Higher Mass Loss Research Articles

North Atlantic Cooling is Slowing Down Mass Loss of Icelandic Glaciers

AbstractIcelandic glaciers have been losing mass since the Little Ice Age in the mid‐to‐late 1800s, with higher mass loss rates in the early 21st century, followed by a slowdown since 2011. As of yet, it remains unclear whether this mass loss slowdown will persist in the future. By reconstructing the contemporary (1958–2019) surface mass balance of Icelandic glaciers, we show that the post‐2011 mass loss slowdown coincides with the development of the Blue Blob, an area of regional cooling in the North Atlantic Ocean to the south of Greenland. This regional cooling signal mitigates atmospheric warming in Iceland since 2011, in turn decreasing glacier mass loss through reduced meltwater runoff. In a future high‐end warming scenario, North Atlantic cooling is projected to mitigate mass loss of Icelandic glaciers until the mid‐2050s. High mass loss rates resume thereafter as the regional cooling signal weakens.

Manganese Dioxide (MnO<sub>2</sub>) Gaining by Calcination of Manganese Carbonate (MnCO<sub>3</sub>) Precipitated from Cobalt Removal Solutions

Precipitation was carried out to obtain manganese carbonate by adding a precipitating agent, sodium carbonate (NaCO3). This was followed by calcination of the manganese carbonate (MnCO3) to obtain manganese dioxide (MnO2). For precipitation tests, a pH ranging from 8 to 10, a time of one to two hours, and a temperature of 25°C and 50°C are the parameters that are considered. The calcination of MnCO3 is carried out under the following conditions: time (1, 2, 3, and 4 hours) and temperature (370°C, 420°C, and 470°C). It should be noted that the temperature range selected for the calcination tests is based on thermodynamic data obtained using the HSC CHEMISTRY software. The results obtained show an effective recovery of manganese at 25°C, in one hour, with a pH of 8.5 with a precipitation yield and manganese content in the precipitate around 98.43% and 24.21%, respectively. During calcination tests, results show an increase in mass loss, for a constant calcination time, as temperature increases. On the other hand, increasing the calcination time at a given temperature causes an increase in mass loss. However, a significant decrease in mass loss is noted at 3 hours of calcination. The highest mass loss is obtained at a temperature of 470°C after 4 hours of calcination.

Effect of incorporating different types of Sentang tree waste particle on the thermal stability of Wood Polymer Composite (WPC)

This article presents the potential use of tree waste materials such as the leaves (L), branches (B) and trunks (T) of Azadirachta excelsa (Sentang) tree in the production of wood polymer composite (WPC). The WPC was fabricated from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as bonding matrix, maleic anhydride (MA) as coupling agent, and Sentang tree waste particles (L, B and T) as filler, prepared using twin-screw extruder followed by injection moulding machine. The effects of incorporating these types of Sentang tree waste particle (at 35% and 45% particles loading by weight) on the thermal stability of WPC were reported. The chemical compositions of L, B and T were also determined and their influences on the thermal stability of WPC were discussed. The thermal behaviour was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), whereas the chemical analysis using Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) methods. The addition of these tree waste particles as filler has increased the thermal stability of WPC compared to virgin HDPE (without any particle incorporation). The highest mass loss was experienced by virgin HDPE. It was also observed that chemical compositions of the particles played vital role in influencing the thermal stability of WPC.

