To be able to ensure quality, efficiency and safety in nuclear reactors, non-destructive evaluations (NDE) are performed. The moulding technique, which has been studied in this project, is an NDE method used to verify surface breaking cracks at various objects in reactor vessels. The idea of moulding is to receive a copy of the replicated surface for microscopic analysis. Within forensic science the moulding technique is used at crime scenes to collect evidence and tie suspects to crimes. Underwater moulding, however, is a newly developed technique and WesDyne TRC is a pioneer in offering services within moulding for underwater purposes. This project was initiated by WesDyne TRC to further their knowledge within the moulding technology. In the project, studies have been made at three important parameters effect on cast quality using three different polymer compounds. Problems during moulding, such as crack detection failures and bubbles in the casts, raise the question whether the underwater moulding technique can be trusted to detect cracks. Results from the experiments led to a greater insight into the problem with receiving high quality casts during underwater moulding. Only if a satisfactory cast is made, the moulding method can be trusted to detect defects down to the detection target in both dry and wet environment. To increase the surface quality of underwater casts a suggestion for mould design and a recommended moulding method was developed. In addition, one of the polymer compounds approved for use, turned out not to be suitable for underwater moulding.

Over the last decade, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) have been detected in drinking water at very low levels, mostly ng/L concentrations, suggesting that these compounds resisted removal through water treatment processes. Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of common drinking water treatment technologies to remove these emerging contaminants. Adsorption processes were suggested to play an important role in the removal of PhACs and EDCs, based on the assumption that these compounds are similar to other conventional micropollutants such as pesticides in both physicochemical properties and concentration levels present in water. However, this remains to be demonstrated since the availability of adsorption data for PhACs and EDCs is extremely limited and their environmental concentrations are typically much lower than the ones for pesticides. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate in detail the removal of representative EDCs and PhACs at environmentally relevant concentrations by granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption. In the first stage of this study, EDCs (15) were screened separately from the PhACs (86) with two different sets of assessment criteria due to the different nature and the availability of information for these two groups of compounds. As a result, 6 EDCs and 12 PhACs were selected for further evaluation. Subsequently, a multi-residue analytical method based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of the selected PhACs and EDCs. Two key analytical steps - solid phase extraction and derivatization - were systematically optimized using full factorial design and a central composite design, respectively. The statistical experimental design in combination with the concept of the total desirability was demonstrated to be an effective tool for developing a multi-residue analytical method. The application of the developed method to Grand River water, a local raw water source, and finished drinking water from this source indicated that PhACs such as naproxen, carbamazepine, salicylic acid, ibuprofen, and gemfibrozil, and EDCs such as estrone (E1) and nonylphenol mono-ethoxy carboxylate (NP1EC) were the most common contaminants. Based on these results, the quality of the analytical data, and the physicochemical properties relevant to the adsorption on activated carbon, two PhACs (naproxen, carbamazepine) and one EDC (nonylphenol (NP)) were finally chosen for the adsorption studies. Adsorptions of the selected target compounds were evaluated on two types of activated carbon (coal-based Calgon Filtrasorb® 400 (F400) and coconut shell-based PICACTIF TE (PICA) by first investigating their isotherms at environmentally relevant concentrations (equilibrium liquid phase concentration ranging from 10 to 1000 ng/L). The single-solute isotherm data determined for both carbons showed that the relative adsorbabilities of the three target compounds were not in agreement with expectations based on their log Kow values. Overall, in this low concentration range, carbamazepine was most easily removed, and NP was least adsorbable. The adsorption of naproxen was negatively influenced by its dissociation in water. Comparison of single-solute isotherms on F400 carbon for the target compounds to those for other selected conventional micropollutants showed that naproxen and carbamazepine have generally comparable isotherms to 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin. The isotherm tests in a post-sedimentation (PS) water from a full-scale plant demonstrated that the presence of background natural organic matter (NOM) significantly reduced the adsorption of all three target compounds, among which.NP was the least impacted compound. Based on the quantification of the direct competition using the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) in combination with the equivalent background compound (EBC) approach, the minimum carbon usage rates (CURs) for removing 90% of the target compounds in PS water were calculated at two environmentally relevant concentrations (50 and 500 ng/L). This work confirmed that the percentage removal