Extensive research has been performed on the interaction of dithiocarbonates (xanthate) with a wide variety of substrates. This study the focuses on the interaction of trithiocarbonates (TTC) with pyrite and copper. The mechanism of adsorption of the xanthate is compared to that of the TTC. For the xanthate to adsorb it is necessary for an oxidant to be present, since xanthate adsorbs via charge transfer processes (electrochemical processes). It was found by the use of cyclic voltammetry and contact angle measurements that collector adsorption of the TTC can occur in both oxidising and reducing (thus the absence of an oxidant) conditions. Neither the TTC monomer nor the dimer could be detected on the surface by the use of Raman spectroscopy. The collector species on the surface was the TTC decomposition products namely the thiol or thiolate. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed that the TTC can interact under oxidising and reducing conditions. EIS showed that the rate of adsorption of the collector species for anodic currents increases relatively to the rate of adsorption for cathodic currents. Different adsorption mechanisms are realised for the different polarisation conditions. It is postulated that the TTC species serves as an intermediate for the adsorption of the thiol or thiolate on the surface, ultimately rendering the surface hydrophobic. Decomposition tests, performed by employing UV/Vis spectroscopy, indicated that the TTC is very unstable between a pH of 4 and 11. The thiol or thiolate however does not readily adsorb onto the substrates (indicated by the EIS measurements). Microflotation tests confirmed the thiolate’s inability to render pyrite hydrophobic. The microflotation tests also indicated that the TTC became less effective in recovering pyrite after it was left to decompose for a couple of hours. / Dissertation (MSc (Metallurgy))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering / unrestricted

<p>Hypersonic flow conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and flow velocity, are challenging to measure on account of the extreme conditions experienced by a craft moving above Mach 5. At Mach 5, the temperature in stratospheric air behind a normal shock wave exceeds temperatures of 1,300 K, and as the craft speed increases, so does the temperature. At these temperatures and conditions, traditional measurement techniques such as thermocouples and pressure transducers either alter the flow path, affecting the measurement, or they do not survive the external conditions. As such, there is interest in investigating alternative ways to measure flow properties. This thesis focuses on the implementation of several optical measurement techniques designed to determine the flow temperature, density gradient, and flow velocity in a detonation driven shock tube. A detonation driven shock tube was chosen for the project as it reliably creates high-speed, low-density, gas flows that are reminiscent of hypersonic conditions. </p><p>The first optical measurement technique implemented was background oriented schlieren, a measurement technique that quantitatively provides density gradient data. Experimental data obtained at pressures up to 3,000 psia resulted in density gradients at the exit of the detonation tube in good agreement with the literature.</p><p>The detonation tube was also fitted with two fiber optic ports to gather chemiluminescence thermometry data. Both a Stellarnet Black-Comet spectrometer and a Sydor Ross 2000 streak camera were used to capture spectroscopic data at these ports, in order to determine the detonation speed and the rotational temperature of the intermediate OH* combustion products. The Stellarnet spectrometer did not have a fast enough data capture rate to gather reliable data. While the streak camera captured data quickly, we had difficulty gathering enough light from the combustion event and the gathered data was very noisy. The streak camera did however capture the time duration of the full combustion event, so if the fiber connector ports are improved this data taking method could be used in the future to gather rotational temperature data. Both measurement techniques provided some unintrusive measurements of high-speed flows, and improvements to the data taking system could provide much needed information on hypersonic flow conditions. </p>

This diploma thesis is concentrated on the interactions between polyelectrolyte (hyaluronan) and cationic surfactant (CTAB). The experiments were performed in an aqueous solution and in an environment of physiological ionic strength (0,15mmoldm-3 NaCl). The determination of the surfactant concentration in solutions was based on the formation of colored complexes of CTAB and picric acid in chloroform. The concentrations of surfactant were measured by UV-VIS spectroscopy. The stability of CTAB+HyA was examined by a dialysis method. The results showed that, regardless of the environment, the presence of HyA in solution reduces the number of free molecules of CTAB which can be determined in the sample. It has been proved that there is an interaction between HyA and surfactant and that CTAB has greater affinity for HyA then for the picric acid. The stability of CTAB+HyA was determined by dialysis of 120 hours. After that time, the concentrations of the retentate and permeate were settled. The results showed that in the membrane remains a certain amount of CTAB bounded to hyaluronan. The system can be suitable for the preparation of targeted carriers of biologically active substances.

