 for experiments. Simulation results correspond well to predictions by effective medium theory but do not explain the experimental measurements. Finally, observation of nanoscale morphology over length scales greater than the size of the micrographs (~1 μm) may be required to explain the experimental results.« less

A SIMPLE FREEZE-FRACTURE REPLICATION METHOD FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

PubMed Central

Bullivant, Stanley; Ames, Adelbert

1966-01-01

A simple method to achieve results similar to the freeze-etching technique of Moor et al. (1961) is described. The frozen tissue is cut under liquid nitrogen with a razor blade outside the evaporator rather than inside with a cooled microtome. The conditions of the experiment do not favor sublimation, and it is proposed that the structure of the replica be explained by local faults in the cleavage plane which leaves structures, such as membranes, standing above the ice. Micrographs of replicas of glycerol-protected frozen small intestine of mouse prepared by the method are presented and the structural details they show are discussed. The problem of vapor-deposited contamination is discussed. It is concluded that this is a practical method for obtaining electron micrographs that are relatively free of artifact, and that further improvements may be expected from the use of rapidly frozen fresh tissue and a clean vacuum system, possibly of the ion-pumped type. PMID:5962938

Annealing temperature effect on electrical properties of MEH-PPV thin film via spin coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhar, N. E. A.; Shariffudin, S. S.; Alrokayan, Salman A. H.; Khan, Haseeb A.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Organic semiconductor has been discovered in different application devices such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Poly [2-methoxy-5(2' -ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene), MEH-PPV widely used in this device because its ability to produce a good optical quality films. The MEH-PPV was prepared on glass substrate by spin coating method. The thin film was investigated at different annealing temperatures. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) revealed that sample annealed at 50°C showed uniformity and less aggregation on morphology polymer thin film. Optical properties showed the intensities of visible emission increased as temperatures increased. The current-voltage (I-V) measurement revealed that the temperature of 50°C showed high conductive and it is suitable for optoelectronic device.

Synthesis of size controllable cu-phthalocyanine nanofibers by simple solvent diffusion method and their electrochemical properties.

PubMed

Gao, Junshan; Cheng, Chuanwei; Zhou, Xuechao; Li, Yingying; Xu, Xiaoqi; Du, Xiguang; Zhang, Haiqian

2010-02-15

Tetra (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy) substituted Cu-phthalocyanine nanofibers were obtained in large scale by a simple solvent diffusion method. The sizes of the fibers can be finely tuned under different solvent temperature. FE-SEM micrographs indicate that the length of the fibers changed from several hundreds micrometers to several hundreds nanometers and the width changed from several micrometers to several decade nanometers. XRD measurement showed a highly long-range ordered lamellar arrangement of the substituted Cu-phthalocyanine molecules in the microfiber and the UV-vis absorption spectrum of the fibers indicated an H-aggregate of the phthalocyanine molecules. The CV curves elucidate the CuPc fibers can be fabricated Faraday pseudocapacitor. Crown Copyright 2009. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermal and Electrical Characterization of Alumina Substrate for Microelectronic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, S.; Ibrahim, A.; Alias, R.; Shapee, S. M.; Ambak, Z.; Zakaria, S. Z.; Yahya, M. R.; Mat, A. F. A.

2010-03-01

This paper reports the effect of sintering temperature on thermal and electrical properties of alumina material as substrate for microelectronic devices. Alumina materials in the form of green sheet with 1 mm thickness were sintered at 1100° C, 1300° C and 1500° C for about 20 hours using heating and cooling rates of 2° C/min. The densities were measured using densitometer and the microstructures of the samples were analyzed using SEM micrographs. Meanwhile thermal and electrical properties of the samples were measured using flash method and impedance analyzer respectively. It was found that thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the substrate increases as sintering temperature increases. It was found also that the dielectric constant of alumina substrate increases as the sintering temperature increases.

Investigation of manifestation of optical properties of butterfly wings with nanoscale zinc oxide incorporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aideo, Swati N.; Mohanta, Dambarudhar

2016-10-01

In this work, microstructural and optical characteristics nanoparticles of wings of Tailed Jay (Graphium Agamemnon) butterfly were studied before and after treating it in a precursor solution of zinc acetate and ethanol. We speculate that the butterfly scales are infiltrated with ZnO nanoparticles owing to reduction of Zinc hydroxide under ambient condition. The ZnO butterfly scales so produced were characterised using optical microscopy, UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy, and electron microscopy etc. From the reflectance spectra, we could see that after treating it in the solution, optical properties vary. We anticipate that this change may be due to the formation of ZnO nanoparticles as well as the loss in periodicity due to the chemical treatments, which could be assessed from the SEM micrographs.

Electrical and Electrorheological Properties of Alumina/Natural Rubber (STR XL) Composites

PubMed Central

Tangboriboon, Nuchnapa; Uttanawanit, Nuttapot; Longtong, Mean; Wongpinthong, Piraya; Sirivat, Anuvat; Kunanuruksapong, Ruksapong

2010-01-01

The electrorheological properties (ER) of natural rubber (XL)/alumina (Al2O3) composites were investigated in oscillatory shear mode under DC electrical field strengths between 0 to 2 kV/mm. SEM micrographs indicate a mean particle size of 9.873 ± 0.034 µm and particles that are moderately dispersed in the matrix. The XRD patterns indicate Al2O3 is of the β-phase polytype which possesses high ionic conductivity. The storage modulus (G′) of the composites, or the rigidity, increases by nearly two orders of magnitude, with variations in particle volume fraction and electrical field strength. The increase in the storage modulus is caused the ionic polarization of the alumina particles and the induced dipole moments set up in the natural rubber matrix.

Enamel alteration following tooth bleaching and remineralization.

PubMed

Coceska, Emilija; Gjorgievska, Elizabeta; Coleman, Nichola J; Gabric, Dragana; Slipper, Ian J; Stevanovic, Marija; Nicholson, John W

2016-06-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of professional tooth whitening agents containing highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide (with and without laser activation), on the enamel surface; and the potential of four different toothpastes to remineralize any alterations. The study was performed on 50 human molars, divided in two groups: treated with Opalescence(®) Boost and Mirawhite(®) Laser Bleaching. Furthermore, each group was divided into five subgroups, a control one and 4 subgroups remineralized with: Mirasensitive(®) hap+, Mirawhite(®) Gelleѐ, GC Tooth Mousse™ and Mirafluor(®) C. The samples were analysed by SEM/3D-SEM-micrographs, SEM/EDX-qualitative analysis and SEM/EDX-semiquantitative analysis. The microphotographs show that both types of bleaching cause alterations: emphasized perikymata, erosions, loss of interprizmatic substance; the laser treatment is more aggressive and loss of integrity of the enamel is determined by shearing off the enamel rods. In all samples undergoing remineralization deposits were observed, those of toothpastes based on calcium phosphate technologies seem to merge with each other and cover almost the entire surface of the enamel. Loss of integrity and minerals were detected only in the line-scans of the sample remineralized with GC Tooth Mousse™. The semiquantitative EDX analysis of individual elements in the surface layer of the enamel indicates that during tooth-bleaching with HP statistically significant loss of Na and Mg occurs, whereas the bleaching in combination with a laser leads to statistically significant loss of Ca and P. The results undoubtedly confirm that teeth whitening procedures lead to enamel alterations. In this context, it must be noted that laser bleaching is more aggressive for dental substances. However, these changes are reversible and can be repaired by application of remineralization toothpastes. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Wear at the titanium-titanium and the titanium-zirconia implant-abutment interface: a comparative in vitro study.

PubMed

Stimmelmayr, Michael; Edelhoff, Daniel; Güth, Jan-Frederik; Erdelt, Kurt; Happe, Arndt; Beuer, Florian

2012-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine and measure the wear of the interface between titanium implants and one-piece zirconia abutments in comparison to titanium abutments. 6 implants were secured into epoxy resin blocks. The implant interface of these implants and 6 corresponding abutments (group Zr: three one-piece zirconia abutments; group Ti: three titanium abutments) were examined by a microscope and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Also the implants and the abutments were scanned by 3D-Micro Computer Tomography (CT). The abutments were connected to the implants and cyclically loaded with 1,200,000 cycles at 100N in a two-axis fatigue testing machine. Afterwards, all specimens were unscrewed and the implants and abutments again were scanned by microscope, SEM and CT. The microscope and SEM images were compared, the CT data were superimposed and the wear was calculated by inspection software. The statistical analysis was carried out with an unpaired t-test. Abutment fracture or screw loosening was not observed during cyclical loading. Comparing the microscope and SEM images more wear was observed on the implants connected to zirconia abutments. The maximum wear on the implant shoulder calculated by the inspection software was 10.2μm for group Zr, and 0.7μm for group Ti. The influence of the abutment material on the measured wear was statistically significant (p≤0.001; Levene-test). Titanium implants showed higher wear at the implant interface following cyclic loading when connected to one-piece zirconia implant abutments compared to titanium abutments. The clinical relevance is not clear; hence damage of the internal implant connection could result in prosthetic failures up to the need of implant removal. Copyright © 2012 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Porous Si nanowires for highly selective room-temperature NO2 gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Yong Jung; Mirzaei, Ali; Gil Na, Han; Kang, Sung Yong; Choi, Myung Sik; Bang, Jae Hoon; Oum, Wansik; Kim, Sang Sub; Kim, Hyoun Woo

2018-07-01

We report the room-temperature sensing characteristics of Si nanowires (NWs) fabricated from p-Si wafers by a metal-assisted chemical etching method, which is a facile and low-cost method. X-ray diffraction was used to the the study crystallinity and phase formation of Si NWs, and product morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After confirmation of Si NW formation via the SEM and TEM micrographs, sensing tests were carried out at room temperature, and it was found that the Si NW sensor prepared from Si wafers with a resistivity of 0.001–0.003 Ω.cm had the highest response to NO2 gas (Rg/Ra = 1.86 for 50 ppm NO2), with a fast response (15 s) and recovery (30 s) time. Furthermore, the sensor responses to SO2, toluene, benzene, H2, and ethanol were nearly negligible, demonstrating the excellent selectivity to NO2 gas. The gas-sensing mechanism is discussed in detail. The present sensor can operate at room temperature, and is compatible with the microelectronic fabrication process, demonstrating its promise for next-generation Si-based electronics fused with functional chemical sensors.

Characterization of airborne particles in an open pit mining region.

PubMed

Huertas, José I; Huertas, María E; Solís, Dora A

2012-04-15

We characterized airborne particle samples collected from 15 stations in operation since 2007 in one of the world's largest opencast coal mining regions. Using gravimetric, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis the samples were characterized in terms of concentration, morphology, particle size distribution (PSD), and elemental composition. All of the total suspended particulate (TSP) samples exhibited a log-normal PSD with a mean of d=5.46 ± 0.32 μm and σ(ln d)=0.61 ± 0.03. Similarly, all particles with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM(10)) exhibited a log-normal type distribution with a mean of d=3.6 ± 0.38 μm and σ(ln d)=0.55 ± 0.03. XPS analysis indicated that the main elements present in the particles were carbon, oxygen, potassium, and silicon with average mass concentrations of 41.5%, 34.7%, 11.6%, and 5.7% respectively. In SEM micrographs the particles appeared smooth-surfaced and irregular in shape, and tended to agglomerate. The particles were typically clay minerals, including limestone, calcite, quartz, and potassium feldspar. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic application of Pd/ZrO2 and Pt/ZrO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed, Khalid; Sadiq, Mohammad; Khan, Idrees; Ullah, Saleem; Ali, Nauman; Khan, Adnan

2018-05-01

Zirconia-supported palladium (Pd/ZrO2) and Zirconia-supported platinum (Pt/ZrO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized from their precursors via impregnation technique. The Pd/ZrO2 and Pt/ZrO2 NPs were analyzed via SEM and EDX, while the study of indigo disulfonate dye degradation was carried out by UV/VIS spectrophotometer. The SEM micrographs illustrated that the Pd and Pt NPs were well placed on ZrO2 surface. The Pd/ZrO2 and Pt/ZrO2 NPs were also employed as photocatalysts for the photodegradation of indigo disulfonate in an aqueous medium under UV-light irradiation. The photodegradation study presented that Pd/ZrO2 and Pt/ZrO2 NPs degraded 96 and 94% of indigo disulfonate in 14 h, respectively. The effect of pH of medium and catalyst dosage and efficiency of recovered Pd/ZrO2 and Pt/ZrO2 NPs on the photocatalytic degradation were also studied. It was also found that the maximum degradation of dye was found at pH 10 (95-97%) and at 0.02 g weight (40.28%).

Crystal growth in zinc borosilicate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kullberg, Ana T. G.; Lopes, Andreia A. S.; Veiga, João P. B.; Monteiro, Regina C. C.

2017-01-01

Glass samples with a molar composition (64+x)ZnO-(16-x)B2O3-20SiO2, where x=0 or 1, were successfully synthesized using a melt-quenching technique. Based on differential thermal analysis data, the produced glass samples were submitted to controlled heat-treatments at selected temperatures (610, 615 and 620 °C) during various times ranging from 8 to 30 h. The crystallization of willemite (Zn2SiO4) within the glass matrix was confirmed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under specific heat-treatment conditions, transparent nanocomposite glass-ceramics were obtained, as confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The influence of temperature, holding time and glass composition on crystal growth was investigated. The mean crystallite size was determined by image analysis on SEM micrographs. The results indicated an increase on the crystallite size and density with time and temperature. The change of crystallite size with time for the heat-treatments at 615 and 620 °C depended on the glass composition. Under fixed heat-treatment conditions, the crystallite density was comparatively higher for the glass composition with higher ZnO content.

Hematite/silica nanoparticle bilayers on mica: AFM and electrokinetic characterization.

PubMed

Morga, Maria; Adamczyk, Zbigniew; Kosior, Dominik; Oćwieja, Magdalena

2018-06-06

Quantitative studies on self-assembled hematite/silica nanoparticle (NP) bilayers on mica were performed by applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and streaming potential measurements. The coverage of the supporting hematite layers was adjusted by changing the bulk concentration of the suspension and the deposition time. The coverage was determined by direct enumeration of deposited particles from AFM images and SEM micrographs. Afterward, silica nanoparticle monolayers were assembled under diffusion-controlled transport. A unique functional relationship was derived connecting the silica coverage with the hematite precursor layer coverage. The formation of the hematite monolayer and the hematite/silica bilayer was also monitored in situ by streaming potential measurements. It was confirmed that the zeta potential of the bilayers was independent of the supporting layer coverage, exceeding 0.15. These measurements were theoretically interpreted in terms of the general electrokinetic model that allowed for deriving a formula for calculating nanoparticle coverage in the bilayers. Additionally, from desorption experiments, the interactions among hematite/silica particles in the bilayers were determined using DLVO theory. These results facilitate the development of a robust method of preparing nanoparticle bilayers with controlled properties, with potential applications in catalytic processes.

Porous Si nanowires for highly selective room-temperature NO2 gas sensing.

PubMed

Kwon, Yong Jung; Mirzaei, Ali; Na, Han Gil; Kang, Sung Yong; Choi, Myung Sik; Bang, Jae Hoon; Oum, Wansik; Kim, Sang Sub; Kim, Hyoun Woo

2018-07-20

We report the room-temperature sensing characteristics of Si nanowires (NWs) fabricated from p-Si wafers by a metal-assisted chemical etching method, which is a facile and low-cost method. X-ray diffraction was used to the the study crystallinity and phase formation of Si NWs, and product morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After confirmation of Si NW formation via the SEM and TEM micrographs, sensing tests were carried out at room temperature, and it was found that the Si NW sensor prepared from Si wafers with a resistivity of 0.001-0.003 Ω.cm had the highest response to NO 2 gas (R g /R a  = 1.86 for 50 ppm NO 2 ), with a fast response (15 s) and recovery (30 s) time. Furthermore, the sensor responses to SO 2 , toluene, benzene, H 2 , and ethanol were nearly negligible, demonstrating the excellent selectivity to NO 2 gas. The gas-sensing mechanism is discussed in detail. The present sensor can operate at room temperature, and is compatible with the microelectronic fabrication process, demonstrating its promise for next-generation Si-based electronics fused with functional chemical sensors.

Glycolysis of carbon fiber-epoxy unidirectional mat catalysed by sodium hydroxide

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

Zaini, Mariana Binti Mohd; Badri, Khairiah Haji

2014-09-03

This study was conducted to recycle carbon fibre-epoxy (CFRP) composite in woven sheet/ mat form. The CFRP was recycled through glycolysis with polyethlyene glycol (PEG 200) as the solvent. The CFRP was loaded into the solvent at a ratio of 4:1 (w/w). PEG200 was diluted with water to a ratio of 80:20 (v/v). This reaction was catalysed by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with varying concentrations at 1.5, 1.7 and 1.9% (w/v). The glycolysis was conducted at 180-190 °C. The recovered CF (rCF) was analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) while themore » degraded solution was analysed using FTIR and the epoxy content was determined. The FTIR spectrum of the rCF exhibited the disappearance of the COC peak belonged to epoxy and supported by the SEM micrographs that showed clear rCF. On the other hand, the analysed filtrate detected the disappearance of oxygen peak element in the EDX spectrum for all rCF samples. This gave an indication that the epoxy resin has been removed from the surface of the carbon fiber.« less

A combined optical, SEM and STM study of growth spirals on the polytypic cadmium iodide crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rajendra; Samanta, S. B.; Narlikar, A. V.; Trigunayat, G. C.

2000-05-01

Some novel results of a combined sequential study of growth spirals on the basal surface of the richly polytypic CdI 2 crystals by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are presented and discussed. Under the high resolution and magnification achieved in the scanning electron microscope, the growth steps of large heights seen in the optical micrographs are found to have a large number of additional steps of smaller heights existing between any two adjacent large height growth steps. When further seen by a scanning tunneling microscope, which provides still higher resolution, sequences of unit substeps, each of height equal to the unit cell height of the underlying polytype, are revealed to exist on the surface. Several large steps also lie between the unit steps, with heights equal to an integral multiple of either the unit cell height of the underlying polytype or the thickness of a molecular sheet I-Cd-I. It is suggested that initially a giant screw dislocation may form by brittle fracture of the crystal platelet, which may gradually decompose into numerous unit dislocations during subsequent crystal growth.

Glycolysis of carbon fiber-epoxy unidirectional mat catalysed by sodium hydroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaini, Mariana Binti Mohd; Badri, Khairiah Haji

2014-09-01

This study was conducted to recycle carbon fibre-epoxy (CFRP) composite in woven sheet/ mat form. The CFRP was recycled through glycolysis with polyethlyene glycol (PEG 200) as the solvent. The CFRP was loaded into the solvent at a ratio of 4:1 (w/w). PEG200 was diluted with water to a ratio of 80:20 (v/v). This reaction was catalysed by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with varying concentrations at 1.5, 1.7 and 1.9% (w/v). The glycolysis was conducted at 180-190 °C. The recovered CF (rCF) was analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) while the degraded solution was analysed using FTIR and the epoxy content was determined. The FTIR spectrum of the rCF exhibited the disappearance of the COC peak belonged to epoxy and supported by the SEM micrographs that showed clear rCF. On the other hand, the analysed filtrate detected the disappearance of oxygen peak element in the EDX spectrum for all rCF samples. This gave an indication that the epoxy resin has been removed from the surface of the carbon fiber.

Inorganic particle analysis of dental impression elastomers.

PubMed

Carlo, Hugo Lemes; Fonseca, Rodrigo Borges; Soares, Carlos José; Correr, Américo Bortolazzo; Correr-Sobrinho, Lourenço; Sinhoreti, Mário Alexandre Coelho

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine quantitatively and qualitatively the inorganic particle fraction of commercially available dental elastomers. The inorganic volumetric fraction of two addition silicones (Reprosil Putty/Fluid and Flexitime Easy Putty/Fluid), three condensation silicones (Clonage Putty/Fluid, Optosil Confort/Xantopren VL and Silon APS Putty/Fluid), one polyether (Impregum Soft Light Body) and one polysulfide (Permlastic Light Body) was accessed by weighing a previously determined mass of each material in water before and after burning samples at 600 ºC, during 3 h. Unsettled material samples were soaked in acetone and chloroform for removal of the organic portion. The remaining filler particles were sputter-coated with gold evaluation of their morphology and size, under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flexitime Easy Putty was the material with the highest results for volumetric particle fraction, while Impregum Soft had the lowest values. Silon 2 APS Fluid presented the lowest mean filler size values, while Clonage Putty had the highest values. SEM micrographs of the inorganic particles showed several morphologies - lathe-cut, spherical, spherical-like, sticks, and sticks mixed to lathe-cut powder. The results of this study revealed differences in particle characteristics among the elastometic materials that could lead to different results when testing mechanical properties.

Transformation of toxic and allelopathic lantana into a benign organic fertilizer through vermicomposting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Naseer; Abbasi, Tasneem; Abbasi, S. A.

2016-06-01

In a first study of its kind, the composition of vermicompost derived solely from the toxic and allelopathic weed lantana has been investigated using UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gas chromatography-mass spectometry (GC-MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The studies reveal that a sharp reduction in humification index, substantial mineralization of organic matter and degradation of complex aromatics such as lignin and polyphenols into simpler carbohydrates and lipids occur in the course of vermicomposting. GC-MS analysis shows significant fragmentation, bio-oxidation and molecular rearrangements of chemical compounds in vermicompost in comparison to those in lantana. SEM micrographs of vermicompost reflect strong disaggregation of material compared to the much better formed lantana matrices. The phenols and sesquiterpene lactones which are specifically responsible for the toxicity and allelopathy of lantana are seen to get significantly degraded in the course of vermicomposting - turning it into a plant-friendly organic fertilizer. The study leads to the possibility that the millions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by lantana can be gainfully utilized in producing organic fertilizer via vermicomposting.

Additive assisted hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and optical properties of one dimensional DyPO4:Ce3+ nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khajuria, H.; Kumar, M.; Singh, R.; Ladol, J.; Nawaz Sheikh, H.

2018-05-01

One dimensional nanostructures of cerium doped dysprosium phosphate (DyPO4:Ce3+) were synthesized via hydrothermal route in the presence of different surfactants [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dodecyl sulfosuccinate (DSS), polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP)] and solvent [ethylene glycol and water]. The prepared nanostructures were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectrophotometer and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The PXRD and FTIR results indicate purity, good crystallinity and effective doping of Ce3+ in nanostructures. SEM and TEM micrographs display nanorods, nanowires and nanobundles like morphology of DyPO4:Ce3+. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS) of DyPO4:Ce3+nanostructures confirm the presence of dopant. UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra of prepared compounds are used to calculate band gap and explore their optical properties. Luminescent properties of DyPO4:Ce3+ was studied by using PL emission spectra. The effect of additives and solvents on the uniformity, morphology and optical properties of the nanostructures were studied in detail.

A new Cleotomiris species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae) from North Korea.

PubMed

Konstantinov, Fedor; Simov, Nikolay

2014-04-08

Cleotomiris josifovi is described from the vicinity of Pyong Kang, North Korea. The description of this new species is provided with scanning micrographs of selected structures, and digital microscopic images of habitus and genitalia.

Nanomanufacturing Concerns about Measurements Made in the SEM Part IV: Charging and its Mitigation.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E

2015-01-01

This is the fourth part of a series of tutorial papers discussing various causes of measurement uncertainty in scanned particle beam instruments, and some of the solutions researched and developed at NIST and other research institutions. Scanned particle beam instruments especially the scanning electron microscope (SEM) have gone through tremendous evolution to become indispensable tools for many and diverse scientific and industrial applications. These improvements have significantly enhanced their performance and made them far easier to operate. But, the ease of operation has also fostered operator complacency. In addition, the user-friendliness has reduced the apparent need for extensive operator training. Unfortunately, this has led to the idea that the SEM is just another expensive "digital camera" or another peripheral device connected to a computer and that all of the problems in obtaining good quality images and data have been solved. Hence, one using these instruments may be lulled into thinking that all of the potential pitfalls have been fully eliminated and believing that, everything one sees on the micrograph is always correct. But, as described in this and the earlier papers, this may not be the case. Care must always be taken when reliable quantitative data are being sought. The first paper in this series discussed some of the issues related to signal generation in the SEM, including instrument calibration, electron beam-sample interactions and the need for physics-based modeling to understand the actual image formation mechanisms to properly interpret SEM images. The second paper has discussed another major issue confronting the microscopist: specimen contamination and methods to eliminate it. The third paper discussed mechanical vibration and stage drift and some useful solutions to mitigate the problems caused by them, and here, in this the fourth contribution, the issues related to specimen "charging" and its mitigation are discussed relative to dimensional metrology.

Does Your SEM Really Tell the Truth?-How Would You Know? Part 4: Charging and its Mitigation.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E

2015-01-01

This is the fourth part of a series of tutorial papers discussing various causes of measurement uncertainty in scanned particle beam instruments, and some of the solutions researched and developed at NIST and other research institutions. Scanned particle beam instruments, especially the scanning electron microscope (SEM), have gone through tremendous evolution to become indispensable tools for many and diverse scientifc and industrial applications. These improvements have significantly enhanced their performance and made them far easier to operate. But, the ease of operation has also fostered operator complacency. In addition, the user-friendliness has reduced the apparent need for extensive operator training. Unfortunately, this has led to the idea that the SEM is just another expensive "digital camera" or another peripheral device connected to a computer and that all of the problems in obtaining good quality images and data have been solved. Hence, one using these instruments may be lulled into thinking that all of the potential pitfalls have been fully eliminated and believing that, everything one sees on the micrograph is always correct. But, as described in this and the earlier papers, this may not be the case. Care must always be taken when reliable quantitative data are being sought. The first paper in this series discussed some of the issues related to signal generation in the SEM, including instrument calibration, electron beam-sample interactions and the need for physics-based modeling to understand the actual image formation mechanisms to properly interpret SEM images. The second paper has discussed another major issue confronting the microscopist: specimen contamination and methods to eliminate it. The third paper discussed mechanical vibration and stage drift and some useful solutions to mitigate the problems caused by them, and here, in this the fourth contribution, the issues related to specimen "charging" and its mitigation are discussed relative to dimensional metrology.

Use of fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as tools in teaching biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Nabarun; Silva, Jessica; Vazquez, Aracely; Das, A. B.; Smith, Don W.

2011-06-01

Recent nationwide surveys reveal significant decline in students' interest in Math and Sciences. The objective of this project was to inspire young minds in using various techniques involved in Sciences including Scanning Electron Microscopy. We used Scanning Electron Microscope in demonstrating various types of Biological samples. An SEM Tabletop model in the past decade has revolutionized the use of Scanning Electron Microscopes. Using SEM Tabletop model TM 1000 we studied biological specimens of fungal spores, pollen grains, diatoms, plant fibers, dust mites, insect parts and leaf surfaces. We also used fluorescence microscopy to view, to record and analyze various specimens with an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with FITC and TRITC fluorescent filters, a mercury lamp source, DP-70 digital camera with Image Pro 6.0 software. Micrographs were captured using bright field microscopy, the fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC) filter, and the tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC) filter settings at 40X. A high pressure mercury lamp or UV source was used to excite the storage molecules or proteins which exhibited autofluorescence. We used fluorescent microscopy to confirm the localization of sugar beet viruses in plant organs by viewing the vascular bundles in the thin sections of the leaves and other tissues. We worked with the REU summer students on sample preparation and observation on various samples utilizing the SEM. Critical Point Drying (CPD) and metal coating with the sputter coater was followed before observing some cultured specimen and the samples that were soft in textures with high water content. SEM Top allowed investigating the detailed morphological features that can be used for classroom teaching. Undergraduate and graduate researchers studied biological samples of Arthropods, pollen grains and teeth collected from four species of snakes using SEM. This project inspired the research students to pursue their career in higher studies in science and 45% of the undergraduates participated in this project entered Graduate school.

Optical pathology of human brain metastasis of lung cancer using combined resonance Raman and spatial frequency spectroscopies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yan; Liu, Cheng-hui; Pu, Yang; Cheng, Gangge; Zhou, Lixin; Chen, Jun; Zhu, Ke; Alfano, Robert R.

2016-03-01

Raman spectroscopy has become widely used for diagnostic purpose of breast, lung and brain cancers. This report introduced a new approach based on spatial frequency spectra analysis of the underlying tissue structure at different stages of brain tumor. Combined spatial frequency spectroscopy (SFS), Resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopic method is used to discriminate human brain metastasis of lung cancer from normal tissues for the first time. A total number of thirty-one label-free micrographic images of normal and metastatic brain cancer tissues obtained from a confocal micro- Raman spectroscopic system synchronously with examined RR spectra of the corresponding samples were collected from the identical site of tissue. The difference of the randomness of tissue structures between the micrograph images of metastatic brain tumor tissues and normal tissues can be recognized by analyzing spatial frequency. By fitting the distribution of the spatial frequency spectra of human brain tissues as a Gaussian function, the standard deviation, σ, can be obtained, which was used to generate a criterion to differentiate human brain cancerous tissues from the normal ones using Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. This SFS-SVM analysis on micrograph images presents good results with sensitivity (85%), specificity (75%) in comparison with gold standard reports of pathology and immunology. The dual-modal advantages of SFS combined with RR spectroscopy method may open a new way in the neuropathology applications.

