Na+ transport across the beta alumina-propylene carbonate interface

Interfacial Na⁺ ion transport between polycrystalline beta alumina and propylene carbonate has been studied using a galvanostatic transient technique which separates interfacial overpotential from bulk resistivity effects. No interfacial polarization is detected during ion entry into beta alumina and exit from beta alumina across a dry interface from 30–1000 μA cm^?2. Transport across an interface contaminated with adsorbed water follows Tafel-type i/E behavior with a transition coefficient (α) of 0.24 and exchange current (i₀) of 3.0×10^?6 A cm^?2 at 23°C. Interfacial transport appears to take place through an intermediate state in which the mobile ion is adsorbed on the interface. Large increases in interfacial polarization occur at both dry and hydrated interfaces for ionic currents exceeding the rate of adsorption or desorption.     

Predicting the performance of molecularly imprinted polymers: Selective extraction of caffeine by molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction

A rational design approach was taken to the planning and synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of extracting caffeine (the template molecule) from a standard solution of caffeine and further from a food sample containing caffeine. Data from NMR titration experiments in conjunction with a molecular modelling approach was used in predicting the relative ratios of template to functional monomer and furthermore determined both the choice of solvent (porogen) and the amount used for the study. In addition the molecular modelling program yielded information regarding the thermodynamic stability of the pre-polymerisation complex. Post-polymerisation analysis of the polymer itself by analysis of the pore size distribution by BET yielded significant information regarding the nature of the size and distribution of the pores within the polymer matrix. Here is proposed a stepwise procedure for the development and testing of a molecularly imprinted polymer using a well-studied compound—caffeine as a model system. It is shown that both the physical characteristics of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and the analysis of the pre-polymerisation complex can yield vital information, which can predict how well a given MIP will perform.     

The lanthanideβ″ aluminas

The entire sodium ion content of sodium alumina (Na_1.67Mg_0.67Al_10.33O₁₇) can be replaced with a variety of lanthanide ions by simple diffusion reactions at moderate temperatures (500–700°C). Lanthanide alumina crystals are hard, clear, chemically stable, and have well-defined crystal structures. The fluorescence spectrum of Nd³⁺ in alumina is similar to that in YAG. The lifetime of the⁴ F _3/2 state of Nd³⁺ in completely-exchanged alumina (350s at 10²¹ Nd³⁺ cm^–3) is about 45% longer than in YAG (240s at 10²⁰Nd³⁺ cm^–3). The lanthanide aluminas may be of considerable interest as new phosphor and laser host materials.     

Ionic conductivity in Na+, K+, and Ag+ β″-alumina

This paper presents measurements of the ionic conductivity in single crystals of β″-alumina (0.84 M₂O · 0.67 MgO · 5.2 Al₂O₃, M = Na, K, Ag). Single crystals of sodium β″-alumina were grown from a melt of Na₂O, MgO, and Al₂O₃ at 1660 to 1730°C. Selected crystals were converted to the other isomorphs by ion exchange. The conductivity of sodium β″-alumina varies from 0.18 to 0.01 (ohm · cm)^?1 at 25°C depending upon crystal growth conditions. Potassium β″-alumina has the unusually high room temperature conductivity of 0.13 (ohm · cm)^?1. Silver β″-alumina has a slightly lower conductivity, 4 × 10^?3 (ohm · cm)^?1 at 25°C. The activation energies of sodium and potassium β″-alumina decrease with increasing temperature, while that of silver β″-alumina is constant from ?80 to 450°C.     

Synthesis and reactivity of a ferrocene-derived PCP-pincer ligand

The 1,3-bis(diphosphinomethyl)ferrocene 3 readily reacts with [(C2H4)2RhCl]2 to form an equilibrating pair of diastereomers 8a and 8b by C-H insertion into the ferrocene.     

A tuned damping device for reducing noise from railway track

A promising means to reduce the component of railway rolling noise radiated by the track is to increase the damping of the rail. This increases the attenuation with distance of vibrations transmitted along the rail and thereby reduces the noise radiated. To achieve this, a tuned, damped mass-spring absorber system has been designed. To cover a wide range of frequencies, multiple tuning frequencies are used along with a material with a high damping loss factor. Suitable materials have been found from extensive tests on samples and prototypes of the damper have been built and tested, both in the laboratory and in the field. Results are very promising with reductions of the track component of noise of around 6 dB being measured.     

An optical-fiber multiterminal data system for aircraft

As a result of a study on the potential of optical-fiber multiterminal data systems for avionics, a design approach has been chosen that is expected to be a suitable basis for a wide range of applications. This is a time division multiplexing system, which has features of being highly immune to problems of optical loss and multipath effects in optical highways having redundant paths, and of avoiding the need for any master terminal. This system approach is tailored to characteristics of optical fibers, and should lead to good integrity and ruggedness. A breadboarded model of a terminal has been demonstrated, and the construction of functional models is currently under way.     

Investigation of the influence of different commercial softeners on the stability of poly(lactic acid) fabrics during storage

We have studied the potential degradation of poly(lactic acid)-based fabrics treated with commercial softeners and stored under two sets of conditions for one year. Initial wet-processing caused a fall in molecular weight of about 28%, irrespective of after-treatment. Storage at 40 °C and 80% RH produced further degradation which, with few exceptions, was aggravated by the presence of softeners. Ultimately, all samples degraded beyond the point of commercial usefulness. No clear distinction could be made between the effects of softeners having differing compositions. In contrast, fabrics stored under milder conditions of 23 °C and 50% RH showed no significant time-dependent polymer degradation, irrespective of the treatment applied. There were slight changes in tensile properties and some evidence of physical structural effects having occurred, which we attribute to physical aging. However, we do not believe these to be so serious as to call into question the long-term viability of PLA-based textile products.