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- Fluorescence (15)
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- 1 Analytische Chemie; Referenzmaterialien (83)
- 6 Materialchemie (71)
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- 5 Werkstofftechnik (29)
- 6.6 Physik und chemische Analytik der Polymere (23)
- 6.3 Strukturanalytik (22)
- 1.2 Biophotonik (20)
- 8.5 Röntgenbildgebung (19)
- 1.8 Umweltanalytik (17)
Übersicht über die gefahrgutrechtlichen Anforderungen zur Bauartprüfung und dem Qualitätsmanagement für Verpackungen für nicht zulassungspflichtige Versandstücke.
The test material EDS-TM001 together with an accompanying software package, “EDX spectrometer check”, have been made available in 2009 by BAM to be employed by EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer) users to check the performance of an EDS attached to the SEM. Particularly for test laboratories operating under accreditation schemes like ISO/IEC 17025, a periodical control of the critical instrumental parameters in end-user laboratories is required. With EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 (second generation) test material, this periodical check is simplified to the acquisition of only one 10 kV spectrum. The software “EDX spectrometer check” is destined to evaluate automatically this spectrum and determine the performance of the EDS in terms of energy resolution and calibration, as well as possible alteration of low-energy Efficiency due to detector contamination. Energy resolution can be compared with the specified values according to the international ISO standard ISO 15632:2012. EDS-TM is a synthetic material consisting of a 6 μm thick layer of C, Al, Mn, Cu and Zr deposited on a steel (in case of EDS-TM001) or silicon (in case of EDS-TM002) substrate. The chemical composition of EDS-TM was chosen such as to give nearly equal intensities of the low energy lines in a 10 kV spectrum, thus, making it very sensitive against spectrometer efficiency changes. Meanwhile, about 150 laboratories use the EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 test material for the periodical check of their EDS. A detailed description of the test material and software together with examples of application was published recently. New results and gained experiences will be presented as well. When the FWHM of the X-ray lines in the EDS-TM spectrum are determined, the spectrum background must be subtracted accurately. The applied physical background subtraction procedure is robust and takes into account the transmission of the detector window. While the previous version considers only Moxtek AP windows, the new version includes selection of silicon Nitride window and the case of windowless detector. Moreover, the new version allows importing of spectra in Bruker spx-format and EMSA/MSA files from EDAX TEAM software.
Windowless detectors have been also tested demonstrating long-term stability after repeated heating and cooling cycles. In this case, the appropriate Background subtraction is decisive for accurate detector characterization. Detailed results will be presented.
It was demonstrated in the past that the electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) can be applied to determine accurately both elemental composition and thickness of thin films by using the dedicated software package for thin film analysis Stratagem. A relatively small number of film materials such as pure metallic films of platinum and nickel, binary alloys of Fe-Ni, and Pt-Ni-Co ternary alloy films has been reported in literature as working successfully. Further, the software can be applied ‘inversely’, i.e., by feeding it with the thickness of the film and using the determined mass coating, one can easily calculate the film density, which for porous layers leads us to the true film porosity.
The present study repeats measurements on an already tested system of Fe-Ni thin films on silicon and reports for the first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide substrate. Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results. Compared to EPMA, XRF has a larger information depth and a higher elemental sensitivity because of a generally lower background.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. The atomic fractions of all the samples including the references have been certified by RBS (Rutherford backscattering spectrometry) and ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy).
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material, as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution, we characterise thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an SEM.
Mesoporous iridium oxide - titanium oxide (IrOx-TiOx) films were prepared via dip-coating of a solution containing a triblock-copolymer as structure-directing agent, an iridium precursor as well as a titanium precursor in ethanol. IrOx-TiOx films were synthesized with different amounts of iridium and calcined in air. The SEM micrographs reveal for all films the achievement of a well-ordered mesoporous structure and homogeneous films with thicknesses between 67 nm and 152 nm.
For the determination of film elemental composition and porosity, EPMA can be used as part of a combined SEM/EDS/STRATAGem analysis. Elemental compositions and mass depositions (in μg cm-2) of IrOx-TiOx films were calculated with the thin film analysis Software STRATAGem via k-values measured with SEM/EDS. Pure bulk Ir, TiO2 and Si were measured as references. The average density of the films was obtained from the mass Deposition and the film thickness as measured by cross-section SEM. The porosity was then extracted from the measured average film density divided by a theoretical bulk density. The latter is calculated from the weight fractions of IrOx and TiOx as determined with STRATAGem and the bulk mass densities of IrO2 and TiO2 (rutil) from literature.
The fitting results of the k-values from the STRATAGem software, which are in fair agreement with the measured k-values.
The application of the SEM/EDS/STRATAGem approach for accurate porosity determination on pure mesoporous TiOx films and pure porous IrOx films has been recently demonstrated.
The porosities of pure IrOx, TiOx and mixed IrOx-TiOx films in this study have been determined. The contribution will assess in detail the advantages and limitations of the combined SEM/EDS/STRATAGem analysis for the morphology and porosity of thin metal oxide films. Moreover, the comparison with other measurement techniques and the combination of datasets from multiple measurements will be discussed.
Microbeam analysis data are of continuously improving quality, this owing mainly to developments in instrumentation (hardware and software) and computer performance. The knowledge and skills of the operators must be also kept correspondingly updated. To be deemed as technically competent, the laboratories must be accredited according to an accreditation scheme, mostly following ISO/IEC 17025.
International standards are able to provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics of methods, instruments or samples with the final goal that these can be used consistently in accredited laboratories. In the field of electron microscopy and microbeam Analysis standardisation and metrology are terms that are encountered rather seldom at major conferences and scientific publications. Several ISO standards already published and used successfully by a large part of the electron microscopy and microbeam analysis community. For example, file formats such as EMSA/MSA for spectral-data exchange or tagged image file format (TIFF) for SEM images; procedures for the specification of X-ray spectrometers, the specification of certified reference materials (CRMs), and for measurement of average grain size by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD); and guidelines for calibrating image magnification in SEM or TEM. A main task of ISO technical committee TC 202 ‘Microbeam Analysis’ is to identify feasible projects/proposals needed to be developed into new international standards, particularly in respect to recent technology, such the silicon drift detector (SDD).
As far as the metrological aspects are regarded, The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) through the Consultative Committee for the Amount of Substance (CCQM) is concerned with the metrological aspect in Chemistry and Biology. In particular, the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) assists in identifying and establishing inter-laboratory work to test the consistency as well as to improve the traceability of spatially resolved chemical surface analysis at the micro and nanoscale. Examples of recent projects on quantitative microbeam analysis at low energies, such as the quantification of light elements such as carbon and nitrogen will be presented.
The significant sources of measurement uncertainty will be emphasized. These are: quality of the unknown and the reference materials used, the quantification model, instrumental parameters like take-off-angle, spectrometer efficiency, and particularly the beam current. The crucial importance of working with uniform and well-defined measurement and data evaluation protocols will be discussed in compliance with the ISO document “Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)”.
Another international platform where pre-standardisation work can be organised is VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards). International collaborative Projects aim at providing the technical basis for harmonised measurements, testing, specifications, and standards to be further developed at ISO level. One key point of VAMAS activities is constituted by inter-laboratory comparisons for high-quality data. In the field of microbeam analysis, the technical working area (TWA) 37 Quantitative Microstructural Analysis deals with corresponding projects. Good ideas, e.g., on analysis at low energies, are particularly encouraged by directly contacting the author. Support and guidance will be supplied.
Virtual-lab-based determination of a macroscopic yield function for additively manufactured parts
(2019)
This work aims for a yield function description of additively manufactured parts of S316L steel at the continuum-mechanical macro-scale by means of so-called virtual experiments using a crystal plasticity (CP) model at meso-scale. Additively manufactured parts require the consideration of the specific process-related microstructure, which prevents this material to be macroscopically treated as isotropic, because of crystallographic as well as topological textures. From virtual experiments, yield loci under various loading conditions are simulated. The scale bridging from meso- to macro-scale is realised by the identification of the simulated yield loci as a modified anisotropic Barlat-type yield model representation.
The simultaneous detection of different analytes has gained increasing importance in recent years, especially in the fields of environmental and health monitoring. Particularly suitable formats for multiplexing are bead-based assays. The beads employed need to fulfil size and density requirements important for instance for flow cytometry and shall exhibit an as high as possible surface area for anchoring capture probes to allow for low limits of detection. Core/shell particles are ideally suited in this sense because of their modularity in design and adaptability for various (bio)analytical assays. Here, polystyrene particles coated with different kinds of mesoporous silica shells are presented, possessing distinctly higher surface areas in comparison to non-porous core/shell particles. Different factors such as pH and amount and type of mediator salt used during shell preparation were evaluated with shell inspection by scanning/transmission scanning electron microscopy (SEM/tSEM) being key to architecture control of the monodisperse particles.
For a cytometric model assay, the optimized core/shell particles were functionalized with capture oligonucleotides for DNA detection. After covalent attachment of single-stranded DNA to the silane-modified silica surface, a hybridisation assay using labelled t-DNA complementary strands was carried out to demonstrate particle performance, showing how tailoring of the shell’s surface area controls sensitivity and dynamic range of the assay. Finally, a multiplex assay for the determination of DNA from different human papilloma virus (HPV) lines was developed. Using our optimized particles, we were able to detect down to 10 amolμl‒1, which is an improvement of one order of magnitude compared to assays using non-porous particles reported in the literature. In addition, multiplexed detection could successfully be demonstrated.
As part of the BonaRes research initiative, funded by the BMBF, strategies are being developed to use soil as a sustainable resource in the bio economy. The interdisciplinary subproject I4S - “Intelligence for soil” - is responsible for the development of an integrated system for site-specific management of soil fertility. For this purpose, a platform is constructed and various sensors are installed. Real-time data will be summarised in models and decision-making algorithms will be used to control fertilisation and accordingly improve soil functions. Aim of the BAM in the frame of I4S is the characterisation of an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) based sensor for robust determination of plant essential nutrients in soil.
First a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify outliers and to observe the largest variance within the German soil samples. It could be monitored that splitting of the samples was due to their iron content. Given that clay samples contain high amounts of iron and sandy samples low amounts, a classification of the samples by their soil texture according to VD LUFA was possible. Considering the complex composition of soil, a matrix-specific calibration was carried out by univariate and multivariate data analysis. The figures of merit demonstrated that a more robust calibration model with negligible matrix effects can be obtained by a multivariate approach using partial least squares regression (PLSR). A better correlation between predicted values compared to reference values for German soil samples was observed for the chemometric calibration model than for the univariate one.
Different factors can affect the received calibration models such as moisture and particle size distribution which is especially important due to later online analysis.
In first studies the influence of moisture on the detection of plant essential nutrients was investigated. With increasing water content, the characteristic fluorescence peaks decrease and start to increase again at a water content of 15 %. With lower moisture content the soil agglomerates which leads to lower packing of the sample, resulting in a rougher surface which negatively influence the signals. Whereas, agglomerates are not formed at higher water content. This allows the sample to be packed more tightly thus a smoother surface and a better homogeneity is obtained.
Furthermore, particle size distribution leads to significantly higher uncertainties and lower signals when comparing grounded (< 500 μm) and not grounded (< 2 mm) samples. This can be explained by amplifying of the already known inhomogeneity of soils.
Both factors must be included in the chemometric PLSR to obtain robust calibration models for each macro and micro nutrient.
The introduction of the 5G technology and automotive radar applications moving into higher frequency ranges trigger further miniaturization of LTCC technology (low temperature co-fired ceramics). To assess dimensional tolerances of inner metal structures of an industrially produced LTCC multilayer, computer tomography (CT) scans were evaluated by machine learning segmentation.
The tested multilayer consists of several layers of a glass ceramic substrate with low resistance silver-based vertical interconnect access (VIA). The VIAs are punched into the LTCC green tape and then filled with silver-based pastes before stacking and sintering. These geometries must abide by strict tolerance requirements to ensure the high frequency properties.
This poster presents a method to extract shape and size specific data from these VIAs. For this purpose, 4 measurements, each containing 3 to 4 samples, were segmented using the trainable WEKA segmentation, a non-commercial machine learning tool. The dimensional stability of the VIA can be evaluated regarding the edge-displacement as well as the cross-sectional area. Deviation from the ideal tubular shape is best measured by aspect ratio of each individual layer. The herein described method allows for a fast and semi-automatic analysis of considerable amount of structural data. This data can then be quantified by shape descriptors to illustrate 3-dimensional information in a concise manner. Inter alia, a 45 % periodical change of cross-sectional area is demonstrated.
