TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, S. A1 - Horstmann, J. A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Braun, U. A1 - Hagendorf, C. T1 - A reference methodology for microplastic particle size distribution analysis: Sampling, filtration, and detection by optical microscopy and image processing N2 - Microplastic (MP) contamination in natural water circulation is a concern for environmental issues and human health. Various types of polymer materials have been identified and were detected in MP analytic test procedures. Beyond MP polymer type, particle size and form play a major role in water analysis due to possible negative toxicologic effects on flora and fauna. However, the correct quantitative measurement of MP size distribution over several orders of magnitude is strongly influenced by sample preparation, filtration materials and processes, and microanalytical techniques, as well as data acquisition and analysis. In this paper, a reference methodology is presented aiming at an improved quantitative analysis of MP particles. An MP analysis workflow is demonstrated including all steps from reference materials to sample preparation, filtration handling, and MP particle size distribution analysis. Background-corrected particle size distributions (1–1000 µm) have been determined for defined polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reference samples. Microscopically measured particle numbers and errors have been cross-checked with the total initial mass. In particular, defined reference MP samples (PE, PET) are initially characterized and applied to filtration experiments. Optical microscopy imaging on full-area Si filters with subsequent image analysis algorithms is used for statistical particle size distribution analysis. To quantify the effects of handling and filtration, several blind tests with distilled water are carried out to determine the particle background for data evaluation. Particle size distributions of PE and PET reference samples are qualitatively and quantitatively reproduced with respect to symmetry, and maximum and cut-off diameter of the distribution. It is shown that especially MP particles with a radius of >50 µm can be detected and retrieved with high reliability. For particle sizes <50 µm, a significant interference with background contamination is observed. Data from blank samples allows a correction of background contaminations. Furthermore, for enhanced sampling statistics, the recovery of the initial amount of MP will be qualitatively shown. The results are intended as an initial benchmark for MP analytics quality. This quality is based on statistical MP particle distributions and covers the complete analytic workflow starting from sample preparation to filtration and detection. Microscopic particle analysis provides an important supplement for the evaluation of established spectroscopic methods such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy. KW - Drinking water KW - Filtration KW - Microplastics detection KW - Quality control KW - Statistical particle distribution PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-567625 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.202200055 SN - 2702-4288 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-56762 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Ballach, F. A1 - Bartscher, M. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Borges de Oliveira, F. A1 - Braun, M. A1 - Dennerlein, F. A1 - Flessner, M. A1 - Fuchs, P. A1 - Günnewig, O. A1 - Hausotte, T. A1 - Hess, J. A1 - Kasperl, S. A1 - Kirschbaum, K. A1 - Li, K. A1 - Maass, N. A1 - Mayer, T. A1 - Orth, Anthony A1 - Reuter, T. A1 - Suppes, A. A1 - von Schmid, M. A1 - Weiß, D. T1 - Realistische Simulation realer Röntgencomputertomografie-Systeme mit basisqualifizierter Simulationssoftware – CTSimU2 BT - Abschlussbericht N2 - Das Förderprojekt CTSimU2 baute auf den Ergebnissen des Projektes CTSimU auf. Dieses Vorprojekt erarbeitete ein (Basis-)Qualifizierungsframework für Simulationssoftwares zur Anwendung bei der Röntgen-CT für dimensionelle Messungen. Dabei stand die ausreichende physikalische Korrektheit der Durchstrahlungssimulation im Vordergrund. Für die realitätsnahe Simulation einer CT-Anlage in einer Simulationssoftware (Digitales Modell) ist jedoch nicht nur die Korrektheit der Simulationssoftware selbst, sondern auch die Güte der Parametrisierung des realen CT-Systems in der Simulationssoftware entscheidend – dies stellte den Ausgangspunkt dar. Die