Les diodes électroluminescentes organiques (OLED) ont une durée de vie limitée. Cette limitation est notamment due à la présence d'impuretés dans le matériau électroluminescent. Ces impuretés proviennent principalement des électrodes. Nous pensons que l'ajout de couches de matériaux entre les électrodes et le matériau électroluminescent peut retarder l'arrivée des impuretés. Cette couche ajoutée doit avoir plusieurs caractéristiques dont principalement :être conductrice, ne pas absorber la lumière, être facilement mise en oeuvre et être d'une grande pureté. Nous pensons que des matériaux de type discotique possédant une mésophase aux températures d'utilisation de la OLED peuvent remplir ce cahier des charges.<p>Nous avons choisi d'étudier les composés discotiques à base de triphénylène, car celui-ci n'absorbe pas dans le visible. Nous avons tout d'abord étudié les 2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexa-(alkylthio)triphénylènes (HATT). Les HATT possèdent déjà les propriétés physiques que nous recherchons à l'exception des propriétés thermotropes. Nous avons donc étudié la possibilité de modifier celles-ci.<p>La synthèse de plusieurs HATT possédant six chaînes alkylsulfanyles identiques n'a pas donné les résultats attendus du point de vue des propriétés thermotropes. Nous avons alors synthétisé des molécules possédant plusieurs chaînes alkylsulfanyles différentes. Après différents essais, nous avons trouvé un mélange de molécules possédant plusieurs chaînes latérales différentes ayant les propriétés physiques recherchées. Mais ce matériau est composé d'un grand nombre de molécules et sa purification est difficile. Les techniques classiques de purification des composés organiques ne donnant pas une pureté suffisante, ou étant inapplicables sur une mésophase cristal liquide à température ambiante, nous avons donc recherché d'autres techniques de purification ou d'obtention des propriétés thermotropes désirées.<p> Nous avons étudié la purification par raffinage de zone des matériaux à l'aide d'une impureté que nous avons ajoutée et suivie au cours des manipulations. Le raffinage de zone montre une bonne purification lors de l'utilisation d'une transition de phase entre une phase cristalline et une phase liquide. Par contre, lors de l'utilisation d'une transition impliquant une mésophase (cristal liquide ou cristal plastique), une faible (ou une absence de) purification est observée. Ces deux dernières études ont été faites sur des 2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexa(alkyloxy)triphénylènes (HAOT) que nous avons synthétisés et purifiés au préalable. <p>Les gels de silice fonctionnalisés que nous avons utilisés montrent une purification des cations métalliques durs et, dans une moindre mesure, des cations métalliques intermédiaires dans le concept dur-mou. Le phosphore, seul élément non-métallique que nous ayons étudié, est l'élément dont la baisse de concentration est la moins efficace.<p>La seconde approche pour obtenir des mélanges possédant une mésophase cristal liquide à température ambiante est la formation de mélanges de molécules synthétisées et purifiées isolément. Parmi les mélanges de molécules que nous avons effectués, nous avons pu observer une plage de concentration de mélanges ternaires qui possède les propriétés thermotropes recherchées.<p>Nous avons donc obtenu un matériau cristal liquide à température ambiante grâce à un mélange de molécules. Le matériau ainsi formé absorbe peu dans le visible, possède potentiellement une bonne mobilité des porteurs de charges électriques, est facilement obtenu à une pureté suffisante. Ce mélange de molécules possède donc les propriétés que nous recherchons pour être utilisé comme couche de matériau ajoutée aux OLED.<p> / Doctorat en sciences, Spécialisation chimie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Masters: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / Constant change through global competition, technological advances and socio-economic improvement, permeates the contemporary environment in the world including certain African countries. Oil refineries are in constant progress with regards to modernisation and development. Many oil refineries all over the world are operating according to the expected scope of oil products to be produced and supplied, in line with the objectives of meeting domestic and international demand. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has one oil refinery only named Congolese Company of Oil Refining Industries (SOCIR), which has become less productive, uncompetitive, inefficient and unable to achieve its socio-economic roles or goals of supplying the country with oil products and of contributing to national socio-economic development. This study aimed to explore the socio-economic role of the petroleum refining industry in the DRC, through the case study of the SOCIR. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the factors affecting the socio-economic development in the DRC; identify the challenges experienced by SOCIR in the macro-environment; and explore the socio-economic effects the upgrading of SOCIR could have on the socio-economic situation in the DRC. In order to achieve these objectives, the study was undertaken as a quantitative survey combined with qualitative in-depth interviews to provide better understanding of the information obtained from the survey. The quantitative study was conducted on administrative personnel, academics, students, and public and private participants involved in the oil and gas industry in the DRC. Hundred participants were selected for the quantitative survey and five in-depth interviews were conducted to discuss the findings and results obtained through the quantitative study. The macro-environment variables of the PESTIE model were used to accomplish the aim and objectives of this study. The result of this study revealed that most factors affecting the socio-economic development of the DRC are related to the PESTIE instabilities, lack of economic diversity and constant national and regional ethnic or armed conflicts that are fuelled by multiple interests linked to natural mineral resources. The ageing of SOCIR infrastructure, the lack of financial capital and the lack of investments for human capital development were identified as the main challenges experienced by SOCIR. Furthermore, it was highlighted that if SOCIR upgraded with new efficient processing technology, it could increase its capacity of production, contribute on reducing the effects of total dependency on imports of all needs for petroleum products and prevent the country from exporting the total oil output, contribute on supplying the country with sufficient quality and quantity of clean oil products, and promote the oil and gas industry development and integration. The results of this study also indicated that SOCIR development could play a key role leading to economic diversity and growth with direct, indirect and induced impacts of massive job creation and contribute on reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality of many Congolese which are living under the poverty datum line. The study revealed that the outcome of the oil and gas industry integrated and developed through SOCIR modernisation strategy could steer the socio-economic change and transformation in the country. It is recommended to the government of DRC to constantly review, monitor and implement policies and regulations that could promote the oil and gas industry development in the country. The results of the study should also influence policy-makers and decision-makers on formulating innovative and creative policies, setting programmes, methods and interventions, which will enable the development of the oil and gas industry. / M

The biosorption of copper, nickel, gold and platinum from single metal aqueous solutions by the nickel hyperaccumulator Berkheya coddii plant biomass was investigated. Potentiometric titrations of the biomass and determination of optimal sorption pH for each metal showed that nickel ions were released from the biomass into solution. The presence of free nickel ions interfered with the uptake of the other three metals and further biosorption investigations were discontinued. Three fungal isolates found colonising metal solutions were cultured and screened for their ability to remove 50 mg.l⁻¹ of copper, nickel, gold and platinum from solution and to survive and grow in precious metal refinery wastewaters. One isolate was selected for further studies based on its superior metal uptake capabilities (35 and 39 mg.l⁻¹ of gold and platinum, respectively) and was identified as Phoma glomerata. Copper, nickel, gold and platinum uptake studies revealed that nickel and gold were the most toxic metal ions, however, toxicity was dependent on pH. At pH 6 more biomass growth was achieved than at lower pH values and metal uptake increased by 51 and 17 % for copper and nickel, respectively. In addition, the production of