Commercial Grade Research Articles

Thermal aging of Gr. 91 steel in supercritical thermal plant and its effect on structural integrity at elevated temperature

In this study, the influence of thermal aging on structural integrity is investigated for Gr. 91 steel. A commercial grade Gr. 91 steel is used for the virgin material, and service-exposed Gr. 91 steel is sampled from a steam pipe of a super critical plant. Time versus creep strain curves are obtained through creep tests with various stress levels at 600 °C for the virgin and service-exposed Gr. 91 steels, respectively. Based on the creep test results, the improved Omega model is characterized for describing the total creep strain curve for both Gr. 91 steels. The proposed parameters for creep deformation model are used for predicting the steady-state creep strain rate, creep rupture curve, and stress relaxation. Creep-fatigue damage is evaluated for the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) in a large-scale sodium test facility of STELLA-2 by using creep deformation model with proposed creep parameters and creep rupture curve for both Gr. 91 steels. Based on the comparison results of creep fatigue damage for the virgin and service-exposed Gr. 91 steels, the thermal aging effect has been shown to be significant.

Experimental and numerical investigation of Al[sbnd]16Si alloy friction surfacing on AA1050 aluminum substrate: Effect of axial feeding rate

Using the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation method and experimental investigation, this study evaluated the effect of consumable rod axial feeding rate on microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of coatings during the friction surfacing process of an AlSi alloy containing 16.6 wt% silicon on a commercial grade pure aluminum substrate. The interaction of coating and substrate at the interface was investigated using the thermomechanical simulation. According to simulation and experimental results, by increasing the axial feeding rate from 100 to 150 mm/min, the average deposition efficiency has increased from 36 to 43 %. The predicted results achieved from smoothed-particle hydrodynamics simulation show that by increasing the axial feeding rate from 100 to 150 mm/min, the shear stress at the coating/substrate interface increases from 86 ± 4 to 112 ± 6 MPa. By considering the average velocity at the interface, the simulation predicted the roughness with high precision. By increasing the axial feeding rate from 100 to 150 mm/min, interface roughness decreased from 105.2 ± 29.7 to 83.2 ± 26.9 μm. Compared to the pure aluminum substrate, surfacing with an AlSi alloy containing 16.6 wt% silicon results in minimum/maximum hardness and wear resistance increases by 212 / 265 % and 57 / 60 %, respectively.

Qualitative and Quantitative Secondary Metabolite Profiles in a Large Set of Sumatra Benzoin Samples.

Sumatra benzoin, a resin produced by Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleloneurum, is used as an aromatic agent and may have the potential to be developed as a new agricultural fungicide. In this context, we performed a comprehensive metabolite profiling of a commercial grade A resin by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection, evaporative light scattering detection, and mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ELSD-MS) analysis in combination with 1H NMR. Thirteen compounds including a new cinnamic acid ester containing two p-coumaroyl residues were identified after preparative isolation. These compounds accounted for an estimated 90% of the crude resin according to 1H NMR analysis. The two major constituents, p-coumaryl cinnamate (5) and sumaresinolic acid (11), were quantified by HPLC analysis. In a next step, the chemical profiles and the content in p-coumaryl cinnamate were compared in a large set of resin samples of different quality grades that were obtained from various commercial suppliers in Sumatra. The qualitative profiles of the samples were very similar, but significant quantitative differences were observed between different quality grades and origins of the samples for the relative contents.

Variations in the Behaviour, Survival, Haematology, and Biochemistry of Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp) After Exposure to Commercial Grade Atrazine.

The current study assessed the harmful effects of Atrazine (ATZ) herbicide on haematology and biochemistry of the freshwater fish Ctenopharyngodon idella, a commercially significant fish in Pakistan. C. idella (13 ± 8.4cm; 132 ± 5.6g) was exposed to graded levels of ATZ, and its 96-hour LC50 value at 25°C was calculated to be 150.5µl/L. After exposure to ATZ, fish displayed rapid movements, a loss of balance in position and equilibrium, anxious swimming patterns, colour changes, and increased mucous production. The MCHC, MCH, RBCs, and Hb in C. idella decreased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the MCV, Ht, and WBCs were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At different time intervals (24, 48, 72, and 96h) following ATZ administration (50, 100, 150, and 200µl/L), biochemical analysis significantly decreased (P < 0.05) triglyceride, total protein, cholesterol, and albumin levels, whereas glucose levels significantly increased (P < 0.05). We concluded that ATZ is toxic to C. idella, altering their haematology and blood biochemistry even after only a brief exposure.

