Sealed Samples Research Articles

Comparison of asphalt emulsion-based chip seal and hot rubber asphalt-based chip seal

The use of asphalt emulsion chip seal and hot rubber chip seal as pavement preservation techniques has been gaining popularity. This study aims to compare the laboratory performance of asphalt emulsion and hot rubber asphalt used in chip seal applications. Interlayer shear strength (ISS) and interlayer tensile strength (ITS) tests were designed to evaluate the bond quality of the chip seal samples prepared for both materials. The sweep test was used to estimate the aggregate loss of the chip seal on the asphalt pavement. The universal testing machines were used to evaluate the deterioration of the ISS and ITS values under cyclic load conditions, while the tensile and shear bond properties of chip seals under wet-freeze conditions were evaluated using freeze-thaw cycles. Results showed while both materials experienced a decline in their ISS and ITS values following repeated cycles of load and freeze-thaw, the hot rubber chip seal demonstrated significantly higher ISS and ITS values than the asphalt emulsion chip seal (48–111% and 36–102%, respectively). Moreover, the hot rubber chip seal exhibited better performance in terms of aggregate retention and cohesive strength. The aggregate gradation would affect the aggregate retention and cohesive strength. Nonetheless, both treatments are deemed acceptable for pavement maintenance. The weak bond between hot rubber asphalt or asphalt emulsion and aggregate could be attributed to cyclic load and freeze-thaw conditions.

Cementitious and hardening properties of magnesia (MgO) under ambient curing conditions

This study investigated the cementitious and hardening properties of MgO under different ambient curing conditions. The strength development of MgO paste and mortar specimens cured in air, water, wet-dry cycles and sealed conditions were measured. The phase assemblage of MgO-(CO2)-H2O system was predicted by thermodynamic calculations and then hydrating and hardening mechanism were identified by multiple microstructural analytical techniques. The results showed that hydration of MgO under air condition yielded low strength pastes due to limited formation of hydrate and carbonate phases, while sealed samples hydrated to form noncementitious crystalline Mg(OH)2 alone. Water curing or wet-dry cycles enhanced hydration of MgO and subsequent carbonation at atmospheric CO2 concentration. The amorphous carbonate phase was confirmed by combining phenolphthalein spray test, TGA and FTIR results, which was speculated as the cause of significant strength gain. Moreover, reduction in water-to-cement ratio enabled MgO mortar to set more quickly and show higher strength up to 40 MPa.

Estimating Fluor Emission Spectra Using Digital Image Analysis Compared to Spectrophotometer Measurements.

This paper describes a practical method for obtaining the spectra of lights emitted by a fluor in a liquid scintillator (LS) using a digital camera. The emission wavelength results obtained using a digital image were compared with those obtained using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. For general users, conventional spectrophotometers are expensive and difficult to access. Moreover, their experimental measurement setup and processes are highly complicated, and they require considerable care in handling. To overcome these limitations, a feasibility study was performed to obtain the emission spectrum through image analysis. Specifically, the emission spectrum of a fluor dissolved in a liquid scintillator was obtained using digital image analysis. An image processing method was employed to convert the light irradiated during camera exposure into wavelengths. Hue (H) and wavelength (W) are closely related. Thus, we obtained an H-W response curve in the 400~450 nm wavelength region, using a light-emitting diode. Another relevant advantage of the method described in this study is its non-invasiveness in sealed LS samples. Our results showed that this method has the potential to accurately investigate the emission wavelengths of fluor within acceptable uncertainties. We envision the use of this method to perform experiments in chemistry and physics laboratories in the future.

Experimental and numerical investigation of moisture variations in unbound pavements with sprayed seals during drying and wetting

Unbound pavements with sprayed seals are one of the major types of flexible pavements used worldwide. Sprayed sealing can be considered as an economical surfacing method in particularly Australia and New Zealand due to the low initial cost. However, moisture can enter the underlying pavement layers through sprayed seals as they are variably permeable, resulting in significant performance losses in underlying pavement structural layers. Hence, an in-depth understanding of how moisture varies in the base layer under different sprayed seals is essential for designing and maintaining pavement to meet the required long-term performance.This paper investigates moisture variations in unbound base layers under typical sprayed seals using experimental and numerical techniques. Pavement layers were replicated in the laboratory in columns with three different sealing conditions such as unsealed, 10 mm single-single sealed and 14 mm single-single sealed. The moisture variations in the base layers were monitored under drying and wetting conditions using moisture sensors over several months with targeted experiments. Moreover, this study characterises two typical types of sprayed seal samples collected from operating road surfaces using X-ray tomography and laboratory experiments. The experimental results show that typical single-single sprayed seals exhibit porosity in the range of 5% to 8%, leading to saturated permeability from 10−6 to 10−7 m/s. The numerical simulations show that significant drying and wetting of the base layer occurs when the pavement operates under actual climatic conditions. In addition, this study reveals that for a given seal condition, it is easier for moisture to enter the unbound base than drying out of the base layer once the moisture has entered. However, the drying rate depends on the saturation condition of the base layer before drying begins.