Computational data-driven based optimization of tribological performance of graphene filled glass fiber reinforced polymer composite using machine learning approach

Data-driven computational analysis based on predictive modelling reveals novel insight into the tribological performance of the material. It also establishes co-relation in the experimental data and mechanical properties of materials. We build a predictive model using a machine-learning (ML) algorithm to predict specific wear rates by using experimental data. Using pin-on-disc tribometer, tribological tests of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite (GFRE) incorporated with and without graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The test was conducted under the operating parameters of variable applied load of 5, 10, 15, 20 N, and abrading distance of 200 m at a rotating speed of 300 rpm. The experiment shows that neat GFRE has higher mass loss than GNPs incorporated GFRE sample, whereas 1 wt% Graphene nanoplatelets incorporated samples have the lowest mass loss. We used four Machine learning algorithms: Deep Neural Network (DNN), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting Machine (XGboost) to build the predictive model of experimental datasets. The Machine Learning algorithms successfully predict with an R2 value of 0.996, 0.980, 0.988, and 0.999 for DNN, GBM, RF, and XGboost, respectively. We also performed feature score analysis to find the contribution of input parameters to predicting the specific wear rate of the composites, which revealed that variation of load and density have maximum influence in determining specific wear rate prediction.

On the Corrosion of Two Types of Bronzes Under Cavitation

This article contains the results of the experiments concerning the mass loss of two types of bronze in seawater in the cavitation produced by ultrasound generated by a high-frequency generator. The mass loss models are presented for the experimental conditions when the generator worked at different powers - 80 W, 120 W, and 180 W. In all scenarios, the results show that the bronze with Sn has the highest mass loss in the cavitation field.

Thermal behaviour of biomass ashes in air and inert atmosphere with respect to their decarbonation

The carbonation/decarbonation of biomass ashes (BAs) is responsible for the CO2 capture and storage (CCS) potential of these waste products. Therefore, the thermal behaviour of eight BAs treated from ambient temperature up to 900 °C in air and inert atmosphere was studied to evaluate the decomposition of carbonates and associated with them minerals. A combination of thermal, mineralogical and chemical analyses was used for that purpose. The chemical composition of BAs is highly variable and their phase-mineral composition consists of diverse inorganic amorphous material, carbonates, sulphates, and silicates, plus some phosphates, chlorides, oxyhydroxides, and char. It was found that there are significant differences in the minerals transformation of BAs thermally treated under oxidizing and pyrolyzing conditions. Most BAs have lower mass loss in air than in inert atmosphere up to 900 °C due to the decomposition of minerals and char with subsequent oxygen uptake during oxidation of their decomposition products. The carbonates in BAs consists of calcite and kalicinite, and to a lesser extent, fairchildite and butschliite. The most important temperature for the decarbonation of carbonates is 600–900 °C and all BAs have higher mass loss under pyrolyzing conditions than under oxidizing environment in this temperature range. The inert atmosphere is more favorable for the decomposition of calcite, K2CO3, fairchildite, and butschliite, and melting of chlorides than air atmosphere. In contrast, the air atmosphere is more favorable for the dehydration, dexydroxylation, and oxidation of minerals and char than inert atmosphere. Hence, the determination of decarbonation for BAs (respectively CCS) is more representative in inert atmosphere because it avoids the oxidation reactions.

THE 3-D NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF THE DEPENDENCE OF THE DISK STRUCTURE FROM THE WIND CONFIGURATION IN ONE-POINT IN MICROQUASAR CYG X-1. THE CASE OF THE HIGH RESOLUTION GRID IN THE VERTICAL DIRECTION

The present paper is devoted to the investigation how the disk structure is depending from the one-point wind one in microquasar CYG X-1. The results show that when the region in which the wind is absent in the vicinity of one-point has the size less or equal to 0.07 the disk radius is very small, order of 0.08 in units of orbital separation. When this size is increased to 0.115 the disk radius becomes to be of standard size to be equal to 0.22 in units of orbital separation. By the other words these results show that the disk structure is strong depending from many factors including and the donor’s wind configuration in the vicinity of one-point. This configuration is inherent to microquasars only. Indeed, since microqausars are the massive close binary systems; the donor in these systems is massive star from which the strong radiation- driving wind is blowing. On the other hand, in microquasars accretion disks are present and it means that one-point stream is also present in microqausars. It in turn means that the matter configuration in the vicinity of one-point is very complicated since the high mass loss rate donor’s wind and one-point stream must be existing in the vicinity of one-point simultaneously. This situation maybe resolved when we suppose that the central source in an accretion disk will influence on the donor’s atmosphere structure in the vicinity of one-point and in turn will be result in the break of wind in the vicinity of one-point. This finally will be means that one-point stream will be existing in one-point without a wind and it, flowing in the accretor’s Roche lobe, will be result in an accretion disk forma- tion. Here one problem is arising: what is the configuration of wind in the extended vicinity of one-point and from what the parameters this configuration is depending and haw this configuration will be results to the disk structure change. We good understand that this situation is arising in the case of microquasars only and we try to resolve this problem in the present paper.