Homogeneous introduction of organic additives is a key of ceramic powder processing. Addition of organics to ceramic slurries holds advantages compared to dry processing like organic content reduction and a more homogeneous additive distribution on the particle surface.
Investigations of the alumina slurries were primarily based on zeta potential measurements and sedimentation analysis by optical centrifugation. Both methods were combined to determine a suitable additive type, amount and composition, whereas the spray drying suitability has been ensured by viscosity measurements. Granules, yielded by spray drying of such ideally dispersed alumina slurries, are mostly hollow and possess a hard shell. Those granules cannot easily be processed and can only hardly be destroyed in the following shaping step, leading to sinter bodies with many defects and poor strength and density.
The precise slurry destabilization, carried out after ideally dispersing the ceramic powder, shows a strong influence on the drying behavior of the granules and hence on the granule properties. A promising degree of destabilization and partial flocculation was quantified by optical centrifugation and resulted in improved granule properties. Spray drying the destabilized alumina slurries yielded homogeneous “non-hollow” granules without the above mentioned hard shell. Sample bodies produced of these granules exhibited a reduction of defect size and number, leading to better results for sinter body density and strength.
The positive effect of the slurry destabilization has been further improved, by exchanging the atomizing unit from a two-fluid one to an ultrasound atomizer with only minor slurry adjustments necessary. The controlled destabilization and ultrasound atomization of the ceramic slurry show excellent transferability for zirconia and even ZTA (zirconia toughened alumina) composite materials.
The knowledge of transformation pathways and identification of transformation products (TPs) of veterinary drugs is important for health, food and environmental matters. Monensin (MON) is an ionophore antibiotic widely used to cure and prevent coccidiosis by chicken especially in broiler farming. Residues can be found in food products (chicken and eggs) and in the environment (manure, soil, water). Several transformation processes can alter the parent compound MON, ranging from biotransformation in living organism to biotic/abiotic and microbial processes in environmental matters.
The main objective of this work was to investigate the potential of electrochemistry (EC) to simulate oxidative transformation processes of MON and to predict TPs. An electrochemical reactor was used consisting of a flow-through cell with a glassy carbon working electrode. Derived TPs were analyzed by online coupling of EC and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and LC/HRMS offline measurements. Among the generated TPs already known as well as unknown TPs of MON could be found.
Additionally, MON was subjected also to other transformation experiments like metabolism tests with rat microsomes or the pH-dependent hydrolysis. As a result, different targeted and suspected TPs could be identified by analysis with LC/HRMS.
An overview of detected/identified TPs from this study will be presented in comparison to literature known metabolites and TPs.
The European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD) has been launched to coordinate activities on agreed priorities of common interest between European partners. The main actions include scientific and technical activities on radioactive waste characterization and processing, interim storage of radioactive waste as well as predisposal and disposal solutions. As part of the programme, the work package on Spent Fuel Characterization and Evolution until Disposal (SFC) was proposed and accepted by the European Commission. The objectives of this work package include the development of beyond-state-of-the-art characterization techniques for spent nuclear fuel during its evolution from reactor unloading until disposal, the understanding of the spent fuel performance during prolonged storage, transport and emplacement in a deep geological repository, the understanding of the behaviour of fuel, cladding, pellet-cladding interaction and ageing effect under normal and postulated accident scenarios until disposal, and contributions to operational safety concepts for fuel handling at spent nuclear fuel packaging facilities.
Small unmanned aircraft are used increasingly as flying sensor platforms to perform tasks such as gas distribution mapping or environmental monitoring. Sometimes, these applications require knowledge of the ambient wind field.
In general, it would be interesting to avoid any additional hardware, both on ground and on the aircraft. Here, we present an approach to estimate the wind vector just by exploiting the state variables of the aircraft.
19th and 20th centuries glass paint layers consist of a colour body and a colourless lead silicate flux, in which borax or boric acid was added as further component to improve the paint ability and to reduce the firing temperature for multiple layers of paint. Model glasses were used in laboratory tests to investigate the stability of glass paints with additions of boron oxide. To determine boron in paint layers, a LIBS-system with pulsed NdYAG-laser was used.
Specific co-fertilization of nutrients can enhance their plant-availability and thus the yield of plants. To investigate this effect, we performed a pot experiment with three different P-fertilizers and ammonium nitrate sulfate as a co-fertilizer, without and with a nitrification inhibitor (NI), and analyzed the form of nitrogen (N) in the soil via novel X-ray spectroscopic method. The application of NI with the N fertilizer led to a higher dry matter yield of maize. Novel N K-edge micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (micro-XANES) spectroscopy identified that the application of a NI promotes the temporary formation of a non-exchangeable N in detectable hot-spots in the soil. The subsequent slow release and prolonged availability of N during plant growth leads to higher yield. It can be concluded that NIs lead to a temporary fixation of ammonium-N in a pool that can be accessed by plant roots. Those types of available nutrient pools meet the idea of so-called “next generation fertilizers” as plants have access to nutrients according to their current demand.
Phosphorus (P) fertilizers from secondary resources became increasingly important in the last years. However, these novel P-fertilizer can also contain toxic pollutants e.g. chromium (Cr) in the hexavalent state (Cr(VI)), which is regulated with low limit values in agricultural products (German fertilizer ordinance limit: 2 mg/kg Cr(VI)). The determination of Cr(VI) in these novel fertilizer matrices can be hampered by redox processes that lead to false results with the standard wet chemical extraction method (German norm DIN EN 15192). Therefore, we analyzed Cr(VI) in various P-fertilizers with the DGT technique. DGT devices equipped with a APA (polyacrylamide) diffusion layer and Cr(VI) selective N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) binding layer were used for the study. After a 24 h conditioning period of the fertilizer at 60% of the water holding capacity (WHC), the fertilizers were brought to 100% WHC, transferred onto the DGT devices and deployed for 24 h at 25°C. The extraction of Cr from the DGT binding layer was carried out with 1 M HNO3 for 24 h. The Cr-concentrations of the extract were determined by means of ICP-MS. We found a good correlation between the standard wet chemical extraction and the DGT method for the whole range of P-fertilizers. However, partly soluble Cr(VI) compounds cannot be detected in full extent by the DGT method that is best suited for mobile Cr(VI). Furthermore, Cr K-edge XANES spectroscopy showed that the Cr(VI)-selective DGT binding layer also adsorbs mobile Cr(III) compounds from acid treatment of phosphates which can therefore cause an overestimation of Cr(VI). The DGT method was very sensitive and in most cases selective for the analysis of Cr(VI) in P-fertilizers made from recycled materials. However, the results of certain types of P-fertilizers containing mobile Cr(III) or partly immobile Cr(VI) show that still some optimization of the method is required to avoid over- or underestimation of Cr(VI).
P recycling fertilizers are gaining increasing importance in our efforts to close nutrient cycles. An unsatisfactory performance of standard chemical extraction methods to assess the fertilizing effects of such products was reported. They demonstrated that DGT extractions of incubated soil/fertilizer mixtures were able to predict the fertilizing effects of the respective products more accurately. Since DGT works with soil/fertilizer mixtures, its interpretation is soil-dependent. Therefore, in order to facilitate its use as a tool to predict fertilizer performance, it needs to be standardized based on a standard substrate. This research aims to develop a standard substrate based on which evaluation categories for the DGT fertilizer extraction can be derived. The substrate composition should allow to vary the most important soil properties determining the plant availability of fertilizer P. It must also be reproducible at any time and any place. Substrate variants with varying proportions of quartz sand, a clay mineral and sphagnum peat were prepared and set to pH-levels 5.5 and 7 by addition of CaCO3. 7 variants were incubated with a set of test fertilizers (2 recycling fertilizers based on sewage sludge ash and 2 conventional mineral fertilizers) for 2 weeks. Substrate/fertilizer mixtures were then extracted with DGT and an ANOVA was performed to test if the DGT extraction was able to depict significant differences between fertilizers and substrate variants. An 8-week pot trial with ryegrass (3 cuts) was set up with the same substrate variants and test fertilizers. P uptake was determined to assess the fertilizing effect and correlated with the results of the DGT extractions. Statistically significant differences were found between DGT results for the various test fertilizers and substrate variants, indicating that DGT is able to differentiate between P solubility of fertilizers in relation to substrate quality. DGT results showed a strong relationship with P uptake, confirming that this method is suitable to predict the fertilizing effect of P fertilizers. Further optimization of substrate composition and tests with a wider variety of crops and fertilizer types are needed, before evaluation categories for DGT values can be derived.
A fundamental question in ecology is how biodiversity affects ecosystem function. Biodiversity is commonly estimated based on genetic variation. We investigated a new approach that defines and measures biodiversity in complex microbial communities. We used the variation in multiple functionally-relevant, phenotypic traits measured in parallel in single cells as a metric for microbial phenotypic diversity. We studied phenotypic diversity and ecosystem functioning throughout different photosynthetic layers dominated by divergent microbial communities in the gradient of Lago di Cadagno. We determined genetic diversity by 16S and 18S amplicon sequencing and bulk ecosystem functioning (photosynthesis). In addition, we determined phenotypic diversity using single-cell technologies such as nanometer-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) correlated with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning flow-cytometry. We measured functional trait variation between individuals in 13CO2 fixation, 15NH4+ uptake, and variation in physio-morphological cell traits, such as cell size, shape, and auto-fluorescence for various pigments related to photosynthesis. We used the distances between individuals in a multidimensional trait space to derive phenotypic trait-based diversity indices, such as trait richness, trait evenness, and trait divergence. We find that phenotypic trait divergence associates with ecosystem functioning, whereas genetic diversity does not. Including activity-based, single-cell phenotypic measurements with NanoSIMS provided an additional accuracy to the trait-based diversity assessment and allowed us to formulate hypotheses on the mechanisms that shape the correlation between phenotypic diversity and eco-system function. Together, our results show that phenotypic diversity is a meaningful concept to measure microbial biodiversity and associate it with ecosystem functioning.
Background:
One cornerstone to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria in clinical settings is the application of disinfectants. However, bacteria can evolve resistance to disinfectants, which in turn can confer cross-resistance to antibiotics. Additionally, clonal bacterial populations can display phenotypic heterogeneity with respect to the tolerance of antibiotic stress leading to a prolonged survival of a sub-population; this phenomenon is termed persistence. Persistence to antibiotics is an evolvable trait and can serve as a stepping stone for the evolution of genetically encoded resistance. Until now, there is a lack of systematic studies that investigate if bacterial populations establish persister subpopulations that tolerate disinfectant stress longer than most of the population.
Objectives:
Our objective is to investigate if persistence is a bacterial survival strategy against disinfectants. Furthermore, we investigate the mechanisms of disinfectant persistence and if persistence can evolve in the face of fluctuating exposure to disinfectants. Lastly, we test if the evolved mechanisms of disinfectant tolerance lead to disinfectant resistance and if they confer cross-tolerance and cross-resistance against antibiotics.
Methods:
We use time-kill assays in the presence of disinfectants and experimental evolution combined to whole-genome sequencing in the model organism E. coli.
Results:
We find persister sub-populations against chlorhexidine and quaternary ammonium compounds, but not to alcohols, aldehydes and oxidative compounds. We will present the relationship of mechanisms known to underlie antibiotic persister formation to the formation of persisters against disinfectants. In addition, we will present data from an ongoing evolution experiment for persistence against disinfectants.
Question:
One cornerstone to prevent the spread of bacteria in clinical and industrial settings is the application of biocides including disinfectants and preservatives. However, bacteria can evolve resistance to biocides, which in turn can confer cross-resistance to antibiotics. Additionally, clonal bacterial populations can display phenotypic heterogeneity with respect to the tolerance of antibiotic stress leading to a prolonged survival of a sub-population; this phenomenon is termed persistence. Persistence to antibiotics is an evolvable trait and can serve as a stepping stone for the evolution of genetically encoded resistance. Until now, there is a lack of systematic studies that investigate if bacterial populations establish persister subpopulations that tolerate disinfectant stress longer than most of the population. Our objective is to investigate if persistence is a bacterial survival strategy against biocides. Furthermore, we investigate the mechanisms of biocide persistence and if persistence can evolve in the face of fluctuating exposure to biocides. Lastly, we test if the evolved mechanisms of biocide tolerance lead to biocide resistance and if they confer cross-tolerance and cross-resistance against antibiotics.
