Retention Layer Research Articles

Influence of soil moisture hysteresis on the functioning of capillary barriers

AbstractPrevious experimental studies of capillary barriers have identified highly hysteretic soil moisture retention characteristics in the materials used. In this study, numerical modelling is used to analyse the role of soil moisture hysteresis in capillary barrier functioning. Comparisons between published experimental results and model simulations indicate that soil moisture hysteresis was a necessary inclusion in the modelling approach to adequately reproduce pore water pressure distributions and the timing of breakthrough occurrences. Under hypothetical intermittent infiltration and evaporation conditions, the predicted volumetric water content in the moisture retention layer was significantly different for hysteretic and non‐hysteretic models. The hysteresis effect was found to be dependent on the nature of infiltration–evaporation cycling, although the predicted volume of flow through the hysteretic barrier was lower than that of the non‐hysteretic case, regardless of the nature of the cyclic upper boundary conditions. For practical engineering designs, where the water leakage through the barrier is the primary concern, the inclusion of soil moisture hysteresis in numerical modelling is needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Surfactant-controlled etching of ion track nanopores and its practical applications in membrane technology

The effect of surfactants on chemical development of ion tracks in polymers has been studied. It has been shown that surface-active agents added to an alkaline etching solution adsorb on the polymer surface at the pore entrances. This reduces the etch rate, which leads to the formation of pores tapered toward the surface. Self-assembly of surfactant molecules at the pore entrance creates a barrier for their penetration into the etched-out nanopores, whereas hydroxide ions diffuse freely. Due to this, the internal pore volume grows faster than the pore surface diameter. The ability to control pore shape is demonstrated with the fabrication of profiled nano- and micropores in polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate. Some earlier published data on small track-etched pores in polycarbonate (in particular, the pore diameter vs. etching time curves measured conductometrically) have been revised in light of the above findings. Adding surfactants to chemical etchants makes it possible to optimize the structure of track membranes, thus improving their retention and permeation properties. Asymmetric membranes with thin skin retention layers have been produced and their performance studied.

Optimum kinetic performance of open‐tubular separations in microfluidic devices

A survey is made of the different factors contributing to the kinetic performance of open-tubular separation channels. Being representative for most of the channels used in microfluidic devices, the main focus is on channels with a rectangular format. Kinetic plots of t(0)/N(2 )versus N are established to allow for a visual selection of the ideal channel format and dimensions. These plots for example show that in the pressure-driven mode a channel with a flat-rectangular crosssection (top and bottom wall covered by a retentive layer) can always yield slightly faster (some 15%) separations than a cylindrical capillary, provided the channel depth is optimized. If the channel depth is fixed, the optimal w/d-ratio depends on the required plate number. In electrically driven flows, the situation is reversed and rectangular channels with a small width are to be preferred, and the cylindrical capillary format becomes the best format.

New Magnetic Nanodot Memory with FePt Nanodots

A new magnetic nanodot (MND) memory with FePt nanodots was proposed. The FePt nanodots dispersed in SiO2 insulating film was successfully fabricated by self-assembled nanodot deposition (SAND). The size of the FePt nanodot can be controlled by SAND with a different target area ratio of the FePt pellets area in the SiO2 target. Thermal annealing converts the magnetic properties of the FePt nanodots from antiferromagnetic into high coercivity ferromagnetic without thermal agglomeration. An L10 face-centered tetragonal (fct) FePt MND film was successfully formed which acted as a charge retention layer. Furthermore, the fundamental characteristics of the MND memory were investigated using magnetic metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor devices.

Design of Inclined Covers with Capillary Barrier Effect

A design procedure is proposed to minimize water infiltration into landfills by optimizing the water diversion length of inclined covers with capillary barrier effect (CCBE). This design procedure is based on a conceptual, mathematical and numerical approach and aims at selecting materials and optimizing layer thickness. Selection among candidate materials is made based on their hydraulic conductivity functions and on a threshold infiltration rate imposed on the designer. The capillary break layer (CBL; bottom layer) is characterized by a weak capillarity, while the moisture retention layer (MRL; upper layer) is characterized by a compromise between strong capillarity and high hydraulic conductivity. The thickness of the CBL corresponds to the height where suction reaches its maximum value for a given infiltration rate. This height can be calculated using the Kisch [Géotechnique 9 (1959)] model. The optimal thickness of the MRL is determined by applying an adaptation of the Ross [Water Resources Research 26 (1990)] model. The results obtained using the proposed design procedure were compared to those obtained from numerical simulations performed using a finite element unsaturated seepage software. The procedure was applied for two cover systems; one where deinking by-products (DBP) were used as MRL and sand as CBL and another where sand was used as MRL and gravel as CBL. Using this procedure, it has been shown that an infiltration control system composed of thin layers of sand over gravel is highly efficient in terms of diversion length and that its efficiency can be enhanced by placing a hydraulic barrier – such as a layer of DBP – above the MRL.

