Crystalline Quartz Research Articles

Acousto-optic diffraction of multicolour Ar-laser radiation in crystalline quartz

We have studied acousto-optic Bragg diffraction of multicolour radiation, generated by an Ar laser in the blue-green region of the spectrum, on an acoustic wave propagating in crystalline quartz. It is shown that crystalline quartz significantly exceeds commonly used paratellurite in terms of phase matching of optical beams with a single acoustic wave. We have performed experiments on pulse modulation of Ar-laser radiation. It is shown that distortions introduced into optical pulses are substantially less when use is made of a quartz crystal rather than paratellurite.

Silicon isotope fractionation during the precipitation of quartz and the adsorption of H4SiO4(aq) on Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide surfaces

Equilibrium Si isotope fractionation factors among orthosilicic acid (i.e.,H4SiO4(aq)), quartz and the adsorption complexes of H4SiO4(aq) on Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide surface were calculated using the full-electron wave-function quantum chemistry methods [i.e., B3LYP/6-311G(2df,p)] with a new cluster-model-based treatment. Solvation effects were carefully included in our calculations via water-droplet method combined with implicit solvent models (e.g., PCM). The results revealed that, if it is under equilibrium conditions, heavy Si isotopes would be significantly enriched in quartz in comparison to H4SiO4(aq). However, most of the field observations suggested that quartz would have identical or even depleted δ30Si values compared to that of H4SiO4(aq). To explain this discrepancy between the equilibrium calculation results and the field observations, the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) associated with the formation of amorphous silica, which usually is the precursor of crystalline quartz, was investigated using quantum chemistry methods. The KIE results showed that amorphous silica would be significantly enriched in light Si isotopes during its formation. Our equilibrium fractionation results, however, matched a special type of quartz (i.e., Herkimer “diamond”) very well, due to its nearly equilibrated precipitation condition. Opposite to the case of precipitated quartz, a large equilibrium Si isotope fractionation (i.e., −3.0 ‰) was found between the absorbed bidentate Si surface complexes (i.e., 2C > Fe2O2Si(OH)2) and H4SiO4(aq). This calculated equilibrium Si isotope fractionation factor largely differed from a previous experimental result (ca. −1.08 ‰). We found that the formation of transient or temporary surface complexes [e.g., 1V > Fe2OSi(OH)3] may have accounted for the smaller net fractionation observed. With the equilibrium and kinetic Si isotope fractionation factors provided here, the distributions and changes of Si isotope compositions in the Earth’s surface systems can be better understood.

Strain Discontinuity, Avalanche, and Memory in Carbon Nanotube Serpentine Systems.

This work addresses the problem of how a nano-object adheres to a supporting media. The case of study are the serpentine-like structures of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) grown on vicinal crystalline quartz. We develop in situ nanomanipulation and confocal Raman spectroscopy in such systems, and to explain the results, we propose a dynamical equation in which static friction is treated phenomenologically and implemented as cutoff for velocities, via Heaviside step function and an adhesion force tensor. We demonstrate that the strain profiles observed along the SWNTs are due to anisotropic adhesion, adhesion discontinuities, strain avalanches, and memory effects. The equation is general enough to make predictions for various one- and two-dimensional nanosystems adhered to a supporting media.

Ion track annealing in quartz investigated by small angle X-ray scattering

We report on the reduction of cross-section and length of amorphous ion tracks embedded within crystalline quartz during thermal annealing. The ion tracks were created via Au ion irradiation with an energy of 2.2GeV. The use of synchrotron-based small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) allowed characterization of the latent tracks, without the need for chemical etching. Temperatures between 900 and 1000°C were required to see a notable change in track size. The shrinkage in cross-section and length was found to be comparable for tracks aligned perpendicular and parallel to the c-axis.

주물사업장 내 공기중 화학적 유해인자 노출 평가

This study was performed to identify the state of the exposure and characteristics of pollutants by each process at 4 casting sites located in Gyeongsang-do from April to November 2013. The concentrations of methanol, crystallized silica glass, formaldehyde and phenol were analyzed by different process casting process, molding process, core process, and shakeout & finishing process. The highest concentration of methanol was found in casting and molding process, whereas the highest concentration of crystalline quartz(Silica) was observed in core process. The most oxidized steel dusts and the highest concentration of fume were found in shakeout & finishing process. As a result of this study, those labors working at the casting site were found to be constantly exposed to various forms of hazardous chemicals; therefore, it is considered that this is the time to manage and plan how to reduce them. In addition, it is required to thoroughly manage the local exhauster, and improve the process and working environment to reduce various forms of hazardous chemicals.

