Influences of Heating Condition and Substrate-Surface Roughness on the Characteristics of Sol-Gel-Derived Hydroxyapatite Coatings

A prepared transparent HA solution was coated on Ti6Al4V substrates by a spin-coating technique. The crystallization of the sol-gel-derived HA coated on the metallic substrates could be done at relatively low firing temperatures (as low as 600°C). The characteristics of the HA-coated layer were dependent on the surface roughness of substrates and heating conditions such as firing temperature, holding time, heating rate, and atmosphere. The heat treatment at a slow heating rate (<2°C/min.) and a long heating time (>10 hrs) at 600°C in air produced the uniform surface and improved the crystallinity. The HA layer coated on 20 m grit-blasted substates was more uniform and had fever cracks after firing, compared with that coated on 100 m grit-blasted rougher substrates.     

Study of the decomposition of aqueous citratoperoxo-Ti(IV)-gel precursors for titania by means of TGA-MS and FTIR

An aqueous solution-gel route is developed for the preparation of TiO₂. In this report, we study an aqueous citratoperoxo-Ti(IV)-precursor at pH 2.0, which is compatible with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and therefore can be applied for the preparation of a thick mesoporous TiO₂ film.With regard to deposition of films, it is important to gain insight in the behaviour of the precursor during thermal treatment. Therefore, the thermal decomposition mechanism of a citratoperoxo-Ti(IV)-gel and a PVA modified citratoperoxo-Ti(IV)-gel is studied. Weight losses and evolved gasses are characterized by TGA-MS (5 °C min⁻¹), while gel structure and changes in the solid upon heating are studied by means of FTIR. For both gels, decomposition in dry air can be divided into five regions. After drying of the samples in the first region (∼100 °C), decomposition of the organic matter not coordinated to the metal ions occurs (∼200 °C). The third region (∼310 °C) involves the decomposition of citrato ligands. Finally, the residual organic matter is combusted in the last two regions. Only in dry air it is possible to fully remove the organic matrix in both gels at temperatures below 600 °C.It is also proven that the citratoperoxo-Ti(IV)-complexes, seen at pH 7.0, exist in the precursor gel already at pH 2.0.     

Thermal behavior of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> mesoporous gels

Summary Titania-based photocatalytic materials were prepared by sol-gel method using Fe³⁺ and polyethyleneglycol (PEG₆₀₀) as additives. Thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and evolved gas analysis (EGA) with MS detection were used to elucidate processes that take place during heating of Fe³⁺ containing titania gels. The microstructure development of the Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ gel samples with and without PEG₆₀₀ admixtures was characterized by emanation thermal analysis (ETA) under in situ heating in air. A mathematical model was used for the evaluation of ETA results. Surface area and porosity measurements of the samples dried at 120&deg;C and the samples preheated for 1 h to 300 and 500&deg;C were compared. From the XRD measurements it was confirmed that the crystallization of anatase took place after thermal heating up to 600&deg;C.     

Preparation and Properties of Sol–Gel Thin Film Containing Rhodamine B Derivative with Ethoxy Silano Group on Organic Substrate and its Application to Surface-Treatment Thin Film for Display

A thin film containing rhodamine B derivative with ethoxy silano group was formed on organic film substrate using the sol–gel method. Rhodamine B derivative with a triethoxysilano group, SiO₂ sol and acrylic polymer having a triethoxy group were reacted in alcohol to give a coating solution for film formation, followed to be roll-coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and heat-treated at 130°C. This thin film consists of inorganic polymer (SiO₂), organic polymer (acrylic resin) and organic dye. These component parts become interconnected through mutual chemical bonding. This thin film has an absorption peak at 578 nm and superb water resistant characteristics (almost no dye elution in 50°C water for 150 min) as a result of chemical bonding between the organic dye and the matrix skeleton. It also has good flexibility. The film can be used as a wavelength-selective absorption film for displays to improve contrast.     