Methods:
We use time-kill assays in the presence of biocides and experimental evolution combined to whole-genome sequencing in the model organism E. coli.
Results:
We find persister sub-populations against chlorhexidine and quaternary ammonium compounds, but not to alcohols, aldehydes and oxidative compounds. We will present the relationship of mechanisms known to underlie antibiotic persister formation to the formation of persisters against biocides. In addition, we will present data from an ongoing evolution experiment for persistence against biocides.
Conclusion
There is a link between antibiotic and biocide persistence with possible implications for antibiotic resistance evolution and spread.
We developed a setup for time- and lateral-resolved X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. A dispersive element is placed behind the sample to investigate. The broadband incoming beam transmits the sample, is then dispersed and finally collected by a position sensitive detector. This allows the recording of a whole X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) or extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectrum in a single shot. The dispersive element is a Si(111) crystal, bent by means of a so called wafer bender, developed in house. Our setup is very flexible, easy to adjust and allows a time resolution down to one second which can be used to follow chemical reactions with dynamics on this time scale.
Fire testing is an essential part of the hypothetical, cumulative mechanical and thermal test conditions that shall guarantee package safety in severe accidents. Within regulatory approval of transport or storage packages for radioactive material, specific thermal load tests are required in accordance to licensing conditions and international standards, respectively. The specifications of these thermal tests are based on test conditions with equivalent heat input to that of a hydrocarbon fuel fire. In the past, light heating oil, diesel or kerosene was mostly used as the fuel to generate the pool fire. In accordance with IAEA regulations for a fire in an accident, the temperature of 800 °C over a period of 30 minutes must be fulfilled. Furthermore, the delivery acceptance criteria for containers in nuclear waste repositories could reach for example average temperatures of 800 °C during a period of one hour in combination with defined requirements on activity release. BAM as a scientific and technical German federal government institute operates an open air Technical Safety Test Site for experimental investigations of dangerous good and its containment. In this areal a large fire test facility is under operation. Liquid Propane is utilized as fuel which is pumped via pipelines from a central storage tank to the fire exposed test facility areas. In the ring burner system, the gas is released from nozzles, and ignited by ignition burners. The paper includes examples of fire test performance with prototypes of a transport package and a storage container, respectively. In preparation of the thermal load, calorimeter tests have been performed using test specimens of appropriate size and behavior. For the fire test scenario is demonstrated that the IAEA thermal test requirements are fulfilled.
The full-notch creep test (FNCT) is a common method to evaluate the environmental stress cracking (ESC) behavior of high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) container materials . The test procedure as specified in ISO 16770 provides a comparative measure of the resistance against ESC using the time to failure of specimens mechanically loaded in a well-defined liquid environment. Since the craze-crack damage mechanism underlying the ESC process is associated with brittle failure, the occurrence of globally brittle fracture surfaces is a prerequisite to consider an FNCT measurement as representative for ESC . Therefore, an optical evaluation of FNCT fracture surfaces concerning their brittleness is essential. Due to the experimental setup, an inevitable increase of the true mechanical stress and the associated appearance of small ductile parts on fracture surfaces is induced in any case. Hence, an FNCT experiment is considered as 'valid', if the corresponding fracture surface is predominantly brittle . Based on laser scanning microscopy (LSM) height data of FNCT fracture surfaces , a universal and easy-to-use phenomenological criterion was developed to assess the validity of distinct FNCT experiments. This criterion is supposed to facilitate a quick evaluation of FNCT results in practical routine testing.
Inorganic nanoparticles are used to improve the performance of epoxy as the matrix phase in fiber-reinforced composites used for aerospace applications. The effectiveness of nanofillers on property enhancement of thermosetting polymers depends on many factors including the interaction between the functional groups of nanofillers and the polymer reactants. In the current work, we study the effect of boehmite nanoparticles (BNPs) on properties of anhydride-cured bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (DGEBA). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and a high-resolution force measurement approach called intermodulation atomic force microscopy (ImAFM) were carried out to investigate the thermomechanical and nanomechanical properties of this material, respectively. It was found that BNPs lead to decrease of glass transition temperature (Tg) and crosslink density of the polymer network meanwhile significantly enhancing the Young’s modulus. Besides formation of a soft interphase near the particles, significant changes in local stiffness of polymer matrix far from the interphase was observed with ImAFM. Thus, boehmite induces long-range chemical alteration on the matrix. This effect has a higher impact on overall composite properties compared to the formation of interphase which is only a short-range effect. The local chemical evaluations on the soft interphase using an infrared-AFM method (NanoIR) revealed the accumulation of anhydride hardener near the boehmite interface. Based on these observations the effect of boehmite on the curing of epoxy is hypothesized to be governed by the strong interaction between boehmite and the anhydride. This interaction causes changes the ratio of reactants in the epoxy mixture and hence alteration of curing pathway and the network architecture. In future studies we examine this hypothesis by measuring the thermomechanical properties of cured epoxies in which the epoxy-hardener ratio is systematically altered and further comparing to those properties of nanocomposites shown in the current study.
A new dual purpose cask design was developed for the safe transport and interim storage of spent fuel elements of German research reactors. In the framework of the safety assessment within the package approval procedure the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) as competent authority performed a series of drop tests according with the IAEA Transport Regulations. The package consists of a cylindrical thick-walled ductile cast iron cask body closed by a bolted lid system with metallic seals. A lid and bottom sided impact limiter consisting of a wood/steel construction limit the mechanical impact loading. The full-scale test specimen was equipped with a basket and assembled with dummy-fuel elements. The package and test specimen, respectively have a total mass of approximately 24 metric tons. The mechanical drop test program included three 9m free drop tests, in horizontal, vertical and oblique cask orientation onto the lid system. Additionally, a 1m-puncture bar drop test followed the horizontal drop test to consider an IAEA-drop test sequence. The horizontal and vertical drop tests were performed at a temperature of minus 40°C. During the oblique drop test the upper impact limiter was heated up to +80°C. The tests were conducted onto an unyielding target, fulfilling the IAEA requirements. The test specimen was considerably instrumented with strain gauges and accelerometers. Transient strains at selected locations of the inner and outer container walls, of the primary and secondary lid, as well as of the corresponding lid bolts were measured during the drop tests. Furthermore, decelerations in different locations at the cask body and the lids were measured. The complex geometrical deformation of the impact limiters due to the impact were determined by optical 3D- measurements. Before and after the drop tests the leakage rate of the lid system was determined by helium leakage testing. The experimental results contribute to the evaluation of the package response to mechanical tests, demonstrating safety under normal and accident conditions of transport and especially to the verification of the dynamic finite-element model of the package used in the package design safety report.
Regardless of its ban in agricultural use, the triazine derivative terbutryn is still used as a biocide against biofouling in building materials, such as façade colors and roof tiles. From there, it is washed off and may contaminate soil and surface waters, where it shows ecotoxicological behavior. For understanding of these leaching processes, analytical methods that can detect terbutryn in traces are necessary. In contrast to separation methods (Gas (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC)) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) have proven to be adequate tools for environmental monitoring. Compared to GC-or LC-MS, they are cheap, require only limited time and experimental expertise and enable high throughput. For quantification of terbutryn, EIAs have been established, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 50 ng L-1. For leaching experiments however, a lower LOD would be advantageous.
For detection of terbutryn we developed a direct competitive ELISA based on a monoclonal antibody: Terbutryn and an enzyme-terbutryn conjugate (“tracer”) compete for the binding sites of the immobilized antibody. The bound tracer converts a colourless substrate into a blue-coloured product, which can be detected via spectrophotometry. For quantification of terbutryn, a sigmoidal calibration curve is used. For establishing of the EIA, a new tracer based on a terbutryn surrogate (“hapten”) was synthesized. After optimization of the experimental conditions, the immunoassay exhibited a more than ten-fold increased sensitivity (LOD: 3 ng L-1), high stability against sample compounds (Ca2+, NaCl) and lower cross-reactivities against structurally related compounds, than reported before. Analysis of spiked samples was possible with high precision (inter-assay CV: < 10 %) and accuracy (recoveries from spiked samples: 89 % ± 10%). We therefore propose it as quick and reliable method for leaching studies of terbutryn out of building materials.
Nanoparticles (NP) have become important materials for a variety of chemical technologies. The enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio of NPs, making them excellent for use as catalyst, in analytical assays, and for antimicrobial applications.
Nickel NPs have exhibited immense potential as important catalyst for the Sabatier reaction, i.e. converting waste to energy via transformation of CO2 into CH4, and could replace the rare earth elements such as Ru, PT, or Rh. In this work we describe the solvothermal synthesis of monometallic and bimetallic nickel nanoparticles.
Monodisperse monometallic Ni NPs were synthesized using Oleylamin as solvent and reducing agent. The nanoparticles were investigated using small angle scattering (SAXS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), showing that the NPs are stable while the surface is not entirely covered. However, Ni has a high propensity to undergo oxidation, and becoming deactivated by coke formation. Hence, we further explore the preparation of bimetallic NPs, where a second metal is added to stabilize the Ni.
Bimetallic Cu-Ni NPs were synthesized by simultaneous solvothermal reduction. These bimetallic NPs exhibit excellent catalytic properties are promising candidates to be used as catalysts for efficient energy storage.
We present the synthesis of monodisperse monometallic Ni nanoparticles (NPs) and bimetallic NiCu respectively NiCo NPs. The NPs were investigated using SAXS, STEM, EDX, and XANES, showing that the NPs are size tunable and stable while the surface is not entirely covered. Nickel NPs have exhibited immense potential as important catalyst for the Sabatier reaction, i.e. converting waste to energy via transformation of CO2 into CH4.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have become important materials for a variety of chemical technologies. The enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio of NPs, making them excellent for use as catalyst, in analytical assays, and for antimicrobial applications.
Nickel NPs have exhibited immense potential as important catalyst for the Sabatier reaction, i.e. converting waste to energy via transformation of CO2 into CH4, and could replace the rare earth elements such as Ru, PT, or Rh. In this work we describe the solvothermal synthesis of monometallic and bimetallic nickel nanoparticles.
Monodisperse monometallic Ni NPs were synthesized using Oleylamin as solvent and reducing agent. The nanoparticles were investigated using small angle scattering (SAXS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), showing that the NPs are stable while the surface is not entirely covered. However, Ni has a high propensity to undergo oxidation, and becoming deactivated by coke formation. Hence, we further explore the preparation of bimetallic NPs, where a second metal is added to stabilize the Ni.
Bimetallic Cu-Ni NPs were synthesized by simultaneous solvothermal reduction. These bimetallic NPs exhibit excellent catalytic properties are promising candidates to be used as catalysts for efficient energy storage.
In this poster we will present some results of a research projects dealing with Arabic recipes of black inks [1-2]. To improve conservation practices of Arabic manuscripts we have assessed the feasibility of the recipes collected from many Arabic sources on bookmaking and reproduced the most common inks. Ink samples were then artificially aged and analysed using an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and also to verify the detection limits of the portable equipment employed.
We will show procedures and problems concerning the identification of ink types and ingredients using reflectography (in Vis, IR and UV), X-Ray Fluorescence, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The focus will be in particular on squid ink [3] and mixed inks – both in the form of carbon inks with the addition of tannins and of a mixture of carbon and iron gall inks – which are particularly difficult to detect [4]. We will also examine the results of iron gall inks made with iron filings or nails instead of vitriol, the various precursor used to extract gallic acid that are mentioned in the sources as surrogates of gall nuts.
[1] A. Schopen, Tinten und Tuschen des arabisch-islamischen Mittelalters, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2004
[2] S. Fani, Le arti del libro secondo le fonti arabe originali. I ricettari arabi per la fabbricazione degli inchiostri (sec. IX-XIII): loro importanza per una corretta valutazione e conservazione del patrimonio manoscritto, PhD thesis, Napoli: Università L’Orientale, 2013
[3] S. Centeno, J. Shamir Journal of Molecular Structure, 873 (2008), 149-159
[4] C. Colini et. al, Manuscript cultures, 11 (2018) 43-50
Using a swarm of copter-based gas-sensitive aerial nano robots for monitoring indoor air quality is challenging due to, e.g., limited air space in buildings. To avoid an over-regulation of the available indoor air space (e.g., prohibit copters to fly above each other), a safety region around each copter must be defined to guarantee a safe operation of the swarm.
