One-step decomposition method for numerical integration of short- and long-term dynamics

A mathematical model is derived and disdussed that represents the structural properties of the alternative linearity and of the triangular block structural connectivity of the sets of differential equations, associated with the machines in the numerical integration of short- and long-term dynamics. In order to take into consideration the structural properties of the model, a one-step decomposition method for the numerical integration of short- and long-term dynamics is proposed. The method can be applied not only to the numerical integration of short- and long-term dynamics but also to all other cases when the model of the dynamic system is alternative-linear and triangular block connected. Numerical stability, accuracy and computation speed are the major advantages of this method, making it suitable for many applications, including the dynamic security analysis of power systems.     

Visualizing biochemical activities in living cells through chemistry

The development of molecular probes to visualize cellular processes is an important challenge in chemical biology. One possibility to create such cellular indicators is based on the selective labeling of proteins with synthetic probes in living cells. Over the last years, our laboratory has developed different labeling approaches for monitoring protein activity and for localizing synthetic probes inside living cells. In this article, we review two of these labeling approaches, the SNAP-tag and CLIP-tag technologies, and their use for studying cellular processes.     

Dynamic colorimetric properties of mixed thermochromic printing inks

Leuco dye‐based thermochromic inks reversibly change from the coloured to the discoloured state in a defined, comparatively wide temperature region. Inside this region, the colour of a sample depends on the temperature and thermal history, which is known as the hysteresis effect. The colour of such a sample as a function of temperature has the shape of a hysteresis loop. Commercially available thermochromic inks have different loops, narrow or broad, and their shapes range from approximately symmetric to highly asymmetric. These properties are also important in mixtures of inks. The hysteresis loop of a mixture reveals its binary nature if the individual pure inks have well‐separated hysteresis. When inks with close‐separated loops, i.e. with similar activation temperatures, are mixed together, the loop of the mixture fuses together into an apparently single loop. Our research shows that some of their dynamic colour properties could be predicted in advance. However, optic and colorimetric properties of mixtures are not additive.     

Ion beam deposition of amorphous hydrogenated carbon films on amorphous silicon interlayer: Experiment and simulation

A thick layer of amorphous silicon (a-Si) was deposited on industrial grade crystalline n-Si < 111 > substrate by means of electron beam evaporation. On top of a-Si layer, amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) film was grown by direct ion beam deposition from acetylene precursor gas. In order to study on atomic level the a-C:H film growth on amorphous silicon, a theoretical model was developed in a form of reaction rate (kinetic) equations. Numerical simulation using this model has revealed that the ratio of sp³/sp² content in the film is heavily influenced by relaxation rate of the carbon atoms in a sub-surface region of the film that were activated by ion irradiation. The final structure of a-C:H film does not depend much on elemental composition and structure of amorphous Si coating, provided that deposition procedure is not terminated at its initial stage but continues for more than 60 s. It became evident, therefore, that the use of a-Si interlayer with a-C:H films could be particularly beneficial when a need arises to minimize or eliminate the effect of the substrate. As one of such cases, a poor adhesion of amorphous carbon on steel and other ferrous alloys could be mentioned.     

Combustion synthesis of LaSi3N5:Eu2+ phosphor powders

LaSi₃N₅:Eu²⁺ phosphor powders were prepared by a highly efficient combustion synthesis method. It was found that the compositions of the raw powder mixtures had great influences on the phase compositions and particle morphologies of the synthesized powders. By selecting appropriate starting compositions and combustion parameters, single phase LaSi₃N₅:Eu²⁺ phosphors could be synthesized. When excited by a UV light, the LaSi₃N₅:Eu²⁺ phosphors emitted green light. The wavelength and intensity of the emission spectra were affected by the amount of Eu²⁺ dopant. With increasing amount of Eu²⁺ dopant, concentration quenching could occur and emission spectra shifted to longer wavelengths.     