Thermal investigation by simultaneous TG/DTG-DTA and IR spectroscopy of new lanthanide complexes with salicylhydroxamic acid

Summary The reaction of a hydrated nitrate salt of lanthanide (Ln=Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy, Er) with the polyfunctional ligand salicylhydroxamic acid (H₃sha), in the presence of base, afforded solid compounds, insoluble in common organic solvents and in water. The new complexes characterized by means of elemental analyses (C, H, N, Ln), magnetic moment determinations and spectroscopic data (IR, MS). It is proposed that they are neutral, with a possible polymeric structure of the general type: [Ln₂(Hsha)₂(H₂sha)(DMF)_x(CH₃O)(H₂O)]_n×2H₂O Their thermal decomposition was studied in nitrogen and/or oxygen atmosphere, between 25-1000°C by using simultaneous TG/DTG-DTA technique. The IR spectroscopy used to determine the intermediates and the final products. The intermediates at 180°C suggest the formation of N-hydroxylactam complex, which upon further heating gives a carbonaceous residue of Ln₂O₃ at 1000°C in nitrogen, while in oxygen the stable oxides are formed at 600°C.     

Heterometallic lead-titanium oxyalkoxide precursors to lead titanate thin films

Two lead titanium oxyalkoxides with composition Pb₂Ti₄O₂(O₂CCH₃)₂(OC₂H₅)₁₄ and Pb₂Ti₂O₂(O₂CCH₃)₂(OCH(CH₃)₂)₈ have been isolated and characterised by elemental analysis, IR, ²⁰⁷Pb NMR and molecular weight measurements. X-ray structural analysis of the 1:2 complex confirmed the presence of two Pb₂Ti₂O units which are linked by a common Pb···Pb edge and are held together by alkoxide and acetate bridges. The acetate groups have migrated from the Pb to the Ti centres during the reaction. Hydrolysis of the 1:1 Pb/Ti complex produced clear gels providing the H₂O/complex ratio was less than 4. Heat treatment of the gel results in loss of residual organics below 400°C. The XRD pattern indicates the presence of the pyrochlore and perovskite phases after heating at 500°C but the sample is poorly crystalline. Complete conversion to the perovskite phase of lead titanate occurs on heating to 600°C for 1 hour. Thin films of lead titanate were deposited by dip-coating a solution of this complex in isopropanol. Analyses of the films, carried out using electron microprobe, Scanning Auger Spectroscopy and Rutherford Backscattering, indicated that they were of excellent quality, crystalline after heating at 600°C and with relatively sharp substrate-coating interface.     

Solid-solid interactions in pure and Li2O-doped manganese and magnesium mixed oxides system

The solid-solid interactions between manganese and magnesium oxides in absence and in presence of small amounts of Li₂O have been investigated. The molar ratios between manganese and magnesium oxides in the form of Mn₂O₃ and MgO were varied between 0.05:1 to 0.5:1. The mixed solids were calcined in air at 400-1000°C. The techniques employed were DTA, XRD and H₂O₂ decomposition at 20-40°C.The results obtained revealed that solid-solid interactions took place between the reacting solids at 600-1000°C yielding magnesium manganates (Mg₂MnO₄, Mg₆MnO₈, MgMnO₄ besides unreacted portions of MgO, Mn₂O₃ and Mn₃O₄). Li₂O-doping (0.75-6 mol%) of the investigated system followed by calcination at 600 and 800°C decreased progressively the intensity of the diffraction lines of Mn₂O₃ (Bixbyite) with subsequent increase in the lattice parameter 'a' of MgO to an extent proportional to the amount of Li₂O added. This finding might suggest that the doping process enhanced the dissolution of Mn₂O₃ in MgO forming solid solution. This treatment led also to the formation of Li₂MnO₃. Furthermore, the doping with 3 and 6 mol% Li₂O conducted at 800°C resulted in the conversion of Mn₂O₃ into Mn₃O₄, a process that took place at 1000°C in absence of Li₂O. The produced Li₂MnO₃ phase remained stable by heating at up to 1000°C. Furthermore, Li₂O doping of the investigated system at 400-1000°C resulted in a progressive measurable increase in the particle size of MgO.The catalytic activity measurements showed that the increase in the molar ratio of Mn₂O₃ in the samples precalcined at 400-800°C was accompanied by a significant increase in the catalytic activity of the treated solids. The maximum increase in the catalytic activity expressed as reaction rate constant measured at 20°C (k _20°C) attained 3.14, 2.67 and 3.25-fold for the solids precalcined at 400, 600 and 800°C, respectively. Li₂O-doping of the samples having the formula 0.1 Mn₂O₃/MgO conducted at 400-600°C brought a progressive significant increase in its catalytic activity. The maximum increase in the value of k _20°C due to Li₂O attained 1.93 and 2.75-fold for the samples preheated at 400 and 600°C, respectively and opposite effect was found for the doped samples preheated at 800°C.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Correlation of optical properties and temperature-induced irreversible phase transitions in europium-doped yttrium carbonate nanoparticles

