Gradient systems and mechanical systems

All types of gradient systems and their properties are discussed. Two problems connected with gradient sys-tems and mechanical systems are studied. One is the direct problem of transforming a mechanical system into a gradi-ent system, and the other is the inverse problem, which is transforming a gradient system into a mechanical system.     

Using two scaling exponents to describe the mechanical properties of swollen elastomers

We study the ability of two scaling exponents to describe the mechanical properties of swollen elastomers. Swelling effects on the Young's modulus and osmotic pressure of swollen elastomers at equilibrium swelling are investigated using literature data and the Flory–Rehner free energy function. An extended model is developed by introducing two scaling exponents into elastic strain energy functions that are separated into deviatoric and volumetric components. This extended model satisfactorily reproduces the two different swelling effects, and also predicts swelling-induced rupture. The predicted tendency readily explains experimental observations well, i.e., swelling-induced rupture occurs when small extensions are applied in good solvents, and elucidates the mechanism of swelling-induced rupture of elastomers.     

Hydrogen embrittlement assisted by ball-milling to obtain AlCuFe nanoparticles

In this work, we show that the synthesis of AlCuFe nanoparticles can be achieved by a wet ball-milling process. The AlCuFe intermetallic system is highly sensitive to the environmental embrittlement mechanism. Taking advantage of this, the wet ball-milling was used to increase the rate of grinding and accelerate the characteristic cleavage fracture of these phases. This research was carried out by subjecting Al₆₄Cu₂₄Fe₁₂ pre-alloyed ribbons to high-energy ball-milling under different powder–humidity relationships. The pre-alloyed and milled powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). High resolution electron microscopy (HREM) measurements and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) elemental chemical mapping confirm that the nanoparticles have a BCC structure with Al–Cu–Fe chemical composition. During the wet ball-milling, the aluminum content in the ψ-phase diminishes due to embrittlement mechanism which provokes its aperiodic disarrangement. This aluminum loss could be related with a ψ–β transformation.     

Preparation and characterization of nanoporous polyimide membrane by the template method as low‐k dielectric material

In order to decrease the resistance–capacitance delay and signal crosstalk in ultra large‐scale integrated circuits (ULSIC), dielectric materials with ultra low dielectric constants are developed to be the replacement of silicon dioxide. Introduction of air on the matrix material is an important method to reduce the dielectric constant, and polyimide (PI) is the most promising polymer to prepare porous matrix material for its distinct advantages. PI membrane with nanopores was prepared by the method of template method (i.e. thermolysis of polystyrene nanospheres in the matrix) following the synthesis of template. The nanoporous membrane was characterized by Fourier transformer infrared, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and the dielectric constant of which was measured. Results showed that uniform nanopores about 100–200 nm were formed in the PI membrane, and dielectric constant of which was decreased to 2.08 from 3.34. The nanoporous membrane can be applied as potential low‐k dielectric material in ULSIC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Facile extraction,processing and characterization of biorenewable sisal fibers for multifunctional applications

Synthetic fibers based materials have replaced most of the traditional metallic/ceramic materials for a number of applications owing to their enormous properties such as light weight, specific strength and modulus to name a few. Unfortunately, the traditional synthetic fibers are not desired from the health and environmental point of view. So, in this work, we have carried out the isolation, processing and characterization of cellulosic sisal fibers. These fibers were extracted for the first time by a simple and new unique mechanical extraction technique without affecting the quality of fibers. Subsequently these cellulosic sisal fibers were thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical, microstructure and mechanical properties. These fibers were then converted into fine textured sisal textile yarn made out of 3–6 sisal fibers in continuous operation and used for the preparation of new green materials. Different properties of fine textured sisal textile and the impact of sisal fine textile on the physical, microstructural, thermal and mechanical characteristics of the green materials were studied and discussed in detail.     

Novel nanocomposite membranes from cellulose acetate and clay‐silica nanowires

In this study, a new class of heterogeneous membranes based on cellulose acetate (CA) polymer and a complex filler clay‐silica nanowires (SiO₂NWs) was investigated for potential biomedical applications. SiO₂NWs were synthesized using natural clay through a facile sol–gel method and were dispersed in the polymer solution by sonication in the 1.25, 2.5, and 5% weight ratio to the CA acetate polymer. Membranes were subsequently prepared via phase inversion by precipitation of the CA polymer in water. The pristine CA membrane and SiO₂NWs based nanocomposites membranes were characterized using different characterization techniques. The presence of the SiO₂NWs in the CA membrane was found to significantly enhance the protein retention, water wettability and thermal as well as mechanical properties in comparison to the pristine CA membrane. Water flows studies at different temperatures and the retention of bovine serum albumin have been studied and the nanocomposite membranes were found to exhibit superior performances compared with the pristine CA membranes. SiO₂NWs‐CA membranes showed a much higher stability to the water temperature change during separation than CA membranes. Morphological changes clearly revealed that the composite membrane were much more compact than the pristine CA membranes. The rabbit dermal fibroblasts cell viability in cultures after 72 hr of incubation was found to be greater than 80%. These newly synthesized composite membranes exhibit a high potential to be used for various medical applications because of their non‐cytotoxic characteristics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization and Comparison of Commercial Chinese Cereal and European Grape Vinegars Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy Combined with Multivariate Analysis

A holistic and comparative quality assessment of vinegars from different countries is needed with international trade of vinegar become frequent. In this study, compounds characterization and comparison of commercial‐grade Chinese cereal and European grape vinegars were performed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminate analysis (OPLS‐DA). The results showed that Balsamic vinegars of Modena were clearly discriminated by higher amount of fructose and glucose, while Chinese aromatic vinegar and aged vinegars were characterized by higher amount of amino acids, volatile compounds, succinate and betaine. On the other hand, flavoring compounds in Chinese rice vinegar and European wine vinegars are less than the others. These characteristic components are associated with the special raw materials and producing process of each types of vinegar and endow them special flavor. The results obtained in this study provide a global insight into vinegar through a ¹H NMR based compounds analysis that allows a holistic quality assessment and comparison of vinegars from different manufacture origins.     

Electrochemical investigation of the interaction of 2,4-D and double stranded DNA using pencil graphite electrodes

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an auxinic herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds. It is also a threatening factor for not only aquatic life but also human health due to its genotoxicity and endocrine disruptive property. Herein, the interaction between 2,4-D and double stranded DNA was investigated by using single-use pencil graphite electrodes (PGE) in combination with electrochemical techniques. The detection mechanism was based on the monitoring of the changes at the guanine oxidation signal obtained before/after surface-confined interaction of 2,4-D and DNA at the surface of PGE. The electrochemical characterization of the interaction was studied by using microscopic and electrochemical techniques. The response obtained by interaction in the presence of another herbicide, glyphosate, which is widely used with 2,4-D for weed control, was compared to the one occurred in the presence of 2,4-D. Electrochemical monitoring of the interaction between the herbicide whose active molecule was 2,4-D and DNA was also investigated. The detection (LOD) and quantification limits (LOQ) for 2,4-D and the herbicide could be obtained in the linear concentration ranges of 30–70 µg/mL and 10–30 µg/mL, respectively and LOD and LOQ values were found to be 2.85 and 9.50 µg/mL for both 2,4-D and the herbicide. The sensitivity of the biosensor was calculated as 0.087 µA.mL / µg.cm² .This is the first study in literature by means of not only voltammetric detection of 2,4-D and DNA interaction but also the herbicide-DNA interaction at the surface of PGE based on the changes at the guanine signal.