Prospects of Producing Hydrogen-Ammonia Fuel Based on Lithium Aluminum Amide

Russian Physics Journal - The paper presents the development of the statistical theory of phase transformation of lithium aluminum amide with the formation of ammonia. Free energies of phases are...     

Marine Algae-PLA composites as de novo alternative to porcine derived collagen membranes

Resorbable and volume-stable collagen matrices have been preferred as grafting materials for diverse clinical applications in recent years. On the other hand, there is always an existing risk of transmission of infection with the cells or the tissues of the graft in using such collagen matrices. Moreover, considering the economic aspects, there is also a need for cost-efficient alternative materials. In this sense, marine algae can be considered as alternatives since they represent vast and cheap source of potential biopolymers. This work covers a comprehensive cytocompatibility study of composite biopolymers derived from different types of marine algae.     

Untersuchung von Schwingungen einer Zweiphasenströmung durch Druckabfall und Dichtewellen mit Hilfe finiter Differenzen

The previous experimental analysis has indicated the existence to two major modes of oscillations, i.e., Density-Wave (high frequency) and Pressure-Drop (low frequency) Oscillations in single channel, electrically heated, forced convection upflow systems. In this work the stability of such a system is investigated theoretically and the results are compared with experimental findings obtained by the authors. The Homogeneous Phase Equilibrium model is used to describe the two-phase flow characteristics. The friction between the pipe wall and the expanding fluid is modeled using the Moody friction factor assuming an effective two-phase viscosity. Gravitational forces are included and heat transfer into the fluid is assumed to be the function of the wall temperature, fluid temperature and heat transfer coefficient which is also assumed to be a function of the flow rate. Though simple, this model is found to be very satisfactory in simulating both modes of oscillations with acceptable accuracy. The physical nature of each mode is different and distinct, therefore, separate solution methods are developed for each case. The Steady-State Flow Characteristics are obtained for various heat inputs and inlet temperatures by solving the conservation equations together with the equation of state by using an Implicit Finite- Difference technique. In the analysis of low frequency oscillations it is assumed that the quasi-steady state conditions prevail in the heater. The system equations obtained with this assumption are solved under constant exit pressure and constant container pressure boundary conditions using the finite-difference technique. Two methods of approach are adapted in solving the non-linear hyperbolic equations which describe the system at low mass flow rates where the density-wave type oscillations are observed. They are the Explicit Integral Momentum method (EIM) and the Explicit Finite-Difference method (EFD). A comparison of the results with experiments and other mathematical models is discussed.     

PdO nanoparticles decorated TiO2 film with enhanced photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties

Magnetron sputtering and gas aggregation source (GAS) approaches were combined for the preparation of columnar TiO₂ structures decorated with PdO nanoparticles (NPs). The totally solvent-free synthesis approach provides good control of surface coverage, size, morphology, and stoichiometry of PdO NPs in comparison to wet chemical synthesis methods. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that the heat treatment led to the formation of a mixed oxide state PdO/PdO₂ on the TiO₂ layer. A steady equilibrium between PdO (oxidation by free and adsorbed ?OH) and PdO₂ (reduced by trapped photogenerated electrons) phases under UV irradiation seems to provide an efficient electron-hole pair separation. Such robust PdO–TiO₂ thin films have a strong potential for use as photocatalytic and self-cleaning windows or similar out-door technical surfaces.