New Non-Volatile Memory with Magnetic Nano-Dots

We proposed a new non-volatile memory with magnetic nano-dots (MND) dispersed in an insulating film as charge retention layer. We evaluated fundamental characteristics of FePt magnetic nano-dot film which is employed in such new magnetic nano-dot memory. We successfully formed a highly ordered L10 phase face-centered tetragonal structured FePt nano-dot (< 4.2nm) films on Si3N4 (5nm)/SiO2 (10nm)/silicon substrates and SiO2(10nm)/ silicon substrate by using SAND method. The uniformity of FePt particle size is dramatically improved by introducing a Si3N4 buffer layer on SiO2/Si substrate. In addition, it is found that FePt nano-dot film formed on Si3N4 (5nm)/SiO2(10nm)/Si substrate has a large coerce-ivity of ~22 kOe at room temperature.

Cobalt-Chromium Powder Alloys and Retention Coatings Made from Them for Orthopaedic Stomatology

An alloy of Co-Ni-Mo-Cr is prepared by diffusion impregnation with chromium from point sources of cobalt-nickel-molybdenum alloy powder synthesized by combined reduction. Optimum regimes are determined for preparing alloy powder by combined reduction of cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum oxides (reduction temperature 1325 K, isothermal soaking time 3 h) and diffusion impregnation with chromium (temperature 1373 K, isothermal soaking time 4 h). The adhesive strength of a facing coating with material of a dental prosthesis manufactured using the alloy developed is studied. It is shown that with application of retention layers the adhesive strength increases by a factor of three to five compared with using cast spheres (beads).

Clarification of Yeast Cell Suspensions by Depth Filtration

Depth filtration can be very attractive for initial clarification because of low capital costs and ease of operation. However, there is currently no fundamental understanding of the effects of the filter pore size and morphology on the overall capacity and filtrate quality. The objective of this study was to examine the flux, capacity, and filtrate turbidity of a series of depth filters with different pore size ratings and multilayer structures for the filtration of yeast cell suspensions. Data were analyzed using available fouling models to obtain insights into the flux decline mechanisms. Filters with small pore size provide high filtrate quality at low capacity, with the reverse being true for the larger pore sizes. The multilayer structure of commercial depth filters leads to improved performance, although the choice of layer properties is critical. The highest capacity was achieved using a multilayer filter in which the upper layer allows significant yeast cell penetration into the filter matrix but still protects the retentive layer that is needed for a high quality filtrate.

Influences of Osmotic Agents in Diffusion Layer on Drug Release from Multilayer Coated Pellets

Nonpareil beads were coated with three different functional layers, namely inner chlorpheniramine maleate‐loaded hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, 4 mPa · s) deposition layer, middle HPMC (400 mPa · s) diffusion layer, and outer polyacrylic polymer (Eudragit RS30D) retention layer. The osmotic agents, including sodium chloride, glycine, citric acid, and disodium hydrogen phosphate, were incorporated in different amounts into the diffusion layer and the influences on drug release were studied. The osmotic agent competed with HPMC for imbibed water and subsequently caused more water influx owing to the osmotic pressure gradient. An appropriate amount of osmotic agent in the diffusion layer was necessary to exert its effect on retarding drug release. The osmotic effect on drug release was compromised with pellets at a higher coating level of the diffusion layer due to the extensive swelling and rupture of coat. The release parameters, including dissolution T50% and mean dissolution time, showed linear relationship with osmolalities of osmotic agents studied. The effect of the osmotic agent in the diffusion layer played an important role in determining the unique multiphase drug release profiles, particularly in the initial phase of dissolution, and reduced with depletion of the osmotic agent in the later phase of dissolution.

Dispersion reduction in open-channel liquid electrochromatographic columns via pressure-driven back flow.

