Lactone polymers. V. Viscoelastic properties of poly-ε-caprolactone and poly-ε-thiocaprolactone

The viscoelastic properties of crystalline poly-ε-caprolactone and poly-ε-thiocaprolactone have been characterized and compared by stress relaxation and dynamic mechanical studies. The glass transition temperature of poly-ε-thiocaprolactone was shown to be -40°C at 1 Hz and appeared to be independent of the degree of crystallinity. The rate of viscoelastic relaxation for each polymer was independent of linear strain rate of a decade range. The density of each polymer over a wide temperature range was used to reduce the individual time-dependent modulus values to an arbitrary reference temperature. This reduction of stress relaxation data to a standard mechanical state obviated the requirement of vertical shift factors for construction of the respective master curves. The distribution of relaxation times was correlated with the glass transition and the crystalline melt temperature range for each polymer.     

Heterojunction between crystalline silicon and nanocomposite coupled ZnO·SnO2 and optimization of its photovoltaic performance

In this work coupled ZnO·SnO₂ nanocomposite has been used as heterojunction partner to Si for photovoltaic application and its performance is optimized. The interface defect more than 10¹² cm⁻² reduces the short circuit current density, fill factor and efficiency of the device. In addition, the best device performance is observed at the vicinity of 280K. The junction of the device has a dark saturation current density and ideality factor of the order of 10⁻⁴ Acm⁻² and 21 respectively. In addition, four different organic materials are used as back surface field layer (BSL) to the same device and performance is improved. The best conversion efficiency and open circuit voltage as high as 4.1% and 0.591 V respectively are obtained for the device with CuSCN as BSL. Consequently, a range of combined values of the energy band gap and electron affinity of the BSL materials are examined for optimal device performance.     

Microstructure and thermostability of a W–Cu nanocomposite produced via high-pressure torsion

A coarse-grained W–25% Cu alloy is subjected to high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature to different strains. Evolution of the microstructure during HPT processing is studied using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It is demonstrated that HPT processing results in fragmentation of the tungsten particles and the formation of a 5–15?nm grain size nanostructure at equivalent strains of ≥256 (saturation). It is shown that the nanostructured W–25% Cu is thermostable up to 500°C, with grain growth up to 50?nm at 720°C. During HPT processing, the lattice parameter of the copper and tungsten was found to increase and decrease, respectively, with increased level of equivalent strain. This is proposed to occur through the interdiffusion of copper atoms into tungsten grains and tungsten atoms into copper grains, as suggested by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of the individual grains. The formation of a limited solid solution is considered and possible mechanisms for this effect discussed.     

Preparation and properties of a gel polymer electrolyte system based on poly-ε-caprolactone containing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) obtained by immobilizing a solution of zinc triflate (ZnTr) in an ionic liquid, namely 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [emim][Tf₂N] within a biodegradable polymeric matrix of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) were prepared by a simple solvent cast technique for different concentrations of the ionic liquid. The electrolyte with the composition 75 wt% PCL: 25 wt% ZnTr+100 wt% [emim][Tf₂N] showed the highest ionic conductivity of 1.1×10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 25 °C and favored by the rich amorphous phase of the GPE as confirmed from room temperature X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The morphology of the GPE was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which revealed the homogeneity of the prepared GPE system. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity of the GPE followed the Arrhenius behavior. The Zn²⁺ ionic transport number has been determined to be ~0.62 which denotes the predominant contribution of zinc ion towards total ionic conductivity. The electrochemical stability window of GPE is found to be 2.5 V with a thermal stability upto 200 °C. This eco-friendly and safe electrolyte may be used to fabricate compostable batteries, in future, with a suitable selection of other components of the battery system.     