Upscaling Severe Torrefaction of Agricultural Residues to Produce Sustainable Reducing Agents for Non-Ferrous Metallurgy

Torrefaction of almond shells and olive stones, which are typically considered agricultural waste in the southern regions of the European Union, was investigated in this work for application as reducing agents in the metallurgical industry. Four different temperatures were tested: 250, 280, 300 and 350 °C. The evolution of the solid yields with the temperature was determined with TGA measurements. This showed that the duration of torrefaction should not exceed 45 min. The kinetic profiles were successfully fitted using the pseudo-first-order rate equation (PFORE). Then, torrefaction for 45 min was systematically carried out at every temperature and for each resource in a laboratory-scale batch device. The raw and torrefied biomasses were characterized using proximate, ultimate and calorific analyses. The carbon/oxygen ratio and the heating values were increased as a result of the torrefaction severity (from 20 MJ/kg for both raw biomasses to 30 MJ/kg at 350 °C). The highest mass losses were obtained at the highest temperature (67.35 and 65.04 %w for almond shells and olive stones, respectively, at 350 °C). The fixed carbon value also increased, being higher than 67 %w for torrefaction at 350 °C. The large-scale torrefaction at 350 °C (45 min) of these biomasses was carried out in a continuous pilot plant. The solids were characterized as well, and their properties were close to those of the biomasses torrefied in the laboratory-scale batch reactor under the same conditions. This thermal treatment provided biochars with all the required properties to be used as reducing materials in metallurgy.

Experimental study on thermal performance of ultra-high performance concrete with coarse aggregates at high temperature

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) exhibits superior mechanical and durability performance with very high compressive strength. Compared with ordinary concrete, it is more environmentally friendly and has the great potential to be a practical solution to improve the sustainability of infrastructure. This study focuses on examining thermal properties of UHPC with coarse aggregates (CA-UHPC) subjected to temperature ranged from 20 °C ∼ 900 °C, including changes in macro and micro morphology before and after high temperatures, thermal conductivity, mass loss, specific heat and thermal expansion. The effects of high temperature, coarse aggregate and steel fiber content on the thermal performance of the material will be evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Experimental results show that high temperature greatly affects thermal properties of CA-UHPC. Coarse aggregates also have a considerable influence on the thermal properties. Steel fibers, however, have little effect on the thermal properties. Based on the test results, meso calculation formulas are proposed to predict the thermal properties, which can be used in the design of structural components made of CA-UHPC.

Quantifying Impacts of Microcosm Mass Loss on Kinetic Constant Estimation.

Microcosm experiments to assess microbial reductive dechlorination of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons typically experience 5-50% mass loss due to frequent sampling events and diffusion through septa. A literature review, however, reveals that models fit to such experiments for kinetic constant estimation have generally failed to account for experimental mass loss. To investigate possible resultant bias in best-fit parameters, a series of numerical experiments was conducted in which Monod kinetic models with and without mass loss were fit to more than 1300 synthetic data sets, generated using published microcosm data. Models that failed to account for mass loss resulted in significant fitted parameter bias. Bias ranged from 5 to 45% of the parameter magnitude for Monte Carlo simulations with low (approximately 10%) mass loss to 20-120% for simulations with high (approximately 40%) mass loss. In addition, for high mass loss simulations, best-fit values consistently fell along the bounds of the optimization range. These results suggest that failure to properly account for mass loss in microcosms may lead to inaccurate estimation of kinetic constants and may explain some of the literature-reported variability in these parameters. A model is presented that provides a method for including sampling and diffusional mass losses to improve kinetic constant estimation accuracy.

