Significant potential for plastic hypodermic needles exists as an alternative to current steel needles, especially in developing regions where proper needle disposal is problematic. Needle reuse causes tens of millions of hepatitis and HIV infections each year. Plastic needles may reduce reusability and increase the opportunities for safe disposal. Plastic needles also will help with medical waste disposal, by removing metal from the waste stream, hence making it easier to reprocess needles and syringes into useful products such as car battery cases and pails. This thesis presents the design and testing of one type of plastic hypodermic needle. The buckling and penetration characteristics of the needles were modeled and analyzed analytically and by finite element analyses. Experimental penetration tests using steel and plastic hypodermic needles and skin mimics, specifically polyurethane film and pig skin, were performed to determine penetration and friction forces. Penetration tests also were conducted to determine whether the needles could penetrate butyl rubber stoppers that cover drug vials. Various lubricants, including silicone oil and a medical grade silicone dispersion, were also used. In addition, the needles underwent perpendicular bending tests and cannula stiffness tests. Finally, fluid flow tests were conducted to determine fluid flow rates through the needles. Experimental results were compared to each other and finite element analyses and discussed. The research presented in this thesis demonstrates that with further design modifications, plastic needles may become suitable for mass replacement of steel needles, thus helping to eradicate the many health and environmental risks brought upon by steel needles.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地球環境学) / 甲第25469号 / 地環博第255号 / 京都大学大学院地球環境学舎地球環境学専攻 / (主査)教授 勝見 武, 准教授 高井 敦史, 教授 安原 英明 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Global Environmental Studies / Kyoto University / DGAM

The comparison of rheological properties (complex shear modulus and phase angle and dynamic viscosity) of four paving bitumens and two polymer modified bitumens is performed in this diploma thesis. Furthermore, the empirical tests (needle penetration and softening point) were determined on these binders. Effect of asphalt binders aging was modeled using RTFOT test and modified RTFOT test (3 x RTFOT).

The thesis describes the relaxation properties of bituminous binders determined in dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Paving bitumen, polymer modified bitumen (PMB) and crumb rubber modified bitumen (CRmB) were chosen for comparison. In order to describe the effects of ageing on asphalt binders relaxation properties, the laboratory simulation of ageing using RTFOT and 3xRTFOT method was performed. For each binder were simultaneously conducted tests of needle penetration, softening point and elastic recovery. Selected bitumens were used for the production of asphalt mixtures. The low-temperature properties tests (TSRST) were performed for these mixtures, when the results were compared to the relaxation properties of binders determined in the DSR.

The theoretical part of this thesis describes the rheology of bituminous binders, aging of asphalt binders and laboratory methods simulating short and long term aging. The following describes an empirical tests (needle penetration, softening point ring ball method) and functional tests (complex shear modulus and phase angle, dynamic viscosity), which are performed in the dynamic shear rheometer. At the end of this section, laboratory aging of bituminous binders using method RTFOT and method RTFOT + PAV is described in more detail. In the practical part of this thesis, the results of all tests performed on the binders aged using RTFOT + PAV are introduced and compared with results of properties of non-aged binders and binders aged by 3xRTFOT.

This thesis deals with the modification of asphalt binder 50/70 with fast reacting SBS. This is a relatively new additive that should be able to improve the binder properties during mixing of the asphalt mix at the plant. In the theoretical part, the issue of asphalt-mixing plant and polymer modification additives is presented. Furthermore, the test methods used such as needle penetration, softening point, determination of the elastic recovery, DSR and MSCR are described. Several modified binder samples were developed for the tests, in which mixing temperature, mixing time and SBS content were combined. The results of each test were compared and evaluated at the end of the thesis.

The diploma thesis deals with the possibility of mixing binders of the PMB RC type with a binder made of reclaimed ashalt. lists the types of asphalt binders, its production and modification are in the teoretical part. There is explained the principle of rejuvenators function, types of rejuvenators. The procedures for performing tests on asphalt binders: recovery of asphalt binder, needle penetration, softening point (ring and ball method), reversible ductility, breaking point (according to Fraass) and DSR. Individual tests are evaluated and asphalt mixtures are compared in the practical part of asphalt binder. The diploma thesis deals with the possibility of mixing binders of the PMB RC type with a binder made of reclaimed ashalt. lists the types of asphalt binders, its production and modification are in the teoretical part. There is explained the principle of rejuvenators function, types of rejuvenators. The procedures for performing tests on asphalt binders: recovery of asphalt binder, needle penetration, softening point (ring and ball method), reversible ductility, breaking point (according to Fraass) and DSR. Individual tests are evaluated and asphalt mixtures are compared in the practical part of asphalt binder.

The diploma thesis is focused on the appropriate dosage of rejuvenating agents in asphalt mixtures with high content of RAP. The empirical and functional laboratory tests are described in the theoretical part. The practical part deals with the estimation of the optimal amount of rejuvenating agents by means of laboratory tests so that the rheological properties of the degraded asphalt binder can be restored by suitable dosing into the RAP. As part of the TAČR ZÉTA project, an experimental section of asphalt mixture containing 50 % of the RAP and an appropriate amount of the rejuvenating agents was created. The aim of the thesis is to find an optimal dosage of the rejuvenating agents in the samples of the RAP and laboratory aged asphalt binder of gradation 50/70, to determine the effectiveness of selected rejuvenating agents and to monitor changes in the parameters of the experimental section during the period of time.

The subject of the thesis is to describe the effect of fluxing additives on the behaviour of asphalt binders. Emphasis will be placed on changes in rheological properties of asphalt binders at intermediate temperatures, stability during aging and influence of fluxing agents on their low-temperature properties. Theoretical part will deal with the principle of asphalt binders aging and it will summarize knowledge about fluxing additives. Further, empirical and functional tests will be described in order to evaluate asphalt binders. In the practical part, all laboratory tests will be evaluated and the effects of two different fluxing additives will be compared.

This master's thesis describes how to use the asphalt layer called Stress Absorbing Layer (SAL) and comparises it with other types of SAL with different types of asphalt binders. In the first theoretical part is SAL generally described. In the second part is SAL practically tested and described.