The key contributions of this poster are the realization of experiments that investigate the influence of the rotor downwash on flying vertically displaced nano robots and the development of a model describing the above-mentioned safety region.
We report the first results for the immunochemical determination of the β-lactam antibiotic drug amoxicillin (AMX) in water samples by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The applied indirect competitive ELISA using a commercially available mouse anti-AMX antibody enables testing for AMX with a limit of detection of around 1 µg/L. Calibration curves of calibrators prepared in different water samples showed equal shape. This underlines the suitability of this assay for the AMX determination in these samples. Furthermore, cross-reactivities of structurally similar β-lactam antibiotics were examined and found to be low for ampicillin, penicillin G and penicillin V. In contrast, carbenicillin was recognized by the antibody even better than AMX indicating a positive effect of an additional carboxyl group on antibody binding. This is promising for further application of this assay, e.g. in the determination of the most relevant hydrolysis product of AMX, amoxicilloic acid.
Introduction: Biofilms are regarded as a common cause of chronic infections on medical devices. Preventive and therapeutic strategies against biofilm infections commonly involve applications of multiple antimicrobial substances: antimicrobial coatings on the implanted biomaterials in combination with systemically administered antibiotics. While this practice of combination therapy harbours the risk of developing cross-resistance, it might also provide the possibility to implement specific antimicrobial-antibiotic combinations (AACs) that can slow down the selection of antibiotic resistant strains.
Hypothesis and aims: Specific AACs can exert combinatorial effects on the growth of susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa that either suppress or increase their individual effects.
Our aim is to identify AACs with antagonistic or synergistic effects on pseudomonal biofilms and to understand their impact on selection of resistant strains. Specifically, we want to identify AACs that select for and against antibiotic resistance during biofilm formation.
Methodology: We screened for AACs that cause antagonistic or synergistic effects on planktonic P. aeruginosa.
To study the effect of antimicrobial-antibiotic exposure on resistance selection in bacterial biofilms, we will grow resistant and sensitive strains on PDMS surfaces with and without antimicrobial coatings and expose them to antibiotics.
Results: Several combinations with synergistic or antagonistic interaction on the growth rate of P. aeruginosa were detected. We observed a strong antagonism when combining the antimicrobial substance chlorhexidine with the carbapenem drug meropenem. A meropenem-resistant mutant showed a selection advantage in low concentrations of chlorhexidine combined with a sub-inhibitory concentration of meropenem over the wild-type. No antagonistic effect was observed for the same combination when E. coli was exposed to chlorhexidine and meropenem, suggesting a non-chemical basis for the observed effect on P. aeruginosa.
Conclusion: Gaining a better understanding about resistance selection during biofilm formation on biomedical surfaces will enable us to mitigate against biofilm-associated antimicrobial resistance.
Small Area Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool for investigating small surface features. It is often unclear, if the signal in the spectrum is an unwanted contamination of the Field of View (FoV) or is it originated from outside. The reason is, that XPS-spectra are affected by beam shapes. Scheithauer proposed to measure Pt apertures of different diameters and normalize the Pt4f count rate by a second measurement on the Pt metal. New reference materials were developed and tested in the VAMAS TWA2 A22 Project.
The elemental analysis of seawater is often critical to the understanding of marine chemistry, marine geochemistry, and the deep-sea ecosystems. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with the advantage of rapid multi-elements detection, has a great potential for in-situ elemental analysis of seawater. In practice, it is crucial to create a compact, low cost and power saving instrument for the long-term deep-sea observation. A recently appeared diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser seems to be a promising candidate as it is both compact and robust. Additionally, its high repetition rate up to hundreds of kHz can provide a considerable throughput for LIBS analysis. However, the DPSS lasers operate at moderate pulse energies, usually less than one mJ, which cannot sustain stable breakdowns in bulk water. To ensure stable laser-induced plasmas underwater with such a μJ-DPSS laser, we introduced an ultrasound source to assist the breakdown process. The phase interface and mass flow generated by the near-field ultrasound can greatly reduce the breakdown threshold and enhance element-specific emissions. Meanwhile, the high repetition-rate pulses can also improve the breakdown probability and generate unique emission lines originated from the water molecule. We further demonstrate that the high repetition-rate DPSS laser combined with the Echelle spectrometer can provide effective quantitative analysis for metal elements in bulk water.
The development of algorithms for mapping gas distributions and localising gas sources is a challenging task, because gas dispersion is a highly dynamic process and it is impossible to capture ground truth data. Fluid-mechanical simulations are a suitable way to support the development of these algorithms. Several tools for gas dispersion simulation have been developed, but they are not suitable for simulations of large outdoor environments. Here we present a concept of how an existing simulator can be extended to handle both indoor and large outdoor scenarios.
Quality Aspects of Additively Manufactured Medical Implants - Defect Detection in Lattice Parts
(2019)
Additive Manufacturing technologies are developing fast to enable a rapid and flexible production of parts. Tailoring products to individual needs is a big advantage of this technology, which makes it of special interest for the medical device industry and the direct manufacturing of final products. Due to the fast development, standards to assure reliability of the AM process and quality of the printed products are often lacking. The EU project Metrology for Additively Manufactured Medical Implants (MetAMMI) is aiming to fill this gap by investigating alternative and cost efficient non-destructive measurement methods.
Phosphorus (P) resource availability is declining and the efficiency of applied nutrients in agricultural soils is becoming increasingly important. This is especially true for P-fertilizers from recycled materials which often have a lower plant-availability compared to commercial P-fertilizers but are expected to play an increasingly important role into the future (Kratz et al. 2019). One promising way to increase the plant-availability of the fertilizer P is a co-fertilization with specific nitrogen (N) forms which can enhance the P uptake and make P-fertilizers from recycled material more competitive to commercial phosphate rock-based P-fertilizers (Rahmatullah et al. 2006; Vogel et al. 2018). To investigate this effect, we performed a pot experiment with three different P-fertilizers (sewage sludge-based, phosphate rock and triple superphosphate) and ammonium nitrate sulfate as a co-fertilizer, without and with a nitrification inhibitor (NI), and analyzed the form of N and P in soil via a suite of chemical and novel X-ray spectroscopic methods. The application of NI with the P and N fertilizers led to a higher dry matter yield and a higher P uptake of maize. Novel N K-edge micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (micro-XANES) spectroscopy identified that the application of a NI promotes the temporary formation of a non-exchangeable N in detectable hot-spots in the soil. The subsequent slow release and prolonged availability of N during plant growth leads to higher yield and nutrient uptake. It can be concluded that NIs lead to a temporary fixation of ammonium-N in a pool that can be accessed by plant roots. Those types of available nutrient pools meet the idea of so-called “next generation fertilizers” as plants have access to nutrients according to their current demand.
Humidity is one of principal environmental parameters that plays an important role in various application areas. Distributed humidity/water sensing is sought after in wide range of applications including concrete condition monitoring in civil engineering, SHM of large structures such as dykes or dams, soil moisture measurement in agriculture or leak detection in pipeline or sewage industry. Using humidity-induced strain of specialty hygroscopic coating materials, such as polyimide (PI) seems as the most promising approach so far. In this work, relative humidity and temperature response of different commercial PI-coated and tight-buffer fibers is investigated for the development of distributed humidity sensor.
Using non-optimum combination of manufacturing parameters in selective laser melting (SLM) may lead to reduction of quality of component: defects generation, distortion of geometry and even cracking. Usually, the optimization of parameters is performed by changing volumetric energy density (Ev) and selecting parameters giving low porosity values. However, not only low porosity but also stable microstructure and low residual stresses will help to achieve advanced mechanical behavior of the component.
In present work, we investigated cuboid-shaped Ti-6Al-4V samples produced with different manufacturing parameters. The parameters leading to the same Ev were considered as well as parameters which are not included in Ev. Residual stresses in subsurface region were investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, which allows to penetrate around 100 µm from the surface therefore overcome the problem of high roughness of SLM components without additional sample preparation. Only tensile stresses were found along the building direction, that can play critical role especially during cyclic loading. The pore shape and spatial distribution obtained by computed tomography varied for samples produced with the same Ev. However, by using some process parameters it was possible to decrease residual stresses and obtain uniform α+β Ti microstructure and relatively low porosity. Additionally, it was found that not included in Ev (e.g., base plate position, focus distance) should be considered as additional manufacturing parameters during SLM process.
In accident scenarios of transport packages or hypothetical crashes of containers in a storage facility or repository, the materials resistance against dynamic failure of the involved components is a deciding factor for package and container integrity during the handling, transport and storage for each type of radioactive material. For example, different dynamic impact tests on containers and components like lid sealing systems and specimens made of ductile cast iron and shock-absorbing materials are carried out by BAM. In order to perform dynamic impact tests with packages and its parts BAM operates two free-fall drop test facilities with maximum capacities of 200 t and 55 t, and a test bench for guided drop tests. This latter drop test machine enables a clearly specified component loading by a precisely positioned test object or drop weight and has been used recently for numerous investigations. The paper gives an overview of the wide range of experimental testing methods carried out within guided Impact and bending tests. Examples of methodological challenges are presented, especially such experimental analysis of dynamic impact conditions. In addition to known applied methods of dynamic, non-contact displacement measurements like high-speed 3-D surface deformation a recently patented 2-D tracking method is presented. By means of in-situ determination of fracture parameters with relevance to the materials stress intensity factor, the method has been successfully applied for a typical specimen geometry. Also shown are the possibility of detecting in-situ He-leakage rates on laterally impact loaded lid sealing systems as well as a method of acceleration sensor-temperature control under test conditions in the low temperature range.
Toxicological studies have shown that some types of carbon nanotubes may provoke asbestos-like effects including chronic inflammation and lung cancer. Inhaled carbon nanotubes may reach the deep lung tissue. Alveolar macrophages are responsible to remove such foreign objects from the alveoli in a process called phagocytosis. If a macrophage fails to uptake a nanotube completely, cell lesions may give rise to inflammation. It is currently assumed that short, flexible and long as well as granularly agglomerated (tangled) nanofibres are clearable by macrophages, whereas biodurable long and rigid nanotubes may persist in lung tissue. The flexural rigidity of nanofibres is therefore believed to be an important material property that governs fibre toxicity and needs to be investigated. The present work aims at determining the rigidity of nanofibres by detecting their resonance frequencies using a Dynamic Scanning Electron Microscope (DySEM) setup. By depositing and fixing a nanofibre to an oscillating support, it can be excited to vibrations and treated as a cantilevered beam. This way, its elastic modulus can be determined via Euler-Bernoulli’s beam theory. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were deposited on high frequency piezoelectric quartz crystals mounted on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) holder. When introduced into the SEM chamber and connected to a frequency-sweeping waveform generator, the quartz crystal actuates the deposited fibre. A lock-in amplified processes the secondary electron detector signal resulting from the electron beam modulated by the vibrating nanofibre. Whenever a fibre resonance is detected, the SEM image of the fibre is stored to identify the fibre oscillation mode. The found resonance frequencies and modes allow determining the elastic modulus accordingly. Since the frequency spacing of resonances is predicted by Euler-Bernoulli, the mode number can be identified and elastic modulus values be averaged. A significant number of individual MWCNTs were classified according to their level of rigidity. The applicability and reliability of the method will be discussed.
