This master’s project report deals with the process development for patterning thesub-micron features using Deep-UV photolithography. Patterning of the sub-micronstructures in the resists UV26 and ZEP520A-7 has been demonstrated successfully. Using theKarl Süss-MJB4 DUV mask aligner, trenches of width down to 535 nm have been obtained.Good results have been obtained in these experiments considering the development time andthe exposure time, which are found to be shorter compared to previously published results.This provides a faster process and higher throughput. Experimental steps along with thefurther improvement areas are discussed.Equipment used include a Karl Süss-MJB4 DUV mask aligner, an optical microscope anda Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Spore morphology of Polypodiaceae and Grammitidaceae from Taiwan were studied with light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Totally 18 genera and 62 species were observed. Polypodiaceae spores are ellipsoidal and monolete except Loxogramme grammitoides; with spore ornamentation tuberculate, verrucate, echinate, globule, rugate, undulate, foveolate and/or vermiculate. Grammitidaceae spores are global, trilete with spore ornamentation granulate, tuberculate and/or globules. The spore surface ornamentation can be used as taxonomic characters in Polypodiaceae and Grammitidaceae at familial, genera and species levels. Based on spore characters, Polypodiaceae and Grammitidaceae can be differentiated, Loxogrammeae and Drynariaeae are not separable from the rest of Polypodiaceae, and the current classification system of Lepisorieae and Microsoreae are not .internal consistent.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Pletmos Basin is a Mesozoic half graben located in the southern part of South Africa and has undergone numerous tectonic changes which involve alteration of structure and reworking of sediments. Clay diagenesis has become a more prominent factor affecting the quality of the tight shaly sandstone reservoirs in the southern Pletmos Basin. The present study focused on Block 11a as a primary area of interest .The tight sandstone reservoirs encountered in the four wells, viz. Ga-Q1, Ga- Q2, Ga-Z1 and Ga- E2 were studied using four different methods to incorporate and infer the overall diagenetic effect on the reservoirs, caused by materials of argillaceous origin. The methods adopted in the present research are formation evaluation using wireline logs and calibration of core data using Interactive Petrophysics software, thin section petrography, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The availability of core samples were limited to wells Ga- Q1 and well Ga- Z1. Four reservoirs within the Cretaceous age were identified in each well and the best reservoirs were associated with facies B and D. / 2022-04-30

Most of the high-grade ores have been depleted globally, thus the effective processing of the low-grade and complex ores require a comprehensive mineral characterization through the process mineralogy/ geometallurgical approaches. 30-70 % of the total energy consumption in mining comes from the comminution step in mineral processing. This study, is aimed to investigate how different mineral domains in Lappberget, Garpenberg affect the grinding energy and throughput of an autogenous grinding mill (AG) and how blending different mineralogical domains will have an effect on throughput. The results were obtained through automated mineralogy using a Zeiss Sigma 300 VP at the QANTMIN scanning electron microscope (SEM) laboratory (Luleå University of Technology) and an in-house grindability test developed by Boliden Mineral AB. There is approximately a multiple of three times differences in the amount of energy consumption and throughput between the hardest and softest mineralogical domains. This difference is attributed to mineral composition of the individual domains and mineral characteristics. Blending different samples indicate that a higher throughput can be achieved and one possible hypothesis is that the harder minerals act as grinding media.

