Novel synthesis with an atomized microemulsion technique and characterization of nano-calcium carbonate （CaCO3）/poly（methyl methacrylate） core-shell nanoparticles

The synthesis of hard-core/soft-shell calcium carbonate （CaCO3）/poly（methyl methacrylate） （PMMA） hybrid structured nanoparticles （〈100nm） by an atomized microemulsion polymerization process is reported. The polymer chains were anchored onto the surface of nano-CaCO3 through use of a cou- pling agent, triethoxyvinyl silane （TEVS）. Ammonium persulfate （APS）, sodium dodecyl sulfate （SDS） and n-pentanol were used as the initiator, surfactant and cosurfactant, respectively. The polymeriza- tion mechanism of the core-shell latex particles is discussed. The encapsulation of nano-CaCO3 by PMMA was confirmed using a transmission electron microscope （TEM）. The grafting percentage of the core-shell particles was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis （TGA）. The nano-CaCO3/PMMA core-shell par- ticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）. The FTIR results revealed the existence of a strong interaction at the interface of the nano-CaCO3 particle and the PMMA, which implies that the polymer chains were successfully grafted onto the surface of the nano-CaCO3 particles through the link of the coupling agent, In addition, the TGA and DSC results indicated an enhancement of the thermal stability of the core-shell materials compared with that of the pure nano-PMMA, The nano-CaCO3/PMMA particles were blended into a polypropylene （PP） matrix by melt processing. It can also be observed using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） that the PMMA chains grafted onto the CaCO3 nanoparticles interfere with the aggregation of CaCO3 in the polymer matrix （PP matrix） and thus improve the compatibility of the CaCO3 nanoparticles with the PP matrix.     

SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATION OF NANOPARTICLES BY A HIGH GRAVITY METHOD

Fast chemical reactions involved in nanomaterials synthesis, polymerization, special chemicals production, reactive absorption, etc., are often difficult to control in terms of product quality, process efficiency and production consistency.After a theoretical analysis on such processes based on chemical reaction engineering fundamentals, an idea to intensify micromixing (mixing on the molecular scale) and mass transfer and therefore to control the process ideally was proposed.By experimental investigations of mass transfer and micromixing characteristics in the Rotating Packed Bed (RPB, or “HIGEE“ device), we achieved unique intense micromixing. This led us to the invention of using RPB as a reactor for the fabrication of nanoparticles (Chen et al., 2000).RPB consists mainly of a rotating packed rotator inside a stationary casing. The high gravity environment created by the RPB, which could be orders of magnitude larger than gravity, causes aqueous reactants going through the packing to spread or split into micro or nano droplets, threads or thin films, thus markedly intensifying mass transfer and micromixing to the extent of 1 to 3 orders of magnitude larger than that in a conventional packed bed.In 1994, the first RPB reactor was designed to synthesize nanoparticles of CaCO3 through multiphase reaction between Ca(OH)2 slurry and CO2 gas, and nanoparticles of 15～30nm in mean size and with very uniform particle size distribution was obtained. In 1997, a pilot-scale RPB reactor was successfully set up for operation, and in 2000, the first commercial-scale RPB reactor for synthesis of such nanoparticles came into operation in China, establishing a milestone in the use of RPB as a reactor for the fabrication of nanomaterials (Chen et al., 2002).Since then, the high gravity method has been employed for the synthesis of inorganic and organic nanoparticles via gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, and gas-liquid-solid multiphase reactions, e.g. inorganic nanoparticles like nanosized CaCO3, TiO2,SiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, ZnS, BaTiO3, BaCO3, SrCO3, Al(OH)3 and Mg(OH)2 flame retardants, and organic nano-pharmaceuticals including benzoic acid, salbutamol sulfate and cephradine. This technology received extensive attention in the field of nanomaterials fabrication and application. Dudukovic et al. commented, “The first large-scale application of RPB as a reactor occurred in China in production of nano CaCO3 by HGRP (high gravity reactive precipitation)of carbon dioxide and lime. Uniformly small particles were made in the RPB due to achievement of a sharp supersaturation interface and very short liquid residence times in the device.“ (Dudukovic et al., 2002). Date et al. said, “HGRP represents a second generation of strategies for nanosizing of hydrophobic drugs. In our opinion, among various methodologies described eariier, supercritical anti-solvent enhanced mass transfer method and HGRP method has potential to become technologies of the future owing to their simplicity, ease of scale-up and nanosizing efficiency“ (Date et al., 2004).As-synthesized nano CaCO3 was employed as a template to synthesize silica hollow spheres (SHS) with mesostructured walls. Characterizations indicated that the obtained SHS had an average diameter of about 40 nm with a surface haviors of Brilliant Blue F (BB), which was used as a model drug. Loaded inside the inner core and on the surfaces of SHS,BB was released slowly into a bulk solution for as long as 1 140min as compared to only 10min for the normal SiO2nanoparticles, thus exhibiting a typical sustained release pattern without any burst effect. In addition, higher BET value of the carrier, lower pH value and lower temperature prolonged BB release from SHS, while stirring speed indicated little influence on the release behavior, showing the promising future of SHS in controlled drug delivery (Li et al., 2004).Nano-CaCO3 synthesized by the high gravity method was also employed as a filler to improve the performance of organic materials. By adding CaCO3 nanoparticles into polypropylene-ethylene copolymer (PPE) matrix, the toughness of the matrix was substantially increased. At a nanosized CaCO3 content of 12 phr (parts per hundred PPE resin by weight),matrix. In the nanosized CaCO3/PPE/SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) system, the rubbery phase and filler phase were independently dispersed in the PPE matrix. As a result of the addition of nanosized CaCO3, the viscosity of PPE matrix significantly increased. The increased shear force during compounding continuously broke down SBS particles, resulting in the reduction of the SBS particle size and improving the dispersion of SBS in the polymer matrix. Thus the toughening effect of SBS on matrix was improved. Simultaneously, the existence of SBS provided the matrix with good intrinsic toughness, satisfying the condition that nanosized inorganic particles of CaCO3 efficiently toughened the polymer matrix,thus fully exhibiting the synergistic toughening function of nanosized CaCO3 and SBS on PPE matrix (Chen et al., 2004).As-prepared nano-CaCO3 was blended with TiO2 and other additives to prepare complex master batches for use in the coloring of polypropylene. It was found that the obtained nano-CaCO3 is an excellent pigment dispersant, which can partially replace TiO2 pigments for polypropylene resin coloring. Nano-CaCO3 can prompt the dispersion of TiO2 in polymer matrix, boosting the whiteness of the materials without a negative effect on the UV absorbency of the materials (Guo et al.,2004). Studies on the mechanical properties of nano-CaCO3 toughened epoxy resin composite indicated that impact strength and flexural modulus of the composite improved remarkably when 6wt.% of nano-CaCO3 was added. Surface treatment of nano-CaCO3 by titanate coupling agents significantly improved the dispersibility of nano-CaCO3 in such a high viscous matrix (Li et al, 2005).     

Modification of silica with PMMA via ultrasonic irradiation and its application for reinforcement of polyacrylates

Polymethyl methacrylate （PMMA） encapsulated silica nanocomposite particles were prepared by ultra- sonically induced in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate （MMA） on the surface of silica sol. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FFIR）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, thermogravimetry （TG）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results showed that core-shell structure nanocomposite particles with an average size of 36 nm were obtained, and the thickness of polymer encapsulating layer was about 8 nm. The pretreatment of silica sol with tert-butyl hydroperoxide （TBHP） and the addition of ~-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane （MAPTS） significantly enhanced the encapsulation effect. Modified by the polymer layer, the silica particles could be well dispersed in matrices and utilized to improve the mechanical performance of polyacrylates.     

MEASUREMENT OF ADHESION FORCES IN AIR WITH THE VIBRATION METHOD

The vibration method represents a practical method for the measurement of adhesion forces and adhesion force distributions. This method causes sinusoidally alternating stresses and yields detachment and contact forces between particles and substrate of the same order of magnitude. Alternating contact forces of the vibration method can cause an adhesion force intensification through flattening of asperities. The measuring principle of the vibration method and the analysis of experimental results are described in the article. Normal adhesion forces (pull-off forces) are measured using the vibration method and the colloidal probe technique. The results of both methods show good agreement for small particle sizes. The influence of the detachment force direction is shown by comparing tangential and normal adhesion forces measured using particle reentrainment in a turbulent air flow and the vibration method, respectively. The surface roughness of the substrate and the relative humidity are shown to significantly influence the measured adhesion forces. For the calculation of the adhesion forces, an approach by Rabinovich was combined with approximations of plastic micro asperity flattening. The Rabinovich approach accounts for roughness effects on the van der Waals force by incorporating the rms roughness of the interacting surfaces, rms-values of the particles and substrates were measured with atomic force microscopy at different scanning areas.     