Toxicological studies have shown that some types of carbon nanotubes may provoke asbestos-like effects including chronic inflammation and lung cancer. Inhaled carbon nanotubes may reach the deep lung tissue. Alveolar macrophages are responsible to remove such foreign objects from the alveoli in a process called phagocytosis. If a macrophage fails to uptake a nanotube completely, cell lesions may give rise to inflammation. It is currently assumed that short, flexible and long as well as granularly agglomerated (tangled) nanofibres are clearable by macrophages, whereas biodurable long and rigid nanotubes may persist in lung tissue. The flexural rigidity of nanofibres is therefore believed to be an important material property that governs fibre toxicity and needs to be investigated. The present work aims at determining the rigidity of nanofibres by detecting their resonance frequencies using a Dynamic Scanning Electron Microscope (DySEM) setup. By depositing and fixing a nanofibre to an oscillating support, it can be excited to vibrations and treated as a cantilevered beam. This way, its elastic modulus can be determined via Euler-Bernoulli’s beam theory. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were deposited on high frequency piezoelectric quartz crystals mounted on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) holder. When introduced into the SEM chamber and connected to a frequency-sweeping waveform generator, the quartz crystal actuates the deposited fibre. A lock-in amplified processes the secondary electron detector signal resulting from the electron beam modulated by the vibrating nanofibre. Whenever a fibre resonance is detected, the SEM image of the fibre is stored to identify the fibre oscillation mode. The found resonance frequencies and modes allow determining the elastic modulus accordingly. Since the frequency spacing of resonances is predicted by Euler-Bernoulli, the mode number can be identified and elastic modulus values be averaged. A significant number of individual MWCNTs were classified according to their level of rigidity. The applicability and reliability of the method will be discussed.
The reliable identification and quantification of phosphorylated amino acids, peptides and proteins is one of the key challenges in contemporary bioanalytical research, noteworthy, to diagnose and treat diseases at an early developmental stage. Miniaturised sensing devices like microfluidic chips combined with “smart” detection chemistry, simple data assessment, processing and presentation are very attractive for benchtop use in clinical environments.
We developed novel synthetic probes targeting phosphorylated amino acids, based on core-shell microparticles consisting of a silica core coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shell. These “plastic antibodies” are extremely robust, resist denaturing solvents and elevated temperatures, can be reproducibly produced at low cost, and potentially overcome many of the practical problems in current bioanalytical detection strategies. The MIP layer contains a fluorescent probe monomer, binds selectively to phosphorylated tyrosine (pTyr) with a significant imprinting factor higher than 3.5 and responds with a “lighting-up” of its fluorescence accompanied by the development of a strongly red-shifted emission band toward the analyte.
In analogy to our previous work [4], the bead-based ratiometric detection scheme has also been successfully transferred to a microfluidic chip format to demonstrate its applicability to rapid assays. Such a miniaturised device could yield an automated pTyr measurement system in the future. The setup was built by coupling a modular microfluidic system [5] for amino acid functionalisation (Fmoc protection) and a multi-layer PDMS/Teflon/glass microfluidic chip [6] for buffering, extraction (micropillars co-flow extraction) and selective adsorption on the MIP core-shell particles.
A miniaturised optical assembly for low-light fluorescence measurements was also developed. Based on small opto-electronic parts and optical fibres, the emission from the MIP particles upon addition of pTyr concentrations from 0.5 – 200 μM could be monitored in real-time.
The reliable identification and quantification of phosphorylated amino acids, peptides and proteins is one of the key challenges in contemporary bioanalytical research, noteworthy, to diagnose and treat diseases at an early developmental stage1. Miniaturised sensing devices like microfluidic chips combined with “smart” detection chemistry, simple data assessment, processing and presentation are very attractive for benchtop use in clinical environments.
We developed novel synthetic probes targeting phosphorylated amino acids, based on core-shell microparticles consisting of a silica core coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shell. These “plastic antibodies” are extremely robust, resist denaturing solvents and elevated temperatures, can be reproducibly produced at low cost, and potentially overcome many of the practical problems in current bioanalytical detection strategies. The MIP layer contains a fluorescent probe monomer, binds selectively to phosphorylated tyrosine (pY) with a significant imprinting factor higher than 3.5 and responds with a “lighting-up” of its fluorescence accompanied by the development of a strongly red-shifted emission band toward the analyte. In analogy to our previous work4, the bead-based ratiometric detection scheme has also been successfully transferred to a microfluidic chip format to demonstrate its applicability to rapid assays. Such a miniaturised device could yield an automated pY measurement system in the future. The setup was built by coupling a modular microfluidic system5 for amino acid functionalisation (Fmoc protection) and, as shown in Figure 1, a multi-layer PDMS/Teflon/glass microfluidic chip6 for buffering, extraction (micropillars co-flow extraction) and selective adsorption on the MIP core-shell particles.
A miniaturised optical assembly for low-light fluorescence measurements was also developed. Based on small opto-electronic parts and optical fibres, the emission from the MIP particles upon addition of pY concentrations from 0.5-200 μM could be monitored in real-time.
Toxicological studies have shown that some types of carbon nanotubes may provoke asbestos-like effects including chronic inflammation and lung cancer. Inhaled carbon nanotubes may reach the deep lung tissue. Alveolar macrophages are responsible to remove such foreign objects from the alveoli in a process called phagocytosis. If a macrophage fails to uptake a nanotube completely, cell lesions give rise to inflammation. It is currently assumed that short, long and flexible, and granularly agglomerated (tangled) nanofibres are clearable by macrophages, whereas biodurable long and rigid nanotubes persist in the lung tissue. The flexural rigidity of nanofibres is therefore believed to an important material property that governs fibre toxicity and needs to be investigated. The present work aims at determining the rigidity of nanofibres by detecting their resonance frequencies using a Dynamic Scanning Electron Microscope (DySEM) setup. By depositing and fixing a nanofibre to an oscillating support, it can be excited to vibrations and treated as a cantilevered beam. This way, its elastic modulus can be determined via Euler-Bernoulli’s beam theory. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were deposited on high frequency piezoelectric quartz crystals mounted on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) holder. When introduced into the SEM chamber and connected to a frequency-sweeping waveform generator, the quartz crystal actuates the deposited fibre. A lock-in amplified processes the secondary electron detector signal resulting from the electron beam modulated by the vibrating nanofibre. Whenever a fibre resonance is detected, the SEM image of the fibre is stored to identify the fibre oscillation mode. The found resonance frequencies and modes allow determining the elastic modulus according. Since the frequency spacing of resonances is predicted by Euler-Bernoulli, the mode number can be checked and elastic modulus values be averaged. A significant number of MWCNTs have been classified according to their level of rigidity. The applicability and reliability of the method will be discussed.
By means of a small-scale truss bridge, the ability of the Measurement- and Model-based Structural Analysis to detect and localize damage was examined. Although there was no noteworthy difficulty in detecting damage, it turned out that damage localization responds sensitively to systematic influences, i.e. non-modelled properties of the mechanical model. Therefore, another experiment is being conducted to re-examine the Measurement- and Model-based Structural Analysis. For this purpose, the bending test is carried out as it has been already theoretically respectively numerically discussed. In this attempt, the systematic influences such as residual stress are kept as low as possible.
Fresnoite glass with excess SiO2 exhibits oriented surface crystallization, in contrast to the stoichiometric glass composition. Recent EBSD studies documented that the crystals in BTS (2BaO-TiO2-xSiO2, x=0-3) can occur in a distinct [101]-orientation perpendicular to the surface and claimed that this orientation is not a result of growth selection. During these previous studies, however, the effect of surface preparation and surrounding atmosphere during the crystallization experiments were not considered. As these parameters may influence crystal orientation, we studied the surface crystallization of a BTS glass (2BaO-TiO2–2.75SiO2) under controlled conditions with the help of light, electron and polarisation microscopy as well as EBSD. Heat treatments for one hour at 840°C of fractured BTS glass surfaces in air resulted in a large number of not-separable surface crystals. This large number of crystals can be caused by dust particles, which act as nucleation agents. As crystal growth velocity could further be influenced by humidity, our experiments are performed in a filtered and dried air atmosphere. The crystal morphology and orientation will be analysed in dependence of the sample preparation and a differing surrounding atmosphere.
Characterization of early crystallization stages in surface-crystallized diopside glass-ceramics
(2019)
Structure formation in glass-ceramics by means of surface crystallization is a challenging open question and remains elusive to definite answers. In several glass-ceramic systems, oriented crystal layers have been observed at the immediate surface, including diopside and some fresnoite systems. However, it is still open to debate, whether oriented surface crystallization is the result of oriented nucleation or growth selection effects. In the same vein, there is still discussion whether surface nucleation is governed by surface chemistry effects or by defects serving as active nucleation sites.
In order to help answer these questions, annealing experiments at 850°C have been performed on a MgO·CaO·2SiO2 glass, leading to the crystallization of diopside at the surface. Different annealing durations and surface treatment protocols (i.a. lapping with diamond slurries between 16 µm and 1 µm grain size) have been applied. Particular focus has been put on earliest crystallization stages, with crystal sizes down to about 200 nm. The resultant microstructure has been analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and two different kinds of textures have been observed, with the a- or b-axis being perpendicular to the sample surface and the c-axis lying in the sample plane. Even at shortest annealing durations, a clear texture was present in the samples. Additionally, selected samples have been investigated with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM-EDX). The diopside crystals have been found to exhibit distinguished submicron structure variations and the glass around the crystals was shown to be depleted of Mg.
3D coherence scanning interferometry (CSI) is anoptical, non-contact and rapide measurement technique using a defined bandwidth of white light at normal incidence. White light interference microscopy (WLIM) providest here-dimensional surface topometry data up to a resolution of 0.4 µm lateral and 0.1 nm vertical. Three operating modi, surface, films and advanced films, enable measurements of step heights, roughness, wear volume, cone angle, surface pattern and layer thickness. Traceability to SI system is ensured by certified standards (PTB/NIST) within a DAkkS DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited lab.
In civil engineering, the investigation of existing infrastructure is of major importance for maintaining and ensuring stability of the structures. To ensure durability, uniform regulations and standards apply e.g. the European standard EN 206-1. In some countries, the EN-standard is supplemented by additional standards, as in Germany with DIN 1045-2. Here, specific application rules are described, e.g. for the cement type, to ensure the resistant to different exposures. Therefore, the knowledge of the materials originally used is important in assessing the condition of existing concrete structure. Unfortunately, these are often unknown and must be determined retrospectively. Therefore, we present the application of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to distinguish between different types of cement. Spectral information’s are used to build a classification model. First, the accuracy of the classification is analyzed on ten pure laboratory cement samples. To investigate possible sources of error, the model was then applied to cement samples with different moisture content. The study shows that LIBS is a promising tool for distinguishing between cement types. For further industrial application, however, factors influencing the LIBS signal must be included to ensure a robust model.
The Effect of Low Charge Polycarboxylate on C3A Passivation Monitored by Optical Spectroscopy
(2019)
Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) is less than 10 wt.% of the total cement composition; however, during hydration, the soluble C3A plays an important role in cement setting when mixed with the appropriate amount of sulfate.1 A good understanding about the balance of these components is therefore crucial to follow with the rapid growth of substitution materials and the rising levels of aluminate clinker. The aim of this investigation is the use of optical spectroscopy and in-situ X-ray diffraction utilizing a water-soluble organic dye (dye-S) to monitor early hydration of calcium aluminate (C3A) in the presence of 26 wt.% CaS04.2H2O (G) and PCE polymers with different charge densities (PCE-LC and PCE-HC). Phase characterization and optical evaluation were performed using in-situ X-ray diffraction and steady-state fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy of the reference C3A + dye-S revealed a fast decay in fluorescence intensity. However, in the presence of 26 wt.% G (C3A + dye-S + 26 wt.% G), a gradual increase in fluorescence intensity was observed in the first hours of reaction followed by a plateau that subsequently dropped in intensity after eight hours. The addition of PCE-LC and PCE HC to the mixture exhibited changes in the intensity threshold and overall a higher fluorescence intensity. Dye changes during hydration and structural changes will be further discussed.
Brazilian farming industry consumed around 2.2 million tons of phosphorus (P) fertilizers in 2016. The agricultural industry depends on imported P fertilizers and over 98% of P fertilizers were used for sugarcane, soybean and maize production.
An alternative is to use P from sugarcane bagasse. Bagasse is the fibrous plant material remaining after extraction of sugarcane juice, and it is combusted for energy production. Remaining ash con-tains up to 0.6 wt% P. The use of bagasse ash (BA) as P fertilizer could decrease the annual import of P fertilizers by 6% of the imported P fertilizer based on 2016 values. Since the bioavailability of P from BA to plants is poorly investigated, this study addresses the effects of (i) gasification tempera-ture (710-849°C), (ii) processing method (gasification vs. combustion), (iii) biomass modifications by co-processing bagasse with chicken manure (BA+CM), and (iv) the soil (Brazilian Oxisol soil vs. nutri-ent poor substrate) on the bioavailability of P from BA to soybeans (Glycine max).
