scholarly journals Importance of the number emission factor of combustion-generated aerosols from nano-enabled products

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Hammer ◽  
Nathan Bossa ◽  
Michael Persson ◽  
Adrian Wichser ◽  
Ken Lehner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Size Range ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Polyamide 6 ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Aerosol Number Concentration ◽  
Release Data ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Residual Ash ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract Accidental or open waste burning and incineration of nano-enabled products (NEPs) might lead to the release of incidental nanomaterials (NMs) into the environment resulting in harmful effects on humans. We have investigated combustion-generated NM release during accidental burning for several real-life NEPs such as paints with silica (SiO2) and spruce wood panels containing SiO2 and Fe2O3 NMs, paper with SiO2 and Fe2O3 NMs and polymeric composites with CuPhthtalocyanine NMs in poly lactic acid (PLA), polyamide 6 (PA6) and thermoplastic pol-urethane (TPU) matrices.Chemical compositions, aerosols number emission factors (nefs) and concentrations of the signature elements of the NMs of the combustion-generated aerosols were investigated. In addition, the residual ash was analyzed. The outcomes of this study shed light on how NM and matrix types influenced the properties of the released aerosols. Based on our results it was established that the combustion-generated aerosols were composed of transformed NMs with modified physical-chemical characteristics compared to the pristine NMs. In addition to the transformed NMs, there were also particles due to incomplete combustion of the matrix. Types of the pristine NMs and matrices affected the characteristics of the released aerosols. Since the hazard of the aerosols is related to the inhaled aerosol number concentration, the nef is an important parameter. Our results showed that the nefs in the size range of 5.6 to 560 nm depended strongly on the type of combusted NEP, which indicated that the NEPs could be categorized according to their potential to release aerosols in this size range when they were burnt. The generated release data facilitate the assessment of human and environmental exposure and the associated risk assessment of combustion-generated aerosols from NEPs.

scholarly journals Tunable characteristics of low-frequency bandgaps in two-dimensional multivibrator phononic crystal plates under prestrain

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Fei Zhu ◽  
Xiao-Wei Sun ◽  
Ting Song ◽  
Xiao-Dong Wen ◽  
Xi-Xuan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phononic Crystal ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Acoustic Vibration ◽  
Crystal Plate ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Noise Frequency ◽  
Realtime Control

AbstractIn view of the influence of variability of low-frequency noise frequency on noise prevention in real life, we present a novel two-dimensional tunable phononic crystal plate which is consisted of lead columns deposited in a silicone rubber plate with periodic holes and calculate its bandgap characteristics by finite element method. The low-frequency bandgap mechanism of the designed model is discussed simultaneously. Accordingly, the influence of geometric parameters of the phononic crystal plate on the bandgap characteristics is analyzed and the bandgap adjustability under prestretch strain is further studied. Results show that the new designed phononic crystal plate has lower bandgap starting frequency and wider bandwidth than the traditional single-sided structure, which is due to the coupling between the resonance mode of the scatterer and the long traveling wave in the matrix with the introduction of periodic holes. Applying prestretch strain to the matrix can realize active realtime control of low-frequency bandgap under slight deformation and broaden the low-frequency bandgap, which can be explained as the multiple bands tend to be flattened due to the localization degree of unit cell vibration increases with the rise of prestrain. The presented structure improves the realtime adjustability of sound isolation and vibration reduction frequency for phononic crystal in complex acoustic vibration environments.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Dielectric Properties of Ecoflex® with L,D-Poly(Lactic Acid) or Polycaprolactone in the Presence of SWCN or 5CB

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1719
Author(s):  
Patryk Fryń ◽  
Sebastian Lalik ◽  
Natalia Górska ◽  
Agnieszka Iwan ◽  
Monika Marzec
Keyword(s):  
Oleic Acid ◽  
Dielectric Properties ◽  
Polymer Matrix ◽  
Liquid Crystalline ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Relaxation Processes ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Hybrid Layers

