Self-organized minimum-energy structures for dielectric elastomer actuators

When a stretched elastomer is laminated to a flat plastic frame, a complex shape is formed, which is termed a minimum-energy structure. It is shown how self-organized structures can be applied in the development of actuators with complex, out-of-plane actuationmodes. This unusual concept is then demonstrated in the case of dielectric elastomer actuators. Among advantages of this approach are the simplicity in manufacturing, the potential complexity and sophistication of the manufactured structures, and the general benefits of the concept when applied to other electro-mechanically active materials. PACS 46.32.+x; 77.65.-j; 83.80.Va     

Morphological modifications of Ag/Cu(111) probed by photoemission spectroscopy of quantum well states and the Shockley surface state

Epitaxial ultra-thin Ag films grown on Cu(111) have been investigated by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The thickness dependence of the binding energy for the Shockley surface state at 300 K could be determined accurately in films up to 5 ML thick. Furthermore, we observe drastic changes in the film morphology after annealing to 450 K. Spectral modifications in the shape of the quantum-well states (QWS), characteristic for these ultra-thin silver films, prove that the surface morphology is homogeneous. The photoemission spectra also indicate that the silver film bifurcates to form a film exhibiting two distinct film thicknesses. For all levels of silver coverage, we identify surface regions that are 2 ML thick, while the thickness of the remaining surface depends on the amount of deposited silver. The almost purely Lorentzian line-shape of the spectral features corresponding to the two different surface regions show that both surface areas are atomically flat. PACS 68.55.Jk; 73.20.At; 73.21.Fg; 79.60.Dp     

Deuterium exchange of 4-pyrimidones and 4-pyrimidthiones

The hydrogen-deuterium exchange of H-2 in 4-pyrimidone, a number of 1- and 3-alkyl-4-pyrimidones and several of their thione analogs in deuterium oxide at moderate temperatures is reported. This reaction is apparently not susceptible to acid or base catalysis. Cations of the 4-pyrimidones were found not to exchange H-2 at all in acid media. Catalytic amounts of bases do not alter the exchange rates whereas more concentrated alkali decompose the pyrimidone. However, 1,4(3,4)-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-4-oxopyrimidinium iodide (and its 6-methyl analog) exchange H-2 quite rapidly in neutral deuterium oxide, almost instantly when triethylamine is added as a catalyst, and very slowly in dilute solutions of deuterium chloride in deuterium oxide. Mechanisms are proposed to account for these phenomena.