Showing papers in "Applied Sciences in 2012"

Overview of the Development of the Fluoropolymer Industry

Abstract: The present review briefly describes the development of the fluoropolymer industry in the past 70 years. Discussed are industrial fluoropolymers including polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidenefluoride, polyvinylfluoride, ETFE, ECTFE, FEP, PFA, THV, Teflon AF and Cytop. Nafion is included as a special functional fluoropolymer material. These industrial fluoropolymers are introduced in the order of their discovery or time of first production, included are their chemical structures, thermal properties, mechanical properties, electrical and electronic properties, optical properties, chemical resistance, oxidative stabilities, weather stabilities, processabilities and their general applications. The main manufacturing companies for the different types of fluoropolymer products are also mentioned.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Agricultural Soil around Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), Bangladesh: Implication of Seasonal Variation and Indices

Abstract: Intense urbanization, large scale industrialization and unprecedented population growth in the last few decades have been responsible for lowering environmental quality. Soil contamination with metals is a serious concern due to their toxicity and ability to accumulate in the biota. The present work assessed the heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil in the close vicinity of the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in both dry and wet seasons using different indices viz., index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor ( ), degree of contamination ( ), modified degree of contamination (mCd) and pollution load index (PLI). Samples were collected from the surface layer of soil and analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The trend of metals according to average concentration during the dry and wet seasons was As > Fe > Hg > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd and As > Fe > Mn > Zn > Hg > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd, respectively. Because of seasonal rainfall, dilution and other run-off during the wet season, metals from the upper layer of soil were flushed out to some extent and hence all the indices values were lower in this season compared to that of the dry season. Igeo results revealed that the study area was strongly and moderately contaminated with As and Hg in the dry and wet seasons respectively. According to , soil was classified as moderately contaminated with Zn, Cr, Pb and Ni, considerably contaminated with Cu and highly contaminated with As and Hg. The general trend of the mean was Hg > As > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Fe > Mn > Cd and As > Hg > Cu > Cd > Zn > Ni >Pb > Fe > Mn in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The mCf values in the dry and wet seasons were 575.13 and 244.44 respectively indicating an ultra high degree of contamination. The Cd values in both seasons were associated with a very high degree of contamination. PLI results indicated immediate intervention to ameliorate pollution in both seasons. The main sources of metals included effluents from wastewater treatment plants, treated and untreated wastewater from surrounding industrial establishments as well as agricultural activities. Protecting the agricultural soil is a formidable challenge in the study area, which requires modernization of industries, thereby improving the recovery and recycling of wastewater. Indices analysis presented in the present work could serve as a landmark for contemporary research in toxicology.

Fluorine Based Superhydrophobic Coatings

Abstract: Superhydrophobic coatings, inspired by nature, are an emerging technology. These water repellent coatings can be used as solutions for corrosion, biofouling and even water and air drag reduction applications. In this work, synthesis of monodispersive silica nanoparticles of ~120 nm diameter has been realized via Stober process and further functionalized using fluoroalkylsilane (FAS-17) molecules to incorporate the fluorinated groups with the silica nanoparticles in an ethanolic solution. The synthesized fluorinated silica nanoparticles have been spin coated on flat aluminum alloy, silicon and glass substrates. Functionalization of silica nanoparticles with fluorinated groups has been confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) by showing the presence of C-F and Si-O-Si bonds. The water contact angles and surface roughness increase with the number of spin-coated thin films layers. The critical size of ~119 nm renders aluminum surface superhydrophobic with three layers of coating using as-prepared nanoparticle suspended solution. On the other hand, seven layers are required for a 50 vol.% diluted solution to achieve superhydrophobicity. In both the cases, water contact angles were more than 150°, contact angle hysteresis was less than 2° having a critical roughness value of ~0.700 µm. The fluorinated silica nanoparticle coated surfaces are also transparent and can be used as paint additives to obtain transparent coatings.

