No description available.

Flax fibers can be used as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional reinforcing fibers (e.g., glass) in composites. The interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites is growing rapidly due to its high performance in terms of mechanical properties, significant processing advantages, excellent chemical resistance, low cost and low density. These advantages place natural fiber composites among the high performance composites having economic and environmental advantages. In the field of technical utilization of plant fibers, flax fiber-reinforced composites represent one of the most important areas. On the other hand, lack of good interfacial adhesion and poor resistance to moisture absorption make the use of natural fiber-reinforced composites less attractive. In order to improve their interfacial properties, fibers were subjected to chemical treatments, namely, mercerization, silane treatment, benzoylation, and peroxide treatment. Selective removal of non-cellulosic compounds constitutes the main objective of the chemical treatments of flax fibers to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced composites. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pre-treated flax fibers on the performance of the fiber-reinforced composites. Short flax fibers were derived from Saskatchewan-grown flax straws, for use in fiber-reinforced composites. Composites consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or HDPE/LLDPE mix, chemically treated fibers and additives were prepared by the extrusion process. Extrusion is expected to improve the interfacial adhesion significantly as opposed to simple mixing of the two components. The extruded strands were then pelletized and ground. The test samples were prepared by rotational molding. The fiber surface topology and the tensile fracture surfaces of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to determine whether the modified fiber-matrix interface had improved interfacial bonding. Mechanical and physical properties of the composites were evaluated. The differential scanning calorimetry technique was also used to measure the melting point of flax fiber and composite. Overall, the scanning electron microscopy photographs of fiber surface characteristics and fracture surfaces of composites clearly indicated the extent of fiber-matrix interface adhesion. Chemically treated fiber-reinforced composites showed better fiber-matrix interaction as observed from the good dispersion of fibers in the matrix system. Compared to untreated fiber-reinforced composites, all the treated fiber-reinforced composites had the same tendency to slightly increase the tensile strength at yield of composites. Silane, benzoylation, and peroxide treated fiber-reinforced composites offered superior physical and mechanical properties. Strong intermolecular fiber-matrix bonding decreased the high rate of water absorption in biocomposites. The incorporation of 10% untreated or chemically treated flax fibers also increased the melting point of composites. Further investigation is required to address the effect of increase in fiber content on the performance of composites.

Flax fibers can be used as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional reinforcing fibers (e.g., glass) in composites. The interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites is growing rapidly due to its high performance in terms of mechanical properties, significant processing advantages, excellent chemical resistance, low cost and low density. These advantages place natural fiber composites among the high performance composites having economic and environmental advantages. In the field of technical utilization of plant fibers, flax fiber-reinforced composites represent one of the most important areas. On the other hand, lack of good interfacial adhesion and poor resistance to moisture absorption make the use of natural fiber-reinforced composites less attractive. In order to improve their interfacial properties, fibers were subjected to chemical treatments, namely, mercerization, silane treatment, benzoylation, and peroxide treatment. Selective removal of non-cellulosic compounds constitutes the main objective of the chemical treatments of flax fibers to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced composites. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pre-treated flax fibers on the performance of the fiber-reinforced composites. Short flax fibers were derived from Saskatchewan-grown flax straws, for use in fiber-reinforced composites. Composites consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or HDPE/LLDPE mix, chemically treated fibers and additives were prepared by the extrusion process. Extrusion is expected to improve the interfacial adhesion significantly as opposed to simple mixing of the two components. The extruded strands were then pelletized and ground. The test samples were prepared by rotational molding. The fiber surface topology and the tensile fracture surfaces of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to determine whether the modified fiber-matrix interface had improved interfacial bonding. Mechanical and physical properties of the composites were evaluated. The differential scanning calorimetry technique was also used to measure the melting point of flax fiber and composite. Overall, the scanning electron microscopy photographs of fiber surface characteristics and fracture surfaces of composites clearly indicated the extent of fiber-matrix interface adhesion. Chemically treated fiber-reinforced composites showed better fiber-matrix interaction as observed from the good dispersion of fibers in the matrix system. Compared to untreated fiber-reinforced composites, all the treated fiber-reinforced composites had the same tendency to slightly increase the tensile strength at yield of composites. Silane, benzoylation, and peroxide treated fiber-reinforced composites offered superior physical and mechanical properties. Strong intermolecular fiber-matrix bonding decreased the high rate of water absorption in biocomposites. The incorporation of 10% untreated or chemically treated flax fibers also increased the melting point of composites. Further investigation is required to address the effect of increase in fiber content on the performance of composites.