of the trace level target compound at a given carbon dosage was independent of the initial target compound concentration. Isotherm experiments were conducted for the target compound on GACs preloaded with PS water for various time intervals (up to 16 weeks) at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant (Region of Waterloo, ON, Canada). The results indicated that the adsorption of all target compounds were subject to significant negative impacts from preloading of NOM, albeit to different extents. Among the three target compounds, reduction in adsorption capacity for naproxen was most severe, followed by carbamazepine and then NP. The three target compounds followed quite different patterns of decrease in adsorption capacity with increasing preloading time, thus revealing different competitive mechanisms at work for the different compounds. For naproxen, the change in heterogeneity of the carbons due to preloading suggests that some pre-adsorbed NOM could not be replaced by naproxen. However, both direct competitive and pore blockage mechanisms could successfully explain the adsorption performance of naproxen and carbamazepine. The removal of NP even at prolonged preloading times could be explained by absorption or partitioning in the NOM matrix on the surface of, or inside the carbons. The kinetic parameters for each target compound-virgin carbon pair were determined using the short fixed bed (SFB) approach based on the pore and surface diffusion model (PSDM). The SFB results and sensitivity analyses indicated that, under the very low influent concentration conditions, film diffusion (indexed as βL) exerts a much greater effect on breakthrough profiles than internal diffusion. The SFB tests on preloaded GACs showed that mass transport of all the target compounds decreased with increasing preloading time. Similar to the impact of preloading on adsorption capacity, naproxen was subject to the most deteriorative effect, followed by carbamazepine and then NP. In addition, potential mechanisms for the decay of the film diffusion coefficient with increased preloading time were discussed based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of virgin and preloaded GAC. Electrostatic interactions between the NOM/bio film formed on the preloaded carbon and dissociated naproxen may have contributed to the enhanced reduction in its film diffusion. Sensitivity analyses and subsequent calculations of the Biot numbers confirmed that film diffusion was also the predominant mechanism controlling the mass transport on preloaded carbon, in particular for naproxen. This suggests that the early breakthrough prediction of the target compounds at their environmentally relevant concentrations could be further simplified by only considering film diffusion and adsorptive capacity. Kinetic and isotherm parameters were used as input for modeling using time-variable PSDM. It was found that the varying trends for Freundlich KF and 1/n, and βL could be generally depicted by a corresponding empirical model. Pilot scale treatability tests were performed for the target compounds which subsequently validated the time-variable PSDM results thus demonstrating its effectiveness and robustness to model GAC adsorber performance for PhAC and EDC removal at environmentally relevant concentrations. The time-variable approach was further improved by adjusting for NOM surface loading differences between the preloading and the pilot columns, which successfully compensated for the prediction errors at the early phase. The validated NOM surface loading associated time variable PSDM was used to predict performances of hypothetical F400 and PICA full-scale adsorbers. Both adsorbers were expected to provide satisfactory performance in achieving 90% removals for the neutral target compounds (carbamazepine and NP). Naproxen was predicted to break through fast since both, capacity and kinetic parameters decay quickly due to carbon fouling by NOM and the physicochemical properties of this compound. Initial recommendations on the choice of adsorption process (GAC vs. PAC) for removing EDCs and PhACs can be made based on the comparison of carbon usage rates (CUR) which were calculated for a GAC adsorber using the validated improved PSDM and for PAC using the minimum applied dosages predicted by the IAST-EBC model.

Abstract This research is to develop a new compound cage system that not only has the benefit of the traditional cage system but also has a series of oyster containers hanged on the circumference of the floating collar to add economic value to the cage aquaculture industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cage net deformation rate and the maximum mooring tension at the anchor under three types of Liuchiu sea states. The results of numerical simulation could be used as valuable guide for fish farmers and aquacultural cage designers. The developed numerical method is based on a lumped-mass approach to build a system of motion equations, and then utilizes the fourth order Runge-Kutta method to solve the motion equations. The numerical results reveal that under regular wave conditions, the cage net deformation rate for the compound cage system is slightly less than that of the traditional cage system, but the maximum mooring tension has reversed effect, i.e., the compound cage system has higher mooring tension than that of traditional one. As for the cases of irregular waves, the numerical results indicate that the cage net deformed so seriously that the fish can¡¦t survived at the sea condition of typhoon 50-year return period. To overcome this net shrinkage problem, an improved scheme is necessary to be implemented before a real compound cage system is installed in the open sea.