Optical Current Sensors for High Power Systems: A Review

Abstract: The intrinsic advantages of optical sensor technology are very appealing for high voltage applications and can become a valuable asset in a new generation of smart grids. In this paper the authors present a review of optical sensors technologies for electrical current metering in high voltage applications. A brief historical overview is given together with a more detailed focus on recent developments. Technologies addressed include all fiber sensors, bulk magneto-optical sensors, piezoelectric transducers, magnetic force sensors and hybrid sensors. The physical principles and main advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Configurations and strategies to overcome common problems, such as interference from external currents and magnetic fields induced linear birefringence and others are discussed. The state-of-the-art is presented including commercial available systems. Keywords: optical current sensors; magnetooptic current sensors; fiber optic current sensors; Faraday effect

Ethanol Production from Waste Potato Mash by Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Abstract: Bio-ethanol is one of the energy sources that can be produced by renewable sources. Waste potato mash was chosen as a renewable carbon source for ethanol fermentation because it is relatively inexpensive compared with other feedstock considered as food sources. However, a pretreatment process is needed: specifically, liquefaction and saccharification processes are needed to convert starch of potato into fermentable sugars before ethanol fermentation. In this study, hydrolysis of waste potato mash and growth parameters of the ethanol fermentation were optimized to obtain maximum ethanol production. In order to obtain maximum glucose conversions, the relationship among parameters of the liquefaction and saccharification process was investigated by a response surface method. The optimum combination of temperature, dose of enzyme (α-amylase) and amount of waste potato mash was 95 °C, 1 mL of enzyme (18.8 mg protein/mL) and 4.04 g dry-weight/100 mL DI water, with a 68.86% loss in dry weight for liquefaction. For saccharification, temperature, dose of enzyme and saccharification time were optimized and optimum condition was determined as 60 °C-72 h-0.8 mL (300 Unit/mL) of amyloglucosidase combination, yielded 34.9 g/L glucose. After optimization of hydrolysis of the waste potato mash, ethanol fermentation was studied. Effects of pH and inoculum size were evaluated to obtain maximum ethanol. Results showed that pH of 5.5 and 3% inolculum size were optimum pH and inoculum size, respectively for maximum ethanol concentration and production rate. The maximum bio-ethanol production rate was obtained at the optimum conditions of 30.99 g/L ethanol. Since yeast extract is not the most economical nitrogen source, four animal-based substitutes (poultry meal, hull and fines mix, feather meal, and meat and bone meal) were evaluated to determine an economical alternative nitrogen source to yeast extract. Poultry meal and feather meal were able to produce 35 g/L and 32.9 g/L ethanol, respectively, which is higher than yeast extract (30.8 g/L). In conclusion, waste potato mash was found as a promising carbon source for ethanol fermentation with alternate nitrogen sources.

Electrically Small Resonators for Planar Metamaterial, Microwave Circuit and Antenna Design: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract: Planar metamaterials and many microwave circuits and antennas are designed by means of resonators with dimensions much smaller than the wavelength at their resonance frequency. There are many types of such electrically small resonators, and the main purpose of this paper is to compare them as building blocks for the implementation of microwave components. Aspects such as resonator size, bandwidth, their circuit models when they are coupled to transmission lines (as is usually required), as well as key applications, will be considered.

Oxyfluoride Chemistry of Layered Perovskite Compounds

Abstract: In this paper, we review recent progress and new challenges in the area of oxyfluoride perovskite, especially layered systems including Ruddlesden-Popper (RP), Dion-Jacobson (DJ) and Aurivillius (AV) type perovskite families. It is difficult to synthesize oxyfluoride perovskite using a conventional solid-state reaction because of the high chemical stability of the simple fluoride starting materials. Nevertheless, persistent efforts made by solid-state chemists have led to a major breakthrough in stabilizing such a mixed anion system. In particular, it is known that layered perovskite compounds exhibit a rich variety of O/F site occupation according to the synthesis used. We also present the synthetic strategies to further extend RP type perovskite compounds, with particular reference to newly synthesized oxyfluorides, Sr2CoO3F and Sr3Fe2O5+xF2−x (x ~ 0.44).

