Prediction of feed abrasive value by artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression

In order to evaluate rapid testing methods based on the relationship between feed abrasive value (FAV) and physicochemical properties (particle size, bulk density, dry matter (DM), soluble dry matter, water-holding capacity (WHC), ash, crud protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), physically effective NDF and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC)), 100 empirical dataset were used. Relationships were investigated using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The mean relative error was significantly (P?<?0.01) lower for ANN than MLR model. Globally, the non-linear ANN model approach is shown to provide a better prediction of FAV than linear multiple regression.     

The effect of grinding media on suspensions,microstructures, and comprehensive electrical properties of ZnO varistors

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - The aim of this work is to find a proper grinding medium that produce the best suspension of additives in order to fabricated ZnO varistors...     

Carcass performance and meat mineral content in Balouchi lamb fed pistachio by-products

This experiment investigated the effect of pistachio by-products (PB) in the feed of weaned Balouchi lambs on their daily gain, carcass traits and on the levels of Ca, Zn, Fe and Cu of Longissimus dorsi muscle. Twenty eight male lambs were divided into four groups with 7 lambs each and fed separately for 90days. The first group (control) was fed a commercial concentrate, and the second, third and fourth (test) groups received diets in which 10, 20 and 30% PB was used in partial replacement of alfalfa hay and beet pulp. The results showed that the high level of PB had no effect on performance and carcass traits. There were no significant differences between groups in mineral content in Longissimus dorsi muscle. These results suggested that PB can be use in diet of fattening lambs up to 30% without any adverse effects on carcass performance and mineral content of lamb meat.     

Flame retardant polyurethane nanocomposite: Study of clay dispersion and its synergistic effect with dolomite

Polyurethane–clay nanocomposite adhesives were prepared by different synthetic routes and their microstructures were determined by X‐ray diffraction measurements and from transmission electron microscopy images. The preparation method of the polyurethane nanocomposite adhesives was systematically changed, that is, condensation either in the presence or absence of catalyst, concentration and type of nanoclay, premixing order of nanoclay (nanoclay was either premixed with the polyol or isocyanate part) and by using MDI surface treated nanoclays. Depending on the polymerization conditions cluster, intercalated, and exfoliated clay structures were obtained. The flame retardant properties of the manufactured nanocomposite adhesives and the synergistic effect of clay in combination with dolomite were investigated by cone calorimeter and UL 94 vertical burning tests. The results indicate that addition of nanoclay reduces burning time and the total heat evolved (THE) at flame out, and that the type of assembled clay structure (cluster, intercalated or exfoliated) had a significant effect on the flame retardant property. Nanocomposites with 3 wt % of clay loading gave the shortest burning time, the lowest THE and also UL 94 V‐2 ratings were reached, although the flame retardancy in terms of heat release rate and time to ignition was not improved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Preparation and characterization of modified ultrafiltration nylon 6 membrane modified by poly (acrylamide-co-maleic anhydride)

In attempt to prepare modified ultrafiltration (UF) Nylon 6 membrane and improve its hydrophilicity and anti-fouling performance, poly (acrylamide-co-maleic anhydride)(AM-MA) was utilized as hydrophilic copolymer additive in the dope solution. The UF Nylon 6/AM-MA membranes were synthesized through blending Nylon 6 with poly(AM-MA) using a phase inversion process. Characterization of the prepared membranes for morphological studies and thermal behavior was carried out by SEM and DSC instruments respectively. The SEM photos demonstrated that by increasing the copolymer density in the dope solution, the morphology was changed from spongy to bi-continuous, composed of small interlocked and stick-like crystallites. FTIR/ATR and water contact angle data also confirmed the existence of AM-MA copolymer on the blend membranes surface. Furthermore, the effect of different molecular weights and concentration of hydrophilic copolymer on filtration performance and antifouling properties were experimentally studied. The results exhibited that the blend UF membranes possessed better water flux permeability than pure Nylon 6 membrane due to the increased surface hydrophilicity and porosity. Fouling resistance experiments revealed that the surface anti-fouling ability of the blend membranes was improved via the addition of AM-MA copolymer with lower MW (co1) to the cast solution, while this parameter was weakened in higher MW of copolymer (co2).     

Structural and mechanical properties of ZrN films prepared by ion beam sputtering with varying N2/Ar ratio and substrate temperature

Zirconium nitride (ZrN) films were deposited by ion beam sputtering technique on stainless steel 304 substrates using a mix of (Ar+N₂) gas. In this paper, the effects of N₂/(N₂+Ar) flow ratio (F(N₂)) and substrate temperature on the microstructure and microscopic properties of the deposited films were investigated. The phase and the morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively; moreover, the composition depth profile of ZrN was obtained using secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). In a wide range of F(N₂) (10-54%), the intensity of (1 1 1) peak increased which was the preferred orientation, while for F(N₂) more than 54% the ZrN peak intensity was decreased and the amorphous structure was formed at 95%. The XRD patterns presented a texture change due to the processing temperature, which was varied within the range 200-550 °C. At 400 °C, the (1 1 1) crystalline plane intensity was higher than the other ones, leading to the presence of a preference for this orientation. Good planarity of the deposited films was confirmed by SEM, it did not reveal any undulations, fractures, or cracking. The Vickers micro-hardness tester with a load of 25 g was used to measure the hardness of the films. The results showed that the structural and mechanical properties were strongly influenced by nitrogen ratio and substrate temperature.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Properties of Sulfonated CNT-Doped Poly(aniline-co-carbazole)-PVA Conductive Films

Conductive flexible films are successfully synthesized from polyvinyl alcohol matrix and poly(aniline-co-carbazole) charge carrier. To improve the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol and promote charge transition in the conductive copolymer, dual purpose sulfonated multiwall carbon nanotube is added. Conductivity is enhanced via sulfonic acid protonic dopant and mechanical property is increased by its hexagonal nanorods. Nanocomposites are prepared by adding 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075 g of carbon nanotube which is added at 1%, 3%, and 5% loads to the polymer matrix. Films are characterized by infrared, UV–vis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Conductivity is measured by the four-probe technique and mechanical property is assessed through tensile tests and dynamic mechanic thermal analysis. A 5 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ conductivity and 116 MPa tensile strength are recorded for the conductive film with optimum dopant/nanocomposite loads. The electrochemical property and corrosion resistance are studied by cyclic voltammetry and Tafel curves, respectively. The conductive films show an increase in corrosion potential and a decrease in corrosion current referring to a reliable corrosion protection film. The water uptake and contact angle of the films are measured to be 157% and 80.1° respectively to confirm its required hydrophilic property.