Distribution of melamine in polyester–melamine surface coatings cured under nonisothermal conditions

The influence of experimental cure parameters on the diffusion of reactive species in polyester–melamine thermoset coatings during curing has been investigated with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared. The diffusion of melamine plays a vital role in the curing process and, therefore, in the ultimate properties of coatings. At a low (<20%) hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) crosslinker concentration, the matrix composition is uniform, but at high HMMM concentrations, excess HMMM rapidly segregates to the air–coating interface. The rate of migration is governed by the difference in the surface free energies of polyester and HMMM and the concentration gradient of HMMM between the bulk and the surface. An increased rate of energy absorption also increases the rate of migration of HMMM to the surface. A physical model has been proposed to explain this surface segregation phenomenon in terms of cocondensation and self‐condensation reactions. It suggests that an appropriate amount of melamine can be segregated on the surface and allowed to self‐condense to form a desired thickness of a melamine topcoat through the control of the binder composition and cure conditions. This technique can be implemented to apply a melamine topcoat during cure. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 83–91, 2004     

The effect of Fe and Ru substitution on the superconductivity in MgCNi3

We report the effects of partial substitutions of the VIIIa elements: Fe (3d) and Ru (4d) in the intermetallic perovskite superconductor MgCNi₃. In both the MgCNi_3−xRu_x and MgCNi_3−xFe_x systems, the superconducting critical temperature (T_C) decreases monotonically as x is increased. T_C decreases more slowly in the case of Ru, suggesting that the 3d electrons in Fe are magnetically pair breaking. This is supported by the normal state magnetic susceptibility measurements (χ), which shows that χ increases with Fe and decreases with Ru doping. No ferromagnetism is observed in either system.     

Magnetic pole pinning at rectangular defects on MnAs/GaAs(0 0 1)

Strong magnetic poles at characteristic rectangular defects have been observed using a magnetic force microscope on a MnAs(  1 0 0) thin film with the thickness of 30 nm. The MnAs thin film was epitaxially grown on a GaAs(0 0 1) substrate. The magnetic poles were in one-arranging direction, being independent of the magnetization direction of the film. The poles were pinned at the edges of the rectangular defects until just below the Curie temperature, and formed a stable magnetic-field loop on the MnAs surface. The stability of the magnetic pole pinning shows the distinctive feature of the magnetic domain structure on the surface with a strong anisotropy, which was built in the heterostructure of MnAs and GaAs.     

Stereoselective Michael Addition of Carbonyl Compounds to ( E )-β-Nitrostyrene Catalysed by N -Toluensulfonyl-l -proline Amide in Ionic Liquids

Summary. N-Toluensulfonyl-l-prolin amide was tested as catalyst in the enantioselective Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to (E)-β-nitrostyrene in nine ionic liquids under different reaction conditions. The reaction rates and enantioselectivities were strongly dependent on the ionic liquids. Change of enantioselectivity was observed too and it is attributed to both the cation and the anion of ionic liquid. The best yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivity (70% ee) of product were obtained in a basic ionic liquid [bmim]BF₄ at room temperature.     

Mineral and chemical compositions and structure-sorption properties of bottom sediments as the basic components of enterosorbents and application materials

The mineral and chemical compositions, as well as some structure-sorption characteristics were determined for clay minerals selected for examination. The integrated coefficients of contamination of bottom sediments with each of the toxicant metals (Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn) were calculated. The minerals examined presumably can be used in medicine as efficient application materials, cosmetic agents, and sorbents (enterosorbents).     

123 Phases in CeLa2Cu2MgO8 samples

A tetragonal 123 phase with the composition close to CeLa₂ { Cu ₂ ²⁺ } [Mg²⁺]O₈ (the braces indicate the Cu(2) positions; the brackets indicate the Cu(1) positions) with the parameters a = b = 0.3909(3) nm, c = 1.6591(8) nm was prepared at 860°C under an oxygen atmosphere with an elevated oxygen pressure. When the lanthanum-for-barium substitution was incomplete, the resulting 123 phase had the composition close to CeLa_1.7Ba_0.3{ Cu _1.7 ²⁺ } [Mg]O₈ with the unit cell parameters a = b = 0.3868(3) nm, c = 1.6578(8) nm that contains Cu³⁺ in the Cu(2) positions. The partial substitution of barium for lanthanum (the melting point of barium oxide is almost 500°C lower that of the lanthanum oxide) appreciably facilitated the synthesis: the 123 phase in this sample was more than 90%. The existence of Cu³⁺ in the Cu(2) positions enhanced the electrical conductivity of the sample.