Cooling Capacity and Energy Efficiency Studies Comparing Commercial Grade and Refrigerant Grade Propane (C3H8) used as “Drop-in” Refrigerant in a “Split Type” Air Conditioner

Cooling Capacity and Energy Efficiency Studies Comparing Commercial Grade and Refrigerant Grade Propane (C3H8) used as “Drop-in” Refrigerant in a “Split Type” Air Conditioner

Highly conductive ceramic-in-polymer composite electrolyte enabling superior electrochemical performance for all-solid-state lithium batteries

In the present work, poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF-HFP)] and various amounts of NASICON-type LiZr1.5Sn0.5(PO4)3 (LZSP) as the active filler were used to fabricate composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) by solution-casting method and their structural and electrochemical behaviour were studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed the compatibility of the rhombohedral LZSP with P(VDF-HFP). A uniform distribution of ceramic particles in the polymer was observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy X-ray dispersive maps. The addition of 15% wt. ceramic filler to the polymer matrix enhanced the room temperature ionic conductivity (σ ∼ 2.87 × 10−5 S/cm), lithium-ion transference number (tLi+ ∼ 0.55), and electrochemical stability window (∼4.87 V). The reversibility and endurance of lithium-ion conduction across the composite electrolyte at various current densities were confirmed through galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements on a symmetric lithium cell for more than 500 h. A full cell fabricated using a commercial grade LiMn2O4 cathode and the optimized CSE electrolyte showed excellent rate performance at room temperature. The cell delivered a discharge capacity of 105 mAh/g with a nominal voltage of 4.0 V and retained 93% of its initial capacity after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm2.

Experimental investigations on a non-catalytic diesel autothermal reformer with reacting and non-reacting pre-mixer

Logistic fuels such as JP-8 diesel continue to hold importance as energy carriers for strategic applications due to their energy density and wide availability. For fuel cell system applications, such logistic fuels must be reformed on board to syngas; whereas, the catalytic reforming of commercial or military grade liquid fuels presents numerous challenges. In this study, we examine the possibility of increasing the conversion and energy efficiency of a non-catalytic diesel autothermal reformer by introducing a relatively homogenous mixture into the reactor. We achieve the mixing through two methods: one involving a reacting pre-mixer and the other with a non-reacting pre-mixer. Results demonstrate that a non-reacting pre-mixer enhances energy efficiency by up to 12% points, while increasing the conversion efficiency to nearly 88%. We expect further improvement in both conversion and energy efficiencies once design modifications are carried out to the pre-mixer such that lower residence times and higher ignition delays can be achieved.

Separation of asbestos concentrates in a hydrocyclone

Relevance. Issues related to the operation of hydrocyclones in the asbestos industry for the separation of finely split asbestos fibers from rock impurities and non-fluffed asbestos needles used in the wet enrichment of brittle chrysotile asbestos, as well as some types of amphibole asbestos and in the purification of commercial grades of chrysotile asbestos of normal strength from magnetite are considered. Purpose. The purpose and objectives of the research is to study the operating modes of a hydrocyclone for the separation and desliming of asbestos products. Particular attention is paid to the behavior of particles inside the hydrocyclone. Methodology. The formulas presented in the literature for calculating the volumetric delivery of hydro-cyclones are analyzed. As a result, it was determined that the volumetric delivery of the hydrocyclone does not depend on the size of the sand nozzle and that the influence of the latter affects mainly the specific distribution of water between the discharge and sand products. Results. In the course of processing the obtained experimental data, the calculation results showed that, at different nozzles and feed heads, the movement of grains of separation mesh in the internal flow of hydrocyclones of the tested design occurs within 1 &lt; Re &lt; 20. Therefore, the accepted dependences of Ψ on Re when deriving the calculated formulas are correct. Conclusions. The volumetric delivery of hydrocyclones D = 75 mm and D = 200 mm of the tested design for feeding and draining depends on the feed head and the diameter of the framework nozzle. The established regularities in the behavior of particles of asbestos concentrates in hydrocyclones are of practical importance and can be used when choosing the technological parameters of their operation to achieve the specified conditions for the size of particle separation mesh.

