X-ray standing waves and scanning electron microscopy — Energy dispersive X-ray emission spectroscopy study of gold nanoparticles

A systematic characterization of mono-disperse nanoparticles with nominal diameters of 25 nm, 46 nm, 73 nm, 100 nm, 115 nm, and 250 nm was performed using X-ray standing waves (XSW). The samples were prepared on Si-wafer pieces and analyzed at DELTA synchrotron facility at beamline BL8 under grazing incidence geometry of the primary radiation. Additionally, SEM-EDX inspections of single particles as well as population-density checks were conducted. Particles with smaller diameters were able be characterized by XSW while the larger ones were not completely covered by the interference field produced by the provided 15 keV monochromatic radiation of BL8. The results of the measurements were compared with those of numerical simulations. The extension of the interference field perpendicular to the Si-wafer reflector was determined to be 83 nm ± 4 nm.     

Preparation of gelatin/poly(vinyl alcohol) film modified by methyl methacrylate and gamma irradiation

The properties of gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol (G–PVA) blend films were improved by methyl methacrylate (MMA) and γ irradiation for a practical viewpoint. The films were prepared by the casting method, modified by glycerol and MMA monomer, and their mechanical properties were also studied. The gelatin-based films were successfully prepared using γ irradiation (3.1 kGy) and gelatin: PVA = 97:3 (w/w) as optimized. Tensile properties of the films were studied and thermal properties of the films were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis pointed out that MMA treated both gelatin films, and G–PVA blend films showed less thermal degradation than untreated films. In addition, structural and morphological features of the gelatin-based films were examined by Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The ultimate results of the present study showed remarkable enhancement in tensile properties (> 40%) and a reduction in elongation at break of the films, thanks to the MMA addition and γ irradiation.     

Synthesis and polymerization of coupled compounds of 1,11-dodecadiyne

The dimer, trimer, and tetramer of 1,11-dodecadiyne, HC?C? (CH₂)₈? C?CH, were synthesized. The solid-state polymerization of the dimer was investigated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. IR bands due to the diacetylene moiety were identified through the comparison of the IR spectra of the dimer, trimer, and tetramer. The dimer was found to have two polymorphs, melt-crystallized and solution-crystallized. Both of the polymorphs undergo solid-state polymerization by exposure to γ-ray or UV irradiation. The former has higher polymerizability for the diacetylene moiety than the latter. The solid-state polymerization of the terminal acetylene group was not observed. It is shown that the previously reported dimer structure in which both the diacetylene and terminal acetylene groups are polymerized to form an inherently electrically conducting polymer is incorrect. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Laser field induced charge transfer: Para-nitroaniline coupled to a quantum mechanical radiation field

Summary We present a preliminary model for describing a solvated intramolecular charge transfer reaction coupled to a quantum mechanical radiation field. Actual calculations of energies and couplings were performed with a recently developed self-consistent reaction field response method. The representation of dressed molecular states is used for calculating state populations for various laser fields. The state populations are sensitive to the properties of the laser field.     

Heterogeneous/homogeneous and inclined magnetic aspect of infinite shear rate viscosity model of Carreau fluid with nanoscale heat transport

The study of the inclined flow along with the heterogeneous/homogeneous reactions in the fluid has been widely used in many industrial and engineering applications, such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, materials science, heat exchanger design, fluid flow through porous media, etc. The purpose of this study is to present an infinite shear rate viscosity model using the inclined Carreau fluid with nanoscale heat transport. The model considers the effect of inclined angle on the fluid’s viscosity and the transfer of heat at the nanoscale. The result shows that the viscosity of the fluid decreases by increasing the inclination angle and the coefficient of heat transfer also increases with the inclination. The model can be used to predict the viscosity and heat transfer fluid’s behavior in the inclined systems that is widely used in the industrial and engineering applications. The results provide a better understanding of the inclined flow behavior of fluids and the heat transfer at the nanoscale, which can be useful in heat exchanger design, fluid flow through porous media, etc. Greater Infinite shear rate viscosity parameter gives the higher magnitude of Carreau fluid velocity. Moreover, inclined magnetic field reduces the velocity due to Lorentz force. Two numerical schemes are used to solve the model, BVP4C and Shooting.     

Applications of synchrotron radiation in materials analysis

The synchrotron radiation (SR) emitted by circulating high-energy electrons has extraordinary properties: The light is intensive and bright, it is tunable and highly collimated, and finally, it is linearly polarized. These exceptional properties have initiated a unique revival of many spectroscopies using electromagnetic radiation. The techniques of special concern for materials analysis which are treated in this article are: X-ray absorption, reflection, fluorescence, diffraction and topography. A number of examples will be given in order to illustrate the possibilities of these techniques when SR is used.On leave of absence from Institut für Festkörperforschung, KFA Jülich, D-5170 Jülich, Federal Republic of Germany     

“In situ” radiation cleaning of underground water contaminated with cyanides - six years of experience

The locality of underground water, contaminated with cyanides, has been successfully cleaned by using the hydraulic barrier method (assembly of pumped wells) since 1986. The average cyanide concentrations in the outflow exceeded 35 m per litre. Contamination had to be eliminated before the discharge into the sewer system. The radiation approach “in situ” i.e. decomposition of cyanides by barrier, was applied and is still being used today. The cyanide concentration was lowered more than one order of magnitude. This process was approved by the Czechoslovak radiation security authorities and further applications of “in Situ” regeneration of underground water contamination is anticipated.     

Decomposition of halogenated hydrocarbons using intense, penetrating bremsstrahlung

Radiolytic decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbons and other toxic compounds has been experimentally measured using ionizing radiation produced by electron accelerator and nuclear isotope sources. Decomposition products have been identified. A portable, commercially available electron accelerator was set up at a Superfund site where vapor extraction wells were removing trichloroethylene (TCE) from a spill into the unsaturated soil. The extraction vapor was passed through the accelerator beam to decompose the TCE. On site radiolytic decomposition of TCE vapor using an accelerator is shown to be significantly less expensive than filtration of TCE vapor using activated charcoal.     

Investigation of biodeteriorated historical textiles by conventional and synchrotron radiation FTIR spectroscopy

We have examined specimens of historical biodeteriorated cellulose textiles using synchrotron radiation and conventional source FTIR spectroscopy. The main aim of our research was to investigate structural changes caused by ageing and biodeterioration in different types of cellulose fibres. We compared the results, obtained with both methods regarding spectral quality and information obtained with each method. Additionally, we obtained mapping images of the cross sections of the investigated specimens using synchrotron FTIR in order to analyze structural changes in cross sections, caused due to biodeterioration.