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of polyacrylic acid–nanoclay nanocomposite and its application in sonosorption studies of malachite green dye

Synthesis of nanoclay nanocomposite has been undertaken by using polyacryalic acid (PAA) in aqueous medium and ultrasound environment and its application in dye removal has been investigated. The synthesized product was characterized by using FTIR and XRD techniques. The sonosorption capacity of the product namely PAA–nanoclay composite was determined by choosing malachite green (MG) dye as a model pollutant. The effects of various parameters such as nanocomposite loading, pH, various process conditions etc. have been studied. On comparing the results obtained with that of nanoclay as an adsorbent, it was found for an initial concentration of 500 mg/l, the PAA–nanoclay nanocomposite exhibited higher percentage of pollutant removal (68%) and for nanoclay it was 54%. The adsorption data has been correlated using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The fit of the Freundlich isotherm model was found to be good in the entire range of concentration for the experimental sorption data obtained on the nanoclay nanocomposite. A plausible reaction mechanism for use of PAA–nanoclay nanocomposite as an adsorbent is also proposed.     

Sonochemical degradation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances – A review

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received considerable attention from environmental scientists and engineers because of their stability and widespread. Sonochemical process has been widely used in the environmental field to remove pollutants due to its advantages in terms of operational simplicity, no secondary pollutant formation and safety. Currently, many studies have reported sonochemical degradation of various PFAS in laboratory settings and showed excellent removal potential. This article reviewed the effects of different power densities, ultrasonic frequencies, temperatures, atmosphere conditions, additives, and initial concentration and chemical properties of PFAS on the sonochemical degradation of PFAS. Sonochemical methods combined with conventional techniques for PFAS removal were elaborated as well. Additionally, this article discussed the challenges and prospects of using sonochemical approaches for PFAS remediation.     

Sonochemical synthesis and application of rhodium–graphene nanocomposite

Abstract  

Highly water dispersible rhodium–graphene nanocomposite have been successfully synthesized by the simple reduction of Rh³⁺ salt on poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO/PPO/PEO) triblock copolymer or pluronic-stabilized graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with borohydride. Rhodium nanoparticles, having average size of 1–3 nm, are homogeneously distributed through out the graphene sheets. Some porous structures of graphene sheets have also been observed after the reduction of pluronic-stabilized GO in the presence of metal ions. The material is very effective for hydrogenation of arenes, especially for benzene as the substrate material at the room temperature and 5 atm pressure of hydrogen.     

Mössbauer and X-Ray studies of MgO-Fe nanocomposite

XRD phase analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy are used to study the structure of magnesiowustite (Mg_0.9Fe_0.1) obtained via the decomposition of mixed iron-magnesium oxalate in different atmospheres, the structure of MgO-α-Fe composite after reduction by hydrogen in Ar + 5% H₂ gas mixture at 800°C and 1000°C, and the structure of iron at every stage. It was shown that fine particles of α-Fe are obtained upon the decomposition of iron-magnesium oxalate in vacuum at 1000°C. If a precursor is decomposed in high purity Ar, α-Fe particles form during reduction at lower temperature (800°C) due to the partial decomposition of one of the phase components—magnetite.     

The position–momentum uncertainty relations for a Pöschl–Teller type potential and its squeezed phenomena

We present the position–momentum uncertainties for the Pöschl–Teller potential. We observe that the Δx decreases with the potential depth λ but increases with quantum number n. Interestingly, we find that the Δp first increases and then decreases with the n  . The ΔxΔp$\mathrm{\Delta }x\mathrm{\Delta }p$ first decreases and then increases with the λ  , but almost becomes a constant (n+1/2)?$(n+1/2)?$ for a larger λ. Particularly, there exists a squeezed phenomenon in position x for the lower states. The squeezing in x compensated for by an increase in momentum p  , such that ΔxΔp??/2$\mathrm{\Delta }x\mathrm{\Delta }p??/2$ is still satisfied.     