No description available.

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of chemical treatment and ultrasound processing (sonication) on the fiber composition and rumen degradability of date palm seeds (DPS). For this purpose, five trials were conducted. In the first trial, the effects of treating DPS with 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at different temperatures (23, 50 and 100 0C) and for different times (30, 60 and 356 min) on seeds fiber content and ruminal degradability were evaluated. Relative to untreated seeds, treated seeds had lower (P<0.05) lignin and hemicellulose, and greater (P<0.05) neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose content, particularly at high temperatures. The degradability of seeds organic matter (OM) and NDF were greater (P<0.01) in the treated (41.79 and 35.44%) than untreated seeds (24.71 and 22.77; respectively), particularly when incubated at 23 0C. Treatment time, however, had no effect (P>0.01) on seeds OM and NDF degradability.

Once current nuclear reactor operation ceases in the U.K. there will be an estimated 99,000 tonnes of irradiated nuclear graphite waste which may account for up to 30% of any future UK geological ILW disposal facility [1]. In order to make informed decisions of how best to dispose of such large volumes of irradiated graphite (I-graphite) within the UK nuclear programme, it is necessary to understand the nature and migration of isotopes present within the graphite structure. I-graphite has a combination of short and long term isotopes such as 14C, 3H and 36Cl, how these behave prior to and during disposal is of great concern to scientific and regulatory bodies when evaluating present decommissioning options. Various proposed decontamination and immobilisation treatments within the EU Euroatom FP7 CARBOWASTE program have been explored [2, 3]. Experiments have been carried out on UK irradiated British Experimental Pile Zero and Magnox Wylfa graphite in order to remove isotopic content prior to long term storage and to assess the long term leachability of isotopes. Several leaching conditions have been developed to remove 3H and 14C from the irradiated graphite using oxidising and various acidic environments and show mobility of 3H and 14C. Leaching analysis obtained from this research and differences observed under varying leaching conditions will be discussed. Thermal analysis of the samples pre and post leaching has been performed to quantify and validate the 14C and 3H inventory. Finally the research objectives address differences in leachability in the graphite to that of structural and operational variation of the material. Techniques including X-ray Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Autoradiography and Raman spectroscopy have been examined and show a significant differences in microstructure, isotope distribution and location depending of irradiation history, temperature and graphite source. Ultimately the suitability of the developed chemical treatments will be discussed as whether chemical treatment is a viable option prior to irradiated graphite long term disposal.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, por meio do ensaio de microtração, o efeito na resistência adesiva e no modo de fratura da Y-TZP quando cimentada a blocos padronizados de resina composta com um cimento resinoso autoadesivo (RelyX Unicem 3M ESPE, Saint Paul/ Minnesota, EUA), sob diferentes tratamentos de superfície, antes e após o envelhecimento. Doze amostras de Y-TZP foram divididas em seis grupos, de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos de superfície: Ru (sem tratamento de superfície); Ap (Alloy Primer); Zp (Z-Prime Plus); Na (solução de hidróxido de sódio - NaOH); NaAp (solução de NaOH, seguida pela aplicação de Alloy Primer); NaZp (NaOH, seguida pela aplicação de Z-Prime Plus). Após os tratamentos de superfície e a cimentação, de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante, os blocos foram armazenados por 24h em água destilada e cortados em seguida. O teste de microtração aconteceu em dois momentos: 72h após os procedimentos de corte e após seis meses de envelhecimento (E). Ao final do teste de microtração, os espécimes foram analisados em estereomicroscópio e no microscópico eletrônico de varredura (MEV), para caracterização do modo de fratura. A distribuição Weibull a dois parâmetros (Synthesis 9, Weibull ++; Reliasoft, Tucson, AZ, USA) foi utilizada para cálculo da probabilidade de sobrevida em função da resistência adesiva em 10 MPa, 15 MPa e 20 MPa. A comparação entre os grupos também foi realizada com o módulo de Weibull e a resistência característica (resistência adesiva). As resistências adesivas imediatas e após o envelhecimento foram: (Ru 15,26 MPa e RuE 12,15 MPa; Ap 13,82 MPa e ApE 10,72 MPa; Zp 14,19 MPa e ZpE 9,72 MPa; Na 17,92 MPa e NaE 13,15 MPa; NaAp 21,25 MPa e NaApE 18,13 MPa; NaZp 16,25 MPa e NaZpE 8,66 MPa). Nos grupos imediatos, a utilização da solução básica, sozinha ou associada aos primers, apresentaram maior quantidade de falhas mistas, porém, após o envelhecimento, as falhas adesivas foram mais frequentes para esses tratamentos. Através dos resultados obtidos, pôde-se concluir que a solução de NaOH associada ao Alloy Primer, foi o único tratamento de superfície que apresentou os maiores valores de resistência adesiva, antes e após o envelhecimento, apresentando modo de fratura predominantemente mista. O tempo de armazenamento levou a uma redução da probabilidade de sobrevida em função da carga de 10 MPa e 15 MPa para todos os tratamentos, exceto para o NaAp. / This study aimed to evaluate, through microtensile test, the effect of bond strength and fracture modes of the Y-TZP when it is cemented to a standard composite resin blocks with a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem - 3M ESPE, Saint Paul / Minnesota, USA) under different surface treatments before and after aging. Twelve samples of Y-TZP were divided into six groups, according to the following surface treatments: Ru (no surface treatment); Ap (Alloy Primer); Zp (ZPrime Plus); Na (sodium hydroxide solution - NaOH); NaAp (NaOH solution, followedby Alloy Primer); NaZp (NaOH solution, followed by Z-Prime Plus). After the surface treatment and cementation, according to the manufacturer\'s recommendations, the blocks were stored for 24 hours in distilled water and then cut. The microtensile testing was performed in two times: 72 hours after the cutting procedures and after six months of aging (E). At the end of microtensile test, the specimens were analyzed in stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to characterize the fracture mode. The 2-parameter Weibull distribution (Synthesis 9, Weibull ++; Reliasoft, Tucson, AZ, USA) was used to calculate the survival probability function of the adhesive strength at 10 MPa, 15 MPa and 20 MPa. Comparisons between groups were also analysed with Weibull modulus and characteristic strength (bond strength). Results showed that the immediate and after aging bond strength were: (Ru 15.26 MPa and RuE 12.15 MPa; Ap - 13.82 MPa and ApE - 10.72 MPa; Zp - 14.19 MPa and ZpE - 9.72 MPa; Na - 17.92 MPa and NaE - 13.15 MPa; NaAp 21.25 MPa and NaApE - 18.13 MPa; NaZp 16.25 MPa and NaZpE - 8.66 MPa). In the immediate groups, using the basic solution, alone or in association with primers the results showed an increased amount of mixed failures, but after aging, the adhesive failures was more frequent for such treatments. It was possible to conclude that the NaOH solution associated with the Alloy Primer was the only surface treatment that showed the highest bond strength values before and after aging, with predominantly mixed fracture mode. The storage time promoted a reduction in survival probability function load of 10 MPa and 15 MPa for all treatments except for the NaAp.

