Showing papers on "Potassium nitrate published in 1993"

Effects of anaerobic conditions on water and solute relations, and on active transport in roots of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract: The effects of anoxia on water and solute transport across excised roots of young maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Tanker) grown hydroponically have been studied. With the aid of the root pressure probe, root pressure (Pr), root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr), and root permeability (Psr), and reflection (σ sr) coefficients were measured using potassium nitrate (a typical nutrient salt) and sodium nitrate (an atypical nutrient salt) as solutes. During a period of 10–15 h, anaerobic treatment (0.0–0.2 g O2·m-3 in root medium) caused a decrease of root pressure by 0.01–0.28 MPa (by 10–80% of original root pressure) after a short transient increase. For a time period of 5 h, the decrease in the stationary root pressure was not reversible. Under anaerobic conditions, roots still behaved like osmometers and were not leaky. The root hydraulic conductivity measured in osmotic experiments (osmotic solute: NaNO3) was smaller by one to two orders of magnitude than that measured in the presence of hydrostatic gradients. Both the osmotic and hydrostatic hydraulic conductivity decreased during anaerobic treatment by 28 and 44%, respectively, at a constant reflection coefficient of the solutes (σ sr=0.3−1.0). As with root pressure, changes in root permeability to water and solutes were not reversible within 5 h. Under aerobic conditions and at low external concentrations (31–59 mOsmol·kg-1), osmotic response curves were monophasic for KNO3, i.e. there was no passive uptake of solutes. Response curves became biphasic at higher concentrations (100–150 mOsmol·kg-1)- For NaNO3, response curves were biphasic at all concentrations. Presumably, this pattern was a consequence of the fact that potassium had already accumulated in the xylem. During anoxia, accumulation of potassium in the xylem was reduced, and biphasic responses were also obtained at lower potassium concentrations applied to the medium. The results are discussed in terms of a pump/leak model of the root in which anoxia affects both the active ion pumping and the permeability of the root to nutrient salts (leakage). The effects of anaerobiosis on the passive transport properties of the root (Lpr, Psr, σ sr) are in line with the recently proposed ‘composite transport model of the root’.

Convenient Preparation of Alkyl Nitrates Free of Nitrites with Potassium Nitrate and Boron Trifluoride Hydrate

Abstract: Primary and secondary alkyl nitrates free of nitrites were conveniently prepared by treating the corresponding alcohols with potassium nitrate and boron trifluoride 1.25 hydrate. This procedure was also successful for the preparation of 1-adamantyl nitrate

Growth and mineral nutrition of Gmelina arborea Roxb. seedlings fertilized with four sources of nitrogen on a latosolic soil.

Abstract: The growth and mineral nutrition of Gmelina arborea Roxb. seedlings were investigated in response to four nitrogen-based fertilizers applied at 0, 2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 g N per plant. Nitrogen sources included NH(4)-N as ammonium sulfate, NO(3)-N as potassium nitrate, NH(4)NO(3)-N as calcium ammonium nitrate, and urea-N as urea. Seedlings fertilized with NH(4)NO(3)-N or urea-N had greater height, collar diameter, dry weight, net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate than seedlings fertilized with NH(4)-N or NO(3)-N. For all sources of nitrogen, increasing the amount of exogenously supplied N per plant promoted shoot growth more than root development, hence the root to shoot ratios of all fertilized seedlings were smaller than those of the unfertilized controls. Applications of NO(3)-N increased the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations of fertilized seedlings. Regardless of source, a nitrogen application of 2.5 g N per plant was apparently optimal for the growth of Gmelina seedlings on a latosolic soil.