Thermo-stabilized lignin fibers from pH-fractionated softwood kraft lignin were carbonized to various temperatures during thermomechanical analysis (TMA) under static and increasing load and different rates of heating. The aim was to optimize the carbonization process to obtain suitable carbon fiber material with good mechanical strength potential (high tensile strength and high E-modulus). The carbon fibers were therefore mainly evaluated of mechanical strength in Dia-Stron uniaxial tensile testing. In addition, chemical composition, in terms of functional groups, and elemental (atomic) composition was studied in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The structure of carbon fibers was imaged in scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopy. Thermogravimetrical analysis was performed on thermo-stabilized lignin fibers to evaluate the loss of mass and to calculate the stress-changes and diameter-changes that occur during carbonization. The TMA-analysis of the deformation showed, for thermo-stabilized lignin fibers, a characteristic behavior of contraction during carbonization. Carbonization temperatures above 1000°C seemed most efficient in terms of E-modulus and tensile strength whereas rate of heating did not matter considerably. The E-modulus for the fibers was improved significantly by slowly increasing the load during the carbonization. The tensile strength remained however unchanged. The FTIR-analysis indicated that many functional groups, mainly oxygen containing, dissociate from the lignin polymers during carbonization. The EDS supported this by showing that the oxygen content decreased. Accordingly, the relative carbon content increased passively to around 90% at 1000°C. Aromatic structures in the carbon fibers are thought to contribute to the mechanical strength and are likely formed during the carbonization. However, the FTIR result showed no evident signs that aromatic structures had been formed, possible due to some difficulties with the KBr-method. In the SEM and light microscopy imaging one could observe that porous formations on the surface of the fibers increased as the temperature increased in the carbonization. These formations may have affected the mechanical strength of the carbon fibers, mainly tensile strength. The carbonization process was optimized in the sense that any heating rate can be used. No restriction in production speed exists. The carbonization should be run to at least 1000°C to achieve maximum mechanical strength, both in E-modulus and tensile strength. To improve the E-modulus further, a slowly increasing load can be applied to the lignin fibers during carbonization. The earlier the force is applied, to counteract the lignin fiber contraction that occurs (namely around 300°C), the better. However, in terms of mechanical performance, the lignin carbon fibers are still far from practical use in the industry.

This work deals with elemental analysis of inorganic materials, that are presented by blast furnace slag and geopolymeric material containing fly-ashes. In the theoretical part there are explained principles of elemental analysis of inorganic materials. Ways of dissolution of samples, optical emission spectroscopy and electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis are commented. In experimental part the ICP analysis of oxide standards is described. The standards were used for estimation of EDS-correction factors. Then follow the preparation, proving and use of standards in analysis of blast furnace slag. The work is finished by exact analysis of concentration profiles of elements in interface of phases in geopolymeric material.

This graduation theises deal with influence of an additional grating possitioned berween the sample and the ionisation detektor of the environmental scannin elektron microscope on signal detection. Signal level is measured for changing pressure, at different voltages on the aditional grating, at different sample - additional electrode distance and at different sample - detektor distance. Influence of the additional grating is simulated for real working conditions on PC.

