O principal objetivo do trabalho foi o desenvolvimento de um modelo matemático de um pasteurizador a placas visando a determinação da distribuição de temperatura e de letalidade ao longo dos canais do trocador de calor em todas as suas seções, nas conexões tubulares e no tubo de retenção para a avaliação do decaimento logarítmico da concentração de um microorganismo alvo ou da atividade de uma enzima alvo em um processo de pasteurização contínua. A modelagem matemática foi composta pelo balanço diferencial de energia e letalidade nos canais do trocador, no tubo de retenção e nas suas conexões, levando em conta a perda de calor para o ambiente nos tubos. O modelo construído apresentou um conjunto de equações diferenciais ordinárias de primeira ordem e sua resolução foi feita pelo método das diferenças finitas usando o software gPROMS. Um estudo de caso foi analisado e a modelagem descreveu de forma coerente o processo térmico e a letalidade e futuramente ela poderá ser utilizada para a otimização do processo de pasteurização em trocadores de calor a placas, visando a obtenção de produtos seguros e de alta qualidade. A verificação do processo de pasteurização que o modelo desenvolvido contempla foi realizada a partir da validação experimental utilizando um integrador tempo-temperatura e ensaios laboratoriais com indicador enzimático (fosfatase alcalina em tampão fosfato), que mostraram que o modelo desenvolvido se aproxima de maneira satisfatória dos resultados reais. / The main objective of this study was to develop a mathematical model in a plate pasteurizer in order to determine the temperature and lethality distribution along the channels of the heat exchanger in all its sections, in tubular connections and holding tube evaluating the logarithmic decay in concentration of a target microorganism or enzyme activity in a continuous pasteurization process. Mathematical modeling was composed of the differential energy balance and lethality in the channels of the exchanger, the holding tube and its connections, taking into account the heat loss to the environment in the tubes. The constructed model presented a set of ordinary differential equations of first order and its resolution was made by the finite difference method using the gPROMS software. A case study was analyzed and the modeling described the thermal and the lethality process very well and in the future it can be used to optimize the process of pasteurization in plate heat exchangers, aiming the achievement of safe and with high quality products. A verification of the pasteurization process that the model developed contemplates has been performed based on experimental validation using time-temperature integrator and testing with enzymatic indicator (alkaline phosphatase in phosphate buffer), which showed that the model developed satisfactorily approximates the actual results.

With the MOSFET scaling practice, the performance of IC devices is improved tremendously as we experienced in the last decades. However, the small semiconductor devices also bring some drawbacks among which the high gate leakage current is becoming increasingly serious. This thesis work is focused on the of gate leakage current reduction in thin oxide semiconductor devices. The method being studied is the Phonon Energy Coupling Enhancement (PECE) effect induced by Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP). The basic MOS capacitors are used to check improvements of leakage current reduction after appropriate RTP process. Through sets of experiments, it is found that after RTP in Helium environment could bring about four orders reduction in gate leakage current of MOS capacitors.

abstract: Amorphous oxide semiconductors are promising new materials for various optoelectronic applications. In this study, improved electrical and optical properties upon thermal and microwave processing of mixed-oxide semiconductors are reported. First, arsenic-doped silicon was used as a model system to understand susceptor-assisted microwave annealing. Mixed oxide semiconductor films of indium zinc oxide (IZO) and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) were deposited by room-temperature RF sputtering on flexible polymer substrates. Thermal annealing in different environments - air, vacuum and oxygen was done. Electrical and optical characterization was carried out before and after annealing. The degree of reversal in the degradation in electrical properties of the thin films upon annealing in oxygen was assessed by subjecting samples to subsequent vacuum anneals. To further increase the conductivity of the IGZO films, Ag layers of various thicknesses were embedded between two IGZO layers. Optical performance of the multilayer structures was improved by susceptor-assisted microwave annealing and furnace-annealing in oxygen environment without compromising on their electrical conductivity. The post-processing of the films in different environments was used to develop an understanding of mechanisms of carrier generation, transport and optical absorption. This study establishes IGZO as a viable transparent conductor, which can be deposited at room-temperature and processed by thermal and microwave annealing to improve electrical and optical performance for applications in flexible electronics and optoelectronics. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering 2011

