A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2016. / Metal dusting (MD) is a severe type of corrosion that occurs mainly in petrochemical industries. The occurrence of MD is mainly due to syngas attacking Fe-, Ni- and Co-based alloys at elevated temperatures. More recently, literature has shown that apart from syngas, liquid hydrocarbon sources have been causing problems on platformer units in refineries. In the first part of this study a highly corrosion resistant Ni-based alloy (Hastelloy C276), in its polished form, was subjected to MD conditions at 800 °C using a liquid hydrocarbon (toluene) and helium (carrier gas) for 1 h. Exposure to these conditions revealed the formation of carbon nanofilaments and graphite layers which were confirmed by laser Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Burning off the carbon nanofilaments and the graphite layers in laboratory air for 1 h at 800 °C revealed that pits were formed on the Hastelloy C276. These same pits were not evident when Hastelloy C276 was exposed to either the carrier gas (helium) or laboratory air alone. Besides MD being a continuous problem in industry, this mechanism has been shown to be beneficial in the synthesis of carbon nanofilaments viz., carbon nanofibers (CNTs) and nanotubes (CNFs). In the second part of this study, unpolished Hastelloy C276 blocks (as opposed to polished blocks) were used to synthesize carbon nanofilaments. This was done as prior studies had shown that carbon nanofilaments were produced with better quality and greater yields this way. Here the flow rate (80, 160 and 240 mL/min) and reaction duration (10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120 and 240 min) were studied using toluene (a liquid hydrocarbon). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to assess the quality and quantity of the carbon nanofilaments synthesized. Besides the formation of carbon nanofilaments, a less important material known as graphite particle structures (GPSs) were also synthesized. These studies collectively showed that MD had taken place on the surface of Hastelloy C276 when exposed to toluene at 800 °C. / TG2016

As ligas γ-TiAl são atraentes para diversos segmentos industriais, tais como aeronáutico, aeroespacial e automobilístico, visto a sua combinação única de propriedades mecânicas aliadas a sua baixa densidade, alto ponto de fusão (1400 - 1500 °C), boa resistência à oxidação e à fluência, dentre outros. Contudo, apresentam como limitadores de aplicação uma baixa ductilidade à temperatura ambiente e insuficiente resistência à oxidação quando submetida às temperaturas superiores a 800 °C. Portanto, diversos elementos de liga têm sido adicionados à liga γ-TiAl com o intuito de melhorar estas propriedades. Diante disto, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar a microestrutura e o comportamento em oxidação em temperaturas elevadas das ligas γ-TiAl: Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr-0,5B (% at.) e Ti-44Al-4Nb-1Mo-0,5B (% at.). Os lingotes foram fundidos em um forno a arco elétrico sob atmosfera de argônio e a partir deles foi realizada a caracterização microestrutural por meio de difração de raios X, microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As análises permitiram identificar em ambas as ligas as fases γ-TiAl (matriz), α2-Ti3Al e β (B2). A microestrutura ao longo da seção transversal das ligas apresentou-se heterogênea, com grãos equiaxiais e uma estrutura lamelar na região central do lingote. Outro fato a ser evidenciado é a presença de regiões dendríticas em ambas as ligas, sendo que na liga Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr-0,5B(% at.) também foram observadas colônias de fragmentos dendríticos. O ensaio termogravimétrico foi realizado sob 1000 °C, ao ar por 7 h, e a partir dele observou-se que a resistência à oxidação de ambas as ligas apresentaram baixo ganho de massa quando submetidas a temperaturas inferiores a 850 °C, entretanto, a 1000 °C o comportamento das curvas evidencia que a liga Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr-0,5B(% at.) possui uma melhor resistência a oxidação do que Ti-44Al-4Nb-1Mo-0,5B (% at.) nesta temperatura. / γ-TiAl alloys are attractive to a number of industrial segments such as aeronautics, aerospace and automotive, since their unique combination of mechanical properties combined with their low density, high melting point (1400 - 1500 ° C), good oxidation and creep resistance, and others. However, they have as application limiters a low ductility at room temperature and insufficient oxidation resistance when exposed to temperatures exceeding 800 °C. Several alloying elements have been added to the γ-TiAl alloy in order to improve these properties. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize the microstructure and oxidation behavior at high temperatures of two γ-TiAl alloys: Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr-0.5B (wt.%) and Ti-44Al-4Nb-1Mo-0.5B (wt.%). The ingots were melt in an electric arc furnace under an argon atmosphere and then, the microstructural characterization was carried out by diffraction X-ray, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning (SEM). By the analyzes was possible to identify the phases γ-TiAl (matrix), α2-Ti3Al and β (B2) in both alloys. The microstructure along the cross section of the alloys was heterogeneous showing equiaxial grains, and dendritic regions in both alloys. In the Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr-0.5B (wt.%) alloy colonies of dendritic fragments were also observed. The thermogravimetric test was performed under 1000 °C in air for 7 h. As result it it was observed that the oxidation resistance of both alloys showed low mass gain when the temperature was up to 850 °C, however, at 1000 °C the curves\' behavior evidence that the Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr-0.5B (wt.%) alloy has a better oxidation resistance than Ti-44Al-4Nb-1Mo-0.5B (wt.%) at this temperature.

