Clustering of magnetic nanoparticles using a double hydrophilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(acrylic acid)

The use of a double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC), poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PEO-b-PAA) to prepare magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) clusters was investigated. In this one-pot synthesis method, the DHBC controlled the particle growth and served as both stabilizer and clustering agent. Depending on the iron-to-polymer ratio, the synthesized particles can be in the form of colonies of small iron oxide particles or clusters of these particles with size larger than 100 nm. Compared to the previous reported result using random copolymers, the clusters prepared with DHBC were more compact and homogeneous. The yield of clusters increased when the amount of polymer added was limiting. Insufficient amounts of polymer resulted in the formation of bare patches on the magnetite surface, and the strong van der Waals attraction induced cluster formation.     

Influence of Co amount on the efficiency of energy absorption of Fe-Co ferrite nanoparticles

We present the chemical synthesis, structural characterization and efficiency of AC field energy absorption of Fe-Co ferrite particles sized between 35 and 100 nm and containing different cobalt amounts up to 3 wt%. Dynamic magnetic measurements in an AC field with frequency of 430 Hz and amplitude of up to 1200 Oe were performed for both solid and liquid dispersions of obtained particles. The energy absorption per one field cycle in function of the field amplitude and Co content was always bigger in liquid systems, under the same conditions, than in solid systems. The obtained results are of significance for the technology of low-frequency ferromagnetic hyperthermia of tumors.     

Influence of particle size on the low and high strain rate behavior of dense colloidal dispersions of nanosilica

Shear thickening is a non-Newtonian flow behavior characterized by the increase in apparent viscosity with the increase in applied shear rate, particularly when the shear rate exceeds a critical value termed as the critical shear rate (CSR). Due to this remarkable property of shear-thickening fluids (STFs), they are extensively used in hip protection pads, protective gear for athletes, and more recently in body armor. The use of STFs in body armor has led to the development of the concept of liquid body armor. In this study, the effect of particle size is explored on the low and high strain rate behavior of nanosilica dispersions, so as to predict the efficacy of STF-aided personal protection systems (PPS), specifically for ballistic applications. The low strain rate study was conducted on cone and plate rheometer, whereas the high strain rate characterization of STF was conducted on in-house fabricated split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. Spherical nanosilica particles of three different sizes (100, 300, and 500 nm) as well as fumed silica particles of four different specific surface areas (Aerosil A-90, A-130, A-150, and A-200), respectively, were used in this study. The test samples were prepared by dispersing nanosilica particles in polypropylene glycol (PPG) using ultrasonic homogenization method. The low strain rate studies aided in determining the CSR of the synthesized STF dispersions, whereas the high strain rate studies explored the impact-resisting ability of STFs in terms of the impact toughness and the peak stress attained during the impact loading of STF in SHPB testing.     

Colloidal Crystals of NaYF4 Upconversion Nanocrystals Studied by Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering (SAXS)

Spherical NaYF₄ upconversion nanocrystals with mean radii of about 5 and 11 nm are observed to form colloidal crystals, i.e., 3D assemblies of the particles with long‐range order. The colloidal crystals of the larger particles form directly in solution when dispersions of the particles in toluene are stored at room temperature for several weeks. Crystallization of the smaller particles takes place when their dispersions in hexane are slowly dried at elevated temperatures. The formation and the structure of the colloidal crystals are studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). SAXS measurements show that the smaller as well as the larger particles assemble into a face‐centered cubic lattice with unit cell dimensions of a = 18.7 nm and a = 35.5 nm, respectively. The SAXS data also show that the particles in the colloidal crystals still bear a layer of oleic acid on their surfaces. The thickness of this layer is 1.5–1.8 nm, as determined by comparing the unit cell dimensions of the colloidal crystals with the mean particle sizes. The latter could be very precisely determined from the distinct oscillations observed in the SAXS data of dilute colloidal dispersions of the nanocrystals.     

A Clustering Approach for the Separation of Touching Edges in Particle Images

The occurrence of touching objects in images of particulate systems is very common especially in the absence of dispersion methods during image acquisition. The separation of these touching particles is essential before accurate estimation of particle size and shape can be achieved from these images. In the current work, clustering approaches based on the fuzzy C‐means algorithm are employed to identify the touching particle regions. Firstly, clustering in the multidimensional space of image features, e.g., standard deviation, gradient and range calculated in a certain neighborhood of each pixel, is performed to trap the touching regions. Then, in a novel proposed method, the clustering of pixel intensity itself into two fuzzy clusters is performed and a feature, referred to as the ‘Fuzzy Range', is calculated for each pixel from its membership values in both clusters and is presented as a distinguishing feature of the touching regions. Both approaches are compared and the superiority of the latter method in terms of the non‐necessity of neighborhood based calculations and minimum disfiguration is elucidated. The separation methods presented herein do not make any assumption about the shape of the particle as is undertaken in many methods reported elsewhere. The technique is proven to minimize greatly the deleterious effects of over‐segmentation, as is the case with traditional watershed segmentation techniques, and consequently, it results in a superior performance.     