The main goal of this paper was to study the dielectric properties of hybrid binary and ternary composites based on biodegradable polymer Ecoflex®, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN), and liquid crystalline 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB) compound. The obtained results were compared with other created analogically to Ecoflex®, hybrid layers based on biodegradable polymers such as L,D-polylactide (L,D-PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). Frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy (FDDS) results were analyzed taking into consideration the amount of SWCN, frequency, and temperature. For pure Ecoflex®, two relaxation processes (α and β) were identified. It was shown that the SWCN admixture (in the weight ratio 10:0.01) did not change the properties of the Ecoflex® layer, while in the case of PCL and L,D-PLA, the layers became conductive. The dielectric constant increased with an increase in the content of SWCN in the Ecoflex® matrix and the conductive behavior was not visible, even for the greatest concentration (10:0.06 weight ratio). In the case of the Ecoflex® polymer matrix, the conduction relaxation process at a frequency ca. several kilohertz appeared and became stronger with an increase in the SWCN admixture in the matrix. Addition of oleic acid to the polymer matrix had a smaller effect on the increase in the dielectric response than the addition of liquid crystal 5CB. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results revealed that the molecular structure and chemical character of the Ecoflex® and PCL matrixes remained unchanged upon the addition of SWCN or 5CB in a weight ratio of 10:0.01 and 10:1, respectively, while molecular interactions appeared between L,D-PLA and 5CB. Moreover, adding oleic acid to pure Ecoflex® as well as the binary and ternary hybrid layers with SWCN and/or 5CB in a weight ratio of Ecoflex®:oleic acid equal to 10:0.3 did not have an influence on the chemical bonding of these materials.

scholarly journals Nanocomposites Materials of PLA Reinforced with Nanoclays Using a Masterbatch Technology: A Study of the Mechanical Performance and Its Sustainability

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2133
Author(s):  
Helena Oliver-Ortega ◽  
Josep Tresserras ◽  
Fernando Julian ◽  
Manel Alcalà ◽  
Alba Bala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Barrier Properties ◽  
Food Tray ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Surface Modified ◽  
Being Moved

Packaging consumes around 40% of the total plastic production. One of the most important fields with high requirements is food packaging. Food packaging products have been commonly produced with petrol polymers, but due to environmental concerns, the market is being moved to biopolymers. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is the most promising biopolymer, as it is bio-based and biodegradable, and it is well established in the market. Nonetheless, its barrier properties need to be enhanced to be competitive with other polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Nanoclays improve the barrier properties of polymeric materials if correct dispersion and exfoliation are obtained. Thus, it marks a milestone to obtain an appropriate dispersion. A predispersed methodology is proposed as a compounding process to improve the dispersion of these composites instead of common melt procedures. Afterwards, the effect of the polarity of the matrix was analyzing using polar and surface modified nanoclays with contents ranging from 2 to 8% w/w. The results showed the suitability of the predispersed and concentrated compound, technically named masterbatch, to obtain intercalated structures and the higher dispersion of polar nanoclays. Finally, the mechanical performance and sustainability of the prepared materials were simulated in a food tray, showing the best assessment of these materials and their lower fingerprint.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of usability problems affecting medical devices: modelling the discovery matrix

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Vandewalle ◽  
Alexandre Caron ◽  
Coralie Delettrez ◽  
Renaud Périchon ◽  
Sylvia Pelayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Usability Problems ◽  
Usability Problem ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Problem Detection

Abstract Background Usability testing of medical devices are mandatory for market access. The testings’ goal is to identify usability problems that could cause harm to the user or limit the device’s effectiveness. In practice, human factor engineers study participants under actual conditions of use and list the problems encountered. This results in a binary discovery matrix in which each row corresponds to a participant, and each column corresponds to a usability problem. One of the main challenges in usability testing is estimating the total number of problems, in order to assess the completeness of the discovery process. Today’s margin-based methods fit the column sums to a binomial model of problem detection. However, the discovery matrix actually observed is truncated because of undiscovered problems, which corresponds to fitting the marginal sums without the zeros. Margin-based methods fail to overcome the bias related to truncation of the matrix. The objective of the present study was to develop and test a matrix-based method for estimating the total number of usability problems. Methods The matrix-based model was based on the full discovery matrix (including unobserved columns) and not solely on a summary of the data (e.g. the margins). This model also circumvents a drawback of margin-based methods by simultaneously estimating the model’s parameters and the total number of problems. Furthermore, the matrix-based method takes account of a heterogeneous probability of detection, which reflects a real-life setting. As suggested in the usability literature, we assumed that the probability of detection had a logit-normal distribution. Results We assessed the matrix-based method’s performance in a range of settings reflecting real-life usability testing and with heterogeneous probabilities of problem detection. In our simulations, the matrix-based method improved the estimation of the number of problems (in terms of bias, consistency, and coverage probability) in a wide range of settings. We also applied our method to five real datasets from usability testing. Conclusions Estimation models (and particularly matrix-based models) are of value in estimating and monitoring the detection process during usability testing. Matrix-based models have a solid mathematical grounding and, with a view to facilitating the decision-making process for both regulators and device manufacturers, should be incorporated into current standards.

