Multi-scale Measurement of (Amorphous) Polymer Deformation: Simultaneous X-ray Scattering,Digital Image Correlation and In-situ Loading

This paper presents a method to investigate the behaviour of polymers on different scales during deformation using simultaneously collected synchrotron X-ray scattering, digital image correlation (DIC) and tensile loading. The method is demonstrated through experiments made on specimens of amorphous polycarbonate. Deformation is measured in-situ, simultaneously across different scales from the macroscopic deformation, measured using sensors on the tensile machine, to the full-field mesoscopic deformation, measured using DIC, down to the deformation of the nano-scale structure, studied using small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS). The DIC reveals highly inhomogeneous deformations that render conventional techniques for measuring deformation, such as extensiometers, virtually useless. The X-ray scattering is measured in several spatial points during continuous loading giving the evolution of the microstructure with respect to both spatial location and load level. The spatial mapping of the scattering reveals characters that would not be observed when only measuring at the centre point or measuring on a large area of the specimen, e.g. wide beam SAXS/WAXS or small angle neutron scattering (SANS). With these data, the macroscopic and the mesoscopic deformation can be correlated to the behaviour of the microstructure providing relevant information when developing micro-mechanical based constitutive models. The experimental results shown here indicate a direct correlation between the major principal strain direction and the maximum anisotropy direction of the SAXS patterns. The current approach can be extended to any kind of polymeric materials or polymer-based nano-composites.     

Lupin Protein Isolate Structure Diversity in Frozen-Cast Foams: Effects of Transglutaminases and Edible Fats

This study addresses an innovative approach to generate aerated foods with appealing texture through the utilization of lupin protein isolate (LPI) in combination with edible fats. We show the impact of transglutaminases (TGs; SB6 and commercial), glycerol (Gly), soy lecithin (Lec) and linoleic acid (LA) on the micro- and nanostructure of health promoting solid foods created from LPI and fats blends. 3-D tomographic images of LPI with TG revealed that SB6 contributed to an exceptional bubble spatial organization. The inclusion of Gly and Lec decreased protein polymerization and also induced the formation of a porous layered material. LA promoted protein polymerization and formation of homogeneous thick layers in the LPI matrix. Thus, the LPI is a promising protein resource which when in blend with additives is able to create diverse food structures. Much focus has been placed on the great foamability of LPI and here we show the resulting microstructure of LPI foams, and how these were improved with addition of TGs. New food applications for LPI can arise with the addition of food grade dispersant Lec and essential fatty-acid LA, by improved puffiness, and their contributing as replacer of chemical leavening additives in gluten-free products.     

Paraquat induces oxidative stress, neuronal loss in substantia nigra region and Parkinsonism in adult rats: Neuroprotection and amelioration of symptoms by water-soluble formulation of Coenzyme Q10

Background  

Parkinson's disease, for which currently there is no cure, develops as a result of progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the brain; thus, identification of any potential therapeutic intervention for disease management is of a great importance.     

X-ray studies of carbon dioxide intercalation in Na-fluorohectorite clay at near-ambient conditions

We show experimentally that gaseous CO(2) intercalates into the interlayer space of the synthetic smectite clay Na-fluorohectorite at conditions not too far from ambient. The mean interlayer repetition distance of the clay when CO(2) is intercalated is found to be 12.5 ? for the conditions -20 °C and 15 bar. The magnitude of the expansion of the interlayer upon intercalation is indistinguishable from that observed in the dehydrated-monohydrated transition for H(2)O, but the possibility of water intercalation is ruled out by a careful analysis of the experimental conditions and repeating the measurements exposing the clay to nitrogen gas. The dynamics of the process is observed to be dependent on the pressure, with a higher intercalation rate at increased pressure. The rate of CO(2) intercalation at the studied conditions is found to be several orders of magnitude slower than the intercalation rate of water or humidity at ambient pressure and temperature.     

HYDRATED ELECTRON FORMATION IN NANOSECOND and PICOSECOND LASER FLASH PHOTOLYSIS OF HEMATOPORPHYRIN IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Nanosecond (lambda exc = 266, 355 and 532 nm) and picosecond (lambda exc = 355 nm) laser flash photolysis of hematoporphyrin (Hp) was performed in neutral (pH 7.4) and alkaline (pH 12) aqueous solution, as well as in the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100. The dependence of the yield of photoproduced hydrated electrons (e-aq) on laser pulse energy was studied over a wide range of energies (0.2 to greater than 1000 mJ cm-2). The results show that e-aq are predominantly formed in a two-photon process at lambda exc = 266 and 355 nm. One-photon quantum yields are higher at lambda exc = 266 nm than at lambda exc = 355 nm. Both one-photon and two-photon pathways are less efficient at higher Hp concentration, reflecting the influence of Hp self-aggregation. Two-photon e-aq formation is more efficient when 30 ps pulses are used for excitation, as compared to 10 ns pulses. No e-aq could be detected at lambda exc = 532 nm. Nanosecond pulse-induced transient spectra obtained at pH 7.4 are also discussed.     

Characterization of the effects of compressed gas annealing on semicrystalline polymers

The effects of annealing semicrystalline polymers in the presence of plasticizing agents is an area of considerable current interest, given the potential to modify the degree and nature of crystallinity. These effects were studied for two semicrystalline polymers, custom‐synthesized methyl‐substituted poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (MePEEK) and industrial‐grade poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was used to characterize the microstructure of both amorphous and preannealed materials. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and density measurements were also performed for the PET samples, and reference is made to similar analysis work done for MePEEK. A distinct morphological effect could be identified from SAXS measurements of MePEEK annealed in a stepwise fashion in the presence of high‐pressure CO₂ with the polar cosolvent CH₃OH. This result was absent in MePEEK similarly annealed in air and supports earlier DSC measurements. A very different morphological effect of pressure alone was observed in PET annealed in pure CO₂ (170 and 510 atm) at a temperature of 150 °C, well above the glass transition. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 2457–2467, 2000     

Sorption of inorganic nanoparticles in woven cellulose fabrics

Titanium dioxide was deposited from aqueous suspension onto cellulosic surfaces.Titania was sourced from Degussa (P25TM,70:30 anatase:rutile).Dry uptake of particles was shown to be rapid and dominant with one-third of the deposition occurring in less than 30 s and over one-half in the first minute.Isotherms were recorded to compare the rate of titanium deposition on dry and pre-wetted cotton.In the dry case uptake reached a maximum in 30 min whereas in the pre-wetted case the uptake was seen to continue beyond 180 min.A broad trend of higher deposition occurring at lower pH was seen,corresponding to the region where surface charges were opposite and thus attractive.Dry pickup was less significant at high pH.The response to varying ionic strength was complex and was attributed to the combined effect of charge screening,particle aggregation and consequent particle entrapment or occlusion.Titania deposition into the interstices of woven cotton sheets resulted in the formation of inorganic,nanoparticulate skeletons which could be isolated by controlled combustion of the cellulose and thus cotton was suggested to have potential for the templated synthesis of high surface area semiconductor materials.     

Inclusive and exclusive measurements in the projectile breakup of 7Li

The inclusive and exclusive measurements were carried out for ⁷Li projectile breakup on ²⁷Al target at 48 MeV. In the inclusive data we have observed a broad peak around the beam velocity for alphas and tritons. The exclusive data for alpha-triton coincidences show good agreement with the post-form DWBA theory of breakup reactions.