Study of the peak effect phenomenon in single crystals of 2H-NbSe2

The weakly pinned single crystals of the hexagonal 2H-NbSe₂ compound have emerged as prototypes for determining and characterizing the phase boundaries of the possible order-disorder transformations in the vortex matter. We present here a status report based on the ac and dc magnetization measurements of the peak effect phenomenon in three crystals of 2H-NbSe₂, in which the critical current densities vary over two orders of magnitude. We sketch the generic vortex phase diagram of a weakly pinned superconductor, which also utilizes theoretical proposals. We also establish the connection between the metastability effects and pinning.     

Yeast cell microfiltration: Flux enhancement in baffled and pulsatile flow systems

The filtration performance of yeast cell harvesting was greatly improved by using an oscillatory flow mixing technique in both tubular and flat sheet membrane systems; flux increases of several fold were achieved. The effects of various operating parameters such as frequency, amplitude and ratio of net forward flow rate to oscillatory flow rate were investigated. A simple alternative to the dual head pump, which involved the use of solenoid valves for producing flow reversal, was developed. The flux was significantly increased using this new operating mode. As the only increase of power consumption was from inertia loss due to change of flow direction the additional power consumption is minimal.     

Shaping Solid-State Supramolecular Cavities: Chemically Induced Accordionlike Movement of gamma-Zirconium Phosphate Containing Polyethylenoxide Pillars

The hydrophilic oxygen atoms of polyethylenoxide chains inserted as pillars in gamma-zirconium phosphate form hydrogen bonds with the acid groups of the host. As a result the pillars are almost perpendicular to the gamma layers. Upon changing the pH level of the supernatant solution the hydrogen bonds are broken and the pillars become almost perpendicular to the layers (shown schematically). Thus there is a reversible enlargement-shortening of the interlayer space.