A 3-D simulation of a particulate dispersion

A computational study of the microstructure of strongly interacting particulate dispersions has been carried out using a force-bias Monte Carlo scheme. A cluster analysis technique has been used to investigate low-energy particle configurations. The microstructure is shown to consist of clusters containing several particles. The clusters themselves interact to form an extended network.     

Cluster dynamics and cluster size distributions in systems of self-propelled particles

Systems of self-propelled particles (SPP) interacting by a velocity alignment mechanism in the presence of noise exhibit rich clustering dynamics. Often, clusters are responsible for the distribution of (local) information in these systems. Here, we investigate the properties of individual clusters in SPP systems, in particular the asymmetric spreading behavior of clusters with respect to their direction of motion. In addition, we formulate a Smoluchowski-type kinetic model to describe the evolution of the cluster size distribution (CSD). This model predicts the emergence of steady-state CSDs in SPP systems. We test our theoretical predictions in simulations of SPP with nematic interactions and find that our simple kinetic model reproduces qualitatively the transition to aggregation observed in simulations.     

Sweep-stick mechanism of heavy particle clustering in fluid turbulence

It is proposed that the inertial range clustering of small heavy particles in fluid turbulence occurs as a result of the sweep-stick mechanism which causes inertial particles to cluster so as to mimic the clusters of points where the fluid acceleration is perpendicular to the direction of highest contraction between neighboring particles. Direct numerical simulations of inertial particles subjected to linear Stokes drag and suspended in homogeneous isotropic turbulence support the validity of the sweep and stick properties on which the sweep-stick mechanism is based, and also support the clustering consequences of this mechanism. It also explains the observed Stokes-number dependence of inertial particle clustering.     

Cluster formation in binary fluids with competing short-range and long-range interactions

Abstract

The equilibrium phase behaviour of a model binary fluid is investigated through Monte Carlo simulations and by developing a molecular thermodynamic model. Both fluid components interact through a hard core with short-range attractions (SA), but one of the components exhibits an additional long-range repulsion (SA+LR). We find that phase behaviour for this system is controlled by the cross-interaction between the two types of particles as well as their chemical potentials. For a weak cross-interaction, the system displays behaviour that is a composite of the behaviour of the individual components, i.e. the SA component can display bulk vapour/liquid phase separation, while the SALR component can display giant micelle-like clusters for a suitable combination of SA and LR interactions. For a strong cross-interaction, qualitatively different behaviour is observed, with the resulting clusters typically composed of a more equal mixture of SA and SALR particles. Moreover, these mixed clusters can exist even when the SA component by itself would be undersaturated or supercritical, and/or when the SALR component by itself would not form giant clusters. These insights should help to identify the mechanisms for clustering in experimental systems where giant equilibrium clusters are observed.     

Combined bactericidal activity of silver nanoparticles and hexadecylpyridinium salicylate ionic liquid

Recently, ionic liquids have been used as dispersing agents for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) preparation. In this paper, we have shown a simple method to prepare AgNP in aqueous media using an ionic liquid called hexadecylpyridinium salicylate (HDPSal) as dispersing agent. The dispersions were produced by the chemical reduction of silver ions in aqueous media with different concentrations of HDPSal and tetrabutylammonium borohydride as reducing agent. The UV–Visible electronic spectra showed the characteristic plasmonic resonance band around 420 nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. The TEM images confirmed the formation of spherical particles with diameters lower than 10 nm. The charge of these particles was determined by Zeta potential and they were around +50 mV, indicating that the HDP cations are surrounding the AgNPs, avoiding their agglomeration. Most of the dispersions remained stable for at least 1 month. Microbiological assays showed that the combination of AgNP with HDPSal results in wider range of antimicrobial effect.     