This thesis is focused on the photochromic molecule of spiropyran, which changes its structure as well as physical and chemical properties after UV irradiation. These changes are reversible, the molecule thermally restore its initial structure. For the study, the molecule SP1 with the systematic name 1',3'-dihydro-1',3',3'-trimethyl-6-nitrospiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2'-(2H)-indole] was used. This molecule was incorporated within polymers PVK, Tg PPV, PCBTDPP and PCDTBT and the method of UV-VIS spectroscopy was used to observe the photochromic activity within these matrices. The influence of matrices to the ability to undergo UV induced photochromic conversion as well as to the reverse conversion to the initial structure induced by heat was monitored. Furthermore, the influence of spiropyran to the electrical properties of individual matrices was studied. The effect of photochromic conversion to both, the mobility of charge carriers and to the photogeneration was observed. For this purpose, the method of current-voltage measurement was used.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Organic-inorganic lead-based perovskite has exhibited great performance in the past few years. However, the lead (Pb) embedded in those compounds is a significant drawback to further progress, due to its environmental toxicity. As an alternative, tin (Sn) based-perovskites have demonstrated promising results in terms of electrical and optical properties for photovoltaic devices, but the oxidation of tin ion- from stannous ion (Sn2+) to stannic ion (Sn4+) presents a problem in terms of performance and stability when exposed to ambient conditions. A more feasible approach may be in a Pb-Sn binary metal perovskite in pursuit of efficient, stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with reduced Pb-content, as compared to pure Pb- or Sn-based PSCs. Here, we report on the deposition of a Pb-Sn binary perovskite by sequential chemical vapor deposition.

No description available.

No description available.

La propolis est un produit de la ruche à base de résine de plantes et d’arbres mélangée à de la cire d’abeille. Elle est utilisée pour polir les murs de la ruche et la protéger contre les intrus provenant de l’extérieur. Elle contient un grand nombre de composés incluant les métabolites des plantes, alors elle est un ingrédient des médicaments naturels, des additifs alimentaires et des produits cosmétiques en raison de sa richesse en polyphénols qui lui confèrent ses propriétés anti-oxydantes, anti-inflammatoires et antibiotiques. La composition de la propolis est cependant complexe et très variable en raison de la région de provenance qui est étroitement liée aux résines utilisées par les abeilles. De plus, la présence de contaminants dans l’environnement, comme les pesticides et les éléments traces d’origine anthropique, incluant des métaux lourds, donne un risque d’exposition à ces substances en consommant la propolis ou les extraits de propolis. Plusieurs échantillons de propolis brute ainsi que des teintures commerciales et artisanales provenant du Canada, de la Roumanie et du Brésil ont été analysés. L’extraction des polyphénols totaux des échantillons bruts a été faite 3 fois dans l’éthanol (EtOH) 70 % (v/v) à 70 ̊C, et les teintures ont quant à elles été diluées dans l’EtOH 70 %. Les polyphénols totaux ont ensuite été analysés par spectroscopie moléculaire UV-Vis en utilisant la méthode de Folin- Ciocalteu. Des analyses chromatographiques préliminaires par la chromatographie liquide couplée à la spectrométrie de masse (LC-MS) ont permis de comparer des polyphénols et des pesticides dans deux sources de propolis du Québec, avec une grande similarité entre les deux extraits. Des échantillons bruts ainsi que des extraits éthanoliques et des teintures ont été analysés suite à l’ionisation par plasma à couplage inductif (ICP-MS) et la spectroscopie de fluorescence atomique à vapeur froide (CVAFS) pour déterminer des concentrations de certains éléments traces présents à l’état de trace incluant l’As, le Cd, le Pb et le Hg total. / Propolis is a honeybee product made of plant and tree resins mixed with beeswax. It is used to build and repair the walls of the hive and to protect it from outside invaders. It contains a large number of compounds including plant metabolites, and is thus used in natural medications, cosmetic products and as food additives due to its richness in polyphenols, which confer its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. However, the composition of propolis is complex and highly variable because of the geographical location of the resins used by the bees. Furthermore, the presence of contaminants in the environment, such as pesticides and trace elements of anthropogenic origin, brings a risk of exposure to these substances when consuming the propolis. Various raw propolis samples as well as commercial and homemade tinctures from Canada, Romania and Brazil were analysed. The raw samples were extracted 3 times in 70 % EtOH (v/v) at 70 ̊C, whereas the tinctures were diluted in 70 % EtOH. The total polyphenol content was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Preliminary chromatography analyses by LC-MS on two propolis samples from Québec showed that the detected polyphenols and pesticides in their extracts were very similar, with only a few compounds found exclusively in either one or the other sample. Several raw propolis samples, their extracts and some tinctures were analyzed by ICP-MS and CVAFS to determine trace concentrations of heavy metals including As, Cd, Pb and total Hg.