extracellular polymeric substances played a role in base metal interaction. Precious metals were observed to be preferentially removed from solution, complete removal of gold and platinum was observed at all initial pH values, 89 % of copper was bioaccumulated at an initial metal concentration of 55 mg.l⁻¹ (pH 6) and only 23 % of nickel was removed from solution under the same conditions. Metal bioaccumulation was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy and micro particle induced X-ray emission. The effect of P. glomerata immobilised in a packed bed reactor on precious metal refinery wastewaters was investigated. It was found that the fungal isolate was not able to remove the high salt and chemical oxygen demand concentrations found in the wastewaters, however due to its ability to survive and grow in undiluted wastewater and remove metal ions from solution it may be utilised as a metal detoxification step in the treatment process train. / PDFCreator Version 0.9.0 / AFPL Ghostscript 8.53

En todo el mundo, las explotaciones petroleras por lo general están ubicadas en espacios alejados de las ciudades o centros de procesamiento. Esa condición plantea un problema muy interesante referente al transporte del crudo de los centros de extracción a los centros de refinamiento o comercialización y el Perú no escapa a esta problemática. Por otro lado, se encuentran desafíos para la utilización del oleoducto de manera eficiente donde se permita mejorar la competitividad del sector hidrocarburos. Por ello, en la presente investigación estudiaremos los desafíos que enfrenta el Oleoducto Norperuano (ONP) como parte de la cadena logística del crudo de petróleo de los campos de la Amazonía Peruana. El objetivo de la investigación es conocer si el ONP sigue siendo la mejor alternativa logística para el transporte de crudo de petróleo de los campos petrolíferos ubicados en la Amazonía peruana. A tal efecto se ha realizado una investigación cualitativa, en la cual se han utilizado las opiniones de expertos en el área petrolera, mediante la realización de entrevistas personalizadas y a profundidad. Los resultados obtenidos del trabajo de investigación se presentan de la siguiente manera: el ONP es la mejor y más importante alternativa para el transporte del crudo de la Amazonía a los centros de refinación, comercialización y posterior exportación. También se hace necesario implementar programas de mantenimiento preventivo y correctivo con el fin de garantizar su funcionalidad. / Around the world, oil fields are usually located in spaces far from cities or remote areas. This condition generated a very interesting problem regarding the transportation of oil crude from the extraction centers to the refining or commercialization centers, and Peru does not escape of this problem. On the other hand, there are challenges for the efficient use of the pipeline where it is possible to improve the competitiveness of the hydrocarbon sector. Therefore, in this research we will study the challenges faced by the North Peruvian Pipeline (ONP) as part of the oil crude logistics chain from the fields of the Peruvian Amazon. The objective of the research is to know if the ONP can be consider the best logistical alternative for the transportation of crude oil from the oil fields located in the Peruvian Amazon. To this end, a qualitative investigation has been carried out, in which the opinions of experts in the oil field have been used, through personalized and in-depth interviews. The results obtained from the research work are presented as follows: the ONP is the best and most important alternative for transporting crude from the Amazon to refining, marketing and subsequent export centers. It is also necessary to implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs in order to guarantee its functionality. / Tesis

This thesis deals with depth estimation using convolutional neural networks. I propose a three-part model as a solution to this problem. The model contains a global context network which estimates coarse depth structure of the scene, a gradient network which estimates depth gradients and a refining network which utilizes the outputs of previous two networks to produce the final depth map. Additionally, I present a normalized loss function for training neural networks. Applying normalized loss function results in better estimates of the scene's relative depth structure, however it results in a loss of information about the absolute scale of the scene.

