Flame-Retarding and Mechanical Properties of Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride with Surface-Treated Lamellar Magnesium Hydroxide

The effects of hydrophobic magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) particles, prepared by a surface modification method with oleic acid, on the flame-retarding and mechanical properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were investigated. Comparison between the use of modified and unmodified Mg(OH)₂ in the preparation of PVC composites showed that the former could provide excellent optical and flame-retarding properties. The dispersion of the modified Mg(OH)₂ particles in the PVC matrix was investigated through scanning electron microscopy. Compared with a composite containing unmodified Mg(OH)₂, the rheological and impact strength properties of that containing the modified Mg(OH)₂ filler were found to be significantly improved. These improvements were mostly attributed to the better dispersion of the modified Mg(OH)₂ particles and the strong adhesion between the filler and matrix.     

Investigation of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent

Our experimental results of using Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent are reported in this study. The antibacterial behavior of Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles in liquid culture and in paper sheets was investigated. The colony forming units (CFU) counting and the headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) measurement were used to determine the cell viability. Results indicate that Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles are effective antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Burkholderia phytofirmans, and the OH^? and Mg²⁺ ions in Mg(OH)₂ water suspension were found not to be the reason for killing the bacteria. Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles could be added directly to wood pulp to make paper sheets, whose antibacterial efficiency increased with the increase of the nanoparticle amount. The possible mechanism of antibacterial effect of Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles is discussed.     

Use of flow microcalorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis for probing interphase structure in poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene)/magnesium hydroxide composites

Interactions between magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂ particles (both untreated and treated with 16-methyl heptadecanoic acid (isostearic acid)) and low molar mass poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(butadiene) (PB) have been studied by flow microcalorimetry (FMC) and have been related to the interphase structure in poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS)/Mg(OH)₂ composites using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The FMC studies revealed that both polymers adsorbed strongly onto an untreated magnesium hydroxide surface though the PB showed greater irreversible adsorption from the heptane carrier fluid. Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) studies on filler samples removed from the FMC cell after the adsorption-desorption cycle confirmed strong polymer filler interaction. Adsorption of the low molar mass samples of PS and PB onto a pre-adsorbed monolayer of isostearic acid on Mg(OH)₂ resulted in a very significant reduction in polymer adsorption activity due to blockage of adsorption sites. DMTA studies revealed that strong adsorption of PS and PB blocks of SBS onto untreated filler in composites containing 60% w/w Mg(OH)₂ gave rise to phase mixing that led to an 18 °C reduction in the T _g of the PS phase relative to that in the unfilled matrix. However, in equivalent composites based on isostearic acid treated filler a smaller reduction (10 °C) was observed, therefore reflecting reduced filler-matrix interaction and reduced phase mixing.     

Size-Dependent HCl Generation of PVC/SiO2 Micro- and Nanocomposites

In this study HCl generation of polyvinyl (chloride) (PVC)/SiO₂ composites during its combustion was investigated. SiO₂ with different particle sizes were used as HCl absorbers and their HCl uptake ability results were compared to that of CaCO₃. It was found that the amount of released HCl gas during PVC combustion decreased in the presence of SiO₂. The HCl uptake ability of SiO₂ improved with decreasing of its particle size. Although thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that SiO₂ particles decreased the first thermal degradation temperature (T _onset) of PVC by initiating dehydrochlorination of PVC at lower temperatures, SiO₂ particles had more effective HCl uptaking ability than that of CaCO₃. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that some aggregates whose size was less than 100 nm were formed when Si-25 nm was used as filler. When SiO₂ with micron size was added to PVC as filler, more uniform and better distribution of the SiO₂ on the surface was observed.     