Continuous Process for Biodiesel Production in Packed Bed Reactor from Waste Frying Oil Using Potassium Hydroxide Supported on Jatropha curcas Fruit Shell as Solid Catalyst

Abstract: The transesterification of waste frying oil (WFO) with methanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide catalyst supported on Jatropha curcas fruit shell activated carbon (KOH/JS) was studied. The catalyst systems were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The effects of reaction variables such as residence time, reaction temperature, methanol/oil molar ratio and catalyst bed height in packed bed reactor (PBR) on the yield of biodiesel were investigated. SEM images showed that KOH was well distributed on the catalyst support. The optimum conditions for achieving the conversion yield of 86.7% consisted of a residence time of 2 h, reaction temperature of 60 °C, methanol/oil molar ratio of 16 and catalyst bed height of 250 mm. KOH/JS could be used repeatedly five times without any activation treatment, and no significant activity loss was observed. The results confirmed that KOH/JS catalyst had a great potential to be used for industrial application in the transesterification of WFO. The fuel properties of biodiesel were also determined.

High performance shape memory polyurethane synthesized with high molecular weight polyol as the soft segment

Abstract: Shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) are typically synthesized using polyols of low molecular weight (MW~2,000 g/mol) as it is believed that the high density of cross-links in these low molecular weight polyols are essential for high mechanical strength and good shape memory effect. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) with MW ~6000 g/mol as the soft segment and diisocyanate as the hard segment were used to synthesize SMPUs, and the results were compared with the SMPUs with polycaprolactone PCL-2000. The study revealed that although the PEG-6000-based SMPUs have lower maximum elongations at break (425%) and recovery stresses than those of PCL-based SMPUs, they have much better recovery ratios (up to 98%) and shape fixity (up to 95%), hence better shape memory effect. Furthermore, PEG-based SMPUs showed a much shorter actuation time of <10 s for up to 90% shape recovery compared to typical actuation times of tens of seconds to a few minutes for common SMPUs, demonstrated their great potential for applications in microsystems and other engineering

Silicon-[18F]Fluorine Radiochemistry: Basics, Applications and Challenges

Abstract: Silicon-[18F]fluorine (Si-18F) radiochemistry has recently emerged alongside other unconventional approaches such as aluminum-18F and boron-18F based labeling strategies, reshaping the landscape of modern 18F-radiochemistry. All these novel methodologies are driven by the demand for more convenient 18F-labeling procedures to further disseminate one of the most sophisticated imaging technologies, Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The PET methodology requires special radionuclides such as 18F (one of the most prominent examples) to be introduced into bioactive molecules. Si-18F radiochemistry contributed greatly towards the development of new radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging. Herein, we describe the radiochemical basics of Si-18F bond formation, the application of Si-18F tracers for PET imaging, and additionally, the inherent chemical intricacies of this methodology.

A Design Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Permanent Magnet Wind Generator to Enhance the Dynamic Stability of Wind Farms

Abstract: In this paper, a design fuzzy logic controller for a variable speed permanent magnet wind generator connected to a grid system through a LC-filter is proposed. A new current control method of grid side conversion is developed by integrating the fuzzy controller, in which both active and reactive power, delivered to a power grid system, is controlled effectively. The fuzzy logic controller is designed to adjust the gain parameters of the PI controllers under any operating conditions, so that the dynamic stability is enhanced. A new simple method, based on frequency response of the bode diagram, is proposed in the design of the fuzzy logic controller. To evaluate the controller system capabilities, simulation analyses are performed on a small wind farm model system including an induction wind generator connected to an infinite bus. The simulations have been performed using PSCAD/EMTDC. Simulation results show that the proposed control scheme is more effective for enhancing the stability of wind farms during temporary and permanent network disturbances and randomly fluctuating wind speed, compared with that of a conventional PI controller.