A produção de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) no estado de São Paulo é de grande importância para a produção brasileira, pois representa 21,5 % da produção total e é o principal estado produtor de tomate de mesa. O tomate de mesa é cultivado por tutoramento das plantas e o cultivo em casas de vegetação é uma prática crescente no Brasil, trazendo muitas vantagens a produção, como proteção às chuvas e pragas. Porém em muitos casos, dependendo da estrutura utilizada, pode ocorrer aumento da temperatura interna das casas de vegetação. O tomateiro é uma planta sensível as altas temperaturas, e alterações dos níveis ótimos podem causar danos no metabolismo e consequentemente na produtividade da cultura. Altas temperaturas no cultivo de tomate são prejudiciais ao seu desenvolvimento, pois alteram a homeostase celular e desregulam funções vitais das plantas, como fotossíntese, gerando em excesso espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) como os radicais superóxidos, peróxido de hidrogênio e radicais hidroxilas, que são tóxicos às plantas e causam estresse oxidativo, levando até a sua morte. Plantas estressadas acumulam solutos osmoprotetores, entre eles a L-prolina, que auxiliam na proteção das estruturas celulares, na eliminação das EROs e também ativam o metabolismo antioxidante das plantas. Além da acumulação endógena de L-prolina, a aplicação exógena desse aminoácido pode trazer vantagens ao alívio do estresse térmico. Esse estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficiência da L-prolina nas doses de 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 e 1600 mg/L na nutrição foliar, parâmetros fotossintéticos, enzimas do sistema antioxidante, malonaldeído e peróxido de hidrogênio, produtividade e características pós colheita dos frutos. Os dados climáticos durante o cultivo do tomateiro evidenciaram a ocorrência de temperaturas elevadas durante o ciclo de produção. Assim, foi possível observar que a aplicação exógena de L-prolina nas doses de 50 e 100 mg/L aumentaram a eficiência do uso da água, diminuíram o conteúdo de malonaldeído e aumentaram a produtividade comercial e total de frutos por planta. O uso de 50 mg/L desse aminoácido também proporcionou aumento do número de frutos comerciais por planta. A aplicação de L-prolina, independente da dose, proporcionou diminuição no conteúdo de peróxido de hidrogênio e elevou a atividade das enzimas do sistema antioxidante, além de melhorar a qualidade do fruto, diminuindo a acidez e aumentando a relação SST/ATT. Dessa maneira, constatou-se o efeito positivo do uso exógeno da L-prolina no alívio dos danos causados por altas temperaturas, principalmente em plantas tratadas com 50 e 100 mg/L. / The production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the state of São Paulo is of great importance for the Brazilian production, it represents 21.5% of total production and is the main state table tomato producer. The fresh tomato is grown by staking of plants and cultivation in greenhouses is a growing practice in Brazil, bringing many benefits to production, as protection of rain and pests. However, in many cases, depending on the structure used, there may be an increase in the internal temperature of the greenhouse. The tomato is a plant sensitive to high temperatures, and changes in optimal levels can cause damage to metabolism and consequently crop productivity. High temperatures in tomato cultivation are detrimental to their development, as they alter cellular homeostasis and deregulate vital plant functions, such as photosynthesis, generating in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, which are toxic to plants and cause oxidative stress, leading to their death. Stressed plants accumulate osmoprotective solutes, including proline, which help protect cell structures, eliminate ROS and also activate plant antioxidant metabolism. In addition to the accumulation of endogenous proline, exogenous application of this amino acid can bring advantages to the relief of heat stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of L-proline at doses of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg / L by foliar spray, in photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant system enzymes, malonaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, productivity and post-harvest characteristics of fruits. The climatic data during tomato cultivation evidenced the occurrence of high temperatures during the production cycle. Thus, it was possible to observe that the exogenous application of L-proline at doses of 50 and 100 mg / L increased the efficiency of water use, decreased malonaldehyde content and increased commercial and total fruit yield per plant. The use of 50 mg / L of this amino acid also provided an increase in the number of commercial fruits per plant. The application of L-proline, regardless of the dose, resulted in a decrease in the hydrogen peroxide content and increased the activity of the antioxidant system enzymes, besides improving fruit quality, decreasing the acidity and increasing the SST/ATT ratio. Thus, there was the positive effect of the exogenous use of L-proline in alleviating the damage caused by high temperatures, especially in plants treated with 50 and 100 mg / L.