Influence of Air Dissolved in Hydraulic Oil on Cavitation Erosion

This article gives experimentally evidence that cavitation erosion in hydraulic components like valves and pumps is caused by vapour cavitation not gas or pseudo cavitation. In fact, the free air content which is released by vapour and gas cavitation reduces the erosion significantly. In order to clearly separate the different cavitation types, a test rig with a specially designed reservoir with integrated degassing capability is presented. As flow geometry a valve model with realistic dimensions and under realistic operating conditions was used, which ensures very high transferability of the results to the reality of hydraulic components in practical applications and typical operating conditions. A total of 4 five-hour long tests are performed and analysed. The quantification of the cavitation erosion is determined by the mass loss of the copper samples. The experimental results show a 4.4–5.1 times higher mass loss in tests with air-free oil compared to tests with air-saturated or oversaturated hydraulic oil. The experimental fact that air-free hydraulic oil causes significantly more cavitation erosion than normal (saturated) hydraulic oil, and its implications are discussed. The conclusion can be drawn, that further developments of hydraulic components and systems towards the use of air-free oil or increasing power densities will be disproportionately challenged by cavitation erosion.

Effect and Optimization of Process Conditions during Solvolysis and Torrefaction of Pine Sawdust Using the Desirability Function and Genetic Algorithm.

Understanding optimal process conditions is an essential step in providing high-quality fuel for energy production, efficient energy generation, and plant development. Thus, the effect of process conditions such as the temperature, time, nitrogen-to-solid ratio (NSR), and liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR) on pretreated waste pine sawdust (PSD) via torrefaction and solvolysis is presented. The desirability function approach and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to optimize the processes. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to determine the effect of the process conditions mentioned above on the higher heating value (HHV), mass yield (MY), and energy enhancement factor (EEF) of biochar/hydrochar obtained from waste PSD. Seventeen experiments were designed each for torrefaction and solvolysis processes. The benchmarked process conditions were as follows: temperature, 200–300 °C; time, 30–120 min; NSR/LSR, 4–5. In this study, the operating temperature was the most influential variable that affected the pretreated fuel’s properties, with the NSR and LSR having the least effect. The oxygen-to-carbon content ratio and the HHV of the pretreated fuel sample were compared between the two pretreatment methods investigated. Solvolysis pretreatment showed a higher reduction in the oxygen-to-carbon content ratio of 47%, while 44% reduction was accounted for the torrefaction process. A higher mass loss and energy content were also obtained from solvolysis than the torrefaction process. From the optimization process results, the accuracy of the optimal process conditions was higher for GA (299 °C, 30.07 min, and 4.12 NSR for torrefaction and 295.10 °C, 50.85 min, and 4.55 LSR for solvolysis) than that of the desirability function based on RSM. The models developed were reliable for evaluating the operating process conditions of the methods studied.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Thermal Investigation of Hybrid Banana/Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composite

The key focus of this work was to examine the effect of hybrid fiber reinforcement on thethermal properties of particulate based natural fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. Banana and sisal fiberswere selected as natural fiber reinforcements for the polyester matrix based composites, which wereproduced by mechanical stir mix technique. Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier-TransformInfrared Spectroscopy (FTIS) were conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing andMaterials (ASTM) standards for the characterization of the hybrid composites. The FTIS result shows thedisappearance of 1735 cm-1 peak, a notable evidence of NaOH treatment. The thermal analysis showedthat the hybridization significantly affected the high temperature stability of the composite, with 70%Sisal/30%Banana found to have the lowest high temperature mass loss at a temperature of 300–520oC, thushighest high temperature stability. Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) results shows a minor mass lossrate at a temperature range of 50–150oC as well as a major mass loss rate due to pyrolysis of key fiberconstituents such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin between 260 and 350oC. Also it was observed thatas the percentage of banana in the hybrid fiber increases the speed of high temperature mass loss reduces.