O chumbo é um metal muito tóxico e que tem ampla distribuição pela sua grande utilidade. Mesmo a exposição a baixos níveis (que não causam sintomas de intoxicação aguda) de chumbo é associada a desordens cognitivas e neurológicas. O osso é considerado o melhor marcador de exposição a chumbo. No tecido ósseo, vários elementos estão presentes, e alguns deles poderiam ter sua concentração modificada pela exposição a chumbo. Testou-se a hipótese de que haja variações nos elementos Zn e Mg nas tíbias de animais expostos a chumbo (por técnica de química analítica convencional). Testou-se também se variações em microelementos poderiam ser detectadas por técnicas semiquantitativas nas tíbias de controles e animais expostos a chumbo. O objetivo deste projeto foi caracterizar em animais expostos ao chumbo desde a gestação e controles as concentrações deste elemento no osso (tíbia) de animais de 28 e 60 dias. Além do chumbo, investigamos também a concentração de 2 outros microelementos no osso: zinco e magnésio. As medidas quantitativas de chumbo foram feitas no sangue total coletado ao final dos períodos. As medidas quantitativas de chumbo, cálcio, zinco e magnésio foram realizadas a partir de soluções ácidas obtidas pela dissolução total do osso, sendo estas utilizadas para quantificar por Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica no modo chama ou com Forno e Grafite. Mandíbulas foram análisadas em Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura e utilizando os acessórios Eletron Dispersive Spectroscopy para os elementos mais abundantes e Wavelenght dispersive Spectroscopy para investigar por análise semiquantitativa os mais abundantes elementos inorgânicos no osso destes animais, como forma de verificar se há variações nestes microelementos nos animais expostos a chumbo em comparação com controles. Como o chumbo se concentra na superfície do esmalte, também analisou-se o esmalte de primeiros molares inferiores, a fim de verificar se era visto o sinal do elemento chumbo nestes dentes. Foram usados ratos Wistar machos de 28 e 60 dias divididos em 2 grupos: C 28D (n=5) e Pb 28D (n=5) e, C 60D (n=12) e Pb 60D (n=17). Em todas as medidas de chumbo dos grupos controle as concentrações obtidas foram próximas ao limite de detecção, e houve sempre diferença estatisticamente significante (P<0.0001) quando os controles foram comparados aos grupos expostos a chumbo. As concentrações de chumbo obtidas no sangue de animais do grupo Pb 28D foi de 8,0 ug/dl (± 1.1) e no grupo Pb 60D foi de 7,2 ug/dl (± 0.89). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as massas das tíbias (aferidas em balança e também a partir da quantidade de cálcio dissolvida em solução) do grupo C 60D (0,86 g ± 0,13) e Pb 60D (0,61 g ±0,11)(p=0.0004). As concentrações de chumbo detectadas nos ossos do grupo Pb 28D foi 8,02 (± 1,12) e no grupo Pb 60D foi de 43,3ug/g (± 13,26). Concentração de zinco no osso do grupo C 60D foi 0,22 mg/g e no grupo Pb 60D foi 0,22 mg/g (p>0.05). A concentração de magnésio no osso do grupo C 60D foi de 4,89 mg/g ± 0,74 e no grupo Pb 60D foi de 4,98mg/g ±0,79 (p>0.05). Os microelementos mais abundantes detectados nas tíbias contralaterais por Microscopia Eletrônica de varredura por EDS/WDS foram cálcio, fósforo, carbono, oxigênio, magnésio, sódio e potássio, não tendo sido detectadas variações nestes elementos entre os grupos controle e expostos a chumbo de 60 dias. O chumbo foi detectado apenas na região cervical dos dentes molares por MEV-EDS, e, nesta posição, apenas na forma de óxido de chumbo (deposição extrínseca) que pode ser útil para fins forenses ou de determinação de contaminação desconhecida. As conclusões deste estudo são: Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as massas de osso do grupo Pb 60D e C 60D. Mesmo não havendo diferença entre as concentrações de chumbo no sangue total de animais de 28 e 60 dias, houve quantidade de chumbo 5 vezes maior nos animais Pb 60D. Não houve diferenças nas concentrações de zinco e magnésio entre controles e animais expostos a chumbo. Os microelementos mais abundantes detectados nas tibias contralaterais por Microscopia Eletrônica de varredura por EDS/WDS foram cálcio, fósforo, carbono, oxigênio, magnésio, sódio e potássio, não tendo sido detectadas variações semi-quantitativas nestes elementos. O chumbo não foi detectado nem nos grupos controle ou expostos por MEV, e nos molares só foi detectada no grupo exposto como uma deposição extrínseca. / Lead is a highly toxic metal that is ubiquitous do to its great usefulness. Exposure to even low levels of lead (which do not cause symptoms of acute poisoning) is associated with cognitive and neurological disorders. Bone is considered the best marker of exposure to lead. Several chemical elements are found in bone, and some of them may have a different concentration or distribution due to exposure to lead. We tested the hypothesis that there are variations in the elements zinc and magnesium in the tibia of animals exposed to lead (being those elements determined by a conventional analytic chemistry technique). It was also tested whether variations in microelements could be detected by semiquantitative microanalysis in tibias of controls and animals exposed to lead. The objective of this project was to determine the concentration of lead in bone (tibia) of animals exposed to lead from pregnancy to day 28 and day 60. Besides lead, zinc and magnesium were also determined. Lead was also determined in whole blood collected at the end of the 2 time points. Quantitative measurements of lead, calcium, zinc and magnesium have been made in solutions obtained by dissolution of the bone by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using flame or Graphite Furnace. Tibias were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy using the accessories Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy and Wavelength dispersive Spectroscopy for semiquantitative analysis of inorganic elements in the bone and molars of these animals. Lower molars were also analyzed by these means. Male Wistar rats aged 28 and 60 days were used in these study. In both these ages there were animals in the control (C 28D, n = 5 and C 60D, n=12) and lead exposed group (Pb 28D, n = 5 and Pb 60D, n = 17). Lead concentrations found in control groups were close to the detection limit, and there was always statistically significant differences (P <0.0001) when control groups were compared with those exposed to lead. Blood lead of groups Pb 28D and Pb 60D was 8.0 ug/dl (± 1.1) and 7.2 ug/dl (± 0.89), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the masses of the tibia (measured in balance and also from the amount of calcium dissolved in solution): C 60D showing 0.86 g (± 0.13 g) and 0.61 g (± 0, 11) of the Pb 60D group (p = 0.0004). Lead concentrations increased five times when the Pb 28D group was compared with the Pb 60D (8.02 and 43.3 ug/g)(p<0.0001). Zinc concentrations were not different in the C 60D (0.22 mg/g) and in the Pb 60D group (0.22 mg/g)(p>0.05). Magnesium concentrations were 4.89 mg/g in the C 60D and 4.98 mg/g in the Pb 60D (p>0.05). The most abundant trace elements detected in the contralateral tibiae by SEM-EDS/WDS were calcium, phosphorus, carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sodium and potassium and no variations in these elements were detected between the control and lead exposed groups. Lead was detected only in the cervical region of molar teeth of the lead exposed groups by SEM-EDS. This finding revealed lead in the lead oxide (extrinsic deposition) which may be useful for forensic purposes or for determining unknown contaminations. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant difference between the bone masses of the Pb 60D and C 60D groups. While there is no difference between lead concentrations in whole blood of animals 28 and 60 days, the amount of lead was 5 times higher in animals Pb 60D. There were no differences in the concentrations of zinc and magnesium between controls and lead exposed animals. The most abundant trace elements detected in the contralateral tibiae by SEM-EDS/WDS were calcium, phosphorus, carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sodium and potassium, and no semi-quantitative variations in these elements were detected in relation to exposure to lead. Lead was not detected either in control or exposed groups by SEM, and in molars it was only detected in the exposed group as an extrinsic deposition.