Kwan Wing Tak. / On t.p., "3" is subscript following the word: Pb (Zr, Ti) O" in the title. / Title also in Chinese characters. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [96-100]). / Acknowledgement / Abstract / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1-1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Experimental Set-Up and Procedure / Chapter Section 2.1 --- General Description of Experiments --- p.2-1 / Chapter Section 2.2 --- High Temperature X-ray Diffraction Technique --- p.2-1 / Chapter Section 2.3 --- Sawyer-Tower Bridge --- p.2-3 / Chapter Section 2.4 --- Thermomechnical Analysis System(TMS) & Differential Scanning Calorimeter(DSC) --- p.2-4 / Chapter Section 2.5 --- Laser Experiment --- p.2-4 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- X-ray Experimental Results / Chapter Section 3.1 --- Investigation of PZT film on (100) MgO Single Crystal Substrate --- p.3-1 / Chapter Section 3.2 --- Investigaiton of PZT Bulk Materials by X-ray Diffractometer and Vacuum Chamber --- p.3-3 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Experimental Data from TMS / Chapter Section 4.1 --- Experimental Details --- p.4-1 / Chapter Section 4. 2 --- Results --- p.4-2 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- "Measurement of Curie temperature using Ferroelectric Properties, Heat Capacity and Piezoelectric Properties of PZT" / Chapter Section 5.1 --- Investigation of the Ferroelectric Properties of PZT Bulk Material by Sawyer´ؤTower Bridge --- p.5-1 / Chapter Section 5.2 --- Investigation of the Heat Capacity of PZT Bulk Material by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) --- p.5-2 / Chapter Section 5.3 --- Investigation of Piezoelectric Properties of PZT Bulk Material by Laser Method --- p.5-3 / Chapter Section 5.4 --- Discussion of Results --- p.5-4 / Chapter Section 5.5 --- Data Summary --- p.5-5 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Data Analysis and Discussion / Chapter Section 6.1 --- Analysis of Structural X-ray Data --- p.6-1 / Chapter Section 6.2 --- Analysis of TMS Data --- p.6-2 / Chapter Section 6.3 --- Discussion --- p.6-4 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusion --- p.7-1 / Reference