Ausgangspunkt der Untersuchungen ist eine signifikante Veränderung des elektrochemischen Abscheidungsverhaltens von Silber bei Wechsel des Elektrolytsystems vom technisch eingesetzten salpetersauren System zu einem methansulfonsauren System. Im letztgenannten wird eine für Silber unübliche Kompaktabscheidung an einer Kathode möglich. Die Grundlagenuntersuchungen konnten zeigen, dass eine Erhöhung der Abscheidungspolarisation die Veränderung hervorruft. Ursächlich für diese erhöhte Abscheidungspolarisation ist nach Auswertung der vorhandenen Messdaten eine Veränderung der Struktur der elektrochemischen Doppelschicht. Die Veränderung der Abscheidungsform des Silbers ließ sich erfolgreich zur Durchführung von Laborelektrolysen nutzen. Dabei konnten bei Stromdichten bis zu 900 A/m^2 kompakte Silberniederschläge erhalten werden. Die Gehalte kritischer Verunreinigungen der Silberraffinationselektrolyse, Blei, Kupfer und Palladium, konnten in den meisten Fällen unterhalb der geltenden technischen Spezifikationen gehalten werden. Eine technische Umsetzung ist demnach ausgehend von den Untersuchungen möglich.:1 Einleitung 1 2 Grundlagen zur elektrolytischen Metallabscheidung 2.1 Elektrochemische Kinetik 2.2 Phasengrenze Kathode-Elektrolyt 2.3 Polarisation 2.3.1 Durchtrittspolarisation 2.3.2 Diffusionspolarisation 2.3.3 Reaktionspolarisation 2.3.4 Kristallisationspolarisation 2.4 Stofftransport 2.4.1 Diffusion 2.4.2 Migration 2.4.3 Konvektion 2.5 Durchtritt an der Phasengrenze 2.6 Metallkristallisation 2.6.1 Keimbildung 2.6.2 Keimwachstum 2.6.3 Inhibition 2.6.4 Elektrokristallisation bei gleichzeitiger Inhibition 3 Elektrolytische Raffination von Silber 3.1 Grundlagen zur Silberraffination 3.2 Verunreinigungen von Feinsilber durch Kupfer, Palladium und Blei 3.3 Technische Umsetzung durch die Möbius-Elektrolyse 3.4 Einsatz von Additiven zur Verbesserung der Kathodenqualität 4 Präzisierung der Aufgabenstellung 33 5 Experimentelle Charakterisierung des Systems 5.1 Beschreibung der Silberabscheidung aus Silbermethansulfonat 5.1.1 Angewandte Messmethoden 5.1.2 Experimentelle Vorgehensweise 5.1.3 Charakterisierung der Abscheidungskinetik 5.1.4 Messung des Diffusionskoeffizienten für Ag+ 5.1.5 Charakterisierung der Kristallisation 5.1.6 Ableitung der 5.2 Applikationsbeispiel 5.2.1 Versuchsdurchführung 5.2.2 Optimierung der kathodischen Abscheidungsqualität durch Veränderung der Elektrolytzusammensetzung5.2.3 Verbesserung der Qualität des kathodischen Niederschlags durch Variation der Elektrolysebedingungen 5.2.4 Charakterisierung des Verhaltens typischer Verunreinigungen während der Silberraffination 6 Zusammenfassung Literaturverzeichnis Abbildungsverzeichnis Tabellenverzeichnis Anhang / The investigations started observing a significant change in the electrochemical deposition behaviour of silver when the electrolyte system is changed from the technically used nitric acid system to a methanesulfonic acid system. In the latter system a compact deposition on a cathode, unusual for silver, becomes possible. The basic investigations could show that an increase in deposition polarization causes the change. The reason for this increased deposition polarization is, according to evaluation of the existing measurement data, a change in the structure of the electrochemical double layer. The change in the deposition form of the silver could be successfully used for laboratory electrolysis. Thereby, compact silver deposits could be obtained at current densities up to 900 A/m^2. The contents of critical impurities of the silver refining electrolysis, lead, copper and palladium, could in most cases be kept below the applicable technical specifications. A technical implementation is therefore possible based on the investigations. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version):1 Einleitung 1 2 Grundlagen zur elektrolytischen Metallabscheidung 2.1 Elektrochemische Kinetik 2.2 Phasengrenze Kathode-Elektrolyt 2.3 Polarisation 2.3.1 Durchtrittspolarisation 2.3.2 Diffusionspolarisation 2.3.3 Reaktionspolarisation 2.3.4 Kristallisationspolarisation 2.4 Stofftransport 2.4.1 Diffusion 2.4.2 Migration 2.4.3 Konvektion 2.5 Durchtritt an der Phasengrenze 2.6 Metallkristallisation 2.6.1 Keimbildung 2.6.2 Keimwachstum 2.6.3 Inhibition 2.6.4 Elektrokristallisation bei gleichzeitiger Inhibition 3 Elektrolytische Raffination von Silber 3.1 Grundlagen zur Silberraffination 3.2 Verunreinigungen von Feinsilber durch Kupfer, Palladium und Blei 3.3 Technische Umsetzung durch die Möbius-Elektrolyse 3.4 Einsatz von Additiven zur Verbesserung der Kathodenqualität 4 Präzisierung der Aufgabenstellung 33 5 Experimentelle Charakterisierung des Systems 5.1 Beschreibung der Silberabscheidung aus Silbermethansulfonat 5.1.1 Angewandte Messmethoden 5.1.2 Experimentelle Vorgehensweise 5.1.3 Charakterisierung der Abscheidungskinetik 5.1.4 Messung des Diffusionskoeffizienten für Ag+ 5.1.5 Charakterisierung der Kristallisation 5.1.6 Ableitung der 5.2 Applikationsbeispiel 5.2.1 Versuchsdurchführung 5.2.2 Optimierung der kathodischen Abscheidungsqualität durch Veränderung der Elektrolytzusammensetzung5.2.3 Verbesserung der Qualität des kathodischen Niederschlags durch Variation der Elektrolysebedingungen 5.2.4 Charakterisierung des Verhaltens typischer Verunreinigungen während der Silberraffination 6 Zusammenfassung Literaturverzeichnis Abbildungsverzeichnis Tabellenverzeichnis Anhang

The subject of this master thesis is focused to the refining of the cast structure of gamma-TiAl–2Nb alloy using cyclic heat treatment and to the analysis of the grain refining mechanism. Structure evolution after applied cycles of heat treatment was characterized using light, laser and electron microscopy and using microhardness tests. Application of five heat treatment cycles during which two phase transformations (eutectoid and alpha-recrystallization reactions) repeatedly took place resulted in refining of the cast columnar structure having the mean grain size 512 microns to fully lamellar structure containing gamma and alpha2 phases having the mean grain size 229 microns. Lamellae thickness of gamma was not changed while the thickness of alpha2 phase decreased, up to 78 nm. Refining of alpha2 phase resulted in the increase of the microhardness by 20 %. The recrystallized cast structure obtained by cyclic heat treatment and the knowledge on the mechanisms of the refining the structure were compared with the literature data and were discussed in order to propose more efficient procedure for refining thermal treatment of cast TiAl alloys.

[pt] Esta pesquisa avaliou a resistência a corrosão de revestimentos de base em resina epóxi, reforçada com 0,1% wt e 0,5% wt de óxido de grafeno reduzido (rGO), aplicado sobre um substrato em aço carbono AISI 1020. Como teste de corrosão foi aplicado testes de imersão em solução com 3,0% wt de NaCl saturadas com CO2, em um vaso de pressão a 70 bar na temperatura de 40 ᵒC, por 528 h. Os revestimentos foram avaliados por teste de aderência (Pull Off), microdureza (Dureza Shore D) e caracterizado por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) quanto a qualidade de ancoragem do revestimento ao substrato, porosidade e espessura, para a análise de existência de pites na superfície do substrato metálicos foi utilizada microscopia ótica (MO). Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que os revestimentos nas três condições, como recebido, aditivados com 0,1% wt e 0,5% de rGO tiveram a mesma eficiência na proteção do substrato metálico, todos igualmente, evitaram a formação de pites nas condições de testes propostas. Para adição de 0,1% wt de rGO ocorreu refinamento dos poros e a adição de 0,5% wt promoveu drástica redução da densidade de poros. A adição do rGO não influenciou na Dureza Shore D dos revestimentos. Para pré teste de corrosão, o revestimento com 0,1% wt de rGO obteve maior densidade de poros e menor valor de dureza, seguido pelo 0,0% wt e posterior 0,5% wt de rGO. Para pós testes de corrosão a ordem é invertida. Os resultados pós testes de corrosão indicaram que a porosidade possibilitou a permeação da solução nos revestimentos, e está relacionada com as bolhas e empolamentos, que influenciaram na dureza. A adição de 0,1% wt e 0,5% wt de rGO não influenciou na ancoragem dos revestimentos, obtendo boa acomodação nas