Evolved gas analysis (EGA) of brick clays

Using a system based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detectors, evolved gas analysis (EGA) was able to identify and quantify the principal volatiles produced by heating powdered samples of UK brick clays. From these results, atmospheric emissions likely to result from brick production can be predicted. In addition, EGA results for extruded brick clay test pieces are significantly different from those of powdered samples. Within an extruded brick clay body, evolved gases are contained within a pore system and evolved gas-solid phase reactions also occur. This EGA study provides further evidence on the nature of firing reactions within brick clay bodies. The qualitative and quantitative influence of heating rate — a key process condition in brick manufacture — on gas release is also outlined.Dedicated to Dr. Robert Mackenzie on the occasion of his 75th birthday     

Investigation of the chemical state of copper in Cu/SiO2 composite films by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The concentration and chemical state of copper in the subsurface region of Cu/SiO₂ composite films obtained by simultaneous magnetron sputtering from two sources (Cu and SiO₂) are determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is established that copper in the as-grown film is primarily in the form of unoxidized atoms dispersed in a SiO₂ matrix. Annealing of the film results in practically no oxidation, but about 70% of the copper atoms condense into metallic clusters with sizes below 10 Å in the subsurface region and about 50 Å in the bulk of the film. The changes in the binding energy of core electrons, and especially in the energies of Auger electrons, are so large in this situation that photoelectron and Auger spectroscopy are efficient methods for monitoring the chemical state of this composite material.     

Formation of a two-dimensional periodic structure of local melting regions on a silicon surface upon pulsed light irradiation

The first results regarding the formation of a two-dimensional periodic structure of local melting regions on a silicon surface upon pulsed light irradiation are presented. The conditions are established, and the mechanism of the formation of such structures is discussed. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 67, 97–99 (December 1997)     

Temperature and frequency dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation times of E′1 centers in neutron-irradiated quartz glass

Results are reported for measurements of the spin-lattice relaxation times of E′₁ centers in quartz glass, produced by neutron irradiation, with the measurements made at two frequencies 9.25 and 24.0 GHz over a wide temperature interval 1.5–300 K. The experimental data are interpreted on the basis of interaction mechanisms of the spins with two-level systems with excitation energies ∼6, ∼26, and ∼420 cm⁻¹. A small modification of the existing theory allows us to explain a number of features of the observed temperature and frequency dependence of the relaxation rate. The results are compared with the data available in the literature on spin-lattice relaxation of irradiation centers in crystalline quartz and quartz glass. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 39, 1335–1337 (August 1997)     

Surfaces of Constant Mean Curvature Bounded by Two Planar Curves

In this paper we study constant mean curvature compact surfaces with two Jordan curves in parallel planes as boundary and we investigate the point at which the surface inherits the symmetries of its boundary.     

Student-Invented Numeration Systems: Pattern-Analysis and Mathematical Understanding

Thirteen fifth graders were given an assignment to invent their own numeration systems, following a unit on bases and a look at early events in the history of numbers. The task presented options that required the students to make decisions (such as whether to use a base, which base to use, design of symbols, etc.), and build a rationale for the elements of their system. Analyses of patterns embedded in their invented systems provided an assessment of student understanding of numeration. The progression of more and less complex thinking related to the student's choice of a base other than 10, consistency of logic throughout the system in words and symbols, rationale for change, and perception of real life examples that would change if the system was adopted. The invention task is presented as another way to make connections.     

Influence of the sulfonate countercation on the thermal stability of nafion perfluorosulfonate membranes

We report a strong dependence of the thermal stability of Nafion® perfluorosulfonate ionomer on the nature of the counterion associated with the fixed sulfonate site. These results were obtained using thermal gravimetric analysis on a series of alkali metal and alkyl ammonium cation-exchanged Nafion films. We have found that the temperature of decomposition of Nafion is inversely dependent on the size of the exchanged cation; i.e., Nafion films show improved thermal stability as the size of the counter cation decreases. We attribute this inverse relationship of thermal stability with counterion size to an initial decomposition reaction which is strongly influenced by the strength of the sulfonate-coun-terion interaction. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Porphyrins 34. Mass spectrometric study of ethane- and ethylene-bis-porphyrins

The mass spectral behavior of 1, 2-di (mesoetioporphyr inyl-1)- and 1, 2-di (mesooctaethylporphyrlnyl) ethanes and ethylenes, their Cu and Ni complexes, as well as Ni Schiff bases of 1, 2-di (mesooctaethylporphyrinyl)ethane complexes, under ionization by electron impact and bombardment by accelerated atoms, was studied. Peaks of molecular ions, for which the basic decomposition pathways were established on the basis of an analysis of the parent and daughter ions, were observed in the electron impact mass spectra of all these compounds.For Communication 29, see [1].Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 1, pp. 24–29, January, 1994.