O processamento térmico de alimentos visa garantir qualidade e inocuidade pela inativação de micro-organismos e enzimas. Geralmente ocorre sobreprocessamento, levando à perda de características nutricionais e sensoriais e à elevação de custos operacionais. Foi desenvolvida a modelagem matemática (modelos térmico, mássico, hidráulico e reativo) de um equipamento bitubular para o processamento térmico contínuo de um alimento líquido homogêneo em regime laminar difusivo, para determinação das distribuições de temperatura e letalidade. No modelo foram incorporados parâmetros para quantificar os efeitos das difusividades térmica e mássica efetivas na direção radial ao escoamento. O modelo contempla três seções: aquecimento; tubo de retenção e resfriamento, em que as seções de aquecimento e resfriamento são trocadores de calor modulares. Foram considerados os seguintes volumes de controle: alimento, tubo interno, fluido de utilidade, tubo externo, isolamento térmico e ar ambiente. Balanços diferenciais de energia e massa foram aplicados para modelar as trocas térmicas e a distribuição de micro-organismos, enzimas ou nutrientes. Condições de contorno foram aplicadas para manter a continuidade entre as seções e módulos. O modelo foi resolvido através do método de diferenças finitas, discretizando as componentes axiais e radiais. No estudo de caso foram feitas simulações para o processamento térmico de suco de amora, quantificando os efeitos dos parâmetros difusivos e das variáveis de processo sobre os atributos de qualidade nutricional (antocianina) e qualidade microbiológica (levedura). Na validação dos modelos térmico e mássico os efeitos de mistura e difusão na direção radial foram quantificados através do ajuste da condutividade térmica efetiva e número de Peclet modificado. Utilizou-se um pasteurizador em escala laboratorial e os fluidos: mistura glicerina/água 80% (newtoniano) e solução de CMC 1% (pseudoplástico) nas vazões de 10 a 50 L/h. Os resultados indicam que o modelo proposto representou satisfatoriamente as distribuições de temperaturas, letalidade e comportamento experimental com reduzida complexidade computacional. / The thermal processing ensures quality and safety by inactivation of micro-organisms and enzymes. Generally, over-processing occurs, resulting in sensorial and nutritional losses and operating costs increase. A mathematical model (thermal, mass, hydraulic and reactive) of a double-pipe pasteurizer has developed for the continuous thermal processing of a liquid food in laminar diffusive regime, to obtain the temperature and lethality distributions. Parameters to quantify the effects of thermal and mass effective diffusivities in the radial direction were incorporated in the model. The model comprises three zones: heating; holding tube and cooling, where the heating and cooling zones are modular double-pipe heat exchangers. The following control volumes were considered: food, inner tube, utility fluid, outer tube, thermal insulation and ambient air. Energy and mass differential balances were used for modeling the heat transfer and the destruction of micro-organisms, enzymes or nutrients. Boundary conditions were applied to maintain the continuity between zones and modules. The finite difference method was used to discretize the model in the axial and radial directions. A simulation study case for blueberry juice thermal processing was made, analyzing the effects of the diffusive parameters and processing variables of the thermal treatment in the nutritional quality (anthocyanin) and microbiological quality (yeasts) attributes. In the validations of the heat and mass models, the mixture and diffusive effects in the radial direction were quantified by adjusting the heat conductivity and the modified Peclet number. A laboratory scale pasteurizer was used with the following fluids: glycerin/water mixture 80% (newtonian) and CMC 1% solution (pseudoplastic) in flows rates between 10 and 50 L/h. The obtained results indicate that the proposed model successfully represented the temperature and lethality distributions and experimental behavior with reduced computational complexity.

