Thermal Plasma Technology: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?

In this overview, an attempt is made to assess the present and future research and development in thermal plasma processing of materials restricted to (1) thermal plasma coating technologies, (2) thermal plasma synthesis of fine powders, (3) thermal plasma waste destruction, and (4) thermal plasma spheroidization and densification. Since thermal plasma processing is, in general, governed by a large number of parameters, implementation of controls becomes mandatory. The lack of sufficient controls combined with economic drawbacks in some cases has been the main obstacle for the growth of thermal plasma technology. Present R&D efforts, however, address these problems.     

Thermal decomposition of hexamminecobalt(III) chloride

The results of comparative thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA-DSC) of the thermal decomposition of hexamminecobalt(III) chloride in air atmosphere are reported. The kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition, the process enthalpy and the variation in specific thermal capacity of the solid product reaction with temperature were determined.     

Thermal transport coefficients for liquid and glassy water computed from a harmonic aqueous glass

We compute thermal transport coefficients for liquid and glassy water in terms of the vibrations of the quenched liquid. The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are computed for H(2)O and D(2)O at densities from 0.93 to 1.2 g cm(-3). The computed thermal diffusivity of liquid water is in reasonable agreement with measured values and is found to increase with increasing temperature due largely to the thermal accessibility of delocalized librational modes. The influence of structure and density on the thermal conductivity of amorphous ices is investigated. The calculations reveal that density alone is unable to explain the measured thermal conductivity of amorphous ices, particularly low-density amorphous ices, for which the thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature near 100 K. To investigate the influence of structure on thermal transport in amorphous ices we have computed the thermal transport coefficients for low-density amorphous ices prepared in two different ways, one formed by quenching the liquid at 0.93 g cm(-3) and the other by distortion of cubic ice at the same density. The computed thermal conductivity of the latter is higher, but the structures of both forms are too disordered for the thermal conductivity to exhibit the unusual variation observed experimentally.     

Hyphenated techniques of thermal analysis for characterisation of soil humic substances

Our aim was to investigate the thermal behaviour of humic substances extracted from temperate and tropical soils by means of hyphenated techniques of thermal analysis (e. g. simultaneous thermal analysis DSC/TG coupled with mass spectrometry, MS, for the analysis of evolved gas, EGA) in order (i) to verify whether the chemical composition of isolated humic substances also reflected the differences in microbial parameters previously measured in related soil samples and (ii) to identify suitable indices of thermal stability. Our results show that the investigation of humic substances by thermal methods can provide information on soil organic matter dynamics. Differences in thermal behaviour between the two groups of soils were found. The indices of thermal stability here proposed, IR (index of thermal recalcitrance), and ID (index of thermal decomposability) clearly showed that in humic substances from tropical soils the thermally recalcitrant organic fraction dominated, whilst in temperate humic substances the opposite held. This agrees with previous results on the microbial dynamics and organic matter turnover of the respective soils and indicates that these indices of thermal stability could represent a useful tool in soil environmental quality investigations.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Branched Poly(Methacrylamide): Thermal Stability and Molecular Simulation Studies of Their Blends With Vinylic Polymers

The synthesis of a poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylamide) (BP), based on a lineal methacrylamide with diethylaminoethyl branches was carried out. Thermal behavior was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Relatively high thermal stability is found. Blends with poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(monomethyl itaconate) (PMMI) were prepared. Their thermal properties in blends were studied together with miscibility, in order to improve thermal properties of vinylic polymer blends. An increase of thermal stability was found for certain blend compositions. By FTIR analysis, higher band displacements were found for low BP compositions. AFM and molecular simulation analysis were carried out in order to elucidate the structural origin leading to thermal stability and miscibility increases. Hydrophobic interactions among methyl end groups of BP and methylene groups of vinylic polymers should be the responsible of miscibility and thermal stability increases.     

Argentophilicity-dependent colossal thermal expansion in extended prussian blue analogues

The thermal expansion behavior of isostructural variants of the colossal thermal expansion material Ag3[CoIII(CN)6] has been investigated using variable temperature X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. It was found that substitution at the octahedral transition metal site did not strongly affect the thermal expansion behavior, giving Ag3[FeIII(CN)6] as a new colossal thermal expansion material. Substitution at the Ag site (by D) was shown to reduce the thermal expansion coefficients by an order of magnitude. It was proposed that this correlation between the presence of argentophilic interactions and extreme thermal expansion behavior may explain a variety of thermal effects in flexible framework materials containing metallophilic interactions.     