Application of electrokinetic forces to drive the mobile phase diminishes analyte dispersion in open-channel liquid chromatographic columns due to minimization of shear in the flow field. However, the retentive layer coating the inner walls of such devices slows down the average convective velocity of solute molecules in its vicinity, inherently causing dispersion of analyte bands. In this article, we explore the possibility of reducing such dispersion in electrochromatographic columns by imposing a pressure-driven back flow in the system. Analysis shows that although such a strategy introduces shear in the flow field, the overall dispersion in the mobile phase is reduced. This occurs as the streamline velocity in such a system is greater near the channel walls than that in the center of the conduit, thereby allowing fluid dispersion to counteract wall retention effects. For an optimally chosen magnitude of the back flow, hydrodynamic dispersion of any target species in the mobile phase may be shown to diminish by a factor of 3 and 10/3 in a circular tube and a parallel-plate geometry, respectively. A similar reduction in slug dispersion is also realized in rectangular conduits for all aspect ratios. In trapezoidal geometries with large wedge angles or isotropically etched profiles, this reduction factor may attain values of 10 or greater.

Mechanism of pellet coat rupture and its effect on drug release.

In the formation of a coated controlled release preparation with functional coat layers, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose was used to form a diffusion layer which swelled immediately upon wetting. Eudragit RS30D was used to form the outer retention layer. The rupture of pellet coat occurred when the Eudragit RS30D was unable to withstand the expansion in volume due to the influx of water and swelling of the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose diffusion layer. The sucrose core was able to contribute an osmotic effect. The hydrostatic pressure built up within the pellet can cause the pellet coat to rupture. Sodium chloride deposited in the diffusion coat was able to delay the bursting of the pellet coat. This was due to the competition for the imbibed water between sodium chloride and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. The rupture of the pellet coat did not result in a total failure of the controlled drug delivery mechanism. Similar drug release rates were obtained irrespective whether there was a puncture in the pellet coat or not. Pressure built-up in the region away from the puncture pushed the core material towards the point of puncture and sealed the puncture point. In addition, the swelling of polymer around the point of rupture ensured continuity in the drug diffusion barrier.

Prospects of miniaturized separation systems

Abstract

Analyte preconcentration procedure based on parallel-current open-tubular liquid chromatography

A preconcentration method based on the focusing of the analyte in the tail of the pulse of the retentive layer moving in open capillary was developed. This technique was verified by the preconcentration of aqueous solutions of phenol, 2,4-dinitroaniline, phenanthrene and fluoranthene as model analytes. The pulse of a cyclohexanol layer moved in a fused-silica capillary of diameter 0.2 mm. The effects of the cyclohexanol volume injected and sample volume on the focusing performance were examined. An enrichment factor of up to 30 was achieved.

The effect of shear rate on the adhesion/activation of human platelets in flow through a closed-loop polymeric tubular system.

Three polymers, produced as reference materials of a European Communities program, namely PE, PP, and PVC, in tubular form, were comparatively evaluated for their hemocompatibility. In particular, the following parameters: platelet retention index, beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) release from activated platelets, and expression of the platelet protein GMP 140 (PADGEM) were measured as a function of time for whole anticoagulated human blood flowing in a closed-loop system under two different shear rates of 2000 and 500 s-1. Data up to 20 min (afterwards there was hemolysis) showed a fluctuating platelet retention index as time increased for PE and PVC and an increasing value for PP. Platelet aggregation and dislodgment from the surface could not be differentiated. Activation of platelets as expressed with beta-TG release were higher for both PE and PP in both shear rates in comparison to PVC which elicited a higher response at the high shear rate. Finally, PADGEM estimations seem to indicate a more stable platelet retention layer for PP than PE or PVC.

Characteristics of Bump Type Erasable Organic Optical Recording Media

Abstract Rewritable organic optical-recording media which are composed of dye-polymer bilayers were prepared and the effect of their structures on the recording properties was investigated. The recording layer consists of thermal-curable poly-urethane resin and a cyanine dye, and the retention layer consists of poly-styrene resin and a quinone dye. The carrier to noise ratio(CNR) of the recording media increased as the thickness of the retention layer decreased. The composition of the media was varied to find out the optimal point. The complex refractive indices of the media were calculated to simulate the marked bump height and the temperature distribution of the media. Here we discussed the effect of bump height and the thermal expansion coefficient(α) on CNR of the media.

