Superacid promoted reactions of N-acyliminium salts and evidence for the involvement of superelectrophiles

Experimental and theoretical studies suggest the involvement of dicationic, superelectrophilic N-acyliminium ions in conversions catalyzed by superacids.     

Ordered CdSe nanoparticles within self-assembled block copolymer domains on surfaces

Hierarchical, high-density, ordered patterns were fabricated on Si substrates by self-assembly of CdSe nanoparticles within approximately 20-nm-thick diblock copolymer films in a controlled manner. Surface-modified CdSe nanoparticles formed well-defined structures within microphase-separated polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) domains. Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)-coated CdSe nanoparticles were incorporated into PS domains and polyethylene glycol-coated CdSe nanoparticles were located primarily in the P2VP domains. Nearly close-packed CdSe nanoparticles were clearly identified within the highly ordered patterns on Si substrates by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Contact angle measurements together with SEM results indicate that TOPO-CdSe nanoparticles were partially placed at the air/copolymer interface.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of 2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, 3H-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-one and 4-chlorothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine

A two-minute microwave irradiation allowed the synthesis of several 2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylic acid derivatives. Their efficient transformation to thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-one and the corresponding 4-chloro derivative is also reported under microwave irradiation.     

Investigation of the formation of M 2 + -molecular ions in sputtering processes

The formation process of M₂⁺ molecular ions sputtered from elementary target materials is investigated. In a previous article it was shown that these molecules can be used to quantitate major elements [1]. The quantitation method was based on the assumption that the M₂⁺ molecular ions are formed by the atomic combination of independently sputtered M and M ⁺ particles above the surface. In this paper this assumption will be investigated using a Monte Carlo model to simulate the formation mechanism. The model is used to calculate the velocity distribution of the M₂⁺ dimers sputtered from three different elementary target materials (Fe, Ge, and Ni). The results are compared with experimental data. Good agreement exists between theory and experiment that supports the Monte Carlo model and hence also the assumed formation mechanism.     

Molecular Watchmaking: ab initio Emulsion Polymerization by RAFT-controlled Self-assembly

Controlled radical polymerization using RAFT has the potential to make polymers with virtually any desired molecular architecture. For this to be implemented on an industrial scale, it must be performed by polymerization in disperse media. However, simply adding a RAFT agent to a conventional emulsion polymerization recipe leads to a loss of molecular weight control and formation of coagulum, probably because of nucleation in droplets, which is normally an unlikely phenomenon in emulsion polymerizations. Recently, a method has been devised for implementing RAFT in ab initio emulsion polymerization that avoids droplets in the particle formation stage. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer thus formed shows that molecular weight control is maintained throughout the polymerization. A model is developed to predict the particle size formed in this new type of emulsion polymerization. The new methodology enables synthesis of novel dispersions where molecular architecture can be precisely controlled, such as structured core-shell particles.     

Reversein situ combustion

Zusammenfassung Für den Fall einer hinsichtlich Temperatur und Partialdruck des Oxydenden nichtlinearen Quellenfunktion wird die in-situ-Verbrennung von Rohöl untersucht. Die Wärmeübertragung wird in ihrer Abhängigkeit von den Mechanismen der Konvektion, der Leitung und des Wärmeübergangs zwischen festem und Gaszustand erörtert. Es wird gezeigt, dass es eine stetige Lösung gibt, und eine konvergierende Iterationsmethode wird angegeben.     

Investigation of non-linear acoustic losses at the open end of a tube

At high acoustic level, non-linear losses at the end of a tube are usually interpreted as the consequence of a jet formation at the tube end resulting in annular vortices dissipating part of the acoustic energy. Previous work has shown that two different regimes may occur. The present work, using particle image velocimetry visualization, lattice Boltzmann method simulation in 2D, and an analytical model, shows that the two different regimes correspond to situations for which the annular vortices remain attached to the tube (low acoustic particle velocity) or detached (high acoustic particle velocity).     

Rheological changes in the bitumen caused by heating and interaction with rubber during asphalt–rubber production

The demand for more safe and durable roads, combined with the need to preserve the environment, led to the production and application of asphalt–rubber (AR) on roads. Nevertheless, this complex material needs further study in order to better distinguish among the phenomena that take place during AR production, as they impact on the final product characteristics. Here, we effectively quantify the rheological changes related to bitumen aging due to diffusion of small molecules of bitumen into the rubber particles and to the release of fillers from rubber into the bitumen during AR production. “A sphere AR production simulator” was developed to assess AR aging independently. The comparison of the characteristic relaxation times of both AR and simulated AR shows that the aging alone cannot explain the rheological changes during AR production. The extent of the changes related to the combined effects of aging and filler release increases as the bitumen used to produce AR is softer.