Cochin University of Science and Technology

About: Cochin University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Thin film & Natural rubber. The organization has 5382 authors who have published 7690 publications receiving 103827 citations. The organization is also known as: CUSAT & Cochin University.

Analysis of a new compact microstrip antenna

Abstract: A new compact microstrip antenna element is analyzed. The analysis can accurately predict the resonant frequency, input impedance, and radiation patterns. The predicted results are compared with experimental results and excellent agreement is observed. These antenna elements are more suitable in applications where limited antenna real estate is available.

Bitumenous paints from refinery sludge

Abstract: This paper reports the data obtained on an attempt at the utilisation of the oily sludge, which is a dumped waste of petroleum refineries. Growing public concern over the health and environmental implications of these wastes has forced the regulatory agencies to make it mandatory for these industries to undertake the disposal of these wastes in an effective and environmentally safe manner. In the present work, the above sludge after purification was subjected to vacuum distillation to recover approximately 17% of lighter oils. The residue was subjected to heat treatment at 225°C for 2.5 h with ‘2.5% w/w AlCl 3 ’ to obtain industrial bitumen 90/15 grade (Industrial bitumen are of different types depending on the softening point–penetration relationship. The first figure 90 represents the softening point while the second figure 15, represents the penetration. Both penetration and softening points are a measure of consistency for bitumen). The usefulness of the above industrial bitumen was tried in the preparation of bituminous paints. All three formulations investigated were found to be homogeneous showing no separation of solvent. There was no coagulation of the asphalt base nor settling or packing in the container. These samples were found to meet the requirements of drying time, consistency, finish, stripping, flexibility and adhesion, keeping properties, etc. It was also seen that the heat resistance of these bituminous paints can be increased considerably by including cashew nut shell liquid–formaldehyde resin in the formulation. Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a cheap by-product of the cashew industry, and its utilisation can also help to reduce production costs of bituminous paints. This study also showed that incorporation of chlorinated rubber in the formulation would enhance the acid resistance considerably without affecting heat resistance and other desirable properties. This method of using sludge as bituminous paints can be a simple, eco-friendly and useful means of disposal in petroleum refining industries.

Nonlinear and magneto-optical transmission studies on magnetic nanofluids of non-interacting metallic nickel nanoparticles.

Abstract: Oxide free stable metallic nanofluids have the potential for various applications such as in thermal management and inkjet printing apart from being a candidate system for fundamental studies. A stable suspension of nickel nanoparticles of ∼ 5 nm size has been realized by a modified two-step synthesis route. Structural characterization by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy shows that the nanoparticles are metallic and are phase pure. The nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic properties. The magneto-optical transmission properties of the nickel nanofluid (Ni-F) were investigated by linear optical dichroism measurements. The magnetic field dependent light transmission studies exhibited a polarization dependent optical absorption, known as optical dichroism, indicating that the nanoparticles suspended in the fluid are non-interacting and superparamagnetic in nature. The nonlinear optical limiting properties of Ni-F under high input optical fluence were then analyzed by an open aperture z-scan technique. The Ni-F exhibits a saturable absorption at moderate laser intensities while effective two-photon absorption is evident at higher intensities. The Ni-F appears to be a unique material for various optical devices such as field modulated gratings and optical switches which can be controlled by an external magnetic field.