The interfacial reactions of Sn-Zn and Sn-Zn-Al solder balls with Au/Ni surface finish under aging at 150¢J were investigated. With microstructure evolution, quantitative analysis, elemental distribution by X-ray color mapping from an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), the reaction procedure of phase transformation was proposed. During the reflow, Au dissolved into the solder balls and reacted with Zn to form £^-Au3Zn7. As aging time increased, £^-Au3Zn7 transformed to £^3-AuZn4. Finally, Zn precipitated near the Au-Zn intermetallic compound. On the other hand, Zn reacted with the Ni layer and formed Ni5Zn21. But the Al-Au-Zn IMC formed at the interface of Sn-Zn-Al solder balls, the reaction of Ni with Zn was inhibited. Even though the aging time increased to 50 days, no Ni5Zn21 was observed. The Joule effect was more apparent than the electromigration in the biased solder balls. First of all, the new phase (Au, Ni)Zn4 was proposed in the biased condition and in 175¢Jaging. Secondly, the thickness of the Ni5Zn21 IMC were the same between the anode and the cathode. Finally, We directly measure the temperature of the biased solder balls which was up to 173¢J.

1. FVP of para-methoxystyrylarenes (5a-c) all gave the corresponding phenol products 21a-c. FVP of 5a and 5c also gave tricyclic products 22 and 23, respectively, which all included indene structure. But FVP of 5b gave naphthalene by ring opening of the furan. 2. FVP of 2-azidocyclohexanone (70) gave four products 83-86, and product 84 was a new compound. We provided a method to synthesize a new tricyclic product by one step. 3. Pyrolytic study of five 6-arylfulvenes (78-82). The products from FVP of 78-82 and mechanisms to account for their products will be discussed. FVP of compounds 79 and 80 gave naphthalene (96) and indene (97), respectively, by elimination of either a S or a CO molecule.

In this study, billet of a binary Al-10at%Fe alloy was prepared from pure Al and Fe powders by the use of conventional press and sinter route. The sintered billet was then subjected to multiple passages of friction stir processing (FSP). After FSP, the structure of a binary Al-10at%Fe alloy can be refined to sub-micrometer scale. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that particles of Fe-containing phase were distributed uniformly in the aluminum matrix, and the mean size of these second phase particles was about 100nm. From the results of X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the Al-Fe second phase was identified as Al13Fe4. We also observed obvious reaction zone around iron particles in the friction-stirred zone. Apparently, a rapid in-situ reaction between Al and Fe had occurred in FSP. In order to reduce the reaction time and the heat input, the higher traversing speed was used. In addition, a higher sintering temperature was used to promote Al-Fe reaction. Furthermore, micro-hardness, tensile and compressive tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the Al-10at%Fe alloy fabricated by FSP.

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A series of dimolybdenum compounds having a Mo2 4+ core coordinated by various ligands, including formamidinate (e.g. DAniF = N, NN-di-p-ansisylformamidinate ), acetate and/or acetonitrile molecules, have been synthesized as building blocks for the construction of Mo2-containing supramolecular arrays. Compound Mo2(DAniF)3(O2CCH3) was specifically designed for the preparation of dimolybdenum pairs, whereas the others meet the needs of Mo2 4+ units for different geometry settings. Compounds described by a general formula [Mo2]L[Mo2], where [Mo2] = [Mo2(DAniF)3]+, have two dimetal units electronically coupled by the central unit L , which consequently engender significant impact on the redox property and electronic structure of the molecule. It is found that in the weakly coupled complex system, [Mo2]M(OCH3)4[Mo2] (M = Zn and Co), the mixed-valence complexes present asymmetric molecular structures with two distinct [Mo2] units corresponding to be a bond order 4.0 (F2B4*2) and 3.5 (F2B4*1), respectively. EPR and magnetic susceptibility measurements for the doubly oxidized species show that there is no significant antifferromagnetic spin coupling. Electron delocalization occurs in the complex system where a N, N'-dimethyloxamidate binds two [Mo2] units within two fused six-membered rings. In this case, the mixed-valence complex has a symmetric molecular structure, implying that the odd electron is fully delocalized over two [Mo2]units. Strong metal-metal interaction is also evidenced by intervalence charge transfer of the mixed-valence species and the diamanetism of the doubly oxidized complex. Remarkably, two isomers varying in linkage conformation, namely, alpha and beta, have been isolated as diaryloxamidate ligands are used as the linker. Studies on the neutral and the oxidized compounds of the two isomers by employing various techniques consistently show that in the alpha form intramolecular electron transfer is blocked , while in the beta form, the electrons are delocalized over the two [Mo2] units. Thus, the mixed-valence complexes of the two isomers are appropriately described by alpha-[Mo2]0(oxamidate)[Mo2]1+ and beta- [Mo2]0.5+(oxamidate)[Mo2]0.5+ respectively.