(Fe1-xNix)ZrF6固溶体晶体结构与可调控的热膨胀性质

绝大部分物质具有热胀冷缩的基本性质,然而近年来的研究发现一些化合物具有反常的负热膨胀性质,其为有效调节物质热膨胀系数(CTE)提供了可行性,尤其调控各向同性化合物热膨胀性质是一个重要的研究方向。本文以双ReO₃结构的固溶体(Fe_1-xNi_x)ZrF₆为研究对象,对(Fe_1-xNi_x)ZrF₆固溶体的制备、晶体结构以及热膨胀调控开展了深入研究。(Fe_1-xNi_x)ZrF₆固溶体呈现全程固溶特性,通过Ni²⁺对Fe²⁺进行化学替代的方法实现了(Fe_1-xNi_x)ZrF₆热膨胀系数在大范围内的有效调控(−3.24×10⁻⁶– +18.23 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹,300–675 K),尤其,在(Fe_0.5Ni_0.5)ZrF₆化合物中得到了零膨胀性能。作为一种典型的框架结构化合物,晶胞中F原子横向热振动的差异是导致各自不同热膨胀差异的本质原因。该研究给我们提供了一个基于开放式框架结构化合物的热膨胀调控方法。     

聚乙烯醇-g-异氰酸酯-脂肪醇梳状接枝共聚物的合成、 结构及热性能

通过甲苯-2,4-二异氰酸酯(TDI)的连接作用, 利用接枝共聚法将具有储热功能的长链脂肪醇[如十八醇(C₁₈OH)、 十六醇(C₁₆OH)和十四醇(C₁₄OH)]接枝到聚乙烯醇(PVA)主链上, 制备出储热能力不同的聚乙烯醇-g-TDI-脂肪醇[PVA-g-TDI-C(n)]梳状接枝共聚物. 通过傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、 差示扫描量热分析(DSC)、 热重分析(TGA)和X射线衍射(XRD)等方法研究了PVA-g-TDI-C(n)共聚物的热行为和结晶结构. 结果表明, PVA-g-TDI-C(n)共聚物具有良好的储热能力, 储热能力随侧链碳原子数目和侧链接枝度的增加而增大, 但明显低于长链脂肪醇的储热能力. PVA-g-TDI-C(n)共聚物具有良好的热稳定性, 失重温度在324~330 ℃之间. 从侧链受限运动角度探讨了影响PVA-g-TDI-C(n)共聚物热性能和有序堆砌结构的原因.     

The non-oxidative thermal degradation of poly (Di-2-chloroethyl itaconate)

The non-oxidative thermal degradation of poly (di-2-chloroethyl itaconate) (PD2CEI) was studied by TG and by analysing the thermal products. The major processes occurring during thermal analysis are crosslinking, depolymerisation and carbonisation. The thermal degradation activation energy increased with increasing sample mass loss. The thermal degradation of PD2CEI was compared to that of the structurally similar poly(2-chloroethyl methacrylate) (P2CMA).     

Thermal behaviour of 6-(2-pyridylazo)-3-acetamidophenol and its metal complexes

The present work aims chiefly to study the thermal behaviour of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 6-(2-pyridylazo)-3-acetamidophenol (PAAP) in nitrogen atmosphere. The moieties of the prepared complexes contain mainly coordinated water molecules (1-3) together with some water of crystallization. The water molecules of crystallization are removed in a single stage. The decomposition and combustion of the fragments occur in the second and subsequent stages. The fragmentation of the prepared complexes is also studied by mass spectrometry in order to identify the molecular ions obtained. The comparison of thermal analysis (TG) and mass spectra of the compounds is helpful in checking the correct proposed thermal decomposition schemes. This comparative study shows that mass spectra are correlated with the thermal analyses suggestions. The activation thermodynamic parameters of thermal decomposition pathways, such as energy of activation, enthalpy, entropy and free energy change of the complexes are evaluated and the stability of the thermal treated complexes is discussed, which shows that the thermal stabilities of the complexes are enhanced as the ionic radii decrease.     