Optical properties of Mg0.05Zn0.95O/SiO2 nanocomposite films prepared by sol–gel technique

Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O/SiO₂ nanocomposite films in the molar ratio 25:75 consisting of Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric matrix were prepared by sol–gel technique (spin coating). Optical transmittance, Raman effect and photoluminescence measurements of the composites indicated effective capping of the Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O nanoparticles (radii 1. 61–1.68 nm) in the host showing practically no variation of particle size with the post deposition annealing treatments. The blue shift of the band gap (4.29–4.23 eV) from that of bulk Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O indicated strong carrier confinement for samples annealed at T ≤ 873 K. Highly intense UV emission ( ∼ 4.14 eV) compared to that of defect related emission (2.59 eV) at room temperature was obtained by incorporating 5% Mg in ZnO.     

Formation of Mg2Ni nanofibres in a Mg-based metal matrix composite

A Mg–Mg₂Ni nano-eutectic and MgO-reinforced Mg-based metal matrix composite (Mg-MMC) was synthesized by in-situ reactions. When a Mg-rich sample containing 20?wt%?NiO is sintered at 420°C, MgO, Ni and Mg₂Ni are formed in the Mg matrix. When a sample molten at 550°C is furnace-cooled to room temperature, a lamellar two-phase Mg–Mg₂Ni eutectic is formed, with the Mg₂Ni lamella about 1.5?µm thick. Proeutectic Mg together with the MgO formed in situ act as heterogeneous nuclei for the growth of the Mg–Mg₂Ni eutectic. Quenching the molten sample to room temperature results in a lamellar two-phase eutectic containing Mg₂Ni nanofibres. In the eutectic grown at the Mg grain, the Mg₂Ni nanofibres with a diameter of about 25?nm are bent, whereas in the eutectic grown at the MgO grain, the Mg₂Ni nanofibres with a diameter of about 30?nm are long and straight, while the Mg phase of this eutectic is oxygen enriched. The differences in morphologies between the two Mg–Mg₂Ni eutectics are ascribed to the growth rates of Mg and Mg₂Ni, which differ in the eutectic grown at the Mg grain, but remain similar when growth takes place at the MgO grain.     

Degradation in polymer Ni-MH battery

The alkaline solid polymer electrolyte system with the conductivity of (8.5±0.2) × 10⁻⁴ Scm⁻¹ composes of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) have been used in fabrication of Mg₂Ni/Ni(OH)₂ nickel metal hydride cell. The self-dehydriding of the cell during storage was presented by open circuit voltage study. Cell degradation after charge-discharge cycling is characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analyses. The failure of the cell can be ascribed by a small formation of Mg(OH)₂ oxide layer and surface resistance between electrode-electrolyte.     

Optical properties of Mg<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.95</Subscript>O/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite films prepared by sol–gel technique

Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O/SiO₂ nanocomposite films in the molar ratio 25:75 consisting of Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric matrix were prepared by sol–gel technique (spin coating). Optical transmittance, Raman effect and photoluminescence measurements of the composites indicated effective capping of the Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O nanoparticles (radii 1. 61–1.68 nm) in the host showing practically no variation of particle size with the post deposition annealing treatments. The blue shift of the band gap (4.29–4.23 eV) from that of bulk Mg_0.05Zn_0.95O indicated strong carrier confinement for samples annealed at T ≤ 873 K. Highly intense UV emission ( ∼ 4.14 eV) compared to that of defect related emission (2.59 eV) at room temperature was obtained by incorporating 5% Mg in ZnO.This revised version was published online in August 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Mg substituted LiCoO2 for reversible lithium intercalation