Charcoal-free black powder type granules and method of production

Abstract: A method of producing an energetic composition comprising the steps of (a)issolving an alkali metal hydroxide in aqueous denatured alcohol to form an alcohol and alkali metal hydroxide solution; (b) kneading phenolphthalein or other reaction product of a phenolic compound and phthalic anhydride with sulfur, potassium nitrate and said alkali metal hydroxide solution formed in step (a); (c) allowing the kneaded product formed in step (b) to dry through evaporation of the aqueous denatured alcohol; (d) granulating the dried product formed in step (c); and (e) further drying the granulated product formed in step (d). An alternate method is also disclosed in which an alkali metal salt of phenolphthalein is used so as to avoid use of the alkali metal hydroxide in the aqueous denatured alcohol. Granular products are disclosed and closed bomb test results are presented. Certain products match the performance of commercial black powder.

Composition for preparing a fire-extinguishing gas-aerosol mixture and its use

Abstract: A composition for preparing a fire-extinguishing gas-aerosol mixture based on a mixture of an alkaline nitrate with a combustible component in the form of a Novolak-type formaldehyde resin preferably contains 56 to 63 % by weight potassium nitrate, 12.5 to 15 % by weight of a Novolak-type phenolformaldehyde resin and 23 to 29 % by weight basic magnesium carbonate. This composition is preferably shaped as a tablet and as a rule contains 0.5 to 1.5 % by weight of a processibility-improving auxiliary product. The composition thus contains 56 to 53 % by weight potassium nitrate, 12.5 to 15 % weight of a Novolak-type phenolformaldehyde resin, 23 to 29 % by weight basic magnesium carbonate and 0.5 to 1.5 % by weight auxiliary products.

Studies on the muscle-paralyzing components of the juice of the banana plant.

Abstract: The stem juice of the banana plant (Musa species) has been used as an arrow poison by African tribesmen. Lyophilized, partially purified extracts of the juice augment and then block both directly and indirectly evoked contractions of the mouse diaphragm. We have isolated, purified and determined the chemical composition of the active ingredients, and characterized their pharmacological activity. The lyophilized sample was extracted with a methanol-water (MeOH-H2O) (50/50) mixture and vacuum filtered. The filtrate was rotary evaporated and crystallized in a MeOH-H2O mixture to yield potassium nitrate crystals (melting point 332-334 degrees C). The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed over Sephadex LH-20 gel using MeOH-H2O (40/60) as the eluent. The active component was found to be magnesium nitrate crystals (melting point 87-89 degrees C). In the mouse isolated phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation, the pharmacological profile of the first component was similar to that for authentic potassium nitrate which augments in low concentrations, and in higher concentrations augments, and then blocks both directly evoked muscle contraction the neuromuscular transmission. The second component had a profile of activity similar to that for authentic magnesium nitrate which only blocks neuromuscular transmission. It can be concluded that the two major active principles in the banana stem juice are potassium nitrate and magnesium nitrate. Language: en

Effect of additives on the anodic codeposition of lead dioxide and polypyrrole

Abstract: The influence of acetate, Pb2+ species and pyrrole on the electrodeposition of lead dioxide and polypyrrole on a glassy carbon electrode in 1.0m potassium nitrate medium was studied using cyclic voltammetry, double potential step chronoamperometry and controlled potential electrolysis techniques. In the presence of acetate ion the deposition of lead dioxide initiates at least 200 mV less positive compared to nitrate ions alone. At lower acetate ion concentration ( 20 mm) acetate ions are found to inhibit polypyrrole formation. The following is the decreasing order of inhibition of polypyrrole formation. Sodium acetate > lead nitrate > lead acetate. Acetate in the form of lead acetate is found to favour simultaneous deposition of lead dioxide and polypyrrole with minimum inhibition on polypyrrole formation.

Treating liquid for rusty surface of steel

Abstract: The said treating liquid contains (in wt%): water 40-70, phosphoric acid 15-60, zinc oxide 03-40, potassium nitrate 02-10, potassium dichromate 01-10, organic acid 005-05, activator 001-10, phosphate <02, iron powder 02-08, and permeating agent <20 The treating liquid of the present invention has both rust-removing and rust-proof functions owing to the protecting film formed on the surface of treated steel and of excellent corrosion-proof property Therefore, it may be widely used for the surface treatment of rusty steel products

Solubility and activity coefficients of lead chloride in potassium nitrate solutions at 25°C and at boiling. Calculation of the supersaturation

Abstract: The solubility and activity coefficients of lead chloride in aqueous potassium nitrate solutions, at 25 °C and at boiling, are reported. The activity product constant of lead chloride at boiling has been determined. The Pitzer equations have been applied to the system and have allowed us to determine unknown ionic interaction parameters at 25 °C. The calculation of the lead chloride supersaturation is illustrated using the activities instead of the concentrations.