irregularidades da superfície metálica do substrato. / [en] This research evaluated the corrosion resistance of an epoxy resin-based coat, reinforced with 0.1 and 0.5 wt% of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), applied to AISI 1020 carbon steel. Immersion tests in aqueous solution with 3.0 wt% NaCl saturated with CO2, in a pressurized cell at 70 bar at 40⁰C, for 528 h. The coating was evaluated by Pull-Off Test, microhardness (Shore D hardness), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The quality of the coating anchoring to the substrate, porosity, and thickness was evaluated. The presence of pits on the surface of the metallic substrate was assessed by Optical Microscopy (OM). The results obtained indicated that the addition of rGO contributed to greater corrosion resistance and provided better structural integrity to the coating. The results obtained showed that the coatings under the three conditions, as received and 0.1 and 0.5wt% rGO additions had the same efficiency in protecting the metallic substrate, avoiding pitting. Pore refinement occurred for 0.1wt % rGO, and the addition of 0.5wt% promoted a drastic reduction in pore density. The addition of rGO did not influence on the Shore D Hardness of the coatings. For a precorrosion test, the coating with 0.1wt% of rGO obtained higher pore density and lower hardness value, followed by 0 wt% and later 0.5 wt% of rGO. For the post corrosion test, the order is reversed. The results of the post corrosion test indicated that the porosity allowed the permeation of the solution in the coatings and is related to the bubbles and blistering, which influenced the hardness. The addition of 0.1 and 0.5 wt% or rGO did not affect the coating anchoring, obtaining reasonable accommodation in the irregularities of the substrate metallic surface.

No description available.

The semiconducting compounds CdTe and CdZnTe have important applications in high-energy radiation detectors and as substrates for infrared devices. The materials offer large band gaps, high resistivity, and excellent charge transport properties; however all of these properties rely on very precise control of the material composition. Growing bulk crystals by the travelling heater method (THM) offers excellent compositional control and fewer defects compared to gradient freezing, but it is also much slower and more expensive. A particular challenge is the current need to grow new crystals onto existing seeds of similar size and quality. Simulations and experiments are used in this work to investigate the feasibility of growing these materials by THM without the use of large seed crystals. A new fixed-grid, multiphase finite element model was developed based on the level set method and used to calculate the mass transport regime and interface shapes inside the growth ampoule. The diffusivity of CdTe in liquid tellurium was measured through dissolution experiments, which also served to validate the model. Simulations of tapered THM growth find conditions similar to untapered growth with interface shapes that are sensitive to strong thermosolutal convection. Favourable growth conditions are achievable only if convection can be controlled. In preliminary experiments, tapered GaSb crystals were successfully grown by THM and large CdTe grains were produced by gradient freezing. Beginning with this seed material, 25 mm diameter CdTe and CdZnTe crystals were grown on 10 mm diameter seeds, and 65 mm diameter CdTe on 25 mm seeds. Unseeded THM growth was also investigated, as well as ampoule rotation and a range of thermal conditions and ampoule surface coatings. Outward growth beyond one or two centimeters was achieved only at small diameters and included secondary grains and twin defects; however, limited outward growth of larger seeds and agreement between experimental and numerical results suggest that tapered growth may be achievable in the future. This would require active temperature control at the base of the crystal and reduction of convection through thermal design or by rotation of the ampoule or applied magnetic fields. / Graduate / 0346 / 0794 / 0548 / jordan.roszmann@gmail.com