Thermal Oxidation of a Carbon Condensate Formed in High-Frequency Carbon and Carbon–Nickel Plasma Flow

We have reported on the comparative characteristics of thermal oxidation of a carbon condensate prepared by high-frequency arc evaporation of graphite rods and a rod with a hollow center filled with nickel powder. In the latter case, along with different forms of nanodisperse carbon, nickel particles with nickel core–carbon shell structures are formed. It has been found that the processes of the thermal oxidation of carbon condensates with and without nickel differ significantly. Nickel particles with the carbon shell exhibit catalytic properties with respect to the oxidation of nanosized carbon structures. A noticeable difference between the temperatures of the end of the oxidation process for various carbon nanoparticles and nickel particles with the carbon shell has been established. The study is aimed at investigations of the effect of nickel nanoparticles on the dynamics of carbon condensate oxidation upon heating in the argon–oxygen flow.     

Preparation and Physical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes–PVA Nanocomposites

Nanocomposite materials were prepared by incorporating multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), obtained by acetylene catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) on Co/Fe‐modified MgO, within poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Before incorporation, nanotubes were oxidized to obtain better compatibilization with the polymer. It has been found that the addition of COOH‐functionalized and purified MWNTs improves the mechanical response, increases the glass transition temperature, and delays the thermal oxidation of PVA. Furthermore, the PVA crystallinity seems to be enhanced by the presence of nanotubes.     

Control of Properties of Diamond-Like Silicon–Carbon Films

Physics of the Solid State - The possibilities of control of the electrophysical and mechanical properties of amorphous diamond-like silicon-carbon films by means of structural, chemical and...     

Carbon Black–Filled Styrene Butadiene Rubber Masterbatch Based on Simple Mixing of Latex and Carbon Black Suspension: Preparation and Mechanical Properties

An improved process was developed for the production of carbon black (CB)–filled styrene butadiene rubber masterbatch (SBR-CB-MB) using a simple latex/CB mixing technology; the improvement comprised processing the CB as an emulsifier-free aqueous suspension by high-rate shearing. Tensile and tear strength, dynamic compression behaviors, the Payne effect, equilibrium swelling and bound rubber of the SBR-CB-MB and dry mixing CB filled SBR (SBR-CB-DM), covering a wide range of CB loading (45–70 phr), were investigated and compared. It was found that the tensile and tear strength, heat buildup and compression set, abrasion volume loss, and the Payne effect of the SBR-CB-MB were lower than those of the SBR-CB-DM, while the bound rubber content were higher, indicating good CB/rubber interaction in the SBR-CB-MB. SEM analysis showed that no free CB could be found on the surface or inside of the granular SBR-CB-MB particles, indicating good CB dispersion in the rubber matrix.     

Boron–Carbon Nanocomposites Fabricated at High Pressures and Temperatures

Interaction of amorphous boron and C₆₀ fullerite is analyzed at pressures of 2.0 and 7.7. GPa and temperatures of 600–1800°C. Effect of pressure and temperature on the material structure is studied, temperatures for synthesis of boron carbide and diamond are found, and the sequence of transformations of the carbon component is determined. Ultrasonic method is used to measure elastic moduli of the samples, and the dependences of the moduli on the structure are analyzed. It is demonstrated that the boron–carbon nanocomposite synthesized at relatively low pressure (2.0 GPa) and temperature (about 1000°C) exhibits high elastic parameters (bulk modulus, B ≈ 75.3–84.0 GPa; Young modulus, E ≈ 108–119 GPa; and shear modulus, G ≈ 43–47 GPa at a density of about 2.2 g/cm³). The results can be used for development of novel nanocomposite materials.     

Study of Evaporation of Laser-Heated Iron–Carbon Nanoparticles Using Analysis of Thermal Radiation

Technical Physics - Evaporation of iron nanoparticles in carbon shells under pulsed laser irradiation is analyzed. Iron–carbon nanoparticles are synthesized in a shock tube reactor with the...     

Dependence of In—Tube Carbon Chain on the Radius and Helicity of Single—Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Using the Lannard-Jones interaction potential,we have studied the in-tube carbon-chain structure doped into single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).Through minimizing the potential energy of the doped system,it is found that the optimal structure of the doping carbon chain is spiral,but not a straight line,when the radius of the SWCNT is larger than about 4.30A.     

Controlled Growth of Carbon Nanotubes and its Field Emission Properties

Uniform films of aligned carbon nanotubes were grown on a patterned Ni coated ceramic substrate by microwaveplasma chemical vapour deposition (MWPCVD). A laser writing technique was used to make some patterns onthe substrate. The controlled selective growth of nanotubes on the patterned substrate can be obtained directlyduring the reaction process in the MWPCVD chamber. The Raman spectrum shows a good graphitization of thecarbon nanotubes. In the field emission test, turn-on field of 1 V/μm and emission current density of 5 mA/cm^2 at 3.3 V/μm were achieved.     