Um novo método para a determinação da retração de argamassas nas primeiras 24 horas de hidratação

abstract: The shrinkage of cementitious materials is a complex phenomenon of volume reduction that can result in cracking, affecting the durability of these materials. The Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 15261 addresses long-term shrinkage without emphasis on the initial phase (< 24h) of hydration, which contains the plastic state of the cementitious material. Therefore, a method was proposed to measure the shrinkage in the first 24h of mortar hydration, on a laboratory scale, from prismatic samples, using molds from the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 15261 (285x25x25mm) and rigid elements that transmit horizontal displacements of the sample to dial gauges. Cement mortar specimens were studied with the water/dry materials ratio fixed at 0.168 and varying the binder/aggregates ratio linearly: 33% (1:3); 25% (1:4); and 17% (1:6). Different exposures to the environment (sealed, open and wind) were applied. The analysis indicated that the proposed method was sensitive enough to indicate statistically significant relationships between the maximum initial shrinkages and the variation in the concentration of the binders, as well as indicating variations in the behavior of the initial shrinkage. The increase in cement concentration caused an increase in the average initial shrinkage of 76% in the samples exposed to air, 54% in those exposed to 5 m/s wind, and 22% in the sealed samples.

Development of a Compact Magnetic Suspension Balance

This article develops a prototype of magnetic suspension balance (MSB) for mass measurement, in which the mass of the sealed sample is transferred to the measuring unit via the magnetically suspended method. Considering that the excitation current decides the magnetic force while the magnetic force balances the gravity of the detected object, a type of compact MSB can be obtained by combining the force sensor unit and the magnetic suspension coupling unit (MSCU). Many efforts are undertaken to improve the performance of the compact MSB. The design parameters of the MSCU are optimized to decrease the sensitivity of the magnetic force to the variation in the suspension height; the magnetic suspension system is regulated by an active disturbance rejection control method to decrease the current fluctuation in the stator coil; the calibration method founded on the least-squares method is used to suppress the data drifts existed in the measuring process. The testing results show that both the resolution and repeatability of the MSB reach <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$500~\mu \mathrm {g}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> , and the measuring uncertainty is less than 1 mg for the weights up to 1 g.

Efficacy of oxidized regenerated cellulose combined with fibrin glue in reducing pulmonary air leakage after segmentectomy in a porcine lung model.

Objectives: Pulmonary air leakage is a common complication following lung resection. We have designed a new method combining oxidized regenerated cellulose and fibrin glue to cover the intersegmental plane in clinical lung segmentectomy to prevent postoperative air leakage. In this study, an excised porcine lung segmentectomy model was created to validate its adhesive strength and effect on reducing air leakage. Methods: In the pre-experiment, six different larger lung segments were separated using electrocautery on the fresh isolated porcine lungs (n = 5 in each group). The air leakage degree and operation time of the lung segments were comprehensively evaluated to select the most suitable target segment for establishing the ex vivo porcine lung segmentectomy models. In the experiment, according to the different materials covered on the intersegmental plane, these models were randomly divided into four groups: group A used fibrin glue and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) mesh (n = 20); group B used fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet (n = 20); group C used fibrin glue (n = 20); group D was the blank control group (n = 20). The minimum air leakage pressure (MALP) of the selected target segment in each group was measured using a stepwise increase of airway pressure, and histological assessment was performed on the sealed area samples from the four groups. Results: The operation time of the a segment of the right cranial lobe (R1a) was shorter than that of other segments (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the air leakage pressures between the six isolated segments (p = 0.76); thus, R1a was chosen for segmentectomy. In addition, the MALP was significantly higher in group A (41.8 ± 4.5 cmH2O) than in groups C (28.1 ± 2.3 cmH2O) and D (17.3 ± 1.2 cmH2O) (both p < 0.001). The MALP of group B (69.5 ± 5.2 cmH2O) was significantly higher than that of group A (p < 0.001), whereas that of group C was significantly higher than that of group D (p < 0.001). Histological examination confirmed that the combined use of fibrin glue and ORC or PGA patch adhered more firmly to the intersegmental plane than that of fibrin glue alone, although some gaps could be seen between the fibrin glue and the surface of the lung segments in group C. Conclusion: The application of ORC combined with fibrin glue on the intersegmental plane has a good sealing performance in the ex vivo porcine lung segmentectomy model, suggesting that ORC may be an effective alternative material to replace PGA sheet to combine with fibrin glue for preventing air leakage after segmentectomy.