A series of divalent non-transition metal, especially Mg doped LiCoO₂ solid solutions with the general formula LiMg_xCo_1−xO₂ (x=0.00–0.20) was synthesized by the solid state fusion method trying to reduce the cost and toxicity, and to improve the overall electrochemical cell performance. All synthesized cathodes were characterized by XRD, TG/DTA, FTIR, SEM, particle size analysis and charge-discharge performances at constant current of 0.05 mA. All compounds were found to possess phase purity, have better crystallinity, preferred surface morphology and size-reduced particles of uniform distribution. The incorporation of the larger Mg²⁺ ion compared to the Li⁺ ion up to 0.20 mol-% leads to an increase in the unit cell volume, which restricts the concentration of the Co-O bond upon delithiation. Mg²⁺, commonly known for its structure stabilizing effect, has been found to have only a small effect on the crystal lattice of LiCoO₂, especially at higher substituent levels, mainly due to the migration of Mg²⁺ ions from slab to inter-slab structure. The effect of Mg²⁺ on the modification of the capacity and structural stability compared to the unmodified LiCoO₂ cathode is discussed in detail.     

Organo-modified magnesium hydroxide nano-needle and its polystyrene nanocomposite

Acrylic acid modified magnesium hydroxide nano-needles (AA–Mg(OH)₂) had been synthesized by alkaline injected into magnesium chloride solution at about 0°C in the presence of acrylic acid (AA). Then the polystyrene/magnesium hydroxide nano-needles composite (PS/Mg(OH)₂) had been prepared by the radical copolymerization with styrene in toluene system using AA–Mg(OH)₂ as a macro-monomer. The elemental analysis (EA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses show that the polystyrene had been grafted onto the surfaces of the nano-needles (AA–Mg(OH)₂). The nano-needles (AA–Mg(OH)₂) had better dispersibility in polystyrene matrix as observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The thermal behavior analysis results from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the magnesium hydroxide nano-needles had lower thermal decomposition temperature than that of the polymer matrix and it is expected that the nano-needles prepared by the proposed method could be used as an environmental-friendly flame retardant.     

Control Al/Mg intermetallic compound formation during ultrasonic-assisted soldering Mg to Al

To prevent the formation of Al/Mg intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of Al₃Mg₂ and Al₁₂Mg₁₇, dissimilar Al/Mg were ultrasonic-assisted soldered using Sn-based filler metals. A new IMC of Mg₂Sn formed in the soldered joints during this process and it was prone to crack at large thickness. The thickness of Mg₂Sn was reduced to 22 μm at 285 °C when using Sn-3Cu as the filler metal. Cracks were still observed inside the blocky Mg₂Sn. The thickness of Mg₂Sn was significantly reduced when using Sn-9Zn as the filler metal. A 17 μm Mg₂Sn layer without crack was obtained at a temperature of 200 °C, ultrasonic power of Mode I, and ultrasonic time of 2 s. The shear strengths of the joints using Sn-9Zn was much higher than those using Sn-3Cu because of the thinner Mg₂Sn layer in the former joints. Sn whiskers were prevented by using Sn-9Zn. A cavitation model during ultrasonic assisted soldering was proposed.     

Solid-precursor vaporizer for aerosol reactors: Synthesis of magnesium aluminate nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of magnesium aluminum tert-butoxide

A solid-precursor vaporizer for laboratory-scale aerosol reactors has been developed and successfully tested on the synthesis of magnesium aluminate (MgAl₂O₄) nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of magnesium aluminum tert-butoxide (Mg[Al(O^tBu)₄]₂), a single-source precursor, in a furnace aerosol reactor. The reactor temperature was varied from 600 to 1000°C with the precursor concentration at 6.4 × 10⁻⁶ mol/l. The atomic ratio of Al to Mg of produced particles was determined by XPS to be 2:1 and the primary particle size ranged from 28 to 55 nm. As-produced particles were all amorphous, but the particles further heated to 1000°C exhibited crystalline MgAl₂O₄ structures.     

