Effect of Different Binders on the Combustion Properties of Lignite. Part II. Effect on kinetics

In this research kinetic analysis of the Tuncbilek lignite and its mixture with different binders (molasses, CMC, sulphide liquor, heavy crude oil, sodium silicate,cornstarch, lime, peridur, bentonite, cement and poly(vinyl-acetate)) were analysed by thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) methods. Two different kinetic models (Arrhenius and Coats–Redfern) were used to determine the activation energies of the samples studied. The concept of weighed mean activation energy was applied to determine the overall reactivity of the samples. It was observed that molasses, CMC, heavy crude oil, peridur, bentonite and poly(acetate) decreased the activation energy of the coal sample, whereas, all other binders increased the activation energy of the coal sample. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Mechanical properties and enzymic degradation of thermoplastic and granular sago starch filled poly(ε-caprolactone)

The mechanical, morphological and biodegradation properties of two types of poly(ε-caprolactone)/sago starch (PCL/sago) composites were investigated i.e. dried granulated sago starch and undried thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS). Thermoplastic starch was extruded with a twin screw extruder model Haake Rheomix (TW100 attached to a Haake Rheometer (Haake Rheodrive 5000). The composites were compounded with a Haake internal mixer (Haake Rheomix 3000) attached to the Haake Rheometer. Tensile properties were determined with the Monsanto Tensometer T10. A Shimadzu UV-160A visible UV spectrophotometer was used to monitor the liberation of carbohydrate as a consequence of starch hydrolysis by α-glucoamylase. Determining the weight loss of composites as well as the acid liberated from PCL also monitored biodegradation. The results indicate that dried granulated sago starch function better as fillers in terms of mechanical properties and the ease of biodegradation. However, TPSS imparted better yield strength to the composites. Poor wetting of starch accounts for the decreased mechanical properties at higher starch concentration as agglomeration occurs. While the rigid granular starch retained their shape in the composites, thermoplastic starch that is surrounded by microvoids is easily deformed due to plasticization.     

Falkner-Skan equation for flow past a moving wedge with suction or injection

The characteristics of steady two-dimensional laminar boundary layer flow of a viscous and incompressible fluid past a moving wedge with suction or injection are theoretically investigated. The transformed boundary layer equations are solved numerically using an implicit finite-difference scheme known as the Keller-box method. The effects of Falkner-Skan power-law parameter (m), suction/injection parameter (f0) and the ratio of free stream velocity to boundary velocity parameter (λ) are discussed in detail. The numerical results for velocity distribution and skin friction coefficient are given for several values of these parameters. Comparisons with the existing results obtained by other researchers under certain conditions are made. The critical values off ₀,m and λ are obtained numerically and their significance on the skin friction and velocity profiles is discussed. The numerical evidence would seem to indicate the onset of reverse flow as it has been found by Riley and Weidman in 1989 for the Falkner-Skan equation for flow past an impermeable stretching boundary.     

Remarks on a theorem of Burkholder and Gundy

Let (Y _n) be a sequence of i.i.d. random variables with zero mean such thatP(Y ₁0)>0. Consider the random walkS _n=Y₁+...+Y_n and an a.s. finite stopping time with respect to the -fieldsF _n=(Y₁,..., Y_n). In this paper we present a number of remarks on a theorem of Burkholder and Gundy concerning an estimate involvingE(sup _n1|Svn|^p).Dedicated to the memory of Professor József Mogyoródi.     

Series Solution for Unsteady Boundary-Layer Flows Due to Impulsively Stretching Plate

The third-order nonlinear partial differential equation modelling the unsteady boundary-layer flows caused by an impulsively stretching fiat plate is solved by using the Adomian decomposition method （ADM）. The ADM yields analytic solution in the form of a rapidly convergent infinite series with easily computable terms. The series solution using the ADM for the unsteady flows is presented for the first time.