Counting of particles in aqueous solutions by laser-induced photoacoustic breakdown detection

Laser-induced photoacoustic breakdown detection is applied for the determination of particles in aqueous dispersion. Polystyrene (latex), alumina and thoriasol particles of different sizes are investigated for demonstration. Laser pulses at 500 nm with 28 ns pulse width (FWHM), generated by an excimer ( = 308 nm) pumped dye laser, are focused into aqueous particle dispersions to produce breakdown. The dye laser pulse energy is fixed at a value lower than the breakdown threshold of pure water to initiate a dielectric breakdown only when particles are present in a given focus volume. Focus volume parameters and particle size dependent breakdown thresholds are calculated and the results are compared with data from literature. Dependence of breakdown threshold values on the chemical composition of the particles is determined for polystyrene, alumina and thoriasol particles.     

Preferential concentration of heavy particles in turbulence

Particle-laden flows are of relevant interest in many industrial and natural systems. When the carrier flow is turbulent, a striking feature is the phenomenon called preferential concentration: particles denser than the fluid have the tendency to inhomogeneously distribute in space, forming clusters and depleted regions. We present an investigation of clustering of small water droplets in homogeneous and isotropic active-grid-generated turbulence. We investigate the effect of Reynolds number (R_λ) and Stokes number (St) on particles clustering in the range R_λ ～ 200?400 and St ～ 2?10. Using Voronoï diagrams, we characterise clustering level and cluster properties (geometry, typical dimension and fractality). The exact same Voronoï analysis is then applied to investigate clustering properties of specific topological points of the velocity field of homogeneous isotropic turbulence obtained from direct numerical simulations at R_λ ～ 220 and 300. The goal is to compare clustering properties of actual particles with those of such points in order to explore the relevance of possible clustering mechanisms, including centrifugal effects (heavy particles sampling preferentially low-vorticity regions) and sweep-stick mechanisms (heavy particles preferentially sticking to low-acceleration points). Our study points towards a leading role of zero-acceleration points and sweep-stick effects, at least for the experimental conditions considered in this study.     

Effects of Al(OH)O nanoparticle agglomerate size in epoxy resin on tension,bending, and fracture properties

Several epoxy Al(OH)O (boehmite) dispersions in an epoxy resin are produced in a kneader to study the mechanistic correlation between the nanoparticle size and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites. The agglomerate size is set by a targeted variation in solid content and temperature during dispersion, resulting in a different level of stress intensity and thus a different final agglomerate size during the process. The suspension viscosity was used for the estimation of stress energy in laminar shear flow. Agglomerate size measurements are executed via dynamic light scattering to ensure the quality of the produced dispersions. Furthermore, various nanocomposite samples are prepared for three-point bending, tension, and fracture toughness tests. The screening of the size effect is executed with at least seven samples per agglomerate size and test method. The variation of solid content is found to be a reliable method to adjust the agglomerate size between 138–354 nm during dispersion. The size effect on the Young’s modulus and the critical stress intensity is only marginal. Nevertheless, there is a statistically relevant trend showing a linear increase with a decrease in agglomerate size. In contrast, the size effect is more dominant to the sample’s strain and stress at failure. Unlike microscaled agglomerates or particles, which lead to embrittlement of the composite material, nanoscaled agglomerates or particles cause the composite elongation to be nearly of the same level as the base material. The observed effect is valid for agglomerate sizes between 138–354 nm and a particle mass fraction of 10 wt%.     

Multiparticle rapidity clustering in 200 GeV/cπ−p interactions

A study of multiparticle rapidity clustering is made using a generalized rapidity-gap method. The data for events with ?6 charged particles are compared to what would be expected from uncorrelated particle production. We find clear evidence for cluster production. The data are consistent with ～ 20% of all charged particles being produced in clusters of two charged particles; clusters of higher multiplicity are not required.     

Behavior of Ultrafine Particles generated from organic vapors by corona ionizers

This paper reports an experimental study on the stability, coagulation and diffusion of molecular clusters and ultrafine particles generated from organic vapors by corona ionizers. Upon leaving the ionizer, particles are made to flow within several types of vessels: depending on the specific geometry of the flow system, clusters either coagulate into large particles or are deposited on the walls. Particles larger than 4nm and molecular clusters penetrate through a wire-screen type diffusion battery, but particles in the size range between 2 and 4nm are collected. Among the organic compounds tested (aromatics, alcohols, ketones and others), only aromatic compounds appear to yield unstable clusters which grow into detectable particles (>2nm) through Brownian coagulation. The other compounds either do not undergo the gas-to-particle conversion process or are too small to be detected. Furthermore, the presence of moisture seems to be of fundamental importance in the particle generation phenomenon. The addition of alcohols to the vapor mixture inhibits particle formation.     