Morphologic aspects of the resin-dentin interdiffusion zone with five different dentin adhesive systems tested in vivo

The new generation of enamel dentin adhesive materials provides removal of the smear layer, inducing structural changes in the dentinal surface and creating a retentive interdiffusion zone or hybrid layer between the two substrates. Some studies have demonstrated hybrid layer formation in in vitro samples, but few articles have described it in in vivo specimens. The hybrid layer forms in peritubular and intertubular treated dentin and improves adhesion between tooth surface and adhesive resins. This in vivo study investigated the formation of a hybrid layer by use of five different enamel dentin adhesive systems. The dentin adhesives systems were tested on flat dentin preparations made on vestibular surfaces of periodontally compromised teeth. The sample teeth were extracted immediately after the resin was cured. Half of the samples were used to visualize the hybrid layer and the other half to observe the morphology of the resin tags by use of scanning electron microscopy. All the tested products formed a hybrid layer. In many areas of samples of Gluma 2000, Scotchbond Multipurpose, All Bond 2, and Super Bond D Liner systems, characteristic reverse cone-shaped tags were visible. Resin tags produced by Clearfil Liner Bond adhesive were narrower at the apertures of tubules than those of the other four adhesive materials. Morphology of the hybrid layer and of the resin tags of these samples were similar to in vitro samples observed in other studies.

Preparation and evaluation of cross-linked polyacrylate stationary phases for open tubular liquid chromatography

Polyacrylate films containing a lauryl moiety were fabricated on about 12 μm I.D. fused silica capillaries by in-situ photopolymerization of acrylates. Relatively thick films up to 1 μm were obtained by the technique. The films were tested as retentive layers for reversed phase open tubular liquid chromatography (OTLC). Due to the presence of the incorporated lauryl moiety in the layer considerable retention could be achieved for polar compounds with aqueous mobile phases. The efficiency of the prepared columns approximates to the theoretical value. The polyacrylate films appear to be extremely stable even under strong basic conditions. The films swell considerably in the presence of nonpolar solvents resulting in more favourable retention and a significant improvement of the chromatographic performance.

Novel Application of Amorphous Silicon in Electrostatic Loudspeakers

ABSTRACTA thin film of amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) has been developed for application as the charge retention layer in electrostatic loudspeakers. The vibrating diaphragm in this type of loudspeakers is usually coated with a thin film in order to assure homogeneous charge distribution across the surface. This thin film should be capable of maintaining a high surface charge density and possess a high lateral resistivity to prevent charge displacement. Furthermore, it should be mechanically stable, capable of accomodating mechanical deformation, and resistant against humidity. Conventionally, a graphite layer is used in these applications. However, the conventional layers are frequently unstable and suffer from charge displacement effects eventually leading to electric breakdown. Further requirements are that the film can be deposited continuously and homogeneously over large areas in excess of 1 m2 and that the deposition technique is compatible with the properties of the thin membrane. We investigated small-area prototypes of electrostatic loudspeakers with a-Si:H thin films deposited on polyimide substrates in the Utrecht deposition system, ASTER. Plasma-deposited amorphous silicon films fabricated under certain conditions are shown to meet all of the above requirements.

Dynamics of linear interactions in heterogeneous media: A systems approach

A general method is presented for modelling linear reversible interactions between a flowing fluid and a porous medium, taking into account non-ideal flow and mass transfer resistance. It is shown that the overall transfer function of the system may be obtained by combining the transfer function characterizing the flow pattern, and that characterizing interactions at the local level. Several mechanisms are considered: one single retention layer, several layers in series, several retention sites exchanging in parallel, diffusion into a porous solid. It is also possible to account for distributed exchange times and first order chemical reactions in both phases. Examples of simulations are presented. Deformation of the response to a pulse injection of tracer under the influence of mass transfer resistance, case of two sites of different activity exchanging in parallel, existence of a transfer time distribution. Different mechanisms may lead to identical shapes. Complex networks may be easily represented. Finally, simple hints are provided for interpreting peak shapes after the proposed models.

The application of porous silica layers in open tubular columns for liquid chromatography

Two methods to realize a porous retentive silica layer on the inner wall of 10–25 µm fused silica capillaries for OTLC, etching and precipitation of silica from solution, have been investigated. Etching of the fused silica capillaries with 1M KOH, creates an activated surface, but the capacity of the silica layer is too small to serve as retentive layer in OTLC. Better prospects are offered by the precipitation of silica from a solution of polyethoxysiloxane, dynamically coated on the inner wall of the fused silica capillary. It appears to be possible to deposite a porous silica layer up to 0.8 µm thick (in a 25 µm capillary) by this method, which seems to be suitable for liquid-solid an dynamically generated liquid-liquid chromatography in open tubular columns. The performance of these columns are demonstrated by means of efficient separations of test mixtures using on-column fluorescence detection.