Conventional Physical Properties Research Articles

Hydrothermal fluid activity and the quantitative evaluation of its impact on carbonate reservoirs: A case study of the Lower Paleozoic in the west of Dongying sag, Bohai Bay Basin

Abstract By integrating the analyses of core samples, thin sections, homogenization temperature measurement of inclusions, stable isotopic compositions of carbon & oxygen, trace element composition, and conventional physical properties, this research identifies the evidence of Lower Paleozoic hydrothermal fluid activity in the western Dongying sag of Bohai Bay Basin, quantitatively evaluates the hydrothermal dissolution strength in various carbonate reservoirs, and analyzes the longitudinal distribution of effective fractures in reservoirs. The markers of hydrothermal dissolution in the study area include the typical hydrothermal mineral combinations such as fluorite-anhydrite-authigenic quartz combination, the homogenization temperature of inclusions in fracture fillings related to hydrothermal fluid of up to 150 °C−210 °C, and the high FeO, high SiO2, high MnO and low Na2O features of carbonate in hydrothermal fluid karst area. Dissolution of hydrothermal fluid can produce not only new fluorite mineral, but also many pores, micropores, small fractures and micro-fractures, which significantly improve the quality of carbonate reservoirs. During the process of hydrothermal fluid dissolution, calcite precipitated and filled structural fractures as the hydrothermal fluid dissolved host rock. As the hydrothermal fluid went up along faults, its velocity and temperature dropped gradually, the intensity of dissolution and calcite filling differ significantly in different formations of the Lower Paleozoic, for example, the Fengshan and Yeli-Liangjiashan Formations have low fracture filling degree and highly developed dissolved fractures and pores, whereas the Majiagou Formation has high fracture filling degree and poorly developed dissolved fractures and pores.

Investigation of UV Absorber Residue Improving Aging Properties of Bitumen

Ultraviolet (UV) absorber residue was used to modify bitumen. Effects of UV absorber residue on thermo-oxidative and UV aging properties of bitumen were evaluated by conventional physical properties and SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and bitumenenes) analysis. The results showed that the viscosity aging index (VAI) and softening point increment (SPI) of bitumen decreased significantly due to introduction of the UV absorber residue, and the ductility retention rate (DRR) was evidently higher compared to the pristine bitumen. SARA show that UV absorber residue can effectively restrain the gelatinization of bitumen resulted from aging. As a consequence, the UV absorber residue modified bitumen displays enhanced aging resistance properties, which can be attributed to the physical sorption of activated carbon to lighter components in the thermo-oxidative aging process and the absorption of UV absorption residue to the ultraviolet light in the process of UV aging.

Field-induced magnetic instability and quantum criticality in the antiferromagnet CeCu2Ge2.

The magnetic quantum criticality in strongly correlated electron systems has been considered to be closely related with the occurrence of unconventional superconductivity. Control parameters such as magnetic field, pressure or chemical doping are frequently used to externally tune the quantum phase transition for a deeper understanding. Here we report the research of a field-induced quantum phase transition using conventional bulk physical property measurements in the archetypal antiferromagnet CeCu2Ge2, which becomes superconductive under a pressure of about 10 GPa with Tc ~ 0.64 K. We offer strong evidence that short-range dynamic correlations start appearing above a magnetic field of about 5 T. Our demonstrations of the magnetic instability and the field-induced quantum phase transition are crucial for the quantum criticality, which may open a new route in experimental investigations of the quantum phase transition in heavy-fermion systems.

Nanostructured SmFeO3 electrophysical properties

Samarium orthoferrite conventional and nanostructured ceramic physical properties and structure investigations are reported in the paper. Ceramic samples have been prepared both by classical sintering method after solid phase synthesis and by Bridgman anvil mechanoactivation after synthesis. The authors have established that the mechanoactivation suppress direct current conductivity and increase spontaneous polarization. Polycrystalline samarium orthoferrite physical properties can be purposefully varied on fabrication stage without doping.