Influence of process parameters on sealing strength of polymer films in an innovative continuous heat sealing technology

An innovative process for packaging films sealing has been recently promoted: Heat is provided on the upper side of the polymer films. In this paper, sealing conditions are studied for two PET‐PE films. Melting temperature of the sealant layer material was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), through both conventional and successive self nucleation and annealing procedures. Interface temperature was measured during sealing, and a temperature model was fitted to compute the effective sealing time for each process parameter. Unconventional T‐peel tests were established with disk‐shaped seal samples. Strengths of the seals formed for different process parameters were measured. Results have shown that the melting temperature measured by DSC (108° C and 99° C for PE70 and PE120, respectively) is the seal initiation temperature of the materials. Results of T‐peel tests can be divided in two regions: A growth region where seal strength values increase, up to a threshold at which the seal strength is almost constant (20 N/10 mm). In the growth region, we propose a time–temperature relationship between seal strength, tool temperature, and effective sealing time in the form of an Arrhenius model . The value of the time exponent in the model is in agreement with what the chain diffusion theory predicted .

Determination of acetylacetone in workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of acetylacetone in the air of workplace by gas chromatography. Methods: In August 2020, acetylacetone in the air of workplace was collected by silica gel tube, eluted with methanol, separated and detected by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The detection limit and precision of the method were also analyzed. Results: The linear range of acetylacetone was 1.95-1950.60 μg/ml with the regression equation of y=0.815x-3.667, and the correlation coefficient was 0.99993. The limit of detection of the method was 0.18 μg/ml and the minimum detection concentration was 0.12 mg/m(3) (collected sample volume was 1.50 L). The within-run precisions were 1.08%-4.11% and the between-run precisions were 1.98%-2.80%. The desorption rates were 99.68%-100.45%. The sealed samples could be kept at least 15 days at room temperature without significant loss. Conclusion: The solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for the determination of acetylacetone has good precision, high sensitivity and simple operation, and is suitable for the determination of acetylacetone in the air of the workplace.

Tissue distribution and trophic magnification of trace elements in typical marine mammals in Bohai and north Yellow Seas.

A total of 20 stranded spotted seals (Phoca largha) and 9 stranded minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were collected from Liaodong Bay and the northern part of the Yellow Sea to investigate the tissue distribution (liver, kidney, heart, lung, and muscle), risk, and trophic magnification of 13 trace elements (TEs, Hg, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, V, Zn). The 13 TEs were all detected in all spotted seal and minke whale tissue samples, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.041 to 136.3mgkg-1 dry weight (dw) and 0.022 to 152.6mgkg-1 dw, respectively. Zn was the dominant contaminant in all tissues for both spotted seals and minke whales. There was tissue-specific distribution of TEs in both marine mammals, and the TEs tended to accumulate in internal organs. Significant positive correlations were found in the body length of the spotted seals and minke whales among some of the TEs, especially for Cd in the internal organs. Gender-dependent distribution of the TEs was not obtained for the spotted seal. Ecological risk evaluation for spotted seals and minke whales suggested that greater concern should be given to Hg, As, and Se. Based on the TE concentrations detected in this study and trophic levels determined by stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, trophic level-associated biodilution was obtained for As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, Se, Sn, and V in the spotted seal, while Zn displayed a significant biomagnification trend with increasing trophic levels. In the case of the minke whale, As, Cd, Co, Mn, Pb, Se, and V displayed significant biomagnification trends with increasing trophic levels.