Development of schemes from a single cascade to multi-cascades for separation of regenerated uranium

Returning precious fissile materials containing 235U, obtained from regenerated uranium, to the nuclear fuel cycle is important for the production of sustainable nuclear energy. Herein, starting from the basic single cascade separation scheme, schemes for enriching regenerated uranium are developed to satisfy the requirements for low-enriched uranium with a commercial grade and several supplementary separation conditions to the greatest extent for different considerations involving the consumption of natural uranium, scale of separation cascade, and material recovery. Double- and triple-cascade schemes are derived from the consideration of improving the basic scheme by eliminating its drawbacks such as the contamination of the entire cascade by artificial nuclides. All schemes are optimized based on a Q-model cascade and are compared. The results demonstrate that the triple-cascade scheme exhibits a good separation performance and may be a good choice among the existing schemes. However, the concentration of 235U in this scheme exceeds the limitation specified by the international standard for handling fissile materials; therefore, this scheme requires further improvement.

Characterization of Feldspars Associated with Pegmatite of Dagbala Area for Ceramics and Glass Production in Southwestern Nigeria

The pegmatite in the Dagbala area, southwestern Nigeria occurs as a dyke trending in a NW-SE direction which intrudes the Hornblende-Biotite-Granite. Geochemical, petrological, and mineralogical analyses were carried out on four (4) pegmatite samples obtained from the study area to determine the feldspar quality and the results were compared with commercial ceramic and glass grade to determine its suitability in ceramics and glass production. From the results, SiO2 ranges from 74.97% to 72.06%, Al2O3 ranges from 15.16% to 15.05%, Fe2O3 ranges from 0.45% to 0.31%, Na2O ranges from 5.56% to 2.76%, K2O ranges from 8.42% to 3.53% and CaO ranges from 0.72% to 0.09% respectively. After comparing the results with the commercial ceramic grade and glass grade, it shows that they can be used as raw materials in the ceramic and glass industry. However, minor pre-treatment processes are required, such as magnetic separation, to reduce the Fe2O3 content and froth floatation to reduce the K2O content in ceramic production. In glass production, magnetic separation should also be carried out to reduce the Fe2O3 content and froth floatation should be carried out to reduce the K2O content. Additives should be added to increase the amount of CaO, Al2O3, and Na2O present.

Commercial Grade Vitamin C Protection Against Alcohol-Induced Lipid Peroxidation

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that provides energy, but it is also responsible for the development of numerous diseases. The main aim of this study is to access the protective effect of vitamin C on alcohol induced lipid peroxidation and dyslipidaemia in adult male Wistar rats. Forty male Wistar rats weighing between 150g-250g were randomly grouped into four groups of five rats each after a fourteen days acclimatization period. The control group received food and water only, test group B received 6000 mg/kg of alcohol, group C received 100 mg/kg of vitamin C, group D received 200 mg/kg of vitamin C, group E received 300mg/kg of vitamin C, group F received 6000 mg/kg of alcohol and 100 mg/kg of vitamin C, group G received 6000 mg/kg of alcohol and 200 mg/kg of vitamin C, and group H received 6000 mg/kg of alcohol and 300 mg/kg of vitamin C. The administration was done for twenty-one days, blood was collected form he ocular vein and analysed for level of lipid peroxidation and fasting lipid profile, using standard procedure. The results showed that alcohol increased the level of lipid peroxidation, low density lipoprotein, cholesterol and triglycerides, and decreased the level of high-density lipoprotein. However, in the co-administration groups, positive changes were noticed in the level of lipid peroxidation, LDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and there was an improvement in the level of HDL. Positive changes were also seen in the groups administered with different doses of vitamin C. The study's findings suggest that vitamin C may be useful in managing alcohol-induced toxicity since it had a favourable effect on lipid profile and peroxidation.

Tailoring the physical properties of poly(lactic acid) through the addition of thermoplastic polyurethane and functionalized short carbon fibers

AbstractThe elevated brittleness of commercial grades of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) may limit their use in several engineering applications. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop a PLA‐based material possessing well‐balanced stiffness and toughness. Composites were prepared by blending PLA with increasing contents (from 10 to 30 wt%) of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a fixed concentration (5 wt%) of carbon fibers (CFs), to tune the mechanical properties of the resulting materials. In order to increase the interfacial adhesion between CFs and polymeric phase, CFs were subjected to an acidic modification, by treating them in solution of H2SO4 and HNO3. The prepared composites were characterized from a chemical, rheological, morphological, and thermo‐mechanical point of view. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the fiber surface reactivity was significantly enhanced by the acid treatment, with the introduction of reactive functional groups on CFs. Rheological and dynamic‐mechanical tests confirmed that the introduction of acid‐treated CFs implied strong fiber–matrix interactions. Thanks to the presence of the acid treated CFs, an important increase in tensile modulus and maximum stress was obtained for all the compositions. In particular, samples containing 10 wt% of TPU showed +74% tensile modulus and +43% maximum stress with respect to the unfilled blends. Moreover, the elongation at break of PLA was significantly improved (+81%) with the addition of 30 wt% of TPU. It was therefore demonstrated that the adopted approach could be effective for the preparation of novel PLA‐based materials with tailorable and well‐balanced properties that could find application in various technological fields.