Effect of crystal axis in temperature dependence of laser-induced damage thresholds by nanosecond near-infrared laser

Laser-induced damage thresholds in crystalline quartz were evaluated using a single-mode Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1064nm, pulse width 4ns) at temperatures ranging from 123K to 473K. In this experiment, three kinds of crystalline quartz different in the cut direction were prepared. The damage morphologies were coincident with the crystal structure. The laser induced damage thresholds in crystalline quartz differed according to the cutting direction. The laser-induced damage thresholds expect in the case of Z-cut sample increased with decreasing temperature. The cutting direction of the Z-cut of crystalline quartz was parallel to the crystal axis. A tendency of the temperature dependence was the same with in the case of the glass materials. In contrast, the laser-induced damage threshold of the Z-cut sample decreased with decreasing temperature. The difference in the temperature-dependent behaviors of crystalline quartz is explained using physical models. The crystal axis influenced strongly to the electron resistivity and the electron avalanche process in laser-induced damage mechanisms was affected in the result.

Relating wetting and reduction processes in the Si-liquid/SiO2-solid interface

A reactive wetting model is presented which includes a gradual reduction of a silicon dioxide substrate lowering the interface tensions and promotes spreading. The gradual reduction is described in terms of a reaction diffusion layer that extends over multiple atomic layers. The formation of silicon-suboxides generated by the reduction leads to time dependent values for the surface tensions, which in turn change the apparent contact angle Θ(t). This model describes the reactive wetting process and its instabilities, provides simple expressions for the oxygen flow, and explains anisotropic wetting patterns observed on crystalline quartz substrates. The latter is achieved by a simple coupling of wetting and an ongoing solid state reaction in the substrate that reflects the symmetry of the crystal.

Oxygen isotopes in authigenic quartz from massive salt deposits

We describe a new geochemical tool that could provide temperatures of ancient basins in which massive evaporites were deposited: the oxygen isotope composition of fine crystalline quartz found in large halite bodies. Such quartz is well preserved from post-depositional alterations and it can be relatively easily separated. For the purpose of this study, five halite samples were selected from four various evaporite basins, spanning in age from the Early Cambrian to the Late Jurassic. The obtained isotope temperatures refer to locations where evaporites were deposited, i.e. in subtropical zones of the Earth, as it may be estimated from continental distribution during Phanerozoic times. Reasonable temperatures are obtained, with an assumption for the δ18O of brines ranging from −1‰ to 0‰ during halite deposition. The assumption of higher δ18O values leads to unrealistic temperatures, higher than the homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in halite.

Research on the slagging characteristics of blended coals in a pilot-scale furnace

This paper applies digital image techniques to observe the slagging characteristics of blended coals in a pilot-scale furnace. Collected deposit samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy linked with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) to acquire the microstructure, chemical composition, and mineralogy. The deposit thickness of three blends was analyzed between their parent coal A (Datong) and coal B (Shan), and we noted that the time to reach a stable stage decreased with the ratio of coal B. The addition of coal A into coal B could remarkably restrained the growth and thickness of ash deposits. The results of XRD analysis indicated the initial layer was predominantly comprised of the crystalline minerals quartz, anorthite, or albite except for coal B. All of the blends and coals contained quartz and Ca- to Al-silicates (Ca0.68Na0.32)(Al1.68Si0.32)Si2O8 in the slag layer where iron-bearing minerals (e.g., ilvaite) were altered into an amorphous phase. The result of SEM-EDX suggested that there was an elemental disparity between the coal ash and deposit.

Role of p53–fibrinolytic system cross-talk in the regulation of quartz-induced lung injury

Silica is the major component of airborne dust generated by wind, manufacturing and/or demolition. Chronic occupational inhalation of silica dust containing crystalline quartz is by far the predominant form of silicosis in humans. Silicosis is a progressive lung disease that typically arises after a very long latency and is a major occupational concern with no known effective treatment. The mechanism of silicosis is not clearly understood. However, silicosis is associated with increased cell death, expression of redox enzymes and pro-fibrotic cytokines and chemokines. Since alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) death and disruption of alveolar fibrinolysis is often associated with both acute and chronic lung injuries, we explored whether p53-mediated changes in the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system contributes to silica-induced lung injury. We further sought to determine whether caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide (CSP), which inhibits p53 expression, mitigates lung injury associated with exposure to silica. Lung tissues and AECs isolated from wild-type (WT) mice exposed to silica exhibit increased apoptosis, p53 and PAI-1, and suppression of uPA expression. Treatment of WT mice with CSP inhibits PAI-1, restores uPA expression and prevents AEC apoptosis by suppressing p53, which is otherwise induced in mice exposed to silica. The process involves CSP-mediated inhibition of serine-15 phosphorylation of p53 by inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A-C (PP2A-C) interaction with silica-induced caveolin-1 in AECs. These observations suggest that changes in the p53–uPA fibrinolytic system cross-talk contribute to lung injury caused by inhalation of silica dust containing crystalline quartz and is protected by CSP by targeting this pathway.

