A novel ceramic matrix composite based on YNbO4–TiO2 for microwave applications

This work presents the dielectric properties of YNbO₄ (YNO)–TiO₂ composites in the microwave range. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the addition of TiO₂ to YNO results in the formation of a Y(Nb_0.5Ti_0.5)₂O₆ phase. In the microwave range, the values of permittivity and dielectric loss did not present major changes with the increment of TiO₂. Moreover, the addition of TiO₂ results in an improvement in the thermal stability of YNO, with YNO63 demonstrating a resonant frequency of ?8.96 ppm.°C^?1. We utilised numerical simulations to evaluate the behaviour of these materials as dielectric resonator antennae and it is found that they exhibit a reflection coefficient below ?10 dB at the resonant frequency, with a realised gain of 4.94 – 5.76 dBi, a bandwidth of 665–1050 MHz and a radiation efficiency above 84%. Our results indicate that YNO–TiO₂ composites are interesting candidates for microwave operating devices.     

Description of the thermodynamic properties and fluid-phase behavior of aqueous solutions of linear,branched, and cyclic amines

The SAFT-γ Mie group-contribution equation of state is used to represent the fluid-phase behavior of aqueous solutions of a variety of linear, branched, and cyclic amines. New group interactions are developed in order to model the mixtures of interest, including the like and unlike interactions between alkyl primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups (NH₂, NH, N), cyclic secondary and tertiary amine groups (cNH, cN), and cyclic methine-amine groups (cCHNH, cCHN) with water (H₂O). The group-interaction parameters are estimated from appropriate experimental thermodynamic data for pure amines and selected mixtures. By taking advantage of the group-contribution nature of the method, one can describe the fluid-phase behavior of mixtures of molecules comprising those groups over broad ranges of temperature, pressure, and composition. A number of aqueous solutions of amines are studied including linear, branched aliphatic, and cyclic amines. Liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) bounded by lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) have been reported experimentally and are reproduced here with the SAFT-γ Mie approach. The main feature of the approach is the ability not only to represent accurately the experimental data employed in the parameter estimation, but also to predict the vapor–liquid, liquid–liquid, and vapor–liquid–liquid equilibria, and LCSTs with the same set of parameters. Pure compound and binary phase diagrams of diverse types of amines and their aqueous solutions are assessed in order to demonstrate the main features of the thermodynamic and fluid-phase behavior.     

Commercialization of Intellectual Property at High-Tech Enterprises

Russian Engineering Research - The commercialization of intellectual property at high-tech enterprises is discussed. The participants in commercialization are identified. A three-component matrix...     

Evaluation of the occurrence of mechanical constriction of the Arc in A-TIG welding of austenitic stainless steels

This paper evaluates indications of arc constriction by the thermal and electrical insulation caused by oxides of a single component in A-TIG welding of austenitic stainless steels. Changes in arc dimensions, in its electric voltage and in weld bead morphology caused by three oxide fluxes (SiO₂, Cr₂O₃ e Al₂O₃) applied with two surface densities (30 e 60 g/m2), and with and without a flux-free central strip (of 1, 2 and 4 mm) were studied. Results showed no significant change in the width of the electric arc for the experimental conditions used, therefore not supporting a possible mechanical constriction in the electric arc by oxide electrical and thermal insulation. Lateral filming indicated that the arc is delayed by the fluxes with silica causing the strongest effect. The presence of a clean central strip in the flux layer decreased weld penetration and weld bead cross section, besides the reduction of the width of the bead. Therefore, the results of the present work seem to support Marangoni convection as the main mechanism responsible for increasing penetration in A-TIG welding of stainless austenitic steels.     

Key factors that influence the UX of a dual-player game for the cognitive stimulation and motor rehabilitation of older adults

Universal Access in the Information Society - In this work, the results of usability and user experience (UX) evaluation of a serious video game for the cognitive stimulation and motor...     

Synthesis and analysis of phase segregation of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer obtained by Steglich esterification from semitelechelic blocks of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate)

Here, an alternative route to successfully synthesize polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) is reported. Steglich esterification was used as an effective, metal free approach for coupling carboxylic terminated PS and the hydroxyl end-functionalized PMMA chains obtained by nitroxide-mediated polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization, respectively. α-Functionalization was obtained using 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) and 2,2,2-tribromoethanol as initiators. The synthesis of PS-b-PMMA was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), while the dependence of the diffusion coefficients of the polymers (PS, PMMA, PS/PMMA blend, and PS-b-PMMA) with their corresponding molecular weights was discussed based on the results of atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and spectra of diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy. Differently from PS-b-PMMA, a partial segregation was observed for the PS/PMMA blend, affecting its thermal behavior and diffusion coefficient. The study here presented provides an easier and efficient strategy for the synthesis of PS-b-PMMA and new insights into the diffusion of polymers.     

Work Standardization at High-Tech Enterprises in the Digital Era

Russian Engineering Research - Work standardization at Russian high-tech enterprises is considered, in the digital era. The new possibilities created by the digital economy permit increased...