Dilution series approach for investigation of microstructural properties and particle interactions in high-quality magnetic fluids

The aim of the paper is to study the deviation of magnetic properties of the magnetic fluids prepared for this study, from ideal (Langevin) behaviour, i.e. to estimate particle interaction influence and dimensions and influence of particle aggregates, as well as to explain the related effects observed. We also determine the particle coupling parameter, the particle nonmagnetic layer thickness, and the particle distribution, which are fundamental for sample characterization. A comparison of the studied magnetic fluids with each other, with respect to microstructure formation and particle interaction strength is finally done. For these purposes, a concentration dependence study, following the proposed “dilution series approach”, is performed. Three series of dilutions of three types of magnetic fluids were prepared and analyzed. Received 27 August 2001     

Tetrakis[(4S)-4-phenyloxazolidin-2-one]dirhodium(II) and Its Catalytic Applications for Metal Carbene Transformations

The synthesis and X-ray structure of the binuclear complex tetrakis[(4S)-4-phenyloxazolidin-2-one]-dirhodium(II) ([Rh₂{(4S)-phox}₄]) are reported. Structure-selectivity comparisons are made for typical metal carbene transformations, such as inter- and intramolecular cyclopropane formation, intermolecular cyclopropene formation and intramolecular C–H insertions of diazoacetates and diazoacetamides. The enantioselectivity achieved in the [Rh₂{(4S)-phox}₄]-catalyzed reactions is intermediate between that of [Rh₂{(5S)-mepy}₄] and [Rh₂{(4R)-bnox}₄], which were described previously (mepy = methyl 5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylate; bnox = 4-benzyloxazolidin-2-one). In contrast to other catalyzed intermolecular cyclopropane formations, those using [Rh₂{(4S)-phox}₄] result preferentially in formation of the cis-cyclopropane.     

Some Electric and Spectroscopic Properties of the Radiofrequency Plasma in a Steady Magnetic Field

In the experiences carried out on the capacitively excited high-frequency helium discharges at pressures of 10^?3?10^?2 Torr, a spectral line intensities redistribution in helium spectrum in function of applied steady magnetic field magnitude has been observed. The magnetic field application modifies also the plasma dispersive properties, which are reflected in the variable relative weight of the h.f. field harmonics. The experiences evidenced an electron temperature dependence on the relative h.f. harmonics intensities, confirming the previous researche conclusion concerning the electron temperature increase with the electric field frequency.     

Synthesis of Partially Deuterated <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Nitrosamines – New Standards in Tobacco-smoke Analysis

Summary. N-Nitrosamines of tobacco alkaloids contribute to the cause of tobacco related cancers and, therefore, they are important analytes. Herein the preparation of four partially deuterated N-nitrosamines from simple, commercially available, deuterated educts is described, which can serve as useful standards in tobacco-smoke analysis.     

New developments in laser interferometry at 10.6 μm

A complete setup for pulsed CO₂ laser interferometry is described. The relative advantages and limits of different recording techniques of the interference pattern in 10.6 μm laser light are analysed. Preliminary recordings of the interference pattern in the case of early evolution stages of an air breakdown plasma in front of a solid target are given.     

Physical Properties of Magnetic Fluids and Nanoparticles from Magnetic and Magneto-rheological Measurements

Static magnetization curves and the magnetorheological effect were used to study the microstructural properties (agglomerate formation) of magnetic fluids and the properties of dispersed nanoparticles. Improved techniques for magnetogranulometry analysis and a formula for the magnetoviscous effect were proposed. The area of applicability of some existing models was studied. The density, distribution, and dimension of particles, as well as the thickness of the nonmagnetic layer were accurately determined from magnetic measurements. The Shliomis diameter and the effective anisotropy constant were determined from rheological and magnetorheological measurements using information obtained from magnetization curves. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Investigation of chemical mechanical polishing of zinc oxide thin films

Zinc oxide has become an important material for various applications. Commercially available zinc oxide single crystals and as-grown zinc oxide thin films have high surface roughness which has detrimental effects on the growth of subsequent layers and device performance. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process was developed for the polishing of zinc oxide polycrystalline thin films. Highly smooth surfaces with RMS roughness <6 Å (as compared to the initial roughness of 26 ± 6 Å) were obtained under optimized conditions with removal rates as high as 670 Å/min. Effects of various CMP parameters on removal rate and surface roughness were evaluated. The role of pH on the polishing characteristics was investigated in detail.     

Pharmaceutically active ionic liquids with solids handling, enhanced thermal stability, and fast release

Pharmaceutically active compounds in ionic liquid form immobilized onto mesoporous silica are stable, easily handled solids, with fast and complete release from the carrier material when placed into an aqueous environment. Depending on specific ion-surface interactions, they may also exhibit improved thermal stability when compared to the non-adsorbed compounds.     

Removal of uranyl ions from UO2(NO3)2 solution by means of Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina algae

This paper deals with a study of the biosorption of UO₂ ²⁺ ions on two green algae: Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina. By investigating the retention degree versus contact time from Langmuir and Freundlich biosorption isotherms, kinetic investigations and FTIR spectra it was found that the biosorption process was greater for Chlorella vulgaris than for Dunaliella salina. A new kinetics method is proposed to establish the reaction order concerning the biosorption process of uranyl ions on these biomasses.      

Interaction of (hydroxypropyl) cellulose with anionic surfactants in dilute regime

(Hydroxypropyl)cellulose (HPC) dilute aqueous solutions in the presence of sodium cholate (CS), sodium deoxycholate (DC), and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) were investigated. The hydrophobicity parameter (I ₁/I ₃) from fluorescence has shown a critical aggregation concentration (CAC) lower than the critical micellar concentration (CMC). One or two breakpoints were observed in the curve conductivity vs surfactant concentration. The thermodynamic parameters of aggregation (, and ) and the degree of counterion dissociation were calculated. Evidences for the secondary aggregation of CS/water system were found. The relative viscosity increases for HPC/bile salt solutions only at high surfactant concentrations, whereas for HPC/SDS, it passes through a maximum. The cloud points of both HPC/bile salt solutions at higher surfactant concentrations reach a temperature plateau value around 324 K, while for HPC/SDS, it exceeds 373 K at low SDS concentrations. Dynamic light scattering has demonstrated that the surfactants bind to HPC already at concentrations lower than CAC.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users.