Gasification of BA at 806 °C resulted in significantly highest uptake of P by soybeans and was around 0.33 mmol after 51 days growing. The bioavailability of P significantly increased due to co-gasification of bagasse and chicken manure (BA+CM) and the soybeans took up around 16% more P. Compared to the nutrient-poor substrate, the bioavailability of P in BA+CM ash treated Oxisol soil was signifi-cantly lower by 46% and there was no significant effect of processing method on the bioavailability of P from the BA+CM ash to soybeans. Contrary to the Oxisol soil, the bioavailability of P from co-combusted BA+CM ash was significantly higher compared to co-gasified BA+CM ash. In conclusion, co-processing of bagasse with nutrient rich residues can increase the value of BA as P fertilizer. The bioavailability of P from ash to plants depends on the P forms. Mineralogical analyses of ash P forms by NMR and X-ray diffraction are in progress and will be presented at the conference.
Herein, we present the development of a gas chromatographic method for Determination of warfarin, its TPs, and selected metabolites.
TPs were formed by applying UV-irradiation, ozonation, and an electrochemical cell coupled to mass spectrometry to mimic the oxidative phase I metabolism. The further aim is to use this method for detection and quantification under environmentally relevant conditions, as well as, toxicological assessment.
The present study reports on measurements on thin Fe-Ni films on silicon and first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide Substrate by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with the thin film analysis software Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. An excellent agreement has been obtained between the atomic fractions determined by EPMA and µ-XRF with the KRISS certified values.
The characteristics of TiO2 coatings can greatly influence their final performance in large-scale applications. In the present study self-assembly of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in multiple layers was selected as a deposition procedure on various substrates. For this, the main prerequisite constitutes the surface modification of both NPs and substrate with e.g. silane coupling agents. A set of functionalized TiO2 NPs has been produced by reaction with either (3- aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) or (3-aminopropyl)phosphonic acid (APPA) to functionalize the NP surface with free amino-groups. Then, the complementary functionalized NP set can be obtained from an aliquot of the first one, through the conversion of free surface amino-groups to aldehydes by reaction with glutaraldehyde (GA). Several types of TiO2 NPs differing in size, shape and specific surface area have been functionalized. FTIR, TGA, SEM/EDS, XPS, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and ToF-SIMS analyses have been carried out to evaluate the degree of functionalization, all the analytical methods employed demonstrating successful functionalization of TiO2 NP surface with APTES or APPA and GA.
Remote gas sensors mounted on mobile robots enable the mapping of gas distributions in large or hardly accessible areas. A challenging task, however, is the generation of threedimensional distribution maps from these gas measurements.
Suitable reconstruction algorithms can be adapted, for instance, from the field of computed tomography (CT), but both their performance and strategies for selecting optimal measuring poses must be evaluated. For this purpose simulations are used, since, in contrast to field tests, they allow repeatable conditions. Although several simulation tools exist, they lack realistic models of remote gas sensors. Recently, we introduced a model for a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) gas sensor taking into account the conical shape of its laser beam. However, the novel model has not yet been validated with experiments. In this paper, we compare our model with a real sensor device and show that the assumptions made hold.
The need for sustainable and effective usage of limited resources like water and soil becomes more and more important due to increasing populations and their need for food. The research initiative BonaRes funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, develops strategies to use soil as a sustainable resource for the bio-economy. One part of this initiative is the Intelligence for Soil (I4S) project. It deals with the development of an integrated system for the site-specific soil fertility management. The goal of the project is to establish a mobile sensor platform for soil mapping as well as to apply soil and crop models to deal with the high amount of produced data. These models are going to be used to formulate recommendations on the use of fertilizers and to gain an improvement on the soil fertility. Using this information, the environmental pollution with substances like nitrate contained in fertilizers can be decreased. Furthermore, the costs for farmers can be decreased if only the amounts of fertilizer needed are applied to the field.
The task for BAM is installation and optimization of a handheld XRF sensor for online measurement directly on the field. It is a non-destructive technique and quite suitable for an online approach due to a low maintenance in sample preparation and a fast and simultaneous multi element analysis. The elements of interest in this case are light elements like phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. One of the major tasks is the calibration of the sensor for different soils is finding suitable calibration models, which are evolved to deal with different types of soil. Due to the multi element analysis, micro and macro nutrients can be determined simultaneously. Those differ a lot in their contents, which makes it inevitable to optimize and adapt the analytical procedure. By analyzing soil it is always important to deal with matrix effects, that is why the influence of different disturbances like the moisturize content and the grain size needs to be investigated. The XRF is only one of many sensors that combined give customized fertilizing recommendations in the end.
The need for sustainable and effective usage of limited resources like water and soil becomes more and more important due to increasing populations and their need for food. The research initiative BonaRes funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, develops strategies to use soil as a sustainable resource for the bio-economy. One part of this initiative is the Intelligence for soil (I4S) project. It deals with the development of an integrated system for the site-specific soil fertility management. The goal of the project is to establish a mobile sensor platform for soil mapping as well as to apply soil and crop models to deal with the high amount of produced data. These models are going to be used to formulate recommendations on the use of fertilizers and to gain an improvement on the soil fertility. Using these information’s, the environmental pollution with substances like nitrate contained in fertilizers can be decreased. Furthermore, the costs for farmers can be decreased if only the amounts of fertilizer actually needed are applied to the field.
The task for the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is the installation and optimization of a handheld XRF sensor for the online measurement directly on the field. It is a non-destructive technique and quite suitable for the online approach due to a low maintenance in the sample preparation and a fast and simultaneous multi element analysis. The elements of interest in this case are light elements like phosphorus, calcium and potassium. One of the major tasks is the calibration of the sensor for different soils, therefore, calibration models are evolved to deal with different types of soil. Due to the multi element analysis, micro and macro nutrients can be determined simultaneously. Those differ a lot in their contents which makes it inevitable to optimize and adapt the measuring procedure. By analyzing soil, its always important to deal with matrix effects, that is why the influence of different disturbances like the moisturize content and the grain size needs to be investigated.
The XRF is only one of many sensors that combined give customized fertilizing recommendations in the end.
Our aim is to develop a new method for full field X ray fluorescence imaging at the BAM line @ BESSY II. We will combine an energydispersive array detector for X rays with a coded aperture to get high resolution images . In coded aperture imaging , an object is projected through a mask , producing many overlapping images on the detector . The first part of the project is to perform raytracing simulations to get realistic data and to develop a reconstruction method that allows to get the Information about the investigated object out of the projected image .
Ergot alkaloids play a significant role in human history for more than 1000 years and are part of the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide. Their high toxicity against humans and livestock even at low concentrations causes a high demand for quick and reliable analytics even though no European limits for ergot alkaloids have been determined yet. Currently the most common methods for the quantitation of the six major ergot alkaloids and their corresponding stereoisomers are HPLC based, using either fluorescence or mass spectrometric detection. Whereas these conventional detection methods measure each compound individually, a novel approach is to transfer all ergot alkaloids to one basic structure, which could be measured as a sum parameter.
Since all ergots contain a lysergic acid amide moiety and a differing peptide component, cleaving the molecule into a simple lysergic acid derivative, which could be quantified via either HPLC-FLD or MS/MS, is intended. To clean up the cleavage reaction mixture molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a simple and effective way to separate the desired structure. Due to the selectivity of MIPs, an improved matrix separation is expected, which results in fewer interferences in the FLD and the possibility to measure samples with more complex matrices. When fully developed, the novel method could overcome some major drawbacks of the conventional detection methods. Higher throughput and the need for less well-trained personnel are just two advantages, that should lead to a quick and cheap quantitation of ergot alkaloids. First results of this project will be presented, funded by the German ZIM program (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion is a multidisciplinary research area. To develop successful mitigation strategies, expertise from the industry and research institutes are essential. In Department 4.1, we developed an innovative laboratory flow model (Hi-Tension) that allows effective monitoring of MIC under both standard and non-standard conditions. The flow model allows flexibility with material selection, flow rates, temperature and other environmental parameters changes. Furthermore, the flow model allows integration of electrochemical measurements using microsensors, providing a comprehensive view of corrosion at the biofilm level. Currently, initial results indicate corrosion in the flow model is significantly higher than that of standard laboratory set ups, i.e. static incubations, particularly for methane-producing microorganisms.
The assessment of high cycle fatigue in additive manufactured (AM) components is a challenge due to complex microstructure, anisotropic material behavior, residual stresses and porosity / lack-of-fusion defects. Due to the statistical distribution of defects, a high scatter band of S-N-curves is expected. The fracture mechanics-based fatigue assessment of additive manufactured components must consider the propagation of short cracks emanating from defects.
In this work, the fatigue crack propagation resistance in the short and large crack regimes of additive and conventionally manufactured AISI 316L stainless steel is examined experimentally based on the cyclic R-curve. However, remaining residual stresses in the AM specimen lead to unexpected and dramatic crack-growth during the pre-cracking procedure.
Microbial modelling of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogenic archaea (ME) using iron
(2019)
Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogenic archaea (MA) are commonly found in the oil and gas environments. The formation of hydrogen sulfide (HS-) is particularly concerning for the petroleum industry due to its corrosiveness. However, the activities of SRB are limited to the concentration of sulfate present in the environment, whereas methanogens can utilize substrates such as H¬2 for methanogenesis. MA is commonly found in sulfate-free environments, such as deep sediments, and are known to form interspecies electron transfer relationships with SRB. Recently, SRB and MA capable of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) by using elemental iron as a direct electron source (EMIC) have gained increased attention. On the iron surface, EMIC-SRB can outcompete EMIC-MA in the presence of sulfate, but this changes as sulfate depletes. The formation of FeS on the metal surface can be further utilized by MA for methanogenesis as it provides a conductive path. However, the possible kinetics involved of the overall process are currently unknown.
We obtained a co-culture of EMIC-SRB and EMIC-MA to investigate the growth rates and electrical potential changes under different environmental conditions, including changes in pH, temperature and salinity. Results indicate that under neutral conditions and using iron as the sole substrate, methane production (up to 5 mM) starts after sulfate was depleted. Electrochemical measurements will be conducted on the co-culture under different conditions to determine the changes in the electrical potential in correlation with the sulfate and methane concentration. Fluorescence and electron microscope images of the biofilm structure will be used to visualize cell distribution and morphology. This study embarks the first step of understanding the relationship between EMIC-SRB and EMIC-MA. Such knowledge is important for the field of microbial electrophysiology and can be further explored for industrial applications.
In all fluorescence-based techniques, the measured signals contain not only sample-related but also instrument-specific contributions, which limit the direct comparison of fluorescence data obtained e.g. on different devices or at different times and often hamper quantification. To rule out instrumentation as major source of variability of emission data, accepted fluorescence standards and procedures for the control of instrument specifications and long-term performance are required. For flow cytometry (FCM), a broad variety of fluorophore-stained polymer beads differing in emission wavelength and intensity is available for the testing of the alignment, sensitivity, and other parameters of FCM. These calibration tools are intended to facilitate the assessment of instrument performance to ensure reliable measurements and to improve the comparability of FCM experiments.
As a step towards an improved comparability of fluorescence data, with special emphasis on spectroscopic methods measuring nano- and micrometer-sized fluorescent objects, we are currently developing a set of fluorescent polystyrene (PS) beads loaded with luminophores from the certified BAM-Kit “Spectral fluorescent standards”, initially developed for the calibration of fluorescence spectrometers. Here, we present first results from studies of these fluorophore-loaded polymer beads. Moreover, new beads are made to supplement this kit by encapsulating near-infrared (NIR)-emissive luminophores in PS beads to cover the UV/VIS, and NIR wavelength range.
These beads are designed for calibration of flow cytometers and other fluorescence imaging systems to meet the increasing demand for reliable and comparable fluorescence data especially in strongly regulated areas like e.g. medical diagnostics.
The particle size distribution is considered the most relevant information for nanoscale property identification and material characterization. The current OECD test guideline on particle size and size distribution (TG 110) is not applicable to ‘nano-sized’ objects. In this project we thus develop a new OECD test guideline for the measurement of the size and size distribution of particles and fibers with at least one dimension in the nanoscale. A fiber is defined as an object having an aspect ratio of length/diameter l/d >3. The width and length of each fiber should be measured concurrently.
