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After some months of operation, a number of PV modules develop a discolouration defect called 'snail trails', or 'snail traces', which appear as irregular dark stripes across the cells. Whereas these traces were soon identified as discoloured silver contacts along the cell edges or at micro cracks, the chemical and mechanistic reasons for this phenomenon have not yet been resolved in detail. In this work we show that silver nanoparticles accumulating within the encapsulation foil cause the brownish discolouration, and that certain additives of encapsulation and back sheet foils trigger the formation of these nanoparticles.
Eyewitnesses describe burning pavement surfaces in extreme fire scenarios. However, it was believed that the pavement plays a negligible role in comparison to other items feeding such an extreme fire at the same time. The asphalt mixtures used differ widely, thus raising the question as to whether this conclusion holds for all kinds of such materials. Three different kinds of asphalt mixtures were investigated with the aim of benchmarking the fire risks. Cone calorimeter tests are performed at an irradiance of 70kWm-2. All three investigated asphalts burn in extreme fire scenarios. The fire response (fire load, time to ignition, maximum heat release rate and smoke production) is quite different and varies by factors of up to 10 when compared to each other. The fire load per mass is always very low due to the high content of inert minerals, whereas the effective heat of combustion of the volatiles is quite typical of non-flame retarded organics. The heat release rate and fire growth indices are strongly dependent on the fire residue and thus the kind of mineral filler used. Comparing with polymeric materials, the investigated Mastic Asphalt and Stone Mastic Asphalt may be called intrinsically flame resistant, whereas the investigated Special Asphalt showed a pronouncedly greater fire risk with respect to causing fire growth and smoke. Thus the question is raised as to whether the use of certain kinds of asphalts in tunnels must be reconsidered. Apart from the binder used, the study also indicates varying the kind of aggregate as a possible route to eliminate the problem.
Heterogeneous, gradual or structured morphology of fire residues plays an important role in fire retardancy of polymers. A scanning electron microscope with an attached energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX) is highlighted as a powerful tool for the advanced characterization of such complex fire residues, since it offers high resolution in combination with both good depth of field and analysis of chemical composition. Two examples are presented: First, comprehensive SEM/EDX investigation on a complex structured fire residue of glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6 (PA 66-GF) flame retarded by diethylaluminium phosphinate, melamine polyphosphate and some zinc borate. A multilayered surface crust (thickness ~ 24 µm) covers a rather hollow area stabilized by GF glued together. The resulting efficient thermal insulation results in self-extinguishing before pyrolysis is completed, even under forced-flaming combustion. Second, sophisticated, quasi online SEM/EDX imaging of the formation of residual protection layer in layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposites (LSEC). Burning specimens were quenched in liquid nitrogen for subsequent analyses. Different zones were distinguished in the condensed phase characterized by distinct processes such as melting and ablation of organic material, as well as agglomeration, depletion, exfoliation and reorientation of the LS.
Der Anteil von Polymeren als Funktions- und Konstruktionswerkstoffe in dauerhaften medizinischen Anwendungen steigt beständig. Derartige Materialien müssen den mechanischen, biologischen und chemischen Bedingungen im Körper widerstehen (u.a. Abrieb, Hydrolyse, Degradation) und gleichzeitig gut verträglich sein. Der sichere Einsatz von polymeren Materialien erfordert die Kenntnisse über ihre Langzeitstabilität unter verschiedenen äußeren Bedingungen. Diese sind nicht nur beeinflusst durch die unmittelbare Umgebung in vivo, sondern auch durch die Historie der verwendeten Materialien. Dazu zählen u. a. erhöhte Temperaturen unter sauerstoffhaltiger Atmosphäre während der Verarbeitung oder die Exposition von ionisierender Strahlung oder reaktiven Radikalen während der Sterilisation.
The exploration of condensed phase mechanisms such as charring and intumescence has been pushed forward in the last decades, since it is believed that focusing on these concepts will bring materials closer to an efficient and ecologically friendly fire retardancy. They promise to concentrate efficient fire retardancy at the key position between pyrolysis zone and gas phase. Examples of residue/char forming and intumescent materials are used to illustrate the influence of mass and heat barrier effects on the fire behavior of materials and general results are presented. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and structure-property relationships in fire retardancy is presented.