Thermal and electrical properties of solid polymer electrolyte PEO9 Mg(ClO4)2 incorporating nano-porous Al2O3 filler

Solid polymer electrolyte PEO₉ Mg(ClO₄)₂ incorporating 10 wt.% nano-porous Al₂O₃ filler grains has been prepared by the solvent casting technique using acetonitrile as the common solvent. Al₂O₃ powder (activated acidic, Aldrich) with grain size 104 μm and pore size 5.8 nm were incorporated as an inert filler. Electrolyte films have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, complex impedance and dc polarization measurements. The nano-composite electrolyte as well as the filler-free electrolyte appear to be predominantly anionic conductors with ClO₄⁻ ions being the migrating species. The presence of the alumina filler has enhanced the ionic conductivity significantly. The conductivity enhancement has been attributed to Lewis acid–base type interactions between H groups at the filler grain surface and the ClO₄⁻ ions. Transient H-bonding through these interactions is expected to provide additional hopping sites and favourable conducting pathways for migrating ionic species.     

Synthesis and Raman spectroscopic study of Mg/Al,Fe hydrotalcites with variable cationic ratios

Hydrotalcites of formula Mg₆(Al,Fe)₂(OH)₁₆(CO₃)·4H₂O formed by intercalation with the carbonate anion as a function of divalent/trivalent cationic ratio have been successfully synthesised. The XRD patterns show variation in the d‐spacing attributed to the size of the cation. Raman and infrared bands in the OH stretching region are assigned to (1) brucite layer OH stretching vibrations, (2) water stretching bands and (3) water strongly hydrogen bonded to the carbonate anion. Multiple (CO₃)²⁻ symmetric stretching bands suggest that different types of (CO₃)²⁻ exist in the hydrotalcite interlayer. Increasing the cation ratio (Mg/Al,Fe) resulted in an increase in the combined intensity of the two Raman bands at around 3600 cm⁻¹, attributed to Mg OH stretching modes, and a shift of the overall band profile to higher wavenumbers. These observations are believed to be a result of the increase in magnesium in the structure. Raman spectroscopy shows a reduction in the symmetry of the carbonate, leading to the conclusion that the anions are bonded to the brucite‐like hydroxyl surface and to the water in the interlayer. Water bending modes are identified in the infrared spectra at positions greater than 1630 cm⁻¹, indicating that water is strongly hydrogen bonded to both interlayer anions and the brucite‐like surface. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comment on the model of the Mg centres in NaCl crystals

The structure models of the Mg₂ centre (substitutional Mg⁺ ion associated with a vacancy pair) and the Mg₄ centre (Mg⁰ atom situated in a vacancy pair) produced in NaClMg crystal by X-irradiation and subsequent F- and thermal bleaching are discussed. The given models explain without any contradiction all the experimental observations.     

Size-dependent microstructure and europium site preference influence fluorescent properties of Eu-doped Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 nanocrystal

In this study, Eu³⁺-doped nanocrystalline Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ (Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) with different particle sizes have been prepared by the thermal decomposition of precursors. Size-dependent microstructure could be observed in nanocrystalline Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂. The lattices of Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ nanocrystals were more distorted in comparison with the bulk, and the smaller the particle size, the more distorted the lattices. Room temperature photoluminescence showed europium site preference was also size-dependent, with the majority of Eu³⁺ ions occupying Ca(II) sites in the bulk, but more and more Eu³⁺ ions occupying Ca(I) sites in Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ with decreasing particle size. Fluorescent properties of Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ were considered to be influenced by both microstructure and site preference of Eu³⁺ ions. An abnormal strong intensity of ⁵D₀-⁷F₀ transition was observed in bulk and larger Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ nanocrystals, but the relative intensities of ⁵D₀-⁷F₀ transition to ⁵D₀-⁷F_1,2,3,4 transition of Eu³⁺ became weaker as the particle sizes decreased. As the particle sizes became smaller, the ratios of the red emission transition (⁵D₀-⁷F₂) to the orange emission transition (⁵D₀-⁷F₁) (R/O values) first increased by comparing the bulk sample with 96 nm sample, and then decreased by comparing 96 nm sample to 57 nm sample. The quenching concentrations of Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ samples increased with decreasing particle size. Possible mechanisms responsible for these phenomena were proposed. Since nanosized Ca_10−xEu_x(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ showed higher fluorescent intensities, higher R/O values and higher quenching concentrations, this material is considered to be a promising phosphor.     