Probabilistic and controlled teleportation of tripartite state in a general form and its quantum networks

We discuss a scheme for probabilistic and controlled teleportation of an unknown arbitrary three-particle state by constructing a peculiar non-maximally entangled state as a controlled quantum channel，which is teleported between two sides with the help of the auxiliary particle and the cooperation of the third side (Charlie) as a supervisor. In comparison with some existing schemes, on the receiver's side it is easy to have the sender's state through operating two uniform unitary transformations in turn. In addition, we also give an efficient quantum network for implementing the new scheme by means of some primitive operations.     

The dispersion relations of plasmons in a simplified system of CuO2 layers and Cu−O chains

A simplified model for YBa₂Cu₃O₇ system composed of CuO₂ layers and Cu–O chains has been calculated with the long range effect of the all-neighbors Coulombice-e interactions taken into consideration. Dispersion relations have been worked out and discussed. The most striking consequence from the all-neighbors interaction is that the plasmons have, in the long wavelength limit, in addition to the usual vanishingly small two-dimensional acoustic plasmon energies which result from only nearest neighbor interactions, a non-zero _P ^* consistent with the bulk plasma frequency of a three dimensional system. The data of an optical reflectance from an EELS experiment has been refitted based on calculated results for plasmon dispersion relations in the YBa₂Cu₃O₇ system.     

Facile synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ZnO–CuO nanocomposite

Nanostructured ZnO–CuO composite with an open and porous surface was successfully prepared through a simple one-step homogeneous coprecipitation method under low temperature (80 °C), without using any organic solvent or surfactant. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the ZnO–CuO nanocomposite presented a hierarchical 3D morphology composed of flower-like ZnO microstructures adorned with leaf-like CuO nanopatches. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO–CuO nanocomposite was evaluated by the photodegradation of rhodamine B under the simulated sunlight irradiation, and compared with those of the monocomponent oxides synthesized by the identical synthetic route and their physical mixture in the approximate molar ratio as that of the nanocomposite. The results indicated that the ZnO–CuO nanocomposite exhibited an appreciable photocatalytic activity, which was mainly attributed to the extended photo-responding range and the increased charge separation rate in the nanocomposite.     

Relaxation phenomena of poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate,poly-γ-methyl-L-glutamate,and copoly(γ-methyl-L-glutamate, γ-benzyl-L-glutamate)

Relaxation phenomena of poly-α-amino acids in the solid state have been investigated using poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG), poly-γ-methyl-L-glutamate (PMLG), and copoly (γ-methyl-L-glutamate, γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PMBG) by means of dielectric, dynamic mechanical, NMR, dilatometric, and X-ray diffraction measurements at temperatures between ?196 and 180°C.

Each of the samples exhibits two relaxation regions, one at room temperature (β-relaxation) and the other in the range from ?150 to ?100°C (γ-relaxation). The γ-relaxation is attributed to motion of the side chains with small amplitude. The β-relaxation is due to large-scale motion of the side chain. It has been found that the β-relaxation is well described by the WLF-equation.

The intensity of the X-ray diffraction peak at 2θ = 7° for PBLG increases with increasing temperature, which is similar to results obtained in small-angle X-ray scattering for polymer crystals consisting of two phases, amorphous and crystalline. A break point is observed at 18°C where the specific volumetemperature curve also shows a break point.

It is concluded that the side chains of these polymers are almost amorphous, and that they undergo a glass-like transition while the backbones keep an α-helical conformation.     

Calibration of a γ-Re_θ transition model and its application in low-speed flows

The prediction of laminar-turbulent transition in boundary layer is very important for obtaining accurate aerodynamic characteristics with computational fluid dynamic(CFD)tools,because laminar-turbulent transition is directly related to complex flow phenomena in boundary layer and separated flow in space.Unfortunately,the transition effect isn’t included in today’s major CFD tools because of non-local calculations in transition modeling.In this paper,Menter’sγ-Re_θtransition model is calibrated and incorporated into a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes(RANS)code-Trisonic Platform(TRIP)developed in China Aerodynamic Research and Development Center(CARDC).Based on the experimental data of flat plate from the literature,the empirical correlations involved in the transition model are modified and calibrated numerically.Numerical simulation for low-speed flow of Trapezoidal Wing(Trap Wing)is performed and compared with the corresponding experimental data.It is indicated that theγ-Re_θtransition model can accurately predict the location of separation-induced transition and natural transition in the flow region with moderate pressure gradient.The transition model effectively imporves the simulation accuracy of the boundary layer and aerodynamic characteristics.     