Safety powder of fireworks and firecracker not containing sulphur and carbon

Abstract: It contains the potassium chlorate (or potassium nitrate or mixture of potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate and potassium permanganate), wooden powder and aromatic plant powder. Its ingredient weight ratio is 0.8-1.25 portions of potassium chlorate (or potassium nitrate or mixture of potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate and potassium permanganate), 0.30-0.40 portion of dried wooden powder and 0.60-0.78 portion of dried aromatic plant powder. The safety of the invented product is greatly raised and its cost is low.

Development of a gel and foam matrix as immobilization system for cells for microbial denitrification of water

Abstract: An anaerobic denitrifying bacterium, Paracoccus denitrificans DSM 65, was used as the model organism for the immobilization of microbial cells in a gel and foam matrix (GFM) system. Polyurethane foam cubes were soaked with a suspension of P. denitrificans in a 3% alginic acid solution and then hardened in 0.1 M CaCl2 solution. The rate of nitrate reduction by P. denitrificans DSM 65 was determined by anaerobic incubation of the cells immobilized in GFM using water containing potassium nitrate as substrate and sodium acetate as carbon source. Screening for optimum immobilization conditions was performed in shake flask cultures at 38°C under anaerobic conditions. A pore density of 20 pores per inch (PPI) and a cube size of 1×1×1 cm was identified as optimum for nitrate and nitrite reduction. Crushing of the gel matrix by uniaxial compression was an effective means for enhancement of denitrification.

Gas-forming fire extinguishing agent

Abstract: An aerosol-forming fire-extinguishing agent containing an oxidant and a combustible binder contains potassium nitrate as the oxidant and as a source of an agent which inhibits burning, plasticised nitrocellulose as the combustible binder and carbon as activator for decomposition of potassium nitrate, these components being employed in the following ratio: potassium nitrate 40-70% by weight carbon 5-15% by weight plasticised nitrocellulose remainder e e mode of action of the fire-extinguishing agent consists in that it allows gaseous and highly disperse condensed products which are an aerosol having a combustion-inhibiting action to be formed on thermal decomposition.

Use of Potassium Nitrate on Mango Flowering

Abstract: The mango (Mangifera indica L.), a member of the Anarcardiaceae, is a popular fruit of the tropics and occupies a position in the tropics similar to that of apples in temperate regions. Originating in the Indo-Burma region, the mango has since spread to nearly all tropical areas of the world. On the Indian subcontinent, it has been under cultivation for at least 4,000 years. In the tropics, mangos are usually grown at elevations between sea level and 1,200 meters, but does best below 610 meters in climates with a pronounced dry season. In Hawaii mango will grow best at elevations from sea level to 457 meters (1,500 ft) (Chia et a!. 1988). Mangos grow best at temperatures between 27 24°C and are susceptible to frost damage. Annual rainfall in growing areas ranges from 25 to 250 cm. In the wet-humid tropics, persistent rains and high humidity during flowering can cause a reduction in pollination and fruit set. Flowers are borne on inflorescences (panicles) which are usually terminal, but panicles may also arise from axillary buds. Flowers are either male or hermaphroditic and may number from 300 to 3,000 on each panicle, depending on cultivar. The percentage of hermaphroditic flowers varies with cultivar and upon early or late emergence of the panicles (Chanda and Pal 1986). Flowering period in mango is mainly related to weather patterns and to some degree to cultivar differences under the same climatic conditions (Singh 1960, 1977; Whiley 1985). Flowering in Hawaii usually begins in January, with fruit maturing from May-June through September (Hamilton et al. 1992; Yee 1979). In the milder southern and western regions of India, flowering begins in November or December; however, in northern areas where harsher climates prevail, flowering is more precise and occurs later, in February or March (Chanda and Pal 1986). Flowering in the U.S. occurs between January and March and in the Philippines from December to January. Recent studies in Florida suggest that low temperature is the environmental factor with the greatest influence on flower induction (NunezElisa and Davenport 1992). It was concluded that water stress was not responsible for flower induction, but could enhance the response to cool temperatures. Similar conclusions have also been obtained by workers in Australia (Whiley 1992). Reliable flowering is necessary to obtain consistent mango production in the tropics. In Hawaii, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, where land is a limiting factor, mango is a potentially important fruit crop if increased production, reliable bearing, and off-season bearing can be achieved. In Hawaii, biennial bearing is common; a heavy crop one year may prevent further fruiting for two years or longer. In the Hawaiian Islands, leeward sections, which are drier during the winter months, are considered ideal for mango production (Yee 1979).