The Effect of Zinc Doped Mg-Al LDHs on Ultraviolet Aging Resistance of Asphalt

Effects of zinc doped Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (Zn-Mg-Al LDHs) and Mg-Al LDHs on physical and ultraviolet (UV) aging properties of asphalt were evaluated by conventional physical properties, dynamic rheological characteristics and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results show that the introduction of LDHs improves the UV aging resistance of asphalt. By comparison, Zn-Mg-Al LDHs are superior to Mg-Al LDHs in improving aging performance of asphalt, which is due to the more outstanding UV shielding of Zn-Mg-Al LDHs in comparison with Mg-Al LDHs, leading to a beneficial effect in improving UV aging performance of asphalt.

Reservoir space of the Es33–Es41 shale in Dongying sag

The Es33–Es41 shales in Dongying sag are source rocks with large reserves of shale oil and gas. For the identification of development characteristics and geological significance of the reservoir space, FMI logging, core observation, thin section analysis, X-ray diffraction, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, atomic force microscopy, and conventional physical property testing were used to study the petrology and reservoir space of the Es33–Es41 shale in Dongying sag. The results suggest that the shale is rich in carbonate minerals. Phanerocrystalline stratiform and lamellar argillaceous limestone and calcareous claystone are the oil- and gas-bearing lithofacies. The oil in the micropores is mainly present as membranes and clots. The shale reservoir space has a network structure with veins, carbonate and clay minerals, and micropores among pyrite and the matrix. The results provide the geological framework for future shale oil and gas exploration in Dongying sag.

Rheological and Fatigue Properties of Asphalt Binders Containing Anti-Rut Agents

Modification of asphalt binders has increasingly become the norm in designing optimally performing pavement. In this paper, an anti-rut agent was used as a modifier to add into base asphalt and its effects on the property of the asphalt were investigated. A shear blender was used to ensure a good distribution of the anti-rut agent. The conventional physical properties test and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test were used to evaluate the properties of the asphalt. The results showed that the softening point and rutting parameter increases significantly, the ductility and penetration decrease due to the introduction of the anti-rut agent. Besides, the result of fatigue test showed that excess anti-rut agent may lead a deterioration in the fatigue life. Key word: Anti-rut agent; Rutting parameter; Rheological property; Fatigue life.

Investigation on Properties of Modified Asphalt Containing Antiaging Agent

The purpose of this work is to investigate the thermal aging and ultraviolet (UV) radiations aging of SBSMA. Antioxidants and UV absorbers were employed to improve the antiaging resistance of SBSMA in this study. The results indicated that the SBSMA with antioxidants has good heat aging resistance, and SBSMA with UV absorbers blends have good photostability. The compound antiaging agents containing antioxidants and UV absorbers are a best choice to prepare SBSMA with better physical and antiaging resistance. The experimental results also indicated that the effects of antiaging agents on the physical properties of SBSMA are little at low contents. Especially conventional physical properties of SBSMA with 1 wt% of ZDDP and 0.5 wt% of UV531 are close to that of SBSMA.

A Study on Total Mixed Ration Feeding System for Feeding Pigs (1) - Development of Monorail Traveling TMR Feeder for Grow-Finish Pigs -

Purpose: Recent research showed that total mixed ration (TMR) feeding for pigs improved the productivity and reduced feed cost and manure odor. An automatic TMR feeding system was developed for this study because the conventional feeder cannot deliver the TMR containing roughage. Methods: Conventional feeding systems and physical properties of TMR were surveyed, and performance tests of the conventional feeder were conducted to develop a TMR feeder. Based on the TMR feeder was developed and installed, driving, measuring weight, radio frequency identification (RFID) reading, and discharging test for feeding were conducted to ensure the performance. Results: Moisture content, density, and angle of repose of the TMR 1 (mixture of 30% cut IRG silage and 70% concentrates) were 31.6%, 387 <TEX>$kg/m^3$</TEX>, and <TEX>$51^{\circ}$</TEX>, respectively. Moisture content, density, and angle of repose of the TMR 2 (mixture of 45% concentrates, 30% cut IRG silage and by-products, 10% bean curd refuse, 10% others, and 5% fermenter) were 22.2%, 544 <TEX>$kg/m^3$</TEX>, and <TEX>$50^{\circ}$</TEX>, respectively. The coefficient of variation (C.V.) of conventional concentrate feeding were 1.9~4.1%, and C.V. of TMR containing 1~3% cut IRG roughage feeding by conventional feeder were 9~42%. The conventional disc type feeder was not suitable for TMR feeding because the supply unit was clogged. The C.V. of TMR 1 was 0.6~7.9% when 0.5~10 kg of the TMR supplied, and it was suitable for feeding grow-finish pigs and sows. On the contrary, the C.V. with TMR 2 was 28% when 0.5 kg of the TMR supplied, and it was not suitable for feeding sows. Conclusions: The TMR feeder developed in this study was suitable for feeding grow-finish pigs because the feeder performed stably with over 5.0 kg feed. However, the feeder showed a lack of accuracy for feeding sows because the amount of each feed was more than 0.5 kg per a feeding. Therefore, the improvement of outlet structure for accurate feeding is needed for sow feeding.