Block basis property of a class of 2×2 operator matrices and its application to elasticity

A necessary and sufficient condition is obtained for the generalized eigenfunction systems of 2 × 2 operator matrices to be a block Schauder basis of some Hilbert space, which offers a mathematical foundation of solving symplectic elasticity problems by using the method of separation of variables. Moreover, the theoretical result is applied to two plane elasticity problems via the separable Hamiltonian systems.     

The scale-transformation of electromagnetic theory and its applications

The scale-transformation of electromagnetic theory is investigated in detail based on the form of Maxwell equations in scale-transformation being unchanged in different coordinate systems. The relations of electromagnetic parameters in a rectangular coordinate system and in a spherical coordinate system are presented respectively. The scale-transformation invariants for electromagnetic field are derived and their physical meaning is also presented. It is indicated by simulation that the electromagnetic waves located in medium can be considered to be isotropic due to the fact that the size of propagating vector affected by the scale factors and observing azimuth is on a size of 10^-9, which provides a new approach for investigating the electromagnetic characteristics of ellipsoidal targets.     

Mössbauer emission spectroscopy of grain boundaries in poly- and nanocrystalline niobium

Grain boundaries in polycrystalline Nb, prepared by cold rolling with subsequent recrystallization annealing, and nanocrystalline Nb, obtained by high-pressure torsion, have been studied by ^119m Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy and the data obtained have been compared.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Terpolymers of poly(L-lactide-glycolide-ε-caprolactone)

Random terpolymers of poly(L-lactide-glycolide-ε-caprolactone) (PLLGC) was prepared by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, glycolide and ε-caprolactone monomers initiated with stannous octanoate. Fourier transform infrared spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography were employed to characterize the obtained PLLGC terpolymers. The effects of polymerization temperature, reaction time, the amount of initiator and the polymerization pressure on the weight average molecular mass and polydispersity index of the PLLGC were investigated. In addition, the water contact angle of the PLLGC was also tested. The characterization of chemical structure showed that the PLLGC was successfully synthesized. For instance, a PLLGC terpolymer with a weight average molecular mass of about 12.435?×?10⁴?Da and a polydispersity index of 1.28 was obtained when the polymerization was conducted with a molar ratio of monomer to initiator ([M]/[I]) of 2000, polymerization temperature of 140?°C, polymerization pressure of 5.0?Pa and reaction time of 24?h. The random incorporation of ε-CL monomer units decreased the wettability of the PLGA copolymers.     

Phonon dispersion relations and soft modes of 4 carbon nanotubes

The phonon dispersion relations of three kinds of 4 carbon nanotubes are calculated by using the density functional perturbation theory. It is found that the frequencies of some phonon modes are very sensitive to the smearing width used in the calculations, and eventually become negative at low electronic temperature. Moreover, two kinds of soft modes are identified for the (5,0) tube which are quite different from those reported previously. Our results suggest that the (5,0) tube remains metallic at very low temperature, instead of the metallic-semiconducting transition claimed before.     

Current–phase relations of a ring-trapped Bose–Einstein condensate with a weak link

The current–phase relations of a ring-trapped Bose–Einstein condensate interrupted by a rotating rectangular barrier are extensively investigated with an analytical solution. A current–phase diagram, single and multi-valued relation, is presented with a rescaled barrier height and width. Our results show that the finite size makes the current–phase relation deviate a little bit from the cosine form for the soliton solution in the limit of a vanishing barrier, and the periodic boundary condition selects only the plane wave solution in the case of high barrier. The reason for multi-valued current–phase relation is given by investigating the behavior of soliton solution.