Effect of atomic structure on excitation of the electronic subsystem of a solid by a swift heavy ion

An effect of different phase states of a solid on excitation of its electronic subsystem due to penetration of a swift heavy ion (SHI) is examined on example of silicon dioxide (crystalline quartz vs. amorphous glass). The complex dielectric function formalism describing collective response of the electronic and ionic subsystems of a condensed target to excitation is used to calculate scattering cross sections of a penetrating ion and electrons generated due to target ionizations. A Monte Carlo model based on these cross sections is applied for tracing electron kinetics in the nanometric vicinity of the trajectory of a swift heavy ion. It is demonstrated that differences of the maximal values of the SHI energy losses and the electron inelastic mean free paths calculated for two phase states of SiO2 do not exceed 10–15%, whereas the elastic mean free paths differ more significantly.

Quantitative firing transformations of a triaxial ceramic by X-ray diffraction methods

The firing transformations of traditional (clay based) ceramics are of technological and archeological interest, and are usually reported qualitatively or semiquantitatively. These kinds of systems present an important complexity, especially for X-ray diffraction techniques, due to the presence of fully crystalline, low crystalline and amorphous phases. In this article we present the results of a qualitative and quantitative X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis of the fully crystalline (kaolinite, quartz, cristobalite, feldspars and/or mullite), the low crystalline (metakaolinite and/or spinel type pre-mullite) and glassy phases evolution of a triaxial (clay-quartz-feldspar) ceramic fired in a wide temperature range between 900 and 1300 ºC. The employed methodology to determine low crystalline and glassy phase abundances is based in a combination of the internal standard method and the use of a nanocrystalline model where the long-range order is lost, respectively. A preliminary sintering characterization was carried out by contraction, density and porosity evolution with the firing temperature. Simultaneous thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis was carried out to elucidate the actual temperature at which the chemical changes occur. Finally, the quantitative analysis based on the Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns was performed. The kaolinite decomposition into metakaolinite was determined quantitatively; the intermediate (980 ºC) spinel type alumino-silicate formation was also quantified; the incongruent fusion of the potash feldspar was observed and quantified together with the final mullitization and the amorphous (glassy) phase formation.The methodology used to analyze the X-ray diffraction patterns proved to be suitable to evaluate quantitatively the thermal transformations that occur in a complex system like the triaxial ceramics. The evaluated phases can be easily correlated with the processing variables and materials properties. These correlations can be employed for materials characterization, design and processing control.

Assessment of natural radioactivity and function of minerals in soils of Yelagiri hills, Tamilnadu, India by Gamma Ray spectroscopic and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques with statistical approach

Gamma Ray and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques were used to evaluate the natural radioactivity due to natural radionuclides and mineralogical characterization in soils of Yelagiri hills, Tamilnadu, India. Various radiological parameters were calculated to assess the radiation hazards associated with the soil. The distribution pattern of activity due to natural radionuclides is explained by Kriging method of mapping. Using FTIR spectroscopic technique the minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite, and organic carbon were identified and characterized. The extinction coefficient values were calculated to know the relative distribution of major minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar and kaolinite. The calculated values indicate that the amount of quartz is higher than orthoclase feldspar, microcline feldspar and much higher than kaolinite. Crystallinity index was calculated to know the crystalline nature of quartz. The result indicates that the presence of disordered crystalline quartz in soils. The relation between minerals and radioactivity was assessed by multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson’s correlation and cluster analysis). The statistical analysis confirms that the clay mineral kaolinite and non-clay mineral quartz is the major factor than other major minerals to induce the important radioactivity variables and concentrations of uranium and thorium.