In order to measure the particle size distributions, many techniques are available. 9 methods for particles and 2 methods for fibres have been tested in a prevalidation study and appropriate methods will be compared in an interlaboratory round robin test starting in February 2019.
Question:
Biocides are in contact with soils through direct application and passive leaching from protected materials. Consequently, soil microorganisms are exposed to toxic biocides even though they are not their primary targets. Soil is a large reservoir of microbial diversity and has been hypothesized to be a crucial factor for the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, there is little knowledge on how biocides used to protect materials affect the evolution and spread of resistance. Thus, our aim is to investigate the risk for the evolution of biocide resistance and cross-resistance to antibiotics. In addition, we aim to elucidate the affect of biocides on the spread of resistance via horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
Methods:
In laboratory evolution experiments we culture selected model soil microorganism with representative biocides followed by antibiotic cross-resistance determination and genome sequencing. Moreover, we investigate if the selected biocides affect the HGT frequency of plasmids that carry resistance genes among soil microorganism and the consequences for survival of the affected populations.
Results:
Our initial results show only small increases of biocide resistance during serial transfers in the presence of biocides. One reason for this might be the narrow selective window for biocide resistance due to steep dose-response relationships. Furthermore, we will present results from ongoing experiments on the effects of material preservatives on HGT frequencies facilitating microbial community adaptation to stress.
Conclusions:
The results will enable future risk assessment regarding resistance evolution for biocides used as material preservatives.
Question:
Biocides are in contact with soils through direct application and passive leaching from protected materials. Consequently, soil microorganisms are exposed to toxic biocides even though they are not their primary targets. Soil is a large reservoir of microbial diversity and has been hypothesized to be a crucial factor for the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, there is little knowledge on how biocides used to protect materials affect the evolution and spread of resistance. Thus, our aim is to investigate the risk for the evolution of biocide resistance and cross-resistance to antibiotics. In addition, we aim to elucidate the affect of biocides on the spread of resistance via horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
Methods:
In laboratory evolution experiments we culture selected model soil microorganism with representative biocides followed by antibiotic cross-resistance determination and genome sequencing. Moreover, we investigate if the selected biocides affect the HGT frequency of plasmids that carry resistance genes among soil microorganism and the consequences for survival of the affected populations.
Results:
Our initial results show only small increases of biocide resistance during serial transfers in the presence of biocides. One reason for this might be the narrow selective window for biocide resistance due to steep dose-response relationships. Furthermore, we will present results from ongoing experiments on the effects of material preservatives on HGT frequencies facilitating microbial community adaptation to stress.
Conclusions:
The results will enable future risk assessment regarding resistance evolution for biocides used as material preservatives.
The WelDX research project aims to foster the exchange of scientific data inside the welding community by developing and establishing a new open source file format suitable for documentation of experimental welding data and upholding associated quality standards. In addition to fostering scientific collaboration inside the national and international welding community an associated advisory committee will be established to oversee the future development of the file format. The proposed file format will be developed with regards to current needs of the community regarding interoperability, data quality and performance and will be published under an appropriate open source license.
By using the file format objectivity, comparability and reproducibility across different institutes and experimental setups can be improved.
The advantages of treating prefabricated components made of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UCPC) at 90 °C are largely recognized, while hydrothermal treatment at 185 °C and the corresponding saturation pressure of 1.1 MPa, in contrast, is not applied in building practice so far and was studied only by a few researchers.
In the research presented, the parameters pre-storage-time before treatment and dwell time in the autoclave were systematically varied. The results illustrate in which way compressive strength increases with the duration of treatment. Already samples which were only heated up and immediately cooled down show an increase in strength compared to the 28-day reference of about 10 %. After 20 h the maximum increase of about 25 % is reached. Interestingly the compressive strength of samples treated very long hardly decreases. It can be therefore concluded that for the composition investigated the achievable mechanical strength is not severely sensitive regarding the duration of the treatment.
Also, pre-storage times before autoclaving longer than 0.5 days showed no significant impact on strength development. The phase composition measured by XRD exhibits significant changes compared to the reference. The amount of ettringite and portlandite have vanished, the cement clinker phases are substantially decreased and hydroxylellestadite and hydrogarnet are formed as new phases. The increase in strength can be assigned to an improved pozzolanic and hydraulic reaction. Contradictory to literature, there was found no obermorite, a mineral which is known to be susceptible for disintegration at Long autoclaving duration. This explains why no significant strength loss appeared.
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a serious Problem concerning the deterioration of concrete. This leads to significant maintenance and reconstruction costs for concrete infrastructures all over the world. The geographical regions, which play a major role in concrete deterioration, are for example coastal Areas or in general, areas with a high air humidity/salinity due to closeness of rivers or lakes.
These exemplary results show, the application of Raman spectroscopy establishes a valuable approach for characterizing the chemical and structural composition of ASR-products. The results prove the potential to trace the kind of reaction products, developing in dependence on the aggregate and to follow up its local alteration from origin of the gel.
When assessing the performance of welded components residual stresses are vital. The possibilities of transferring the real boundary conditions of welding, which influence the residual stress, into the laboratory are highlighted in this contribution. The potentials of a test system specially developed for this purpose are demonstrated. The component design induces global process-, geometry- and material-dependent stresses, which can be simulated and quantified in the system. In addition, the resulting local residual stress distribution can be exactly determined with high spatial resolution with the aid of X-ray diffraction. Examples are presented of how the conditions to be found during production are simulated in the laboratory.
In this poster we will present some results of a research projects dealing with Arabic recipes of black inks. To improve conservation practices of Arabic manuscripts we have assessed the feasibility of the recipes collected from many Arabic sources on bookmaking and reproduced the most common inks. Ink samples were then artificially aged and analysed using an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and also to verify the detection limits of the portable equipment employed.
First, we will provide an overview of the sources [1-2] employed in the study – dating from 9th to 14th century, although the manuscripts in which they can be found dates up to the 20th century – with an eye on the ink typologies (real and perceived by the compilers). Then we will show how, by reproducing the recipes, it was possible to shed light on some oddities in the procedures and the choice of ingredients. In the end we will discuss problems concerning the identification of ink types and ingredients using reflectography (in Vis, IR and UV), X-Ray Fluorescence, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The focus will be in particular on mixed inks – both in the form of carbon inks with the addition of tannins and of a mixture of carbon and iron gall inks – which are particularly difficult to detect [3]. We will also examine the results of iron gall inks made with iron filings or nails instead of vitriol and the various precursor used to extract gallic acid that are mentioned in the sources as surrogates of gall nuts.
[1] A. Schopen, Tinten und Tuschen des arabisch-islamischen Mittelalters, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2004
[2] S. Fani, Le arti del libro secondo le fonti arabe originali. I ricettari arabi per la fabbricazione degli inchiostri (sec. IX-XIII): loro importanza per una corretta valutazione e conservazione del patrimonio manoscritto, PhD thesis, Napoli: Università L’Orientale, 2013
[3] C. Colini et. al, Manuscript cultures, 11 (2018) 43-50
The mechanochemical formation of the ionic cocrystals of glucose (Glc) and sodium salts is presented. Products are formed by co-milling Glc with three sodium salts (NaCl, NaBr, NaI). The reaction pathways of the three ionic cocrystals were investigated using our tandem approach comprising a combination of in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
Morphologies of Fresnoite surface crystals of BT0.75S glass under different atmospheric conditions
(2019)
Fresnoite glass-ceramics are characterized by piezoelectric, pyroelectric and non-linear optical properties. These properties can be adjusted by orienting the fresnoite crystals during crystallization. Crystallization begins at the surface. The first surface crystals are not oriented perpendicular and, therfore, produce a surface layer that has not the intended properties. To overcome this issue, the formation of fresnoite surface crystals at different atmospheric conditions was studied.
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are cell-derived particles in body fluids, which have excellent potential as next-generation biomarkers. The exploitation of EV requires reliable measurements, which is currently very difficult, as most EV are smaller than 200 nm. At present, flow cytometry (FCM) is the most appropriate technique for EV analysis in biological samples, as FCM is readily available in many clinical laboratories and allows to identify cell-specific EV at high throughput. However, due to technical variations between different FCM instruments, EV concentration measurements are currently not well comparable between most laboratories. Therefore, EV reference materials and standardized reference methods are urgently needed to calibrate flow rate, light scattering intensity, and fluorescence intensity of FCM in the sub-micrometer size range. This requires a better matching of the optical properties of calibration beads and EV as can be realized with current polystyrene calibration beads.
The EMPIR project 18HLT01 “MetVes II” aims to develop synthetic reference materials and traceable measurement methods to standardize EV measurements. The reference materials should resemble EV properties, so that calibrations are reliable and do not require a change of acquisition settings. Hence, the reference materials should contain particles with a traceable number concentration in the range of 109–1012 particles/mL to calibrate flow rate, a traceable size with discrete diameters between 50–1000 nm and a refractive index (RI) in the range of 1.37–1.42 to calibrate scattering intensity, and a traceable fluorescence intensity between 100–100,000 molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochromes (MESF). At BAM, various approaches to prepare such low-RI nanometer-sized reference materials will be studied, preliminary results of the primary characterization of these candidate reference particles will be presented, and possible applications besides FCM-based EV detection will be outlined.
Synchrotron based absorption edge tomography for the analysis of 3D printed polymer embedded MOF
(2019)
Absorption edge tomography, also known as differential tomography at absorption edges, is a method which exploits the sudden change of the attenuation coefficient, when the photon energy crosses the absorption edge of an element. Synchrotron radiation is the best source for absorption edge tomography, because of its small bandwidth, high intensity and easily adjustable photon energy. The synchrotron beamline BAMline at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY II in Berlin, which is operated by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), provides a monochromatized beam in a photon energy range from 5 keV up to 80 keV with a bandwidth of 2%, when the double multilayer monochromator is used. Together with the microtomography setup, this enables differential tomography with submicron resolution at the K edge of the elements from chromium up to the lanthanides, and up to uranium, when the L edges are used as well.
In this work, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) embedded in polymer are characterized using differential tomography. MOFs are microporous structures of metal ions, coordinated by organic linker molecules, that can be used in a broad field of applications, especially in gas storage and catalysis. In this work, polymer embedded MOFs were extruded into filaments, which were subsequently used for 3d-printing to profit from the specific properties of the MOFs in polymeric materials combined with the arbitrary shapes provided by 3d-printing. For the extrusion, different polymer classes like ABS, polyester- and polyetherurethanes, as well as different MOFs (ZIF-8, ZIF-67, HKUST-1) were used to create MOF containing filaments with a nominal diameter of 3.0 mm. Differential tomography at the edges of the Zn, Co, and Cu was then used to find the distribution of the corresponding MOF in the filament and to analyze the shape of the inclusions.
We present a technique for distributed temperature gradient sensing in real-time along an optical fiber utilizing simple amplitude-based direct-detection coherent optical time domain reflectometry (C-OTDR) and a special sensing fiber. Our technique enables us to determine phase changes or low-frequency variations of the C-OTDR signal stemming from temperature variations. The distinct feature of the used sensing fiber is its structuring with equidistant strongly scattering dots. Consecutive pairs of these scatterers form the dominant local interferometers, effectively overwriting the otherwise highly nonlinear transfer function of common optical fiber. This enables a quasi-phase-resolved evaluation of perturbation responses originating from temperature changes at sensor positions between the scatterers. Using our method, we show the measurement of a nonlinear temperature transient from a heating process with a maximum temperature gradient of 0.8 °C over 20 s and a total temperature increase of 28.4 °C. This method requires almost no post-processing and can be used for simultaneous distributed vibration sensing (DVS) and quantification of local temperature gradients in a single fiber, e.g., for the use in condition monitoring of infrastructure or industrial installations.
Metal phosphonates are promising materials for applications in fuel cells, due to their high proton conductivity and higher chemical and thermal stability compared to the industry standard (e.g. Nafion®). Additionally, metal phosphonates are precursors to porous carbon materials with evenly distributed centers for ORR catalysis. As a fast and sustainable synthesis, mechanochemistry is the synthesis method of choice. Thorough characterization is carried out by XRD, MAS-NMR, XAS, BET, and DVS.
