Degradation of physicomechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes upon heat and humidity aging

The dependence of the physicomechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites subjected to heat and humidity aging on the type of covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes and on the uniformity of their distribution in the epoxy matrix was studied. Two types of carbon nanotubes were used: those modified with carboxy and amide groups. The elastic modulus, bending deflection, and ultimate bending strength for the initial epoxy nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and for those subjected to heat and humidity aging were determined. The epoxy binders modified with carboxylated carbon nanotubes are more resistant to the action of aging factors. The presence of aggregates of carboxylated carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix positively influences the preservation of physicomechanical properties of the composite subjected to heat and humidity aging. Microscopic examination revealed structural features of the epoxy nanocomposite and their effect on the resistance of the composite to the heat and humidity aging.     

Aggregatively stable suspensions of micrometer powders of doped barium cerate for electrophoretic deposition of thin-film coatings of solid-oxide fuel cells

Potentialities of the method of electrophoretic deposition of thin-film coatings based on micrometer powders of multidoped barium cerate BaCe_0.8Sm_0.19Cu_0.01O_3–δ (BCSCuO) and BaCe_0.89Gd_0.1Cu_0.01O_3–δ (BCGCuO) were considered. Micrometer powders of BCSCuO and BCGCuO were produced by the methods of solid-phase and citrate-nitrate syntheses, respectively. The dispersity, fraction composition, and electrokinetic potential of nonaqueous suspensions of these powders and the electrokinetic parameters of the electrophoretic deposition process were examined. An ultrasonic treatment and ultracentrifugation produced aggregatively stable suspensions of BCGCuO and BCSCuO micrometer particles in a mixed (70/30 vol %) isopropanol–acetyl acetone medium. These suspensions are characterized by high positive values of the zeta potential (+24 and +28 mV, respectively). Thin film coatings of the electrolyte materials BCSCuO and BCGCuO, which are of interest for the technology of medium-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells, were produced by the electrophoretic deposition onto a dense model cathode.     

Distribution of Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals in a Polymer Film

The structure of polymer films modified with zinc oxide nanocrystals was studied by the optical absorption and small-angle X-ray scattering methods. Small-angle X-ray scattering allows determination of the nanoparticle size distribution function, which is the decisive factor in predicting the optical properties of heterophase materials, including filled polymer films. The optical absorption spectrum of an acrylate polymer film doped with 1.6 wt % zinc oxide nanocrystals approaches the ideal absorber spectrum, which allows this material to be recommended for use as a protective color filter.     

Effect of gas environment parameters on operation efficiency of chemical absorbents of carbon dioxide

Effect of main characteristics of the gas medium on the absorbing properties of alkaline chemical absorbents is demonstrated. The following gas flow parameters were examined as variables: carbon dioxide content of the gas flow within the range 0.2–5.0 vol %, gas humidity of 25–90 rel %, and pressure in the zone of the chemisorption process in the range from 2 to 6 MPa. As objects of study served mixed chemical absorbents based on calcium, sodium, and lithium hydroxides.     

Deposition of protective-decorative coatings onto aluminum alloys

Technique for deposition of a nickel coating onto various aluminum alloys was developed. This coating can be used both independently and as a sublayer under multilayer coatings and, in particular, under those of nickel, tin–bismuth, lustrous nickel, and lustrous chromium. The technique includes anodization, chemical treatment, and electrodeposition of nickel in a special solution. The working modes of the anodization electrolyte were chosen and the necessity for a preliminary chemical treatment of the oxide film being formed was substantiated. A composition of the acid electrolyte for the subsequent nickel plating was developed with buffer and improving additives. The thus deposited electroplated nickel coatings exhibit a high adhesion to the aluminum base without additional thermal treatment. This makes it possible not only to reduce the technological time for deposition of the subsequent multilayer coatings, but also to fully automate the whole process.     

Synthesis of basic bismuth(III) oxalate by precipitation from nitrate solutions

Conditions were determined in which basic bismuth oxalate of composition BiC₂O₄(OH) can be obtained by direct precipitation upon addition of oxalic acid from nitrate solutions used in production of bismuth compounds. The composition of the compound was confirmed by X-ray phase and chemical analyses, IR and Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Electron microscopy was used to examine the effect of the composition of the reaction medium and temperature on the morphology of the product being obtained. It was shown that β-Bi₂O₃ can be obtained in oxidative thermolysis of basic bismuth oxalate, depending on its morphology.     

New functionalized amino derivatives of 2-hydroxyphenyl-1,3,5-triazines

4-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylcyanamides reacted with sodium azide to give N-(tetrazol-5-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amines, and their reaction with allyl bromide afforded allyl(1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)cyanamides. Acetylation of 4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amines involved only the amino group with formation of diacetylamino derivatives, whereas the phenolic hydroxy group remained intact. The reaction of triazinamines with 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran in the presence of P₂O₅ gave pyrrolyl-substituted triazines.     

New chalcones containing carbazole and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene fragments

Russian Journal of Organic Chemistry - Acylation of 9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole with acetyl bromide in the presence of tin(IV) chloride gave 3-acetyl- and 3,6-diacetyl-9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazoles...     

Products of reaction of 1-phenyltricyclo[4.1.0.02,7]heptane with N-iodosuccinimide in aqueous THF

Russian Journal of Organic Chemistry - Iodohydroxylation of 1-phenyltricyclo[4.1.0.02,7]heptane in aqueous THF at 20°C with N-iodosuccinimide proceeds at the central bicyclobutane bond C 1...     

Application of thermal analysis for evaluating the digestion of microwave pre-treated sewage sludge

The effect of microwave pre-treatment (MwP) on anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge was studied by means of thermal analysis and evolved gas analysis. The effect of the pre-treatment at low energy input (<1000 kJ L^?1) on sludge solubilisation was studied with the aid of response surface methodology. The pre-treatment process was subsequently studied at energies of 488–2700 kJ L^?1 to evaluate the improvement in biogas production under mesophilic conditions. Organic matter modifications were studied using a Setaram TGA92 analyser at atmospheric pressure coupled to an MSC200 quadrupole mass spectrometer from Balzers. Particle size analysis was carried out using a Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyser LS 13 320 Beckmann Coulter for evaluating the effect of MwP on sludge particles. Results showed an increase in organic matter solubilisation with the increase in the energy applied. Modifications in the specific surface area of the organic matter due to the MwP resulted in increments in methane yields. However, an accumulation of complex compounds was observed in thermal profiles at the maximum energy input (2700 kJ L^?1). Semi-continuous digestion experiments were evaluated using as substrate pre-treated sludge at the optimum energy value (975 kJ L^?1). Results showed a significant increase in methane yield (43 %) when evaluating the process at hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 25–10 days.