O principal objetivo do trabalho foi o desenvolvimento de um modelo matemático de um pasteurizador a placas visando a determinação da distribuição de temperatura e de letalidade ao longo dos canais do trocador de calor em todas as suas seções, nas conexões tubulares e no tubo de retenção para a avaliação do decaimento logarítmico da concentração de um microorganismo alvo ou da atividade de uma enzima alvo em um processo de pasteurização contínua. A modelagem matemática foi composta pelo balanço diferencial de energia e letalidade nos canais do trocador, no tubo de retenção e nas suas conexões, levando em conta a perda de calor para o ambiente nos tubos. O modelo construído apresentou um conjunto de equações diferenciais ordinárias de primeira ordem e sua resolução foi feita pelo método das diferenças finitas usando o software gPROMS. Um estudo de caso foi analisado e a modelagem descreveu de forma coerente o processo térmico e a letalidade e futuramente ela poderá ser utilizada para a otimização do processo de pasteurização em trocadores de calor a placas, visando a obtenção de produtos seguros e de alta qualidade. A verificação do processo de pasteurização que o modelo desenvolvido contempla foi realizada a partir da validação experimental utilizando um integrador tempo-temperatura e ensaios laboratoriais com indicador enzimático (fosfatase alcalina em tampão fosfato), que mostraram que o modelo desenvolvido se aproxima de maneira satisfatória dos resultados reais. / The main objective of this study was to develop a mathematical model in a plate pasteurizer in order to determine the temperature and lethality distribution along the channels of the heat exchanger in all its sections, in tubular connections and holding tube evaluating the logarithmic decay in concentration of a target microorganism or enzyme activity in a continuous pasteurization process. Mathematical modeling was composed of the differential energy balance and lethality in the channels of the exchanger, the holding tube and its connections, taking into account the heat loss to the environment in the tubes. The constructed model presented a set of ordinary differential equations of first order and its resolution was made by the finite difference method using the gPROMS software. A case study was analyzed and the modeling described the thermal and the lethality process very well and in the future it can be used to optimize the process of pasteurization in plate heat exchangers, aiming the achievement of safe and with high quality products. A verification of the pasteurization process that the model developed contemplates has been performed based on experimental validation using time-temperature integrator and testing with enzymatic indicator (alkaline phosphatase in phosphate buffer), which showed that the model developed satisfactorily approximates the actual results.

Ce travail porte sur le développement de nouvelles méthodes de mesure permettant la caractérisation de réactions chimiques très exothermiques dans des conditions de sécurité. Pour cela, nous souhaitons combiner l’analyse thermique des réactions et la technologie microfluidique. L’utilisation de la microfluidique rend possible l’utilisation de très faibles volumes réactionnels limitant ainsi tout risque lié à la dangerosité des réactions explosives. Le premier appareil développé est un microcalorimètre qui mesure le flux de chaleur global dégagé lors d’un écoulement co-courant ou gouttes. Plusieurs paramètres peuvent être déterminés : enthalpie de mélange et de réaction, concentration par dosage calorimétrique et cinétique. Le deuxième dispositif consiste à mesurer le champ de température du milliréacteur isopéribolique à l’aide d’une caméra InfraRouge et ainsi de suivre localement l’évolution de la réaction pour déterminer les paramètres thermocinétiques. / This work deals with the development of new measurement methods in order to characterize high exothermic chemical reactions in safe conditions. Thus, we combine thermal analysis with microfluidic technology. The use of microfluidics allows to manipulate a very small amount of product safely. First, we have developed a microcalorimeter to measure the global heat flux produced in co-flow or droplet-flow configurations. Several parameters can be determined: reaction and mixing enthalpy, concentrations by calorimetric titration and kinetics. The second method uses an InfraRed camera to measure the temperature field of the isoperibolic millireactor. Then, the local evolution of the reaction is estimated by thermal processing. From such inverse methods, the thermokinetic parameters can be determined.