Nanophase europium-doped yttrium carbonate precursors are subjected to heat treatments, ranging from 300 °C to 1100 °C for dwell times of 5 min, 30 min, and 180 min. XRD, TEM, FT-IR, fluorescence, fluorescence excitation, and fluorescence lifetime measurements are used to characterize the materials. Upon heating, the material transitions through several amorphous stages until it reaches the crystalline cubic Y₂O₃ phase. DSC measurements show an exothermic transition at 665.7 °C, indicating the formation of crystalline Y₂O₃. The grain size development is fitted by the relaxation equation and yields an activation energy of 50.3 kJ/mol. The amorphous phases are characterized by inhomogenously broadened optical spectra. Heating up to 700 °C leads to an increased fluorescence lifetime (from about 1 ms to 2.4 ms). As the material is heated to higher temperatures and completes the formation of the crystalline cubic Y₂O₃ phase, the optical spectra become narrower and the fluorescence lifetime decreases to about 1.2 ms.     

Transparent inorganic/organic copolymers by the sol-gel process: Thermal behavior of copolymers of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), vinyl triethoxysilane (VTES) and (meth)acrylate monomers

Three types of inorganic/organic copolymers have been prepared in a one-step sol-gel process, and their thermal stabilities have been studied. The one-step sol gel process was carried out in mixtures of three monomeric components: HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-VTES (vinyl triethoxysilane)-TEOS (tetraethyl orthsilicate), HDDA (hexanediol diacrylate)-VTES-TEOS and GPTA (glycerol propoxy triacrylate)-VTES-TEOS. Copolymers with HEMA, which is able to form a linear organic polymer, were the least thermally stable materials. They lost the highest proportion of weight during heat treatment to 600°C and exhibited the lowest decomposition temperatures. Copolymers with HDDA and GPTA, which are able to form crosslinked organic polymers, had higher decomposition temperatures, and their weight loss during heat treatment to 600°C was small. The skeletal densities of all copolymers increased slightly during heat treatment.     

Thermoanalytical investigations of the decomposition course of copper oxysalts

The thermal decomposition course of copper acetate monohydrate (CuAc) was examined on heating up to 600°C at various rates, by TG, DTA and DSC. Non-isothermal kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were determined in air or nitrogen. SEM was used to describe the decomposition course and the solid products were identified by IR and XRD analysis. The results indicated that CuAc was dehydrated at 190°C and then partially decomposed at 220°C, giving rise to CuO in addition to a minor portion of Cu₂O and Cu₄O₃. The last two oxides seemed to facilitate the decomposition of the rest of the anhydrous acetate. Cu₂O and Cu₄O₃ were oxidized in air at >400°C, in a process that did not occur in nitrogen.It is a pleasure to thank the Queen's University of Belfast, particularly the staff of the Electron Microscope Unit for assistance in obtaining the electron micrographs. Thanks are also due to the Egyptian Government for the granted fellowship.     

Structural Analysis and Properties of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Ionic Conductor Prepared by Sol-Gel Process

Organic-inorganic hybrid lithium ion conductors were prepared by the sol-gel process. The hybrid ion conductor will be used as the electrolyte for Li based high-energy density batteries. The hybrid ion conductor was prepared from a mixture of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS), polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG₂₀₀), lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) and water. A wet gel was prepared at room temperature. The gels dried at 80°C under vacuum did not contain water. The dried hybrid ion conductor gel had homogeneity and high transparency. Ionic conductivity of the hybrid sample was measured by the complex impedance method and it increased with increasing PEG₂₀₀ content. The dried hybrid gel that contained no LiClO₄ did not show ion conduction. Conductivity on the order of 10^–5 S·cm^–1 at room temperature was obtained. Structural characterization was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) and NMR measurement of ¹³C and ¹H, and the thermal stability and glass transition properties were studied by DSC. Glass transition temperature decreased with increasing PEG₂₀₀ content and increased with increasing [Li]/[O] ratio (the oxygen considered is from the polyethylene glycol). Existence of the Si–O–(C₂H₄O) _n –bond and the C–OH bond in the framework of the organic and inorganic phases was confirmed. TMOS and PEG₂₀₀ were hydrolyzed and condensed. The organic and inorganic phases were chemically bonded and the microstructure of the hybrid matrix was shaped as comb. The comb shape leads to high ionic conduction.     

Modified Pencil Lead as a New Fiber for Solid-Phase Microextraction

The efficiency of modified pencil lead as a new fiber for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has been investigated. Modified pencil lead fibers have been prepared by use of several activation processes, for example heating at 600 °C in the stream of inert gas (He), heating under reflux with concentrated H₂SO₄ , fusing with NaOH at 400 °C, and activation at 600 °C with water vapor for 60 min. The fibers were used for extraction of trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from aqueous samples. Monitoring of extracted compounds and quantitative analysis of model samples were performed by capillary GC–FID. The results obtained prove the suitability of the proposed fibers for sampling organic compounds from water. Effects on extraction efficiency of factors such as temperature, salting out, stirring speed, and exposure time were studied. Under optimum conditions and using one fiber for extraction of naphthalene as a typical compound, a relative standard deviation of 5.3% (n=7) was achieved. The calibration plot was linear in the range 50–10,000 pg mL^–1 (r=0.9997) and the detection limit was 25 pg mL^–1 (S/N=3). This fiber is very stable at high temperature, inexpensive, and can be prepared simply.     

Oxygen permeability of novel organic-inorganic coatings: II. Modification of the organic component with a hydrogen-bond forming polymer

The oxygen permeability of composite materials, consisting of a LDPE substrate coated with a thin layer (0.7-1 μm) of new hybrid organic/inorganic materials based on SiO₂ and PE-PEG block copolymers, has been characterized at 35 and 50 °C. The effect of adding a second organic component capable to form hydrogen bonds, namely either poly(4-hydroxystyrene) (PHS) or malic acid, has been studied. While the addition of PHS leads to a further significant decrease (50-70%) of the oxygen permeability both at 35 and 50 °C, on the contrary, the addition of malic acid leads to poorer barrier properties. A slight decrease of the permeability was obtained after plasma treatment of the LDPE surface.     