Optical Coherence Tomography and Its Role in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Chan, C. Stanley; Rohrer, Thomas E.

2012-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technology with the potential to provide high-resolution images of the skin non-invasively. With this device, it is possible to identify a host of skin structures including tumors. In this case report, we demonstrate the use of an OCT device in delineating a lateral tumor margin of an ill-defined basal cell carcinoma prior to Mohs micrographic surgery. Following surgery, the OCT images are compared to histologic sections to confirm their accuracy. OCT technology has the potential to be a vital tool for dermatologists and particularly Mohs surgeons in identifying tumor margins and potentially reducing the number of invasive procedures needed. PMID:23341806

CTER-rapid estimation of CTF parameters with error assessment.

PubMed

Penczek, Pawel A; Fang, Jia; Li, Xueming; Cheng, Yifan; Loerke, Justus; Spahn, Christian M T

2014-05-01

In structural electron microscopy, the accurate estimation of the Contrast Transfer Function (CTF) parameters, particularly defocus and astigmatism, is of utmost importance for both initial evaluation of micrograph quality and for subsequent structure determination. Due to increases in the rate of data collection on modern microscopes equipped with new generation cameras, it is also important that the CTF estimation can be done rapidly and with minimal user intervention. Finally, in order to minimize the necessity for manual screening of the micrographs by a user it is necessary to provide an assessment of the errors of fitted parameters values. In this work we introduce CTER, a CTF parameters estimation method distinguished by its computational efficiency. The efficiency of the method makes it suitable for high-throughput EM data collection, and enables the use of a statistical resampling technique, bootstrap, that yields standard deviations of estimated defocus and astigmatism amplitude and angle, thus facilitating the automation of the process of screening out inferior micrograph data. Furthermore, CTER also outputs the spatial frequency limit imposed by reciprocal space aliasing of the discrete form of the CTF and the finite window size. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of CTER using a data set collected on a 300kV Tecnai Polara (FEI) using the K2 Summit DED camera in super-resolution counting mode. Using CTER we obtained a structure of the 80S ribosome whose large subunit had a resolution of 4.03Å without, and 3.85Å with, inclusion of astigmatism parameters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural, optical and electronic properties of indium sulfide compositions under influence of copper impurity produced by chemical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esmaili, Parisa; Kangarlou, Haleh; Savaloni, Hadi; Ghorannevis, Mahmood

Aqueous solutions with 70 °C and pH = 2.5 constant values were prepared from convenient chemical compounds to produce In2S3: Cu crystals and thin films. Crystal compositions were grown in this solution under special conditions. Micrographs showed amorphous In2S3 orange powder and transparent vitreous pieces of CuInS2 crystals. Indium sulfide films were produced using the same solution in CBD method, on the glass substrates at different [Cu/In] molar ratio concentrations. Cu+ ions by different concentration doped from copper chloride source into In2S3 films. The produced films were post-annealed at 400 °C for about 1 h. Their crystallography, phase transitions, element analysis and nanostructures were investigated by X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDAX and AFM analyses. β-In2S3 phase was dominant and by doping copper impurity, XRD results suggested the formation of CuInS2 compositions. Morphology of the films, nano-structures, grain shapes and hardness was changed. Optical reflectance was measured in the UV-VIS wavelength range by a spectrophotometer. Other optical properties and optical band gaps were calculated using Kramers-Kronig relations on reflectivity curves. Electronic properties were calculated by full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within density functional theory (DFT). In this approach, generalized gradient approximation (GGA) was used for the exchange-correlation potential calculation. Band gap structures, density of states and imaginary parts of dielectric function were calculated for In2S3: Cu compositions.

A Binary Segmentation Approach for Boxing Ribosome Particles in Cryo EM Micrographs

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

Adiga, Umesh P.S.; Malladi, Ravi; Baxter, William

Three-dimensional reconstruction of ribosome particles from electron micrographs requires selection of many single-particle images. Roughly 100,000 particles are required to achieve approximately 10 angstrom resolution. Manual selection of particles, by visual observation of the micrographs on a computer screen, is recognized as a bottleneck in automated single particle reconstruction. This paper describes an efficient approach for automated boxing of ribosome particles in micrographs. Use of a fast, anisotropic non-linear reaction-diffusion method to pre-process micrographs and rank-leveling to enhance the contrast between particles and the background, followed by binary and morphological segmentation constitute the core of this technique. Modifying the shapemore » of the particles to facilitate segmentation of individual particles within clusters and boxing the isolated particles is successfully attempted. Tests on a limited number of micrographs have shown that over 80 percent success is achieved in automatic particle picking.« less

Magnetic and magneto elastic properties of cobalt ferrite ceramic compacted through cold isostatic pressing

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

Indla, Srinivas; Das, Dibakar, E-mail: ddse@uohyd.ernet.in; Chelvane, Arout

2016-05-06

Nano crystalline CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder was prepared by combustion synthesis method. As synthesized powder was calcined at an appropriate condition to remove the impurities and to promote phase formation. Phase pure CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder was pressed into cylindrical rod at an applied pressure of 200 MPa using a cold isostatic pressing. Sintering of the green compact at 1350°c for 12 hrs resulted in sintered cylindrical rod with ~85% of the theoretical density. Single phase cubic spinel structure was observed in the powder x-ray diffraction pattern of the sintered pellet. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the as sintered pelletmore » revealed the microstructure to be composed of ferrite grains of average size ~4 µm. Saturation magnetization of 72 emu/g and coercivity of 355 Oe were observed for cobalt ferrite sample. The magnetostriction was measured on a circular disc (12 mm diameter and 12 mm length) with the strain gauge (350 Ω) mounted on the flat surface of the circular disc. Magnetostriciton of 180 ppm and strain derivative of 1 × 10{sup −9} m/A were observed for the sintered CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} sample.« less

Evaluation of CO2-based cold sterilization of a model hydrogel.

PubMed

Jiménez, A; Zhang, J; Matthews, M A

2008-12-15

The purpose of the present work is to evaluate a novel CO(2)-based cold sterilization process in terms of both its killing efficiency and its effects on the physical properties of a model hydrogel, poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) potassium salt. Suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were prepared for hydration and inoculation of the gel. The hydrogels were treated with supercritical CO(2) (40 degrees C, 27.6 MPa). The amount of bacteria was quantified before and after treatment. With pure CO(2), complete killing of S. aureus and E. coli was achieved for treatment times as low as 60 min. After treatment with CO(2) plus trace amounts of H(2)O(2) at the same experimental conditions, complete bacteria kill was also achieved. For times less than 30 min, incomplete kill was noted. Several physical properties of the gel were evaluated before and after SC-CO(2) treatment. These were largely unaffected by the CO(2) process. Drying curves showed no significant change between treated (pure CO(2) and CO(2) plus 30% H(2)O(2)) and untreated samples. The average equilibrium swelling ratios were also very similar. No changes in the dry hydrogel particle structure were evident from SEM micrographs.

Composite Polylactic-Methacrylic Acid Copolymer Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Methotrexate

PubMed Central

Sibeko, Bongani; Choonara, Yahya E.; du Toit, Lisa C.; Modi, Girish; Naidoo, Dinesh; Khan, Riaz A.; Kumar, Pradeep; Ndesendo, Valence M. K.; Iyuke, Sunny E.; Pillay, Viness

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop poly(lactic acid)-methacrylic acid copolymeric nanoparticles with the potential to serve as nanocarrier systems for methotrexate (MTX) used in the chemotherapy of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Nanoparticles were prepared by a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique employing a 3-Factor Box-Behnken experimental design strategy. Analysis of particle size, absolute zeta potential, polydispersity (Pdl), morphology, drug-loading capacity (DLC), structural transitions through FTIR spectroscopy, and drug release kinetics was undertaken. Molecular modelling elucidated the mechanisms of the experimental findings. Nanoparticles with particle sizes ranging from 211.0 to 378.3 nm and a recovery range of 36.8–86.2 mg (Pdl ≤ 0.5) were synthesized. DLC values were initially low (12 ± 0.5%) but were finally optimized to 98 ± 0.3%. FTIR studies elucidated the comixing of MTX within the nanoparticles. An initial burst release (50% of MTX released in 24 hours) was obtained which was followed by a prolonged release phase of MTX over 84 hours. SEM images revealed near-spherical nanoparticles, while TEM micrographs revealed the presence of MTX within the nanoparticles. Stable nanoparticles were formed as corroborated by the chemometric modelling studies undertaken. PMID:22919501

Physical and mechanical properties of hybrid montmorillonite/zinc oxide reinforced carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites.

PubMed

Zahedi, Younes; Fathi-Achachlouei, Bahram; Yousefi, Ali Reza

2018-03-01

In this research, a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based nanocomposite films containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) (5%wt) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (1, 2, 3 and 4%wt) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated via casting method. The results revealed that addition of NPs decreased water vapor permeability of the films by about 53%, while moisture content, density and glass transition temperature increased. The nanomaterials enhanced resistance of the nanocomposites against tensile stress at the expense of elongation at break. Nano-ZnO was very effective than nanoclay in UV-light blocking (99% vs. 60%) associated with sacrificing the films transparency. Formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of CMC and MMT was evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy. According to the XRD analysis, clay nanolayers formed an exfoliated structure in the nanocomposites, whereas ZnO NPs raised crystallinity. SEM micrographs showed well-dispersed MMT and ZnO NPs through the films surface. Antibacterial test showed that vulnerability of Gram-positive S. aureus toward ZnO NPs was more than that of Gram-negative E. Coli. In conclusion, simultaneous incorporation of MMT and ZnO NPs improved the functional characteristics of CMC film and extended the potential for food packaging applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of xCo0.8Ni0.2Fe2O4+(1-x) Pb0.99625 La0.0025Zr0.55Ti0.45O3 magnetoelectric composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dipti; Singh, Sangeeta; Juneja, J. K.; Raina, K. K.; Kotnala, R. K.; Prakash, Chandra

2016-06-01

We are reporting here, the studies of the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of magnetoelectric composites of La modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) and Ni modified cobalt ferrite (CNFO) with compositional formula xCo0.8Ni0.2Fe2O4+(1-x) Pb0.99625La0.0025Zr0.55Ti0.45O3 (x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 1.00 by weight) prepared by the solid state reaction method. Coexistence of both the phases in composites was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction technique. The microstructure and average grain size were determined from Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) in backscattered mode. Both the phases could be observed clearly. The variations of dielectric properties with frequency and temperature were also studied. P-E and M-H hysteresis measurements were carried. Magnetoelectric coupling (ME) coefficient for samples with x=0.05 and 0.10 were measured as a function of DC magnetic field. Maximum value of ME coefficient (1.2 mV/cm Oe) and piezoelectric coefficient (96 pC/N) for x=0.05 were observed.

Phase-pure eutectic CoFe2O4-Ba1-xSrxTiO3 composites prepared by floating zone melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breitenbach, Martin; Ebbinghaus, Stefan G.

2018-02-01

Composites consisting of ferrimagnetic CoFe2O4 and ferroelectric Ba1-xSrxTiO3 were grown by the floating zone technique. The influence of Sr substitution, growth rate and atmosphere during the floating zone process were investigated. The formation of the non-ferroelectric, hexagonal modification of BaTiO3 was avoided by a slight Sr substitution of 3 mol% and the formation of BaFe12O19 was suppressed using pure nitrogen as atmosphere during the floating zone melting. These synthesis parameters led to phase-pure, but electrically conductive CoFe2O4-Ba1-xSrxTiO3 composites. A thermal treatment at 973 K in air resulted in a strong increase of the electric resistivity accompanied by a decrease of the unit-cell parameters of both components indicating the healing of oxygen defects. SEM investigations revealed a variety of different geometric structures and crack-free interfaces between both phases. The low porosities observed in the micrographs correspond with densities above 90%. Magnetoelectric (ME) measurements confirmed a coupling between the ferroic orders of both phases with a hysteresis and maximum αME of 1.3 mV Oe-1 cm-1.

Conjugation of silica nanoparticles with cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol 300 membrane for reverse osmosis using MgSO4 solution.

PubMed

Sabir, Aneela; Shafiq, Muhammad; Islam, Atif; Jabeen, Faiza; Shafeeq, Amir; Ahmad, Adnan; Zahid Butt, Muhammad Taqi; Jacob, Karl I; Jamil, Tahir

2016-01-20

Thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) method was used to synthesize polymer matrix (PM) membranes for reverse osmosis from cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol (CA/PEG300) conjugated with silica nanoparticles (SNPs). Experimental data showed that the conjugation of SNPs changed the surface properties as dense and asymmetric composite structure. The results were explicitly determined by the permeability flux and salt rejection efficiency of the PM-SNPs membranes. The effect of SNPs conjugation on MgSO4 salt rejection was more significant in magnitude than on permeation flux i.e. 2.38 L/m(2)h. FTIR verified that SNPs were successfully conjugated on the surface of PM membrane. DSC of PM-SNPs shows an improved Tg from 76.2 to 101.8 °C for PM and PM-S4 respectively. Thermal stability of the PM-SNPs membranes was observed by TGA which was significantly enhanced with the conjugation of SNPs. The micrographs of SEM and AFM showed the morphological changes and increase in the valley and ridges on membrane surface. Experimental data showed that the PM-S4 (0.4 wt% SNPs) membrane has maximum salt rejection capacity and was selected as an optimal membrane. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on immobilization of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase on nanocrystalline Ni-Co ferrites as magnetic support.

PubMed

Shakir, Mohammad; Nasir, Zeba; Khan, Mohd Shoeb; Lutfullah; Alam, Md Fazle; Younus, Hina; Al-Resayes, Saud Ibrahim

2015-01-01

The covalent binding of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH) enzyme complex in a series of magnetic crystalline Ni-Co nanoferrites, synthesized via sol-gel auto combustion technique was investigated. The structural analysis, morphology and magnetic properties of Ni-Co nanoferrites were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The comparative analysis of the HRTEM micrographs of bare magnetic nanoferrite particles and particles immobilized with enzyme revealed an uniform distribution of the particles in both the cases without undergoing change in the size which was found to be in the range 20-30 nm. The binding of YADH to Ni-Co nanoferrites and the possible binding mechanism have been suggested by comparing the FTIR results. The binding properties of the immobilized YADH enzyme were also studied by kinetic parameters, optimum operational pH, temperature, thermal stability and reusability. The immobilized YADH exhibits enhanced thermal stability as compared to the free enzyme over a wide range of temperature and pH, and showed good durability after recovery by magnetic separation for repeated use. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Production and characterization of a new biodegradable fenugreek seed gum based active nanocomposite film reinforced with nanoclays.

PubMed

Memiş, Saliha; Tornuk, Fatih; Bozkurt, Fatih; Durak, M Zeki

2017-10-01

In the present work, fenugreek seed gum (FSG)/clay nanocomposite films were prepared with nanoclays (Na + montmorillonite [MMT], halloysite [HNT] and Nanomer ® I.44 P [NM]) at different amounts (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5g clay/100g FSG) by solution casting method and characterized. Increasing amount of nanoclay significantly (P<0.05) improved oxygen barrier and thermal properties of the biodegradable films. Agar diffusion tests revealed that FSG based nanocomposite films exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against foodborne pathogens namely Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus independently of clay type and concentration. In the case of mechanical properties, nanoclay incorporation up to 5% provided higher (P<0.05) tensile strength (TS) properties while elongation at break (EB) values of the films significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the presence of clay in the film matrix. SEM micrographs showed that especially lower levels (up to 5%) of nanoclay reinforcements provided a homogeneous and smooth film structure. In conclusion, FSG based nanocomposite films reinforced with nanoclays up to 5% showed a precious potential to be used in antimicrobial food packaging applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of polysulfone and polysulfone/vanillin microcapsules by 1H NMR spectroscopy, solid-state 13C CP/MAS-NMR spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption analyses.

PubMed

Peña, Brisa; de Ménorval, Louis-Charles; Garcia-Valls, Ricard; Gumí, Tània

2011-11-01

Textile detergent and softener industries have incorporated perfume microencapsulation technology to improve their products. Perfume encapsulation allows perfume protection until use and provides a long-lasting fragrance release. But, certain industrial microcapsules show low encapsulation capacity and low material stability. Polysulfone capsules have been already proposed to solve these drawbacks. Among them, PSf/Vanillin capsules were considered as a desirable system. They present both good material stability and high encapsulation capacity. However, several factors such as the final location of the perfume in the polymeric matrix, the aggregation state that it has in the capsule and its interaction with the capsule components have not been studied yet. These factors can provide vast information about the capsule performance and its improvement. With the aim to characterize these parameters, the physical and chemical properties of PSf/Vanillin capsules have been investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and N(2) adsorption-desorption measurements. AFM micrograph and N(2) isotherms confirm that the presence of vanillin modify the physical structure of PSf/Vanillin microcapsules as it is trapped in the capsule porosity. NMR results show that vanillin is present in solid state in PSf/Vanillin microcapsules.

Surfactant mediated synthesis of bismuth selenide thin films for photoelectrochemical solar cell applications.

PubMed

Desai, Neha D; Khot, Kishorkumar V; Ghanwat, Vishvanath B; Kharade, Suvarta D; Bhosale, Popatrao N

2018-03-15

In the present report, nanostructured bismuth selenide (Bi 2 Se 3 ) thin films have been successfully deposited by using arrested precipitation technique (APT) at room temperature. The effect of three different surfactants on the optostructural, morphological, compositional and photoelectrochemical properties of Bi 2 Se 3 thin films were investigated. Optical absorption data indicates direct and allowed transition with a band gap energy varied from 1.4 eV to 1.8 eV. The X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) revealed that Bi 2 Se 3 thin films are crystalline in nature and confirmed rhombohedral crystal structure. SEM micrographs shows morphological transition from interconnected mesh to nanospheres like and finally granular morphology. Surface topography of Bi 2 Se 3 thin films was determined by AFM. Compositional analysis of all samples was carried out by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, all Bi 2 Se 3 thin films shows good PEC performance with highest photoconversion efficiency 1.47%. In order to study the stability of Bi 2 Se 3 thin films four cycles are repeated after gap of one week each. Further PEC performance of all Bi 2 Se 3 thin films are also supported by electrochemical impedance (EIS) measurement study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An investigation of the Nb doping effect on structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of spray deposited F doped SnO2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turgut, G.; Keskenler, E. F.; Aydın, S.; Yılmaz, M.; Doǧan, S.; Düzgün, B.

2013-03-01

F and Nb + F co-doped SnO2 thin films were deposited on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis method. The microstructural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of the 10 wt% F doped SnO2 (FTO) thin films were investigated specifically for niobium (Nb) doping in the range of 0-4 at.% with 1 at.% steps. As shown by the x-ray diffraction patterns, the films exhibited a tetragonal cassiterite structure with (200) preferential orientation. It was observed that grain sizes of the films for (200) and (301) peaks depended on the Nb doping concentration and varied in the range of 25.11-32.19 and 100.6-183.7 nm, respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed that the FTO films were made of small pyramidal grains, while doubly doped films were made of small pyramidal grains and big polyhedron grains. From electrical studies, although 1 at.% Nb doped FTO films have the lowest sheet resistance and resistivity values, the highest figure-of-merit and optical band gap values obtained for FTO films were 16.2 × 10-2 Ω-1 and 4.21 eV, respectively. Also, infrared reflectivity values of the films were in the range of 97.39-98.98%. These results strongly suggest that these films are an attractive candidate for various optoelectronic applications and for photothermal conversion of solar energy.

Synthesis, characterization and low temperature electrical conductivity of Polyaniline/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasanna, G. D.; Prasad, V. B.; Jayanna, H. S.

2015-02-01

Conducting polymer/ferrite nanocomposites with an organized structure provide a new functional hybrid between organic and inorganic materials. The most popular among the conductive polymers is the polyaniline (PANI) due to its wide application in different fields. In the present work nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel citrate-nitrate method with an average size of 21.6nm. PANI/NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple general and inexpensive in-situ polymerization in the presence of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. The effects of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles on the dc-electrical properties of polyaniline were investigated. The structural components in the nanocomposites were identified from Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crystalline phase of nanocomposites was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) reveals that there was some interaction between the NiFe2O4 particles and polyaniline and the nanocomposites are composed of polycrystalline ferrite nanoparticles and PANI. The dc conductivity of polyaniline/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites have been measured as a function of temperature in the range of 80K to 300K. It is observed that the room temperature conductivity cRT decreases with increase in the relative content of NiFe2O4. The experimental data reveals that the resistivity increases for all composites with decrease of temperature exhibiting semiconductor behaviour.

Bulk magnetic domain structures visualized by neutron dark-field imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grünzweig, C.; David, C.; Bunk, O.; Dierolf, M.; Frei, G.; Kühne, G.; Schäfer, R.; Pofahl, S.; Rønnow, H. M. R.; Pfeiffer, F.

2008-09-01

We report on how a neutron grating interferometer can yield projection images of the internal domain structure in bulk ferromagnetic samples. The image contrast relies on the ultrasmall angle scattering of unpolarized neutrons at domain wall structures in the specimen. The results show the basic domains of (110)-oriented sheets in an FeSi test sample. The obtained domain structures could be correlated with surface sensitive magneto-optical Kerr effect micrographs.

Stabilized super-thermite colloids: A new generation of advanced highly energetic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elbasuney, Sherif; Gaber Zaky, M.; Radwan, Mostafa; Mostafa, Sherif F.

2017-10-01

One of the great impetus of nanotechnology on energetic materials is the achievement of nanothermites (metal-oxide/metal) which are characterized by massive heat output. Yet, full exploitation of super-thermites in highly energetic systems has not been achieved. This manuscript reports on the sustainable fabrication of colloidal Fe2O3 and CuO nanoparticles for thermite applications. TEM micrographs demonstrated mono-dispersed Fe2O3 and CuO with an average particle size of 3 and 15 nm respectively. XRD diffractograms demonstrated highly crystalline materials. SEM micrographs demonstrated a great tendency of the developed oxides to aggregate over drying process. The effective integration and dispersion of mono-dispersed colloidal thermite particles into energetic systems are vital for enhanced performance. Aluminum is of interest as highly energetic metal fuel. In this paper, synthesized Fe2O3 and CuO nanoparticles were re-dispersed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with aluminum nanoparticles using ultrasonic prope homogenizer. The colloidal thermite peraticles can be intgegrated into highly energetic system for subsequent nanocomposite development. Thanks to stabilization of colloidal CuO nanoparticles in IPA which could offer intimate mixing between oxidizer and metal fuel. The stabilization mechanism of CuO in IPA was correlated to steric stabilization with solvent molecules. This approach eliminated nanoparticle drying and the re-dispersion of dry aggregates into energetic materials. This manuscript shaded the light on the real development of colloidal thermite mixtures and their integration into highly energetic systems.

Crystal structure of hexagonal MnAl(4).

PubMed

Pauling, L

1987-06-01

A structure is proposed for the hexagonal form of MnAl(4), with a(H) = 28.4 A and c(H) = 12.43 A, on the basis of a high-resolution electron micrograph and comparison with crystals of known structures. The proposed structure involves seven 104-atom complexes of 20 Friauf polyhedra, sharing some atoms with one another. It is closely related to the 23.36-A cubic structure of MnAl(4) and to the 14.19-A cubic structure of Mg(32)(Al,Zn)(49).

Jet slurry erosion performance of composite clad and its characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

B, Lohit R.; Horakeri, Gururaj S.; Bhovi, Prabakhar M.

2016-09-01

In the present work, development of composite cladding consists of Cr23C6 (chromium carbide) as reinforcement particles 20 wt. % in Ni-based matrix 80 wt. % on austenitic stainless steel through exposure of microwave radiation has been carried out. The jet slurry erosion test was performed on microwave composite clad. The functional performance of composite clad has been evaluated for different parametric conditions like varying impingement velocity and impact angle. The increasing weight loss trend was observed with time for the first 30 min. after that the individual trend decreased; at high impingement velocity and maximum impact angle. SEM micrographs of eroded clad samples at various impact angle and impingement velocity were discussed. The maximum weight loss occurred at 90° angle and velocity of 60 m/s, and minimum at 30° angle and velocity of 20 m/s.

Influence of agitation speed on tannase production and morphology of Aspergillus niger FETL FT3 in submerged fermentation.

PubMed

Darah, I; Sumathi, G; Jain, K; Lim, S H

2011-12-01

Agitation speed was found to influence the tannase production and fungal growth of Aspergillus niger FETL FT3. The optimal agitation speed was at 200 rpm which produced 1.41 U/ml tannase and 3.75 g/l of fungal growth. Lower or higher agitation speeds than 200 rpm produced lower enzyme production and fungal growth. Based on the SEM and TEM micrograph observation, there was a significant correlation between agitation speed and the morphology of the fungal mycelia. The results revealed an increase of the enzyme production with the change of the fungal growth morphology from filamentous to pelleted growth forms. However, the exposure to higher shear stress with an increasing agitation speed of the shaker also resulted in lower biomass yields as well as enzyme production.

Some Properties of Composite Panels Made from Wood Flour and Recycled Polyethylene

PubMed Central

Ozdemir, Turgay; Mengeloglu, Fatih

2008-01-01

This study investigated the effect of board type (unmodified vs. MAPE modified) on the surface quality and thickness swelling-water absorption properties of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) based wood plastic composites. Additionally, two commercially available coatings (cellulosic coating and polyurethane lacquer coating) were also applied to composite surfaces and their adhesion strength, abrasion and scratch resistance, and gloss values were determined. This study showed that modification of the composites with MAPE coupling agent increased the surface smoothness and reduced the water absorption and thickness swelling of the panels. Abrasion resistance of the composites was also improved through MAPE modification. Regardless of board type, higher scratch resistance and gloss values were observed for polyurethane lacquer coated samples compared to those of cellulosic varnish coated ones. Improvement of adhesion strength was also seen on SEM micrographs. PMID:19330092

Leaching behavior and ESEM characterization of water-sensitive mudstone in southwestern Taiwan.

PubMed

Chen, Hung-Ta; Lin, Tzong-Tzeng; Chang, Juu-En

2003-05-01

This investigation attempts to understand the critical soluble salts in natural mudstone and the leaching, microstructural, and microchemical characteristics in soaked mudstone using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), conductivity measurement, ion chromatography (IC), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM)/EDAX techniques. Natural mudstone probably includes soluble salts such as Na2SO4, NaCl, NaCO3, and CaCO3. The dissolution of Na2SO4 controls water-sensitive mudstone very susceptible to slaking and dispersion. ESEM micrographs clearly show evidence of mudstone-slaking during soaking since the visible pores are filled with small aggregative masses. A calcium-bearing precipitate from the soaked mudstone is speculated to be attributable to the decomposition of the hydrated product of the fresh mudstone.

Nanostructured ZnO Films for Room Temperature Ammonia Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhivya Ponnusamy; Sridharan Madanagurusamy

2014-09-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films have been deposited by a reactive dc magnetron sputtering technique onto a thoroughly cleaned glass substrate at room temperature. X-ray diffraction revealed that the deposited film was polycrystalline in nature. The field emission scanning electron micrograph (FE-SEM) showed the uniform formation of a rugby ball-shaped ZnO nanostructure. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed that the film was stoichiometric and the direct band gap of the film, determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, was 3.29 eV. The ZnO nanostructured film exhibited better sensing towards ammonia (NH3) at room temperature (˜30°C). The fabricated ZnO film based sensor was capable of detecting NH3 at as low as 5 ppm, and its parameters, such as response, selectivity, stability, and response/recovery time, were also investigated.

Multifunctional green nanostructured composites: preparation and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stieven Montagna, Larissa; Sizuka Oishi, Silvia; Faria Diniz, Milton; Larissa do Amaral Montanheiro, Thaís; Santos da Silva, Fábio; Passador, Fábio Roberto; Cerqueira Rezende, Mirabel

2018-05-01

The present research had as main purpose to develop and characterize multifunctional green nanocomposites based on poly(furfuryl alcohol) resin (PFA bioresin), derived from sugarcane bagasse reinforced with different contents of graphite nanosheets (GNS) (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt%) which were dispersed in PFA bioresin using an ultrasonic processor. The mixture was poured into silicone molds and cured at room temperature during 24 h followed by a post-cure at preheated oven in cycles of different temperatures. TEM analysis of GNS showed this filler consist of ultrathin and layered sheets. SEM micrographs of the cryogenic fracture of the nanocomposite presented the good interfacial adhesion between PFA bioresin and GNS. Moreover, upon GNS addition in the PFA bioresin, PFA/GNS nanocomposites demonstrated superior mechanical performance and better electrical conductivity than neat PFA bioresin.

Directional budding of human immunodeficiency virus from monocytes.