Corrosion Resistance Synergistic Appraisal of Titanium-Impregnated Bisphenol A-Type Epoxy Duplex Coating System in Stimulated and Natural Marine Environments of Southeastern Coastal Area of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

This research endeavor is aimed at developing a protective coating for marine service conditions of the southeastern coastal area of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Bisphenol A-type epoxy-based protective coatings were prepared by impregnating exotic titanium metal microparticles into two different proportions, i.e., 5% and 10% (w/w). Film hardness measurement by pencil test, adhesion measurement by the crosshatch-tape test, chemical and heat resistance test, gloss measurement, natural exposure, and salt spray testing have demonstrated that Ti-enriched coatings have performed better than the virgin epoxy coating. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy has depicted more surface degradation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has indicated higher mass loss and chain scission in the virgin epoxy coating than the Ti-enriched coatings. In addition, these Ti microparticles have filled up the cavities/imperfections, reduced cracking, promoted crosslinking during the curing, and cordoned-off passage of corrodents and moisture, thus improving epoxy resin coating features. These results have widened the scope of Ti-embedded epoxy coatings against atmospheric corrosion for highly corrosive marine sites.

The Effect of Cu Content and Surface Finish on the Metal Dusting Resistance of Additively Manufactured NiCu Alloys

Due to the inhibiting behavior of Cu, NiCu alloys represent an interesting candidate in carburizing atmospheres. However, manufacturing by conventional casting is limited. It is important to know whether the corrosion behavior of conventionally and additively manufactured parts differ. Samples of binary NiCu alloys and Monel Alloy 400 were generated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and exposed to a carburizing atmosphere (20 vol% CO–20% H2–1% H2O–8% CO2–51% Ar) at 620 °C and 18 bar for 960 h. Powders and printed samples were investigated using several analytic techniques such as EPMA, SEM, and roughness measurement. Grinding of the material after building (P1200 grit surface finish) generally reduced the metal dusting attack. Comparing the different compositions, a much lower attack was found in the case of the binary model alloys, whereas the technical Monel Alloy 400 showed a four orders of magnitude higher mass loss during exposure despite its Cu content of more than 30 wt%.

Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Kenaf Fiber (Hibiscus cannabinus) Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is one of the most investigated and industrially applied natural fibers for polymer composite reinforcement. However, relatively limited information is available regarding its epoxy composites. In this work, both thermal and chemical properties were, for the first time, determined in kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites. Through XRD analysis, a microfibrillar angle of 7.1° and crystallinity index of 44.3% was obtained. The FTIR analysis showed the functional groups normally found for natural lignocellulosic fibers. TMA analysis of the composites with 10 vol% and 20 vol% of kenaf fibers disclosed a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. The TG/DTG results of the epoxy composites revealed enhanced thermal stability when compared to plain epoxy. The DSC results corroborated the results obtained by TGA, which indicated a higher mass loss in the first stage for kenaf when compared to its composites. These results might contribute to kenaf fiber composite applications requiring superior performance.

Surface mass balance and energy balance of the 79N Glacier (Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden, NE Greenland) modeled by linking COSIPY and Polar WRF

AbstractTo get a better overview of atmosphere-driven mass changes at the 79N Glacier (Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden Glacier), the largest outlet glacier of the northeast Greenland ice stream, the surface mass balance (SMB) is modeled by linking the COupled Snowpack and Ice surface energy and mass-balance model in PYthon (COSIPY) with the output of a regional atmospheric model (Polar WRF) for the years 2014–2018. After a manual model optimization, the model produces reliable results when compared to observations in the region and to values from the literature. High spatial resolution (1 km) simulations reveal strong interannual variability of the SMB. Stronger surface melting increased the ablation and runoff in years with high mass loss (2016 and 2017) whereas in other years (2015 and 2018) melting and refreezing inside the snowpack dominated the mass balance (MB). A cooler regional climate with higher snowfall-driven accumulation, higher albedo and reduced surface melt in the ablation period of 2018 resulted in a positive SMB in 2018, however, the annual total MB remained negative. The results suggest a promising new dataset for gaining more insights into mass-balance processes and their contribution to the acceleration of glacier retreat in northeast Greenland.