Feasibility Study of Energy Storage Systems in Wind/Diesel Applications Using the HOMER Model

Abstract: With an increased focus on solutions to the ensuing “climate crisis”, the need for energy storage systems is becoming increasingly important as a means to increase the penetration of renewable technologies such as wind energy. The Vanadium Redox Battery is one such energy storage system showing considerable potential owing to its flexibility in power output and capacity, high efficiency and long operating life. This study models the use of the Vanadium Redox Battery as an integration technology in realistic large-scale remote wind/diesel power systems using the HOMER Micropower Optimization Model computer program developed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Results from this modelling demonstrate the significant financial and environmental benefits to be gained in installing energy storage in a wind farm. The storage system considered here was a Vanadium Redox Battery.

Ion Beam Formation and Modification of Cobalt Nanoparticles

Abstract: This article reviews the size-dependent structural properties of ion beam synthesized Co nanoparticles (NPs) and the influence of ion irradiation on the size, shape, phase and structure. The evolution of the aforementioned properties were determined using complementary laboratory- and advanced synchrotron-based techniques, including cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Combining such techniques reveals a rich array of transformations particular to Co NPs. This methodology highlights the effectiveness of ion implantation and ion irradiation procedures as a means of fine tuning NP properties to best suit specific technological applications. Furthermore, our results facilitate a better understanding and aid in identifying the underlying physics particular to this potentially technologically important class of nanomaterials.

A dual PET/MR imaging nanoprobe: 124I labeled Gd3N@C80

Abstract: The current report describes the development of a dual modality tomographic agent for both positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). The dual-modality agent in this study was based on a 124 I (PET) radiolabeled tri-gadolinium endohedral metallofullerene Gd 3 N@C 80 (MRI) nanoprobe platform. The outer surface of the fullerene cage of the Gd 3 N@C 80 metallofullerenes was surface functionalized with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups (f-Gd 3 N@C 80 ) using previously developed procedures and subsequently iodinated with 124 I to produce 124 I-f-Gd 3 N@C 80 nanoprobe. Orthotopic tumor-bearing rats were infused intratumorally by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) with the 124 I-f-Gd 3 N@C 80 agent and imaged by MRI or micro PET. The anatomical positioning and distribution of the 124 I-f-Gd 3 N@C 80 agent were comparable between the MRI and PET scans. The 124 I-f-Gd 3 N@C 80 dual-agent distribution and infusion site within the tumor was clearly evident in both T

Non-Stoichiometry and Calphad Modeling of Frank-Kasper Phases

Abstract: One of the many singularities of Frank-Kasper phases is their ability to accommodate extremely large composition ranges by atom mixing on the different sites of the crystal structures. This phenomenon will be reviewed in the present paper with special emphasis on the experimental demonstration of this phenomenon, the theoretical calculation of disordered structures and the modeling of these phases.

Nucleic Acid Based Fluorinated Derivatives: New Tools for Biomedical Applications

Abstract: Nucleic acid-based fluorinated derivatives, e.g., nucleosides or oligonucleotides connected to highly fluorinated chains or labeled with one or more fluorine atoms, have been investigated recently due to their high potential for biomedical applications. This review deals with recent works on nucleoside and oligonucleotide fluorocarbon amphiphiles as well as with properties and applications of fluorine-labeled oligonucleotide analogues.

Magnetic Amphiphilic Composites Applied for the Treatment of Biodiesel Wastewaters

Abstract: In this work, new magnetic amphiphilic composites were prepared by chemical vapor deposition with ethanol on the surface of hydrophilic natural chrysotile matrix containing Fe catalyst. XRD, Raman, Mossbauer and SEM analyses suggest the formation of a complex nanostructured material composed of hydrophobic carbon nanotubes/nanofibers grown on the hydrophilic surface of the MgSi fiber mineral and the presence of Fe metallic nanoparticles coated by carbon. These nanostructured particles show amphiphilic properties and interact very well with both oil and aqueous phases. When added to emulsions the amphiphilic particles locate on the oil/water interface and, under a magnetic field, the oil droplets collapsed leading to the separation of the aqueous and oil phases. Preliminary work showed excellent results on the use of these particles to break wastewater emulsions in the biodiesel process.