Interface microstructure and compressive behavior of fly ash/phosphate geopolymer hollow sphere structures

In the present work, novel fly ash/phosphate geopolymer hollow sphere structures (FPGHSS) were prepared by the pre-bonding and curing technology. Moreover, the interface microstructure and its role on the compressive behavior were studied. The compressive properties of FPGHSS demonstrated a typical character of cellular materials, with three well defined stages in stress–strain curve. The compressive strength was approximately 5.8MPa, and the failure of FPGHSS was mainly due to the evolution of the multi-collapsed layers of fly ashes and large macro-cracks during the compression. The microstructure of fly ash was composed of aluminosilicate glass phase, crystalline quartz and mullite. The phosphate geopolymer comprised of aluminum-phosphate phase and α-Al2O3, and the nano-pore structure was observed. Moreover, the chemical reaction interface of FPGHSS was generated. It should be noted that the horizontal cracks were mainly produced in fly ashes, and the evolution of horizontal cracks leaded to the clasped layers. Moreover, the large macro-cracks propagated preferentially in the phosphate geopolymer and along the interface region of FPGHSS, due to the dense glass phase of fly ash and the chemical reaction interface. Further, the interface structure between α-Al2O3 and amorphous phase could increase the propagation path of cracks in phosphate geopolymer.

Plasma Processing in Industry of Building Materials

The equipment for plasma processing with specific area of application – production of building materials – is proposed. For the proposed equipment the examination of possibilities is carried out. It was shown that plasma processing significantly affects the components of concrete – portland cement, fine filler (silica) and water. The treatment of portland cement leads to crystalline hydrate shell destruction and removal of chemically bound water. This, in turn, leads to the increase of strength by 15-20%. Plasma processing significantly changes the state of the fine filler. The total surface area of such a filler decreases due to flash-off effects. In Raman spectra all strong peaks of crystalline quartz disappear, and amorphization of quartz takes place after processing. If both cement and fine filler are processed than strength can be increased by 30%. By means of plasma processing of water it is possible not only to enlarge the strength of mortar, but also to increase the rate of curing. The improvement of properties is probably due to changes of hydration completeness in case of activated water.

An in vitro testing strategy towards mimicking the inhalation of high aspect ratio nanoparticles.

BackgroundThe challenge remains to reliably mimic human exposure to high aspect ratio nanoparticles (HARN) via inhalation. Sophisticated, multi-cellular in vitro models are a particular advantageous solution to this issue, especially when considering the need to provide realistic and efficient alternatives to invasive animal experimentation for HARN hazard assessment. By incorporating a systematic test-bed of material characterisation techniques, a specific air-liquid cell exposure system with real-time monitoring of the cell-delivered HARN dose in addition to key biochemical endpoints, here we demonstrate a successful approach towards investigation of the hazard of HARN aerosols in vitro.MethodsCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from cotton and tunicates, with differing aspect ratios (~9 and ~80), were employed as model HARN samples. Specifically, well-dispersed and characterised CNC suspensions were aerosolised using an “Air Liquid Interface Cell Exposure System” (ALICE) at realistic, cell-delivered concentrations ranging from 0.14 to 1.57 μg/cm2. The biological impact (cytotoxicity, oxidative stress levels and pro-inflammatory effects) of each HARN sample was then assessed using a 3D multi-cellular in vitro model of the human epithelial airway barrier at the air liquid interface (ALI) 24 hours post-exposure. Additionally, the testing strategy was validated using both crystalline quartz (DQ12) as a positive particulate control in the ALICE system and long fibre amosite asbestos (LFA) to confirm the susceptibility of the in vitro model to a fibrous insult.ResultsA rapid (≤4 min), controlled nebulisation of CNC suspensions enabled a dose-controlled and spatially homogeneous CNC deposition onto cells cultured under ALI conditions. Real-time monitoring of the cell-delivered CNC dose with a quartz crystal microbalance was accomplished. Independent of CNC aspect ratio, no significant cytotoxicity (p > 0.05), induction of oxidative stress, or (pro)-inflammatory responses were observed up to the highest concentration of 1.57 μg/cm2. Both DQ12 and LFA elicited a significant (p < 0.05) pro-inflammatory response at sub-lethal concentrations in vitro.ConclusionIn summary, whilst the present study highlights the benign nature of CNCs, it is the advanced technological and mechanistic approach presented that allows for a state of the art testing strategy to realistically and efficiently determine the in vitro hazard concerning inhalation exposure of HARN.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12989-014-0040-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Y2O3 on the properties of vitrified bond and vitrified diamond composites

