Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarization applied to evaluation of porosity of phosphate conversion coatings on electrogalvanized steels

In this work, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarization are used in determining porosity of zinc phosphates, and of nickel and manganese modified zinc phosphates on electrogalvanized steel. The porosity of the phosphate layers ranges from 0.1% for the manganese-modified hopeite to 8% for hopeite, using the linear polarization and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The porosity values measured using the two techniques were in agreement. All impedance spectra of coated samples showed two steps, with two capacitive arcs and an inductive looping.     

Thin-walled Beams: A Derivation of Vlassov Theory via Γ-Convergence

This paper deals with the asymptotic analysis of the three-dimensional problem for a linearly elastic cantilever having an open cross-section which is the union of rectangles with sides of order ε and ε ², as ε goes to zero. Under suitable assumptions on the given loads and for homogeneous and isotropic material, we show that the three-dimensional problem Γ-converges to the classical one-dimensional Vlassov model for thin-walled beams.      

A mathematical model of the ring-spinning process

This paper develops a mathematical model of the ring-spinning process that takes into account its non-stationary nature. A complex system of differential equations is obtained, which from a mathematical point of view constitutes a ‘free-boundary’ problem. Its solution involves definition of suitable boundary conditions related to the mechanical characteristics of the process and of the spinning machine itself. The boundary conditions which determine the solution are pointed out. A numerical solution of the system of differential equations can be obtained by the Finite-Segments method, as shown in an example.     

Reactions on the dimethylphenylbenzacridinones. VI. Hydrogenation of ortho-nitrophenyl derivatives

Catalytic hydrogenation of o-nitrophenylbenz[a], benz[c], dibenz[a,h] and dibenz[a,g]acridinones using Pd/C as catalyst, at 60 psi of pressure, gave the hiterto unknown benzoquinoacridine N-oxides and benzo-pyranonaphthyridine N-oxides. The structure of all products was corroborated by ir, ¹H- and ¹³C-nmr and mass spectra data.     

Chemometric approaches in environmental problems concerning PCDD and PCDF. Data interpretation and source correlation. Mechanisms of formation and destruction in MSW combustion process

Summary The role of multivariate analysis methods in evaluating, rationalizing, and working out complex environmental problems is discussed. The discussion is organized in two sections; a literature analysis of the application of chemometric methods to PCDD/PCDF data interpretation and source correlation and a review of the role of chemometric methods in analysing the results obtained by the Authors studying PCDD/PCDF formation and destruction mechanisms in MSW combustion processes.     

The rotational-conformational distribution of 2,2'-bithienyl in liquid crystals

We have investigated the distribution of conformations and orientations for a simple internal rotor molecule, 2,2'-bithienyl dissolved in liquid crystal solvents, by re-analysing published proton dipolar coupling data with the maximum entropy internal order method (MEIO). We show that detailed, model independent, conformational information can be obtained when data of sufficiently high quality are available. We also propose a novel and convenient representation method for the orientational-conformational coupling.     

Working Methods Paper: Critical considerations with respect to the identification of tin species in the environment

Biogeochemical pathways of tin species in the environment are still controversial, e.g. with regard to methylation and transmethylation phenomena, owing to the fact that the identification of methylated tin-compounds is often difficult. The previous tentative identification of a mixed methylbutyltin compound in sediment and biological samples by GC/AAS after hydride generation gave an illustration of this problem. This compound was previously identified in sediments by other authors and also suspected to occur in a contaminated sediment sample from the Boyardville Marina, France. The retention time obtained by GC/AAS corresponded to the actual retention time of a mixed methylbutyltin calibrant. However, additional checks demonstrated that the compound detected was actually monophenyltin. This evidence was produced by a thorough analysis of a selected sediment sample by alternative techniques such as GC/AAS and GC/AES after pentylation, GC/FPD and GC/MS. The results presented highlight the need for a full identification of compounds to avoid mis-interpretation.     

Electrochemical characterization of composite membranes based on crown-ethers intercalated into montmorillonite

Oxyethylene macrocyclic compounds (crown-ethers) act as ligands of intracrystalline cations of certain layered silicates as montmorillonites. Stable intercalation materials are formed which are used to prepare organic-inorganic membranes by encapsulating these intercalation compounds with a poly-butadiene thin coating. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is used to study the resulting composite membranes in contact with aqueous electrolytes. From the impedance plots, the ionic resistance of the membranes is obtained. The thickness of the polybutadiene coating is an important factor determining the ability of ions to pass across the membrane. Marked differences in the ionic resistance are observed as a function of the nature of the interlayer macrocyclic compound. For non-intercalated montmorillonite membranes, the ionic resistance is strongly reduced, whereas for some crown-ether intercalated materials such as 18-crown-6 and dibenzo 24-crown-8, iono-selective membranes are obtained. Concerning the nature of the electrolyte, cations exhibiting greater hydration energies show higher difficulties to pass through the membrane and, consequently, the ionic resistance increases.     

Earnshaw (1805–1888) and Passive Magnetic Levitation

S. Earnshaw, a mathematical physicist born in England two centuries ago, was the author of studies on the transmission of sound and light. His theory on the transmission of light by “detached particles” has also influenced some studies on the stability of bodies in potential fields, particularly studies on the levitation of permanent magnets, i.e. on passive magnetic levitation. This theorem was so well known that even Maxwell mentioned it, and is today cited almost as an axiom in the ambit of passive magnetization. However, what is less well known is that the theory actually only relates to magnetostatics. In this paper, the mathematic model of the theory that refers to stability is outlined, along with some works that refer to it, in particular those on passive magnetic levitation. It is then pointed out that spaces of low instability exist in magnetostatics, and that stability may exist in the magneto-stationary and in magneto-dynamic ambit.