Bio-oil production from Onopordum acanthium L. by slow pyrolysis

In this study, the usability of the plant thistle, Onopordum acanthium L., belonging to the family Asteraceae (Compositae), in liquid fuel production has been investigated. The experiments were performed in a fixed-bed Heinze pyrolysis reactor to investigate the effects of heating rate, pyrolysis temperature and sepiolite percentage on the pyrolysis product yields and chemical compositions. Experiments were carried out in a static atmosphere with a heating rate of 7 °C/min and 40 °C/min, pyrolysis temperature of 350, 400, 500, 550 and 700 °C and particle size of 0.6 < D_p < 0.85 mm. Catalyst experiments were conducted in a static atmosphere with a heating rate of 40 °C/min, pyrolysis temperature of 550 °C and particle size of 0.6 < D_p < 0.85 mm. Bio-oil yield increased from 18.5% to 27.3% with the presence of 10% of sepiolite catalyst at pyrolysis temperature of 550 °C, with a heating rate of 40 °C/min, and particle size of 0.6 < D_p < 0.85 mm. It means that the yield of bio-oil was increased at around 48.0% after the catalyst added. Chromatographic and spectroscopic studies on the bio-oil showed that the oil obtained from O. acanthium L. could be used as a renewable fuels and chemical feedstock.     

Über die Gewinnung und Thermostabilität der Chalkogenate von Antimon und Wismut, 2. Mitt.: Gewinnung und Untersuchung der Thermostabilität von Wismuttellurit

Zusammenfassung Wismuttellurit-Trihydrat Bi₂(TeO₃)₃·3H₂O wurde hergestellt und sein Verhalten thermisch, thermogravimetrisch, chemisch sowie phasen-röntgenographisch studiert. Es wurde festgestellt, daß bei 175–192°C das Trihydrat in das Dihydrat übergeht, das bei 275–300°C eine monotrope Umwandlung erfährt. Bei weiterem Erhitzen erfolgt eine partielle Oxidation des Te(IV) zu Te(VI), begleitet von einem exothermen Effekt, der bei 348–366°C auftritt. Die vollkommene Entwässerung der Substanz tritt bei 480–500°C ein. Bei 525–600°C wird Te⁶⁺ wieder zu Te⁴⁺ reduziert und schmilzt das Wismuttellurit.

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Preparation and thermostability of the chalkogenates of antimon and bismuth, II: Preparation and thermostability of bismuth tellurite

Bismuth tellurite—the tri-hydrate—has been prepared. By thermal, thermo-gravimetric, chemical, as well as phaseroentgenographic analysis, the behaviour of Bi₂(TeO₃)₃·3H₂O upon heating has been studied. It was found that at 175–192°C the tri-hydrate passes into the di-hydrate, which at 275–300°C undergoes a monotropic transformation. On further heating, a partial oxidation of Te(IV) to Te(VI) takes place, accompanied by an exothermal effect at 348–366°C. The complete desiccation of the substance takes place presumably at 480–500°C. At 525–600°C Te⁶⁺ is again reduced to Te⁴⁺ and the bismuth tellurite melts.

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Mit 2 Abbildungen     

Solution Preparation of Li(Co,Fe)O2 Coatings for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Components

An aqueous solution process has been used for dip coating onto substrates of 316L stainless steel. Coatings of LiCoO₂, Li(Co_0.5Fe_0.5)O₂ and LiFeO₂ were applied and heat treated to 650°C for 3 hrs. Thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and SEM analysis were carried out to characterize the microstructure of the coatings. Results showed that the coatings transformed from a gel to a porous, crystalline layer between 270 and 350°C. Microhardness measurements at low load (50 g) were used as an indication of the surface coverage. Samples subjected to 10 thermal cycles at 10°C/min to 650°C and back to ambient, to simulate use in a molten carbonate fuel cell, showed no decrease in microhardness.     

Activity and selectivity of manganese oxides in alcohols Conversion as influenced by gamma-irradiation

Manganese oxide samples obtained from thermal decomposition of manganese carbonate at 400 and 600 °C were subjected to different doses of g-irradiation within the range 0.2 to 1.6 MGy. The surface and catalytic properties of the above samples were studied using nitrogen adsorption isotherms measured at -196 °C and catalytic conversion of ethanol and isopropanol at 300-400 °C using micropulse technique. The results obtained revealed that manganese oxides obtained at 400 °C consisted of a mixture of Mn₂O₃ and MnO₂ while the samples calcined at 600 °C composed entirely of Mn₂O₃. Gamma-irradiation resulted in a decrease in the particle size of manganese oxide phases with subsequent increase in their specific surface areas. Gamma-irradiation with 0.2 and 0.8 MGy effected a measurable progressive decrease in the catalytic activity in dehydration and dehydrogenation of both alcohols. However, the treated catalyst retained their initial activity upon exposure to a dose of 1.6 MGy. Also, g-irradiation increased the selectivities of the investigated solids towards dehydrogenation of both alcohols. The catalyst samples precalcined at 600 °C exhibited higher catalytic activities than those precalcined at 400 °C.     

