Discontinuous alkylation of diphenylamine with nonene for maximum catalyst utilization

This study examines the alkylation of diphenylamine (DPA) with nonene (NON) in a liquid phase catalyzed by acid-treated clay-based catalysts from commercial suppliers (Fulcat 22B, Nobelin MM, and Jeltar 300). Alkylations were conducted to achieve the highest possible selectivity of diisononyldiphenylamine (DNDPA), low selectivity of monoisononyldiphenylamine, and a maximum triisononyldiphenylamine yield of 4%. This study also examines the reaction conditions to selectively form dialkylated diphenylamine from DPA and NON in a batch reactor. Repeated use of the catalyst during the alkylation of DPA with NON was also investigated. Catalyst deactivation takes place during the alkylation of each batch and intensifies with repeated catalyst use, resulting in low DNDPA selectivity. The regenerated catalyst was sufficiently active only until the regeneration of the first and second batches. After the third batch, the catalyst’s selectivity for DNDPA was very low, and its reuse in the alkylation of DPA with NON was not efficient. Therefore, to achieve the maximum length of catalyst activity, the fresh catalyst was gradually added to the used catalyst from a previous batch, thus maintaining a high activity of eight batches. The reduction in catalyst activity was probably caused by the irreversible adsorption of substances on the surface, a loss of microporous structure, and a loss of surface acidity. DPA or alkylated products are adsorbed on the surface oxygen of the catalyst through nitrogen and form nitro formations. The fresh and regenerated catalysts were characterized by their surface area, surface acidity, pore size distribution, and pore volume.     

Contact mechanics modeling of piezo-actuated stick-slip microdrives

This paper draws a line from early attempts of modeling stick-slip microdrives to open questions from today’s research. As a basis, it contains a collection of substantial investigations on piezo-actuated stick-slip microdrives for nanomanipulation purposes. Friction models showing special characteristics and their mathematical representations are reviewed. It is found that the working properties of stick-slip drives strongly depend on friction characteristics of the contact points between the guiding elements, which is known for years. However, numerous publications in the field of friction and remaining problems — which cannot be explained by known friction models — indicate that there is a demand for even more friction-related research.Former attempts to model stick-slip drives are based on the so-called LuGre friction model, which is shortly presented. An empirical model called CEIM is also analyzed. It is an adaption of the elastoplastic model. The latter can cover not only the phenomenon “0-amplitude’ (described by the authors in recent publications), but also stick-slip based force generation scenarios. Nevertheless, interesting friction characteristics such as the generation of μN forces with stick-slip drives, which are already proven, cannot be covered by known friction models. It is pointed out which characteristics have to be considered.     

Scalar field collapse with an exponential potential

An analogue of the Oppenheimer–Synder collapsing model is treated analytically, where the matter source is a scalar field with an exponential potential. An exact solution is derived followed by matching to a suitable exterior geometry, and an analysis of the visibility of the singularity. In some situations, the collapse indeed leads to a finite time curvature singularity, which is always hidden from the exterior by an apparent horizon.     

Synthesis of high-performance superabsorbent glycerol acrylate-cross-linked poly (acrylic acid)

Glycerol acrylate (GA) is synthesised by an acryloylation reaction with acryloyl chloride. An ester was used as a cross-linking agent at varying proportions in the synthesis of poly acrylic acid (PAA). The amount of cross-linking density in the product (GA-PAA) and degree of neutralisation determine the absorbency of the polymer samples. A sample of GA-PAA containing 0.8 % GA was discovered to absorb 395 and 66 g/g of water and saline solution, respectively. Different solvent uptakes were tested with the sample showing varying capacity for different solvents. The temperature of the reaction was maintained at 60 °C and a reaction time of 2½ h. FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD analyses were used to characterise the products.     

Kinetic and thermodynamic modeling of Portland cement hydration at low temperatures

Portland cement have to hydrate in cold climates in some particular conditions. Therefore, a better understanding of cement hydration under low temperatures would benefit the cement-based composites application. In this study, Portland cement was, therefore, kinetically and thermodynamically simulated based on a simple kinetics model and minimization of Gibbs free energy. The results of an evaluation indicate that Portland cement hydration impact factors include the water–cement ratio (w/c), temperature, and specific surface area, with the latter being an especially remarkable factor. Therefore, increasing the specific surface area to an appropriate level may be a solution to speed the delayed hydration due to low temperatures. Meanwhile, the w/c ratio is believed to be controlled under cold climates with consideration of durability. The thermodynamic calculation results suggest that low-temperature influences can be divided into three levels: irrevocable effects (<0 °C), recoverable effects (0–10 °C), and insignificant effects (10–20 °C). Portland cement was additionally measured via X-ray diffraction, thermal gravity analysis, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption test in a laboratory and comparisons were drawn that validate the simulation result.