Determination of thermochemical properties of stainless steels type D-9 and T-91 using Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry

High temperature vaporisation thermodynamic studies over D-9 and T-91 stainless steel samples were carried out in the temperature range 1202–1529 K and 1232–1530 K respectively, by using Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry (KEMS). These studies revealed that both the alloys undergo incongruent vaporisation. Cr(g), Mn(g), Fe(g) and Ni(g) were the neutral vapour species observed over the D-9 alloy. Cr(g), Mn(g) and Fe(g) were the neutral vapour species observed over the T-91alloy. Partial pressure-Temperature relations were derived using KEMS for the first time. Apparent enthalpies of vaporisation data were deduced by second law method. Chemical activities of all the major metallic elements (Fe, Cr, Ni and Mn) in the commercial grade D-9 austenitic stainless steel were determined in the temperature range of 1202–1529 K. In case of T-91 ferritic steel, chemical activities of Fe, Cr and Mn were determined in the temperature range of 1232 -1530 K.

Enhancement of electrospun UHMWPE fiber performance through post‐processing treatment

AbstractIn this study, the mechanical performance of electrospun ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber was successfully improved by post‐processing treatment. It is performed by stretching the electrospun UHMWPE mat under constant load at temperatures ranging from 90 to 150°C. The temperature is varied in order to achieve the highest possible draw ratio. The prepared fibers were characterized for their morphological and thermal properties. Moreover, the induced fiber morphology and their performance due to the effect of high‐temperature stretching were evaluated using different characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and tensile testing analysis. In addition, the characteristics of prepared yarns were also compared with a commercial grade of Spectra® fibers. This analysis shows that the post‐processing of the mat resulted in the production of axially elongated microfibrillar yarn. Maximum tensile strength of 11.14 ± 3.65 GPa was attained at a stretching temperature of 130°C. However, further raising the temperature causes a decline in performance, demonstrating that the stretching temperature dramatically influences the properties of the fiber.

Heat-Seal Ability and Fold Cracking Resistance of Kaolin-Filled Styrene-Butadiene-Based Aqueous Dispersions for Paper-Based Packaging

Dispersion coatings are offered as alternative solutions to extrusion coating technology for paper-based packaging. In addition to providing barrier properties, waterborne dispersions may implement the processing and converting properties of coated substrates, which are of extreme interest for an effective transfer to the industry. In this work, styrene-butadiene-based aqueous dispersions were formulated considering different amounts of kaolin as pigment. The authors assessed the heat-seal ability, fold cracking resistance, and blocking tendency, comparing the results against commercial dispersion coating grades. Kaolin content dominated the sealing behavior of experimental formulations, changing the minimum heat-seal temperature from 80 °C to &gt;140 °C for 0% and 60% kaolin solid content, respectively. On the contrary, commercial grades were mostly affected by temperature. Additionally, despite the low latex glass temperature (0 °C), experimental formulations generally showed little, if any, blocking. On the downside, increasing kaolin content eases fold cracking, showing a different magnitude according to fold direction and coat orientation yet achieving a higher moisture barrier compared to commercial grades for both folded and unfolded samples.

Longitudinal volumetric assessment of inflammatory arthritis via photoacoustic imaging and Doppler ultrasound imaging

Aiming at clinical translation, we developed an automatic 3D imaging system combining the emerging photoacoustic imaging with conventional Doppler ultrasound for detecting inflammatory arthritis. This system was built with a GE HealthCare (GEHC) Vivid™ E95 ultrasound system and a Universal Robot UR3 robotic arm. In this work, the performance of this system was examined with a longitudinal study utilizing a clinically relevant adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) murine model. After adjuvant injection, daily imaging of the rat ankle joints was conducted until joint inflammation was obvious based on visual inspection. Processed imaging results and statistical analyses indicated that both the hyperemia (enhanced blood volume) detected by photoacoustic imaging and the enhanced blood flow detected by Doppler ultrasound reflected the progress of joint inflammation. However, photoacoustic imaging, by leveraging the highly sensitive optical contrast, detected inflammation earlier than Doppler ultrasound, and also showed changes that are more statistically significant. This side-by-side comparison between photoacoustic imaging and Doppler ultrasound using the same commercial grade GEHC ultrasound machine demonstrates the advantage and potential value of the emerging photoacoustic imaging for rheumatology clinical care of arthritis.

Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Techno-functional Properties of Gelatin Extracted from Fish Processing Waste

The current research was completed at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Cochin, Kerala, India from August 2021 to August 2022 as a modified thermal extraction protocol for deriving gelatin from processing waste of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) skin. The study evaluated the effect of chemical composition and molecular weight contributing to the techno-functional attributes of the resulting gelatin. In the present study, we followed warm water-coupled NaCl pre-treatment to reduce the lipid content of the extracted gelatin. The extracted gelatin was characterized for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The amount of gelatin extracted from the fish skin was 9.30±0.22%. The protein pattern of extracted gelatin on SDS-PAGE was identical to commercial grade gelatin, which implies the purity of extracted gelatin is comparable to that of commercial one. The physicochemical and functional properties were evaluated and pose remarkable techno-functional properties. Therefore, fish processing skin waste of skipjack tuna could be effectively exploited for the preparation of commercial gelatin. The extraction protocol remains environment friendly and this approach remains optimal for food technological applications. The effective exploration contributed to nutritional benefits, technological, functional, and biological functionalities for a large fraction of applications in the area of food technology, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutics, and numerous others as a future line of research.

High Heat Resistance Can Be Deceiving: Dripping Behavior of Polyamide 4.6 in Fire

AbstractPolyamide 4.6 (PA46) is a high‐heat‐resistant polymer, but it has no dripping resistance under fire. Three commercial grades of PA46 are investigated under UL 94 vertical fire test conditions. Their performances are discussed based on the materials' structural, thermal, and rheological properties. PA46 presents flaming drops, whereas dripping is prevented in the flame‐retarded PA46. Friction‐modified PA46 has increased flaming dripping. Temperature profiles of the specimens under fire and the temperature of the drops are measured by thermocouples. A UL 94 vertical test configuration consisting of two flame applications is designed to assess the quantitative dripping behavior of the set of materials by the particle finite element method (PFEM). Polymer properties (activation energy and Arrhenius coefficient of decomposition, char yield, density, effective heat of combustion, heat of decomposition, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity) in addition to rheological responses in high temperatures are estimated and measured as input parameters for the simulations. The dripping behavior obtained by simulated materials corresponds with the experimental results in terms of time and drop size. A consistent picture of the interplay of the different phenomena controlling dripping under fire appears to deliver a better understanding of the role of different materials’ properties.

Quantification of Chlorpyrifos Residues in Water under Thermodynamically Favorable Electrodics Using the f-MWCNT/N-(2-C2H5O) ED(CH3COONa)3 Composite of Superior Selectivity

Researchers are continually seeking potential alternatives to develop water quality sensors with higher selectivity to obtain the desired performance during real-time deployment. Quantification technologies involving interface materials of distinguishing capacity at elevated matrix complexity are desirable. However, there remains a challenge in designing suitable techniques, methodologies, and appropriate validations to support the grounds for the selection of interface materials of enhanced selectivity. The ability to monitor chlorpyrifos in analytical and commercial grade compounds and in the water matrix using an interface material of suitable states is the focus of this work. Herein, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediamine triacetic acid trisodium (N-(2-C2H5O) ED(CH3COONa)3) incorporated with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) is reported to provide thermodynamically favorable charge transfer for the quantification of chlorpyrifos residues under varying internal and external conditions with appropriate validations using density functional theory (DFT) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The sensor exhibited excellent figures of merit such as limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 9.7 pM and 29.4 pM, respectively.

Cost-efficient single photon-sensitive nanosecond gated spectrometer based on commercial grade image intensifier

A commercial grade low-cost image intensifier was modified with a fast transistor gating circuit for time-resolved photoluminescence spectra and decay measurements. Gating exposure of 20 ns and spectral sensitivity in the 300–1000 nm range were achieved. Operation frequency in 5 Hz to 0.3 MHz range was verified by a pulsed laser diode. Pulsed repetitive image detection was integrated on a cooled CMOS camera. High dynamic range and wide spectral resolution were achieved. The thermal noise, reduced by three orders of magnitude at -16°C cooling and a high gain of 104, allowed single photon detection. Application of the spectrometer for sensitive photoluminescence decay measurements at pulsed laser excitation was performed on MAPbBr3 perovskite and CsI(Tl) scintillator crystals. The decay lifetimes of 400–600 ns and 100–6000 ns were determined, respectively. CsI(Tl) scintillator showed much stronger x-ray luminescence intensity due to larger defect density.