Characterization of gold]PMMA hybrid nanomaterials synthesized by hard X-ray synchrotron radiation

In this study, new types of hybrid gold poly（methyl methacrylate） （PMMA） nanomaterials are synthesized. Both PMMA spheres coated with gold nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles coated with PMMA can be synthesized using different ratios of HAuCl4 and MMA precursors, by exposing the mixtures to hard X-ray synchrotron radiation without the use of a reducing agent. According to the photochemical mechanism, gold nanoparticles will precipitate from a solution of HAuCl4 on exposure to synchrotron radiation, followed by the synthesis of PMMA by the polymerization of MMA monomers. These reactions can result in the formation of two different types of new hybrid nanomaterials. When a 1：1 volume ratio of HAuCI4 to MMA is used, we obtain PMMA spheres coated with gold nanoparticles. When a 10：1 ratio of HAuCl4 and MMA is used, we obtain gold nanoparticles coated with PMMA. The hybrid gold/PMMA nanostructures are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, dynamic-light scattering analysis, gel permeation chromatography and Raman spectroscopy. The hybrid nanomaterials have potential application in the fields of biosensors and drug delivery.     

In situ synthesis of Ag-SiO2 Janus particles with epoxy functionality for textile applications

A facile method for the synthesis of silver-silica（Ag-SiO₂） Janus particles with functionalities suitable for textile applications is reported.Silica nanoparticles prepared by the Stober method were functionalized with epoxy,amine,and thiol groups,which were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis.The functionalized silica nanoparticles were used to produce Pickering emulsions,and the exposed surface was used for the attachment of silver nanoparticles（AgNPs） via the low-temperature chemical reduction method.The morphology and structure of the Ag-SiO₂ Janus particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,scanning transmission electron microscopy,high-resolution transmission electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray analysis,and UV-vis spectroscopy.Because of their specific functionalities,these Ag-SiO₂ Janus particles are proposed for applications on textile substrates,as they can overcome several drawbacks of direct application of AgNPs on textiles,such as leaching,agglomeration,and instability during storage.     

Embedding copper nanoparticle-anchored conductive nano-blocks in polyelectrolyte

Conductive carbon nanotubes （CNTs） or alternatively polyaniline （PANI） nano-blocks was introduced into aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） and copper （II） salt, to assist the reduction of copper （II） ions and the anchoring of the resulting copper nanoparticles onto the conductive blocks. The mixture solutions of nano-blocks, copper （lI） salts and PVA were spin-coated onto the cathode surface, forming swollen cathode films （SCFs）. The copper （II） ions in the film assembled onto the surfaces of the conductive blocks and were then reduced under an appropriate voltage. It is important that the copper nanoparticles grew only on the surfaces of the conductive blocks. PVA which acted as the matrix of the composites played a role in stabilizing the resulting copper nanoparticles. Morphologies of these polymeric composite films were studied by various characterization methods. Moreover, the mechanism of migration of copper （II） ions, the formation of these polymeric composites, and the overall procedure were investigated in detail.     

Comparison of schemes for preparing magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by means of coprecipitation using NH3·H2O in water and in alcohol, and using NaOH in water. A series of instruments such as SEM, TEM, HRTEM, FT-IR, XRD and VSM were used to characterize the properties of the magnetic nanoparticles.was the longest. The process using NaOH in water was the simplest and the reaction time was the shortest, but the particle characteristics were inferior to those of the other two methods. The mean size of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared by coprecipitation in alcohol was the smallest among the three, but the nanoparticles aggregated severely. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with oleic acid using saturated sodium coated successfully and thoroughly.     

Wetting and its influence on the filtration ability of ceramic foam filters

Deep bed filtration in aqueous media is a well-known process for solid-liquid separation.However,the use of deep bed filtration for the purification of metal melts is a relatively new field of application.In particular,the separation mechanism of metal melts filtration is a new area for investigation.The current paper aims at examining the influence of wetting on the filtration efficiency of ceramic foam filters that is an important feature of the metal melts filtration process.A model system was designed using water and alumina particles(<200 μm).The particles and filter medium were coated to model poor wetting.Thus,examination of the influence of wetting on the adhesion energy and filtration performance was possible.Furthermore,the effect of fluid velocity was studied.To this end,the experiments were carried out under atmospheric conditions and at 20 C.The findings showed that poor wetting between the fluid and solid phase significantly increased the filtration efficiency.     