Carbon–ionic liquid double-layer capacitors

A series of electrochemical capacitors, based on activated carbon powders (ACP, specific surface area 870 and 2600 m²/g) and ionic liquids as electrolytes, were prepared and tested. The ionic liquids consisted of 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium (EMIm⁺), 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium (BMIm⁺) and 1-methyl-1-propyl pyrrolidinium (BMPy⁺) cations, as well as of tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate and bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl) imide anions. A typical capacitor consisted of two electrodes each with a mass of ca. 15–30 mg, and showed a capacity of ca. 0.35–1.5 F; this leads to a specific capacity of the carbon electrode material within the range of 45 (ACP 870 m²/g)–180 F/g (ACP 2600 m²/g). The specific capacity expressed versus total surface of carbon material was within the range of 5.2–6.9 μF/cm². The electrochemical stability window of ionic liquids determined at the glassy carbon electrode is within the range of ca. 3.0–4.2 V. The energy stored in a capacitor based on activated carbons and ionic liquids may be high, due to a broad practical electrochemical stability window of ca. 3 V. Ionic liquids are characterised by negligible vapour pressure; such a capacitor emits no volatile organic compounds and may be regarded as environmentally friendly.     

A Fractal Model of Reinforcement of Carbon Polymer–Nanotube Composites with Ultralow Concentrations of Nanofiller

Doklady Physics - The structural aspects of determining the degree of reinforcement (increase in elasticity modulus) of carbon polymer–nanotube composites with ultralow concentrations of...     

Dependence of Structure and Haemocompatibility of Amorphous Carbon Films on Substrate Bias Voltage

Tetrahedral amorphous hydrogenated carbon (ta-C:H) films on Si(lO0) substrates were prepared by using a magnetic-field-filter plasma stream deposition system. Samples with different ratios of sp^3-bond to sp^2-bond were obtained by changing the bias voltage applied to the substrates. The ellipsometric spectra of various carbon films in the photon energy range of 1.9-5.4eV were measured. The refractive index n and the relative sp^3 C ratio of these films were obtained by simulating their ellipsometric spectra using the Forouhi-Bloomer model and by using the Bruggeman effective medium approximation, respectively. The haemocompatibility of these ta-C:H films was analysed by observation of platelet adhesion and measurement of kinetic clotting time. The results show that the sp^3 C fraction is dependent on the substrate bias voltage, and the haemocompatibility is dependent on the ratio of sp^3-bond to sp^2-bond. A good haemocompatibility material of ta-C:H films with a suitable sp^3 C fraction can be prepared by changing the substrate bias voltage.     

Influence of SiC Electron Acceptor–Donor Modification on Thermal and Physical Properties of Carbon Fiber/SiC/Epoxy Composites

In this work, the effects of electron acceptor–donor modification on the surface properties of SiC were investigated in the mechanical interfacial properties of carbon fibers-reinforced SiC-impregnated epoxy matrix composites. The surface properties of the SiC were determined according to acid/base values and FT-IR, and contact angle measurements. The thermal and mechanical interfacial properties of the composites were evaluated using a thermogravimetric analysis, critical strain energy release rate mode II (G _IIC), and impact strength testing. As a result, the electron acceptor-treated SiC had a higher acid value and polar component in surface free energy than did the untreated SiC or the electron donor-treated SiC. The G _IIC and impact strength mechanical interfacial properties of the composites had been improved in the specimens treated by acidic solutions due to the good wetting and a high degree of adhesion with electron donor characteristic epoxy resins.     

Thermal Stability of Structure and Properties of Gradient and Gradient-Layered Coatings of the Ti–Al–Si–Cu–N System

Russian Physics Journal - Using the methods of dark-field electron microscopy analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, hardness measurements and scratch testing, the variations of elemental...     

Tunable Adsorption and Desorption of Hydrogen Atoms on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Chemical adsorption and desorption of hydrogen atoms on single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs) are investigated by using molecular dynamics simulations.It is found that the adsorption and desorption energy of hydrogen atoms depend on the hydrogen coverage and the diameter of the SWNTs.Hydrogen-adsorption geometry at the coverage of 1.0 is more energetically stable.The adsorption energy decreases with the increasing diameter of the armchair tubes.The adsorption and desorption energy of hydrogen atoms can be modified reversibly by externally radial deformation.The averaged C-H bond energy on the high curvature sites of the deformed tube increases with increasing radial deformation,while that on the low curvature sites decreases.     

The Effect of Transition Metals on the Dielectric Properties of Diamond-Like Silicon–Carbon Films

Physics of the Solid State - Studies of the effect of transition metals on the phase composition and electric and dielectric properties of diamond-like silicon–carbon films fabricated by...     

Measurement of Cross Sections for Inclusive Forward Charged Hadron Production in Carbon–Carbon Collisions at Beam Energy of 19.6 GeV per Nucleon

Physics of Atomic Nuclei - The invariant cross sections for forward charged-hadron production at zero angle in carbon–carbon collisions at a beam kinetic energy of 19.6 GeV per nucleon were...     

Structure and Magnetoresistance of Co–Gd and Al–Co–Gd Alloy Films

Technical Physics - Structural data and dependences of the film resistance on magnetic field strength R(H) are presented for Co–Gd and Al–Co–Gd alloy films obtained by vacuum...     

Synthesis and Gas-Sensing Properties of MnO2 – x and MnO2 – x/CuO-Coated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Physics of the Solid State - Nanocomposites based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) impregnated with manganese oxide MnO2 – x and copper oxide CuO are synthesized and...