Flow-induced polymer degradation probed by a high throughput microfluidic set-up

A complex fluid submitted to strong flows can endure irreversible changes in its structure. This is the case for long chain polymer additives that are commonly used as viscosity enhancers in industry, notably for oil recovery. These polymers break in solution when submitted to high deformation rates, eventually causing a serious viscosity loss. This problem of practical importance is though difficult to handle from a fundamental point of view given its complexity. We introduce here a new tool, based on microfluidic technology, for the screening of the degradation of solutions in the model situation of the flow through a constriction. We integrate two functions in a single set-up, a micro-fabricated constriction and an on-chip viscosimeter. This tool enables us to probe rapidly the viscosity loss imparted by flowing through the constriction at a given flow rate. Thanks to microfluidics, the sample preparation and measurement time are significantly lower than those implied by classical measurement protocols (reduction by up to two orders of magnitude). In addition, confinement provides control of the flow in terms of inertia. To illustrate the potential of this approach in a screening perspective, we use this tool to study the degradation of a series of semi-dilute aqueous solutions of PEO of varying molecular weights and concentrations. For each solution we identify a threshold flow rate for polymer degradation. The corresponding critical deformation rate decreases with molecular weight and concentration, as expected (the mass dependence is in line with previous reports and theories for dilute solutions). In addition we characterize the viscosity loss for larger deformation rates and find that, despite the polydispersity of our solutions, the observations for the various solutions can be roughly recast on a master curve by renormalization of the imposed deformation rates according to a law $M_w^{?1.7\pm 03}{c}^{?0.7\pm 03}$.     

Influence of Porosity on the Electrical Sensing Zone and Laser Diffraction Sizing of Silicas. A collaborative study

The objective of a continuing study by the Belgian Particle Technology Group involves difficulties in practical size determinations. This part describes the behaviour of silicas with different porosities during sizing by electrical sensing zone and laser diffraction methods. Anisotropy and porosity were identified to be important particle characteristics in understanding the differences between the two methods. Especially large pore diameters and pore volumes were found to be responsible for shifts in size distribution of 50 to 100%. The use of optical values and optical models was shown to influence these shifts considerably. In the case of spherical silica particles with moderate porosity, no significant differences could be found between the two sizing methods.     

Seismic response of a set of blocks partially imbedded in soft soilRéponse sismique d'un ensemble de blocs partiellement encastrés dans un terrain mou

The seismic response of a set of ten non-equally spaced, non-equally sized, homogeneous blocks partially imbedded in a soft soil layer overlying a hard halfspace is studied numerically and shown to be generally larger, in terms of amplitude, duration and spatial variability than that of the ground in the presence of one block or in the absence of blocks. This is qualitatively similar to observed seismic response in the past at sites such as Mexico City and suggests that the built portion of cities may, under certain conditions, play a significant role in the global seismic response of a city. To cite this article: C. Tsogka, A. Wirgin, C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003).     

Lithium intercalation in polyacetylene

The coulometric titration curve for lithium intercalation in polyacetylene has been determined using poly(ethylene oxide) based solid electrolyte. The plateaus observed suggest the existence of stages, comparable to graphite. This interpretation seems also supported by the cyclic voltammetry scans on polyacetylene. Lithium intercalation appears as a very slow process with

estimated at ? 10^-13cm².s^-1.     

Etude par Spectrométrie de Masse du Di-O-isopropylidene-1,2;5,6-α-D-ribo-hexofurannosul-3-ose

The electron impact mass spectrum of 1, 2:5, 6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D -ribo-hexofuranos-3-ulose has been studied. Fragmentation modes based upon deuterium and ¹⁸O labelling are proposed.     

Spectrographie de masse en série du bornane I: Bornanes monosubstitués

A study has been made of the fragmentation of 2- and 3-monosubstituted bornanes. Ketones, oximes, alcohols, amines and their N-methyl derivatives were examined. Different fragmentations were compared according to the 2- or 3-position of the substituents. The results show the importance of cleavage α to the substituent bearing the charge. The α bond cleaved is that bond directed to the carbon atom with the greater degree of substitution. These results allow one to differentiate, by mass spectroscopy, the 2- and the 3-positions in the bornane skeleton.