Special Feature Organo-Fluorine Chemical Science

Abstract: Fluorine is the 13th most abundant element and, with other fluorine containing functional groups, is a most effective element in biological substances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, liquid crystals, dyes, polymers and a wide range of consumer products. This reflects its resistance to metabolic change due to the strength of the C-F bond providing biological stability and the application of its nonstick-interfacial physical characteristics. Its introduction often remains a synthetic challenge. The widespread use of organofluorines has increased the demand for the development of practical and simple reagents and experimental strategies for the incorporation of fluorine into all types of molecular structures and this was the reasoning behind this special feature on Organo-Fluorine Chemical Science.The contributed articles belong to two broad groups: (i) preparation of fluorine materials, polymers; (ii) the synthesis/applications of organo-fluorine molecules. [...]

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Coating onto Magnetic Nanoparticles Induced by Attractive Electrostatic Interaction

Abstract: In this article, we present an efficient synthesis pathway of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated magnetic nanoparticles from hydrophilic polyacrylate coated ferrofluids (NPPAA). A block copolymer based on polydimethylsiloxane is selected for its propensity to interact with the carboxylate functions on the NPPAA. The interaction is due to negative charges on NPPAA and positive ones on the amphiphilic copolymer. The synthesis is achieved by interfacial interaction, simplifying the purification of the PDMS-coated nanoparticles (NPPDMS) from subproducts such as ions and water. NPPDMS are well dispersed in hydrophobic solvents (toluene, diethyl ether) and can then be embedded into a curable PDMS polymer.

Application of Liquid-Phase Direct Fluorination: Novel Synthetic Methods for a Polyfluorinated Coating Material and a Monomer of a Perfluorinated Polymer Electrolyte Membrane

Abstract: A new polyfluorinated anti-staining coating material CF3O(CF2CF2O)xCF2-CONHCH2CH2CH2Si(OCH3)3 has been developed by utilizing the PERFECT method, which employs a liquid-phase direct fluorination reaction with elemental fluorine as a key step. Direct fluorination of a partially-fluorinated ester, which was prepared from a non-fluorinated poly(ethylene glycol) and a perfluorinated acyl fluoride, followed by methanolysis, gave the perfluorinated corresponding compound, which was led to the coating material for surface treating agents, and the methyl ester of the starting perfluorinated acyl fluoride. Application to the synthesis of a new perfluorinated bifunctional sulfonate monomer CF2=CFOCF2CF2CF2OCF(CF2SO2F)2 for polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) of fuel cells was also developed.

Use of Residual Biomass from the Textile Industry as Carbon Source for Production of a Low-Molecular-Weight Xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae

Abstract: Pretreated dirty cotton residue (PDCR) from the textile industry was used as an alternative carbon source for the submerged cultivation of Aspergillus oryzae and the production of xylanases. The filtered culture supernatant was fractionated by ultrafiltration followed by three chromatographic steps, which resulted in the isolation of a homogeneous low-molecular-weight xylanase (Xyl-O1) with a mass of 21.5 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) co-polymerized with 0.1% oat spelt xylan. Enzyme catalysis was the most efficient at 50 °C and pH 6.0. The Km values (mg·mL−1) for the soluble fraction of oat spelt and birchwood xylans were 10.05 and 3.34, respectively. Xyl-O1 was more stable in the presence of 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT), l-cysteine or β-mercaptoethanol, which increased the rate of catalysis by 40%, 14%, 40% or 37%, respectively. The enzyme stability was improved at pH 7.0 in the presence of 20 mM l-cysteine, with the retention of nearly 100% of the activity after 6 h at 50 °C. Xyl-O1 catalyzed the cleavage of internal β-1,4 linkages of the soluble substrates containing d-xylose residues, with a maximum efficiency of 33% for the hydrolysis of birchwood xylan after 12 h of incubation. Identification of the hydrolysis products by high-performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) indicated the predominance of the hydrolysis products X2-X6 during the first 12 h of incubation and the accumulation of higher xylooligomers after the elution of the last xylooligomer standard, xylohexaose.