Influence of ultrasonic application on soybean aqueous extract based composite edible film: Characterization and their food application

In this study, a soybean aqueous extract-based composite film was developed by incorporating beeswax, clove essential oil, and span-20 via ultrasonication. The effect of ultrasonication power level (0–600 W) on the rheological properties of the film forming solution (FFS) and important film properties such as water vapor permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, and opacity was evaluated. It was found that ultrasonication treatment until a power level of 400 W at a constant treatment condition of 15 min and a frequency of 20 kHz improved barrier (water vapor permeability: 2.91 × 10−10 g m/m2·Pa·s) and mechanical properties (tensile strength: 2.53 MPa). Ultrasonication considerably reduced the apparent viscosity of FFS from 1.32 Pa s (control) to 0.188 Pa s (600 W) and improved the flow behavior. The smooth and homogenous surface obtained in SEM analysis validated the enhanced properties obtained for ultrasonication treated films. Model fitting of moisture sorption data of the experiments indicated that the GAB model is best suited to predict the moisture uptake behavior of developed films at all selected temperatures (25, 35, and 45 °C). Sealed samples exhibited a tearing failure during testing with a seal strength value of 59.16 N/m. A qualitative biodegradation test resulted in the degradation of films within 12 days, making them an eco-friendlier packaging option. Application of the developed film as a packaging material for muffins showed that soybean aqueous extract-based film could maintain the moisture content and textural parameters of muffins for up to six days under ambient storage.

Multi-dietary tracer approach reveals little overlap in foraging ecology between seasonally sympatric ringed and harp seals in the high Arctic

The rapid rate of climate change in the Arctic is causing broad-scale changes to the physical environment and biological communities. Characterizing the foraging ecology and habitat use of Arctic marine top predators of high ecological and cultural significance is essential to our understanding of their vulnerability to ecosystem change, especially when there is potential for dietary resource competition in spatially co-occurring species. We therefore undertook this study to explore dietary resource competition between seasonally sympatric ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) in Mittimatalik (previously known as Pond Inlet), Nunavut, Canadian Arctic. We used bulk stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N), fatty acid-specific carbon isotopes (δ13C), fatty acid profiles, and diatom lipid biomarkers in a multi-tracer framework to track carbon and trophic pathways in liver and muscle of both seal species. Altogether, the dietary tracers showed little overlap in the diet between ringed seals and harp seals when they co-occurred in the open-water season in northwest Baffin Bay. Though a high dependence on sea ice-derived carbon sources for both species was found, dietary tracers suggested that ringed seals relied to a far greater extent on sympagic carbon sources (~80% vs. 50% for harp seals) and a greater extent of benthic/coastal prey species compared to the more pelagic feeding harp seals. Ringed seal samples were available year-round, and analyses revealed a clear seasonal pattern of foraging on sympagic and benthic prey during ice-covered months of the year and shifting to greater reliance on pelagic prey during the summer open-water season. Overall, ringed seals may be more vulnerable to changes in sea-ice dynamics in the rapidly changing Arctic than harp seals, though it remains difficult to predict future dietary plasticity and competition between co-occurring top predators in an increasingly ice-free Arctic with a changing prey community.

High-Resolution Pore Space Imaging, Mineralogical Characterization, and Sealing Capacity Estimates of Confining Units at a Geologic Carbon Storage Demonstration: The Illinois Basin–Decatur Project, USA

At the Illinois Basin–Decatur Project, a large-scale CO2 capture and geologic storage demonstration project in the saline Mount Simon Sandstone in central Illinois, three overlying and laterally continuous shale formations (the Eau Claire, Maquoketa, and New Albany) are considered confining units overlying the sandstone reservoir. The Mount Simon reservoir contains internal mudstone baffles that will influence CO2 migration pathways and future interaction with seals. Understanding the sealing properties of rock units deemed seals or confining units is vital to commercialization of geologic carbon storage. For this article, nanoscale-resolution focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and quantitative evaluation of minerals by SEM were used to characterize the controls on the sealing integrity of these seals and reservoir confining units. Results show that porosity and pore size generally decrease with depth, except in the carbonate-rich Maquoketa Shale. The Maquoketa contains the highest pore volume owing to abundant dolomite in the mineral matrix compared with the other mudstone and shale intervals, which are clay rich. The shallowest seal sample, the organic-rich New Albany Shale, contains the highest frequency of the smallest pore throat size and is most comparable, with respect to pore sizes and entry pressures, to the deepest black shale and primary Mount Simon reservoir seal, the Eau Claire. Point-specific MICP threshold pressure results, theoretical calculations based on a range of permeabilities, and column height calculations indicate that the internal Mount Simon mudstone and Eau Claire Shale are effective seals of CO2 in the Mount Simon reservoir.