LiNaSO4-MgSO4赝二元系中离子导体的研究

本文用差热分析和X射线衍射方法,对LiNaSO₄-MgSO₄赝二元系相图进行了研究。在此体系中存在三个化合物,它们分别为(LiNa)_0.8Mg(0.2)SO₄,(LiNa)_0.67Mg_0.33SO₄和(LiNa)_0.4Mg_0.6SO₄。研究了三种化合物的离子导电性,在490℃时上述三个化合 关键词：     

Synthesis and photoluminescence of Eu- or Tb-doped Mg2SiO4 nanoparticles prepared by a combined novel approach

Tb³⁺- or Eu³⁺-doped magnesium silicate phosphors were prepared for the first time by using a novel approach, combined sol-gel-microwave heating. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and photoluminescence analyses were used to characterize the phosphors. XRD confirmed a forsterite lattice of Mg₂SiO₄ for the phosphors. TEM observation indicated that the phosphors have a spherical-like shape with little aggregation and the particle size is about 50 nm, and the small size is favorable to the potential application in field emission displays. The luminescent colors of Mg₂SiO₄:Tb³⁺ and Mg₂SiO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors are green and red respectively, furthermore the luminescent intensities of them are relatively higher than the traditional Zn₂SiO₄:Tb³⁺ and Zn₂SiO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors. In addition, Eu³⁺ ion emissions as a structural probe suggest that the rare earth ions replace the Mg²⁺ ions in the site of M2 (C_s) in the forsterite lattice of Mg₂SiO₄.     

Size effect on the melting temperature depression of Al12Mg17 complex metallic alloy nanoparticles prepared by planetary ball milling

This research investigates the synthesis and size-dependent melting point depression of complex metallic alloy (CMA) nanoparticles. Al₁₂Mg₁₇ which belongs to this new category of intermetallic materials was initially produced as pre-alloyed ingot, then homogenized to achieve single phase compound and crushed into small size powder and finally, mechanically milled in a planetary ball mill to synthesize nanoparticles. Phase and microstructural characterizations of the as-crushed and milled powders were performed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Effects of the mechanical milling on thermal behavior of the Al₁₂Mg₁₇ nanoparticles in comparison with as-cast Al₁₂Mg₁₇ ingot has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement. It was found that an average particle size of 24 nm with crystallite size of 16 nm was achieved after 20 h of ball milling process. The size- dependent melting point depression of the Al₁₂Mg₁₇ nanoparticles has been experimentally observed and also comparison of the obtained results with theoretical models was carried out.     

Mössbauer,X-ray diffraction and AC susceptibility studies on nanoparticles of zinc substituted magnesium ferrite

Nanoparticles of zinc substituted Mg-ferrite with compositions Mg_(1-x)Zn _x Fe₂O₄ (x = 0.15, 0.30 and 0.50) having particle sizes in the range 6.4 nm to 21.4 nm prepared by the co-precipitation method were characterized by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffratometry and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements. Mössbauer measurements at room temperature and down to 20 K clearly indicate presence of superparamagnetic particles in all the samples. AC magnetic susceptibility data show lowering of blocking temperature with decrease of particle size. Superparamagnetic relaxation was observed for larger particle size in samples with higher Zn content, which is attributed to the weakening of A-B exchange interaction in ferrite lattice due to replacement of Fe^{3 +} in tetrahedral site by Zn^{2 +} ions.Received: 16 April 2004, Published online: 23 July 2004PACS: 75.50.Tt Fine-particle systems; nanocrystalline materials - 76.80. + y Mössbauer effect; other gamma-ray spectroscopy - 75.30.Cr Saturation moments and magnetic susceptibilitiesS. Das: Present address: Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata - 700032, India