PubMed Central

Perotti, M E; Tan, X; Phillips, D M

1996-01-01

Time-lapse cinematography revealed that activated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected monocytes crawl along surfaces, putting forward a leading pseudopod. Scanning electron micrographs showed monocyte pseudopods associated with spherical structures the size of HIV virions, and transmission electron micrographs revealed HIV virions budding from pseudopods. Filamentous actin (F-actin) was localized by electron microscopy in the pseudopod by heavy meromyosin decoration. Colocalization of F-actin and p24 viral antigen by light microscopy immunofluorescence indicated that F-actin and virus were present on the same pseudopod. These observations indicate that monocytes produce virus from a leading pseudopod. We suggest that HIV secretion at the leading edges of donor monocytes/macrophages may be an efficient way for HIV to infect target cells. PMID:8709212

Identifying local structural states in atomic imaging by computer vision

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

Laanait, Nouamane; Ziatdinov, Maxim; He, Qian

The availability of atomically resolved imaging modalities enables an unprecedented view into the local structural states of materials, which manifest themselves by deviations from the fundamental assumptions of periodicity and symmetry. Consequently, approaches that aim to extract these local structural states from atomic imaging data with minimal assumptions regarding the average crystallographic configuration of a material are indispensable to advances in structural and chemical investigations of materials. Here, we present an approach to identify and classify local structural states that is rooted in computer vision. This approach introduces a definition of a structural state that is composed of both localmore » and non-local information extracted from atomically resolved images, and is wholly untethered from the familiar concepts of symmetry and periodicity. Instead, this approach relies on computer vision techniques such as feature detection, and concepts such as scale-invariance. We present the fundamental aspects of local structural state extraction and classification by application to simulated scanning transmission electron microscopy images, and analyze the robustness of this approach in the presence of common instrumental factors such as noise, limited spatial resolution, and weak contrast. Finally, we apply this computer vision-based approach for the unsupervised detection and classification of local structural states in an experimental electron micrograph of a complex oxides interface, and a scanning tunneling micrograph of a defect engineered multilayer graphene surface.« less

Identifying local structural states in atomic imaging by computer vision

DOE PAGES

Laanait, Nouamane; Ziatdinov, Maxim; He, Qian; ...

2016-11-02

The availability of atomically resolved imaging modalities enables an unprecedented view into the local structural states of materials, which manifest themselves by deviations from the fundamental assumptions of periodicity and symmetry. Consequently, approaches that aim to extract these local structural states from atomic imaging data with minimal assumptions regarding the average crystallographic configuration of a material are indispensable to advances in structural and chemical investigations of materials. Here, we present an approach to identify and classify local structural states that is rooted in computer vision. This approach introduces a definition of a structural state that is composed of both localmore » and non-local information extracted from atomically resolved images, and is wholly untethered from the familiar concepts of symmetry and periodicity. Instead, this approach relies on computer vision techniques such as feature detection, and concepts such as scale-invariance. We present the fundamental aspects of local structural state extraction and classification by application to simulated scanning transmission electron microscopy images, and analyze the robustness of this approach in the presence of common instrumental factors such as noise, limited spatial resolution, and weak contrast. Finally, we apply this computer vision-based approach for the unsupervised detection and classification of local structural states in an experimental electron micrograph of a complex oxides interface, and a scanning tunneling micrograph of a defect engineered multilayer graphene surface.« less

Virtual Levels and Role Models: N-Level Structural Equations Model of Reciprocal Ratings Data.

PubMed

Mehta, Paras D

2018-01-01

A general latent variable modeling framework called n-Level Structural Equations Modeling (NL-SEM) for dependent data-structures is introduced. NL-SEM is applicable to a wide range of complex multilevel data-structures (e.g., cross-classified, switching membership, etc.). Reciprocal dyadic ratings obtained in round-robin design involve complex set of dependencies that cannot be modeled within Multilevel Modeling (MLM) or Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) frameworks. The Social Relations Model (SRM) for round robin data is used as an example to illustrate key aspects of the NL-SEM framework. NL-SEM introduces novel constructs such as 'virtual levels' that allows a natural specification of latent variable SRMs. An empirical application of an explanatory SRM for personality using xxM, a software package implementing NL-SEM is presented. Results show that person perceptions are an integral aspect of personality. Methodological implications of NL-SEM for the analyses of an emerging class of contextual- and relational-SEMs are discussed.

Efficacy of larvicidal activity of green synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Mangifera indica extract against blood-feeding parasites.

PubMed

Rajakumar, Govindasamy; Rahuman, Abdul Abdul; Roopan, Selvaraj Mohana; Chung, Ill-Min; Anbarasan, Karunanithi; Karthikeyan, Viswanathan

2015-02-01

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are considered to be among the best photocatalytic materials due to their long-term thermodynamic stability, strong oxidizing power, and relative non-toxicity. Nano-preparations with TiO2 NPs are currently under investigation as novel treatments for acne vulgaris, recurrent condyloma acuminata, atopic dermatitis, hyperpigmented skin lesions, and other non-dermatologic diseases. The present study was to investigate the acaricidal and larvicidal activity of synthesized TiO2 NPs utilizing leaf aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) against hematophagous parasites. The anti-parasitic activity of TiO2 NPs against the larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (Acari: Ixodidae), fourth instar larvae of Anopheles subpictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) were assessed. The green synthesized TiO2 NPs were analyzed by UV-Vis, FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), AFM, SEM, and TEM. The XRD analysis of synthesized TiO2 NPs revealed the dominant peak at 2θ value of 27.81 which matched the 110 crystallographic plane of the rutile structure indicating the crystal structure. The FTIR spectra exhibited a prominent peak at 3,448 cm(-1) and showed OH stretching due to the alcoholic group, and the OH group may act as a capping agent. The SEM images of TiO2 NPs displayed spherical, oval in shape, individual, and some in aggregates. Characterization of the synthesized TiO2 NPs using AFM offered three-dimensional visualization and uneven surface morphology. The TEM micrograph showed agglomerates, round and slight elongation with an average size of 30 ± 5 nm. The maximum efficacy was observed in synthesized TiO2 NPs against the larvae of R. microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, A. subpictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus with LC50 value of 28.56, 33.17, 23.81, 5.84, and 4.34 mg/L, respectively. In the present study, a novel, simple, and eco-friendly approach has been suggested to control blood-feeding parasites.

Specimen preparation for high-resolution cryo-EM

PubMed Central

Passmore, Lori A.; Russo, Christopher J.

2016-01-01

Imaging a material with electrons at near-atomic resolution requires a thin specimen that is stable in the vacuum of the transmission electron microscope. For biological samples, this comprises a thin layer of frozen aqueous solution containing the biomolecular complex of interest. The process of preparing a high-quality specimen is often the limiting step in the determination of structures by single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM). Here we describe a systematic approach for going from a purified biomolecular complex in aqueous solution to high-resolution electron micrographs that are suitable for 3D structure determination. This includes a series of protocols for the preparation of vitrified specimens on various specimen supports, including all-gold and graphene. We also describe techniques for troubleshooting when a preparation fails to yield suitable specimens, and common mistakes to avoid during each part of the process. Finally, we include recommendations for obtaining the highest quality micrographs from prepared specimens with current microscope, detector and support technology. PMID:27572723

Polymeric vs hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds on dental pulp stem cell proliferation and differentiation

PubMed Central

Khojasteh, Arash; Motamedian, Saeed Reza; Rad, Maryam Rezai; Shahriari, Mehrnoosh Hasan; Nadjmi, Nasser

2015-01-01

AIM: To evaluate adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) on four commercially available scaffold biomaterials. METHODS: hDPSCs were isolated from human dental pulp tissues of extracted wisdom teeth and established in stem cell growth medium. hDPSCs at passage 3-5 were seeded on four commercially available scaffold biomaterials, SureOss (Allograft), Cerabone (Xenograft), PLLA (Synthetic), and OSTEON II Collagen (Composite), for 7 and 14 d in osteogenic medium. Cell adhesion and morphology to the scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell proliferation and differentiation into osteogenic lineage were evaluated using DNA counting and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, respectively. RESULTS: All scaffold biomaterials except SureOss (Allograft) supported hDPSC adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. hDPSCs seeded on PLLA (Synthetic) scaffold showed the highest cell proliferation and attachment as indicated with both SEM and DNA counting assay. Evaluating the osteogenic differentiation capability of hDPSCs on different scaffold biomaterials with ALP activity assay showed high level of ALP activity on cells cultured on PLLA (Synthetic) and OSTEON II Collagen (Composite) scaffolds. SEM micrographs also showed that in the presence of Cerabone (Xenograft) and OSTEON II Collagen (Composite) scaffolds, the hDPSCs demonstrated the fibroblastic phenotype with several cytoplasmic extension, while the cells on PLLA scaffold showed the osteoblastic-like morphology, round-like shape. CONCLUSION: PLLA scaffold supports adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Hence, it may be useful in combination with hDPSCs for cell-based reconstructive therapy. PMID:26640621

A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment of adhesive remnant after bracket debonding.

PubMed

Cehreli, S Burcak; Polat-Ozsoy, Omur; Sar, Cagla; Cubukcu, H Evren; Cehreli, Zafer C

2012-04-01

The amount of the residual adhesive after bracket debonding is frequently assessed in a qualitative manner, utilizing the adhesive remnant index (ARI). This study aimed to investigate whether quantitative assessment of the adhesive remnant yields more precise results compared to qualitative methods utilizing the 4- and 5-point ARI scales. Twenty debonded brackets were selected. Evaluation and scoring of the adhesive remnant on bracket bases were made consecutively using: 1. qualitative assessment (visual scoring) and 2. quantitative measurement (image analysis) on digital photographs. Image analysis was made on scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and high-precision elemental maps of the adhesive remnant as determined by energy dispersed X-ray spectrometry. Evaluations were made in accordance with the original 4-point and the modified 5-point ARI scales. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated, and the data were evaluated using Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon signed ranks test with Bonferroni correction. ICC statistics indicated high levels of agreement for qualitative visual scoring among examiners. The 4-point ARI scale was compliant with the SEM assessments but indicated significantly less adhesive remnant compared to the results of quantitative elemental mapping. When the 5-point scale was used, both quantitative techniques yielded similar results with those obtained qualitatively. These results indicate that qualitative visual scoring using the ARI is capable of generating similar results with those assessed by quantitative image analysis techniques. In particular, visual scoring with the 5-point ARI scale can yield similar results with both the SEM analysis and elemental mapping.

Impact Strength and Flexural Properties Enhancement of Methacrylate Silane Treated Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Reinforced Biodegradable Hybrid Composites

PubMed Central

Ibrahim, Nor Azowa; Ariffin, Hidayah; Yunus, Wan Md. Zin Wan

2014-01-01

Natural fiber as reinforcement filler in polymer composites is an attractive approach due to being fully biodegradable and cheap. However, incompatibility between hydrophilic natural fiber and hydrophobic polymer matrix restricts the application. The current studies focus on the effects of incorporation of silane treated OPMF into polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/nanoclay/OPMF hybrid composites. The composites were prepared by melt blending technique and characterize the composites with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra indicated that peak shifting occurs when silane treated OPMF was incorporated into hybrid composites. Based on mechanical properties results, incorporation of silane treated OPMF enhances the mechanical properties of unmodified OPMF hybrid composites with the enhancement of flexural and impact strength being 17.60% and 48.43%, respectively, at 10% fiber loading. TGA thermogram shows that incorporation of silane treated OPMF did not show increment in thermal properties of hybrid composites. SEM micrographs revealed that silane treated OPMF hybrid composites show good fiber/matrix adhesion as fiber is still embedded in the matrix and no cavity is present on the surface. Water absorption test shows that addition of less hydrophilic silane treated OPMF successfully reduces the water uptake of hybrid composites. PMID:25254230

Antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by marine Ochrobactrum sp.

PubMed

Thomas, Roshmi; Janardhanan, Anju; Varghese, Rintu T; Soniya, E V; Mathew, Jyothis; Radhakrishnan, E K

2014-01-01

Metal nanoparticle synthesis is an interesting area in nanotechnology due to their remarkable optical, magnetic, electrical, catalytic and biomedical properties, but there needs to develop clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly methods for the synthesis and assembly of nanoparticles. Biological agents in the form of microbes have emerged up as efficient candidates for nanoparticle synthesis due to their extreme versatility to synthesize diverse nanoparticles with varying size and shape. In the present study, an eco favorable method for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine bacterial isolate has been attempted. Very interestingly, molecular identification proved it as a strain of Ochrobactrum anhtropi. In addition, the isolate was found to have the potential to form silver nanoparticles intracellularly at room temperature within 24 h. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles showed a peak at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size range from 38 nm - 85 nm. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by the isolate were also used to explore its antibacterial potential against pathogens like Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus.

Antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by marine Ochrobactrum sp

PubMed Central

Thomas, Roshmi; Janardhanan, Anju; Varghese, Rintu T.; Soniya, E.V.; Mathew, Jyothis; Radhakrishnan, E.K.

2014-01-01

Metal nanoparticle synthesis is an interesting area in nanotechnology due to their remarkable optical, magnetic, electrical, catalytic and biomedical properties, but there needs to develop clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly methods for the synthesis and assembly of nanoparticles. Biological agents in the form of microbes have emerged up as efficient candidates for nanoparticle synthesis due to their extreme versatility to synthesize diverse nanoparticles with varying size and shape. In the present study, an eco favorable method for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine bacterial isolate has been attempted. Very interestingly, molecular identification proved it as a strain of Ochrobactrum anhtropi. In addition, the isolate was found to have the potential to form silver nanoparticles intracellularly at room temperature within 24 h. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles showed a peak at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size range from 38 nm – 85 nm. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by the isolate were also used to explore its antibacterial potential against pathogens like Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus. PMID:25763025

Synthesis and optimization of chitosan nanoparticles: Potential applications in nanomedicine and biomedical engineering.

PubMed

Ghadi, Arezou; Mahjoub, Soleiman; Tabandeh, Fatemeh; Talebnia, Farid

2014-01-01

Chitosan nanoparticles have become of great interest for nanomedicine, biomedical engineering and development of new therapeutic drug release systems with improved bioavailability, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity. The aim of the present study was to synthesis and optimize of the chitosan nanoparticles for industrial and biomedical applications. Fe3O4 was synthesized and optimized as magnetic core nanoparticles and then chitosan covered this magnetic core. The size and morphology of the nano-magnetic chitosan was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Topography and size distribution of the nanoparticles were shown with two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanoparticles were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chitosan nanoparticles prepared in the experiment exhibited white powder shape. The SEM micrographs of the nano-magnetic chitosan showed that they were approximately uniform spheres. The unmodified chitosan nanoparticles composed of clusters of nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 10 nm to 80 nm. AFM provides a three-dimensional surface profile. The TEM image showed physical aggregation of the chitosan nanoparticles. The results show that a novel chitosan nanoparticle was successfully synthesized and characterized. It seems that this nanoparticle like the other chitosan nano particles has potential applications for nanomedicine, biomedical engineering, industrial and pharmaceutical fields.

Dielectric property of NiTiO{sub 3} doped substituted ortho-chloropolyaniline composites

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

Lakshmi, Mohana; Faisal, Muhammad; Roy, Aashish S.

2013-11-15

Ortho-chloropolyaniline (OCP)-NiTiO{sub 3} composites have been synthesized via in-situ polymerization of ortho-chloroaniline with various weight percentages of NiTiO{sub 3.} Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic studies of Ortho-chloropolyaniline and its composites indicated the formation of composites as a result of Vander Waal's interaction between OCP and NiTiO{sub 3} particles. Surface morphology of OCP and OCP-NiTiO{sub 3} composites were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM micrographs indicated a modified morphology after the composite formation. Dielectric properties and electric modulus of OCP and OCP-NiTiO{sub 3} composites have been investigated in the frequency range of 50 Hz – 5 MHz. It has beenmore » noticed that electrical resistance decreases with increase in weight percentage of NiTiO{sub 3} particles in polymer matrix as well as with applied frequency. The display of semicircular arcs in Cole-Cole plots indicates the formation of series resistor and capacitor in network causing a decrease in the relaxation time and as a result conductivity enhances in these composites. The facile and cost effective synthesis process and excellent dielectric and conductivity response of these materials makes them promising materials for practical applications.« less

Laser micro-processing of amorphous and partially crystalline Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqida, S. N.; Brabazon, D.; Naher, S.; Kovacs, Z.; Browne, D. J.

2010-11-01

This paper presents a microstructural study of laser micro-processed high-purity Cu45Zr48Al7 alloys prepared by arc melting and Cu-mould casting. Microprocessing of the Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy was performed using a Rofin DC-015 diffusion-cooled CO2 slab laser system with 10.6-μm wavelength. The laser was defocused to a spot size of 0.2 mm on the sample surface. The laser parameters were set to give 300- and 350-W peak power, 30% duty cycle and a 3000-Hz laser pulse repetition frequency (PRF). About 100-micrometer-wide channels were scribed on the surfaces of disk-shaped amorphous and partially crystalline samples at traverse speeds of 500 and 5000 mm/min. These channels were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 2D stylus profilometry. The metallographic study and profile of these processed regions are discussed in terms of the applied laser processing parameters. The SEM micrographs showed that striation marks developed at the edge and inside these regions as a result of the laser processing. The results from this work showed that microscale features can be produced on the surface of amorphous Cu-Zr-Al alloys by CO2 laser processing.

Dielectric property of NiTiO{sub 3} doped substituted ortho-chloropolyaniline composites

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

Lakshmi, Mohana; Faisal, Muhammad; Roy, Aashish S.

Ortho-chloropolyaniline (OCP)-NiTiO{sub 3} composites have been synthesized via in-situ polymerization of ortho-chloroaniline with various weight percentages of NiTiO{sub 3.} Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic studies of Ortho-chloropolyaniline and its composites indicated the formation of composites as a result of Vander Waal's interaction between OCP and NiTiO{sub 3} particles. Surface morphology of OCP and OCP-NiTiO{sub 3} composites were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM micrographs indicated a modified morphology after the composite formation. Dielectric properties and electric modulus of OCP and OCP-NiTiO{sub 3} composites have been investigated in the frequency range of 50 Hz – 5 MHz. It has beenmore » noticed that electrical resistance decreases with increase in weight percentage of NiTiO{sub 3} particles in polymer matrix as well as with applied frequency. The display of semicircular arcs in Cole-Cole plots indicates the formation of series resistor and capacitor in network causing a decrease in the relaxation time and as a result conductivity enhances in these composites. The facile and cost effective synthesis process and excellent dielectric and conductivity response of these materials makes them promising materials for practical applications.« less

Using SEM-EDX and ICP-OES to investigate the elemental composition of green macroalga Vaucheria sessilis.

PubMed

Michalak, Izabela; Marycz, Krzysztof; Basińska, Katarzyna; Chojnacka, Katarzyna

2014-01-01

The biomass of Vaucheria sessilis forms algal mats in many freshwaters. There is a need to find the method of algal biomass utilization. Vaucheria sessilis is a rich source of micro- and macronutrients and can be used as a soil amendment. In the paper, the elemental composition of enriched, via bioaccumulation process, macroalga was investigated. For this purpose, two independent techniques were used: scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analytical system (SEMEDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The biomass was exposed to two microelemental solutions, with Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. After two weeks of the experiment, macroalga accumulated 98.5 mg of Zn(II) ions in 1 g of dry biomass and 68.9 mg g(-1) of Cu(II) ions. Micrographs performed by SEM proved that bioaccumulation occurred. Metal ions were bound on the surface and in the interior of cells. Mappings of all cations showed that in the case of the surface of biomass (biosorption), the elements constituted aggregations and in the case of the cross section (bioaccumulation) they were evenly distributed. The algal biomass with permanently bound microelements can find an application in many branches of the industry (feed, natural fertilizers, etc.).

Preparation and characterization of bagasse/HDPE composites using multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Ashori, Alireza; Sheshmani, Shabnam; Farhani, Foad

2013-01-30

This article presents the preparation and characterization of bagasse/high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as reinforcing agent, on the mechanical and physical properties were also investigated. In order to increase the interphase adhesion, maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) was added as a coupling agent to all the composites studied. In the sample preparation, MWCNTs and MAPE contents were used as variable factors. The morphology of the specimens was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The results of strength measurement indicated that when 1.5 wt% MWCNTs were added, tensile and flexural properties reached their maximum values. At high level of MWCNTs loading (3 or 4 wt%), increased population of MWCNTs lead to agglomeration and stress transfer gets blocked. The addition of MWCNTs filler slightly decreased the impact strength of composites. Both mechanical and physical properties were improved when 4 wt% MAPE was applied. SEM micrographs also showed that the surface roughness improved with increasing MAPE loading from 0 to 4 wt%. The improvement of physicomechanical properties of composites confirmed that MWCNTs have good reinforcement and the optimum synergistic effect of MWCNTs and MAPE was achieved at the combination of 1.5 and 4 wt%, respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Porous Silicon Covered with Silver Nanoparticles as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrate for Ultra-Low Concentration Detection.

PubMed

Kosović, Marin; Balarin, Maja; Ivanda, Mile; Đerek, Vedran; Marciuš, Marijan; Ristić, Mira; Gamulin, Ozren

2015-12-01

Microporous and macro-mesoporous silicon templates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates were produced by anodization of low doped p-type silicon wafers. By immersion plating in AgNO3, the templates were covered with silver metallic film consisting of different silver nanostructures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of these SERS substrates showed diverse morphology with significant difference in an average size and size distribution of silver nanoparticles. Ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) reflection spectroscopy showed plasmonic absorption at 398 and 469 nm, which is in accordance with the SEM findings. The activity of the SERS substrates was tested using rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye molecules and 514.5 nm laser excitation. Contrary to the microporous silicon template, the SERS substrate prepared from macro-mesoporous silicon template showed significantly broader size distribution of irregular silver nanoparticles as well as localized surface plasmon resonance closer to excitation laser wavelength. Such silver morphology has high SERS sensitivity that enables ultralow concentration detection of R6G dye molecules up to 10(-15) M. To our knowledge, this is the lowest concentration detected of R6G dye molecules on porous silicon-based SERS substrates, which might even indicate possible single molecule detection.

Impact strength and flexural properties enhancement of methacrylate silane treated oil palm mesocarp fiber reinforced biodegradable hybrid composites.

PubMed

Eng, Chern Chiet; Ibrahim, Nor Azowa; Zainuddin, Norhazlin; Ariffin, Hidayah; Yunus, Wan Md Zin Wan

2014-01-01

Natural fiber as reinforcement filler in polymer composites is an attractive approach due to being fully biodegradable and cheap. However, incompatibility between hydrophilic natural fiber and hydrophobic polymer matrix restricts the application. The current studies focus on the effects of incorporation of silane treated OPMF into polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/nanoclay/OPMF hybrid composites. The composites were prepared by melt blending technique and characterize the composites with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra indicated that peak shifting occurs when silane treated OPMF was incorporated into hybrid composites. Based on mechanical properties results, incorporation of silane treated OPMF enhances the mechanical properties of unmodified OPMF hybrid composites with the enhancement of flexural and impact strength being 17.60% and 48.43%, respectively, at 10% fiber loading. TGA thermogram shows that incorporation of silane treated OPMF did not show increment in thermal properties of hybrid composites. SEM micrographs revealed that silane treated OPMF hybrid composites show good fiber/matrix adhesion as fiber is still embedded in the matrix and no cavity is present on the surface. Water absorption test shows that addition of less hydrophilic silane treated OPMF successfully reduces the water uptake of hybrid composites.

Preparation and study of (1 - x)CuFe2O4-xBaTiO3 (x = 0, 0.1 and 1) composite multiferroics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murtaza, Tahir; Ali, Javid; Khan, M. S.

2018-07-01

The parent and mixed spinel-perovskite composite of (1 - x)CuFe2O4-xBaTiO3 (x = 0, 0.1 and 1) has been prepared by solid-state reaction method and studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry and P-E lope tracer. The XRD results showed the formation of single phase tetragonal spinel CuFe2O4 and tetragonal perovskite BaTiO3 at room temperature, further XRD of composite 0.1CuFe2O4-0.9BaTiO3 reflects the two crystallographic phases with 1:9 ratio. The SEM micrographs show the homogeneous and uniform formation of the samples. Through EDAX analysis, the chemical composition of the sample is found to be same as the nominal composition. The high field Mossbauer data of CuFe2O4 sample shows the ferrimagnetic ordering in the sample. The observed M-H and P-E loops of the composite 0.1CuFe2O4-0.9BaTiO3 sample show the presence of spontaneous magnetization and spontaneous electric polarization indicating the multiferroic nature of the sample.

Kinetic modeling of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of corn starch for ethanol production.

PubMed

Białas, Wojciech; Czerniak, Adrian; Szymanowska-Powałowska, Daria

2014-01-01

Fuel ethanol production, using a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process (SSF) of native starch from corn flour, has been performed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme. The quantitative effects of mash concentration, enzyme dose and pH were investigated with the use of a Box-Wilson central composite design protocol. Proceeding from results obtained in optimal fermentation conditions, a kinetics model relating the utilization rates of starch and glucose as well as the production rates of ethanol and biomass was tested. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to investigate corn starch granule surface after the SFF process. A maximum ethanol concentration of 110.36 g/l was obtained for native corn starch using a mash concentration of 25%, which resulted in ethanol yield of 85.71%. The optimal conditions for the above yield were found with an enzyme dose of 2.05 ml/kg and pH of 5.0. These results indicate that by using a central composite design, it is possible to determine optimal values of the fermentation parameters for maximum ethanol production. The investigated kinetics model can be used to describe SSF process conducted with granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes. The SEM micrographs reveal randomly distributed holes on the surface of granules.

In Vitro-In Vivo Relationship of Amorphous Insoluble API (Progesterone) in PLGA Microspheres.

PubMed

Pu, Chenguang; Wang, Qiao; Zhang, Hongjuan; Gou, Jingxin; Guo, Yuting; Tan, Xinyi; Xie, Bin; Yin, Na; He, Haibing; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Yanjiao; Yin, Tian; Tang, Xing

2017-12-01

The mechanism of PRG release from PLGA microspheres was studied and the correlation of in vitro and in vivo analyses was assessed. PRG-loaded microspheres were prepared by the emulsion-evaporate method. The physical state of PRG and microstructure changings during the drug release period were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and the in vivo-in vitro correlation (IVIVC) was established by linear fitting of the cumulative release (%) in vitro and fraction of absorption (%) in vivo. PXRD results indicated recrystallization of PRG during release. The changes of microstructure of PRG-loaded microspheres during the release period could be observed in SEM micrographs. Pharmacokinetics results performed low burst-release followed a steady-released manner. The IVIVC assessment exhibited a good correlation between vitro and in vivo. The burst release phase was caused by diffusion of amorphous PRG near the surface, while the second release stage was impacted by PRG-dissolution from crystal depots formed in microspheres. The IVIVC assessment suggests that the in vitro test method used in this study could predict the real situation in vivo and is helpful to study the release mechanism in vivo.

Effect of stacking angles on mechanical properties and damage propagation of plain woven carbon fiber laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Weimin; Ao, Wenhong

2018-03-01

Damage propagation induced failure is a predominant damage mechanism. This study is aimed at assessing the damage state and damage propagation induced failure with different stacking angles, of woven carbon fiber/epoxy laminates subjected to quasi-static tensile and bending load. Different stages of damage processing and damage behavior under the bending load are investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The woven carbon fiber/epoxy laminates which are stacked at six different angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°) with eight plies have been analyzed: [0]8, [15]8, [30]8, [45]8, [60]8, [75]8. Three-point bending test and quasi-static tensile test are used in validating the woven carbon fiber/epoxy laminates’ mechanical properties. Furthermore, the damage propagation and failure modes observed under flexural loading is correlated with flexural force and load-displacement behaviour respectively for the laminates. The experimental results have indicated that [45]8 laminate exhibits the best flexural performance in terms of energy absorption duo to its pseudo-ductile behaviour but the tensile strength and flexural strength drastically decreased compared to [0]8 laminate. Finally, SEM micrographs of specimens and fracture surfaces are used to reveal the different types of damage of the laminates with different stacking angles.

Using SEM-EDX and ICP-OES to Investigate the Elemental Composition of Green Macroalga Vaucheria sessilis

PubMed Central

Michalak, Izabela; Marycz, Krzysztof; Basińska, Katarzyna; Chojnacka, Katarzyna

2014-01-01

The biomass of Vaucheria sessilis forms algal mats in many freshwaters. There is a need to find the method of algal biomass utilization. Vaucheria sessilis is a rich source of micro- and macronutrients and can be used as a soil amendment. In the paper, the elemental composition of enriched, via bioaccumulation process, macroalga was investigated. For this purpose, two independent techniques were used: scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analytical system (SEMEDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The biomass was exposed to two microelemental solutions, with Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. After two weeks of the experiment, macroalga accumulated 98.5 mg of Zn(II) ions in 1 g of dry biomass and 68.9 mg g−1 of Cu(II) ions. Micrographs performed by SEM proved that bioaccumulation occurred. Metal ions were bound on the surface and in the interior of cells. Mappings of all cations showed that in the case of the surface of biomass (biosorption), the elements constituted aggregations and in the case of the cross section (bioaccumulation) they were evenly distributed. The algal biomass with permanently bound microelements can find an application in many branches of the industry (feed, natural fertilizers, etc.). PMID:25180212

Silicone intraocular lens surface calcification in a patient with asteroid hyalosis.