Thermal characterization and thermal degradation of poly(norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters) synthesized by vinyl addition polymerization

The thermal properties and degradation behaviors of poly(norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters) (PNB-dialkyl esters) (alkyl = Me (PNB-Me), Et (PNB-Et), Pr (PNB-Pr), and Bu (PNB-Bu)) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in dynamic conditions and by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The PNB-dialkyl esters show good thermal stability up to 350 °C, and the thermal stability decreases in the order Me > Et > Pr > Bu with the increase in size of side chain. The effect of side-chain size on the thermal degradation behaviors of PNB-dialkyl esters is evidenced by one-step thermal degradation profile for PNB-Me while two-step thermal degradation profile for PNB-Et, PNB-Pr, and PNB-Bu. Transformation is deduced to undergo β-hydrogen elimination and formation of anhydride group in the first stage of thermal degradation reaction according to TGA and IR results for PNB-Et, PNB-Pr, and PNB-Bu. The apparent activation energy and thermal degradation model of PNB-dialkyl esters are estimated by means of Ozawa-Flynn-wall method and Phadnis-Deshpande method, respectively.     

Thermal characterization in vitro of human nail: photoacoustic study of the aging process

In the present work, the rear photoacoustic signal technique is used to determine thermal properties of human nails. The aging process of the human nail is analyzed through its thermal diffusivity and specific heat and using these results, thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity is determined. The study in vitro of this natural polymer showed a minimum for thermal properties to age about 20 years and an increase and possible saturation of them for ages over 50 years. The minimum value found for thermal diffusivity was close to 10x10(-4) cm2 s(-1) with saturation near 18x10(-4) cm2 s(-1). Thermal conductivity and effusivity presents the same behavior.     

Effect of Varying Alkyl Chain Length on Thermal Decomposition Temperature of Zinc(II) Xanthates and its Impact on Curing of Epoxy Resin

Linear and branched zinc(II) xanthates with varying alkyl chain length were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. Zinc sulfide as the final decomposition product upon thermal annealing of zinc(II) xanthates was confirmed by XRD analysis. Cure time for epoxy resin composite at various temperatures was analyzed employing zinc(II) xanthates (5 % mass) as latent cure catalysts. XRD investigation of the cured epoxy resin including zinc(II) xanthates upon thermal annealing revealed the presence of ZnS in‐situ in the composite matrix, indicating the in‐situ thermal decomposition of zinc(II) xanthates as probable mechanism for curing. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to investigate the thermal decomposition temperature trend of zinc(II) xanthates. A parallel trend was observed correlating the thermal decomposition temperature trend of zinc(II) xanthates and the order of curing catalytic efficiency utilizing zinc(II) xanthates. In the case of linear alkylzinc(II) xanthates with an increase in the alkyl chain length, both thermal decomposition temperature and the cure time were enhanced. In contrast, in case of branched alkyl chain zinc(II) xanthates with increasing alkyl chain length show decreasing thermal decomposition temperature as well as cure time.     

基于DFT密度泛函理论的聚酯热降解反应机理研究

本文应用密度泛函理论（DFT）研究钛系催化剂催化聚酯热降解的反应机理。分别以Ti(OEt)4化合物以及Ti(OEt)3 阳离子化合物为催化剂,探讨了二苯甲酸乙二酯（EDB）解聚反应的Lewis酸催化热降解反应机理（M1机理）和烷氧基配位催化热降解反应机理（M2机理）。结果表明,Lewis酸催化热降解反应机理在两种催化剂下的解聚反应能垒与无催化剂反应非常相似,未表现出明显促进作用;Ti(OEt)3 催化剂在M2机理中明显降低了解聚反应能垒,是聚酯热降解反应的催化活性中心。经轨道相互作用分析发现,阳离子催化剂和反应物EDB之间存在较为明显的轨道相互作用。     

神府次烟煤在不同温度下的热溶产物表征

利用FT-IR、热重、GPC以及同步荧光分析等对神府次烟煤在不同温度条件下的1-甲基萘热溶物和热溶残煤进行了表征。结果表明,热溶物中含有较多的脂肪结构,灰分几乎全部转移至残煤中;热溶残煤与神府原煤的热失重特性存在明显差别;在300~360 ℃,随着温度升高,热溶物数均分子量呈增加趋势,进一步提高温度,分子量减小;热溶物缩合芳环数随着温度升高而增加。据此表明,在低于煤初始热解温度下神府次烟煤的热溶主要以溶剂化作用破坏煤中的非共价键为主,其中,酮、酯等轻质组分易于脱除;而高于煤初始热解温度的热溶过程则伴有侧链和桥键等弱共价键断裂的热解反应和自由基缩聚反应,热溶物中三环等稠环芳香结构增加。     