scholarly journals A Numerical Approach for Evaluating the Time-Dependent Distribution of a Quasi Birth-Death Process

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Mandjes ◽  
Birgit Sollie
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Time ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Death Process ◽  
Continuous Time Markov Chain ◽  
Likelihood Estimator ◽  
Real Life Data ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Birth Death

AbstractThis paper considers a continuous-time quasi birth-death (qbd) process, which informally can be seen as a birth-death process of which the parameters are modulated by an external continuous-time Markov chain. The aim is to numerically approximate the time-dependent distribution of the resulting bivariate Markov process in an accurate and efficient way. An approach based on the Erlangization principle is proposed and formally justified. Its performance is investigated and compared with two existing approaches: one based on numerical evaluation of the matrix exponential underlying the qbd process, and one based on the uniformization technique. It is shown that in many settings the approach based on Erlangization is faster than the other approaches, while still being highly accurate. In the last part of the paper, we demonstrate the use of the developed technique in the context of the evaluation of the likelihood pertaining to a time series, which can then be optimized over its parameters to obtain the maximum likelihood estimator. More specifically, through a series of examples with simulated and real-life data, we show how it can be deployed in model selection problems that involve the choice between a qbd and its non-modulated counterpart.

Support Vibration Diagnostics and Limits in Gas Turbines

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Bielecki ◽  
Salvatore Costagliola ◽  
Piotr Gebalski
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Test Data ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Reliability Function ◽  
Vibration Diagnostics ◽  
Real Life Data ◽  
Industrial Gas Turbines ◽  
Harmful Effects

The paper deliberates vibration limits for non-rotating parts in application to industrial gas turbines. As a rule such limits follow ISO 10816-4 or API616, although in field operation it is not well known relationship between these limits and failure modes. In many situations, the reliability function is not well-defined, and more comprehensive methods of determining the harmful effects of support vibrations are desirable. In the first part, the undertaken approach and the results are illustrated based on the field and theoretical experience of the authors about the failure modes related to alarm level of vibrations. Here several failure modes and diagnostics observations are illustrated with the examples of real-life data. In the second part, a statistical approach based on correlation of support vs. shaft vibrations (velocity / displacement) is demonstrated in order to assess the risk of the bearing rub. The test data for few gas turbine models produced by General Electric Oil & Gas are statistically evaluated and allow to draw an experimentally based transfer function between vibrations recorded by non-contact and seismic probes. Then the vibration limit with objectives like bearing rub is scrutinized with aid of probabilistic tools. In the third part, the attention is given to a few examples of the support vibrations — among other gas turbine with rotors supported on flexible pedestals and baseplate. Here there is determined a transfer coefficient between baseplate and bearing vibrations for specific foundation configurations. Based on the test data screening as well as analysis and case studies thereof, the conclusions about more specific vibration limits in relation to the failure modes are drawn.

Thermal and Tensile Properties of PP Nanocomposite Blends

2008 ◽  
Vol 47-50 ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
C. Rosales ◽  
V. Contreras ◽  
M. Matos ◽  
R. Perera ◽  
N. Villarreal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Modulus ◽  
Polyamide 6 ◽  
Dispersed Phase ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Binary Blend ◽  
Polyethylene Blends ◽  
Metallocene Polyethylene ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Twin Screw ◽  
Layered Clay

Polypropylene/polyamide-6 and polypropylene/metallocene polyethylene blends containing 2.5 phr of organophilic modified montmorillonite were prepared in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. In order to compare, blends without layered clay were also made. Styreneethylene- butylene-styrene copolymer and polypropylene grafted with anhydride maleic were used as compatibilizers in the ternary blends and in the PP nanocomposite preparation, respectively. The presence of tactoids, intercalated and exfoliated structures was observed by TEM in some of the samples containing layered clay and modified PP materials. Results showed that the compatibilized blends prepared without clay are tougher than those prepared with the nanocomposite of PP as the matrix phase and no significant changes in tensile moduli were observed between them. However, the binary blend with a nanocomposite of PP as matrix and metallocene polyethylene exhibited better tensile toughness and lower tensile modulus, than those prepared with a nanocomposite of PP and polyamide-6 as dispersed phase. These results are related to the degree of clay dispersion in the PP and to the type of morphology developed in the different blends. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that blends with a finer and homogeneously dispersed morphology determined by SEM, the PA component exhibited fractionated crystallization exotherms in the temperature range of 159-185°C. Also, nucleation of the PP component by PA phase and/or the layered clay was observed in the blends with PA as dispersed phase.