Parametrisierung eines CT-Systems in einer Simulationssoftware lässt sich in vier Schritte unterteilen: nach der Datenaufnahme am realen CT-System folgt die Auswertung der aufgenommenen Daten für die Generierung allgemeiner Parameterangaben. Als letztes folgte die Übertragung der Parameter in die spezifischen Simulationssoftwares und die Validierung der resultierenden Simulationsparameter. Die Methodik der Datenaufnahme am CT und die Auswertung der Daten wurde in einem Werkzeugkasten allgemein beschrieben. Der dritte Schritt, die Umsetzung der Parameter, war softwarespezifisch und wurde beispielhaft mit den vorhandenen Simulationssoftwares durchgeführt. Die Validierung der Parameter war standardisierbar und konnte durch den entwickelten Test geleistet werden, auf dessen Basis die ausreichend korrekte Simulation einer realen Anlage beurteilt werden konnte. Endresultat des Projektes war ein Richtlinienentwurf (z. B. VDI/VDE 2630) zu diesem Test, der einen informativen Annex zum Stand der Technik bezüglich der Möglichkeiten zur Parameterbestimmung enthält. Mit einer Simulationssoftware, die die Basisqualifizierung aus CTSimU bestanden hat und einen Parameterdatensatz für ein reales CT-System enthält, der den Test aus CTSimU2 bestanden hat, können realistische Simulationen dieses CT-Systems möglich sein. KW - Computertomografie KW - Simulation KW - Dimensionelles Messen PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-641719 DO - https://doi.org/10.34657/21602 N1 - Dieses Projekt wurde durch die Förderrichtlinie WIPANO gefördert und durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (2022 -2025) finanziert. Der Projektträger Jülich verwaltet die Projekte der Förderrichtlinie WIPANO. SP - 1 EP - 22 PB - TIB Technische Informationsbibliothek CY - Hannover AN - OPUS4-64171 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Unger, R. A1 - Braun, Ulrike A1 - Fankhänel, J. A1 - Daum, B. A1 - Arash, B. A1 - Rolfes, R. T1 - Molecular modelling of epoxy resin crosslinking experimentally validated by near-infrared spectroscopy N2 - Reliable simulation of polymers on an atomistic length scale requires a realistic representation of the cured material. A molecular modelling method for the curing of epoxy systems is presented, which is developed with respect to efficiency while maintaining a well equilibrated system. The main criterion for bond formation is the distance between reactive groups and no specific reaction probability is prescribed. The molecular modelling is studied for three different mixing ratios with respect to the curing evolution of reactive Groups and the final curing stage. For the first time, the evolution of reactive groups during the curing process predicted by the molecular modelling is validated with near-infrared spectroscopy data, showing a good agreement between simulation results and experimental measurements. With the proposed method, deeper insights into the curing mechanism of epoxy systems can be gained and it allows us to provide reliable input data for molecular Dynamics simulations of material properties. KW - Epoxy KW - NIR spectroscopy KW - Modelling PY - 2019 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2019.01.054 SN - 0927-0256 VL - 161 SP - 223 EP - 235 PB - Elsevier AN - OPUS4-47431 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Vlajića, M. A1 - Unger, Wolfgang A1 - Bruns, J. A1 - Rueck-Braun, K. T1 - Photoswitching of fulgimides in different environments on silicon surfaces N2 - Reversible light-modulation of fulgimide based monolayers on Si(1 1 1) and Si(1 0 0) was investigated using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Fulgimide monolayers were prepared from neat COOH-terminated SAMs on Si(1 1 1) obtained from methyl undec-10-enoate, (1:1)-diluted COOH-terminated monolayers on Si(1 1 1), and GPTMS monolayers on Si(1 0 0). The epoxy-terminated monolayer on oxidized Si(1 0 0) was characterized with ellipsometry, XPS, as well as contact angle measurements, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed a strong influence of toluene water content on reproducible high-quality monolayer formation. The results of this study show that environmental polarity has a strong influence on fulgimide imide IR band locations and read-out options for the two photostationary states PSS(365 nm), containing E/Z- and C-isomers, and PSS(545 nm), with solely the E/Zisomers. Neat COOH-terminated monolayers on flat Si(1 1 1) have the Advantage of high functional Group concentration, orientation and