Dentre os resíduos da agroindústria brasileira, a vinhaça, efluente da produção de etanol, se destaca por ser produzida em grande volume e ser altamente poluente. Por apresentar elevada concentração de nutrientes, sua principal aplicação tem sido a fertirrigação da lavoura canavieira, prática que pode causar impactos adversos ao solo e recursos hídricos. Uma alternativa promissora é sua utilização como meio de cultura na produção de biomassa de microalgas, as quais produzem lipídios conversíveis a biodiesel, sendo necessária a redução da concentração de partículas causadoras de cor e turbidez, proporcionando melhoria das condições de entrada de luz nos fotobiorreatores. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho propôs a utilização das técnicas de coagulação, floculação e sedimentação para a clarificação da vinhaça, visando sua adequação ao cultivo de microalgas. Na etapa I foram investigados os coagulantes cloreto férrico, sulfato de alumínio, hidróxido de cálcio, tanino e cinco polímeros sintéticos, em diferentes concentrações e faixas de pH, visando-se as maiores remoções de cor e turbidez. Nas dosagens empregadas, os coagulantes cloreto férrico e sulfato de alumínio não apresentaram desempenho satisfatório. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos com o uso do polímero catiônicoLAB TAE 409, o qual proporcionou reduções de 22% da cor e 78% da turbidez (com relação à vinhaça pré-centrifugada), mesmo em baixas dosagens (20 mg/L). Na etapa II foram realizados ensaios em jarteste, onde foram determinados a melhor temperatura (30ºC), a dosagem de polímero LAB TAE 409 (20 mg/L), o pH (~4,70, sem ajuste) e os parâmetros de mistura e sedimentação (TML = 5 min, GML = 60 s-1 e VSED = 1 cm/min), os quais proporcionam as maiores reduções de cor (76%) e turbidez (96%), com relação à vinhaça bruta. A partir do melhor tratamento definido na etapa II, a vinhaça foi empregada como meio para o cultivo da microalga Chlorella vulgaris (etapa III), conforme seguintes proporções: V1 (90% vinhaça tratada / 10% inóculo), V2 (45% vinhaça tratada / 45% água deionizada / 10% inóculo), V3 (5% vinhaça tratada / 85% água deionizada / 10% inóculo), comparados ao cultivo em meio padrão WC. Embora menores que os crescimentos (biomassa) obtidos no cultivo em meio padrão WC, os meios constituídos de vinhaça pré-tratada proporcionaram crescimento de Chlorella vulgaris, com velocidades específicas de crescimento próximas ao meio WC, indicando seu potencial uso na obtenção de biomassa dessa espécie de microalga. / Among the brazilian agro-industrial residues, vinasse, effluent from ethanol production, stands out for being produced in large volume and can be highly pollutant. Presenting high concentration of nutrients, its main application has been the irrigation of sugarcane, a practice that may cause adverse impacts to soil and water resources. A promising alternative is to use the vinasse as the culture medium for microalgal biomass production, which produce lipids convertible to biodiesel. Therefore, it is required an adaptation to this type of cultivation, mainly, through the reduction of the concentration of particles that cause turbidity and color, providing improved lighting conditions in photobioreactors. In this way, this work proposed the use of the coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation techniques for clarifying vinasse, aiming the cultivation of microalgae. In step I were investigated the coagulants ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, calcium hydroxide, tannin and five synthetic polymers, at different concentrations and pH ranges, aiming at the highest color and turbidity removal. In the dosages investigated, ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate did not show satisfactory performance. The best results were obtained with use of the cationic polymer LAB TAE 409, which provided a 22% reduction of color and 78% of turbidity (relative to vinasse pre-centrifuged), even at low dosages (20 mg/L). In step II, tests were carried out in jartest, which were determined the best temperature (30 ºC), the polymer LAB TAE 409 dosage (20 mg/L), pH (~ 4.70, without adjustment), and the mixing and sedimentation parameters (TML = 5 min, GML = 60 s-1 VSED = 1 cm/min), which provided the major reductions in color (76%) and turbidity (96%), relative to the raw vinasse. From the best treatment defined in step II, vinasse was used as medium for the cultivation of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (stage III), according to the following proportions: V1 (90% treated vinasse / 10% inoculum), V2 (45% vinasse treated / deionized water 45% / 10% inoculum), V3 (5% vinasse treated / deionized water 85% / 10% inoculum), compared to standard WC medium. Although lower than the growths (biomass) obtained in culture using WC, the mediums with pretreated vinasse have provided the growth of Chlorella vulgaris, with specific growth rates near the WC medium, indicating its potential use for obtaining this microalgal biomass.