Effect of LDHs on the aging resistance of crumb rubber modified asphalt

Layer double hydroxides (LDHs), a kind of ultraviolet light resistant material, was added into the Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt (CRMA) and its effects on the aging resistance of the CRMA were investigated in this paper. The short-term and long-term aging processes of asphalt were simulated by Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation test, respectively. With Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements, it was found that LDHs can slow down the formation of carbonyl groups during the aging process. The conventional physical properties test and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test were used to evaluate the properties of the asphalt. The results showed that the softening point increases and G* ratios of CRMA decreases significantly, the ductility and the penetration retention rate increase after ultraviolet aging due to the introduction of LDHs. Besides, the results of both creep and relaxation test implied that the LDHs modified CRMA binder has a better UV aging resistance.

Investigation on properties of polymer modified asphalt containing various antiaging agents

Abstract The Styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer (SBS) triblock copolymer modified asphalt binder (SBSMA), applied in an overlay, and is easy to age in the field. Thus, the thermal aging and ultraviolet (UV) radiations aging of SBSMA must be considered for the research on the performance of asphalt pavement. Antioxidants and UV absorbers were employed to improve the antiaging resistance of SBSMA in this study. The results indicated that the SBSMA with antioxidants has good heat aging resistance, and SBSMA with UV absorbers blends have good photostability. The compound antiaging agents containing antioxidants and UV absorbers are a best choice to prepare SBSMA with better physical and antiaging resistance. The experimental results also indicated that the effects of antiaging agents on the physical properties of SBSMA are little at low contents. Especially conventional physical properties of SBSMA with 1 wt% of ZDDP and 0.5 wt% of UV531 are close to that of SBSMA.

Polymer Brush Electrets

AbstractThe charge storage properties of polymer brushes are reported for the first time. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) brushes are explored as electrets to store electrostatic charges. Micrometer‐ and nanometer‐scale patterns of electrostatic charges are successfully fabricated on planar and non‐planar PMMA brush films by means of conductive microcontact printing and atomic force microscope lithography, where the charge storage density and stability are studied in detail with Kelvin force microscopy. Importantly, because PMMA brushes are chemically tethered on the substrate, their charge storage properties can be studied in various organic solvents, in which their bulk counterparts will be dissolved. It is found that patterned charges on PMMA brushes are stable enough in organic media, such as hexane and toluene, for guiding the assembly of Au nanoparticles in organic media and the dewetting of polymer thin films with solvent annealing. The electrets properties shall add a new dimension of functionality, apart from the conventional chemical and physical properties, to polymer brushes for a wide range of applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and electronic devices.