stability, and an upright arrangement of fulgimide head groups. KW - Surface functionalization KW - Photoswitchable monolayers KW - ATR-FTIR spectroscopy KW - XPS PY - 2019 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.09.159 SN - 0169-4332 SN - 1873-5584 VL - 465 SP - 686 EP - 692 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-46276 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Braun, Ulrike A1 - Lorenz, Edelgard A1 - Weimann, Christiane A1 - Sturm, Heinz A1 - Karimov, I. A1 - Ettl, J. A1 - Meier, R. A1 - Wohlgemuth, W. A. A1 - Berger, H. A1 - Wildgruber, M. T1 - Mechanic and surface properties of central-venous port catheters after removal: A comparison of polyurethane and Silicon rubber materials N2 - Central venous port devices made of two different polymeric materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)and silicone rubber (SiR), were compared due their material properties. Both naïve catheters as well as catheters after removal from patients were investigated. In lab experiments the influence of various chemo-therapeutic solutions on material properties was investigated, where as the samples after removal were compared according to the implanted time inpatient. The macroscopic,mechanical performance was assessed with dynamic, specially adapted tests for elasticity. The degradation status of the materials was determined with common tools of polymer characterisation, such as infrared spectroscopy, molecular weight measurements and various methods of thermal analysis. The surface morphology was an alysed using scanning electron microscopy. A correlation between material properties and clinical performance was proposed. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the polyurethane catheter materials can potentially result in increased susceptibility of the catheter to bloodstream infections and thrombotic complications. The higher mechanic failure,especially with increasing implantation time of the silicone catheters is related to the lower mechanical performance compared to the polyurethane material as well as loss of barium sulphate filler particles near the surface of the catheter. This results in preformed microscopic notches, which act as predetermined sites of fracture. KW - Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) KW - Silicone rubber (SiR) KW - Catheters KW - Central venous access port KW - Complication KW - Structure propertyrelationship KW - Mechanical testing PY - 2016 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.08.002 SN - 1751-6161 SN - 1878-0180 VL - 64 SP - 281 EP - 291 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-37178 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Perez, R.M. A1 - Sandler, J.K.W. A1 - Altstädt, V. A1 - Hoffmann, T. A1 - Pospiech, D. A1 - Ciesielski, M. A1 - Döring, M. A1 - Braun, Ulrike A1 - Knoll, Uta A1 - Schartel, Bernhard T1 - Effective halogen-free flame retardants for carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy composites N2 - DOPO-based flame retardants with tailored chemical structures are proposed for carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites. Critical properties related to the fracture toughness are maintained, effectively allowing the use of such compounds in composites for demanding applications. KW - Fire retardancy KW - DOPO KW - Epoxy resin KW - LOI KW - UL94 PY - 2006 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-006-0134-4 SN - 0022-2461 SN - 1573-4803 VL - 41 IS - 15 SP - 4981 EP - 4984 PB - Springer Science + Business Media B.V. CY - New York, USA AN - OPUS4-12641 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Perez, R.M. A1 - Sandler, J.K.W. A1 - Altstädt, V. A1 - Hoffmann, T. A1 - Pospiech, D. A1 - Ciesielski, M. A1 - Döring, M. A1 - Braun, Ulrike A1 - Balabanovich, Aliaksandr A1 - Schartel, Bernhard T1 - Novel phosphorus-modified polysulfone as a combined flame retardant and toughness modifier for epoxy resins N2 - A novel phosphorus-modified polysulfone (P-PSu) was employed as a combined toughness modifier and a source of flame retardancy for a DGEBA/DDS thermosetting system. In comparison to the results of a commercially available polysulfone (PSu), commonly used as a toughness modifier, the chemorheological changes during curing measured by means of temperature-modulated DSC revealed an earlier occurrence of mobility restrictions in the P-PSu-modified epoxy. A higher viscosity and secondary epoxy-modifier reactions induced a sooner vitrification of the reacting mixture; effects that effectively prevented any phase separation and morphology development in the resulting material during cure. Thus, only about a 20% increase in fracture toughness was observed in the epoxy modified with 20 wt.