PubMed

Matsumura, Kazuhiro; Takano, Masahiko; Shimizu, Kimiya; Nemoto, Noriko

2012-07-01

To confirm a substance presence on the posterior intraocular lens (IOL) surface in a patient with asteroid hyalosis. An 80-year-old man had IOLs for approximately 12 years. Opacities and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet pits were observed on the posterior surface of the right IOL. Asteroid hyalosis and an epiretinal membrane were observed OD. An IOL exchange was performed on 24 March 2008, and the explanted IOL was analyzed using a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope with a scanning electron micrograph and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer for elemental analysis. To confirm asteroid hyalosis, asteroid bodies were examined with the ionic liquid (EtMeIm+ BF4-) method using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with digital beam control RGB mapping. X-ray spectrometry of the deposits revealed high calcium and phosphorus peaks. Spectrometry revealed that the posterior IOL surface opacity was due to a calcium-phosphorus compound. Examination of the asteroid bodies using FE-SEM with digital beam control RGB mapping confirmed calcium and phosphorus as the main components. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate deposits were probably responsible for the posterior IOL surface opacity. Furthermore, analysis of the asteroid bodies demonstrated that calcium and phosphorus were its main components.

Passive optical limiting studies of nanostructured Cu doped ZnO-PVA composite thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamgadge, Y. S.; Sunatkari, A. L.; Talwatkar, S. S.; Pahurkar, V. G.; Muley, G. G.

2016-01-01

We prepared undoped and Cu doped ZnO semiconducting nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical co-precipitation method and obtained Cu doped ZnO-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite thin films by spin coating to investigate third order nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties under cw laser excitation. Powder samples of NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. XRD pattern and FE-SEM micrograph revealed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite phase ZnO NPs having uniform morphology with average particle size of 20 nm. The presence of excitons and absorption peaks in the range 343-360 nm, revealed by UV-vis study, were attributed to excitons in n = 1 quantum state. Third order NLO properties of all composite thin films were investigated by He-Ne continuous wave (cw) laser of wavelength 632.8 nm using Z-scan technique. Thermally stimulated enhanced values of nonlinear refraction and absorption coefficients were obtained which may be attributed to self-defocusing effect, reverse saturable absorption, weak free carrier absorption and surface states properties originated from thermo optic effect. Optical limiting properties have been studied using cw diode laser of wavelength 808 nm and results are presented.

Crystal structure of hexagonal MnAl4

PubMed Central

Pauling, Linus

1987-01-01

A structure is proposed for the hexagonal form of MnAl4, with aH = 28.4 Å and cH = 12.43 Å, on the basis of a high-resolution electron micrograph and comparison with crystals of known structures. The proposed structure involves seven 104-atom complexes of 20 Friauf polyhedra, sharing some atoms with one another. It is closely related to the 23.36-Å cubic structure of MnAl4 and to the 14.19-Å cubic structure of Mg32(Al,Zn)49. Images PMID:16593837

[A surface reacted layer study of titanium-zirconium alloy after dental casting].

PubMed

Zhang, Y; Guo, T; Li, Z; Li, C

2000-10-01

To investigate the influence of the mold temperature on the surface reacted layer of Ti-Zr alloy castings. Ti-Zr alloy was casted into a mold which was made of a zircon (ZrO2.SiO2) for inner coating and a phosphate-bonded material for outer investing with a casting machine (China) designed as vacuum, pressure and centrifuge. At three mold temperatures (room temperature, 300 degrees C, 600 degrees C) the Ti-Zr alloy was casted separately. The surface roughness of the castings was calculated by instrument of smooth finish (China). From the surface to the inner part the Knoop hardness and thickness in reacted layer of Ti-Zr alloy casting was measured. The structure of the surface reacted layer was analysed by SEM. Elemental analyses of the interfacial zone of the casting was made by element line scanning observation. The surface roughness of the castings was increased significantly with the mold temperature increasing. At a higher mold temperature the Knoop hardness of the reactive layer was increased. At the three mold temperature the outmost surface was very hard, and microhardness data decreased rapidly where they reached constant values. The thickness was about 85 microns for castings at room temperature and 300 degrees C, 105 microns for castings at 600 degrees C. From the SEM micrograph of the Ti-Zr alloy casting, the surface reacted layer could be divided into three different layers. The first layer was called non-structure layer, which thickness was about 10 microns for room temperature group, 20 microns for 300 degrees C and 25 microns for 600 degrees C. The second layer was characterized by coarse-grained acicular crystal, which thickness was about 50 microns for three mold temperatures. The third layer was Ti-Zr alloy. The element line scanning showed non-structure layer with higher level of element of O, Al, Si and Zr, The higher the mold temperature during casting, the deeper the Si permeating and in the second layer the element Si could also be found. The mold temperature is one of the major factors influencing to casting quality. In order to reduce the surface reacted layer of Ti-Zr alloy castings, the lower mold temperature and the investment without Si should be chosen.

Ultrastructural Study of Some Pollen Grains of Prairie Flowers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kozar, Frank

1973-01-01

Discusses the importance of the electron microscope, and in particular the scanning electron microscope, in studying the surface topography, sectional substructures, and patterns of development of pollen grains. The production, dispersal methods, and structure of pollen grains are described and illustrated with numerous electron micrographs. (JR)

Structural, thermal and optical absorption features of heavy metal oxides doped tellurite rich glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaky, Kawa M.; Lakshminarayana, G.; Baki, S. O.; Kityk, I. V.; Taufiq-Yap, Y. H.; Mahdi, M. A.

In order to improve tellurite glass stability to be applicable for optical fiber amplifier applications, glasses with the composition of (70 - x)TeO2. (10)ZnO. (10)WO3. (5)Na2O. (5)TiO2. (x)Bi2O3 (x = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mol%) have been produced and characterized using the related methods. Structural properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) which confirms the non-crystalline structure and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs also confirm the XRD results. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis profiles show that all the mentioned elements are present in the prepared glasses. Following the IR spectra, all the tellurium bonds such as stretching vibrations of TeO4 tbp and TeO3/TeO3+1 unit are revealed. Raman spectra confirm the presence of different functional groups, actually, it shows bands mainly in four spectral regions: R1 (65-150) cm-1, R2 (280-550) cm-1, R3 (880-950) cm-1 and R4 (916-926) cm-1 and the identified bands are assigned to respective molecular groups. The thermal study was carried out using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) which indicates good thermal stability of the synthesized glasses with increasing Bi concentration. From the optical absorption spectra, we evaluated cut-off edge wavelengths and found increasing cutoff wavelength with an increase in Bi2O3 concentration. In the UV-Visible region, optical band gap energy and allowed transitions were investigated using three methods; direct, indirect, and absorption spectrum fitting (ASF), and band gaps from indirect and ASF were matched.

Comparative thoracic anatomy of the wild type and wingless (wg1cn1) mutant of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera).

PubMed

Fabian, Benjamin; Schneeberg, Katharina; Beutel, Rolf Georg

2016-11-01

Genetically modified organisms are crucial for our understanding of gene regulatory networks, physiological processes and ontogeny. With modern molecular genetic techniques allowing the rapid generation of different Drosophila melanogaster mutants, efficient in-depth morphological investigations become an important issue. Anatomical studies can elucidate the role of certain genes in developmental processes and point out which parts of gene regulatory networks are involved in evolutionary changes of morphological structures. The wingless mutation wg 1 of D. melanogaster was discovered more than 40 years ago. While early studies addressed the external phenotype of these mutants, the documentation of the internal organization was largely restricted to the prominent indirect flight muscles. We used SEM micrographs, histological serial sections, μ-computed tomography, CLSM and 3D reconstructions to study and document the thoracic skeletomuscular system of the wild type and mutant. A recently introduced nomenclature for the musculature of neopteran insects was applied to facilitate comparisons with closely or more distantly related taxa. The mutation is phenotypically mainly characterized by the absence of one or both wings and halteres. The wing is partly or entirely replaced by duplications of mesonotal structures, whereas the haltere and its associated muscles are completely absent on body sides showing the reduction. Both the direct and indirect mesothoracic flight muscles are affected by loss and reorientation of bundles or fibers. Our observations lead to the conclusion that the wingless mutation causes a homeotic transformation in the imaginal discs of wings and halteres with a direct effect on the development of skeletal structures and an indirect effect on the associated muscular system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of non-magnetic ions substitution on the structure and magnetic properties of Y3-xSrxFe5-xZrxO12 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoudi, Soulmaz; Gholizadeh, Ahmad

2018-06-01

In this work, Y3-xSrxZrxFe5O12 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) were synthesized by citrate precursor method at 1050 °C. The structural and magnetic properties of Y3-xSrxFe5-xZrxO12 were studied by using the X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. XRD analysis using X'Pert package show a pure garnet phase with cubic structure (space group Ia-3d) and the impurity phase SrZrO3 is observed when the range of x value is exceeded from 0.6. Rietveld refinement using Fullprof program shows the lattice volume expansion with increasing the degree of Sr/Zr substitution. The crystallite sizes remain constant in the range of x = 0.0 - 0.5 and then increase. The different morphology observed in SEM micrographs of the samples can be related to different values of the microstrain in the samples. The hysteresis loops of the samples reveal a superparamagnetic behaviour. Also, the drop in coercivity with increasing of the substitution is mainly originated from a reduction in the magneto-elastic anisotropy energy. The values of the saturation magnetization (MS) indicate a non-monotonically variant with increasing the Sr/Zr substitution and reach a maximum 26.14 emu/g for the sample x = 0.1 and a minimum 17.64 emu/g for x = 0.0 and x = 0.2. The variation of MS, in these samples results from a superposition of three factors; reduction of Fe3+ in a-site, change in angle FeT-O-FeO, and magnetic core size.

Experimental and numerical characterization of scalable cellulose nano-fiber composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barari, Bamdad

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been used in recent years as an alternative to the conventional materials because of their low weight, high mechanical properties and low processing temperatures. Most polymer composites are traditionally made using reinforcing fibers such as carbon or glass fibers. However, there has been recent interest in making these reinforcing fibers from natural resources. The plant-derived cellulose nano-fibers (CNF) are a material with remarkable mechanical properties at the nano-scale that are much superior to the mechanical properties of the traditional natural fibers (such as jute, hemp, kenaf, etc) used in the natural-fiber based polymer composites. Because CNF is bio-based and biodegradable, it is an attractive 'green' alternative for use in automotive, aerospace, and other engineering applications. However, efforts to produce CNF based nano-composites, with successful scaling-up of the remarkable nanoscale properties of CNF, have not met with much success and form an active area of research. The main goals of this research are to characterize the scalable CNF based nano composites using experimental methods and to develop effective models for flow of polymeric resin in the CNF-based porous media used during the proposed manufacture of CNF nano-composites. In the CNF composite characterization section, scalable isotropic and anisotropic CNF composites were made from a porous CNF preforms created using a freeze drying process. Formation of the fibers during freeze-drying process can change the micro skeleton of the final preform structure as non-aligned or isotropic and aligned or anisotropic CNF. Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes form a set of liquid molding technologies that are used quite commonly for making the conventional polymer composites. An improvised vacuum-driven LCM process was used to make the CNF-based nanocomposites from CNF preforms using a 'green' epoxy resin with high bio-content. Under the topic of isotropic CNF, formation of the freeze-dried CNF preforms' porous network strongly affects the mechanical, microstructural and tribological properties of the composite, therefore experimental testing was performed to characterize the effects of pore structure on global properties of isotropic CNF composites. Level of curing was investigated by experimental methods such as DSC in order to analyze its effects on the mechanical properties. The causes of failure in the composites were discussed by analyzing the SEM micrographs of fractured surfaces. The investigations revealed that the silane treated samples show superior mechanical behavior and higher storage modulus compared to the untreated (no silane) samples. The DMA and DSC results indicated a reduction in the glass transition temperature for the CNF composites compared to the pure resin samples. The tensile results showed higher elastic moduli in composites made from silane treated CNF preforms compared to those made from non silane-treated preforms. The tribological behavior of the silylated CNFs composites showed lower coefficient of friction and wear volumes than the neat bio-epoxy due to the formation of a transfer film on the mating surfaces, which led to a decrease in the 'direct contact' of the composite with the asperities of the hard metallic counterface. Under the topic of anisotropic CNF nanocomposites, a recently-discovered new type of CNF preform with more-aligned pore structure was used in our improvised LCM process to make the CNF-based anisotropic nanocomposite. The effect of such aligned pore structure on the mechanical and microstructural properties of CNF-based nanocomposites was investigated. As before, we used the tensile test, DMA and SEM to characterize this new material. Our investigation revealed that anisotropic CNF preform improved the overall mechanical properties of CNF composites due to better interfacing between the CNF and resin inside aligned pore structure of anisotropic CNF. Also, DMA results showed an improvement in the glass transition temperature of the anisotropic samples compared to the isotropic ones. For flow modeling in the CNF-based porous medium, the closure formulation, developed as a part of the derivation of Darcy's law developed by Whitaker [1], was used to develop novel numerical and experimental methods for estimating the permeability and absorption characteristics of a porous medium with a given pore-level microstructure. The permeability of such a porous medium was estimated numerically while the absorption characteristics were analyzed through experiments. In order to use real micrograph in permeability simulations, 2D SEM pictures of the CNF-based porous media were considered. The falling head permeameter was used for measuring the experimental permeability in order to test the accuracy of the permeability tensor obtained by the proposed numerical simulation. The permeability values were also compared with the theoretical models of Kozeny-Carman. A good agreement between the numerical, experimental and analytical methods demonstrated the accuracy of the closure formulation and the resulting simulation. These results also present the closure formulation based method as a viable method to estimate the permeability of porous media using 2D SEM micrographs; such a method harnesses the micro-macro coupling and is marked with absence of any constitutive-relation based assumption for such upscaling. Such a method is also faster, less expensive and less problematic than the corresponding 3D micro-CT scan based method because of much smaller degrees-of-freedom, memory and storage requirements. Under the absorption characteristics study, absorption characteristics of paper-like CNF porous medium was modeled using theoretical derivation of governing equation for single-phase flow and swelling behavior and absorption coefficient were investigated through experiments. In derivation part, unique form of mass conservation was developed using volume averaging theorem in the swelling, liquid-absorbing CNF-based preform. The case of the absorption coefficient, b being unity, which corresponds to the liquid absorption rate into fibers being equal to the fiber expansion rate, results in the classical form of the continuity equation that is originally derived for a rigid, non-deforming porous medium. The value of b was determined using a novel dipping experiment conducted with the help of a microbalance and was found to be unity for flow models in swelling porous media made of the CNF.

Structural Equation Model Trees

PubMed Central

Brandmaier, Andreas M.; von Oertzen, Timo; McArdle, John J.; Lindenberger, Ulman

2015-01-01

In the behavioral and social sciences, structural equation models (SEMs) have become widely accepted as a modeling tool for the relation between latent and observed variables. SEMs can be seen as a unification of several multivariate analysis techniques. SEM Trees combine the strengths of SEMs and the decision tree paradigm by building tree structures that separate a data set recursively into subsets with significantly different parameter estimates in a SEM. SEM Trees provide means for finding covariates and covariate interactions that predict differences in structural parameters in observed as well as in latent space and facilitate theory-guided exploration of empirical data. We describe the methodology, discuss theoretical and practical implications, and demonstrate applications to a factor model and a linear growth curve model. PMID:22984789

Parcperdue Geopressure -- Geothermal Project: Appendix E

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

Sweezy, L.R.

1981-10-05

The mechanical and transport properties and characteristics of rock samples obtained from DOW-DOE L.R. SWEEZY NO. 1 TEST WELL at the Parcperdue Geopressure/Geothermal Site have been investigated in the laboratory. Elastic moduli, compressibility, uniaxial compaction coefficient, strength, creep parameters, permeability, acoustic velocities (all at reservoir conditions) and changes in these quantities induced by simulated reservoir production have been obtained from tests on several sandstone and shale samples from different depths. Most important results are that the compaction coefficients are approximately an order of magnitude lower than those generally accepted for the reservoir sand in the Gulf Coast area and thatmore » the creep behavior is significant. Geologic characterization includes lithological description, SEM micrographs and mercury intrusion tests to obtain pore distributions. Petrographic analysis shows that approximately half of the total sand interval has excellent reservoir potential and that most of the effective porosity in the Cib Jeff Sand is formed by secondary porosity development.« less

Fabrication and characterization of functionalized surfaces with 3-amino propyltrimethoxysilane films for anti-infective therapy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grumezescu, Valentina; Andronescu, Ecaterina; Holban, Alina Maria; Socol, Gabriel; Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai; Ficai, Anton; Lazar, Veronica; Chifiriuc, Mariana Carmen; Trusca, Roxana; Iordache, Florin

2015-05-01

The purpose of this study was the fabrication of functionalized anti-adherent surfaces based on the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated with 3-amino propyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) in order to improve the resistance of PVC based prosthetic devices to microbial colonization. Infrared microscopy (IRM) investigations of APTMS thin films proved the compositional homogeneity of the prepared thin film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed a granular morphology with microspheres harboring a diameter between 15 and 60 nm. The microbiological assays proved that MAPLE deposited APTMS films inhibited the adherence capacity and biofilm development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Furthermore, this material proved to be highly biocompatible, allowing the normal growth and development of human endothelial cells. These traits highlight the fact that the fabricated APTMS thin films may be efficiently used for improving different surfaces of medical use, including prostheses and implantable devices.

The bactericidal effect of shock waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leighs, J. A.; Appleby-Thomas, G. J.; Wood, D. C.; Goff, M. J.; Hameed, A.; Hazell, P. J.

2014-05-01

There are a variety of theories relating to the origins of life on our home planet, some of which discuss the possibility that life may have been spread via inter-planetary bodies. There have been a number of investigations into the ability of life to withstand the likely conditions generated by asteroid impact (both contained in the impactor and buried beneath the planet surface). Previously published data regarding the ability of bacteria to survive such applied shockwaves has produced conflicting conclusions. The work presented here used an established and published technique in combination with a single stage gas gun, to shock and subsequently recover Escherichia coli populations suspended in a phosphate buffered saline solution. Peak pressure across the sample region was calculated via numerical modelling. Survival data against peak sample pressure for recovered samples is presented alongside control tests. SEM micrographs of shocked samples are presented alongside control sets to highlight key differences between cells in each case.

Optimization of high filler loading on tensile properties of recycled HDPE/PET blends filled with rice husk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ruey Shan; Ahmad, Sahrim; Ghani, Mohd Hafizuddin Ab; Salleh, Mohd Nazry

2014-09-01

Biocomposites of recycled high density polyethylene / recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rHDPE/rPET) blend incorporated with rice husk flour (RHF) were prepared using a corotating twin screw extruder. Maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) was added as a coupling agent to improve the fibre-matrix interface adhesion. The effect of high filler loadings (50-90 wt%) on morphology and tensile properties of compatibilized rHDPE/rPET blend was investigated. The results of our study shown that composite with 70 wt% exhibited the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus, which are 22 MPa and 1752 MPa, respectively. The elongation at break decreased with increasing percentage of RHF. SEM micrograph confirmed fillers dispersion, morphological interaction and enhanced interfacial bonding between recycled polymer blends and rice husk. It can be concluded that the optimum RHF content is 70 wt% with maximum tensile strength.

FibrilJ: ImageJ plugin for fibrils' diameter and persistence length determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolov, P. A.; Belousov, M. V.; Bondarev, S. A.; Zhouravleva, G. A.; Kasyanenko, N. A.

2017-05-01

Application of microscopy to evaluate the morphology and size of filamentous proteins and amyloids requires new and creative approaches to simplify and automate the image processing. The estimation of mean values of fibrils diameter, length and bending stiffness on micrographs is a major challenge. For this purpose we developed an open-source FibrilJ plugin for the ImageJ/FiJi program. It automatically recognizes the fibrils on the surface of a mica, silicon, gold or formvar film and further analyzes them to calculate the distribution of fibrils by diameters, lengths and persistence lengths. The plugin has been validated by the processing of TEM images of fibrils formed by Sup35NM yeast protein and artificially created images of rod-shape objects with predefined parameters. Novel data obtained by SEM for Sup35NM protein fibrils immobilized on silicon and gold substrates are also presented and analyzed.

Transglutaminase-induced crosslinking of gelatin-calcium carbonate composite films.

PubMed

Wang, Yuemeng; Liu, Anjun; Ye, Ran; Wang, Wenhang; Li, Xin

2015-01-01

The effects of transglutaminase (TGase) on the rheological profiles and interactions of gelatin-calcium carbonate solutions were studied. In addition, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability and microstructures of gelatin-calcium carbonate films were also investigated and compared. Fluorescence data suggested that the interaction of TGase and gelation-calcium carbonate belonged to a static quenching mechanism, and merely one binding site between TGase and gelatin-calcium carbonate was identified. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the mechanical properties and the water vapour permeability studies revealed that TGase favoured the strong intramolecular polymerisation of the peptides in gelatin. The microstructures of the surfaces and cross sections in gelatin-calcium carbonate films were shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. The results of the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that TGase caused conformational changes in the proteins films. Therefore, TGase successfully facilitated the formation of gelatin-calcium carbonate composite films. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of silane coupling agents on the chemical and physical properties of photocrosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) dimethacrylate/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, K. W.; Hamid, Z. A. A.

2017-07-01

Inorganic-organic hydrogels based on dimethacrylated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMSMA) and diacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGDA) macromers were prepared via photocrosslinking method. Silane coupling agent was incorporated into the hydrogel formulations to overcome the phase incompatibility. Pure PEGDA (0:100) hydrogels showed the highest value of ESR %, while pure PDMSMA (100:0) hydrogels showed no swelling as we expected. Inclusion of more hydrophobic domains resulted in a lower value of ESR %, i.e. in 75:25 hybrid hydrogels. Beside, we had noticed 50:50 and 75:25 hybrid hydrogels disintegrate during swelling period. However, their integrity was improved and sustained after the coupling agent was added. Similarly, the value of E* for the hybrid hydrogels showed an increment after the coupling agent was incorporated, and this is in a good agreement with the SEM micrograph which display an improved interfacial adhesion.

Synthesis of palm-based polyurethane-LiClO{sub 4} via prepolymerization

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

Sien, Jason Wong Chee; School of Biosciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya; Badri, Khairiah Haji

2015-09-25

Palm-based polyurethane (pPU) with varying lithium salt (LiClO{sub 4}) content was synthesized. Higher loading percentage of LiClO{sub 4} in the pPU led to the inhibition of prepolymerization process from taking place. Hydrogen bonded C=O was detected in the FTIR spectrum indicating the hydrogen bonding between the urethane bonds. Ordered complexed C=O was observed in the FTIR spectrum confirming the complex formation between urethane bond and Li{sup +} ion. DSC thermogram showed the increase in the LiClO{sub 4} content could increase the glass transition temperature. SEM micrographs exhibited that more bubbles were formed when the LiClO{sub 4} increased from 10 tomore » 30wt% indicating the reaction between free isocyanate groups with moisture presence in the salt due to the hygroscopic properties of LiClO{sub 4}.« less

Improving lead adsorption through chemical modification of wheat straw by lactic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Ruimin; Wang, Minxiang; Bu, Qingwei; Liu, Dong; Zhao, Yanli

2018-01-01

This work describes the creation of a new cellulosic material derived from wheat straw modified by lactic acid for adsorption of lead in aqueous solution, called 0.3LANS (the concentration of the lactic acid were 0.3mol/L). Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of initial pH value, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial concentration and temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Elemental analysis, BET surface area and Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) analysis were used to investigate the chemical modification. Adsorption isotherm models namely, Langmuir, Freundlich were used to analyse the equilibrium data, and the Langmuir isotherm model provided the best correlation, means that the adsorption was chemical monolayer adsorption and the adsorption capacity qm was increased with increasing temperature, and reached 51.49mg/g for 0.3LANS at 35°C, showing adsorption was exothermic.

Improved mechanical performance of PBO fiber-reinforced bismaleimide composite using mixed O2/Ar plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dong; Chen, Ping; Yu, Qi; Ma, Keming; Ding, Zhenfeng

2014-06-01

The mixed O2/Ar plasma was employed to enhance mechanical properties of the PBO/bismaleimide composite. The interlaminar shear strength was improved to 61.6 MPa or by 38.1%, but the composite brittleness increased. The plasma gas compositions exhibited notable effects on the interfacial adhesion strength. XPS results suggested that the mixed plasma presented higher activation effects on the surface chemical compositions than pure gas plasmas and a larger number of oxygen atoms and hydrophilic groups were introduced on the fiber surface due to the synergy effect, but the synergy effect was considerably performed only within the O2 percentage range of 40-60%. The fibers surface was increasingly etched with growing the O2 contents in the plasma, deteriorating the fibers tensile strength. SEM micrographs demonstrated that the composite shear fracture changed from debonding to cohesive failure in the matrices, and the improving mechanisms were discussed.

Determination of the resistance of fabric printed with triclosan microcapsules to the action of soil micro-flora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golja, B.; Forte Tavčer, P.

2017-10-01

Microcapsules with a pressure-sensitive melamine-formaldehyde wall and triclosan core were printed to 100% cotton fabric with screen printing technique. Previous research showed excellent antibacterial activity (estimated for E. Coli and S. Aureus) of such fabric, so our aim in this research was to determine its resistance to the action of microorganisms present in the soil. The soil burial test was conducted. The breaking strength of the buried samples was measured and also the scanning electron microscope analysis was done. The results showed that none of the samples are resistant to decay. It is evident from SEM micrographs that on all of the buried samples greater morphological changes occur due to the functions of the soil microflora. It can be concluded that the samples printed with triclosan microcapsules are biodegradable which is environmentally preferable.

Exfoliated graphite/titanium dioxide nanocomposites for photodegradation of eosin yellow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndlovu, Thabile; Kuvarega, Alex T.; Arotiba, Omotayo A.; Sampath, Srinivasan; Krause, Rui W.; Mamba, Bhekie B.

2014-05-01

An improved photocatalyst consisting of a nanocomposite of exfoliated graphite and titanium dioxide (EG-TiO2) was prepared. SEM and TEM micrographs showed that the spherical TiO2 nanoparticles were evenly distributed on the surface of the EG sheets. A four times photocatalytic enhancement was observed for this floating nanocomposite compared to TiO2 and EG alone for the degradation of eosin yellow. For all the materials, the reactions followed first order kinetics where for EG-TiO2, the rate constant was much higher than for EG and TiO2 under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of EG-TiO2 was ascribed to the capability of graphitic layers to accept and transport electrons from the excited TiO2, promoting charge separation. This indicates that carbon, a cheap and abundant material, can be a good candidate as an electron attracting reservoir for photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation.

Low Cycle Fatigue Properties of Extruded Mg10GdxNd Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tober, Gerhard; Maier, Petra; Müller, Sören; Hort, Norbert

The Rare Earth (RE) containing magnesium alloys Mg10Gd and Mg10Gd1Nd show after extrusion very good low cycle fatigue (LCF) properties. Considering extruded AZ31 as a possible benchmark alloy, life times as a function of LCF stress values are similar to the alloys investigated in this study. Mechanical properties determined in tension and compression show smaller values for both RE containing alloys. Therefore the LCF behavior is analyzed by the stress-strain hysteresis evaluation resulting in cyclic creep and plastic hardening or softening. LCF tests were strain controlled with amplitude of 0.5 % and 0.8 % at a frequency of 5Hz. The fracture surfaces are examined by SEM, where the area of crack propagation and overload were of main interest. Micrographs of longitudinal cross sections reveal twinning along the region of crack propagation. The correlation between the amount of twins and the number of cycles is discussed.

Growth of L-Valinium Aluminium Chloride single crystal for OLED and super-capacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalaivani, D.; Vijayalakshmi, S.; Theras, J. Elberin Mary; Jayaraman, D.; Joseph, V.

2015-12-01

L-Valinium Aluminium Chloride (LVAC), a novel semi-organic material, was grown using slow evaporation under isothermal condition. The single crystal data reveal that the grown crystal belongs to monoclinic system. The SEM micrographs give clear picture about the surface morphology. Further, they confirm the inclusion of aluminium chloride into atomic sites of L-Valine. The compositional elements present in the crystal were identified through EDAX analysis. The mass spectral analysis was carried out to determine the molecular weight of the grown crystal. The optical transparency of the grown crystal was investigated by UV-vis-NIR spectrum. FTIR spectral study was used to identify the functional groups present in the grown material. The luminescence characteristics of grown material were analysed to confirm the effect of metal ion on the ligand. This property makes the material suitable for OLED application. The supercapacitive performance of the grown crystal was finally studied using cyclic voltammetry.

Vacuum ultraviolet radiation/atomic oxygen synergism in fluorinated ethylene propylene Teflon erosion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiegman, A. E.; Brinza, David E.; Laue, Eric G.; Anderson, Mark S.; Liang, Ranty H.

1992-01-01

A micrographic investigation is reported of samples of the fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) Teflon thermal-blanketing materials recovered from the Long-Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite. The samples are taken from the trailing edge and row 8 which correspond to exposures to vacuum UV (VUV) and VUV + atomic O, respectively. Data are taken from SEM and IR-spectra observations, and the LDEF leading-edge FEP shows a high degree of erosion, roughening, and sharp peaks angled in the direction of the flow of atomic O. The trailing edge sample influenced primarily by VUV shows a hard brittle layer and some cracked mosaic patterns. Comparisons to a reference sample suggest that the brittle layer is related to exposure to VUV and is removed by atomic-O impingement. Polymers that are stable to VUV radiation appear to be more stable in terms of atomic oxygen.

The light transmission and distribution in an optical fiber coated with TiO2 particles.

PubMed

Wang, Wen; Ku, Young

2003-03-01

The light delivery and distribution phenomena along the optical fiber coated with the P-25 TiO(2) particles by dipping was investigated. The surface properties (coverage, roughness and thickness) of the TiO(2) layer coated on the optical fiber were characterized by SEM micrographs. For TiO(2) layer prepared from solutions containing less than 20 wt.% of TiO(2) slurry, the thickness of layer was increased linearly with the TiO(2) slurry content in solutions. The UV light intensity transmitted along a TiO(2)-coated optical fiber decreased more rapidly than that transmitted along a non-coated fiber. Based on the experimental results, the light intensity distribution around a coated optical fiber was modeled to determine the optimum configuration for the design of optical fiber reactors under various operational conditions. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Combined Raman and SEM study on CaF2 formed on/in enamel by APF treatments.

PubMed

Tsuda, H; Jongebloed, W L; Stokroos, I; Arends, J

1993-01-01

Raman spectra containing the distinct band at 322 cm-1 due to CaF2 or CaF2-like material formed in/on fluoridated bovine enamel were recorded using a micro-Raman spectrograph. Due to increasing levels of background fluorescence with increasing thickness of enamel, the Raman measurements were carried out on thin regions of wedged enamel sections. The distribution of the CaF2 or CaF2-like material was estimated using a simple model. The results indicate that 1/3 of the total CaF2 was concentrated within the narrow depth < 2 microns with high CaF2 concentrations (> 10 wt%), and that the majority of the CaF2 was distributed over the depths up to 26 microns (1 wt% CaF2). SEM observations on fractured fluoridated enamel confirmed that morphological changes were present in the depth range comparable to that of the high CaF2 concentration region expected from the Raman analysis. In deeper regions where lower concentration (< 10%) but a large amount of CaF2 was still expected, the SEM images failed to distinguish between the normal and fluoridated enamel. After KOH treatment, the Raman spectra did not show evidence of the CaF2 peak and the SEM micrographs also confirmed the removal of globules. The peak position of the Raman band of the CaF2 formed by the fluoridation was identical to that of pure CaF2. However, the linewidth was 23 cm-1 (FWHM) and a factor of 2 broader than that of pure CaF2 (12 cm-1). This implies that the lattice dynamics of the CaF2 formed by fluoridation is different from of pure CaF2, and that the material formed is 'CaF2-like' or 'disordered CaF2'.

Investigation of hidden periodic structures on SEM images of opal-like materials using FFT and IFFT.

PubMed

Stephant, Nicolas; Rondeau, Benjamin; Gauthier, Jean-Pierre; Cody, Jason A; Fritsch, Emmanuel

2014-01-01

We have developed a method to use fast Fourier transformation (FFT) and inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT) to investigate hidden periodic structures on SEM images. We focused on samples of natural, play-of-color opals that diffract visible light and hence are periodically structured. Conventional sample preparation by hydrofluoric acid etch was not used; untreated, freshly broken surfaces were examined at low magnification relative to the expected period of the structural features, and, the SEM was adjusted to get a very high number of pixels in the images. These SEM images were treated by software to calculate autocorrelation, FFT, and IFFT. We present how we adjusted SEM acquisition parameters for best results. We first applied our procedure on an SEM image on which the structure was obvious. Then, we applied the same procedure on a sample that must contain a periodic structure because it diffracts visible light, but on which no structure was visible on the SEM image. In both cases, we obtained clearly periodic patterns that allowed measurements of structural parameters. We also investigated how the irregularly broken surface interfered with the periodic structure to produce additional periodicity. We tested the limits of our methodology with the help of simulated images. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Polishing and parboiling effect on the nutritional and technological properties of pigmented rice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study aims to evaluate the effects of polishing and parboiling on proximate composition, structure, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, cooking time and hardness of IAC-600 black rice cultivar and MPB-10 red rice lineage. Proximate analysis and light micrographs revealed higher migration ...

Hydroxyapatite hierarchically nanostructured porous hollow microspheres: rapid, sustainable microwave-hydrothermal synthesis by using creatine phosphate as an organic phosphorus source and application in drug delivery and protein adsorption.

PubMed

Qi, Chao; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Lu, Bing-Qiang; Zhao, Xin-Yu; Zhao, Jing; Chen, Feng; Wu, Jin

2013-04-22

Hierarchically nanostructured porous hollow microspheres of hydroxyapatite (HAP) are a promising biomaterial, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and porous hollow structure. Traditionally, synthetic hydroxyapatite is prepared by using an inorganic phosphorus source. Herein, we report a new strategy for the rapid, sustainable synthesis of HAP hierarchically nanostructured porous hollow microspheres by using creatine phosphate disodium salt as an organic phosphorus source in aqueous solution through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The as-obtained products are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) nitrogen sorptometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM and TEM micrographs show that HAP hierarchically nanostructured porous hollow microspheres consist of HAP nanosheets or nanorods as the building blocks and DLS measurements show that the diameters of HAP hollow microspheres are within the range 0.8-1.5 μm. The specific surface area and average pore size of the HAP porous hollow microspheres are 87.3 m(2) g(-1) and 20.6 nm, respectively. The important role of creatine phosphate disodium salt and the influence of the experimental conditions on the products were systematically investigated. This method is facile, rapid, surfactant-free and environmentally friendly. The as-prepared HAP porous hollow microspheres show a relatively high drug-loading capacity and protein-adsorption ability, as well as sustained drug and protein release, by using ibuprofen as a model drug and hemoglobin (Hb) as a model protein, respectively. These experiments indicate that the as-prepared HAP porous hollow microspheres are promising for applications in biomedical fields, such as drug delivery and protein adsorption. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fabrication and characterization of regenerated cellulose films obtained from oil palm empty fruit bunch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nor Amalini, A.; Melina Cheah, M. Y.; Wan Rosli, W. D.; Hayati, S.; Mohamad Haafiz, M. K.

2017-12-01

Development of regenerated cellulose (RC) derived from underutilized cellulosic biomass has recently gained attention as potential petroleum-based polymer replacers. The objective of this current work is to evaluate the properties of RC films obtained from oil palm empty fruit bunch microcrystalline cellulose (OPEFB-MCC) through environmental process. The RC films were fabricated by using different amounts of OPEFB-MCC (4, 6 and 8 %) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) was used as green OPEFB-MCC dissolving medium. The resultant RC films were then characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties by using tensile test, differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Increase in OPEFB-MCC amounts from 4 to 8 % enhanced the tensile strength and elongation at break of RC by 101 and 78 %, respectively, indicating stronger and more flexible films were formed. It is interesting to note that the Tg (101-154 °C) and Tm(130-187 °C) were found shifted to higher temperature with higher proportions of OPEFB-MCC in RC films. Meanwhile, FTIR analysis showed no new peak presented in RC films, suggesting that BMIMCl is a non-derivatizing solvent to OPEFB-MCC. Conspicuous changes in the spectra of RC films compared to OPEFB-MCC at 3200-3600 cm-1, 1430 cm-1, 1162 cm-1, 1111 cm-1, 1020-1040 cm-1 and 896 cm-1 were associated with transformation of cellulose I to cellulose II structure or/and decrease in crystallinity occurred after regeneration process. SEM micrographs of the RC films revealed that higher OPEFB-MCC contents exhibited smoother and more homogeneous surfaces morphology. Overall, OPEFB-MCC exhibited good film forming ability for RC production and may offer potential application in various industries including food packaging, medical goods and electronic devices.

Effect of different nickel precursors on capacitive behavior of electrodeposited NiO thin films

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

Kore, R. M.; Ghadge, T. S.; Ambare, R. C.

2016-04-13

In the present study, the effect of nickel precursors containing different anions like nitrate, chloride and sulphate on the morphology and pseudocapacitance behavior of NiO is investigated. The NiO samples were prepared by using a potentiondynamic electrodeposition technique in the three electrode cell. Cyclic voltammetry technique was exploited for potentiodynamic deposition of the films. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. The XRD reveals the cubic crystal structure for all samples. The SEM micrograph shows nanoflakelike, up grown nanoflakes and honeycomb like nanostructured morphologies for nitrate, chloride and sulphate precursors respectively. The capacitivemore » behavior of these samples was recorded using cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The specific capacitance values of NiO samples obtained using CV for nitrate, chloride and sulphate precursors were 136, 214 and 893 Fg{sup −1} respectively, at the scan rate of 5 mVs{sup −1}. The charge discharge study shows high specific energy for the sample obtained from sulphate (23.98 Whkg{sup −1}) as compared to chloride (9.67 Whkg{sup −1}) and nitrate (4.9 Whkg{sup −1}), whereas samples of cholride (13.9 kWkg{sup −1} and nitrate (10.5 kWkg{sup −1}) shows comparatively more specific power than samples obtained from sulphate (7.6 kWkg{sup −1}). The equivalent series resistance of NiO samples observed from EIS study are 1.34, 1.29 and 1.27 Ω respectively for nitrate, chloride and sulphate precursors. These results emphasizes that the samples obtained from sulphate precursors provides very low impedance through honeycomb like nanostructured morphology which supports good capacitive behavior of NiO.« less

Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Identification and Recognition of Natural Dyes, Uncommon Dyestuff Components, and Mordants: Case Study of a 16th Century Carpet with Chintamani Motifs.

PubMed

Otłowska, Olga; Ślebioda, Marek; Kot-Wasik, Agata; Karczewski, Jakub; Śliwka-Kaszyńska, Magdalena

2018-02-06

A multi-tool analytical practice was used for the characterisation of a 16th century carpet manufactured in Cairo. A mild extraction method with hydrofluoric acid has been evaluated in order to isolate intact flavonoids and their glycosides, anthraquinones, tannins, and indigoids from fibre samples. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to spectroscopic and mass spectrometric detectors was used for the identification of possible marker compounds with special attention paid to natural dyes present in the historical samples. Weld, young fustic, and soluble redwood dye were identified as the dye sources in yellow thread samples. Based on the developed method, it was possible to establish that red fibres were coloured with lac dye, whereas green fibre shades were obtained with indigo and weld. Tannin-containing plant material in combination with indigo and weld were used to obtain the brown hue of the thread. Hyphenation of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF MS) and triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQ MS) enabled us to recognise four uncommon and thus-far unknown dye components that were also found in the historical samples. These compounds probably represent a unique fingerprint of dyed threads manufactured in a Turkish workshop. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used for the identification and characterisation of substrates and mordants present in the historical carpet. Carbon and oxygen were detected in large quantities as a part of the wool protein. The presence of aluminium, iron, and calcium indicated their usage as mordants. Trace amounts of copper, silica, and magnesium might originate from the contaminants. FT-IR analysis showed bands characteristic for woollen fibres and SEM micrographs defined the structure of the wool.

Assessment of physical and structural characteristics of almond gum.

PubMed

Bashir, Mudasir; Haripriya, Sundaramoorthy

2016-12-01

Almond gum was investigated for its physical and structural characteristics in comparison to gum arabic. Among physical properties, bulk density was found to be 0.600±0.12g/mL and 0.502±0.20g/mL for almond and gum arabic respectively. Almond gum (0.820±0.13g/mL) displayed the maximum value for tapped density. Compressibility index of exudate gum powders varied from 26.79±1.47 to 37.46±0.50% and follow the order gum arabic>almond gum. Almond gum demonstrated good flow characteristics when compared to gum arabic. True density showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the exudate samples and it was recorded higher for gum arabic. The maximum value of porosity recorded in case of gum arabic indicates the presence of large number of interstitial spaces among its particles. Almond gum had fair flow character while good for the other exudate gum powder. Almond gum had relatively higher mineral content than gum arabic. The oil holding capacity of exudate gums varied from 0.87±0.05 to 0.92±0.02g/g. Exudate powder samples were found to lie in the first quadrant of the hue angle (0-90°) corresponding to the range of reddish-purple to yellow. The absence of peaks in the X-ray diffractograms of exudate samples reflects their amorphous nature. SEM micrographs revealed a lot of variability in shape and size of the exudate particles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoluminescence from narrow InAs-AlSb quantum wells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brar, Berinder; Kroemer, Herbert; Ibbetson, James; English, John H.

1993-01-01

We report on photoluminescence spectra from narrow InAs-AlSb quantum wells. Strong, clearly resolved peaks for well widths from 2 to 8 monolayers were observed. Transmission electron micrographs show direct evidence for the structural quality of the quantum well structures. The transition energies of the narrowest wells suggest a strong influence of the AlSb X-barrier on the electronic states in the conduction band.

Role of an Oxidant Mixture as Surface Modifier of Porous Silicon Microstructures Evaluated by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

PubMed Central

Montiel-González, Zeuz; Escobar, Salvador; Nava, Rocío; del Río, J. Antonio; Tagüeña-Martínez, Julia

2016-01-01

Current research on porous silicon includes the construction of complex structures with luminescent and/or photonic properties. However, their preparation with both characteristics is still challenging. Recently, our group reported a possible method to achieve that by adding an oxidant mixture to the electrolyte used to produce porous silicon. This mixture can chemically modify their microstructure by changing the thickness and surface passivation of the pore walls. In this work, we prepared a series of samples (with and without oxidant mixture) and we evaluated the structural differences through their scanning electron micrographs and their optical properties determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The results showed that ellipsometry is sensitive to slight variations in the porous silicon structure, caused by changes in their preparation. The fitting process, based on models constructed from the features observed in the micrographs, allowed us to see that the mayor effect of the oxidant mixture is on samples of high porosity, where the surface oxidation strongly contributes to the skeleton thinning during the electrochemical etching. This suggests the existence of a porosity threshold for the action of the oxidant mixture. These results could have a significant impact on the design of complex porous silicon structures for different optoelectronic applications. PMID:27097767

Role of an Oxidant Mixture as Surface Modifier of Porous Silicon Microstructures Evaluated by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry.

PubMed

Montiel-González, Zeuz; Escobar, Salvador; Nava, Rocío; del Río, J Antonio; Tagüeña-Martínez, Julia

2016-04-21

Current research on porous silicon includes the construction of complex structures with luminescent and/or photonic properties. However, their preparation with both characteristics is still challenging. Recently, our group reported a possible method to achieve that by adding an oxidant mixture to the electrolyte used to produce porous silicon. This mixture can chemically modify their microstructure by changing the thickness and surface passivation of the pore walls. In this work, we prepared a series of samples (with and without oxidant mixture) and we evaluated the structural differences through their scanning electron micrographs and their optical properties determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The results showed that ellipsometry is sensitive to slight variations in the porous silicon structure, caused by changes in their preparation. The fitting process, based on models constructed from the features observed in the micrographs, allowed us to see that the mayor effect of the oxidant mixture is on samples of high porosity, where the surface oxidation strongly contributes to the skeleton thinning during the electrochemical etching. This suggests the existence of a porosity threshold for the action of the oxidant mixture. These results could have a significant impact on the design of complex porous silicon structures for different optoelectronic applications.

Structural Equation Model Trees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brandmaier, Andreas M.; von Oertzen, Timo; McArdle, John J.; Lindenberger, Ulman

2013-01-01

In the behavioral and social sciences, structural equation models (SEMs) have become widely accepted as a modeling tool for the relation between latent and observed variables. SEMs can be seen as a unification of several multivariate analysis techniques. SEM Trees combine the strengths of SEMs and the decision tree paradigm by building tree…

Superior selectivity and enhanced response characteristics of palladium sensitized vanadium pentoxide nanorods for detection of nitrogen dioxide gas.

PubMed

Mane, A A; Suryawanshi, M P; Kim, J H; Moholkar, A V

2017-06-01

Vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) nanorods have been deposited onto the glass substrates by spraying 75ml of 30mM vanadium trichloride (VCl 3 ) solution at optimized substrate temperature of 400°C. The XRD study confirms the formation of orthorhombic crystal structure of V 2 O 5 nanorods. The FE-SEM micrograph shows the nanorods-like morphology of V 2 O 5 . The presence of palladium (Pd) in the Pd-sensitized V 2 O 5 nanorods is confirmed using EDAX study. The gas sensing measurements show that the Pd-sensitized V 2 O 5 sensing material is an outstanding candidate for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) gas detection. Obtained results demonstrate that the Pd-sensitized V 2 O 5 nanorods show the superior selectivity for NO 2 gas in comparison with other gases such as NH 3 , H 2 S, CO, CO 2 and SO 2 at an operating temperature of 200°C. It shows the 75% response for 100ppm NO 2 gas concentration with response and recovery times of 22s and 126s, respectively. Finally, the gas sensing mechanism based on chemisorption process is proposed to illustrate how Pd nanoparticles affect the gas sensing characteristics (response and response-recovery times). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rheological and microstructural properties of beef sausage batter formulated with fish fillet mince.

PubMed

Hashemi, Ala; Jafarpour, Ali

2016-01-01

Rheological properties and microstructure of beef meat sausage batter, incorporated with different percentages of fish fillet mince (5 %, 20 %, 35 % and 50 %), were investigated and compared to the control (0 % fish). By increasing the proportion of fish fillet mince to the sausage formula up to 35 % and 50 %, hardness was increased by 40 % and 16 %, respectively, (P < 0.05), whereas, cohesiveness and springiness showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). In terms of temperature sweep test, storage modulus (G') of control sample faced a substantial slop from 10 °C to 58 °C, corresponding to the lowest magnitude of G' at its gelling point (~58°), but completed at around 70 °C, as same as the other treatments. Whereas the gelling point of batter sample with 50 % fish mince remained at nearly 42 °C, which was remarkably lowest among all treatments, indicating the better gel formation process. SEM micrographs revealed a previous orderly set gel before heating in all treatments whereas after heating up to 90 °C gel matrices became denser with more obvious granular pattern and aggregated structure, specifically in sample with 50 % fish mince. In conclusion, addition of fish mince up to 50 % into beef sausage formula, positively interacted in gel formation process, without diminishing its rheological properties.

Biomimetic ELISA detection of malachite green based on magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers.

PubMed

Li, Lu; Lin, Zheng-Zhong; Peng, Ai-Hong; Zhong, Hui-Ping; Chen, Xiao-Mei; Huang, Zhi-Yong

2016-11-01

A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for the detection of malachite green (MG) with a high sensitivity and selectivity using magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) as a bionic antibody. MMIPs were prepared through emulsion polymerization using Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as magnetic nuclei, MG as a template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking agent and span-80/tween-80 as mixed emulsifiers. The MMIPs were characterized by scanning electron micrographs (SEM), thermal-gravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. A high magnetic saturation value of 54.1emug -1 was obtained, resulting in rapid magnetic separation of MMIPs with an external magnet. The IC 50 of the established ELISA method was 20.1μgL -1 and the detection limit (based on IC 85 ) was 0.1μgL -1 . The MMIPs exhibited high selective binding capacity for MG with cross-reactivities less than 3.9% for MG structural analogues. The MG spiking recoveries were 85.0%-106% with the relative standard deviations less than 4.7%. The results showed that the biomimetic ELISA method by using MMIPs as bionic antibody could be used to detect MG rapidly in fish samples with a high sensitivity and accuracy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Mn doped barium zirconium titanate (BZT) ceramics for energy storage applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangwan, Kanta Maan; Ahlawat, Neetu; Kundu, R. S.; Rani, Suman; Rani, Sunita; Ahlawat, Navneet; Murugavel, Sevi

2018-06-01

Lead free Mn doped barium zirconium titanate ceramic of composition BaZr0.045 (MnxTi1-x)0.955O3 (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02) were prepared by solid state reaction method. Tetragonal perovskite structure was confirmed by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern. Analysis of Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs revealed that addition of Mn up to a certain limit accelerates grain growth of BZT ceramic. Static dielectric constant was successfully extended up to high frequencies with an appreciable decrease in dielectric loss about 70% for Mn doped BZT ceramics. The experimental data fitted with Curie Weiss Law and Power Law confirmed first order transition and diffusive behavior of the investigated system. The shifting of Curie temperature (Tc) from 387 K to 402 K indicated tendency for sustained ferroelectricity in doped BZMT ceramics. High value of percentage temperature coefficient of capacitance TCC >10% near Tc was observed for all the compositions and increases with Mn content in pure BZT. At room temperature, BZT modified ceramic corresponding to x = 0.01 composition shows better values of remnant polarization (Pr = 5.718 μC/cm2), saturation polarization (Ps = 14.410 μC/cm2), low coercive field (Ec = 0.612 kV/cm), and highest value of Pr/Ps = 0.396.

Anisotropic and Hierarchical Porosity in Multifunctional Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lichtner, Aaron Zev

The performance of multifunctional porous ceramics is often hindered by the seemingly contradictory effects of porosity on both mechanical and non-structural properties and yet a sufficient body of knowledge linking microstructure to these properties does not exist. Using a combination of tailored anisotropic and hierarchical materials, these disparate effects may be reconciled. In this project, a systematic investigation of the processing, characterization and properties of anisotropic and isotropic hierarchically porous ceramics was conducted. The system chosen was a composite ceramic intended as the cathode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Comprehensive processing investigations led to the development of approaches to make hierarchical, anisotropic porous microstructures using directional freeze-casting of well dispersed slurries. The effect of all the important processing parameters was investigated. This resulted in an ability to tailor and control the important microstructural features including the scale of the microstructure, the macropore size and total porosity. Comparable isotropic porous ceramics were also processed using fugitive pore formers. A suite of characterization techniques including x-ray tomography and 3-D sectional scanning electron micrographs (FIB-SEM) was used to characterize and quantify the green and partially sintered microstructures. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure was quantified and discrete element simulations (DEM) were used to explain the experimental observations. Finally, the comprehensive mechanical properties, at room temperature, were investigated, experimentally and using DEM, for the different microstructures.

Cytotoxic effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Padina tetrastromatica on breast cancer cell line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnana Selvi, B. Clara; Madhavan, J.; Santhanam, Amutha

2016-09-01

In recent years researchers were attracted towards marine sources due to the presence of active components in it. Seaweeds were widely used in pharmaceutical research for their known biological activities. The biological synthesis method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Padina tetrastromatica seaweed extract and their cytotoxicity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells was reported in this study. The synthesized AgNPs using seaweed extract were subjected to x-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray, zeta potential to elucidate the structural, morphology, size as well as surface potential parameters. An absorption peak at 430 nm in UV-visible spectrum reveals the excitation and surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. FE-SEM micrographs exhibits the biosynthesized AgNPs, which are pre-dominantly round shaped and the size ranges between 40-50 nm. The zeta potential value of -27.6 mV confirms the stable nature of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biological synthesized Ag NPs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was found for AgNPs against MCF-7 at 24 h incubation. Biological method of synthesizing silver nanoparticles shows a environmental friendly property which helps in effective electrifying usage in many fields.

The Plant Organelles Database 3 (PODB3) update 2014: integrating electron micrographs and new options for plant organelle research.

PubMed

Mano, Shoji; Nakamura, Takanori; Kondo, Maki; Miwa, Tomoki; Nishikawa, Shuh-ichi; Mimura, Tetsuro; Nagatani, Akira; Nishimura, Mikio

2014-01-01

The Plant Organelles Database 2 (PODB2), which was first launched in 2006 as PODB, provides static image and movie data of plant organelles, protocols for plant organelle research and external links to relevant websites. PODB2 has facilitated plant organellar research and the understanding of plant organelle dynamics. To provide comprehensive information on plant organelles in more detail, PODB2 was updated to PODB3 (http://podb.nibb.ac.jp/Organellome/). PODB3 contains two additional components: the electron micrograph database and the perceptive organelles database. Through the electron micrograph database, users can examine the subcellular and/or suborganellar structures in various organs of wild-type and mutant plants. The perceptive organelles database provides information on organelle dynamics in response to external stimuli. In addition to the extra components, the user interface for access has been enhanced in PODB3. The data in PODB3 are directly submitted by plant researchers and can be freely downloaded for use in further analysis. PODB3 contains all the information included in PODB2, and the volume of data and protocols deposited in PODB3 continue to grow steadily. We welcome contributions of data from all plant researchers to enhance the utility and comprehensiveness of PODB3.

Applications for Micrographics in Large Scale Information Systems of the Future. Volume II: Part III. A Review of Micrographics State-of-the-Art.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Information Dynamics Corp., Reading, MA.

A five-year development program plan was drawn up for the Defense Documentation Center (DDC). This report presents in summary form the results of various surveys and reviews performed in selected areas of micrographics to support the efforts of the program's planners. Exhibits of supporting documentation are presented, together with a discussion…

An overview of structural equation modeling: its beginnings, historical development, usefulness and controversies in the social sciences.

PubMed

Tarka, Piotr

2018-01-01

This paper is a tribute to researchers who have significantly contributed to improving and advancing structural equation modeling (SEM). It is, therefore, a brief overview of SEM and presents its beginnings, historical development, its usefulness in the social sciences and the statistical and philosophical (theoretical) controversies which have often appeared in the literature pertaining to SEM. Having described the essence of SEM in the context of causal analysis, the author discusses the years of the development of structural modeling as the consequence of many researchers' systematically growing needs (in particular in the social sciences) who strove to effectively understand the structure and interactions of latent phenomena. The early beginnings of SEM models were related to the work of Spearman and Wright, and to that of other prominent researchers who contributed to SEM development. The importance and predominance of theoretical assumptions over technical issues for the successful construction of SEM models are also described. Then, controversies regarding the use of SEM in the social sciences are presented. Finally, the opportunities and threats of this type of analytical strategy as well as selected areas of SEM applications in the social sciences are discussed.

Digital image processing of nanometer-size metal particles on amorphous substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soria, F.; Artal, P.; Bescos, J.; Heinemann, K.

1989-01-01

The task of differentiating very small metal aggregates supported on amorphous films from the phase contrast image features inherently stemming from the support is extremely difficult in the nanometer particle size range. Digital image processing was employed to overcome some of the ambiguities in evaluating such micrographs. It was demonstrated that such processing allowed positive particle detection and a limited degree of statistical size analysis even for micrographs where by bare eye examination the distribution between particles and erroneous substrate features would seem highly ambiguous. The smallest size class detected for Pd/C samples peaks at 0.8 nm. This size class was found in various samples prepared under different evaporation conditions and it is concluded that these particles consist of 'a magic number' of 13 atoms and have cubooctahedral or icosahedral crystal structure.

Evaluation of an Approximate Method for Synthesizing Covariance Matrices for Use in Meta-Analytic SEM

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beretvas, S. Natasha; Furlow, Carolyn F.

2006-01-01

Meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MA-SEM) is increasingly being used to assess model-fit for variables' interrelations synthesized across studies. MA-SEM researchers have analyzed synthesized correlation matrices using structural equation modeling (SEM) estimation that is designed for covariance matrices. This can produce incorrect…

Nanorods, nanospheres, nanocubes: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of nanoferrites of Mn, Co, Ni, Part-89

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

Singh, Supriya; Srivastava, Pratibha; Singh, Gurdip, E-mail: gsingh4us@yahoo.com

2013-02-15

Graphical abstract: Prepared nanoferrites were characterized by FE-SEM and bright field TEM micrographs. The catalytic effect of these nanoferrites was evaluated on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate using TG and TG–DSC techniques. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of AP was evaluated using isothermal TG data by model fitting as well as isoconversional method. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Synthesis of ferrite nanostructures (∼20.0 nm) by wet-chemical method under different synthetic conditions. ► Characterization using XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, TEM, HRTEM and SAED pattern. ► Catalytic activity of ferrite nanostructures on AP thermal decomposition by thermal techniques. ► Burning rate measurements ofmore » CSPs with ferrite nanostructures. ► Kinetics of thermal decomposition of AP + nanoferrites. -- Abstract: In this paper, the nanoferrites of Mn, Co and Ni were synthesized by wet chemical method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive, X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). It is catalytic activity were investigated on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and composite solid propellants (CSPs) using thermogravimetry (TG), TG coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) and ignition delay measurements. Kinetics of thermal decomposition of AP + nanoferrites have also been investigated using isoconversional and model fitting approaches which have been applied to data for isothermal TG decomposition. The burning rate of CSPs was considerably enhanced by these nanoferrites. Addition of nanoferrites to AP led to shifting of the high temperature decomposition peak toward lower temperature. All these studies reveal that ferrite nanorods show the best catalytic activity superior to that of nanospheres and nanocubes.« less

Removal of industrial dyes and heavy metals by Beauveria bassiana: FTIR, SEM, TEM and AFM investigations with Pb(II).