Combinations of different common flame retardants in wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are tested to identify synergistic or antagonistic effects with the goal of improving the fire performance of WPCs. Flame retardants investigated are expandable graphite (EG), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and red phosphorus (RP) and combinations of two of them are used. The fire behavior is studied by cone calorimetric measurements. Additional thermogravimetry is used for further investigations. The fire tests show that EG has the highest potential for flame retardancy, but due to its expansion it cracks the formed residue layer. Combinations of EG with RP or with high amounts of APP are able to suppress this cracking.
A sedimented freshwater suspended organic matter fortified with particles of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was employed in an interlaboratory comparison of thermoanalytical methods for microplastics identification and quantification. Three laboratories performed pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), three others provided results using thermal extraction desorption followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS). One participant performed thermogravimetry-infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and two participants used thermogravimetry coupled to mass spectrometry (TGA-MS). Further participants used differential scanning microscopy (DSC), a procedure based on micro combustion calorimetry (MCC) and a procedure based on elemental analysis.
Each participant employed a different combination of sample treatment, calibration and instrumental Settings for polymer identification and quantification. Though there is obviously room for improvements regarding the between-laboratory reproducibility and the harmonization of procedures it was seen that the participants Performing Py-GC-MS, TED-GC-MS, and TGA-FTIR were able to correctly identify all polymers and to report reasonable quantification results in the investigated concentration range (PE: 20.0 μg/mg, PP: 5.70 μg/mg; PS: 2.20 μg/mg, PET: 18.0 μg/mg). Although for the other methods limitations exists regarding the detection of specific polymers, they showed potential as alternative approaches for polymer quantification in solid environmental matrices.
Advanced wastewater treatment with powdered activated carbon (PAC) leads to a spread of PAC into different purification stages of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) due to recirculation and filter back-wash. Currently, no methods for quantification of PAC in activated sludge are available. In this study, PAC containing activated sludge from four WWTP were examined by two-step thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with heating up to 600°C in N2 and subsequently in synthetic air. Direct quantification of PAC according to temperature specific weight losses was possible for one WWTP. Quantification by combining specific mass losses was found to be an alternative direct method, with a detection limit of 1.2% PAC in dry sample mass.
Additionally, evolved gas analysis (EGA) by infrared-spectroscopy (FTIR) during TGA revealed interaction mechanisms between PAC and activated sludge. Aliphatic compounds from activated sludge were identified as major substances influenced by PAC. In derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), a typical double peak at approximately 300°C was found to be related to carbonylic species with increased evolution of acetic acid in aged activated sludge. TGA and EGA are promising tools to understand, control and optimise the application of PAC in advanced wastewater treatment.
The pyrolysis of an epoxy resin and the fire behavior of corresponding carbon fiber-reinforced composites, both flame-retarded with either 10-ethyl-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide or 1,3,5-tris[2-(9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide-10-)ethyl]1, 3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, are investigated. The different fire retardancy mechanisms are discussed, and their influence on the fire properties assessed, in particular for flammability (limiting oxygen index, UL 94) and developing fires (cone calorimeter with different external heat fluxes of 35, 50, and 70 kW m-2). Adding the flame retardants containing 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide affects the fire behavior by both condensed phase and gas phase mechanisms. Interactions between the additives and the epoxy resin result in a change in the decomposition pathways and an increased char formation. The release of phosphorous products results in significant flame inhibition. The fire properties achieved are thus interesting with respect to industrial exploration.
Highly soluble 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide-(DOPO)-based diamino hardener (2), bearing its amino groups directly on the DOPO framework, is investigated with respect to its use as a reactive flame retardant in thermosets. A mechanism for decomposition of the corresponding phosphorus-modified epoxy resin system based on a diglycidylether of bisphenol A DGEBA and 2 (DGEBA/2) is proposed and compared to the systems using DGEBA and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfon (DGEBA/DDS) and to a similar system based on the structurally comparable non-reactive DOPO-based compound (DGEBA/DDS/1). Additive 1 changed the decomposition characteristics of the epoxy resin only slightly and phosphorus was released. Incorporating 2 induces two-step decomposition and most of the phosphorus remains in the residue. Furthermore, the fire behaviour of neat epoxy resin systems and a representative carbon fibre-reinforced composite based on DGEBA, DDS and 2 (DGEBA/DDS/2) were examined and compared to that of the analogous composite systems based on DGEBA/DDS and DGEBA/DDS/1. Based on different flame retardancy mechanisms both the reactive compound 2 and the additive compound 1 improve flammability (increase in LOI >13% and achieving V-1 behaviour) of the epoxy resin and composites. Under forced flaming only the flame inhibition of the additive compound 1 acts sufficiently. Lastly, the superior key mechanical properties of the epoxy resin and composite based on 2 are sketched.
