Advanced Materials Research Vols. 488-489

Abstract: In this study, jatropha oil was reacted with glycerol and toluene diisocyanate to obtain urethane oil at hydroxyl to isocyanate ratio of 1:0.8 with methanol acting as a blocking agent. The prepared urethane oil was characterized for molecular weight and its properties were determined and compared with those of the linseed oil-modified and commercial urethane oils. It was found that the jatropha-modified urethane oil was a yellowish viscous liquid with a number-average molecular weight of 2,673. The urethane oil prepared from jatropha oil took longer time to dry than the linseed oil-modified and commercial urethane oils. Results showed that the film properties of the jatropha-modified urethane oil were comparable to those of the commercial urethane oil. The film exhibited good hardness, excellent flexibility and adhesion, and high impact strength. Additionally, it also showed excellent water resistance but only fair alkali resistance.

Abstract: In this study titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) were prepared by anodization method. The effects of the temperature, time and voltage on the anodization process were investigated in detail. Photocatalytic activity of the TNT films was evaluated in terms of the degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. The results showed that the optimization of temperature, voltage and time on anodization process were 45oC, 20 V and 1 day, respectively. Consequently, these results indicate that the optimization of anodization process is critical to achieve the high performance of photocatalytic reaction.

Abstract: Nanocomposite films based on liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE), containing of 1 phr silica nanoparticle and 1, 3 and 5 %wt triethoxyvinylsilane as a new coupling were prepared and characterized using FTIR tests, scanning electron microscopy, tensile tests, oxygen and water vapor permeation measurements. Optimization of the technology involved in production of an exfoliated nanocompound is a complex process in which multiple variables and parameters are involved. The results of the study showed that the feed position of the nanoparticle in the double screw extruder is of vital importance in obtaining an exfoliated film. The maximum triethoxyvinylsilane used in the extruder was 3 %wt, for LLDPE/modified silica nanoparticle. There was no exfoliation or intercalation of the silica particle in the absence of triethoxyvinylsilane. The oxygen barrier properties of the LLDPE/modified silica nanoparticle film were significantly better than those of the LDPE/silica nanoparticle film. In addition to barrier properties, the LLDPE/silica/3%TEVS film also had better Young’s modulus and tensile strength than their counterparts without triethoxyvinylsilane.

Abstract: A p-HEMA (poly-hydroxy ethyl methacrylic acid) membrane using alcohol oxidase deposited on a carbon screen printed electrode (SPE) as working electrode for amperometric transducer has been built for biochemical sensor. Acetophenon derivate has been applied to generate polymeric cross linking while ferrocene mediator has been added to wire the electrochemical reaction. The UV photocuring attached the membrane polymer onto the carbon SPE. This study has obtained that nanogold application enhanced the formaldehyde biosensor performance. Optimum result using cyclic voltametric (CV) mode in amperometric assay has been found by applying 1.6% acetophenon, 1% ferrocene, 7.7u alcohol oxidase and 0.2% nanogold in phosphate buffer of pH 7.2 at 500s UV photocure.

Abstract: Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized using floating catalyst-chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) with ferrocene and benzene as catalyst and carbon source, respectively. Argon was used as a purging gas while hydrogen was used as a carrier gas. Hydrogen flow rate, reaction time and reactor temperature were varied to obtain high yield and purity of MWCNTs. The morphology and microstructures of MWCNTs produced were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was found that the maximum yield and purity of MWCNTs were produced at hydrogen flow rate of 300 ml/min with reactor temperature of 900°C and reaction time 45 minutes. It was observed that the MWCNTs are film-like, randomly oriented and in some cases entangled with uniform diameter.

Abstract: Basolite Z-1200 is one of the most popular commercially available MOF for the gas storage applications. Pristine Basolite Z-1200 is an electrically non-conducting material. This research focuses to tap the potential of Basolite Z-1200’s unique porous structure for the adsorption and sensing of a pesticide. For this, the above said MOF has been treated with mineral acids (HCl) to make it electrically active. The protonated MOF solutions have been used to form conducting thin films on glass slides. Electrical measurements have indicated that the proton doping reduces the overall resistance of the MOF. Prepared thin films have been used to sense Mecoprop some in sample solutions. Conducting MOF thin films may find applications in environmental sensors, pre-concentration, solid phase extraction, electronic devices etc.

Abstract: This paper highlights the results of light levels and light-fastness study conducted in four daylit historical museum galleries in Malaysia. These museums architectural features allow sun radiation into the building, causing light exposure damage to artifacts. This study aims to evaluate the luminous exposures and light-fastness as an initial preventive conservation measure in daylit historical museum galleries under the tropical sky conditions. Light sensors with data-loggers and Light-fastness dosimeters were installed throughout the museums to take cumulative light exposure measurements during museum opening hours. Both instrumentations were tested in the field during different campaigns exposures. After exposures between 90 and 100 days, these dosimeters showed photo-induced colour changes which translated exposures into equivalent luminous exposure and estimated annual exposures (Lux hours) which were used to validate the measured values of illuminance data. Simulated light dosimeters and measured illuminance data show good correlation. Thus, equivalent light dosimeter makes sense to assess the impact of light distributions.

Abstract: Precise determination of engineering properties of soil is essential for proper design and successful construction of any structure. The conventional methods for determination of engineering properties are invasive, costly and time-consuming. Electrical resistivity survey is an attractive tool for delineating subsurface properties without soil disturbance. Reliable correlations between electrical resistivity and other soil properties will enable us to characterize the subsurface soil without borehole sampling. This paper presents the preliminary results of an ongoing research on correlations of electrical resistivity with strength properties of soil. Soil investigations, field electrical resistivity survey (VES) and laboratory electrical resistivity measurements were conducted. From the data analysis, significant correlations have been obtained between resistivity and moisture content and angle of internal friction. Weaker correlations have been observed for cohesion and unit weight of soil.

Abstract: The properties (mass loading and elastic changes) of different oxide materials (ZnO, TeO₂, SnO₂, TiO₂) in thin film form has been explored for the enhanced detection of DBS (di butyl sulphide), a simulant of sulphur mustard gas. All the four oxide materials are deposited on to the surface of SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) devices to impart sensitivity and selectivity. ZnO and SnO2 films are crystalline whereas TiO2 and TeO2 films are amorphous in nature. All the films are transparent with transparency greater than 75 % in the visible region. The SAW devices coated with different oxide materials were placed in the feedback loop of colpitt oscillator. With the exposure of DBS vapors, differential frequency increases for TiO₂ thin films whereas for other oxide coatings (ZnO, TeO₂ and SnO₂) it decreases. ZnO coated SAW sensor is found to be maximum sensitive to DBS vapors. Investigation of sensing mechanism revealed that mass loading effect is pronounced in TiO₂ thin film whereas for other films change in elasticity is dominant. The oxide coatings are very less sensitive to the other interferants.

Abstract: With the comprehensive implementation of construction of new socialist countryside, a large number of studies and researches relating to new rural construction planning have been emerged. How to build the program of road network with local characteristics, which are based on reality of the situation and adapted to the future development, the author probed into this issue with the example of road planning of Shengying Village, Yaodian Town, Dengzhou City, Henan Province. And the author has worked out a number of road planning experiences for sustainable development of countryside construction.