Miniaturized thermal lens and fluorescence detection system for microchemical chips

We have developed a miniaturized two-way detection system using thermal lens and fluorescence spectroscopies for microchip chemistry. The system was composed of laser diode (LD) modules, fiber-based optics combined with a gradient index lens, and miniaturized detection units for thermal lens and fluorescence signals. The detection limits in the thermal lens and fluorescence spectroscopies were 6.3 x 10(-9)M for Ni(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid and 3.0 x 10(-9)M for cy5, respectively. The performance of the system with the miniaturized thermal lens was equivalent to that of a conventional thermal lens microscope. The fluorescence sensitivity was comparable to sensitivities offered by conventional miniaturized systems.     

Photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy and thermophysical properties of syncrude cokes

This paper presents and interprets photoacoustic (PA) infrared spectra and four different thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, volumetric specific heat and thermal effusivity) for four sets of hydrocarbon cokes. A total of 12 samples, with varying histories, were analyzed. These cokes are a by-product of the upgrading of bitumen to Syncrude Sweet Blend (a blend of hydrotreated components), and were obtained from several locations in the thermal cokers operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. PA infrared spectroscopy provides detailed information on the amount and type of residual aromatic hydrocarbons in cokes; aliphatic hydrocarbons are sometimes detected in smaller quantities. Three of the thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, diffusivity and effusivity) display systematic differences among the cokes. On the other hand, volumetric specific heat hardly varies, a phenomenon that accounts for the observed proportionality between thermal diffusivity and conductivity. Analogous relationships exist between thermal effusivity and both thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for these cokes. The magnitudes of these three thermophysical properties tend to increase as aromatics contents, determined by PA spectroscopy, decrease.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal analysis of hectorite. Part II. Differential thermal analysis

The thermal behavior of the SHCa-1 hectorite source clay specimen was studied by the technique of computerized differential thermal analysis (DTA) using dynamic nitrogen, dynamic air, dynamic carbon dioxide, and static air atmospheres. The atmospheric dependence of the DTA thermal curves was established. A series of samples heated in dynamic nitrogen purge was analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectrographic techniques to establish the high temperature phases of the SHCa-1 (carbonate-contaminated) hectorite specimen. Differential thermal analysis was also performed on a processed (carbonate-cleaned) hectorite specimen using dynamic nitrogen atmosphere. Additional TG-DTG thermal curves were included in this portion of the study.     

Coordination compounds of biological interest: thermal properties of some compounds of saccharin (o-benzoic sulfimide) with divalent metal ions

The thermal properties of cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes of saccharin (sacc) (o-benzoic sulfimide) have been studied, and are compared with those of ternary complexes of cobalt(II) and copper(II) having both saccharin and pyridine as ligands. The thermal behaviour is discussed in terms of the bonds between the central ion and the ligands. The frequency shifts of the carbonyl and sulfonyl groups support the hypotheses derived from the thermal data. The thermal stability scale CO(II) /s> Cu(II) is always obtained while the stability constant scale is CO(II) < Cu(II).     

Thermal characterization of Al2O3 and ZnO reinforced silicone rubber as thermal pads for heat dissipation purposes

Silicone rubber filled with thermally conductive, but electrically insulating Al₂O₃ or ZnO fillers were investigated to be used as elastomeric thermal pads, a class of thermal interface materials. The effect of Al₂O₃ or ZnO fillers on the thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the silicone rubber were investigated, and it was found that with increasing Al₂O₃ or ZnO fillers, the thermal conductivity of the thermal pads increases, while the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreases. The thermal conductivity results obtained were also analyzed using the Agari model to explain the effect of Al₂O₃ or ZnO fillers on the formation of thermal conductive networks. Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) showed that the addition of either Al₂O₃ or ZnO fillers increases the thermal stability of the silicone rubber, while the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that at 10 vol.% filler loading percolation threshold has yet to be reached.