In order to optimize the diamond grinding tools capacity for precise grinding, the effects of Y2O3 fillers on the thermal and mechanical properties of vitrified bond and vitrified diamond composites was comprehensively investigated. The results show that the 1.5wt.% Y2O3-doped-vitrified bond could improve the flowing ability and decrease the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of vitrified bond. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength of the diamond composites was increased from 46 to 61.74MPa by incorporating 1.5wt.% Y2O3 fillers, which was 34.2% higher than that of 0wt.% Y2O3-doped-composites. Microstructure characterization indicates that the diamond grains were closely overlaid by vitrified bond and the diamond composite had denser structure when the content of Y2O3 reached 1.5wt.%. Furthermore, a homogeneous crystalline quartz phase in the vitrified bond was obtained in the sintered vitrified bond at a Y2O3 loading of 1.5wt.%. Such crystallization composites with better thermal performance and superior mechanical property might be promising in glass–ceramics matrixmaterials for grinding.

Physical and electrical characterization of TiO2 particles after high temperature processing and before and after ultraviolet irradiation

In this work, rutile-phase TiO2 particles (r-TiO2, about 360 nm in size) are embedded within a silicon oxide matrix using different concentration ratios of r-TiO2 with respect to SiO2:H2O, so that suspensions of mixed TiO2:SiO2 oxides were obtained and analyzed. These TiO2:SiO2 suspensions were deposited on previously-cleaned crystalline silicon and quartz substrates so that thin films of TiO2:SiO2 were obtained. All films were then exposed to relatively high-temperature thermal treatments in nitrogen and different characterization techniques were used to determine their physical and electrical properties before and after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Before high thermal treatment, X-ray diffraction patterns show that the main diffraction peaks for the obtained TiO2:SiO2 films correspond to the crystalline phase of rutile-TiO2. Infrared analyses before and after thermal treatment show significant changes in the chemical bonding of the final films relative to the temperatures used during annealing. Also, UV–visible spectra provide a constant optical band gap for the films, independent of different TiO2 concentrations as expected. On the other hand, atomic-force microscopy measurements before and after UV irradiation show an appreciable difference in the grain size and surface morphology of the resulting TiO2:SiO2 oxides annealed at 1000 °C. Finally, photoelectrical I–V properties were obtained for all TiO2:SiO2 films by depositing ultrathin titanium stripes on top of the photoactive material and then, measuring the total current flowing through the metal electrode before and after UV irradiation. From these last measurements, a detectable increase in the I–V slope (lower resistance of the titanium stripe) is found for all samples during UV exposure, thus making this device to act as a simple photoresistor based on r-TiO2 particles.

Drawing circuits with carbon nanotubes: scratch-induced graphoepitaxial growth of carbon nanotubes on amorphous silicon oxide substrates.

Controlling the orientations of nanomaterials on arbitrary substrates is crucial for the development of practical applications based on such materials. The aligned epitaxial growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on specific crystallographic planes in single crystalline sapphire or quartz has been demonstrated; however, these substrates are unsuitable for large scale electronic device applications and tend to be quite expensive. Here, we report a scalable method based on graphoepitaxy for the aligned growth of SWNTs on conventional SiO2/Si substrates. The “scratches” generated by polishing were found to feature altered atomic organizations that are similar to the atomic alignments found in vicinal crystalline substrates. The linear and circular scratch lines could promote the oriented growth of SWNTs through the chemical interactions between the C atoms in SWNT and the Si adatoms in the scratches. The method presented has the potential to be used to prepare complex geometrical patterns of SWNTs by ‘drawing' circuits using SWNTs without the need for state-of-the-art equipment or complicated lithographic processes.

The amorphous silica–liquid water interface studied by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD): local organization in global disorder

The structural organization of water at a model of amorphous silica–liquid water interface is investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations at room temperature. The amorphous surface is constructed with isolated, H-bonded vicinal and geminal silanols. In the absence of water, the silanols have orientations that depend on the local surface topology (i.e. presence of concave and convex zones). However, in the presence of liquid water, only the strong inter-silanol H-bonds are maintained, whereas the weaker ones are replaced by H-bonds formed with interfacial water molecules. All silanols are found to act as H-bond donors to water. The vicinal silanols are simultaneously found to be H-bond acceptors from water. The geminal pairs are also characterized by the formation of water H-bonded rings, which could provide special pathways for proton transfer(s) at the interface. The first water layer above the surface is overall rather disordered, with three main domains of orientations of the water molecules. We discuss the similarities and differences in the structural organization of the interfacial water layer at the surface of the amorphous silica and at the surface of the crystalline (0 0 0 1) quartz surface.