O palmito pode ser obtido a partir de várias espécies de palmeiras. Devido à alta taxa de exploração das palmeiras do gênero Euterpe e ao seu baixo poder de regeneração, no mercado consumidor há falta de produto de boa qualidade. Palmeiras mais precoces e que produzam bom palmito têm sido pesquisadas, uma delas é a pupunha (Bactris gasipaes), nativa da Amazônia que apresenta características de precocidade, rusticidade e perfilhamento, com palmito de ótima qualidade, diferindo dos demais pelo sabor adocicado e a coloração amarelada. O seu cultivo pode ser feito em grande parte do território brasileiro. A porção comestível do palmito de pupunha é dividida em três partes: a basal ou caulinar (coração), a apical, e a central ou foliar (creme ou tolete). O comércio de palmito privilegia a parte central da palmeira, vendendo o palmito basal como subproduto. O presente estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar a equivalência da qualidade do palmito basal e do foliar de pupunha, priorizando-se o tratamento adicional com ácido acético, que mascara o seu sabor adocicado, comparado com o ácido cítrico, largamente utilizado nas indústrias. As amostras de palmito de pupunha foram cultivadas em área experimental pertencente a ESALQ/USP; para o processamento foram cortadas 120 palmeiras em março de 2007. Foram analisadas características físicas, químicas, bioquímicas e sensoriais do palmito basal e foliar de pupunha em seis períodos de armazenamento (1, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 dias). O controle das operações durante o processamento foi eficiente, pois o peso e o preenchimento dos vidros não variaram entre as unidades. Durante o período de armazenamento a coloração amarelada dos palmitos basal e foliar de pupunha se manteve constante. Embora as enzimas polifenoloxidase e peroxidase tenham sido detectadas nas análises bioquímicas, seus valores foram baixos, e como a coloração foi a mesma durante o armazenamento, considera-se que as enzimas foram inativadas. A composição centesimal das amostras (umidade, proteína, matéria graxa, fração cinza, fibras e carboidratos) indicou que ambos os produtos possuem as mesmas características, as quais se assemelham muito à da palmeira juçara. A análise sensorial não mostrou diferença significativa entre as amostras, porém as notas mais baixas foram atribuídas às conservas acidificadas com ácido acético. Com relação à freqüência de consumo, observou-se que o palmito de pupunha é pouco utilizado na alimentação humana, sendo a resposta às vezes predominante. Os resultados mostraram que o palmito basal e o foliar de pupunha têm as mesmas características físicas, químicas e sensoriais, indicando que o primeiro também pode ser comercializado como palmito de primeira qualidade; o período de armazenamento não alterou as principais características dos produtos. / The palm can be obtained from several palms trees. Besides of high rate of exploration of Euterpe palms trees and his low regeneration power, there is a lack of product in the consumer market. More precocious palms trees and which produce good palm heart have been investigated, one of them is the peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), native of Amazon region that presents characteristics of precociousness, rusticity and tillering with palm heart with good quality, differing of others for the slightly sweet taste and the yellowed coloration. His cultivation can be done in great part of the Brazilian territory. The edible portion of the palm is divided in three parts: basic one or caulinar (heart), apical and central or foliaceous (cream or thole). The commerce of palm privileges the central part of the palm tree, selling heart as by-product. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the equivalence of the quality of heart and thole of peach palm, acidified with citric acid, widely used in the industries, and with acetic acid that masks the slightly sweet taste. The samples of peach palm were cultivated in experimental area of ESALQ/USP and for the processing 120 palms trees were cut in march of 2007. Heart and thole of the palm were analysed by physical, chemical, biochemical and sensorial characteristics for six periods of storage (1, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 days). The control of the operations on the processing was efficient, since the weight and the filling out from the glasses did not vary between the unities. During the period of storage the coloration of the tholes and hearts of palm peach was yellowed, characteristic that remained constant. Even though the enzymes polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase have appeared in the biochemical analyses, its values were low, and the coloration was the same during the storage. The centesimal composition of the samples (humidity, protein, oily matter, ash, fibers and carbohydrates) indicated heart and thole of peach palm have the same characteristics, which liken very much to that of the palm tree Euterpe edulis. The sensory analysis did not show significant difference between the samples, however the lowest notes were attributed to the pickles acidified with acetic acid. Regarding the frequency of consumption, it was noticed that the palm heart of peach palm is little used in the feeding of people, being the answer \"sometimes\" the one that had major constancy. Data showed that heart and the thole of peach palm have the same physical, chemical and sensory characteristics, indicating that the first one also can be marketed like palm heart of first quality; the period of storage did not change principal characteristics of the products.

