Characterization of some essential oils and their key components: Thermoanalytical techniques

The present study was aimed at determining the kinetics of evaporation and establishing vapor pressure curves for both single and multi-component systems by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, orange oil, clove oil and eucalyptus oil, etc.) are typically multi-component systems consisting of various volatile pure components (e.g. linalyl acetate, limonene, cinnamaldehyde, etc.) which resemble single component systems. In this study linalyl acetate was taken as the calibration compound for TG. The vapor pressure curves for the pure substances were plotted using TG and vapor pressure plots for clove oil and eucalyptus oil were constructed using DSC. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the pure compounds were compared to that of the multi-component systems to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the influence of different compounds on each other. The k-value from the vapor pressure data for linalyl acetate was calculated as 112006 Pa kg^0.5mol^0.5s^-1 m^-2 K^-0.5. The vapor pressure values were used to determine the Antoine constants using the SPSS 10.0 software.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Memory effects in isothermal crystallization II. Isotactic polypropylene

The effects of temperature and duration of melting on the rate of isothermal crystallization of isotactic polypropylene were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallization rates were found to decrease with increasing melt temperature and melting time. The results were discussed in the framework of the theoretical model of transient isothermal crystallization developed by the present authors [1]. The results suggest gradual destruction of predetermined nuclei with activation energyE _a=89±7 kJ/mole as a main mechanism of the observed effects.This work and Part I of this research [1] have been supported in part by Research Grant Number PB 1291/52/93/04 from State Committee for Scientific Research (KBN), Poland, and by 40% MURST founds, Italy.     

A calorimetric study of phase evolution in a WE43 Mg alloy

A DSC investigation has been performed on a Mg–RE–Y–Zr (RE=rare earth) technical alloy WE43. Hardness trend during isothermal treatments has been correlated to the calorimetric traces evolution and to the forming β phases with its precursors. Oversaturation of solute elements occurs at temperatures higher than 150±C, on cooling at room temperature after the anneals. Activation energies, found under non-isothermal conditions on artificially aged samples, suggest a slow transformation velocity, while the hardness response is relatively fast.     

The thermal decomposition of NaHCO3 powders and single crystals

The thermal decomposition of four commercial powders and of differently stored single crystals of sodium hydrogen carbonate is studied by power compensation DSC and by optical and FT-IR microscopy. Independently of manufacturer, specified purity and price, the thermal curves of all the commercial powders show a more or less pronounced low temperature peak preceding the one due to the main decomposition. Such small peak is not observed when samples of laboratory recrystallized material are used. However the thermal behaviour of the latter preparation differs remarkably depending on storage conditions: the material kept in closed glass containers decomposes at temperatures higher than those of the material stored in a dessiccator in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄. The observation by optical microscopy of the behaviour of the surfaces of single crystals coming from different storage conditions when the temperature is raised in a Kofler heater helps the interpretation of the data collected. The mechanism of the decomposition is discussed and the relevant kinetic parameters reported.     

Thermal analysis of vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is typically produced by co-extruding a capstock (surface layer) over a PVC substrate formulation. The capstock is often non-PVC, these systems can result in warpage during or after production. In our study we will show that this warpage can result from an interfacial induced stress related to the mismatch between the glass transition of the substrate and the capstock. Additionally, both TMA and TMDSC were used to probe the stress release. Capstock formulations which better match the glass transition of the PVC substrate result in superior performance.     

Thermal decomposition and indirect structural determination of rare earth element picrates with the dtso ligand

The complexes [Ln(pic)₃(DTSO)₃] (Ln=La, Lu and Y; pic=picrate; DTSO=1,3-dithiane-1-oxide) were synthesized and characterized. Indirect structural determination by far infrared spectroscopy is presented. Results from thermal decomposition of these complexes by TG/DTG and DSC techniques are reported. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparison of the thermal behavior of three cellulose fibers mercerized or submitted to solar degradation

Comparison of Lyocell, modal and viscose fibers was performed by means of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Thermal analysis was performed in air atmosphere. Samples were mercerized (21.3 g 100 mL-1) or submitted to solar radiation (seven months). Solar degraded samples presents a higher thermal stability and are initially less degraded. Furthermore, Lyocell fiber is the most stable under thermal degradation conditions. Heating produces a reduction of the fiber diameter (about 50%). This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Synthesis of Levyne-Type Zeolite Studied by Thermal Analysis of Methylquinuclidine Aluminosilicate Gels

DSC, TG and quadrupole mass spectrometer data concerning methylquinuclidinium iodide (MeQ1), dried precursor gel, and crystalline levyne-type zeolite are discussed together with the thermal degradation of MeQ1 mixed with single inorganic components of the gel. It is shown that MeQ⁺ions play a role in the organization of the gel structure. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

水溶性聚合物和两亲聚合物:12.环氧乙烷-环氧丙烷无规共聚醚结构与性能的关系

来用连续加料法,以二元醇-KOH为引发剂合成一组不同组成的环氧乙烷-环氧丙烷无规共聚醚,并用核磁共振、红外光谱、示差扫描量热计和热失重等方法对其本体聚合物,用浊点和表面张力测定的方法对其水溶液,进行系统的表征。     

Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of 1,7-Diazido-2,4,6-trinitrazaheptane and its Application in Propellants

The thermal decomposition characteristics of1,7-diazido-2,4,6-trinitrazaheptane (DATH) and multi-component systems containing DATH were studied by using DSC, TG and DTG techniques. Three –NO₂ groups in the DATH molecule break away first from the main chain when DATH is heated up to 200°C. Following this process, the azido groups and the residual molecule decompose rapidly to release a great deal of heat within a short time. In the multi-component systems, DATH undergoes a strong interaction with the binder of the double-base propellant and a weak interaction with RDX. The burning rates of the two propellants were determined by using a Crawford bomb. The results showed that the burning rate rises by about 19–66% when 23.5%DATH is substituted for RDX in a minimum smoke propellant. Meanwhile, the N₂ level in the combustion gases is enhanced, which is valuable for a reduction of the signal level of the solid propellant. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.