[pt] O tiomersal é um composto organomercurial usado como conservante em vacinas. Sua degradação sob exposição luz visível ou ao UV produz ácido tiosalicílico, ácido ditiobenzóico e etilmercúrio. A inclusão do tiomersal em composições vacinais é controversa, pois alguns estudos apontam sua correlação com neurotoxicidade, porém, outras investigações ressaltam a sua segurança. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o grau de degradação do tiomersal sob influência de luz, pH, temperatura e material da embalagem, mediante a comparação de três técnicas analíticas. Adicionalmente, foi avaliado o efeito de excipientes vacinais. Conduziu-se uma investigação, inicialmente por espectrofotometria de absorção molecular no UV-vis, em relação à foto-exposição e presença dos excipientes. Para apoiar a confiabilidade dos resultados, testes estatísticos foram realizados. Para a análise da formação de quantidades ultra-traço de espécies mercuriais (etilmercúrio e mercúrio inorgânico), técnicas de maior sensibilidade como a espectrometria de absorção atômica e de fluorescência atômica acoplada à cromatografia gasosa foram utilizadas. Os resultados revelaram degradação do tiomersal sob exposição ao UV. A presença de excipientes durante a foto-irradiação demonstrou efeitos variados na estabilidade do tiomersal, com alguns excipientes favorecendo a degradação. Além disso, o material do recipiente foi relevante e as variações de temperatura e pH não afetaram significativamente a estabilidade. O tiomersal manteve-se estável na maioria dos testes que envolvia condições reais de armazenamento de vacinas. Essas descobertas contribuem para a compreensão do comportamento do conservante frente a fatores potenciais que influenciam sua estabilidade, subsidiando o desenvolvimento e armazenamento de vacinas, garantindo sua eficácia e segurança. / [en] Thiomersal is an organomercury compound used as a preservative in vaccines. Its degradation under exposure to visible light or UV produces thiosalicylic acid, dithiobenzoic acid and ethylmercury. The inclusion of thiomersal in vaccine compositions is controversial, as some studies indicate its correlation with neurotoxicity, , however, other investigations emphasize its safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of degradation of thiomersal under the influence of light, pH, temperature and packaging material, by comparing three analytical techniques. Additionally, the effect of vaccine excipients was evaluated. An investigation was conducted, initially by UV-vis molecular absorption spectrophotometry, regarding photo-exposure and the presence of excipients. To support the reliability of the results, statistical tests were performed. To analyze the formation of ultra-trace amounts of mercury species (ethylmercury and inorganic mercury), highly sensitive techniques such as atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry coupled to gas chromatography were used. The results revealed degradation of thiomersal under UV exposure. The presence of excipients during photoirradiation demonstrated varying effects on the stability of thiomersal, with some excipients favoring degradation. Furthermore, the container material was relevant and variations in temperature and pH did not significantly affect stability. Therefore, thiomersal remained stable in most tests involving real vaccine storage conditions. These findings contribute to the understanding of preservative behavior in the face of potential factors that influence its stability, supporting the development and storage of vaccines, ensuring their efficacy and safety.