Sorption properties of wood impregnated with aqueous solution of boric acid and montan wax emulsion

Nonbiocidal techniques for wood protection have become more and more important in the last few years. One of the possible treatments to enhance wood durability is use of water repellents. In this research, the influence of one of the possible water repellents, the montan wax emulsion, on the moisturizing and the sorption characteristics of impregnated wood was investigated. To achieve a better protection against wood decay fungi, wood was impregnated with montan wax emulsion enriched with boric acid. The equilibrium moisture content (MC) was monitored during the adsorption and the desorption processes at five levels of relative air humidity (RH₁ = 20%, RH₂ = 33%, RH₃ = 65%, RH₄ = 88%, and RH₅ = 98%). Water repellence efficiency was monitored in the chamber with high RH (87%) and during dipping in the water. Impregnated samples were also exposed outdoors in a covered position for 5 months to determine MC changes according to changes in outdoor humidity and temperature. The results showed that the sorption properties of the impregnated wood are strongly related to retention of preservative solutions after impregnation and its composition. Montan wax reduced equilibrium MC of the impregnated wood up to 25% (relatively), whereas specimens impregnated with combination of montan wax and boric acid resulted in decreased MC in some cases and in increased MC in some cases. The Guggenheim–Andersen–deBoer model of sorption isotherms was fitted to experimental data to explain the sorption mechanisms. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Deodorization optimization of Camelina sativa oil: Oxidative and sensory studies

Camelina sativa oil (CO) is characterized by a high content (up to 40 wt %) of essential α‐linolenic acid and characteristic odour and flavour. Deodorization of highly unsaturated oils requires great attention as the refining process involves thermal treatment which affects oil integrity. In the present study RSM and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to optimize bench‐scale deodorization of CO. Mathematical models were generated through multiple regressions with backward elimination, describing the effects of process parameters (temperature, steam flow, time) on oil quality indicators [peroxide value (PV), p‐anisidine value (p‐AV), γ‐tocopherol (γ‐T) and oxidative stability (OS)]. Additionally, sensory evaluation was performed. RSM analysis showed a significant effect of deodorization temperature and to a lesser extent, deodorization steam flow and time on removal of oxidative compounds, flavour and odour. PCA of chemical and sensory results showed that deodorization temperature affected the sensory properties in the samples. The best conditions for removing undesirable flavour and odour were achieved by using a deodorization temperature of 195–210°C.     

Preparation and characterization of chitosan coatings onto regular cellulose fibers with ultrasound technique

Regenerated cellulose fibers—viscose fibers—were coated with chitosan using an ultrasound technique to improve their accessibility, reactivity and sorption properties. The main purpose of our research was to study the modification of viscose fibers and to determine the effect of the application of chitosan onto viscose fibers. Samples were obtained by treating the fibers with chitosan in a dilute acetic acid solution in an ultrasonic bath. The influences of the chitosan coating on the changes in morphology, supramolecular structure, sorption and tensile properties were studied. The spectra (FTIR analysis) of the treated viscose fibers showed changes and new absorption bands that revealed the existence of the chemical interactions with the chitosan. The scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the surface of the fibers was covered with the chitosan. A decrease in the water retention value and increase in the absorption and moisture content with an increasing concentration of chitosan was noted. Furthermore, the differences in tensile behavior were analyzed using an Instron tensile testing machine. The chitosan coating had no effect on the tensile strength of the viscose fibers, but influenced the tensile strain. Some changes, though not significant, were noted in the structure (crystallinity, orientation) of the treated viscose fibers.     

Influence of calcium carbonate filler and mixing type process on structure and properties of styrene–acrylonitrile/ethylene–propylene–diene polymer blends

The properties of styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) and ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM) blends containing different types of calcium carbonate filler were studied. The influence of mixing type process on the blend properties was also studied. Two different mixing processes were used. The first one includes mixing of all components together. The other process is a two‐step mixing procedure: masterbatch (MB; EPDM/SAN/filler blend) was prepared and then it was mixed with previously prepared polymer blend. Surface energy of samples was determined to predict the strength of interactions between polymer blend components and used fillers. The phase morphology of blends and their thermal and mechanical properties were studied. From the results, it can be concluded that the type of mixing process has a strong influence on the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of blends. The two‐step mixing process causes better dispersion of fillers in blends as well as better dispersion of EPDM in SAN matrix, and therefore, the finest morphology and improved properties are observed in blends with MB. It can be concluded that the type of mixing process and carefully chosen compatibilizer are the important factors for obtaining the improved compatibility of SAN/EPDM blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012