A stochastic model, simulation, and application to aggregation of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals upon evaporation of the Langmuir–Blodgett matrix

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirill Svit ◽  
Konstantin Zhuravlev ◽  
Sergey Kireev ◽  
Karl K. Sabelfeld
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Cadmium Sulfide ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Surrounding Medium ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Langmuir Blodgett ◽  
Cluster Aggregation ◽  
Aggregation Processes ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Sulfide Nanocrystals

Abstract A stochastic model of nanocrystals clusters formation is developed and applied to simulate an aggregation of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals upon evaporation of the Langmuir–Blodgett matrix. Simulations are compared with our experimental results. The stochastic model suggested governs mobilities both of individual nanocrystals and its clusters (arrays). We give a comprehensive analysis of the patterns simulated by the model, and study an influence of the surrounding medium (solvent) on the aggregation processes. In our model, monomers have a finite probability of separation from the cluster which depends on the temperature and binding energy between nanocrystals, and can also be redistributed in the composition of the cluster, leading to its compaction. The simulation results obtained in this work are compared with the experimental data on the aggregation of CdS nanocrystals upon evaporation of the Langmuir–Blodgett matrix. This system is a typical example from real life and is noteworthy in that the morphology of nanocrystals after evaporation of the matrix cannot be described exactly by a model based only on the motion of individual nanocrystals or by a cluster-cluster aggregation model.

scholarly journals Release of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes from Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid) Films during Degradation and Combustion: Risk Associated with the End-of-Life of Nanocomposite Food Packaging Materials

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanislav Kotsilkov ◽  
Evgeni Ivanov ◽  
Nikolay Vitanov
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Safety Concern ◽  
Barrier Properties ◽  
Nanocomposite Films ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Qualitative Risk Assessment ◽  
The Matrix

Nanoparticles of graphene and carbon nanotubes are attractive materials for the improvement of mechanical and barrier properties and for the functionality of biodegradable polymers for packaging applications. However, the increase of the manufacture and consumption increases the probability of exposure of humans and the environment to such nanomaterials; this brings up questions about the risks of nanomaterials, since they can be toxic. For a risk assessment, it is crucial to know whether airborne nanoparticles of graphene and carbon nanotubes can be released from nanocomposites into the environment at their end-life, or whether they remain embedded in the matrix. In this work, the release of graphene and carbon nanotubes from the poly(lactic) acid nanocomposite films were studied for the scenarios of: (i) biodegradation of the matrix polymer at the disposal of wastes; and (ii) combustion and fire of nanocomposite wastes. Thermogravimetric analysis in air atmosphere, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to verify the release of nanoparticles from nanocomposite films. The three factors model was applied for the quantitative and qualitative risk assessment of the release of graphene and carbon nanotubes from nanocomposite wastes for these scenarios. Safety concern is discussed in respect to the existing regulations for nanowaste stream.

scholarly journals Cyclodextrins and Cyclodextrin Derivatives as Green Char Promoters in Flame Retardants Formulations for Polymeric Materials. A Review

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Paola Luda ◽  
Marco Zanetti
Keyword(s):  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Fire Retardant ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Mechanical Resistance ◽  
Self Healing ◽  
Cyclodextrin Derivatives ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Fire Retardance

Polymers are intrinsically flammable materials; hence, fire retardance (FR) is required in their most common applications (i.e., electronic and construction, to mention some). Recently, it has been reported that cyclodextrin (CD) and cyclodextrin derivatives are beginning to be introduced into Intumescent Fire Retardant (IFR) formulations in place of pentaerythritol, which is used in IFRs that are currently on the market. Since IFRs are of less environmental concern than their hazardous halogen containing counterparts, the use of natural origin compounds in IFRs provides a way to comply with green chemistry issues. BCD and BCD derivatives presence in IFR mixtures promotes a higher yield of blowing gases and char when polymeric materials undergo combustion. Both processes play important roles in intumescence. The key rule to obtain in insulating compact char is the good dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix, which can be achieved by functionalizing nanoparticles with BCD derivatives. Moreover, CD derivatives are attractive because of their nanosized structure and their ability to form inclusion complexes with many compounds used as FR components, reducing their release to the environment during their shelf life of FR items. Often, fire retardance performed by BCD and BCD derivatives accompanies other relevant properties, such as improved mechanical resistance, washability resistance, self healing ability, thermal conductivity, etc. The application of CD fire retardant additives in many polymers, such as poly(lactic acid), poly(propylene), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(methyl methacrylate), linear low density poly(ethylene), polyamides, and polyesters are comprehensively reviewed here.

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