A produção de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) no estado de São Paulo é de grande importância para a produção brasileira, pois representa 21,5 % da produção total e é o principal estado produtor de tomate de mesa. O tomate de mesa é cultivado por tutoramento das plantas e o cultivo em casas de vegetação é uma prática crescente no Brasil, trazendo muitas vantagens a produção, como proteção às chuvas e pragas. Porém em muitos casos, dependendo da estrutura utilizada, pode ocorrer aumento da temperatura interna das casas de vegetação. O tomateiro é uma planta sensível as altas temperaturas, e alterações dos níveis ótimos podem causar danos no metabolismo e consequentemente na produtividade da cultura. Altas temperaturas no cultivo de tomate são prejudiciais ao seu desenvolvimento, pois alteram a homeostase celular e desregulam funções vitais das plantas, como fotossíntese, gerando em excesso espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) como os radicais superóxidos, peróxido de hidrogênio e radicais hidroxilas, que são tóxicos às plantas e causam estresse oxidativo, levando até a sua morte. Plantas estressadas acumulam solutos osmoprotetores, entre eles a L-prolina, que auxiliam na proteção das estruturas celulares, na eliminação das EROs e também ativam o metabolismo antioxidante das plantas. Além da acumulação endógena de L-prolina, a aplicação exógena desse aminoácido pode trazer vantagens ao alívio do estresse térmico. Esse estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficiência da L-prolina nas doses de 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 e 1600 mg/L na nutrição foliar, parâmetros fotossintéticos, enzimas do sistema antioxidante, malonaldeído e peróxido de hidrogênio, produtividade e características pós colheita dos frutos. Os dados climáticos durante o cultivo do tomateiro evidenciaram a ocorrência de temperaturas elevadas durante o ciclo de produção. Assim, foi possível observar que a aplicação exógena de L-prolina nas doses de 50 e 100 mg/L aumentaram a eficiência do uso da água, diminuíram o conteúdo de malonaldeído e aumentaram a produtividade comercial e total de frutos por planta. O uso de 50 mg/L desse aminoácido também proporcionou aumento do número de frutos comerciais por planta. A aplicação de L-prolina, independente da dose, proporcionou diminuição no conteúdo de peróxido de hidrogênio e elevou a atividade das enzimas do sistema antioxidante, além de melhorar a qualidade do fruto, diminuindo a acidez e aumentando a relação SST/ATT. Dessa maneira, constatou-se o efeito positivo do uso exógeno da L-prolina no alívio dos danos causados por altas temperaturas, principalmente em plantas tratadas com 50 e 100 mg/L. / The production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the state of São Paulo is of great importance for the Brazilian production, it represents 21.5% of total production and is the main state table tomato producer. The fresh tomato is grown by staking of plants and cultivation in greenhouses is a growing practice in Brazil, bringing many benefits to production, as protection of rain and pests. However, in many cases, depending on the structure used, there may be an increase in the internal temperature of the greenhouse. The tomato is a plant sensitive to high temperatures, and changes in optimal levels can cause damage to metabolism and consequently crop productivity. High temperatures in tomato cultivation are detrimental to their development, as they alter cellular homeostasis and deregulate vital plant functions, such as photosynthesis, generating in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, which are toxic to plants and cause oxidative stress, leading to their death. Stressed plants accumulate osmoprotective solutes, including proline, which help protect cell structures, eliminate ROS and also activate plant antioxidant metabolism. In addition to the accumulation of endogenous proline, exogenous application of this amino acid can bring advantages to the relief of heat stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of L-proline at doses of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg / L by foliar spray, in photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant system enzymes, malonaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, productivity and post-harvest characteristics of fruits. The climatic data during tomato cultivation evidenced the occurrence of high temperatures during the production cycle. Thus, it was possible to observe that the exogenous application of L-proline at doses of 50 and 100 mg / L increased the efficiency of water use, decreased malonaldehyde content and increased commercial and total fruit yield per plant. The use of 50 mg / L of this amino acid also provided an increase in the number of commercial fruits per plant. The application of L-proline, regardless of the dose, resulted in a decrease in the hydrogen peroxide content and increased the activity of the antioxidant system enzymes, besides improving fruit quality, decreasing the acidity and increasing the SST/ATT ratio. Thus, there was the positive effect of the exogenous use of L-proline in alleviating the damage caused by high temperatures, especially in plants treated with 50 and 100 mg / L.