Polyurethane versus silicone catheters for central venous port devices implanted at the forearm
(2016)
Purpose: We aimed to analyse short and long-term complications of polyurethane (PU) versus silicone catheters used in totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) implanted at the forearm.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of 698 consecutively implanted TIVAPs was performed. Primary end-points were defined as rates of major complications associated with either type of central venous port catheter. Technical success rate, device service interval as well as minor complications not requiring port explantation were defined as secondary end-points.
Results: A total of 698 port devices were implanted in 681 patients, 396 equipped with a PU catheter, 302 with a silicone catheter. The technical success rate was 99.9% with no major periprocedural complications. During follow-up a total of 211 complications in 146 patients were observed (1.0/1000 catheter days), 183 occurred associated with PU catheters (1.8/100 catheter days), 28 (0.3/1000 catheter days) with silicone catheters (log rank test p < 0.0001). Catheter-related bloodstream infections as well as thrombotic complications occurred significantly more frequently with PU catheters, while silicone catheters exhibited a trend towards a higher rate of mechanical failure such as disconnection or catheter rupture. Major complications requiring explantation of the device occurred more frequently with PU-based catheters (10.6%) compared to silicone catheter carrying ports (4.6%, log rank test p < 0.001).
After several months of operation, many photovoltaic (PV) modules develop a discolouration defect called snail trails which appear as irregular dark traces across the cells. These traces are caused by silver nanoparticles accumulating within the encapsulation foil directly above the grid finger. In this work we systematically investigate combinations of encapsulation and back-sheet foils with respect to their susceptibility for snail trails. We can show that certain additive compositions within the encapsulation and back sheet foils are critical for the formation of the discolouring silver nanoparticles. We suggest a reaction model explaining the formation of snail trails from a chemical point of view. This fundamental understanding allows the rapid testing of foils for their snail trail sensitivity as well as the special design of resistant foils.
Polyglycerol (PG) coated polypropylene (PP) films were synthesized in a two-step approach that involved plasma bromination and subsequently grafting hyperbranched polyglycerols with very few amino functionalities. The influence of different molecular weights and density of reactive linkers were investigated for the grafted PGs. Longer bromination times and higher amounts of linkers on the surface afforded long-term stability. The protein adsorption and bacteria attachment of the PP-PG films were studied. Their extremely low amine content proved to be beneficial for preventing bacteria attachment.
Plastik in Böden
(2017)
A novel phosphorus-modified polysulfone (P-PSu) was employed as a combined toughness modifier and a source of flame retardancy for a DGEBA/DDS thermosetting system. In comparison to the results of a commercially available polysulfone (PSu), commonly used as a toughness modifier, the chemorheological changes during curing measured by means of temperature-modulated DSC revealed an earlier occurrence of mobility restrictions in the P-PSu-modified epoxy. A higher viscosity and secondary epoxy-modifier reactions induced a sooner vitrification of the reacting mixture; effects that effectively prevented any phase separation and morphology development in the resulting material during cure. Thus, only about a 20% increase in fracture toughness was observed in the epoxy modified with 20 wt.% of P-PSu, cured under standard conditions at 180 °C for 2 h. Blends of the phosphorus-modified and the standard polysulfone (PSu) were also prepared in various mixing ratios and were used to modify the same thermosetting system. Again, no evidence for phase separation of the P-PSu was found in the epoxy modified with the P-PSu/PSu blends cured under the selected experimental conditions. The particular microstructures formed upon curing these novel materials are attributed to a separation of PSu from a miscible P-PSuepoxy mixture. Nevertheless, the blends of P-PSu/PSu were found to be effective toughness/flame retardancy enhancers owing to the simultaneous microstructure development and polymer interpenetration.