Concentration of selected micronutrients in sandy soil in relation to long-term direct drilling method

Compared to conventional tillage method, physical and chemical properties of soil treated with long-term zero-tillage method (direct drilling without ploughing) are different, especially soil porosity, moisture conditions, concentration of organic carbon and macronutrients. The aim of a three-year field study was to compare the content of micronutrients in soil under traditional and zero-tillage. The difference in micronutrient concentration in soil treated with different soil tillage method can affect quantity and quality of yields. The study was conducted using seven fields with 4-5 or 11 years period under diverse tillage method. Soil samples were colleted from three random points in every field on the beginning of June. Samples were obtained from two layers: 0-10 and 10-20 cm in depth using an Eijkelkamp soil sampler (diameter 2.5 cm). Micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn) in soil samples were determined by the AAS method after extraction with HCl at 1 mol dm -3 . The results were compared using t-Student test. The tillage methods were found to have produced differences only in Cu concentrations in soil. However, it was impossible to point clearly which method resulted in a higher Cu concentration as the actual differences depended also on the year of study and the soil layer. The zero-tillage method compared to the conventional method did not produce differences in Mn and Zn concentrations. The general level of the three microelements and the differences in their levels in relation to a tillage method were similar in both soil layers.

Performance Evaluation of SBS Modified Asphalt with Different Anti-aging Additives

Abstract The effects of three different types of anti-aging additives (bumetrizole, octabenzone, and tinuvin770) on the physical and rheological properties of styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) modified asphalt were investigated by means of conventional physical properties tests and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. In order to evaluate the aging properties of different anti-aging additive/SBS modified asphalts, the thin film oven test and ultraviolet (UV) radiation test were performed, and different aging parameters were compared. The results show that the penetration, ductility, and softening point are increased, whereas the viscosity is decreased, with the addition of different anti-aging additives. The DSR analysis indicates that anti-aging additives can enhance the elastic behavior and improve the thermal stability of SBS modified asphalt. Improvement in the thermal-oxidative aging properties of SBS modified asphalt can be achieved with the three different anti-aging additives, but the UV aging properties of anti-aging additive/SBS modified asphalts are dependent on the type of anti-aging additive. Of the three different anti-aging additives, tinuvin770 improves both the thermal- and the photo-oxidative aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt significantly.

Rapid Prediction of past Climate Condition from Lake Sediments by Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy

This study explored the feasibility of rapid, nondestructive near-infrared (NIR) reflection spectroscopy for the prediction of conventional physical properties, carbon-nitrogen-sulfur (CNS) analysis, and concentration of inorganic components in sediment cores from a brackish lake. A long core sample, which consisted of well-preserved annually formed lamina from Lake Ogawara along the Pacific coast in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, was used to investigate the past environmental record. The core was previously analyzed for physical properties, CNS, and inorganic components. Calibration models were developed from NIR reflection spectra of 149 core samples. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis provided good regression models between measured and predicted values for water content, total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS), Al(2)O(3), S/Al(2)O(3), Fe(2)O(3)/Al(2)O(3), Sc/Al(2)O(3), Cu/Al(2)O(3), and Zn/Al(2)O(3) with coefficients of determination (r(2)) for cross-validation of 0.73, 0.89, 0.88, 0.73, 0.92, 0.81, 0.82, 0.75, 0.82, and 0.82, respectively. The variation of predicted component values as a function of depth showed the same trend as that of conventionally measured values. This study also showed the possibility of NIR spectroscopy as an on-site, rapid analytical tool for the identification of tephra (fragmental material produced by a volcanic eruption regardless of composition, fragment size, or emplacement mechanism), which is important for dating.

Investigation on novel thermoplastic poly(urethane-thiourea-imide)s with enhanced chemical and heat resistance

A new generation of segmented thermoplastic poly(urethane-thiourea-imide)s (PUTIs) was synthesized via reaction of polyethylene glycol and thiourea-based prepolymer with dianhydride as chain extenders. NCO-terminated prepolymer was synthesized from a new diisocyanate, 3-(3-((4-isocyanatophenyl)carbamoyl)thioureido)phenyl-4-isocyanatophenylcarbamate (IPCT), as a hard segment and PEG forming soft segment. The starting materials and polymers were characterized by conventional methods and physical properties such as solubility, solution viscosity, molecular weight, thermal stability and thermal behavior were studied. PUTIs showed partially crystalline structures. Weight average molecular weights of PUTIs (GPC measurements) were in the range of 1,68,694–1,97,035. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis indicated that poly(urethane-thiourea-imide)s were fairly stable above 500 °C having T 10 of 521–543 °C. Investigation of the results authenticated the approach of introducing thiourea (using IPCT) and imide structure in polyurethanes for the improvement of thermal stability. In comparison to typical polyurethanes, these polymers exhibited better heat resistance, chemical resistance as well as processability.