Comparisons of preservation treatments of collagen using the collagenase-SDS-PAGE technique

Abstract: The use of the collagenase-SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) technique for comparing the condition of collagen in skin tissues is described. The technique was used on untreated skin samples and on others subjected to chemical treatments typically used for the preservation of biological specimens. Compounds examined included aluminum ammonium sulfate, arsenic trioxide, magnesium carbonate, mercuric chloride, potassium nitrate, sodium borate, sodium chloride, sodium fluorosilicate and formaldehyde. Differences were detected between the better preservatives, such as formaldehyde and arsenic trioxide, and others that actually promoted collagen degradation, such as potassium nitrate and mercuric chloride.

Aerosol-producing fire extinguishant

Abstract: An aerosol-producing fire extinguishant containing potassium nitrate as an oxidant, plasticized nitrocellulose as a combustible binder and, additionally, carbon as an activator of decomposition of potassium nitrate, said components taken in the following ratios, wt. - %: Potassium nitrate - 40-70 Carbon - 5-15 Plasticized nitrocellulose - 15-55

Effect of nitrogen salts on nitrate reductase activity and protein contents in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract: The effects of different nitrogen salts on nitrate reductase activity and protein contents were investigated in three Yugoslav cultivars of wheat. The nitrate salts appeared to be a better form of nitrogen than ammonium in respect of the increase of the nitrate reductase activity and root total protein contents, whereas the treatment with ammonium salt resulted in a comparably higher shoot total protein contents. KNO3 was the best in respect of the level of nitrate reductase activity. Different concentrations of nitrate and ammonium ions in nutrient solution, showed very similar effects on investigated parameters. NS Rana 2 cultivar had the highest values of nitrate reductase activity and protein contents.

Structural characteristics of silver chromate glasses and performance of silver chromate electrochemical cells

Abstract: Silver-chromate glasses xAgl-yAg2O-zCrO3 (x= 64, 67 and 70 mol% and y/z= 1) were prepared by rapid quenching of the melt. The microstructure of the as-quenched samples showed different surface agglomerates which led to non-uniformity in chemical distribution throughout the sample. The presence of potassium, detected by energy dispersive analysis of X-rays EDAX, was due to contamination of potassium nitrate produced during the preparation of Agl via the double decomposition of silver nitrate and potassium iodide. The battery fabricated from the glass with 70 mol % Agl contaminated with potassium showed an unstable discharge compared to the battery fabricated from glass with 70 mol % Agl of AR grade. This was attributed not only to the formation of low-conducting silver iodide but also to low-conducting potassium compounds which increased the internal resistance of the battery leading to a quick drop in cell voltage.

Explosive and propellant nitrate containing oxidant and ascorbic acid composition

Abstract: An explosive and propellant composition is obtained by admixing finely divided particles of ascorbic acid and a nitrate-containing oxidation agent, such as potassium nitrate. Admixing can be carried out in the dry state, at room temperature. The composition upon ignition gives off no sulfurous fumes, and leaves little or no carbon residue; and causes no corrosion with contacted metal surfaces.