Summary: The decomposition of novel phosphorus-containing poly(oxyphenylene-sulfonyl-phenylene-oxy-diphenyl phenylene phosphine oxide) (PSU_I), 2,5-dihydroxy-1-biphenylene-phosphine oxide based polysulfone (PSU_II), poly(sulfonyl-diphenylphenylene phosphonate) (PSU_P) and bisphenol A-based polysulfone (PSU) is studied. The influence of the chemical structure, charring and phosphorus release is discussed based on the mass loss, kinetics and products. The pyrolysis and fire behaviour of blends with epoxy resin (EP) are studied. For EP-PSU_II, phosphorus initiates water elimination and changes the decomposition pathway of EP. The fire behaviour of EP-PSU shows some improvements, whereas the heat release rate is crucially reduced for EP-PSU_II due to simultaneous char formation and flame inhibition.
A comparative evaluation of systematically tailored chemical structures of various phosphorus-containing aminic hardeners for epoxy resins was carried out. In particular, the effect of the oxidation state of the phosphorus in the hardener molecule on the curing behavior, the mechanical, thermomechanical, and hot-wet properties of a cured bifunctional bisphenol-A based thermoset is discussed. Particular attention is paid to the comparative pyrolysis of neat cured epoxy resins containing phosphine oxide, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate (with a phosphorus content of about 2.6 wt %) and of the fire behavior of their corresponding carbon fiber-reinforced composites. Comparatively faster curing thermosetting system with an enhanced flame retardancy and adequate processing behavior can be formulated by taking advantage of the higher reactivity of the phosphorus-modified hardeners. For example, a combination of the high reactivity and of induced secondary crosslinking reactions leads to a comparatively high Tg when curing the epoxy using a substoichiometric amount of the phosphinate-based hardener. The overall mechanical performance of the materials cured with the phosphorus-containing hardeners is comparable to that of a 4,4-DDS-cured reference system. While the various phosphorus-containing hardeners in general provide the epoxy-based matrix with enhanced flame retardancy properties, it is the flame inhibition in the gas phase especially that determines the improvement in fire retardancy of carbon fiber-reinforced composites. In summary, the present study provides an important contribution towards developing a better understanding of the potential use of such phosphorus-containing compounds to provide the composite matrix with sufficient flame retardancy while simultaneously maintaining its overall mechanical performance on a suitable level.
Monitoring the ingestion of microplastics is challenging and suitable detection techniques are insufficiently used. Thus, misidentifying natural for synthetic microfibres cannot be avoided. As part of a framework to monitor the ingestion of microplastics in eelpout, this short report addresses the accurate identification of microfibres. We show that, following visual inspections, putatively synthetic microfibres are indeed of natural origin, as ascertained by spectrometric analyses. Consequently, we call for an inclusion of spectroscopic techniques in standardized microplastic monitoring schemes.
The occurrence of microplastic particles (MP) in nearly each environmental compartment but especially in water is well documented in an increasing amount of publication within the last few years. However, a comprehensive understanding of MP occurrence, sources and pathways in the environment as well as effects of MP on the environment is still unclear. Many of the studies are not compatible, because they used different sampling, sample preparation and detection techniques, resulting in a very broad variation and very different dimension of archived results. Hence a useful avoiding strategy for reduction the MP entry in the environment is not possible. Furthermore, the existing methods are often very time consuming, need user knowledge and labour force, which is often not acceptable for the routine monitoring of an action or sanction.
The call for harmonised methods become loud and louder and promising efforts are done in this area. However, the scientific discussion is often focus on advantages and disadvantages of detection tools and sample preparation, less initiative is given to the sampling strategy. That is a pity, because every environmental scientist knows, a good analytical result depend on a good sampling strategy.
The sampling of water seems on the first view easy because the sampling process include already an up concentration of the MP by means of sieves and filters. However, this filtering of water is often limited by filter cake on the sieves, consisting of high amount of natural particular matter. Hence often a small water volume is filtered, which will not own a representative amount of trait carriers or complex sieves cascades are used, which need a high technical equipment.