Aus CdTe- und Edelmetallnanopartikeln werden 3-dimensionale Netzwerkstrukturen aufgebaut, welche durch einen überkritischen Trocknungsprozess zu hochporösen, weitverzweigten Halbleiter-Metall-Nanokompositen, sogenannten Aerogelen, umgewandelt werden. Zunächst werden Thiol-stabilisierte CdTe- und Edelmetallnanopartikel im wässrigen Milieu hergestellt und deren Morphologie und optischen Eigenschaften umfangreich mittels UV-Vis-Spektroskopie, Fluoreszenzspektroskopie und -lebensdauermessung, ICP-OES, TEM, STEM-EDX und AFM charakterisiert. Als Metallkomponente kamen Gold-, Palladium- sowie bimetallisch gemischte Gold-Palladium-Nanopartikel zum Einsatz. Die Gelierung der Nanopartikellösungen erfolgt durch Vermischen der Kolloide und anschließender kontrollierter Destabilisierung mithilfe einer Xe-Dampflampe oder der Zugabe von Wasserstoffperoxid. Neben einer mechanistischen Beschreibung der Gelbildungsmethoden wurden die resultierenden Hydrogele und die aus der überkritischen Trocknung erhaltenen Aerogele bezüglich Zusammensetzung, Morphologie und optischen Eigenschaften mithilfe von TEM und REM jeweils gekoppelt mit EDX-Analyse, Stickstoff-Porosimetrie, diffuser Reflexionsspektroskopie, Fluoreszenzspektroskopie und Fluoreszenzlebensdauermessungen untersucht. Weiterhin wird die UV-Vis-Spektroskopie als Methode zur Konzentrationsbestimmung von Gold in Lösungen kolloidaler Gold-Nanopartikel validiert. Dabei wird die Absorption der Kolloide bei einer Wellenlänge von 400 nm als Maß verwendet. Die NP-Lösungen werden anhand der Parameter Partikelgröße, Oberflächenfunktionalität und der Oxidationsstufe des enthaltenen Goldes variiert. / 3-dimensional network structures are formed combining CdTe and noble metal nanoparticles. A supercritical drying process allows production of highly porous and widely branched semiconductor-metal nanohybrids, so-called aerogels. Primarily, thiol-capped CdTe and noble metal nanoparticles are synthesized in aqueous media and their morphology and optical properties are studied extensively using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, ICP-OES, TEM, STEM-EDX and AFM. The metal entity involves gold and palladium nanoparticles as well as bimetallic mixed Au/Pd nanoparticles. After mixing of the different colloids gelation is induced by a controlled destabilization process using a Xenon lamp irradiation or the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Gelation techniques are described mechanistically. Resulting hydrogels and aerogels which are obtained by supercritical drying approach are characterized concerning composition, morphology and optical properties using TEM and SEM each coupled with EDX, nitrogen porosimetry, diffuse reflection spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, the UV-Vis spectroscopy is validated as a method to determine the gold concentration in gold nanoparticle solutions using the colloids absorbance at 400 nm as a measure. Gold nanoparticle solutions are varied concerning the parameters particle size, surface functionality and oxidation state of contained gold.