Optical encryption with a reference wave in a joint transform correlator architecture

In this work we introduce a digital holographic configuration in a Joint Transform Correlator (JTC) architecture for encryption purposes. Conceptually, it is a Mach-Zender interferometer, with a JTC in one arm and a reference wave in the other. We describe the practical implementation of this architecture, along with experimental results that support the proposal. We analyze the noise influence caused by intensity saturation during image capture, and this information allows us a filtering process to reduce the information to be handled, with a consequent increase in the speed of the total procedure.     

Colloidal dispersions of monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles modified with poly(ethylene glycol)

Monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized using a silane functionalized PEG obtained by reacting 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane with carboxylic acid-methoxy PEG (mPEG-COOH) using amide reactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements show the particles are monodisperse (sigma(gv) approximately 0.2) and stable in water for pH of 3-9 and ionic strengths, up to 0.3 M NaCl. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with TEM and DLS indicates formation of a dense graft layer on the particle surface. An analysis of the interparticle interaction energy indicates that the particles are stabilized by strong steric repulsions between PEG chains on their surface.     

Measurement of activity coefficients at infinite dilution for acetonitrile,water, limonene,limonene epoxide and their binary pairs

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution were determined for binary pairs of acetonitrile, water, limonene and limonene epoxide at room temperature using the dilutor technique (inert gas stripping) in a home-made dilutor apparatus. The activity coefficients were predicted with the Aspen Plus software using the Dortmund-modified UNIFAC contribution method. Values predicted by software simulations are in good agreement with experimental data. However, experimental activity coefficients at infinite dilution obtained for limonene + acetonitrile, water + limonene and limonene epoxide + water systems are in disagreement with reported values estimated from LLE or solubility data.     

Polypropylene/carbon nanotube magnetic composites obtained using carbon nanotubes from sawdust

Magnetic polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with different loadings (from 0.5 to 20 wt %) of carbon nanotubes with iron (CNT‐Fe) were fabricated using the melt‐mixing method. The carbon nanotubes were synthesized by pyrolysis of sawdust from the furniture industry. The morphological characterization shows homogenous dispersion of the filler in the polymer matrix. The addition of only 0.5 wt % CNT‐Fe already results in ferromagnetic behavior in the diamagnetic polymer matrix. The thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show an increase in the maximum degradation, crystallization, and melting temperatures of the nanocomposites compared with neat PP. The nanocomposites showed improvement in terms of mechanical and oxygen permeability properties. A very significant result of the work is the high remnant magnetization and coercivity values of the nanocomposites at room temperature whereas most of the works on similar systems show magnetic properties only at very low temperatures.     

Methyl branching in polyethylene from homopolymerization of ethylene with N‐arylcyano‐β‐diketiminate methallyl nickel‐B(C6F5)3

N‐Arylcyano‐β‐diketiminate methallyl nickel complexes activated with B(C₆F₅)₃ were used in the polymerization of ethylene. The microstructure analysis of obtained polyethylene (PE) was done by differential scanning calorimetry and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The branched polymer structures produced by these catalysts were attributed to one step isomerization mechanism of the catalyst along the polymer chain. The ortho or para position of the cyano group with co‐ordinated B(C₆F₅)₃ in both methallyl nickel catalysts influenced the polymer molecular weight, branching, and consequently melting and crystallization temperatures. NMR spectroscopic studies showed predominantly the formation of methyl branches in the obtained PE. Catalysts under study gave linear low‐density PEs with good crystallinities at temperatures of reaction between 50 °C and 70 °C at moderate pressures (12.3 atm). A propylene–ethylene copolymer produced by the metallocene catalyst had the same concentration of branches as the PE synthesized from methallyl nickel/B(C₆F₅)₃. Comparing the two polyolefins with the same degree of branching, it was observed that the polymer obtained with the nickel catalyst proved to be twice more crystalline and had greater T_m. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 452–458     

Effects of Concentration on Hexaaquacobalt(II)/Tetrachlorocobalt(II) Equilibrium. A Discovery-Oriented Experiment for Chemistry Students

A solution of cobalt(II) chloride in HCI is commonly used to examine various effects, such as changes in temperature and concentration, on the Co(H₂O)₆²⁺/CoCl₄^2– equilibrium (Lc Chaâtcliers principle). In aqucous solution the cobalt(II) ion exists as a mixture of two complex ions at equilibrium, blue CoCl₄^2– and pink Co(H2O)₆²⁺. As the ions have different colors, it is easy to determine the position of the equilibrium. A series of experiments was designed to allow students to examine the concentration of chloride ion, the dehydration effect, and how dissociation effects the equilibrium. Different compounds were added to the aqueous solution of cobalt(II) ion, and the position of the equilibrium was determined either visually or, more quantitatively, by means of UV–vis spectroscopy. This exercise is suitable for general chemistry students and is designed to introduce them to the complexity of the actual chemical reaction rather than presenting them with a simplistic model.     

Reaction of carbon disulphide with bis(γ-mercaptopropylamine) nickel(II)

Summary Carbon disulphide reacts with bis(-mercaptopropylamine)nickel(II) by insertion into the Ni-N bond to yield a planar dithiocarbamate complex, in which the Ni-S bond is broken and a sulphydryl group is formed.