Preparation and Properties of Rigid Polyurethane-Imide Foams

A series of rigid polyurethane foams are synthesized via the reaction of isocyanate terminated polyimide prepolymers with polyether polyol. Deionized water and n-pentane are used for blowing agents. The prepolymers and polymers are characterized by conventional methods, and physical, mechanical and thermal properties are studied. The results show that in comparison to pure polyurethane foams, these rigid polymer foams exhibit improved thermal stability as well as good compressive property. SEM of the compressed body of rigid polyurethane-imide foams show that the destructive forms are open-type tear of the film and the breakdown of the cell body wall.

Carbon Nanotube Filled Composite Material Analysis Utilizing Nano and Conventional Testing Techniques

The use of carbon nanotube particle filled composite materials is gaining much attention across many industries, including the printing industry. While applications of such materials are being sought, development and testing of materials is underway. Characterization of the material's properties using current techniques coupled with nano testing may be of great interest in understanding the physical properties of these materials. In general, carbon nanotube particle applications for Non-Impact Printing may include charge/developer rolls and belts, and fusing system rolls and belts. The physical properties that nano particles impart to a material may significantly enhance materials over and above those currently using conventional additives to a base polymer. Of interest to non-impact printing material science are physical properties such as surface energy, electrical resistivity, thermal diffusivity, abrasion resistance, and compressive modulus. These material properties, and others, can be modified by the addition of nano particles additives to a base polymer. The resultant properties of the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to a base polymer is presented using conventional and nano testing methodologies.In this study, conventional methods of physical properties testing (hardness / compression set / static-stress relaxation, electrical resistivity), are conducted along with DMA, nanoDMA&#x2122;, nanoindentation and nanoECR&#x2122; (electrical contact resistance) methods. Correlations of nano testing with conventional static physical properties testing have been presented in previous studies by the authors. Correlation of DMA and nanoDMA&#x2122; test methodologies of nano composite materials is novel, as well as the application of nanoECR&#x2122; testing of carbon nanotube filled materials.

Equations for the entire soil-water characteristic curve of a volume change soil

Numerous curve-fitting equations have been proposed for soil-water characteristic curves. While these equations have been of considerable value in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, the equations are not able to adequately fit gravimetric soil-water characteristic curve data over the entire range of soil suction for a soil that changes volume when suction is changed. Two new equations for the soil-water characteristic curve are presented in this paper. One equation has curve-fitting parameters that bear a meaningful relationship to conventional physical soil properties (e.g., air-entry value and residual soil suction), but the equation is somewhat complex. The equation is particularly useful for sensitivity type studies when undertaking computer modeling. The other equation is relatively simple to use and is developed as a conventional curve-fitting equation. The two equations are used to best-fit several soil datasets. Both equations perform well and can be used in research and engineering practice to define the gravimetric water content versus soil suction relationship for a soil exhibiting volume change.

Preparation and Properties of Novel Poly(urethane-imide)s via Blending of Reactive Polyimide and Epoxy-Terminated Urethane Prepolymers

Polyurethane networks with enhanced thermal stability and electrical insulation properties were prepared from the reaction of epoxy-terminated urethane prepolymers (EPU) and polyimides containing pendant phenol groups (HPI). EPUs were prepared by the reaction of glycidol with NCO-terminated urethane oligomers. The oligomers were prepared from different molecular weight versions of polycaprolactone polyol (CAPA) and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The progress of the reaction was monitored by differential scanning calorimetric analysis in the presence and absence of suitable catalyst. The onset temperature of exothermic reaction of phenolic groups and epoxy rings was chosen as optimum curing temperature and the reaction duration was optimized by gel content measurement. The starting materials and polymers were characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and physical, thermal and electrical properties of the crosslinked networks were determined. The novel poly(urethane-imide)s exhibited considerable improvement in thermal and electrical properties in comparison to common polyurethanes.