EXAFS and XRD Study of the Structural Evolution during Isothermal Sintering of SnO2 Xerogels

The formation of an ordered (crystalline) phase during isothermal sintering of SnO₂ monolithic xerogels, at 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700°C, has been analyzed by the combined use of EXAFS and XRD techniques. For the desiccated gel (110°C), EXAFS results show the formation of small microcrystallites with the incipient cassiterite structure. Between 110 and 250°C, the dehydratation reaction leads to an amorphization evidenced by a decrease of the long and short range crystallographic order. It is due to fissure formation in the xerogel network. For higher temperatures, a continuous coagulation of the crystallites occurs, leading to grain growth. Grain and pore growth obeys the same kinetic relation, so that the microstructure grows by simple enlargement while its morphology is static.     

Phase Formation in Gels of the Apatite-Anorthite System

Phase formation in heat-treated composites containing anorthite gel and fluorapatite has been investigated. For the sol-gel synthesis TEOS, Al(NO3)3·9H2 O, Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, (NH4)3PO4·3H2O, NH4F and CaF2 were used as precursors. The gel mixtures were treated from 200 to 1250°C. It was found that the gels remain in an amorphous state up to 900°C. From X-ray diffraction structural analysis of anorthite gel-glasses heat treated at 600°C and 800°C it was found that a shift of the first maximum occurred from 1.85 to 1.77 Å, which could be interpreted as a transformation of the gel-glass structure with increasing temperature. During the heat treatment of the mixed gels from the apatite-anorthite system it was found that fluorapatite is present as a major crystal phase at 950°C. At 1250°C anorthite and gehlenite are the major crystalline phases.     

Thermal study on electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone/ammonium metatungstate nanofibers: optimising the annealing conditions for obtaining WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanofibers

This article demonstrates how important it is to find the optimal heating conditions when electrospun organic/inorganic composite fibers are annealed to get ceramic nanofibers in appropriate quality (crystal structure, composition, and morphology) and to avoid their disintegration. Polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP, (C₆H₉NO) _n ] and ammonium metatungstate [AMT, (NH₄)₆[H₂W₁₂O₄₀]·nH₂O] nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning aqueous solutions of PVP and AMT. The as-spun fibers and their annealing were characterized by TG/DTA-MS, XRD, SEM, Raman, and FTIR measurements. The 400–600 nm thick and tens of micrometer long PVP/AMT fibers decomposed thermally in air in four steps, and pure monoclinic WO₃ nanofibers formed between 500 and 600 °C. When a too high heating rate and heating temperature (10 °C min⁻¹, 600 °C) were used, the WO₃ nanofibers completely disintegrated. At lower heating rate but too high temperature (1 °C min⁻¹, 600 °C), the fibers broke into rods. If the heating rate was adequate, but the annealing temperature was too low (1 °C min⁻¹, 500 °C), the nanofiber morphology was excellent, but the sample was less crystalline. When the optimal heating rate and temperature (1 °C min⁻¹, 550 °C) were applied, WO₃ nanofibers with excellent morphology (250 nm thick and tens of micrometer long nanofibers, which consisted of 20–80 nm particles) and crystallinity (monoclinic WO₃) were obtained. The FTIR and Raman measurements confirmed that with these heating parameters the organic matter was effectively removed from the nanofibers and monoclinic WO₃ was present in a highly crystalline and ordered form.