Effects of ions clustering in Nd3+/Al3+-codoped double-clad fiber laser operating near 930 nm

We report experimental and theoretical investigations on the presence and the detrimental effect of neodymium clusters on the three-level transition at near 930 nm in aluminosilicate double-clad fibers. A series of fibers with a W-type refractive index core profile to filter out the competing strong transition at 1060 nm were fabricated to study the impact of clusters on laser efficiency at near 930 nm using different core compositions. Percentage of clustered Nd ions have been evaluated using two methods based either on the saturation of the pump absorption or on laser efficiencies. Laser characterizations and numerical modeling have shown that clustering effect has a strong impact on the laser efficiency at 930 nm and fractions of clustered ions higher than 50% have been found in the most doped fiber.     

Characterization of SiC and Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles and their aqueous dispersions

Nanoparticles of SiC and Si₃N₄ were previously used to obtain electroless NiP/particles nanocomposites. The incorporation process was very different, depending on the particle: SiC tended to agglomerate and had a high incorporation level; Si₃N₄ particles were not aggregated, but their incorporation level was very low. To try to explain these differences, the particles and their aqueous dispersions were characterized. Although the as-received products were both oxidized and of the identical mean size, results showed that the size distributions and the surface oxidation products were rather different. The zeta potential in water dispersions was similar and negative for both particles but, as the electrolyte ions were introduced, it showed a different evolution: nitride particles retained a small negative charge and carbide was almost uncharged. The overall results obtained in this study explain the different behavior of both ceramic particles and provide possible solutions to improve their co-deposition with nickel.     

The morphology of submicronsized core-shell latex particles: an electron microscopy study

The core-shell structure of a range of acrylic-acrylic latexes has been investigated by combining different specimen preparation methods with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (DSTEM) and low-voltage scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM), including the first reported use of LV-SEM to observe composite latex particles at ambient and subambient temperatures. Spin-coating of liquid latex dispersions directly onto TEM grids or SEM stubs is shown to be a relatively straightforward mean of avoiding film formation during specimen preparation. In conjunction with double staining techniques, it has been found to be particularly convenient for characterizing the fine structure of particles with diameters down to below 100 nm.     

Clustered and integrated fluorescence spectra from single atmospheric aerosol particles excited by a 263- and 351-nm laser at New Haven,CT, and Adelphi,MD

Fluorescence spectra from individual micron-sized atmospheric aerosol particles were measured by a Dual-wavelength-excitation Particle Fluorescence Spectrometer (DPFS). Particles were drawn into our laboratory at Adelphi, MD, an urban site in the Washington, DC, metroplex and within the Yale University campus at New Haven, CT. Two fluorescence spectra were obtained for every individual particle as it was moving through the DPFS system and excited sequentially by single laser pulses at 263 and 351 nm. There were around ten to a few hundred particles detected per second and up to a few million per day within the 1–10 μm particle size range. The majority of the particles have weak fluorescence, but 10–50% of the particles have fluorescence signals above the noise level at both sites at different time period. For the first time, these Ultra Violet laser-induced-fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectra from individual particles were integrated every 10 min, which forms a group of about a few thousand to a few tens of thousand particles, to provide the averaged background atmospheric fluorescence spectral profiles which may be helpful in the development of bioaerosol detection systems, particularly those systems based on integrated fluorescence from a group of aerosol particles, such as Light Detection And Rangeing (LIDAR) remotor biosensor and the point sensor based on collected particles on substrate. These integrated spectral profiles had small variations from time to time and were distinguishable from that of the bacterial simulant B. subtilis. Also for the first time, the individual spectra excited by a 351 nm laser were grouped using unstructured hierarchical cluster analysis, with parameters chosen so that spectra clustered into 8 main categories. They showed less spectral variations than that excited by a 263-nm laser. Over 98% of the spectra were able to be grouped into 8 clusters, and over 90% of the fluorescent particles were in clusters 3–5 with a fluorescence emission peak around 420–470 nm; these were mostly from biological and organic carbon-containing compounds. Integrated fluorescence spectral profiles and averaged spectra for each cluster show high similarity between New Haven, CT and Adelphi, MD.     

纳米颗粒悬浮在加热铂丝上的过冷沸腾

本文对加热铂丝上25 nm SiO2颗粒与水悬浮液的过冷沸腾进行实验观察,纯水和纳米颗粒悬浮液的沸腾过程基本相同,但低热流密度下纳米颗粒悬浮液中的气泡重叠(或气泡团聚体)现象非常普遍。在实验观察基础上分析了气泡重叠(或气泡团聚体)成因,纳米颗粒在气泡表面的吸附和浓聚增大了气泡间吸引力和气泡质量,最终导致气泡重叠(或气泡团聚体)的形成。