The study of the mechanism of action of an antitumor active drug is essential for improving the efficacy and reducing the side effects of the drug as well as for developing better alternatives. In this vein, reactions of dirhodium compounds with DNA oligonucleotides were investigated by the techniques of mass spectrometry, HPLC, and NMR spectroscopic analytical methods. The relative reactivities of three dirhodium compounds, namely Rh2(O2CCH3)4, Rh2(O2CCF3)4, and [Rh2(O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6](BF4)2, with DNA oligonucleotides were studied and compared to the clinically used anticancer drugs cisplatin and carboplatin using both MALDI and ESI mass spectrometric methods. The compound Rh2(O2CCF3)4 exhibits the highest reactivity among the dirhodium compounds, which is comparable to cisplatin, followed by [Rh2(O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6](BF4)2, and finally Rh2(O2CCH3)4 which is the least reactive. Various dirhodium-oligonucleotide adducts were detected with both MALDI and ESI methods, which involve substitution of different numbers of the original ligands of the given dirhodium compound. ESI MS was found to be a sufficiently soft ionization method for detecting intact metal adducts, and CID MS-MS was useful for detecting weakly bound species such as axial adducts [M+Rh2(O2CCH3)4] and for comparing the relative bond strength between ligands in the metal adduct. A combination of anion exchange HPLC purification and enzymatic digestion studies of the adducts of Rh2(O2CCH3)4 with the 5'-CCTTCAACTCTC oligonucleotide revealed that Rh2(O2CCH3)4 binds to the center or to the ends of the oligonucleotide sequence by displacement of one or two acetate groups. Kinetic products of the type [M+Rh2(O2CCH3)3] obtained from the reaction of Rh2(O2CCH3)4 with 5'-CTCTCAACTTCC were separated by employing both reverse phase and anion exchange HPLC methods. The adduct that involves binding of the dirhodium unit to the exocyclic N4 atom of C5 and the N7 of A6 was found to be most stable whereas other adducts involving binding of C3 or C12 residues are clearly less stable. Reaction of cis-[Rh2(DAP)(O2CCH3)3(CH3OH)](O2CCH3) (DAP = 1,12- diazaperylene) with 5'-CTCTCAACTTCC produced a major adduct in which DAP group intercalates between 6A and 7A in the double stranded adduct with the rhodium atom that is not coordinated to the DAP group forming a covalent bond to the N7 atom of 6A which lends stability to the adduct.

Recently liquid-crystal display (LCD) has the highest output value and most popular usage of flat panel display in monitor. The advantage of LCD is low electric quantity consumption, light quantity and thin thickness. LCD has substituted for the traditional screen monitor. The back light module, color filter and actuation IC are three major cost structures in LCD. The optical film is the most used structure in back light module, which is used to increase brightness, luminate evenly the panel and prove illuminant efficiency. The liquid crystal does not irradiate, therefore, the back light module is accessory of liquid crystal display, especially the LCD has advanced the size over 60 inches dimensions. When the panel enhances its size, the cost of back light module correspondently increase, even achieve to 50%. The importance of back light module in LCD can be understood. This study is to develop an innovation of gapless compound polygonal micro-lens. The manufacturing process includes lithography, reflow, electroforming and hot embossing technologies. Also the TracePro software is applied to facilitate the design. LED is used as the illuminant without diaphragm simulation. It enables the optical film to achieve an optimum condition. Using the gap optical film, we need to apply 3~4 pieces in the back light module. When we use the gapless optical film to make film to increase largely the light efficiency, we expect to use 1~2 pieces in the back light module. In this case it can reduce the cost and promote the competition of the domestic manufacturer.