A Monte Carlo algorithm for solving systems of non-linear equations

A Monte Carlo method for solving systems of non-linear equations is presented and discussed. The method does not require the differentiation of left side functions of the system and provides the solution with arbitrary accuracy, although it may be applied only to systems with not too large a number of equations. Illustrative examples are given.     

Pd electrodeposited from membrane-separated thin layer cell

Polycarbonate (PC) membranes of different porosity (from 50 nm to 400 nm pore size) were used as separators in a thin layer cell for palladium electrodeposition. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the formation of Pd layer between the cathode and porous membrane, with subsequent growth inside the pores induced by space limitations of further growth of initial layer. Our estimates confirm that at this stage Pd deposit feels the pronounced mechanical pressure and consider it as a possible reason of specific hydrogen sorption behaviour in the region of β-phase hydride formation. Up to c.a. 1.0 H/Pd atomic ratio is observed for some samples. We consider possible (nano)structural peculiarities responsible for this behaviour.     

Polymer composites of nano-sized particles isolated in matrix

The kinetic and mechanism of thermal decay of transition metal acrylates or its cocrystallites are studied. At 200–300°C the rate of thermal decay can be described by first-order rate equations. The thermal transformations of the metal-containing monomers under study involve dehydration, solid-phase polymerization and thermolysis processes. The composition of products of the thermal transformations are studied. The products of the decay are analyzed by optical and electron microscopy as well as by magnetic measurements, IR and mass spectroscopy. The main solid-state products of decomposition are nanometer-sized particles of metal or its oxide and ferrites with a narrow size distribution stabilized by the polymeric matrix. The average particle sizes, L_av, are 6.0–13.0 nm in the case of FeAcr₃ and 6.0 nm for cocrystallites FeCoAcr and Fe₂CoAcr. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.