Research and development of an air sampling tube for chlorobenzene compounds and its supporting determination method

Objective: To establish a GDH-3 air sample tube for simultaneous determination of twelve kinds of chlorobenzene compounds (CBs) in workplace air by gas chromatography. And to established a matching determination method. Methods: In October 2020, the vapor and aerosol CBs in workplace air were collected by GDH-3 air sampling tube, and desorption and elution with 3.00 ml toluene for 15 min, then the solution separated by DB-23 capillary column, and finally detected with microcell electron capture detector. Results: The quantitative determination ranges of twelve isomers of CBs were 0.71×10(-3)-2000.00 mg/L, with the correlative coefficients were 0.99967-0.99998. The minimum detectable concentrations were 0.04-112.63 μg/m(3), and the minimum quantification concentrations were 0.14-375.42 μg/m(3) (15.00 L sample, 3.00 ml sample solution) . The average elution efficiencies were 96.00%-104.00%. The within-run relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 2.54%-6.12%, and the between-run RSDs were 3.85%-7.87%. Sealed samples could be stable at room temperature for at least 15 days. Conclusion: GDH-3 air sample tube can be used for simultaneous determination of twelve kinds of CBs in workplace air by gas chromatography. The established supporting measurement method meets the measurement requirements of the occupational health standard detection method, and the it's suitable for the simultaneous determination of 12 kinds of CBS in the air.

High-temperature oxidation resistance of ceramic coatings on titanium alloy by micro-arc oxidation in aluminate solution

Ceramic coatings with aluminum titanuate (Al2TiO5) were prepared on Ti–6Al–4V alloy using pulsed bi-polar Micro-arc Oxidation (MAO). The micromorphology and phase composition of the micro-arc-oxidition ceramic coatings on the titanium alloy were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The results revealed that the distinct discharge channels and pores on the surface of the micro-arc-oxidition coatings appeared, and these channels were connected in the molten state. The electrolyte concentration was inversely proportional to the coating hardness; additionally, the coating prepared with sodium aluminate and sodium hypophosphite concentrations of 4 ​g/L and 0.5 ​g/L, respectively, was the most refined after high-temperature sintering, and it was demonstrated to better prevent oxidation. Increasing the electrolyte concentration coincided with fluctuating coating thermal shock resistance. The thermal shock resistance of the coating respectively prepared with sodium aluminate, and the sodium hypophosphite concentrations of 4 ​g/L and 0.5 ​g/L was the highest. Additionally, the high-concentration coatings performed significantly better than the low-concentration coatings. The oxidation resistance of the coating samples was also significantly higher than that of the TC4 titanium alloy substrate. The adhesion strength between the coatings and the substrate with and without the sealing treatment was measured by tensile tests. Then, the high-temperature oxidation performance of the coating samples with and without the sealing treatment was investigated by conducting a high-temperature oxidation experiment at a calcinating temperature of 500 ​°C. The results indicate that the adhesion strength between the coatings and substrate was high for the as-prepared and sealed micro-arc oxidation samples regardless of whether they were calcined. The high-temperature oxidation mass increase curves for the sealed and unsealed coating samples calcined at 500 ​°C for 500 ​h revealed that the high-temperature-oxidation-induced mass increase of the coating samples sealed with a sodium silicate solution was much lower than that of the titanium alloy substrate. Thus, the sealing treatment significantly improved the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the TC4 titanium alloy. Lastly, the high-temperature oxidation behavior at 500 ​°C was analyzed and discussed.

Preliminary Planning for Mars Sample Return (MSR) Curation Activities in a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF).

Preliminary Planning for Mars Sample Return (MSR) Curation Activities in a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF).

The method of determination for butyronitrile and isobutyronitrile in the air of workplace by dissolved desorption-gas chromatography