Synthesis and characterization of PMMA/Al2O3 composite particles by in situ emulsion polymerization

In order to improve its dispersibility, superfine alumina （A1203） was encapsulated with poly（methyl methacrylate） （PMMA） by in situ emulsion polymerization. It was found that only when the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate （SDS） was much higher than its critical micelle concentration, could PMMA/Al2O3 composite particles with high percentage of grafting （PG） be prepared. The same results were obtained between the experimental and stoichiometric amounts of tris（dodecylbenzenesulfonate） isopropoxide （NDZ）, indicating that single-molecule-layer adsorption had taken place between NDZ and Al2O3. Analysis using FTIR, TEM and XPS showed that PMMA/Al2O3 composite particles with core-shell structure had been successfully synthesized by in situ emulsion polymerization. Compared to Al2O3, thermal stability and dispersibility of the composite particles showed marked improvement.     

Preface: Current research progress on mechanics of high speed rail

The construction and operation of high-speed rail（HSR）grid within the past two decades in China,in terms of the scale,may be possibly comparable to any national-wide construction in the history of China,even the Great Wall.By counting railways with commercial train service at the speed of200 km/h,China has the world’s longest HSR network with over 19 369.8 km of track in service today and this number     

ACTA MECHANICA SINICA 2014 ANNUAL SUBJECT INDEX

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人造地震动合成中的位移误差分析

三角函数级数法是合成人工地震动常用算法之一,但是通过对加速度积分求取位移时,却存在与零线漂移相类似的位移漂移现象。     

Hermitian space-time finite elements for estuarine mass transport

Space-time finite element solutions of the convection–dispersion equation using higher-order nodal continuity and Hermitian polynomial shape functions are described. Five separate elements ranging from a complete linear element with C^0,0 nodal continuity to a complete first-order Hermitian element with C^1,1 nodal continuity are subjected to detailed analysis. Wave deformation analyses identify the source of leading or trailing edge oscillations, trailing edge oscillations being the major source of difficulty. These observations are confirmed by numerical experiments which further demonstrate the potential of higher-order nodal continuity. The performance of the complete first-order Hermitian element is quite satisfactory and measurably superior to the linear element.     

Rainwater rivulets on a cable subject to windFilets d'eau de pluie sur un câble soumis au vent

Rainwater rivulets appear on inclined cables of cable-stayed bridges when wind and rain occur simultaneously. In a restricted range of parameters this is known to cause vibrations of high amplitudes on the cable. The mechanism underlying this effect is still under debate but the role of rainwater rivulets is certain. We use a standard lubrication model to analyse the dynamics of a water film on a cylinder under the effect of gravity and wind load. A simple criterion is then proposed for the appearance and position of rivulets, where the Froude number is the control parameter. Experiments with several geometries of cylinder covered with water in a wind tunnel show the evolution of the rivulets with the Froude number. Comparison of the prediction by the model with these experimental data shows that the main mechanism of rivulet formation and positioning is captured. To cite this article: C. Lemaitre et al., C. R. Mecanique 334 (2006).     

Cristallisation par onde acoustique : le cas de l'héliumCrystallization by acoustic waves: the case of helium

We establish a theoretical model to explain the nucleation of a crystal of helium by an acoustic over-pressure. We explain the interfacial laws for this ultra-fast cristallization, close to the sound speed. Assuming spherical symmetry and taking into account the experimental data, we recover the dynamics of the growth and melting during an over-pressure impulse. To cite this article: M. Ben Amar et al., C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003).     

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Contributions： The Journal, Acta Mechanica Solida Sinica, is pleased to receive papers from engineers and scientists working in various aspects of solid mechanics. All contributions are subject to critical review prior to acceptance and publication.     

The 7th International Conference on Fluid Mechanics May 24-27,2015,Qingdao,China

正http://www.icfm7.org First Announcement and Call for PapersThe objective of International Conference on Fluid Mechanics(ICFM)is to provide a forum for researchers to exchange new ideas and recent advances in the fields of theoretical,experimental,computational Fluid Mechanics as well as interdisciplinary subjects.It was successfully convened by the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics(CSTAM)in Beijing(1987,