PubMed

Gola, Deepak; Malik, Anushree; Namburath, Maneesh; Ahammad, Shaikh Ziauddin

2017-10-01

Presence of industrial dyes and heavy metal as a contaminant in environment poses a great risk to human health. In order to develop a potential technology for remediation of dyes (Reactive remazol red, Yellow 3RS, Indanthrene blue and Vat novatic grey) and heavy metal [Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II)] contamination, present study was performed with entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana (MTCC no. 4580). High dye removal (88-97%) was observed during the growth of B. bassiana while removal percentage for heavy metals ranged from 58 to 75%. Further, detailed investigations were performed with Pb(II) in terms of growth kinetics, effect of process parameters and mechanism of removal. Growth rate decreased from 0.118 h -1 (control) to 0.031 h -1 , showing 28% reduction in biomass at 30 mg L -1 Pb(II) with 58.4% metal removal. Maximum Pb(II) removal was observed at 30 °C, neutral pH and 30 mg L -1 initial metal concentration. FTIR analysis indicated the changes induced by Pb(II) in functional groups on biomass surface. Further, microscopic analysis (SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM)) was performed to understand the changes in cell surface morphology of the fungal cell. SEM micrograph showed a clear deformation of fungal hyphae, whereas AFM studies proved the increase in surface roughness (RSM) in comparison to control cell. Homogenous bioaccumulation of Pb(II) inside the fungal cell was clearly depicted by TEM-high-angle annular dark field coupled with EDX. Present study provides an insight into the mechanism of Pb(II) bioremediation and strengthens the significance of using entomopathogenic fungus such as B. bassiana for metal and dye removal.

A comparative scanning electron microscopy evaluation of smear layer removal with apple vinegar and sodium hypochlorite associated with EDTA

PubMed Central

CANDEIRO, George Táccio de Miranda; de MATOS, Isabela Barbosa; da COSTA, Clarice Fernandes Eloy; FONTELES, Cristiane Sá Roriz; do VALE, Mônica Sampaio

2011-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the removal of smear layer from the middle and apical root thirds after use of different irrigating solutions. Material and Methods Forty roots of permanent human teeth had their canals instrumented and were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10), according to the irrigating solution: apple vinegar (group A), apple vinegar finished with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (group B), 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) finished with 17% EDTA (group C) and saline (group D - control). After chemomechanical preparation, the roots were cleaved longitudinally and their middle and apical thirds were examined by SEM at ×1,000 magnification. Two calibrated examiners (kappa=0.92) analyzed the SEM micrographs qualitatively attributing scores that indicated the efficacy of the solutions in removing the smear layer from the surface of the dentin tubules (1 - poor, 2 - good and 3 - excellent). Data from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test, while the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the middle and apical thirds of the canals within the same group (α=0.05). Results The middle third presented less amount of smear layer than the apical third, regardless of the irrigant. There was statistically significant difference (p=0.0402) among the groups in the middle third. In the apical third, the apple vinegar/EDTA group showed the greatest removal of smear layer (p=0.0373). Conclusion Apple vinegar associated or not with EDTA was effective in removing smear layer when used as an endodontic irrigant. PMID:22231000

A new electron microscope technique for the study of living materials.

PubMed

Kálmán, E

1979-07-01

In order to gain informations on the real structure of biological specimens the "wet technique" for electron microscopy has been developed. The construction and the working principle of a special microchamber are described. Applications of this technique for the investigation of blood cells, gametes and various bacteries are demonstrated by micrographs.

Effective remediation of phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in farm effluent using Guar gum--A plant based biopolymer.

PubMed

Kee, Yang Ling; Mukherjee, Sumona; Pariatamby, Agamuthu

2015-10-01

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of Guar gum in removing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), viz. phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), from farm effluent. The removal efficiency was compared with alum. The results indicated that 4.0 mg L(-1) of Guar gum at pH 7 could remove 99.70% and 99.99% of phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and DEHP, respectively. Box Behnken design was used for optimization of the operating parameters for optimal POPs removal. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies were conducted on the flocs. SEM micrographs showed numerous void spaces in the flocs produced by Guar gum as opposed to those produced by alum. This indicated why Guar gum was more effective in capturing and removal of suspended particles and POPs as compared to alum. FTIR spectra indicated a shift in the bonding of functional groups in the flocs produced by Guar gum as compared to raw Guar gum powder signifying chemical attachment of the organics present in the effluent to the coagulant resulting in their removal. Guar gum is highly recommended as a substitute to chemical coagulant in treating POPs due to its non-toxic and biodegradable characteristics. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Substrate bias induced synthesis of flowered-like bunched carbon nanotube directly on bulk nickel

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

Bisht, Atul; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; Chockalingam, S.

2016-02-15

Highlights: • Flowered-like bunched MWCNTs have been synthesized by MW PECVD technique. • Effect of substrate bias on the properties of MWCNT has been studied. • Minimum E{sub T} = 1.9 V/μm with β = 4770 has been obtained in the film deposited at −350 V. - Abstract: This paper reports the effect of substrate bias on the multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) deposited on nickel foil by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The MWCNTs have been characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, field emission and current–voltage characteristic of themore » heterojunction diode. The SEM images exhibit unique hierarchical flowered-like bunched and conformally coated MWCNTs. Substrate bias induced ion bombardment helps in the enhancement of hydrocarbon dissociation and is responsible for flowered-like MWCNTs growth. The HRTEM micrographs show the base growth mechanism for MWCNTs. The value of turn on field for emission decreases from 5.5 to 1.9 V/μm and field enhancement factor increases from 927 to 4770, respectively, with the increase of substrate bias. The diode ideality factor of CNT/ n-Si heterojunction is evaluated as 2.4 and the on/off current ratio is found to be 7 at ±2 V, respectively.« less

Properties of large area ErBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films deposited by ionized cluster beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levenson, L. L.; Stan, Mark A.; Bhasin, Kul B.

1991-01-01

ErBa2Cu3O(7-x) films have been produced by simultaneous deposition of Er, Ba, and Cu from three ionized cluster beam (ICB) sources at acceleration voltages of 0.3 to 0.5 kV. Combining ozone oxidation with ICB deposition at 650 C eliminated any need of post annealing processing. The substrates were rotated at 10 rotations per minute during the deposition which took place at a rate of about 3 to 4 nm. Films with areas up to 70 mm in diameter have been made by ICB deposition. These films, 100 nm thick, were deposited on SrTiO3 (100) substrates at 650 C in a mixture of six percent O3 in O2 at a total pressure of 4 x 10(exp -4) Torr. They had T(sub c) ranging from 84.3 K to 86.8 K over a 70 mm diameter and J(sub c) above 10(exp 6) A/sq cm at 77 K. X ray diffraction measurements of the three samples showed preferential c-axis orientation normal to the substrate surface. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the three samples also show some texture dependence on sample position. For the three samples, there is a correlation between SEM texture, full width at half-maximum of rocking curves and J(sub c) versus temperature curves.

Oxygen ion irradiation effect on corrosion behavior of titanium in nitric acid medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ningshen, S.; Kamachi Mudali, U.; Mukherjee, P.; Barat, P.; Raj, Baldev

2011-01-01

The corrosion assessment and surface layer properties after O 5+ ion irradiation of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) has been studied in 11.5 N HNO 3. CP-Ti specimen was irradiated at different fluences of 1 × 10 13, 1 × 10 14 and 1 × 10 15 ions/cm 2 below 313 K, using 116 MeV O 5+ ions source. The corrosion resistance and surface layer were evaluated by using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and glancing-angle X-ray diffraction (GXRD) methods. The potentiodynamic anodic polarization results of CP-Ti revealed that increased in ion fluence (1 × 10 13-1 × 10 15 ions/cm 2) resulted in increased passive current density due to higher anodic dissolution. SEM micrographs and GXRD analysis corroborated these results showing irradiation damage after corrosion test and modified oxide layer by O 5+ ion irradiation was observed. The EIS studies revealed that the stability and passive film resistance varied depending on the fluence of ion irradiation. The GXRD patterns of O 5+ ion irradiated CP-Ti revealed the oxides formed are mostly TiO 2, Ti 2O 3 and TiO. In this paper, the effects of O 5+ ion irradiation on material integrity and corrosion behavior of CP-Ti in nitric acid are described.

An investigation on morphology and mechanical properties of HDPE/nanoclay/nanoCaCO{sub 3} ternary nanocomposites

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

Garmabi, Hamid, E-mail: garmabi@aut.ac.ir; Tabari, Seyed Emad Alavi; Javadi, Azizeh

Ternary Nanocomposites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containing two types of nano particles, a layered organoclay (Closite 15A) and a spherical nano Calcium Carbonate (CaCO{sub 3}), with various compositions were prepared using melt mixing. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA-g-PE) was used to enhance the dispersion of nanofillers and better interface adhesion. Three different levels of nanoclay (1, 3, 5 wt. %), CaCO{sub 3} (6, 8, 10 wt. %) and MA-g-PE (3, 6, 9 wt. %) were used. The mixing was done in two steps: First a concentrated masterbatch of nanoparticles in HPDE and MA-g-PE was prepared using an internal mixer andmore » then melt-mixing of nanocomposites was done in a lab scale co-rotating twin screw extruder. The morphology of samples was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile and impact tests. According to the SEM micrographs, nanofillers were well dispersed in the HDPE matrix and XRD patterns showed the intercalation of nanoclay layers too. Generally using the layered nanoclay can enhance the tensile modulus while the use of spherical nano CaCO{sub 3} results into improved toughness. It was found that co-incorporation of these two types of nanofillers, leads to improve the stiffness and minimize the reduction of impact strength, simultaneously.« less

Microstructure and Properties of DCP-Derived W-ZrC Composite Using Nontoxic Sodium Alginate to Fabricate WC Preform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najafzadeh Khoee, Ali Asghar; Habibolahzadeh, Ali; Qods, Fathallah; Baharvandi, Hamidreza

2015-04-01

In the present work, tungsten carbide (WC) preforms were fabricated by gel-casting process, using different nontoxic Na-alginate to tertiary calcium phosphate ratios and different loadings of WC powder in the initial slurries. The gel-cast green bodies were dried and pre-sintered at 1723 K for 4 h and then reactively infiltrated by molten Zr2Cu at 1623 K for 0.5 h, to produce W-ZrC composite via displacive compensation of porosity process. The phases, microstructures, and mechanical properties of the preforms and the W-ZrC composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, x-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), image analyzer, and universal mechanical testing machine. XRD results, SEM micrographs, and elemental maps indicated uniform distribution of phases (W and ZrC) and elements (W, Zr, and C). Flexural strengths and hardness of the fabricated composites were in the ranges of 429-460 MPa and 7.5-9.5 GPa, respectively. Fractography studies revealed two types of dimple rupture and cleavage fracture modes in different composite samples. The W-ZrC composite was ablated by an oxyacetylene flame for 60 s. The mean value of mass and linear ablation rates of the composite were 2.1 ± 0.1 mg/s and 3.6 ± 0.5 µm/s, respectively.

Wear and friction behavior of Al-TiB2-nano-Gr hybrid composites fabricated through ultrasonic cavitation assisted stir casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poria, Suswagata; Sutradhar, Goutam; Sahoo, Prasanta

2018-05-01

The present study reports the role of nano-graphite particles in determining wear and friction behavior of Al-TiB2-nano-Gr hybrid composites. Ultrasonic cavitation assisted stir casting method has been used for fabrication of composites. Al-Si5Cu3 alloy is used as base alloy along with micro sized TiB2 hard ceramic particles (2.5 and 5.5 wt%) as reinforcement and nano-Gr particles (2 and 4 wt%) as solid lubricant additives. SEM micrographs, EDAX spectrum and optical images are considered to observe uniform dispersion of reinforcing phases. Micro-hardness is evaluated using Vicker’s microhardness tester. Hardness is seen to increase with incorporation of TiB2 while the same decreases with incorporation of graphite. Wear and friction of composites are tested for varying load (10 to 40 N) and sliding speed (0.2 to 0.4 m s‑1) using a pin-on-disk tribometer. Worn surfaces are characterized using SEM and EDAX analysis. Wear resistance of composites increases with incorporation of reinforcing phases together. Nano-Gr particles are easily sheared out from the sub-surface and provide a layer over the tribo-surface of composite that enhances friction and wear behavior. Wear mechanism in composites is predominantly adhesion while abrasion and ploughing is prominent in base alloy.

Supercritical fluid crystallization of griseofulvin: crystal habit modification with a selective growth inhibitor.

PubMed

Jarmer, Daniel J; Lengsfeld, Corinne S; Anseth, Kristi S; Randolph, Theodore W

2005-12-01

Poly (sebacic anhydride) (PSA) was used as a growth inhibitor to selectively modify habit of griseofulvin crystals formed via the Precipitation with a compressed-fluid antisolvent (PCA) process. PSA and griseofulvin were coprecipitated within a PCA injector, which provided efficient mixing between the solution and compressed antisolvent process streams. Griseofulvin crystal habit was modified from acicular to bipyramidal when the mass ratio of PSA/griseofulvin in the solution feed stream was

Analysis and comparison of focused ion beam milling and vibratory polishing sample surface preparation methods for porosity study of U-Mo plate fuel for research and test reactors.

PubMed

Westman, Bjorn; Miller, Brandon; Jue, Jan-Fong; Aitkaliyeva, Assel; Keiser, Dennis; Madden, James; Tucker, Julie D

2018-07-01

Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) low enriched uranium (LEU) fuels are a promising candidate for the replacement of high enriched uranium (HEU) fuels currently in use in a high power research and test reactors around the world. Contemporary U-Mo fuel sample preparation uses focused ion beam (FIB) methods for analysis of fission gas porosity. However, FIB possess several drawbacks, including reduced area of analysis, curtaining effects, and increased FIB operation time and cost. Vibratory polishing is a well understood method for preparing large sample surfaces with very high surface quality. In this research, fission gas porosity image analysis results are compared between samples prepared using vibratory polishing and FIB milling to assess the effectiveness of vibratory polishing for irradiated fuel sample preparation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging was performed on sections of irradiated U-Mo fuel plates and the micrographs were analyzed using a fission gas pore identification and measurement script written in MatLab. Results showed that the vibratory polishing method is preferentially removing material around the edges of the pores, causing the pores to become larger and more rounded, leading to overestimation of the fission gas porosity size. Whereas, FIB preparation tends to underestimate due to poor micrograph quality and surface damage leading to inaccurate segmentations. Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, vibratory polishing remains a valid method for porosity analysis sample preparation, however, improvements should be made to reduce the preferential removal of material surrounding pores in order to minimize the error in the porosity measurements. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative evaluation of high-resolution features in images of negatively stained Tobacco Mosaic Virus.

PubMed

Chang, C F; Williams, R C; Grano, D A; Downing, K H; Glaeser, R M

1983-01-01

This study investigates the causes of the apparent differences between the optical diffraction pattern of a micrograph of a Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) particle, the optical diffraction pattern of a ten-fold photographically averaged image, and the computed diffraction pattern of the original micrograph. Peak intensities along the layer lines in the transform of the averaged image appear to be quite unlike those in the diffraction pattern of the original micrograph, and the diffraction intensities for the averaged image extend to unexpectedly high resolution. A carefully controlled, quantitative comparison reveals, however, that the optical diffraction pattern of the original micrograph and that of the ten-fold averaged image are essentially equivalent. Using computer-based image processing, we discovered that the peak intensities on the 6th layer line have values very similar in magnitude to the neighboring noise, in contrast to what was expected from the optical diffraction pattern of the original micrograph. This discrepancy was resolved by recording a series of optical diffraction patterns when the original micrograph was immersed in oil. These patterns revealed the presence of a substantial phase grating effect, which exaggerated the peak intensities on the 6th layer line, causing an erroneous impression that the high resolution features possessed a good signal-to-noise ratio. This study thus reveals some pitfalls and misleading results that can be encountered when using optical diffraction patterns to evaluate image quality.

Structural investigation of a new composite process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Philippe; Becker, Eric; Bigot, Régis; Kaïci, Bruno

2017-10-01

This work presents a study done on a new patented forming process, created to produce massive composite parts used for structural applications in automotive and aeronautics industries. The study presented in this paper deals with an experimental setup, used to characterize thick composite cylinders. The author presents the characterization of these cylinders and a new analysis method, in order to understand the consolidation steps of the composite in this forming process. The structural health of the part is illustrated by the analysis of the intra-bundle and inter-bundle porosities, by micrographs characterizations.

Irradiation of amorphous Ta42Si13N45 film with a femtosecond laser pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romano, V.; Meier, M.; Theodore, N. D.; Marble, D. K.; Nicolet, M.-A.

2011-07-01

Films of 260 nm thickness, with atomic composition Ta42Si13N45, on 4″ silicon wafers, have been irradiated in air with single laser pulses of 200 femtoseconds duration and 800 nm wave length. As sputter-deposited, the films are structurally amorphous. A laterally truncated Gaussian beam with a near-uniform fluence of ˜0.6 J/cm2 incident normally on such a film ablates 23 nm of the film. Cross-sectional transmission electron micrographs show that the surface of the remaining film is smooth and flat on a long-range scale, but contains densely distributed sharp nanoprotrusions that sometimes surpass the height of the original surface. Dark field micrographs of the remaining material show no nanograins. Neither does glancing angle X-ray diffraction with a beam illuminating many diffraction spots. By all evidence, the remaining film remains amorphous after the pulsed femtosecond irradiation. The same single pulse, but with an enhanced and slightly peaked fluence profile, creates a spot with flat peripheral terraces whose lateral extents shrink with depth, as scanning electron and atomic force micrographs revealed. Comparison of the various figures suggests that the sharp nanoprotrusions result from an ejection of material by brittle fraction and spallation, not from ablation by direct beam-solid interaction. Conditions under which spallation should dominate over ablation are discussed.

Study of Mechano-Chemical Machining of Ceramics and the Effect on Thin Film Behavior.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

polished 7 dry on nylon using NaCI 3 Photomicrographs of the etched surfaces of MgO polished 8 .wet on glass using NaCl 4 Surface profile and Nomarski ...micrograph of a Si wafer 10 taken before mechano-chemical polishing 5 Surface profile and Nomarski micrograph of a Si wafer 11 taken after mechano... Nomarski micrographs of mechano-chemically-polished 21 sapphire and tape-cast alumina 14 Surface profiles of mechano-chemically-polished sapphire 22

Soapnut extract mediated synthesis of nanoscale cobalt substituted NdFeB ferromagnetic materials and their characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, G. V. S. Jayapala; Prasad, T. N. V. K. V.; Shameer, Syed; Rao, M. Purnachandra

2018-04-01

Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets have high energy product with suitable magnetic and physical properties for an array of applications including power generation and motors. However, synthetic routes of NdFeB permanent magnets involve critical procedures with high energy and needs scientific skills. Herein, we report on soapnut extract mediated synthesis of nanoscale cobalt substituted NdFeB (Co-NdFeB) permanent magnetic powders (Nd: 15%, Fe: 77.5%, B: 7.5% and Co with molar ratios: 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2). A 10 ml of 10% soapnut extract was added to 90 ml of respective chemical composition and heated to 60 °C for 30 min and aged for 24 h. The dried powder was sintered at 500 °C for 1 h. The characterization of the prepared nanoscale Co-NdFeB magnetic powders was done using the techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS for size and zeta potential measurements), X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural determination, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) for surface morphological and elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for the identification of functional groups associated and hysteresis loop studies to quantify the magnetization. The results revealed that particles were in irregular and tubular shaped and highly stable (Zeta potential: -44.4 mV) with measured size <100 nm. XRD micrographs revealed a tetragonal crystal structure and FTIR showed predominant N-H and O-H stretching indicates the involvement of these functional groups in the reduction and stabilization process of Co-NdFeB magnetic powders. Hysteresis studies signify the effect of an increase in Co concentration.

Evaluation of damage progression and mechanical behavior under compression of bone cements containing core-shell nanoparticles by using acoustic emission technique.

PubMed

Pacheco-Salazar, O F; Wakayama, Shuichi; Sakai, Takenobu; Cauich-Rodríguez, J V; Ríos-Soberanis, C R; Cervantes-Uc, J M

2015-06-01

In this work, the effect of the incorporation of core-shell particles on the fracture mechanisms of the acrylic bone cements by using acoustic emission (AE) technique during the quasi-static compression mechanical test was investigated. Core-shell particles were composed of a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) rubbery core and a methyl methacrylate/styrene copolymer (P(MMA-co-St)) outer glassy shell. Nanoparticles were prepared with different core-shell ratio (20/80, 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50) and were incorporated into the solid phase of bone cement at several percentages (5, 10 and 15 wt%). It was observed that the particles exhibited a spherical morphology averaging ca. 125 nm in diameter, and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) thermograms revealed the desired structuring pattern of phases associated with core-shell structures. A fracture mechanism was proposed taking into account the detected AE signals and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. In this regard, core-shell nanoparticles can act as both additional nucleation sites for microcracks (and crazes) and to hinder the microcrack propagation acting as a barrier to its growth; this behavior was presented by all formulations. Cement samples containing 15 wt% of core-shell nanoparticles, either 40/60 or 50/50, were fractured at 40% deformation. This fact seems related to the coalescence of microcracks after they surround the agglomerates of core-shell nanoparticles to continue growing up. This work also demonstrated the potential of the AE technique to be used as an accurate and reliable detection tool for quasi-static compression test in acrylic bone cements. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrical Properties of Barium and Zirconium Modified NBT Ferroelectric Ceramics

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

Rao, K. Sambasiva; Tilak, B.; Swathi, A.

2011-11-22

Recently a new wave of interest has risen on relaxor ferroelectrics with complex perovskite structure due to their wide use in fabrication of multilayer ceramic capacitors, electrostrictive actuators, and electromechanical transducers. The polycrystalline 0.93(Bi{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5})Ba{sub 0.07}Z{sub 0.04}T{sub 0.96}O{sub 3}(0.07BNBZT) ceramic material, which is in the vicinity of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) has been prepared by using high temperature solid state reaction method. The tolerance factor has been estimated and found to be 0.815. XRD analysis revealed a rhombohedral perovskite type structure. SEM micrographs showed highly dense grains with rectangular shape. The average grain size is found to bemore » 1.51{mu}m. Dielectric studies in the material ha indicated relaxor behaviour with diffuse phase transition. High value of {epsilon}{sub m}>1958 is found at 1kHz, Tm (phase transition temperature) 335 deg. C, The diffuseness parameter was established to be 1.60 revealing the relaxor behaviour. Further, to confirm the relaxor behaviour in the material, Vogel-Fulcher (V-F) relation has been used. Estimated V-F parameters are found to be T{sub f} = 138 deg. C, E{sub a} = 0.080 eV and {nu}{sub o} = 2.32x10{sup 8} Hz. Cole-Cole analysis has shown a non-Debye type relaxation in the system. Conductivity studies in the material obeyed the Jonscher's power law in frequency range of (45Hz-5MHz) and temperature range of (35 deg. C - 600 deg. C). The electric conduction in the system may be due to hopping/mobility/ transportation of charge carriers.« less

Physico-Chemical and Structural Characteristics of Vegetables Cooked Under Sous-Vide, Cook-Vide, and Conventional Boiling.

PubMed

Iborra-Bernad, C; García-Segovia, P; Martínez-Monzó, J

2015-08-01

In this paper, physico-chemical and structural properties of cut and cooked purple-flesh potato, green bean pods, and carrots have been studied. Three different cooking methods have been applied: traditional cooking (boiling water at 100 °C), cook-vide (at 80 and 90 °C) and sous-vide (at 80 °C and 90 °C). Similar firmness was obtained in potato applying the same cooking time using traditional cooking (100 °C), and cook-vide and sous-vide at 90 °C, while in green beans and carrots the application of the sous-vide (90 °C) required longer cooking times than cook-vide (90 °C) and traditional cooking (100 °C). Losses in anthocyanins (for purple-flesh potatoes) and ascorbic acid (for green beans) were higher applying traditional cooking. β-Carotene extraction increased in carrots with traditional cooking and cook-vide (P < 0.05). Cryo-SEM micrographs suggested higher swelling pressure of starch in potatoes cells cooked in contact with water, such as traditional cooking and cook-vide. Traditional cooking was the most aggressive treatment in green beans because the secondary walls were reduced compared with sous-vide and cook-vide. Sous-vide preserved organelles in the carrot cells, which could explain the lower extraction of β-carotene compared with cook-vide and traditional cooking. Sous-vide cooking of purple-flesh potato is recommended to maintain its high anthocyanin content. Traditional boiling could be recommended for carrots because increase β-carotenes availability. For green beans, cook-vide, and sous-vide provided products with higher ascorbic acid content. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Influence of Torrefaction on the Conversion Efficiency of the Gasification Process of Sugarcane Bagasse

PubMed Central

Anukam, Anthony; Mamphweli, Sampson; Okoh, Omobola; Reddy, Prashant

2017-01-01

Sugarcane bagasse was torrefied to improve its quality in terms of properties prior to gasification. Torrefaction was undertaken at 300 °C in an inert atmosphere of N2 at 10 °C·min−1 heating rate. A residence time of 5 min allowed for rapid reaction of the material during torrefaction. Torrefied and untorrefied bagasse were characterized to compare their suitability as feedstocks for gasification. The results showed that torrefied bagasse had lower O–C and H–C atomic ratios of about 0.5 and 0.84 as compared to that of untorrefied bagasse with 0.82 and 1.55, respectively. A calorific value of about 20.29 MJ·kg−1 was also measured for torrefied bagasse, which is around 13% higher than that for untorrefied bagasse with a value of ca. 17.9 MJ·kg−1. This confirms the former as a much more suitable feedstock for gasification than the latter since efficiency of gasification is a function of feedstock calorific value. SEM results also revealed a fibrous structure and pith in the micrographs of both torrefied and untorrefied bagasse, indicating the carbonaceous nature of both materials, with torrefied bagasse exhibiting a more permeable structure with larger surface area, which are among the features that favour gasification. The gasification process of torrefied bagasse relied on computer simulation to establish the impact of torrefaction on gasification efficiency. Optimum efficiency was achieved with torrefied bagasse because of its slightly modified properties. Conversion efficiency of the gasification process of torrefied bagasse increased from 50% to approximately 60% after computer simulation, whereas that of untorrefied bagasse remained constant at 50%, even as the gasification time increased. PMID:28952501

Structural Equations and Causal Explanations: Some Challenges for Causal SEM

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markus, Keith A.

2010-01-01

One common application of structural equation modeling (SEM) involves expressing and empirically investigating causal explanations. Nonetheless, several aspects of causal explanation that have an impact on behavioral science methodology remain poorly understood. It remains unclear whether applications of SEM should attempt to provide complete…

Determination of morphology and properties of carbon nanofibers and carbon nanofiber polymer nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, Joseph G.

Vapor grown carbon nanofibers which resemble carbon nanotubes in structure and properties, have been extensively manufactured and investigated in recent years. Carbon nanofibers have been used for producing multifunctional materials due to their excellent properties and low cost of production. Since, commercially available vapor grown carbon nanofibers are subjected to different processing and post processing conditions, the morphology and properties of these nanofibers are not well-known. In this study, we focus on the characterization of the morphology and properties of these nanofibers and the polymer nanocomposites made using these nanofibers as reinforcements. The morphology of the nanofibers was studied employing high resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images. The analysis showed that the nanofibers consist primarily of conical nanofibers, but can contain a significant amount of bamboo nanofibers. Most of the conical nanofibers were found to consist of an ordered inner layer and a disordered outer layer, with the cone angle distribution of the inner layers indicating that these cannot have a stacked cone structure but are compatible with a cone-helix structure. Nanofibers that were heat treated to temperatures above 1,500°C undergo a structural transformation with the ordered inner layers changing from a cone-helix structure to a highly ordered multiwall stacked cone structure. Due to the complexity in the structure of these nanofibers, a novel method to study the elastic properties and corresponding morphology of individual nanofibers has been developed combining Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), TEM and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology. Employing the developed method, the elastic modulus of individual nanofibers and their corresponding dimensions and morphology were determined. The dependence of elastic properties on the wall thickness and the orientation of graphene sheets in the nanofibers were studied. The elastic modulus of these individual nanofibers was found to depend on the thickness of the nanofiber. In an effort to study the morphology and properties of polymer nanocomposites, the dispersion of the nanofibers in the polymer matrix was studied using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A mixing approach and an in situ polymerization approach, for carbon nanofiber polyimide nanocomposites preparation were investigated using pristine, oxidized and surface functionalized nanofibers. Two different solvents, methylene chloride and dimethylacetimide (DMAc) were compared in the mixing approach. The SEM micrographs indicated that the poor dispersion of nanofibers results in aggregation and settling of nanofibers in the nanocomposite sample. The results suggest that the nanocomposite preparation method had a greater effect on the dispersion of nanofibers compared to the extent of nanofiber functionalization. In addition, a modified nanoindentation approach to measure the interface width and elastic properties at the interface of carbon nanofiber polymer nanocomposites was developed. Using the developed method the elastic property variation at narrow interface regions for two different composites made from three different nanofibers was studied. A gradual change in elastic modulus values was observed at the interface region. Based on the variation in elastic modulus values, the width of the interface region was determined.