This diploma thesis was aimed at study of the effect of various gaseous extinguishing media in an environment of increased temperature on the paper and its properties. Paper samples were exposed to elevated temperature in air, CO2 gas and gas mixtures of N2:Ar (1:1). The impact of conditions on the mechanical, chemical and optical properties of paper has been studied after exposure of the paper by extinguishing media under elevated temperature. The change of properties was determined immediately after exposure of samples under simultaneous conditions of fire, further one was determined for samples exposed to conditions of dry and wet aging. As a reference sample was used crude paper. Values of elasticity modulus, strength tensile, tearing resistance, the work needed for break tension, the total color difference and pH of samples have been determined. The results showed that every external influence causes at least some change in mechanical, optical and chemical properties such as increased temperature, the effect of extinguishing media or ageing of paper. The gas mixture N2:Ar (1:1) had the smallest influence on the sample paper, which was worked. Thus this gas mixture could be the best choice for the application in archive environments.

Beans are a commonly consumed food and a staple in many regions worldwide. Pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), categorized as legumes, are dried seeds from plants and are high in protein, carbohydrate and fiber, and low in fat. They are also a good source of various minerals and well as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate Beans are typically soaked and thermally processed before consumption. Different processing methods can impact the composition of beans. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of thermal treatments on vitamin concentration in pinto beans. Beans were simmered, canned, dried-flaked, or dried-extruded, and measured for thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B6. Beans were then reheated and measured again for vitamin concentration. Vitamin loss was comparable between the most commonly consumed stages of processing: Simmered, canned reheated, dried-flaked reheated and dried-extruded reheated. The only statistically significant differences were that simmering caused the least amount of degradation of thiamin and dried-flaked product had the least amount of vitamin B6 degradation. Though dried-flaked and dried-extruded beans generally decreased in vitamin concentration, these two products were comparable to the simmered and canned reheated products. This suggests that drying is a nutritionally acceptable means of processing pinto beans, resulting in products that are more economical to transport and more convenient to prepare.

In this thesis, multiple activities have been carried out in order to improve the process of CIGSS solar cell fabrication on a 4" x 4" substrate. The process of CIGSS solar cell fabrication at FSEC's PV Materials Lab involves a series of steps that were all carried out manually in the past. A LABVIEW program has been written to carry out automated sputter deposition of Mo back contact, CuGa, In metallic precursors on a soda lime glass substrate using a stepper motor control for better uniformity. Further, selenization/ sulfurization of these precursors was carried out using rapid thermal processing (RTP). CIGS films were sulfurized using chemical bath deposition (CBD). ZnO:Al was deposited on the CIGSS films using RF sputtering. A separate LABVIEW program was written to automate the process of ZnO:Al deposition. Ni/Al contact fingers were deposited on the ZnO:Al layer using the e-beam evaporation technique. Further, in order to test these solar cells in-house, a simple current-voltage (IV) tracer was fabricated using LABVIEW. A quantum efficiency (QE) measurement setup was built with guidance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Lastly, analysis of data from photovoltaic (PV) modules installed on the FSEC test site has been carried out using a LABVIEW program in order to find out their rate of degradation as time progresses. A 'C' program has also been written as an aid for keeping a daily log of errors in data and for troubleshooting of the same.