Applications of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for the design and analysis of Offshore Wind Turbine (OWT) structures has gained much attention within the past few years. Being exposed to repeated cyclic wind and wave loads, OWTs are dynamically sensitive structures and can benefit from monitoring systems to predict time-dependent deterioration. This study focuses on the quantification of the value of SHM information on the maintenance of OWT structures, with emphasis on fatigue of welded joint. By utilizing the decision tree, structural reliability, SHM data, as well as the cost-benefit assessments, a value of information (VoI) analysis can be done to model the fundamental decision of whether the service life of an OWT foundation can be extended beyond the initial design life. The application is demonstrated on a butt weld of a monopile support structure of a 3 MW offshore wind turbine with a hub height of approximately 71m where the prior probability analysis is modelled as a probabilistic fatigue damage model based on S-N approach and designed wind data. The posterior probability of failure of welded joints is updated using the three-year measured oceanographic and one-year strain data. The expected value of SHM information can be found as the difference between the maximum utility obtained in posterior analysis with SHM information and the maximum utility obtained using only prior information. This work can provide insights on how much benefits can be achieved through SHM information, with practical relevance on reliability-based design optimization and fatigue life extension of OWT structures.
A method to determine the structural and damage detection system influencing parameters is proposed based on the value of information analysis. The value of information analysis utilizes the Bayesian pre-posterior decision theory to quantify the value of SHM for the structural integrity management during service life. First the influencing parameters of the structural system such as deterioration type and rate are introduced for the performance of the prior probabilistic system model. Then the damage detection system performance influencing parameters including number of sensors, sensor locations, measurement noise and the Type I error are investigated. The pre-posterior probabilistic model is computed utilizing the Bayes’ theorem to update the prior system model with the damage indication information. Finally, the value of information is quantified as the difference between the maximum utility obtained in pre-posterior and prior analysis based on the decision tree analysis, comprising structural probabilistic models, consequences as well as benefit and costs analysis associated with and without monitoring. With the developed approach, a case study on a statically determinate Pratt truss bridge girder is carried out to validate the method. The analysis shows that the higher the deterioration rate is, the more it is beneficial to do SHM. Furthermore, it shows that more sensors do not necessarily lead to a higher value of information; only specific sensor locations near the highest utilized components lead to a high value of information; measurement noise and the Type I error should be controlled and as small as possible. An optimal sensor employment with highest value of information is found. Moreover, it is found that the proposed method can be a powerful tool to develop optimal service life maintenance strategies - before implementation - for similar bridges and to optimize the damage detection system settings and sensor configuration for minimum expected costs and risks.
Analysis of elemental composition of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy thin films by EPMA and µ-XRF
(2019)
The present study reports on measurements on thin Fe-Ni films on silicon and first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide Substrate by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with the thin film analysis software Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. An excellent agreement has been obtained between the atomic fractions determined by EPMA and µ-XRF with the KRISS certified values.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an important part of buildings surveillance and maintenance to detect material failure as early as possible and to contribute in protection of structures and their users.
The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor systems without cable connection and battery into building components offers innovative possibilities to enable long-term in-situ SHM of addressed structures, bridges. The objectives of the presented study are complete embedding of RFID sensors systems in concrete, full passive communication with the systems, at best for the whole life span of structures. One challenge for this task is the highly alkaline environment in concrete, which requires non-degrading and robust encapsulation. Further Requirements are passive communication and energy supply, appropriate antenna design, placement and fixation in concrete, and the selection and implementation of sensors and connections. The concept is to develop and optimize a simple and robust system, which meets the requirements, as well as comprehensive validation in concrete specimen and real world applications. Two different systems were developed (HF and UHF RFID, respectively).
First tasks were the implementation of analog sensors using the superposition principle for the signal adaption. Investigation of suitable materials for robust encapsulation and sensor protection against basic environments.
Four materials were investigated in pH 13 solution for 14 days
- 3D-Printer-Polymer was completely resolved
- PVC has no noticeable decrease in weight
- (VitaPro) glass filter for the sensor protector, has weight loss 2.7 %
- The epoxy resin has increased by 1.8 % due to moisture expansion
Different concrete samples were prepared for the validation of the systems.
RFID sensors were embedded in different integration depths. Investigate the energy- and data transfer through concrete, also with varying moisture content. Additionally, signal strength data was used to optimize and validate the antenna characteristics in concrete. Next steps are to guarantee a sufficient energy supply for UHF RFID systems embedded in different concrete mixtures and further embedding the HF and UHF RFID systems in real bridges and buildings to validate the long term monitoring.
The movement of the macroscopic magnetic moment in ferromagnetic systems can be described by the Landau-Lifshitz (LL) or Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. These equations are strictly valid only at absolute zero temperature. To include temperature effects a stochastic version of the LL or LLG equation for a spin density of one per unit cell can be used instead. To apply the stochastic LL to micromagnetic simulations, where the spin density per unit cell is generally higher, a conversion regarding simulation cell size and temperature has to be established. Based on energetic considerations, a conversion for ferromagnetic bulk and thin film systems is proposed. The conversion is tested in micromagnetic simulations which are performed with the Object Oriented Micromagnetic Framework (OOMMF). The Curie temperatures of bulk Nickel, Cobalt and Iron systems as well as Nickel thin-film systems with thicknesses between 6.3 mono layer (ML) and 31ML are determined from micromagnetic simulations. The results show a good agreement with experimentally determined Curie temperatures of bulk and thin film systems when temperature scaling is performed according to the presented model.
Dose enhancement by gold nanoparticles (AuNP) was shown to increase the biological effectiveness of radiation damage in biomolecules and tissue. Most of the current studies focus on external beam therapy on combination with AuNP. Here we present a Monte-Carlo study (Geant4) to characterise radioactive AuNP. Radioactive ¹⁹⁸Au emits beta and gamma rays and is considered for applications with solid tumours. To effectively apply ¹⁹⁸AuNP their energy deposit characteristics have to be determined in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic properties e.g. AuNP diameter, AuNP density, and their clustering behaviour. After each decay process, the energy deposit, inelastic scattering events, kinetic energy spectrum of secondary particles within the AuNP themselves and in a spherical target volume of water up to 1 μm radius were determined. Simulations were performed for AuNP radii ranging from 2.5 nm to 20 nm radius, different cluster sizes and densities. The results show an increase of the energy deposit in the vicinity of the AuNP up to 150 nm. This effect nearly vanishes for distances up to one micron. For the case of AuNP clusters and the same activity, the enhancement of the energy deposit increases with the relative gold mass percentage and therefore can be adjusted by changing AuNP radius or clustering behaviour.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution we characterize thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an SEM.
High conductive silver metallization pastes are key components in advanced electronics and photovoltaics. Increasing demands on efficiency, miniaturization and ever shorter time-to-market require tailored glass-silver-pastes. In these pastes, low-melting glasses act as a sintering aid achieving better sintering, adhesion and contact formation for solar cells. Yet, the related liquid phase sintering of silver-glass-composites and the underlying mechanism of silver dissolution, transport and reprecipitation are rarely investigated. In this study, systematically varied low melting alkaline zinc borate, alkaline earth borate, and Pb- and Bi-glasses are investigated. Glass transition and crystallization are studied with dilatometry, DTA and XRD. Sintering of the pure glasses, pure silver and silver-glass-composites is analyzed with Hot Stage Microscopy, optical and electron microscopy. Since oxygen dissolved in silver powders can affect the silver dissolution as silver oxide in the matrix oxide glasses, the O2-content of silver powders is determined by Vacuum Hot Extraction. The glass transition temperature of the glasses under study varies between 370 °C and 590 °C whereas the sinter onset largely ranges between 400 °C and 600 °C. On the other hand, it scattered between 200 °C and 450 °C for selected commercial Ag-powders of different particle size and morphology.
A central challenge to ensure the sustainable production and use of nanotechnologies is to understand and effectively control the risks along the industrial innovation value chain. Knowledge about nanotechnology processes and nanosafety issues (hazards, fate, risk...) is growing rapidly but the effective use of this knowledge for risk management by market actors is lagging behind.
EC4SafeNano (European Centre for Risk Management and Safe Innovation in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies) promotes a harmonized vision of expertise in risk assessment and management for the public and private sectors to enable the safe development and commercialization of nanotechnology.
EC4SafeNano is operated together by major European risk institutes with the support of numerous associated partners, gathering all stakeholders involved in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies (regulators, industry, society, research, service providers...).
In a case study the surface chemical transformations upon 2 different ageing procedures (long-term UV irradiation or swimming pool water) of a representative set of titanium dioxide nanoparticles has been investigated. The materials have been analyzed by various analytical techniques. Each method addresses different aspects of the complex endpoint surface chemistry. The multi technique approach allows evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of the applied methods regarding their suitability to address the endpoint surface chemistry and their sensitivity to identify even small surface chemical transformations.
Results:
- To obtain a comprehensive picture, it is insufficient to concentrate on a single analysis technique.
- By using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) it was possible to identify even subtle changes in the surface chemistry of the investigated materials.
- A general trend that was observed for the UV-aged samples is the decrease of organic material on the nanomaterial surface.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 723623.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its early detection and resultant treatment contributes significantly to patient recovery and survival. Detection is currently based on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, methods that are expensive, while processing of the results is time-consuming1. There is a need for low-cost cancer detection techniques that give conclusive results in the shortest time possible. When equipped with a reporter function, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) targeting tumor markers on cancerous cells may provide a cheaper solution for imaging-based cancer detection. Thin MIP layers immobilized on particle platforms are ideal in this regard, because a fluorescence reporter can be integrated into the particle core and/or MIP shell and such core/shell nanoparticles show faster response times and increased selectivity in comparison to bulk MIPs.
Changes in sialylation patterns of cell surface glycans indicate malignancy2. Here, we present the development of MIPs that target sialic acid-terminated glycans (SA MIPs), prepared as a thin layer on a polystyrene core/silica shell nanoparticle platform. The MIP particles contain fluorescent emitters and can be applied in fluorescence imaging of malignant tumors. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used for structural characterization. Binding capacity of the MIPs to target glycans and competing sugars is also evaluated and compared to that of the corresponding non-imprinted polymer particles (NIP).
Increasing traffic volume on the one hand and ageing infrastructure on the other hand have created many new challenges for maintenance and structural health monitoring of roads and bridges. In the past, many bridges and road structures have been neglected, often resulting in traffic congestion, road closure, and increased repair costs.
This research is concerned with the development of a system to improve the challenge of maintenance and early detection of damage, particularly moisture penetration and corrosion of steel reinforced concrete components. The objective is to develop a method that will also work after 30 years and longer. Many new IoT solutions are equipped with internal energy storage elements (accumulators or batteries) which are inappropriate here, since most relevant signs of concrete degradation occur after decades, where the functioning of such elements are more than questionable. The presented technology approach uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) and enables connectivity to sensors. It offers the advantage of an passive, completely independent energy supply without any energy storage components.
Since the system should be permanently embedded in concrete, it is crucial to develop a long-term stable device which is adapted to the environmental influences of the structure, e.g., long-term resistance in very alkaline environment of pH 13. In numerous experiments, the robustness of the system was tested and evaluated. Various tests with encapsulations to protect the electronics were performed, and for long-term validation different concrete specimens were instrumented with RFID-sensor-systems. Their operating time is now around two years and investigations for signs of fatigue and damage to the encapsulation and the electronics are ongoing.
Small-angle scattering (SAS) offers a reliable route to characterize the nanostructure of large amounts of material with a minimum of tedium, for example, easily extracting size distributions and volume fractions. There are a variety of analysis programs available while the evaluation of SAS measurements has been dominated by the classical curve fitting approach. SASfit represents such a classical curve fitting toolbox: it is one of the mature programs for SAS data analysis and has been available and used for many years. The latest developments will be presented and a scattering function of a mass fractal model of branched polymers in solution is provided as an example for implementing a plug-in.
Alternatively to classical curve fitting, part two presents the latest developments of the user-friendly open-source Monte Carlo regression package McSAS. The form-free Monte Carlo nature of McSAS means, it is not necessary to provide further restrictions on the mathematical form of the parameter distribution: without prior knowledge, McSAS is able to extract complex multimodal or odd- shaped parameter distributions from SAS data. The headless mode is presented by an example of operation within interactive programming environments such as a Jupyter notebook.