Unusual structural transition of antimicrobial VP1 peptide.

PubMed

Shanmugam, Ganesh; Phambu, Nsoki; Polavarapu, Prasad L

2011-05-01

VP1 peptide, an active domain of m-calpain enzyme with antimicrobial activity is found to undergo an unusual conformational transition in trifluoroethanol (TFE) solvent. The nature of, and time dependent variations in, circular dichroism associated with the amide I vibrations, suggest that VP1 undergoes self-aggregation forming anti-parallel β-sheet structure in TFE. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) images revealed that β-sheet aggregates formed by VP1 possess fibril-like assemblies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

LPG ammonia and nitrogen dioxide gas sensing properties of nanostructured polypyrrole thin film

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

Bagul, Sagar B., E-mail: nano.sbbagul@gmail.com; Upadhye, Deepak S.; Sharma, Ramphal, E-mail: rps.phy@gmail.com

Nanostructured Polypyrrole thin film was synthesized by easy and economic chemical oxidative polymerization technique on glass at room temperature. The prepared thin film of Polypyrrole was characterized by optical absorbance study by UV-visible spectroscopy and electrical study by I-V measurement system. The optical absorbance spectrum of Polypyrrole shows two fundamental peaks in region of 420 and 890 nm, which confirms the formation of Polypyrrole on glass substrate. The I-V graph of nanostructured Polypyrrole represents the Ohmic nature. Furthermore, the thin film of Polypyrrole was investigated by Scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology study. The SEM micrograph represents spherical nanostructured morphology ofmore » Polypyrrole on glass substrate. In order to investigate gas sensing properties, 100 ppm of LPG, Ammonia and Nitrogen Dioxide were injected in the gas chamber and magnitude of resistance has been recorded as a function of time in second. It was observed that nanostructured Polypyrrole thin film shows good sensing behavior at room temperature.« less

Effect of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Dip Galvanizing DP600 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hai-yan, Sun; Zhi-li, Liu; Yang, Xu; Jian-qiang, Shi; Lian-xuan, Wang

Hot-dip galvanizing dual phase steel DP600 steel grade with low Si was produced by steel plant and experiments by simulating galvanizing thermal history. The microstructure was observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of different annealing temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dual-phase steel was also discussed. The experimental results show that the dual-phase steel possesses excellent strength and elongation that match EN10346 600MPa standards. The microstructure is ferrite and martensite. TEM micrograph shows that white ferrite with black martensite islands inlay with a diameter of around 1um and the content of 14 18%. The volume will expand and phase changing take the form of shear transformation when ferrite converted to martensite. So there are high density dislocations in ferrite crystalline grain near martensite. The martensite content growing will be obvious along with annealing temperature going up. But the tendency will be weak when temperature high.

Low Energy Sputtering Experiments for Ion Engine Lifetime Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchemin Olivier B.; Polk, James E.

1999-01-01

The sputtering yield of molybdenum under xenon ion bombardment was measured using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance. The measurements were made for ion kinetic energies in the range 100-1keV on molybdenum films deposited by magnetron sputtering in conditions optimized to reproduce or approach bulk-like properties. SEM micrographs for different anode bias voltages during the deposition are compared, and four different methods were implemented to estimate the density of the molybdenum films. A careful discussion of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance is proposed and it is shown that this method can be used to measure mass changes that are distributed unevenly on the crystal electrode surface, if an analytical expression is known for the differential mass-sensitivity of the crystal and the erosion profile. Finally, results are presented that are in good agreement with previously published data, and it is concluded that this method holds the promise of enabling sputtering yield measurements at energies closer to the threshold energy in the very short term.

Laser Cutting of Multilayered Kevlar Plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yilbas, B. S.; Al-Sulaiman, F.; Karakas, C.; Ahsan, M.

2007-12-01

Laser cutting of Kevlar plates, consisting of multilayered laminates, with different thicknesses are carried out. A mathematical model is developed to predict the kerf width, thermal efficiency, and specific energy requirements during cutting. Optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are employed to obtain the micrographs of the cutting sections. The kerf width size is measured and compared with the predictions. A factorial analysis is carried out to assess the affecting parameters on the mean kerf width and dimensionless damage sizes. It is found that the kerf width and damage sizes changes sharply when increasing cutting speed from 0.03 to 0.08 m/s. Thermal efficiency of the cutting process increases with increasing thickness and cutting speed while specific energy reduces with increasing thickness. The main effects of cutting parameters are found to be significant on the mean kerf width and dimensionless damage sizes, which is more pronounced for the workpiece bottom surface, where locally distributed char formation and sideways burning are observed.

Single chamber microbial fuel cell with spiral anode for dairy wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Mardanpour, Mohammad Mahdi; Nasr Esfahany, Mohsen; Behzad, Tayebeh; Sedaqatvand, Ramin

2012-01-01

This study reports on the fabrication of a novel annular single chamber microbial fuel cell (ASCMFC) with spiral anode. The stainless steel mesh anode with graphite coating was used as anode. Dairy wastewater, containing complex organic matter, was used as substrate. ASCMFC had been operated for 450 h and results indicated a high open circuit voltage (about 810 mV) compared with previously published results. The maximum power density of 20.2 W/m(3) obtained in this study is significantly greater than the power densities reported in previous studies. Besides, a maximum coulombic efficiency of 26.87% with 91% COD removal was achieved. Good bacterial adhesion on the spiral anode is clearly shown in SEM micrographs. High power density and a successful performance in wastewater treatment in ASCMFC suggest it as a promising alternative to conventional MFCs for power generation and wastewater treatment. ASCMFC performance as a power generator was characterized based on polarization behavior and cell potentials. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of formulation variables and characterization of guaifenesin wax microspheres for controlled release.

PubMed

Mani, Narasimhan; Park, M O; Jun, H W

2005-01-01

Sustained-release wax microspheres of guaifenesin, a highly water-soluble drug, were prepared by the hydrophobic congealable disperse method using a salting-out procedure. The effects of formulation variables on the loading efficiency, particle properties, and in-vitro drug release from the microspheres were determined. The type of dispersant, the amount of wetting agent, and initial stirring time used affected the loading efficiency, while the volume of external phase and emulsification speed affected the particle size of the microspheres to a greater extent. The crystal properties of the drug in the wax matrix and the morphology of the microspheres were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DSC thermograms of the microspheres showed that the drug lost its crystallinity during the microencapsulation process, which was further confirmed by the XRD data. The electron micrographs of the drug-loaded microspheres showed well-formed spherical particles with a rough exterior.

The use of castor oil and ricinoleic acid in lead chalcogenide nanocrystal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyobe, Joseph W. M.; Mubofu, Egid B.; Makame, Yahya M. M.; Mlowe, Sixberth; Revaprasadu, Neerish

2016-08-01

A green solution-based thermolysis method for the synthesis of lead chalcogenide (PbE, E = S, Se, Te) nanocrystals in castor oil (CSTO) and its isolate ricinoleic acid (RA) is described. The blue shift observed from the optical spectra of CSTO and RA-capped PbE nanocrystals (NCs) confirmed the evidence of quantum confinement. The dimensions of PbE NCs obtained from NIR absorption spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were in good agreement. The particle sizes estimated were in the range of 20, 25, and 130 nm for castor oil-capped PbS, PbSe, and PbTe, respectively. Well-defined close to cubic-shaped particles were observed in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of PbSe and PbTe nanocrystals. The high-resolution TEM and selective area electron diffraction (SAED) micrographs of the as-synthesized crystalline PbE NCs showed distinct lattice fringes with d-spacing distances corroborating with the standard values reported in literature.

Carbon dioxide emission from bamboo culms.

PubMed

Zachariah, E J; Sabulal, B; Nair, D N K; Johnson, A J; Kumar, C S P

2016-05-01

Bamboos are one of the fastest growing plants on Earth, and are widely considered to have high ability to capture and sequester atmospheric carbon, and consequently to mitigate climate change. We tested this hypothesis by measuring carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions from bamboo culms and comparing them with their biomass sequestration potential. We analysed diurnal effluxes from Bambusa vulgaris culm surface and gas mixtures inside hollow sections of various bamboos using gas chromatography. Corresponding variations in gas pressure inside the bamboo section and culm surface temperature were measured. SEM micrographs of rhizome and bud portions of bamboo culms were also recorded. We found very high CO2 effluxes from culm surface, nodes and buds of bamboos. Positive gas pressure and very high concentrations of CO2 were observed inside hollow sections of bamboos. The CO2 effluxes observed from bamboos were very high compared to their carbon sequestration potential. Our measurements suggest that bamboos are net emitters of CO2 during their lifespan. © 2016 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of high purity CaSO4:Dy TL material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamarudin, Nadira; Abdullah, Wan Saffiey Wan; Hamid, Muhammad Azmi Abdul; Dollah, Mohd Taufik

2014-09-01

This paper presents the characterization and TL properties of dysprosium (Dy) doped calcium sulfate (CaSO4) TL material produced by co-precipitation technique with 0.5mol% concentration of dopant. The morphology of the produced TL material was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the micrograph shows that rectangular parallelepiped shaped crystal with the average of 150 μm in length were produced. The crystallinity of the produced powder was studied using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The XRD spectra show that the TL material produced is high purity anhydrite CaSO4 with average crystallite size of 74 nm with orthorhombic crystal system. The TL behavior of produced CaSO4:Dy was studied using a TLD reader after exposure to gamma ray by Co60 source with the doses of 1,5 and 10 Gy. The glow curve shows linear response with glow peak around 230°C which is desired development in the field of radiation dosimetry.

Interfacial Phenomena in Al/Al, Al/Cu, and Cu/Cu Joints Soldered Using an Al-Zn Alloy with Ag or Cu Additions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pstruś, Janusz; Gancarz, Tomasz

2014-05-01

The studies of soldered joints were carried out in systems: Al/solder/Al, Al/solder/Cu, Cu/solder/Cu, where the solder was (Al-Zn)EUT, (Al-Zn)EUT with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 at.% of Ag and (Al-Zn)EUT with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 at.% of Cu addition. Brazing was performed at 500 °C for 3 min. The EDS analysis indicated that the composition of the layers starting from the Cu pad was CuZn, Cu5Zn8, and CuZn4, respectively. Wetting tests were performed at 500 °C for 3, 8, 15, and 30 min, respectively. Thickness of the layers and their kinetics of growth were measured based on the SEM micrographs. The formation of interlayers was not observed from the side of Al pads. On the contrary, dissolution of the Al substrate and migration of Al-rich particles into the bulk of the solder were observed.

Investigation the electroplating behavior of self formed CuMn barrier.

PubMed

Wu, Chia-Yang; Lee, Wen-Hsi; Chang, Shih-Chieh; Wang, Ying-Lang

2013-08-01

The electrical and material properties of Copper (Cu) mixed with [0-10 atomic% manganese (Mn)] and pure Cu films deposited on silicon oxide (SiO2)/silicon (Si) are explored. Cu electroplating on self formed CuMn barrier was investigated with different Mn content. The electrochemical deposition of the Cu thin film onto the electrode using CuMn barrier was investigated. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) micrographs of copper electroplating on CuMn films were examined, and the copper nucleation behaviors changed with the Mn content. Since the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is widely recognized as a powerful tool for the investigation of electrochemical behaviors, the tool was also used to verify the phenomena during plating. It was found that the charge-trasfer impedance decrease with the rise in the Mn content below 5%, but increase with the rise in the Mn content higher than 5%. The result was corresponded to the surface energy, the surface morphology, the corrosion and the oxidation of the substrate.

Antimicrobial and Physicochemical Characterization of Biodegradable, Nitric Oxide-Releasing Nanocellulose-Chitosan Packaging Membranes.

PubMed

Sundaram, Jaya; Pant, Jitendra; Goudie, Marcus J; Mani, Sudhagar; Handa, Hitesh

2016-06-29

Biodegradable composite membranes with antimicrobial properties consisting of nanocellulose fibrils (CNFs), chitosan, and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP) were developed and tested for food packaging applications. As a nitric oxide donor, SNAP was encapsulated into completely dispersed chitosan in 100 mL of 0.1 N acetic acid and was thoroughly mixed with CNFs to produce a composite membrane. The fabricated membranes had a uniform dispersion of chitosan and SNAP within the CNFs, which was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs and a chemiluminescence nitric oxide analyzer. The membranes prepared without SNAP showed lower water vapor permeability than that of the membranes with SNAP. The addition of SNAP resulted in a decrease in Young's modulus for both two- and three-layer membrane configurations. Antimicrobial property evaluation of SNAP-incorporated membranes showed an effective zone of inhibition against bacterial strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes and demonstrated its potential applications for food packaging.

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of olivine LiFePO 4 prepared by a carbothermal reduction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui-ping; Wang, Zhi-xing; Li, Xin-hai; Guo, Hua-jun; Peng, Wen-jie; Zhang, Yun-he; Hu, Qi-yang

LiFePO 4/C composite cathode material was prepared by carbothermal reduction method, which uses NH 4H 2PO 4, Li 2CO 3 and cheap Fe 2O 3 as starting materials, acetylene black and glucose as carbon sources. The precursor of LiFePO 4/C was characterized by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the LiFePO 4/C is olivine-type phase, and the addition of the carbon reduced the LiFePO 4 grain size. The carbon is dispersed between the grains, ensuring a good electronic contact. The products sintered at 700 °C for 8 h with glucose as carbon source possessed excellent electrochemical performance. The synthesized LiFePO 4 composites showed a high electrochemical capacity of 159.3 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C rate, and the capacity fading is only 2.2% after 30 cycles.

A new species of Perichaena (Myxomycetes) with reticulate spores from southern Vietnam.

PubMed

Novozhilov, Yuri K; Stephenson, Steven L

2015-01-01

A new species of Perichaena, described herein as P. echinolophospora, was isolated in moist chamber cultures from substrate samples collected in the monsoon deciduous lowland tropical forests (Cat Tien National Park, Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve) and mixed montane tropical forests (Bi Dup-Nui Ba Nature Reserve) of southern Vietnam. Perichaena echinolophospora was recovered from ground litter, aerial litter and the bark of living trees. The morphology of representative specimens was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy, and micrographs of relevant details are provided. Spore ornamentation consists of a regular reticulum with large meshes, 3-4 μm in wide and limited by denticulate ridges, 1.7-2.2 μm tall, and clusters of small warts and rods densely distributed over the spore surface within the meshes of the reticulum and visible only by SEM. The stability of the taxonomic characters of the species was confirmed by several collections obtained during three field seasons. © 2015 by The Mycological Society of America.

Laser Surface Treatment and Modification of Aluminum Alloy Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbass, Muna Khethier

2018-02-01

The present work aimed to study the laser surface treatment and modification of Al-4.0%Cu-1.0%Mg alloy matrix composite reinforced with 10%SiC particles produced by stir casting. The specimens of the base alloy and composite were irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser of 1000 mJ, 1064 nm and 3 Hz . Dry wear test using the pin-on -disc technique at different sliding times (5-30 min) at a constant applied load and sliding speed were performed before and after laser treatment. Micro hardness and wear resistance were increased for all samples after laser hardening treatment. The improvement of these properties is explained by microstructural homogenization and grain refinement of the laser treated surface. Modification and refinement of SiC particles and grain refinement in the microstructure of the aluminum alloy matrix (α-Al) were observed by optical and SEM micrographs. The highest increase in hardness was 21.4% and 26.2% for the base alloy and composite sample respectively.

Experimental investigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion of selected steels in sugarcane juice environment.

PubMed

Wesley, Sunil Bala; Maurya, Devendra Prasad; Goyal, Hari Sharan; Negi, Sangeeta

2013-12-01

In the current study, ferritic stainless grades AISI 439 and AISI 444 were investigated as possible construction materials for machinery and equipment in the cane-sugar industry. Their performance in corrosive cane-sugar juice environment was compared with the presently used low carbon steel AISI 1010 and austenitic stainless steel AISI 304. The Tafel plot electrochemical technique was used to evaluate general corrosion performance. Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) behaviour in sugarcane juice environment was studied. Four microbial colonies were isolated from the biofilms on the metal coupon surfaces on the basis of their different morphology. These were characterized as Brevibacillus parabrevis, Bacillus azotoformans, Paenibacillus lautus and Micrococcus sp. The results of SEM micrographs showed that AISI 439 and AISI 304 grades had suffered maximum localized corrosion. MIC investigations revealed that AISI 444 steel had the best corrosion resistance among the tested materials. However from the Tafel plots it was evident that AISI 1010 had the least corrosion resistance and AISI 439 the best corrosion resistance.

Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from Lygeum spartum L.

PubMed

Belouadah, Z; Ati, A; Rokbi, M

2015-12-10

Integration of new natural fibers in polymer composites field can contribute to increase the production of natural reinforcements and expand their use into new applications. In the present work, new cellulosic fibers were extracted from Lygeum spartum L. plant using an eco-friendly method. The morphological, physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of L. spartum L. fibers were reported for the first time in this paper. The stem anatomy and fiber SEM micrographs showed a strong presence of fiber cells. ATR-FTIR and X-ray analysis proved that these fibers are rich in cellulose content with crystallinity index of 46.19%. The thermogravimetric analysis indicates that the L. spartum fibers are thermally stable until 220 °C with apparent activation energy of 68.77 kJ/mol. Young's modulus, tensile strength and strain at failure were determined from the single fiber tensile test as 13.2 GPa, 280 MPa, and 3.7% respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

LPG ammonia and nitrogen dioxide gas sensing properties of nanostructured polypyrrole thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagul, Sagar B.; Upadhye, Deepak S.; Sharma, Ramphal

2016-05-01

Nanostructured Polypyrrole thin film was synthesized by easy and economic chemical oxidative polymerization technique on glass at room temperature. The prepared thin film of Polypyrrole was characterized by optical absorbance study by UV-visible spectroscopy and electrical study by I-V measurement system. The optical absorbance spectrum of Polypyrrole shows two fundamental peaks in region of 420 and 890 nm, which confirms the formation of Polypyrrole on glass substrate. The I-V graph of nanostructured Polypyrrole represents the Ohmic nature. Furthermore, the thin film of Polypyrrole was investigated by Scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology study. The SEM micrograph represents spherical nanostructured morphology of Polypyrrole on glass substrate. In order to investigate gas sensing properties, 100 ppm of LPG, Ammonia and Nitrogen Dioxide were injected in the gas chamber and magnitude of resistance has been recorded as a function of time in second. It was observed that nanostructured Polypyrrole thin film shows good sensing behavior at room temperature.

Formation of Cadmium-Sulfide Nanowhiskers via Vacuum Evaporation and Condensation in a Quasi-Closed Volume

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

Belyaev, A. P., E-mail: Alexei.Belyaev@pharminnotech.com; Antipov, V. V.; Rubets, V. P.

Structural and technological studies of processes in which cadmium-sulfide nanowhiskers are synthesized in a quasi-closed volume by the method of vacuum evaporation and condensation are reported. It is demonstrated that the processes are in agreement with the classical vapor–liquid–crystal model. Micrographs of the objects in different formation stages are presented.

Novel Magnetic Zinc Oxide Nanotubes for Phenol Adsorption: Mechanism Modeling

PubMed Central

Elkady, Marwa F.; Hassan, Hassan Shokry; Amer, Wael A.; Salama, Eslam; Algarni, Hamed; Shaaban, Essam Ramadan

2017-01-01

Considering the great impact of a material’s surface area on adsorption processes, hollow nanotube magnetic zinc oxide with a favorable surface area of 78.39 m2/g was fabricated with the assistance of microwave technology in the presence of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizing agent followed by sonic precipitation of magnetite nano-particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs identified the nanotubes’ morphology in the synthesized material with an average aspect ratio of 3. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the combination of magnetite material with the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO in the prepared material. The immobilization of magnetite nanoparticles on to ZnO was confirmed using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The sorption affinity of the synthesized magnetic ZnO nanotube for phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions was examined as a function of various processing factors. The degree of acidity of the phenolic solution has great influence on the phenol sorption process on to magnetic ZnO. The calculated value of ΔH0 designated the endothermic nature of the phenol uptake process on to the magnetic ZnO nanotubes. Mathematical modeling indicated a combination of physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms of phenolic compounds on to the fabricated magnetic ZnO nanotubes. The kinetic process correlated better with the second-order rate model compared to the first-order rate model. This result indicates the predominance of the chemical adsorption process of phenol on to magnetic ZnO nanotubes. PMID:29186853

The effect of hydrochloric acid addition to increase carbon nanotubes dispersibility as drug delivery system by covalent functionalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wulan, P. P. D. K.; Ulwani, S. H.; Wulandari, H.; Purwanto, W. W.; Mulia, K.

2018-03-01

This study is to obtain the effect of adding hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the mixture of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and HNO3 in CNT covalent functionalization. HCl expected to increase the dispersibility of functionalized CNT by improving the dispersion time period done with H2SO4 or HNO3. Functionalization used mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3 with volume ratio of 3:1. Covalent functionalization used 0.5 grams of MWCNT ultra sonicated in 50mL HNO3 with and mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3. Additions of 200 mL HCl used variation of molarity from 1M, 2M, 3M, 4M, 5M to 6M. CNT were oxidized to form carboxylic and hydroxyl bonds on the surface that increase dispersibility of CNT. FTIR spectrums showed the existences of carboxyl and hydroxyl group on spectra of 2600-3700 cm-1 and 900-1400 cm-1. Dispersion tests, which showed functionalized CNT (f-CNT) dispersion capabilities, were done by dissolving f-CNT in water. The study resulted that 6M f-CNT (NSC6) gave the best dispersion with zeta potential value of -37.1mV. NSC6 gave the longest dispersion time which was 20 days until f-CNT settle again. SEM-EDS micrographs showed the surface structure of 6M f-CNT without significant damage and no longer contain impurities of Fe, Ni, and Cl.

Structural equation modeling in pediatric psychology: overview and review of applications.

PubMed

Nelson, Timothy D; Aylward, Brandon S; Steele, Ric G

2008-08-01

To describe the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (JPP) and to discuss the usefulness of SEM applications in pediatric psychology research. The use of SEM in JPP between 1997 and 2006 was examined and compared to leading journals in clinical psychology, clinical child psychology, and child development. SEM techniques were used in <4% of the empirical articles appearing in JPP between 1997 and 2006. SEM was used less frequently in JPP than in other clinically relevant journals over the past 10 years. However, results indicated a recent increase in JPP studies employing SEM techniques. SEM is an under-utilized class of techniques within pediatric psychology research, although investigations employing these methods are becoming more prevalent. Despite its infrequent use to date, SEM is a potentially useful tool for advancing pediatric psychology research with a number of advantages over traditional statistical methods.

Structural equation modeling for observational studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grace, J.B.

2008-01-01

Structural equation modeling (SEM) represents a framework for developing and evaluating complex hypotheses about systems. This method of data analysis differs from conventional univariate and multivariate approaches familiar to most biologists in several ways. First, SEMs are multiequational and capable of representing a wide array of complex hypotheses about how system components interrelate. Second, models are typically developed based on theoretical knowledge and designed to represent competing hypotheses about the processes responsible for data structure. Third, SEM is conceptually based on the analysis of covariance relations. Most commonly, solutions are obtained using maximum-likelihood solution procedures, although a variety of solution procedures are used, including Bayesian estimation. Numerous extensions give SEM a very high degree of flexibility in dealing with nonnormal data, categorical responses, latent variables, hierarchical structure, multigroup comparisons, nonlinearities, and other complicating factors. Structural equation modeling allows researchers to address a variety of questions about systems, such as how different processes work in concert, how the influences of perturbations cascade through systems, and about the relative importance of different influences. I present 2 example applications of SEM, one involving interactions among lynx (Lynx pardinus), mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and the second involving anuran species richness. Many wildlife ecologists may find SEM useful for understanding how populations function within their environments. Along with the capability of the methodology comes a need for care in the proper application of SEM.

Bootstrap Estimation of Sample Statistic Bias in Structural Equation Modeling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Bruce; Fan, Xitao

This study empirically investigated bootstrap bias estimation in the area of structural equation modeling (SEM). Three correctly specified SEM models were used under four different sample size conditions. Monte Carlo experiments were carried out to generate the criteria against which bootstrap bias estimation should be judged. For SEM fit indices,…

Some Esoteric Aspects of SEM that Its Practitioners Should Want to Know

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rozeboom, William W.

2009-01-01

The topic of this article is the interpretation of structural equation modeling (SEM) solutions. Its purpose is to augment structural modeling's metatheoretic resources while enhancing awareness of how problematic is the causal significance of SEM-parameter solutions. Part I focuses on the nonuniqueness and consequent dubious interpretability of…

Computer image analysis of etched tracks from ionizing radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanford, George E.

1994-01-01

I proposed to continue a cooperative research project with Dr. David S. McKay concerning image analysis of tracks. Last summer we showed that we could measure track densities using the Oxford Instruments eXL computer and software that is attached to an ISI scanning electron microscope (SEM) located in building 31 at JSC. To reduce the dependence on JSC equipment, we proposed to transfer the SEM images to UHCL for analysis. Last summer we developed techniques to use digitized scanning electron micrographs and computer image analysis programs to measure track densities in lunar soil grains. Tracks were formed by highly ionizing solar energetic particles and cosmic rays during near surface exposure on the Moon. The track densities are related to the exposure conditions (depth and time). Distributions of the number of grains as a function of their track densities can reveal the modality of soil maturation. As part of a consortium effort to better understand the maturation of lunar soil and its relation to its infrared reflectance properties, we worked on lunar samples 67701,205 and 61221,134. These samples were etched for a shorter time (6 hours) than last summer's sample and this difference has presented problems for establishing the correct analysis conditions. We used computer counting and measurement of area to obtain preliminary track densities and a track density distribution that we could interpret for sample 67701,205. This sample is a submature soil consisting of approximately 85 percent mature soil mixed with approximately 15 percent immature, but not pristine, soil.

Preparation of a new composite combining strengthened β-tricalcium phosphate with platelet-rich plasma as a potential scaffold for the repair of bone defects

PubMed Central

WANG, CHENGGONG; ZHONG, DA; ZHOU, XING; YIN, KE; LIAO, QIANDE; KONG, LINGYU; LIU, ANSONG

2014-01-01

β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are commonly used in bone tissue engineering. In the present study, a new composite combining strengthened β-TCP and PRP was prepared and its morphological and mechanical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and material testing. The biocompatibility was evaluated by measuring the adhesion rate and cytotoxicity of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The strengthened β-TCP/PRP composite had an appearance like the fungus Boletus kermesinus with the PRP gel distributed on the surface of the micropores. The maximum load and load intensity were 945.6±86.4 N and 13.1±0.5 MPa, which were significantly higher than those of β-TCP (110.1±14.3 N and 1.6±0.2 MPa; P<0.05). The BMSC adhesion rate on the strengthened β-TCP/PRP composite was >96% after 24 h, with a cell cytotoxicity value of zero. SEM micrographs revealed that following seeding of BMSCs onto the composite in high-glucose Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium culture for two weeks, the cells grew well and exhibited fusiform, spherical and polygonal morphologies, as well as pseudopodial connections. The strengthened β-TCP/PRP composite has the potential to be used as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering due to its effective biocompatibility and mechanical properties. PMID:25187800

Influence of Ultrafine 2CaO·SiO₂ Powder on Hydration Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete.

PubMed

Sun, Hongfang; Li, Zishanshan; Memon, Shazim Ali; Zhang, Qiwu; Wang, Yaocheng; Liu, Bing; Xu, Weiting; Xing, Feng

2015-09-17

In this research, we assessed the influence of an ultrafine 2CaO·SiO₂ powder on the hydration properties of a reactive powder concrete system. The ultrafine powder was manufactured through chemical combustion method. The morphology of ultrafine powder and the development of hydration products in the cement paste prepared with ultrafine powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mineralogical composition were determined by X-ray diffraction, while the heat release characteristics up to the age of 3 days were investigated by calorimetry. Moreover, the properties of cementitious system in fresh and hardened state (setting time, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength) with 5% ordinary Portland cement replaced by ultrafine powder were evaluated. From SEM micrographs, the particle size of ultrafine powder was found to be up to several hundred nanometers. The hydration product started formulating at the age of 3 days due to slow reacting nature of belitic 2CaO·SiO₂. The initial and final setting times were prolonged and no significant difference in drying shrinkage was observed when 5% ordinary Portland cement was replaced by ultrafine powder. Moreover, in comparison to control reactive powder concrete, the reactive powder concrete containing ultrafine powder showed improvement in compressive strength at and above 7 days of testing. Based on above, it can be concluded that the manufactured ultrafine 2CaO·SiO₂ powder has the potential to improve the performance of a reactive powder cementitious system.