Pontos quânticos de carbono (C-dots) luminescentes na região do azul-verde aprisionados em matriz de sílica foram produzidos por um processo novo, baseado na pirólise de grupos contendo carbono dispersos nas bordas dos grãos de dimensões nanométricas de sílica (AEROSIL) previamente sinterizados a frio sob alta pressão, onde nenhuma técnica de passivação foi exigida. A análise de difração de elétrons de área selecionada (SAED – Selected Area Electron Diffraction) e espectroscopia de perda de energia de elétrons (EELS – Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy) confirmaram a formação de C-dots contendo átomos de carbono com ligações do tipo sp2. Foram investigados diferentes valores de pressão (2,5, 4 e 7,7 GPa) para sinterização a frio e diferentes temperaturas de pirólise, a partir de 500 até 900°C. Resultados de análise térmica revelaram pequena perda de massa durante a pirólise das amostras, praticamente independente da pressão utilizada na sinterização. Espectroscopia na faixa do infravermelho revelou alterações nas bandas de aborção na faixa correspondente aos modos de vibração de CH2 e CH3, dependentes da temperatura e da pressão utilizadas. Os espectros de fotoluminescência (FL) foram fortemente dependentes do comprimento de onda de excitação e observou-se uma intensidade de emissão mais elevada no intervalo entre 500-550 nm para a amostra sinterizada a frio em 7,7 GPa e tratada termicamente a 800°C para excitação em 460 nm. Também foi investigado a contribuição da matriz de silica após a sinterização. / Quantum dots in the blue-green region embedded in a silica matrix were produced by a new process based on the pyrolysis of groups containing carbon dispersed on the edges of the grain of nanosized silica (AEROSIL) previously sintered under high pressure, where no passivation technique was required. The Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) confirmed the formation of Cdots containing carbon atoms with sp2 bonds. Different pressure values (2,5, 4 and 7,7 GPa) were investigated for cold sintering and the pyrolsys was in the temperature range from 500 to 900°C. Results of thermal analysis revealed a small loss of mass during the pyrolysis of the samples, practically independent of the sintering pressure. Infrared spectroscopy revealed changes in the absorption bands in the range corresponding to the CH2 and CH3 vibration modes, depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were strongly dependent on the excitation wavelength and a higher emission intensity was observed in the range 500-550 nm for the sample sintered at 7.7 GPa and pyrolysed at 800°C for excitation at 460 nm. The contribution of the silica matrix after sintering was also investigated.

Thesis (B.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1981. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Includes bibliographical references. / by David Alan Stephenson. / B.S.

Thesis (Sc.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1980. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Includes bibliographical references. / by Mohamad Metghalchi. / Sc.D.

A computational model is developed to study the effects of alumina layer formation on an ablative surface when exposed to high temperature particle laden gas flow. The solidification dynamics i.e., the solid and liquid alumina layer growth rate, and the heat transferred to the ablative surface are investigated. A one-dimensional model is developed taking into consideration the thermal loading, particle loading and the temperature dependence of the thermo-physical properties of alumina. A fully implicit finite volume method is used to solve the coupled set of non-linear heat conduction equations. The solidification interface is tracked using the Lagrangian interpolation technique. The particle mass flux was found to be the major factor affecting the solid layer growth rate. The gas heat flux also has a major effect on the solid growth rate and the heat transferred to the ablative surface, but only for lower particle mass fluxes. On other hand the particle temperature has a linear effect on the solidification dynamics and the heat transferred to the ablative surface for all particle mass fluxes. The heat transferred to the ablative surface is reduced by approximately 39% to 88%, depending on the mass fluxes, due to the formation of the alumina layer. / Graduation date: 2003

Hydraulic bulge forming has been used as a method to determine the properties of sheet metal alloys in biaxial stretching at room temperature. Gas-pressure bulge forming alleviates the issues of using hydraulic fluids when the tests are conducted at high temperatures (above 200°C). Testing a sheet metal alloy by gas-pressure blow-forming (GPBF) under controlled temperature and pressure conditions requires an accurate and reliable mechanism that delivers repeatable results. It was the purpose of this work to design and implement such an instrument. This instrument should deliver real-time data for material displacement during forming, which can then be used to better understand material plastic response and formability. Four different subsystems within this mechanism must interact, but also have enough independence for analysis and for assembly purposes. The combined sub-systems produced a GPBF apparatus capable of forming a sheet aluminum alloy AA5182 with a thickness of 1.5 mm into a dome with a height nearly equal to its radius under a constant gas pressure as low as 40 psi at 450°C. This GPBF apparatus produced, for the first time, in-situ data for dome peak displacement during gas-pressure bulge forming of AA5182 sheet at 450°C. / text