Solvent-drop assisted mechanochemical synthesis of the black and green polymorphs of the tetrathiafulvalene–chloranil charge transfer salt

This work describes the synthesis of the green and black polymorphic forms of the tetrathiafulvalene–chloranil (TTF–CA) charge transfer salt as pure phases, by solvent-assisted mechanochemistry. Both materials were characterized using laboratory and high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The high-resolution XRPD pattern of the TTF–CA black polymorph was indexed with a triclinic lattice a = 10.756(5) Å, b = 11.057(4) Å, c = 6.614(2) Å, α = 101.36(2)°, β = 93.69(3)°, γ = 89.37(3)°, V = 769.6(5) Å³. The chemical stability of these phases upon heating was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), indicating that both polymorphs undergo chemical decomposition, and ruling out the transition to an air-stable high temperature polymorph.     

The Effects of Embedded Dipoles in Aromatic Self‐Assembled Monolayers

Using a representative model system, here electronic and structural properties of aromatic self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are described that contain an embedded, dipolar group. As polar unit, pyrimidine is used, with its orientation in the molecular backbone and, consequently, the direction of the embedded dipole moment being varied. The electronic and structural properties of these embedded‐dipole SAMs are thoroughly analyzed using a number of complementary characterization techniques combined with quantum‐mechanical modeling. It is shown that such mid‐chain‐substituted monolayers are highly interesting from both fundamental and application viewpoints, as the dipolar groups are found to induce a potential discontinuity inside the monolayer, electrostatically shifting the core‐level energies in the regions above and below the dipoles relative to one another. These SAMs also allow for tuning the substrate work function in a controlled manner independent of the docking chemistry and, most importantly, without modifying the SAM‐ambient interface.     

An advanced VHDL‐AMS PiN diode model: towards simulation‐based design of power converters

This paper focuses on the modeling of a power PiN diode. The focal point basis is the dependence on temperature. The PiN diode remains a difficult device to model mainly during switching transients. An advanced PiN diode temperature‐dependent model is developed and implemented in VHDL‐AMS. Heterogeneous simulation scheme including the circuit wiring parasitic components, the probe effects and the dependent diode models is successfully simulated using SIMPLORER simulator. Experimental data of several commercial PiN diodes are compared to simulation results at different temperature levels. A good rate of consistency is found. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deterministic models for assessing productivity and cost of bored piles

The assessment process of productivity and cost of bored pile construction is dictated by unseen subsurface obstacles, lack of contractor experience and site planning. These problems complicate the estimator's role in evaluating pile equipment productivity and cost. Current research discusses the assessment of piling process productivity and cost using the deterministic technique. Data are collected through questionnaires, site interviews and telephone calls to experts in various construction companies. Many variables have been considered in the piling construction process, such as pile size, depth, pouring method, soil type and construction method. Five deterministic models have been designated to assess productivity, cycle time and cost. The developed models are validated whereas 79% of the outputs have been predicted with more than 75% accuracy. Consequently, three sets of charts have been developed to provide the decision‐maker with a solid planning, scheduling and control tool for piling projects. If a pile has 60′ depth with φ‐18 (18″ diameter pile) in clay soil using a 5′ auger height, the cycle time is estimated as 56 and 65.5 minutes; however, productivity is 6 and 5 holes/day for dry and wet methods, respectively.     

Bio‐oil from whole‐tree feedstock in resol‐type phenolic resins

Renewable chemicals are of growing importance in terms of opportunities for environmental concerns over fossil‐based chemicals. Lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into energy and chemicals via thermal and biological processes. Among all the transformation processes available, fast pyrolysis is the only one to produce a high yield of a liquid‐phase product called bio‐oil or pyrolysis oil. Bio‐oil is considered to be a promising substitute for phenol in phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin synthesis. In this work, bio‐based phenolic resins have been formulated, partially substituting phenol by bio‐oils from two Canadian whole‐tree species. The new resins are produced by replacing 25, 50, and 75% of phenol with bio‐oil for each species (three bioresins per species). The aim of this study is to synthesize renewable resins with competitive price and satisfactory quality. The results obtained have shown that substitution degree up to 50% provided reactivity and performance equal or superior to the pure PF resin. They also present a good storage stability, improved shear strength, and thermal stability comparable to the pure PF. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014 , 131, 40014.     

Field Performance of High Oleic Soybeans with Mutant FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B Genes in Tennessee

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil with high oleic acid (>75%) has increased oxidative stability and health benefits that are valuable for food, fuel, and industrial products. It has been determined that two naturally occurring mutations in genes FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B can combine to produce high oleic soybeans. The objective of this study was to test the effect of these mutant alleles on seed yield and oil and protein concentration. Molecular markers assisted in the creation of a population of 48 BC₃F_2:4 lines (93.75% expected genome commonality). Each line was classified into one of four genotypic groups where both FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B genes were either homozygous wild type or mutant, respectively. Twelve lines for each genotypic group were evaluated in three replications at six locations across Tennessee. There was no seed yield difference between the high oleic genotypic group and the other groups (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there were differences in fatty acid profiles and oil and protein concentrations. In combination, the mutant FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B alleles produced a mean of 803.1 g kg⁻¹ oleic acid. This is, on average, approximately 500 g kg⁻¹ more oleic acid compared to soybean lines with only one mutant FAD2-1 allele. The high oleic double mutant group had more total oil (228.0 g kg⁻¹) and protein (401.0 g kg⁻¹) compared to all other genotypic groups (P < 0.05). Overall, this specific combination of mutant FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B alleles appears to generate conventional high oleic soybeans without a yield drag.     

Performance of insulated FRP-strengthened concrete flexural members under fire conditions

This paper presents the results of fire resistance tests on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened concrete flexural members, i.e., T-beams and slabs. The strengthened members were protected with fire insulation and tested under the combined effects of thermal and structural loading. The variables considered in the tests include the applied load level, extent of strengthening, and thickness of the fire insulation applied to the beams and slabs. Furthermore, a previously developed numerical model was validated against the data generated from the fire tests; subsequently, it was utilized to undertake a case study. Results from fire tests and numerical studies indicate that owing to the protection provided by the fire insulation, the insulated CFRP-strengthened beams and slabs can withstand four and three hours of standard fire exposure, respectively, under service load conditions. The insulation layer impedes the temperature rise in the member; therefore, the CFRP–concrete composite action remains active for a longer duration and the steel reinforcement temperature remains below 400°C, which in turn enhances the capacity of the beams and slabs.