Highly hydrophilic CaF2:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles: Structural, morphological, and optical properties

Highly hydrophilic CaF2:YbEr upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were prepared by a user-friendly thermolysis route at lower temperatures. Physiochemical characteristics of the UCNPs were determined by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscope(SEM), transmission electron microscope(TEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis(EDX), Thermogravimetric/thermal differential analysis (TGA/DTA), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared(FTIR), UV/Visible, UC luminescence spectroscopic techniques. XRD exhibited a highly pure, crystalline, single-phase cubic structure. SEM and TEM images revealed the irregular size, spherical-shaped, rough exterior, porous nanostructures with a typical crystalline dimension are about 10-20 nm. Zeta potential shows the positive charge over the exterior of the UCNPs and forms a highly colloidal solution at environmental temperature. FTIR spectrum illustrated the existence of carboxylic and broad hydroxyl group peaks because of the little amount of organic additive (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid). Higher mass loss (∼5%) at a lower temperature in TGA/DTA spectrum indicates the elimination of the little amount of surface anchored organic moieties. The absorption spectrum and bandgap energy were recorded to evaluate the optical properties of the sample. UC luminescence spectrum of the sample demonstrated most of the emission transitions of Er3+-ions on irradiation sample from 980 nm laser diode. These surface hydrophilic nature UCNPs to be highly emerging photonic-based bio-related or applied materials applications.

Connection between the long secondary period and red giant evolution

Aims.The mechanism behind the long secondary period (LSP) observed in pulsating red giants remains unknown. In this work, I investigate the connection between the red giant branch and the asymptotic giant branch evolution and the appearance of the LSP – a phenomenon that has been observed in a significant proportion of red giants.Methods.For the purposes of this work, I used the OGLE-III sample of the OSARG variables in the Large Magellanic Cloud. I constructed density maps in the period-luminosity as well as color-magnitude planes for the stars showing an LSP and compared them to the remaining giants. I also fit the spectral energy distribution to test whether an additional source of reddening is present in the LSP stars.Results.Here, I posit the hypothesis that the LSP phenomenon may be related to a transition between the different pulsation period-luminosity sequences. I also show that an overabundance of the stars showing LSP can be observed around the tip of the red giant branch, and much more prominently, at the upper part of the asymptotic giant branch. The main over-density region appears to be slightly fainter and redder than the bulk of the asymptotic giant branch. It also seems to correspond to the area of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram where stable winds and high mass loss are present.Conclusions.The LSP can possibly be shown to be a recurring phenomenon that appears and disappears at various points of the red giant evolution. The LSP stars appear to be more reddened than other giants, which suggests the intrinsic nature of the reddening is likely to be related to large dust emission. The analysis appears to confirm the hypothesis that there is a relation between the mass loss due to the presence of strong stellar wind and the appearance of an LSP.

Impurity driven corrosion behavior of HAYNES® 230® alloy in molten chloride Salt

The impurity-driven corrosion behavior of HAYNES® 230® alloy in the molten KCl-MgCl2-NaCl salt was studied at 800 °C for 100 h with different salt purity conditions. It was found that HAYNES® 230® alloy exhibited better corrosion resistance in the salt with lower impurities. Furthermore, the corrosion (non-immersion) due to molten salt vapors was more severe at higher temperature. The attack was localized and driven by outward diffusion of chromium through the grain boundaries. The presence of Mg in its metal form in the salt resulted in an even higher mass-loss in HAYNES® 230® alloy due to Mg-Ni interaction.