Influence of Ultrafine 2CaO·SiO2 Powder on Hydration Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete

PubMed Central

Sun, Hongfang; Li, Zishanshan; Memon, Shazim Ali; Zhang, Qiwu; Wang, Yaocheng; Liu, Bing; Xu, Weiting; Xing, Feng

2015-01-01

In this research, we assessed the influence of an ultrafine 2CaO·SiO2 powder on the hydration properties of a reactive powder concrete system. The ultrafine powder was manufactured through chemical combustion method. The morphology of ultrafine powder and the development of hydration products in the cement paste prepared with ultrafine powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mineralogical composition were determined by X-ray diffraction, while the heat release characteristics up to the age of 3 days were investigated by calorimetry. Moreover, the properties of cementitious system in fresh and hardened state (setting time, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength) with 5% ordinary Portland cement replaced by ultrafine powder were evaluated. From SEM micrographs, the particle size of ultrafine powder was found to be up to several hundred nanometers. The hydration product started formulating at the age of 3 days due to slow reacting nature of belitic 2CaO·SiO2. The initial and final setting times were prolonged and no significant difference in drying shrinkage was observed when 5% ordinary Portland cement was replaced by ultrafine powder. Moreover, in comparison to control reactive powder concrete, the reactive powder concrete containing ultrafine powder showed improvement in compressive strength at and above 7 days of testing. Based on above, it can be concluded that the manufactured ultrafine 2CaO·SiO2 powder has the potential to improve the performance of a reactive powder cementitious system. PMID:28793560

A Two-Stage Approach to Synthesizing Covariance Matrices in Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheung, Mike W. L.; Chan, Wai

2009-01-01

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is widely used as a statistical framework to test complex models in behavioral and social sciences. When the number of publications increases, there is a need to systematically synthesize them. Methodology of synthesizing findings in the context of SEM is known as meta-analytic SEM (MASEM). Although correlation…

Implementing Restricted Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Structural Equation Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheung, Mike W.-L.

2013-01-01

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is now a generic modeling framework for many multivariate techniques applied in the social and behavioral sciences. Many statistical models can be considered either as special cases of SEM or as part of the latent variable modeling framework. One popular extension is the use of SEM to conduct linear mixed-effects…

Sample Size Requirements for Structural Equation Models: An Evaluation of Power, Bias, and Solution Propriety

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolf, Erika J.; Harrington, Kelly M.; Clark, Shaunna L.; Miller, Mark W.

2013-01-01

Determining sample size requirements for structural equation modeling (SEM) is a challenge often faced by investigators, peer reviewers, and grant writers. Recent years have seen a large increase in SEMs in the behavioral science literature, but consideration of sample size requirements for applied SEMs often relies on outdated rules-of-thumb.…

Bordered pit structure and function determine spatial patterns of air-seeding thresholds in xylem of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii; Pinaceae) trees.

Treesearch

J.C. Domec; B. Lachenbruch; F.C. Meinzer

2006-01-01

The air-seeding hypothesis predicts that xylem embolism resistance is linked directly to bordered pit functioning. We tested this prediction in trunks, roots, and branches at different vertical and radial locations in young and old trees of Pseudotsuga menziesii. Dimensions of bordered pits were measured from light and scanning electron micrographs...

Structural and electrical properties of In-implanted Ge

DOE PAGES

Feng, R.; Kremer, F.; Sprouster, D. J.; ...

2015-10-22

Here, we report on the effects of dopant concentration on the structural and electrical properties of In-implanted Ge. For In concentrations of ≤ 0.2 at. %, extended x-ray absorption fine structure and x-ray absorption near-edge structure measurements demonstrate that all In atoms occupy a substitutional lattice site while metallic In precipitates are apparent in transmission electron micrographs for In concentrations ≥0.6 at. %. Evidence of the formation of In-vacancy complexes deduced from extended x-ray absorption fine structure measurements is complimented by density functional theory simulations. Hall effect measurements of the conductivity, carrier density, and carrier mobility are then correlated withmore » the substitutional In fraction.« less

Spectroscopic and ultrasonic investigations on structural characterization of borate glass specimen doped with transition metal ions.

PubMed

Sathish, K; Thirumaran, S

2015-08-05

The present work describes the glass samples of composition (x% V₂O₅-(80-x)% B₂O₃-20% Na₂CO₃) VBS glass system and (x%MnO₂-(80-x)% B₂O₃-20% Na₂CO₃) in MBS glass system with mol% ranging from x=3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 in steps of 3 mol% are prepared by melt quenching technique. For these prepared glass systems, sound velocity (longitudinal and shear velocities) and density have been measured. The sound velocity (longitudinal and shear) was measured by using pulse-echo technique at 5 MHz. The XRD study was carried to out to ascertain the amorphous nature of the glass specimen. Using these measured values, the elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, Debye temperature, acoustic impedance and thermal expansion coefficient of the two glass systems were evaluated. The elastic and mechanical properties of the prepared glass systems are analyzed from ultrasonic study and the structural characterization from spectroscopic study. The effects due to the doping of transition metal ions with borate have been discussed. In the V₂O₅ doped glass system,(VBS glass system) the sound velocity, density and elastic moduli, steeply increases after 12 mol% comparatively with MnO₂ doped glass system (VBS glass system). The present study critically observes the doping of V₂O₅ with borate enhances the strengthening of network linkage and hardening of the glassy network structure than MnO₂. The IR spectral analysis reveals depolymerization of the borate network and conversion of BO₃ or BO4 units with the formation of non-bridging oxygen. The FTIR spectral studies confirm the presence of various functional groups of the sample. FTIR spectrum of sample exhibits broad absorption bands indicating the wide distribution of borate structural units. The effect of Na₂CO₃, V₂O₅ and MnO₂ contents on the structures of borate glass is evaluated from the FTIR spectra. The topological aspects of the prepared glass samples are exhaustively reported from SEM micrographs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic and ultrasonic investigations on structural characterization of borate glass specimen doped with transition metal ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathish, K.; Thirumaran, S.

2015-08-01

The present work describes the glass samples of composition (x% V2O5-(80-x)% B2O3-20% Na2CO3) VBS glass system and (x% MnO2-(80-x)% B2O3-20% Na2CO3) in MBS glass system with mol% ranging from x = 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 in steps of 3 mol% are prepared by melt quenching technique. For these prepared glass systems, sound velocity (longitudinal and shear velocities) and density have been measured. The sound velocity (longitudinal and shear) was measured by using pulse-echo technique at 5 MHz. The XRD study was carried to out to ascertain the amorphous nature of the glass specimen. Using these measured values, the elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, Debye temperature, acoustic impedance and thermal expansion coefficient of the two glass systems were evaluated. The elastic and mechanical properties of the prepared glass systems are analyzed from ultrasonic study and the structural characterization from spectroscopic study. The effects due to the doping of transition metal ions with borate have been discussed. In the V2O5 doped glass system, (VBS glass system) the sound velocity, density and elastic moduli, steeply increases after 12 mol% comparatively with MnO2 doped glass system (VBS glass system). The present study critically observes the doping of V2O5 with borate enhances the strengthening of network linkage and hardening of the glassy network structure than MnO2. The IR spectral analysis reveals depolymerization of the borate network and conversion of BO3 or BO4 units with the formation of non-bridging oxygen. The FTIR spectral studies confirm the presence of various functional groups of the sample. FTIR spectrum of sample exhibits broad absorption bands indicating the wide distribution of borate structural units. The effect of Na2CO3, V2O5 and MnO2 contents on the structures of borate glass is evaluated from the FTIR spectra. The topological aspects of the prepared glass samples are exhaustively reported from SEM micrographs.

Beyond logistic regression: structural equations modelling for binary variables and its application to investigating unobserved confounders.

PubMed

Kupek, Emil

2006-03-15

Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been increasingly used in medical statistics for solving a system of related regression equations. However, a great obstacle for its wider use has been its difficulty in handling categorical variables within the framework of generalised linear models. A large data set with a known structure among two related outcomes and three independent variables was generated to investigate the use of Yule's transformation of odds ratio (OR) into Q-metric by (OR-1)/(OR+1) to approximate Pearson's correlation coefficients between binary variables whose covariance structure can be further analysed by SEM. Percent of correctly classified events and non-events was compared with the classification obtained by logistic regression. The performance of SEM based on Q-metric was also checked on a small (N = 100) random sample of the data generated and on a real data set. SEM successfully recovered the generated model structure. SEM of real data suggested a significant influence of a latent confounding variable which would have not been detectable by standard logistic regression. SEM classification performance was broadly similar to that of the logistic regression. The analysis of binary data can be greatly enhanced by Yule's transformation of odds ratios into estimated correlation matrix that can be further analysed by SEM. The interpretation of results is aided by expressing them as odds ratios which are the most frequently used measure of effect in medical statistics.

Influence of the forming conditions on Black Carbon properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soucemarianadin, L. N.; MacKenzie, M. D.; Wasylishen, R. E.; Quideau, S. A.

2012-04-01

Black carbon (BC) is an important residue of wildfires in Quebec black spruce forests. Because of its recalcitrance, it is considered a valuable passive pool in the global carbon cycle. However, BC characteristics depend on its conditions of formation. The objective of this study was to characterize BC chemical and physical properties under varying fire severity. BC samples were produced, under controlled conditions, from fuels originating from mosses (Sphagnum spp. and Pleurozium shreberi), ericaceous shrubs (Ledum groenlandicum) and trees (Picea mariana), as they constitute the major types available in black spruce forests. In order to mimic a gradient of fire severity as it could occur in the field, we varied the maximum temperature (MT) from 75 to 800°C, and the duration of charring from 0.5 to 24 hours. Charcoalification was conducted either under partial (covered tins with holes) or complete pyrolysis (samples buried in sand bath). Samples were analyzed for aromaticity and porosity using elemental and proximate analyses, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface area (SA) analysis. MT was the most significant factor affecting both chemical and physical changes. BC produced above 250°C started to show signs of condensation (H/C = 0.89; O/C = 0.36 average of all fuel types), which increased with MT (at 800°C, H/C = 0.20; O/C = 0.12 average for all fuels). Results from the 13C NMR spectroscopy highlighted that 350°C was the threshold temperature, at which point spectra were dominated by aromatic structures for all fuels. Specific SA first experienced a decrease (2.3 to 0.8 m2/g) with increasing temperature, then increased drastically for MT above 350°C (10.6 to 435 m2/g at 800°C). Porosity was also largely affected by the type of fuel. SEM micrographs showed a visible increase in porosity for all the BC produced above 250°C/350°C. All results demonstrate that increasing thermal treatment has major effects on BC properties, which in turn may determine its potential as a carbon sink and a catalyst of post-fire regeneration.

The development of comparative bias index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aimran, Ahmad Nazim; Ahmad, Sabri; Afthanorhan, Asyraf; Awang, Zainudin

2017-08-01

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a second generation statistical analysis techniques developed for analyzing the inter-relationships among multiple variables in a model simultaneously. There are two most common used methods in SEM namely Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) and Partial Least Square Path Modeling (PLS-PM). There have been continuous debates among researchers in the use of PLS-PM over CB-SEM. While there is few studies were conducted to test the performance of CB-SEM and PLS-PM bias in estimating simulation data. This study intends to patch this problem by a) developing the Comparative Bias Index and b) testing the performance of CB-SEM and PLS-PM using developed index. Based on balanced experimental design, two multivariate normal simulation data with of distinct specifications of size 50, 100, 200 and 500 are generated and analyzed using CB-SEM and PLS-PM.

Structural Equation Modeling in Language Testing and Learning Research: A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

In'nami, Yo; Koizumi, Rie

2011-01-01

Despite the recent increase of structural equation modeling (SEM) in language testing and learning research and Kunnan's (1998) call for the proper use of SEM to produce useful findings, there seem to be no reviews about how SEM is applied in these areas or about the extent to which the current application accords with appropriate practices. To…

From patterns to causal understanding: Structural equation modeling (SEM) in soil ecology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eisenhauer, Nico; Powell, Jeff R; Grace, James B.; Bowker, Matthew A.

2015-01-01

In this perspectives paper we highlight a heretofore underused statistical method in soil ecological research, structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM is commonly used in the general ecological literature to develop causal understanding from observational data, but has been more slowly adopted by soil ecologists. We provide some basic information on the many advantages and possibilities associated with using SEM and provide some examples of how SEM can be used by soil ecologists to shift focus from describing patterns to developing causal understanding and inspiring new types of experimental tests. SEM is a promising tool to aid the growth of soil ecology as a discipline, particularly by supporting research that is increasingly hypothesis-driven and interdisciplinary, thus shining light into the black box of interactions belowground.

International Micrographics Standards: Report of the 1979 Paris Meeting of ISO/TC171.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heynen, Jeffrey

1980-01-01

Describes a meeting of the technical committee on micrographics of the International Organization for Standardization, and fcuses on the committee's work relating to the reproduction of library materials within the general context of international standards-making activities. (FM)

Examination of silicon solar cells by means of the Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope (SLAM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vorres, C.; Yuhas, D. E.

1981-01-01

The Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope produces images of internal structure in materials. The acoustic microscope is an imaging system based upon acoustic rather than electromagnetic waves. Variations in the elastic propertis are primarily responsible for structure visualized in acoustic micrographs. The instrument used in these investigations is the SONOMICROSCOPE 100 which can be operated at ultrasonic frequencies of from 30 MHz to 500 MHz. The examination of the silicon solar cells was made at 100 MHz. Data are presented in the form of photomicrographs.

A Single-Site Platinum CO Oxidation Catalyst in Zeolite KLTL: Microscopic and Spectroscopic Determination of the Locations of the Platinum Atoms

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

Kistler, Joseph D.; Chotigkrai, Nutchapon; Xu, Pinghong

2014-07-01

A stable site-isolated mononuclear platinum catalyst with a well-defined structure is presented. Platinum complexes supported in zeolite KLTL were synthesized from [Pt(NH 3) 4](NO 3) 2, oxidized at 633 K, and used to catalyze CO oxidation. Finally, IR and X-ray absorption spectra and electron micrographs determine the structures and locations of the platinum complexes in the zeolite pores, demonstrate the platinum-support bonding, and show that the platinum remained site isolated after oxidation and catalysis.

Structural, morphological and optical properties of chromium oxide nanoparticles

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

Babukutty, Blessy; Parakkal, Fasalurahman; Nair, Swapna S., E-mail: swapna.s.nair@gmail.com

2015-06-24

Chromium oxide nanoparticles are synthesized by reduction route from chloride precursors with surfactant, trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO). Structural and morphological characterization are analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Transmission Electron micrographs show that the average grain size lies in the range 5nm to 10nm. Optical characterization has been done by UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Distinct optical absorptions of Cr{sup 3+} ions show hinting towards the presence of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Presence of oxygen is also confirmed from Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) studies.

Structural characterization and gas reactions of small metal particles by high resolution in-situ TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and TED (Transmission Electron Diffraction)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinemann, K.

1987-01-01

The detection and size analysis of small metal particles supported on amorphous substrates becomes increasingly difficult when the particle size approaches that of the phase contrast background structures of the support. An approach of digital image analysis, involving Fourier transformation of the original image, filtering, and image reconstruction was studied with respect to the likelihood of unambiguously detecting particles of less than 1 nm diameter on amorphous substrates from a single electron micrograph.

Influence of ultrasound and diamond burs treatments on microtensile bond strength.

PubMed

Conde, Alexandre; Mainieri, Vivian; Mota, Eduardo Goncalves; Oshima, Hugo Mitsuo

2012-01-01

To compare surface treatments with CVDentUS ultrasound tips (UT) and KGSorensen diamond burs (DB) on etched (e) and non-etched (n/e) dentin. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured and fractography was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sixteen molars were divided into four groups of four teeth each according to treatment (DB-n/e; DB-e; UT-n/e; UT-e). The teeth were restored, sectioned into samples for μTBS (n=40) and tested on a EMIC DL-2000 universal machine (0.5 mm/min) and analyzed by SEM for fracture classification. For analysis of the data on μTBS, the two-way ANOVA, using treatment and acid etching as fixed factor, and the Tukey test were used (α=0.05). To failures classification in cohesive in dentin (CD); cohesive in composite resin (CC); cohesive interfacial on base or top of hybrid layer (CBT); cohesive in adhesive (CA); mixed (M); interfacial on smear layer (S) the Fisher's exact test (α=0.05) was performed. The mean values of μTBS (in MPa) in the different groups were as follows: UT-e: 45.31 ± 8.16; DB-e: 34.04 ± 9.29; UT-n/e: 15.17 ± 3.71; and DB-n/e: 9.86 ± 3.80. On analysis of the SEM micrographs, the DB-n/e group showed total obstruction of dentinal tubules; the UT-n/e group showed partial desobstruction of dentinal tubules and irregular surface; the DB-e group showed complete desobstruction of dentinal tubules; and the UT-e group showed complete desobstruction of dentinal tubules and irregular surface. The combination of ultrasound treatment and acid etching provides high values of μTBS. An association exists between CA/CC failures and the UT method, CBT failure and the DB method, CBT/CC failures and etching, S failure and non-etching.

Micrographics: A Bibliography of Sources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornberry, Patricia Lee; Michael, James D.

This extensive micrographics bibliography, which includes citations drawn from a literature search and prepared bibliographies, covers microforms, microfiche, and microfilm. Sections include 3 pages of book citations, 6 pages citing ERIC documents, and 33 pages of journal citations. Topics covered include microform library usage and usage in other…

Multiple-Group Analysis Using the sem Package in the R System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evermann, Joerg

2010-01-01

Multiple-group analysis in covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) is an important technique to ensure the invariance of latent construct measurements and the validity of theoretical models across different subpopulations. However, not all SEM software packages provide multiple-group analysis capabilities. The sem package for the R…

Structure and Electrical Properties of RF Sputter Deposited Indium Antimonide Thin Films

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-01

Figure 6b is from the dark area in the upper right-hand corner of the micrograph. A plot of the average grain size of InSb films grown on p-a CaF2 as...1966). 29. R. F. Potter, Phys. Rev. 103, 47 (1956). 30. D. B. Holt, J. Phys. Chem. Solids 27, 1053 (1966). 31. H. F. Matare ’, Defect Electronics in

Bayesian Semiparametric Structural Equation Models with Latent Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Mingan; Dunson, David B.

2010-01-01

Structural equation models (SEMs) with latent variables are widely useful for sparse covariance structure modeling and for inferring relationships among latent variables. Bayesian SEMs are appealing in allowing for the incorporation of prior information and in providing exact posterior distributions of unknowns, including the latent variables. In…

Focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in tissue structural research.

PubMed

Leser, Vladka; Milani, Marziale; Tatti, Francesco; Tkalec, Ziva Pipan; Strus, Jasna; Drobne, Damjana

2010-10-01

The focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are commonly used in material sciences for imaging and analysis of materials. Over the last decade, the combined FIB/SEM system has proven to be also applicable in the life sciences. We have examined the potential of the focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope system for the investigation of biological tissues of the model organism Porcellio scaber (Crustacea: Isopoda). Tissue from digestive glands was prepared as for conventional SEM or as for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The samples were transferred into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. FIB-milled regions were secondary electron imaged, back-scattered electron imaged, or energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzed. Our results demonstrated that FIB/SEM enables simultaneous investigation of sample gross morphology, cell surface characteristics, and subsurface structures. The same FIB-exposed regions were analyzed by EDX to provide basic compositional data. When samples were prepared as for TEM, the information obtained with FIB/SEM is comparable, though at limited magnification, to that obtained from TEM. A combination of imaging, micro-manipulation, and compositional analysis appears of particular interest in the investigation of epithelial tissues, which are subjected to various endogenous and exogenous conditions affecting their structure and function. The FIB/SEM is a promising tool for an overall examination of epithelial tissue under normal, stressed, or pathological conditions.

Metallography of Aluminum and Its Alloys : Use of Electrolytic Polishing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacquet, Pierre A

1955-01-01

Recent methods are described for electropolishing aluminum and aluminum alloys. Numerous references are included of electrolytic micrographic investigations carried out during the period 1948 to 1952. A detailed description of a commercial electrolytic polishing unit, suitable for micrographic examination of aluminum and its alloys, is included.

Micrographics: A Quarter-Century Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ach, William K.

2000-01-01

Discusses the uses of micrographics in higher education, based on a 25-year period at Wake Forest University's (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) Library. Discusses acquisition of scholarly collections in microform on a subscription plan; the trend away from microopaques to microfiche and the advent of the reader-printer; improved access to microform…

Archival Stability of Microfilm--A Technical Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Materazzi, Albert R.

The purpose of this report is to acquaint all personnel with some technical aspects of micrographics. The various film types used in the production of microfiche are discussed, including silver halide, diazo, and vesicular films. Other imaging systems used in micrographics are reviewed, and a basic introduction to sensitometry is given. The…

Palladium (Pd) sensitized molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanobelts for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, A. A.; Moholkar, A. V.

2018-01-01

The MoO3 nanobelts have been grown onto the glass substrates using chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP) deposition technique at optimized substrate temperature of 400 °C. XRD study shows that the film is polycrystalline in nature and possesses an orthorhombic crystal structure. The FE-SEM micrographs show the formation of nanobelts-like morphology of MoO3. The presence of Pd and its oxidation states in Pd-sensitized MoO3 film is confirmed using EDAX and XPS study, respectively. The percentage gas response is defined as |Rg -Ra|/Ra × 100 % where, Ra and Rg are the film resistances in presence of air and analyte gas, respectively. Before Pd sensitization, MoO3 nanobelts show NO2 gas response of 68% for 100 ppm concentration at operating temperature of 200 °C with response and recovery times of 15 s and 150 s, respectively. Selectivity coefficient study shows that the Pd-sensitized MoO3 nanobelts are more sensitive and selective towards NO2 gas among various gases such as NH3, H2S, CO, CO2 and SO2. The Pd-sensitized MoO3 nanobelts shows the enhanced response of 95.3% towards 100 ppm NO2 gas concentration with response and recovery times of 74 s and 297 s, respectively. The lower detection limit is found to be 5 ppm which is four times less than immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value of 20 ppm. Finally, the proposed NO2 gas sensing mechanism based on chemisorption model is discussed.

Ni-CeO2 spherical nanostructures for magnetic and electrochemical supercapacitor applications.

PubMed

Murugan, Ramachandran; Ravi, Ganesan; Vijayaprasath, Gandhi; Rajendran, Somasundharam; Thaiyan, Mahalingam; Nallappan, Maheswari; Gopalan, Muralidharan; Hayakawa, Yasuhiro

2017-02-08

The synthesis of nanoparticles has great control over the structural and functional characteristics of materials. In this study, CeO 2 and Ni-CeO 2 spherical nanoparticles were prepared using a microwave-assisted method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized via thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The pure CeO 2 sample exhibited a flake-like morphology, whereas Ni-doped CeO 2 showed spherical morphology with uniform shapes. Spherical morphologies for the Ni-doped samples were further confirmed via TEM micrographs. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed that decomposition varies with Ni-doping in CeO 2 . XRD revealed that the peak shifts towards lower angles for the Ni-doped samples. Furthermore, a diamagnetic to ferromagnetic transition was observed in Ni-doped CeO 2 . The ferromagnetic property was attributed to the introduction of oxygen vacancies in the CeO 2 lattice upon doping with Ni, which were confirmed by Raman and XPS. The pseudo-capacitive properties of pure and Ni-doped CeO 2 samples were evaluated via cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies, wherein 1 M KOH was used as the electrolyte. The specific capacitances were 235, 351, 382, 577 and 417 F g -1 corresponding to the pure 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% of Ni doped samples at the current density of 2 A g -1 , respectively. The 5% Ni-doped sample showed an excellent cyclic stability and maintained 94% of its maximum specific capacitance after 1000 cycles.

High crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 semiconductor prepared from low toxicity ethanol-based precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munir, Badrul; Prastyo, Bayu Eko; Nurjaya, Dwi Marta; Muslih, Ersan Yudhapratama; Alfauzan, Sahri Karim

2017-01-01

At this moment, we present a new, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method of preparing a high crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) absorber layer for thin film solar cells using ethanol-based solutions. Ethanolamine (ETA) and 2-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were studied as a stabilizer and to improve wetting ability of the precursors during the deposition process. Cu2ZnSnS4 precursors are deposited onto soda lime glass using spin coater in different molar of cations in the precursor. The effects of a precursor system, ethanol-ETA-MPA, and ethanol-MPA, on the structure, morphology, composition and optical properties of CZTS thin films have been investigated in details. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses confirmed the successful fabrication of high crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 kesterite phase. The crystallinity of CZTS is continue increasing before reaching 2.2 molar cations of the ethanol-MPA precursors. The crystallinity of ethanol-ETA-MPA precursors remains similar in the experiment using 1.2 molar and 1.6 molars. The highest crystallinity was achieved using 2 molar cations of the ethanol-MPA precursor. Its band gap energy is found to be around 1.4 eV. The SEM micrographs of CZTS film shows the average grain size around 1.5 µm and some porosity which indicated the room of improvement. The high-crystallinity CZTS achieved in the present study brings a low-cost absorber semiconductor one step closer to practical use.

Synthesis and characterization of oleic acid surface modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by using biocompatible w/o microemulsion for heavy metal removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, Laili Che; Suhaimi, Hamdan; Mamat, Mazidah; Lik, Thang Zhe

2017-09-01

Oleic acid modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (OA-MIONs) was prepared for removal of Cu2+ ion from aqueous solution. OA-MIONs was prepared by W/O microemulsion template which composed of mixed non-ionic surfactants and 1-hexanol as emulsifier. The effect of weight ratio of the constituent of microemulsion template on the physical and chemical properties of OA-MIONs was studied by characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. FT-IR spectra showed that all templates shared similar chemical structure with slight difference in the peak intensity. Scanning electron micrograph illustrated that the OA-MIONs synthesized via template with the lowest weight ratio of emulsifier to heptane had a more regular spherical shape and was well-distributed. XRD had confirmed that the identity of synthesized OA-MIONs was Fe3O4. Based on the characterization result, the template with lowest weight ratio of emulsifier to heptane was chosen for the heavy metal adsorption study. The adsorption capacity OA-MIONs as a function of pH, contact time and adsorbent dosage were studied. The adsorption process reached equilibrium for 90 minutes and successfully adsorbed 43% of Cu2+ ion from aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior was well described by Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined and found to be 555.56 mg/g. The value of Langmuir equilibrium parameter, RL was found between 0 and 1, suggested that a favorable monolayer adsorption process had taken out.

First report on soapnut extract-mediated synthesis of sulphur-substituted nanoscale NdFeB permanent magnets and their characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayapala Rao, G. V. S.; Prasad, T. N. V. K. V.; Shameer, Syed; Arun, T.; Purnachandra Rao, M.

2017-10-01

Biosynthesis of nanoscale materials has its own advantages over other physical and chemical methods. Using soapnut extract as reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of inorganic nanoscale materials is novel and has not been exploited to its potential so far. Herein, we report for the first time on the effects of sulphur substitution on soapnut extract-mediated synthesis of nanoscale NdFeB (S-NdFeB) permanent magnetic powders (Nd 15%, Fe 77.5%, B 7.5% and S with molar ratios: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5). To synthesize, a 10 ml of 10% soapnut extract was added to 90 ml of respective chemical composition and heated to 60 °C for 30 min and aged for 24 h. The dried powder was sintered at 500 °C for 1 h. The characterization of the as-prepared nanoscale S-NdFeB magnetic materials was done using the techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS for size and zeta potential measurements) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM)-hysteresis loop studies. The results revealed that particles were highly stable (with a negative zeta potential of 25.7 mV) with irregular and spherical shape (with measured hydrodynamic diameter 6.7 and 63.5 nm). The tetragonal structures of the formed powders were revealed by XRD micrographs. Hysteresis loop studies clearly indicate the effect of S concentration on the enhanced magnetization of the materials.

Embryonic development of Ampheres leucopheus and Iporangaia pustulosa (Arachnida: Opiliones: Gonyleptidae).

PubMed

Gnaspini, Pedro; Lerche, Cristiano Frederico

2010-09-15

The first studies concerning the embryonic development of harvestmen started in the late 19th century, and focused mostly on holarctic species, and only three species of the suborder Laniatores (the largest, among the four suborders considered presently) were studied. Moreover, the last studies on embryology of harvestmen were made during the late 1970s. This study focused on the embryonic development of Ampheres leucopheus (Gonyleptidae, Caelopyginae) and Iporangaia pustulosa (Gonyleptidae, Progonyleptoidellinae). The embryonic development was followed in the field, by taking daily photographs of different eggs during about 2 months. When laid, eggs of A. leucopheus and I. pustulosa have approximately 1.13 and 1.30 mm in diameter, respectively, and the second is embedded in a large amount of mucus. The eggs grow, mainly due to water absorption at the beginning of the process, and they reach a diameter of about 1.35 and 1.59 mm, respectively, close to hatching. It took, respectively, 29-56 days and 35-66 days from egg laying to hatching. For the description of the embryonic development, we use photographs from the field, SEM micrographs, and histological analysis. This allowed us, for instance, to document the progression of structures and pigmentation directly from live embryos in the field, and to record microstructures, such as the presence of perforations in the cuticle of the embryo in the place where eyes are developing. Yet, contrary to what was expected in the literature, we record an egg tooth in one of the studied laniatoreans. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.