A histogram-based segmentation method for characterization of self-assembled hexagonal lattices

Lattice characterization techniques are often used to quantify the effects of different anodization conditions on nano-porous anodized aluminum oxides. In this work, we develop a comprehensive hexagonal lattice characterization method to evaluate the amount of ordering of the lattice and localize the domains of the image and report their characteristics. A robust preprocessing is proposed to find pores’ centroids. Different domains of SEM images usually have different orientations. Pores orientation distribution is analyzed using angle-histogram. The valleys of angle-histogram are employed as thresholds to separate different dominant orientations. We show that using orientation as a distinguishing feature of different domains, significantly improves the robustness of the algorithm against tolerance parameters. Some new parameters are introduced to exactly characterize each of the domains and the whole lattice.     

On Three-Dimensional Non-linear Buoyant Convection in Ternary Solidification

We consider the problem of three-dimensional non-linear buoyant convection in ternary solidification. Under the limit of large far-field temperature, the convective flow is modeled to be in a rectangular cube composing of a horizontal liquid layer above a primary mushy layer, which itself is over a secondary mushy layer. We first apply linear stability analysis to calculate the conditions at the onset of motion. Next, we carry out weakly non-linear analyses to determine solutions in the form of hexagons and their possible stability and to obtain information about tendency for chimney formation. We find that if the flow is driven either from both mushy layers with equal critical conditions at the onset of motion or only by the primary mushy layer, then the flow can be in the form of a double-cell structure vertically with down-hexagons below or above up-hexagons. There is tendency for vertically oriented chimney formation at different horizontal locations in each mushy layer. For the cases where only the critical conditions at the onset of motion are equal in both mushy layers and depending on the values of the mush Rayleigh numbers, the flow can be subcritical (or supercritical) in both mushy layers or mixed subcritical in one layer and supercritical in another layer.     

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Optimizing the Nano-SiO2 Content of High Performance Epoxy Nanocomposites

Epoxy based nanocomposite samples containing SiO₂ nanoparticles (0.0–3.0 %w) were prepared for physical and mechanical evaluation. Some thermomechanical and physical properties of samples were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile strength, hardness and abrasion tests. The main aim of experimentation was to realize the optimum amount of nano-SiO₂ which would demonstrate the best improving effect on mechanical and physical properties of nanocomposite samples and finding how significant a factor is for improving in physical and mechanical properties. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for optimization of SiO₂ content in epoxy based nanocomposites.     

Electrospun terpolymeric nanofiber membrane for micro solid‐phase extraction of diazinon and chlorpyrifos from aqueous samples

The present study deals with the synthesis and electrospining of a new terpolymer nanofiber in order to determine the amount of diazinon and chlorpyrifos in water and fruit juice samples. The synthesized terpolymer and the prepared nanofiber were characterized using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The performance of terpolymer nanofiber, prepared as a sorbent for micro solid phase extraction was investigated for the extraction of diazinon and chlorpyrifos from aquaeous media. Then, the target analytes were desorbed from the coating with an organic solvent and analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Extraction efficiencies were significant (>90%) under the optimum condition. The proposed method also demonstrated good linear dynamic ranges for diazinon and chlorpyrifos (3–250 and 5–200 µg/L), and low limit of detections (0.5 and 0.7 µg/L) respectively. Moreover, under optimum condition for extraction of diazinon and chlorpyrifos, square of correlation coefficients (R²) of 0.9978 and 0.9953 and relative standard deviations of 4.6 and 5.1% were achieved, respectively. The recoveries for diazinon and chlorpyrifos were in the range of 85–97%.     

Extraction and determination of flavonoids in fruit juices and vegetables using Fe3O4/SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles modified with mixed hemi/ad‐micelle cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and high performance liquid chromatography

Extraction and determination of three flavonoids (morin, quercetin, and kaempferol) were performed by dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction based on mixed hemi/ad‐micelles and high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles coated with mixed hemi/ad‐micelles cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide was applied as a sorbent and used for extraction of flavonoids. Effective parameters on the extraction recovery such as amount of magnetic nano particles, volume of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solution with specific concentration, pH of sample solution, adsorption equilibrium time, volume of desorption solvent, and desorption times were evaluated and optimized using fractional factorial design and central composite design. Under the optimum condition limit of detection and linearity were 0.83, 2.7–500.0 for morin, 0.18, 0.7–500.0 for quercetin and, 0.37, 1.3–500.0 µg/L for kaempferol. The extraction recovery with relative standard deviation were 97.88, 1.94 for morin, 95.77, 0.80 for quercetin, and 93.35, 1.45 for kaempferol. The proposed method was applied for simultaneous extraction and determination of flavonoids in several fruit juices and vegetable samples.     

A prototype of an extrapolation chamber for beta radiation beams of 90Sr+90Y

Extrapolation chamber is the only primary standard dosimeter for beta radiation. With the aim to test new configurations and materials using easily-available and low-cost materials and fulfill the need of a chamber for scientific metrological purposes, in this paper the prototype of an extrapolation chamber has been built and its performance has been investigated in the beta radiation field of ⁹⁰Sr+⁹⁰Y. The main differences between the chamber and commercially available chambers are the geometry, constituent material and configuration. The obtained results were compared with those of the calibration certificate of the source and an agreement within 4 % was verified. The depth-dose curve was also obtained and compared with the curve published in ISO 6980, showing a good agreement. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulation was undertaken using MCNP4C code and the relative difference of 0.3 % was observed compared to the experiment. All of the results proved the suitability of the chamber in the beta radiation field of ⁹⁰Sr+⁹⁰Y.