Sound propagation in an unstable atmospheric layer

The equation of sound propagation in an unstable medium produced by the presence of supersaturated water vapor in it, which can appear in a hurricane area, is derived. This equation takes into account the effects of sound velocity dispersion, amplification, damping, and nonlinear effects. Some solutions to this equation are presented, illustrating the specific features of sound propagation in an unstable medium. Published in Akusticheskiĭ Zhurnal, 2007, Vol. 53, No. 3, pp. 477–480.     

Korrosionsuntersuchung

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Radiation Crosslinking of an Acrylamide–Sodium Acrylate Copolymer in Aqueous Solutions

The effect of concentration of an acrylamide–sodium acrylate copolymer in an aqueous solution on the crosslinking of macromolecules by the action of ionizing radiation was studied. It was shown that the efficiency of radiation crosslinking of the copolymer increased with an increase in the concentration of solution subject to irradiation, which was tentatively explained in terms of the existence of fluctuative entanglement network ensuring the approaching of macroradical sites and, thus, facilitating the combination reactions of macroradicals.     

The Influence of Different Pretreatment Methods on Color and Pigment Change in Beetroot Products

Vegetable processing pomace contains valuable substances such as natural colors that can be reused as functional ingredients. Due to a large amount of water, they are an unstable material. The aim of our research was to assess how the pretreatment method (thermal or nonthermal) affects the properties of powders obtained from beet juice and pomace after the freeze-drying process. The raw material was steamed or sonicated for 10 or 15 min, and then squeezed into juice and pomace. Both squeezed products were freeze-dried. The content of dry substance; L*, a*, and b* color parameters; and the content of betalain pigments were analyzed. Pretreatments increased the proportion of red and yellow in the juices. Steam and ultrasound caused a significant reduction in parameter b* in the dried pomace. A significant increase in betanin in lyophilizates was observed after pretreatment with ultrasound and steam for 15 min. As a result of all experiments, dried juices and pomaces can also be used as a colorant source. However, there is higher potential with pomaces due to their additional internal substances as well as better storage properties. After a few hours, juice was sticky and not ready to use.     

Magnetic mixed matrix membranes in air separation

Ethylcellulose (EC) or linear polyimide (LPI) and magnetic neodymium powder particles MQP-14-12 were used for the preparation of inorganic-organic hybrid membranes. For all the membranes, N₂, O₂ and air permeability were examined. Mass transport coefficients were determined using the Time Lag System based on dynamic experiments in a constant pressure system. The results showed that the membrane permeation properties were improved by the addition of magnetic neodymium particles to the polymer matrix. The magnetic ethylcellulose and polyimide membranes exhibited higher gas permeability and diffusivity, while their permeability selectivity and solubility were either unchanged or slightly increased. Polyimide mixed matrix membranes were characterised by a higher thermal and mechanical stability, larger filler loading, better magnetic properties and reasonable selectivity in the air separation.