% of P-PSu, cured under standard conditions at 180 °C for 2 h. Blends of the phosphorus-modified and the standard polysulfone (PSu) were also prepared in various mixing ratios and were used to modify the same thermosetting system. Again, no evidence for phase separation of the P-PSu was found in the epoxy modified with the P-PSu/PSu blends cured under the selected experimental conditions. The particular microstructures formed upon curing these novel materials are attributed to a separation of PSu from a miscible P-PSu–epoxy mixture. Nevertheless, the blends of P-PSu/PSu were found to be effective toughness/flame retardancy enhancers owing to the simultaneous microstructure development and polymer interpenetration. KW - Flame retardants KW - Phosphorus-modified polysulfone KW - Fracture toughness PY - 2007 SN - 0032-3861 SN - 1873-2291 VL - 48 IS - 3 SP - 778 EP - 790 PB - Springer CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-14515 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - GEN A1 - Alexander, I. A1 - Braun, H.-J. A1 - Dettmann, T. A1 - Fimmen, H. A1 - Haberkamp, H. A1 - Katz, H. A1 - Krischok, Frank A1 - Otremba, Frank A1 - Pötzsch, Klaus-Michael A1 - Zentgraf, R. A1 - Putzschke, M. T1 - Bericht über den Ablauf und die Ursachen der Havarie des Tankmotorschiffes 'Waldhof' am 13. Januar 2011 auf dem Mittelrhein (Rhein-km 553,75) KW - Schiffshavarie KW - Gefahrgut-Tankschiff KW - Schwimmstabilität PY - 2013 IS - S-312.4/016 SP - 1 EP - 224 AN - OPUS4-27729 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Drago, C A1 - Wiesner, Yosri A1 - Braun, U A1 - Giovannozi, A A1 - Fadda, M A1 - Putzu, Mara A1 - Lorenzo, S A1 - Moscoso-Pérez, C A1 - Benismail, N A1 - Palma, C A1 - Almeida, J A1 - Mattarozzi, M A1 - Barbaresi, M A1 - Piergiovanni, M A1 - Masino, M A1 - Bianchi, F A1 - Careri, M A1 - v Bavel, B A1 - Maltseva, A A1 - Sillanpää, M A1 - Pröfrock, D A1 - Wippermann, D A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Harmonisation of sample preparation for microplastic analysis: Recovery rates of tablets containing microplastics as reference material for food and environmental matrix N2 - Microplastic are found ubiquitarians in the environment and food products. Up to now, their impact of risks on health and environment is still controversially discussed, but based on the precautionary principle alone, their presence should be monitored and emission should be reduced (see here also the status of existing EU regulations ). The crucial point is not only the reduction of microplastics pollution but also the introduction of legally binding, standardized procedures for their analysis. The limited availability of certified reference material as well as absence of standard operating procedures to identify, characterize and quantify microplastics according to number and mass have generated lack of comparability between different analytical methods and laboratories; but also, the need of time-consuming development of own protocols for each laboratory. Further on, harmonisation and standardisation of microplastics analysis requires specific reference materials that are used to validate the measurement and to ensure the comparability of results. In the first step, we developed tablets of a water-soluble matrix, containing defined numbers of microplastic particles or mass contents. These can be solved in water and can be handled as reference materials in bottled drinking water without additional sample preparation. These samples can be measured, using mass-based methods as thermo-analytical methods like thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) or pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and using umber-based methods as vibrational spectroscopy like Infrared and Raman directly after filtration. The aim of this work was to delevop standard operating procedure to measure microplastics in more complex matrices and to harmonise and compare different detection and characterization methods. In fact, these matrices require different additional treatments to allow a reliable quantification and identification of microplastics. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Nanoplastics PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63366 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -