A Significant Role of MoO3 on the Optical, Thermal, and Radiation Shielding Characteristics of B2O3-P2O5 -Li2O Glasses

Glasses based on borophosphate with the formula 42.5P2O5 – 42.5B2O3 – (15-x) Li2O – xMoO3 mol% where 𝑥 = (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≥ 15) were manufactured using the melt-quenching methodology. The status of prepared samples wasidentified by (XRD). The temperature of the glass transition Tg, the temperature of onset glass crystallisation Tc and the temperature of the crystallisation Tp were evaluated using a differential thermal analyser (DTA). The energy gap (𝐸𝑜𝑝𝑡), Urbach (𝐸𝑢), and parameters of dispersion were calculated through the data of optical spectra. Physical properties were determined and calculated, such as molar refractivity, metallization, electron polarizability, electronegativity, loss of reflection and dispersion parameters. Raising MoO3 at the expense of Li2O was used to assess the level of protection. For radiation protection applications, the glasses under investigation had superior characteristics.

Development and characterization of k-carrageenan platforms as periodontal intra-pocket films

Purpose: To prepare emulsion-based Intrapocket polymeric films for the treatment of periodontitis. Method: Films were fabricated by dehydration of an emulsion containing k-carrageenan (KC) in aqueous phase and Compritol® 888 ATO (Compritol® ) or Dimodan® UJ (DU® ) or different ratios of both. The resulting films were characterized by mechanical texture analyser to determine Young’s modulus and tensile strength. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of the films was evaluated by dynamic mechanical and thermal analyser while surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscope. In-vitro drug release was conducted in pre-warmed phosphate buffer. Bacterial adherence was assessed after 24 h. Results: Young’s modulus was highest for KC films to which no lipid was added (5.33 ± 0.38 GPa) and decreased following lipid incorporation. Tg was highest in KC films (106.25 ± 4.53 ° C) but decreased upon addition of lipids. The surface of KC was smooth but roughness increased with increasing Compritol® load. Drug release from KC films was complete (99.80 ± 8.43 %) after 2 h; however, upon adding lipid, the release was extended 8 h and was affected by lipid type and ratio. Microbiologic assay demonstrated noticeable reduction in viable count compared to control and was affected by lipid type and ratio. The film formulated from a combination of DU® and Compritol® in a ratio of 80:20 was strong, flexible and reduced microbial adherence. Moreover, it showed a smooth surface and extended release for over 8 h. Conclusion: Intra-pocket films were prepared by drying emulsion-based films. Resulted films were strong, flexible, prolonged drug release over 8 h and could lower bacterial growth. The prepared film may offer efficient treatment in periodontitis patients.

Effect of brominated flame retardant on the pyrolysis products of polymers originating in WEEE

Pyrolysis is an environmentally friendly method, which is often used for the recycling of the plastics included in waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE); since secondary valuable materials can be produced. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are usually added into these plastics to reduce their flammability; but they are toxic substances. The aim of this work is to examine the thermal behaviour and the products obtained after pyrolysis of polymer blends that consist of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP) with composition that simulates real WEEE; in the absence and presence of a common BFR, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), in order to investigate its effect on pyrolysis products. Blends were prepared via the solvent casting method and the melt-mixing in an extruder; it was revealed that the latter method may be a better choice for blends preparation, since it didn’t affect the products obtained. The chemical structure of each polymeric blend was identified by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal degradation of the blends was evaluated by thermogravimetric (TG) experiments performed using a thermal analyser (TGA) and a pyrolyser for evolved gas analysis (EGA). It was observed that blends had a similar behaviour during their thermal degradation; and in most cases, they followed a one-step mechanism. Pyrolysis products were identified by the pyrolyser combined with a Gas Chromatographer/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS); and comprised various useful compounds, such as monomers, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, etc. that could be used as chemical feedstock. Furthermore, it was found that TBBPA affected products’ distribution by enhancing the formation of phenolic compounds and on the other hand by resulting in brominated compounds, such as dibromophenol.

Mechanical and Thermal Characterisation of Millscale Modified Al-Cu Alloy for Artificial Intelligence Systems

Continuous research into critical functional property enhancement of materials employed in artificial intelligence systems is imperative to overcome performance limitations. This study investigated the thermal and mechanical properties of stir-cast fabricated Al-Cu alloy modified with addition of iron-millscale (IMS) particles varied from 2-6 wt.%. The alloys microstructure was analysed using both optical and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). PerkinElmer Thermogravimetry/Derivative thermal analyser was used to assess the alloys thermal characteristics while the mechanical properties were evaluated using relevant state of the art equipment. Results show that the best thermal and mechanical properties comparable to established standards were achieved at 6 wt.% IMS particle addition. Contributions to the alloy enhanced performances stemmed from the structure refining propensity of IMS particles. Based on the thermal and mechanical properties demonstrated, the alloy is recommended for application in pneumatic offshore valve actuator used in oil and gas flow process lines.

DEVELOPMENT OF SLIDE GATE POWDER WITH EMERGENT STRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION

The paper presents the research work carried out at Ł–IMŻ on the optimisation of the technology for producing an innovative powder for slide gates as part of a research project carried out for PEDMO S.A. in Tychy. Attention was paid to the developed method for assessing the efficiency of coating powder grains with a sintering process inhibitor using thermal analysis. It is an important element in assessing the quality of the powder, and thus allowed to optimise the parameters of its production technology. In order to determine the effectiveness of coating powder grains with a carbon layer of sintering inhibitor, a number of experiments were carried out using a thermal analyser, controlling the type of gases emitting during sample heating, therefore the influence of various factors on the mixer working temperature, such as the temperature in the production hall, raw material temperature and mixer operation time, was examined. An additional area of study was the registration and analysis of acoustic signals emitted by the mixer, carried out in cooperation with EC TEST Systems to develop an objective method for determining the end of the powder coating process, which can be implemented in a production line automation system.

TG/DTA-FTIR Study on Total Resource Recovery from Tetra Pak Waste by Pyrolysis under a CO2 Environment

Pyrolysis of Tetra Pak waste under CO2 was investigated using a thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyser coupled with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Experimental results showed that cellulose was decomposed between 270 and 390 °C, leading to the formation of aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and levoglucosan. Thermal cracking of polyethylene occurred between 440 and 530 °C and the main products were aliphatic hydrocarbons. CO can be produced by the gasification of pyrolytic char by CO2 at temperatures ranging from 860–970 °C. Aluminium (Al) foil remained in a “thin layer shape” despite melting above 660 °C. CaO was generated from the decomposition of CaCO3 used as a paper filler at 722 °C. The reaction between CaO and the CO2 atmosphere during the cooling process led to the formation of new CaCO3 which was the main component of ash after gasification and was easy to separate from Al foil.

Preparation and Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Polypropylene Grafting Maleic Anhydride Two-Component Materials

In order to provide a theoretical basis for the preparation and spinnability of two-component materials, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)(PHBV) and polypropylene grafting maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) blends were prepared by melt mixing with different ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100). Properties of the blends system were investigated by means of a mixed rheometer, scanning electron microscope, simultaneous thermal analyser, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate that PHBV/PP-g-MAH blends exhibit different morphology of the sea-island with a change in the mix ratio. The initial thermal decomposition temperature of PHBV in the blending system is over 250 °C, which means the thermal stability of PHBV is markedly improved. The crystallisation of PHBV varied according to the blending process parameter. When the cooling velocity increases, the crystallisation peak becomes wide, the temperature of crystallisation decreases, and the crystallisation temperature of PHBV increases significantly. PHBV has a high sensitivity to variation in the shear rate, and PHBV/PP-g-MAH blends have the mixing characteristic of shear thinned liquid. There is no diffraction peak at 2θ = 22.8°, and this result certifies that PP-g-MAH changes the crystal form of PHBV. and that PP-g-MAH addition is beneficial to the spinnability of PHBV. Results show that the interplay between PHBV and PP-g-MAH is of great significance and universal for both plastics and fibres.

Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR) Barium Ferrite (bafe12o19) Composites

filled with 0-6 volume percentage of barium ferrite was performed using a Polymer Laboratory- Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyser (PL-DMTA) over a range of temperature from -100 to 100°C at 10hz. The results showed that the storage modulus (E') of the composites below the transition temperature increase with filler content up to ~3-4 volume percentage. Incorporation of the filler does not change the matrix glass transition that occurs around -40°C but the damping curve becomes broader with increasing filler content. The addition of filler in the compositedoes not affect the glass transition and melting temperature. The blend of TPNR and barium ferrite powder is only a physical mixture that does not act chemically.

Thermal properties of soursop seeds and kernels

The thermal properties of soursop seeds and kernels were determined as a function of moisture content, ranged from 8.0 to 32.5% (d.b.). Three primary thermal properties: specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were determined using Dual-Needle SH-1 sensors in KD2-PRO thermal analyser. The obtained results shown that specific heat capacity of seeds and kernels increased linearly from 768 to 2,131 J/kg/K and from 1,137 to 1,438 J/kg/K, respectively. Seed thermal conductivity increased linearly from 0.075 to 0.550 W/m/K while it increased polynomially from 0.153 to 0.245 W/m/K for kernel. Thermal diffusivity of both seeds and kernels increased linearly from 0.119 to 0.262 m²/s and 0.120 to 0.256 m²/s, respectively. Analysis of variance results showed that the moisture content has a significant effect on thermal properties (p ≤ 0.05). These values indicated the ability of the material to retain heat which enhances oil recovery and can be used in the design of machine and selection of suitable methods for their handling and processing.

Heat transfer intensification of Zirconia/water nanofluid

This paper investigated convective heat transfer and friction factor of ZrO2/H2O nanofluid through a circular pipe under laminar flow condition with constant heat flux. Nanofluid is prepared for 0.5, 0.75 and 1% volume concentrations with yttrium oxide surfactant. Nanofluid’s thermal conductivity and viscosity is measured by KD2 Pro thermal analyser and Brookfield viscometer respectively. Results showed that the thermal conductivity and viscosity increased with increase in particle volume concentration. These nanofluids are experimented in a forced convection system, first heat transfer characteristics of DI (Deionised) water under laminar flow in a copper tube measured, then three nanofluids are carried out the tests, results revealed that the enhanced Nusselt numbers of 21.09,28.05 and 35.73% at the 0.5, 0.75 and 1% volume concentrations, There is no excess penalty in pumping power and results showed less variations in friction factor for nanofluids comparatively with the base fluid DIWater.