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of butyronitrile and isobutyronitrile in the air of workplace by gas chromatography. Methods: In March 2020, butyronitrile and isobutyronitrile in the air of workplace was collected by silica gel, eluted with methanol, separated and determined by gas chromatogram with flame ionization detector, the characteristics of determination of nitrile and isobutyronitrile by gas chromatography were analyzed. Results: The limit of detection for butyronitrile and isobutyronitrile was 0.33 μg/ml. The linear range of butyronitrile determined by this method was 1.60-1600.00 μg/ml, y=2.295x-3.480, and the coefficient correlation was 0.99998, and the minimum detection concentration was 0.22 mg/m(3) (collected sample volume was 1.50 L) . The within-run precisions were 2.43%-4.12%, the between-run precisions were 1.72%-3.70%, and the desorption rates were 93.26%-98.41%. The linear range of isobutyronitrile determined by this method was 1.52-1520.00 μg/ml, y=2.208x-0.102, and the coefficient correlation was 0.99998, and the minimum detection concentration was 0.22 mg/m(3) (collected sample volume was 1.50 L) . The within-run precisions were 2.52%-3.22%, the between-run precisions were 1.20%-3.82%, and the desorption rates were 96.85%-102.50%. The sealed samples could be stored at least 10 days at room temperature without significant loss. Conclusion: The method has the advantages of good precision, high sensitivity and simple operation. It is suitable for the simultaneous determination of butyronitrile and isobutyronitrile in the air of workplace.

Evaluation of Tannins as Potential Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Aluminium Alloy Used in Aeronautical Industry

In this work some organic natural products were studied, namely tannic acid, gallic acid, mimosa tannin and chestnut tannin, as potential green corrosion inhibitors of the aluminium alloy AA2024-T3. The anodizing treatment was performed in a solution of the referred organic compounds in diluted sulfuric acid. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the potentiodynamic polarization were performed to assess sealing quality and corrosion protection granted by the anodic films. To understand the green inhibitors; interaction with the metal surface, FTIR spectra of anodizing and anodizing and sealed samples of AA2023-T3 were recorded, and the shifts in the position of the major bands confirmed that the green inhibitor interacts with the metal surface. Images of the morphology of the coatings were provided by Scanning Electron Microscopy. From the results obtained through the various techniques that were used to carry out this study it is possible to conclude that the formed anodic films can be a good contribution for the prevention of corrosion in the aluminium alloy AA2024-T3.

Fabrication of enhanced corrosion protection of PEO/PFOTES nanocomposite film coatings on aluminum alloy deposited by plasma electrolytic oxidation

In this study, PEO/PFOTES nanocomposite film was synthesized by Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) followed by 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES) sealing on Al 6061 alloys by dip-coating method. The relationship between surface morphology, coating thickness, and surface wettability of PEO samples and siloxane sealed samples were examined by FE-SEM and contact angle techniques. Furthermore, corrosion resistance of PEO coating and siloxane sealed samples were confirmed by Potential dynamic polarization and corrosion stability analysis in 3.5% NaCl solution. In conclusion, PFOTES sealing has the effect of changing the surface to super-hydrophobic, increasing corrosion resistance, and lowering corrosion rate. The 10P siloxane-coated sample shows the lowest corrosion rate, 4.916 × 10-5 mm/year, with a lower current density. In addition, the corrosion study also confirmed the excellent corrosion stability of PEO/PFOTES nanocomposite film over 864 h.

The effect of portulaca oleracea capsules on hemorrhage volume and postpartum pain: Clinical trial study

Background: Postpartum affects the well-being of mothers. Examining the approaches that could reduce the maternal side effects such as pain and bleeding, are among the top research priorities in midwifery. The present research aims to determine the effects of Portulaca Oleracea capsules on hemorrhage volume and postpartum pain. Methods: The double-blind clinical trial- after receiving permission from the Ethics Committee- targeted 106 women. The qualified mothers were classified into two groups using Sealed Envelope sample size. In both groups after taking Mefenamic acid as a routine treatment, the interventions were done. One group took Portulaca Oleracea capsules and the other group received placebo drugs that were similar in smell, color, and taste. In the interventional group, Portulaca Oleracea capsules were prescribed two times a day in the twelve-hour interval, after taking Mefenamic acid. In the control group, the placebo capsules were prescribed at the same intervals. To measure the amount of hemorrhage after delivery, pads were used after each intervention to determine differences in pads weighed. The IBM SPSS for Windows, version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Data analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics Mann Whitney tests, and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). The level of significance was considered 0.05. Results: The average rate of pain intensity after the first intervention in the interventional group was 4.82 + 1.11 and in the placebo group was 5.22 + 1.09 (p=0.037). After the second intervention was 3.74 + 0.91 in the intervention group and 4.79 + 0.97 in the placebo group (p&lt;0.001). The average hemorrhage volume after the second intervention was 28.33 + 6.67 in the interventional group and 35.96 + 7.59 (p&lt;0.001) in the placebo group. Conclusion: Portulaca Oleracea capsules were effective in reducing the amount of postpartum pain and hemorrhage and can be used as herbal medicine to decrease postpartum pain and hemorrhage.