The Sámi’s past activities have been documented historically from a European perspective, and more recently from an anthropological viewpoint, giving a generalised observation of the Sámi, during the study period of AD200-AD1800, as semi-nomadic hunter gatherers, with several theories suggesting that interaction with Europeans, through trade, led to the adoption of European activities by certain groups of the Sámi (Eiermann, 1923; Paine, 1957; Manker and Vorren, 1962; Bratrein, 1981; Mathiesen et al, 1981; Meriot, 1984). However, there is almost no information on the impact the Sámi had on the landscape, either before or after any adoption of European activities, and none investigating what cultural footprint or indicators would remain from Sámi or European occupation and/or activity within the typically podzolic soils of Northern Sweden. Consequently the thesis aims to contribute to the gap in knowledge through the formation of a podzol model identifying the links between anthropogenic activity and the alteration of podzol soils, and through the creation of soils based models which identify the cultural indicators associated with both Sámi and European activity; formed from the identification of cultural indicators retained within known Sámi and European sites. The methods used to obtain the information needed to achieve this were the pH and magnetic susceptibility from bulk soil samples and micromorphological and chemical analysis of thin section slides through the use of standard microscopy and X-ray fluorescence from a scanning electron microscope. The analysis revealed that the Sámi had an extremely low impact on the landscape, leaving hard to detect cultural indicators related to reindeer herding in the form of reindeer faecal material with corresponding phosphorous peaks in the thin section slides. The European footprint however, was markedly different and very visible even within the acidic soil environment. The European indicators were cultivation based and included phosphorous and aluminium peaks as well as a deepened, highly homogenised plaggen style anthropogenic topsoil rich in ‘added’ materials. An abandoned European site which visibly and chemically shows the formation of a secondary albic horizon within the anthropogenic topsoil also provides an insight into the delicate balance of cultivated soil in northern Sweden, whilst reinforcing the outputs identified in the podzol model. Due to the almost invisible Sámi footprint on the landscape, areas of overlap were impossible to identify however, there was no evidence of the adoption of European cultivation activities at any of the Sámi sites investigated. The only known area of interaction between the two cultures was an official market place which had been a Sámi winter settlement prior to its use as a market site. This site showed none of the reindeer based Sámi indicators or the cultivation based European indicators, but did contain pottery fragments which could be linked to trade or occupation. Overall, the thesis reinforces the low impact expected of the semi-nomadic Sámi and sheds light on the underlying podzolic processes influencing the anthropogenically modified soils of Northern Sweden. The podzol model is reinforced by several findings throughout the thesis and the soils based cultural indicator models for both Sámi and European activity have been successfully tested against independent entomological and palynological data and therefore provide reliable reference material for future studies.

The objective of my work was to develop HDPE clay nanocomposites for packaging with superior barrier (gas and water) properties by economical processing technique. This work also represents a comparative study of thermoplastic nanocomposites for packaging based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and Nylon12. In this study properties and processing of a series of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and Nylon 12 nanocomposites based on Na-MMT clay and two different aspect ratio grades of kaolinite clay are discussed.