Magnetically Separable Base Catalysts: Heterogeneous Catalysis vs. Quasi-Homogeneous Catalysis

Abstract: The synthesis of magnetically separable quasi-homogeneous base catalyst and heterogeneous base catalyst is described. The quasi-homogeneous catalyst is achieved by supporting silane monomers functionalized with different amine groups directly on the surface of magnetite nanoparticles. The heterogeneous catalyst is prepared via a sol-gel process in which silane monomers containing different amine groups are copolymerized with tetraethoxysilane in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with ionic liquid moieties. The reactivity of the quasi-homogeneous and the heterogeneous base catalysts is compared in the nitroaldol condensation.

An Environmentally Friendly Class of Fluoropolyether: α,ω-Dialkoxyfluoropolyethers

Abstract: The α,ω-dialkoxyfluoropolyethers (DA-FPEs) characterized by the structure RHO(CF2CF2O)n(CF2O)mRH have been developed as a new class of environmentally friendly hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) suitable as solvents, long-term refrigerants, cleaning fluids, and heat transfer fluids. Synthetic methodologies for DA-FPEs described here consist of radical-initiated oxypolymerization of olefin, peroxy-elimination reaction in peroxidic perfluoropolyethers (P-PFPEs) and further chemical modification of α,ω-diacylfluoride PFPE. The physical properties of selected α,ω-dimethoxyfluoropolyethers (DM-FPEs) have been evaluated and compared with analogous hydrofluoropolyethers (HFPEs) having -OCF2H as end-groups. Atmospheric implications and global warming potentials (GWPs) of selected DA-FPEs are also considered.

Effects of Nonlinear Chirp on the Self-Phase Modulation of Ultrashort Optical Pulses

Abstract: In this article, we analytically investigate the spectral broadening by self-phase modulation of strongly chirped optical pulses. The dispersion due to the nonlinear optical process is expressed as functions of a linear and a nonlinear initial chirp. As a result, it is found that the third-order dispersion strongly depends on the initial linear chirp and the nonlinearity for self-phase modulation.

Stain Resistance of Cotton Fabrics before and after Finishing with Admicellar Polymerization

Abstract: Environmental concerns related to perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) led to a re-examination of the methods for imparting stain resistance and stain repellency to textiles. Non-PFOA fluoropolymer finishes have been formed on cotton knits by admicellar polymerization, a surface analogue of emulsion polymerization. Fabric samples were characterized by a drop test, contact angle measurements, SEM, elemental analysis and durability studies. Stain resistance and stain release properties were assessed by reflectance and AATCC tests with results comparing favorably with swatches from commercially available garments. Admicellar polymerization enabled the formation of durable finishes that exhibited high performance in stain resistance and stain repellency.

Effects of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticle Clusters on the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is widely used for the reproduction and amplification of specific DNA segments, and a novel PCR method using nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles has recently been reported. This paper reports on the effects of superparamagnetic nanoparticles on PCR amplification without an external magnetic field, and clarifies the mechanism behind the effects of superparamagnetic particle clusters on PCR efficiency by estimating the structures of such clusters in PCR. It was found that superparamagnetic nanoparticles tend to inhibit PCR amplification depending on the structure of the magnetic nanoparticle clusters. The paper also clarifies that Taq polymerase is captured in the spaces formed among magnetic nanoparticle clusters, and that it is captured more efficiently as a result of their motion from heat treatment in PCR thermal cycles. Consequently, Taq polymerase that should be used in PCR is reduced in the PCR solution. These outcomes will be applied to novel PCR techniques using magnetic particles in an external magnetic field.

A Study of Fluorinated β-Nitrostyrenes as Antimicrobial Agents

Abstract: The effect of variously fluorine-substituted β-methyl-β-nitrostyrenes on their antimicrobial activity was investigated. Their efficacy was determined by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) in cultures of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and a fungus. Highest activity against the Gram negative bacterium, E.coli, was achieved with 4-fluorine-aryl substituted β-methyl-β-nitrostyrenes, while most compounds gave excellent results against gram positive bacteria. Importantly, the addition of the β-methyl group profoundly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the compounds tested. The comparative KD values for the most potent compounds against E.coli were much lower than those required for the gram positive and fungus counterparts. This investigation illustrated that fluorine substituted nitropropenylarenes have enhanced antimicrobial activity suitable for antibiotic applications.