Altering the wettability of reservoir rock using fluoro-chemical treatments has proved to be a viable solution to the condensate blocking problem in gas wells. Alteration of rock wettability to neutral-wet is the primary reason for improvement in gas and condensate relative permeabilities. Stability/compatibility test, drop tests and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis along with core flood results were used to characterize wettability changes. XPS tests, drop tests, and relative permeability measurements were conducted and correlated with each other. It is shown that XPS analysis and imbibition tests provide a quantitative measure of chemical adsorption and surface modification, but only a qualitative measure of the possible change in relative permeability. As such these simple analytical tools may be used as a screening tool. A positive but imperfect empirical correlation was obtained with results from core flood experiments. The varying concentration of fluorine observed on the rock surface was found to be directly correlated to the wettability change in the rock, which in turn is responsible for improving the deliverability of wells in gas condensate/volatile oil reservoirs. The method discussed in this thesis can be used to identify chemical treatments to change rock wettability and, therefore, relative permeability. This provides a simple, quick and inexpensive way to screen chemicals as wettability altering agents and relative permeability modifiers which saves time, cost and effort. / text

Physical property data was used to test two hypotheses pertaining to the impact of a chemical pre-treatment on the qualities of low consistency refined pulp. The first objective was to determine whether the addition of a chemical treatment would effectively accelerate the refining process when compared to a regular pulp. This involved the measurement of the physical property data and how it changed with increased refining energy. The second objective was to determine how the chemical treatment affected fibre development during refining, and whether its implementation could result in enhancement of inter-fibre bondability. Theoretical models for the physical properties of paper were used to study the fibre-to-fibre bonding properties of the tested paper samples. Additionally, SEM images were obtained to study the deferences in morphology of the tested pulp samples.