Nanoimprint Resist Material Containing Ultraviolet Reactive Fluorine Surfactant for Defect Reduction in Lithographic Fabrication

Abstract: The generated resist based defects on the template in addition to the presence of particles and contaminants is critical for ultraviolet curing of nanoimprint lithographic fabrication. This procedure is proven to be suitable for advanced resist material design under the process conditions. Nanoimprint resist material containing an ultraviolet reactive fluorine surfactant was developed to modify the fundamental surface interactions between resists and the template for defect reduction in nanoimprint patterning replication. The developed acrylate type nanoimprint resist material containing 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoro-2-hydroxyundecyl acrylate as an ultraviolet reactive fluorine surfactant, indicated excellent patterning dimensional accuracy by minimizing surface free energy, and having the effect of improving the generated resist based defect numbers on the template, with a 500 nm contact hole and 2 μm line patterns, in the replication of 20 nanoimprint process cycles. This desirable concept using an ultraviolet reactive fluorine surfactant with an acrylate group in the acrylate type nanoimprint resist material is one of the most promising processes ready to be incorporated into mass fabrication in the next generation of electronic devices.

Steady State Analytical Equation of Motion of Linear Shaped Charges Jet Based on the Modification of Birkhoff Theory

Abstract: Birkhoff theory exhibits an analytical steady state liner collapse model of shaped charges followed by jetting process. It also provides the fundamental idea in study of shaped charges and has widened its application in many areas, including a configuration where the detonation front strikes the entire liner surface at the same time providing the α = β (liner apex angle α, and the liner collapse point angle β) condition in the literature. Upon consideration of the detonation front propagation along the lateral length of the core charge in LSCs (linear shaped charges), a further modification of the Birkhoff theory motivated by the unique geometrical condition of LSCs and the α = β condition is necessary to correctly describe the jetting behavior of LSCs which is different than that of CSCs (conical shaped charges). Based on such unique geometrical properties of LSCs, the original Birkhoff theory was modified and an analytical steady state LSCs model was built. The analytical model was then compared to the numerical simulation results created from Autodyn™ in terms of M/C ratio and apex angles in three different sized LSCs, and it exhibits favorable results in a limited range.

Determination of Morphological Parameters of Supported Gold Nanoparticles: Comparison of AFM Combined with Optical Spectroscopy and Theoretical Modeling versus TEM

Abstract: The morphology of small gold particles prepared by Volmer–Weber growth on sapphire substrates have been investigated by two different characterization techniques. First, by non-extensive atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with optical spectroscopy and modeling of the optical properties using a theoretical model, recently developed in our group. Second, by extensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Comparing the results obtained with both techniques demonstrate that for small gold nanoparticles within the quasistatic limit, the morphological properties can be precisely determined by an appropriate theoretical modeling of the optical properties in combination with simple AFM measurements. The apparent mean axial ratio of the nanoparticles, i.e., the axial ratio that corresponds to the center frequency of the ensemble plasmon resonance, is obtained easily from the extinction spectrum. The mean size is determined by the nanoparticle number density and the amount of deposited material, measured by AFM and a quartz micro balance, respectively. To extract the most probable axial ratio of the nanoparticle ensemble, i.e., the axial ratio that corresponds to the most probable nanoparticle size in the ensemble, we apply the new theoretical model, which allows to extract the functional dependence of the nanoparticle shape on its size. The morphological parameters obtained with this procedure will be afterwards compared to extensive TEM measurements. The results obtained with both techniques yield excellent agreement. For example, the lateral dimensions of the nanoparticles after deposition of 15.2 × 1015 atoms/cm2 of gold has been compared. While a mean lateral diameter of (13 ± 2) nm has been extracted from AFM, optical spectroscopy and modeling, a value of (12 ± 2) nm is derived from TEM. The consistency of the results demonstrate the precision of our new model. Moreover, since our theoretical model allows to extract the functional dependence of the nanoparticle size and shape, a relatively simple analysis is sufficient for a full characterization of small noble metal nanoparticles.