Recently we presented a fast thermoanalytical method for the detection of polymers fractions in water samples. This method, thermo-extraction desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS) can analyse MP in water filtrates without sample preparations within 2-3 hours. Advantageous is the additional analysis of rubber particles from tires beside the MP. In order to come even faster we now start to develop new sampling strategies, which should be use for different water systems. It is intended to reduce the effort in the field and to elongate times for sampling to obtain a representatives result without random effects.
In the present presentation we will show first result using a sedimentation box for sampling of MP from surface water. Advantages and disadvantages will be discussed and comparison to data from conventional fractionated filtration will be given.
Reliable simulation of polymers on an atomistic length scale requires a realistic representation of the cured material. A molecular modelling method for the curing of epoxy systems is presented, which is developed with respect to efficiency while maintaining a well equilibrated system. The main criterion for bond formation is the distance between reactive groups and no specific reaction probability is prescribed. The molecular modelling is studied for three different mixing ratios with respect to the curing evolution of reactive Groups and the final curing stage. For the first time, the evolution of reactive groups during the curing process predicted by the molecular modelling is validated with near-infrared spectroscopy data, showing a good agreement between simulation results and experimental measurements. With the proposed method, deeper insights into the curing mechanism of epoxy systems can be gained and it allows us to provide reliable input data for molecular Dynamics simulations of material properties.
Durch den stetig steigenden Einsatz von Plastikprodukten sind unerwünschte Kunststofffunde in verschiedenen Umweltmatrices mittlerweile allgegenwärtig. Bereits seit Jahren werden die Funde in aquatischen Bereich kommentiert, mittlerweile erfahren auch terrestrische Kompartimente erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit.
Besonderes Interesse erfahren Kunststoffpartikel von einer Größe kleiner 5 mm, sogenannte Mikroplastik (MP) Partikel.
Kunststoffe sind wichtige Werkstoffe und heutzutage aus Haushalt und Wirtschaft nicht mehr wegzudenken. Seit Anfang der 1970er-Jahre wird das Vorkommen von Kunststoffpartikeln in Küstengewässern beschrieben. Inzwischen ist Mikroplastik nicht nur im marinen Bereich, sondern auch in weiteren Umweltkompartimenten, Biota und technischen Einrichtungen der Wasserwirtschaft nachgewiesen worden, in dieser Arbeit wird ein Überblick über das Vorkommen von Mikroplastik in der aquatischen Umwelt und ersten bekannten Auswirkungen gegeben. Darüber hinaus werden die aktuellen Untersuchungsverfahren von Probenahme, Probenaufbereitung und Analytik betrachtet und offene fragen diskutiert. Zentral erscheint in diesem Zusammenhang die Entwicklung einer harmonisierten medienübergreifenden Untersuchungsmethodik, die eine Auswertung relevanter Stoffströme ermöglicht und auf notwendige Bewertungskonzepte abgestimmt ist.
Der Vortrag beschäftigt sich mit den gängisten Methoden zur Probennahme, -vorbereitung und Detektion von Mikroplastik. Das Zusammenspiel von Fragestellung und Methode wird betont. Es wird auf das Dikussionspapier Analytik des BMBF-Forschungsschwerpunktes Plastik in der Umwelt besonders hingewiesen sowie Bemühungen zur Normierung der Methoden auf deutscher und internationaler Ebene dargestellt.
The accumulation of plastics leaked into the environment achieve a high perception in the last years. It is uncontroversial that often an uncontrolled, high consumption of plastic products and a poor waste management resulted in plastic findings all over in the environment. However, less is known about the relevant pathways and fate of plastic in the environment. Especially plastic fragments smaller 5 mmm, so called microplastics, achieve a high attention, because their amount and risks arising from these fragments are still unknown. The basic mechanisms of plastic or more precise, of different polymer degradation processes are often not considered, resulting in unrealistic statements.
For generation of fundamental understanding of this problem we developed in the last years a fast thermoanalytical method for identification and mass quantification of microplastics in complex samples. The presentation will also give a short introduction about polymer degradation.
Microplastic in Environmental Samples: Quantitative Determination and Metrological Traceability
(2015)
Background: The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic particles in marine and aquatic ecosystems was intensively investigated in the past decade. However, we know less about the presence, fate, and input paths of microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems. A possible entry path for microplastic into terrestrial ecosystems is the agricultural application of sewage sludge and solid bio-waste as fertilizers. Microplastic contained in sewage sludge also includes Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which could originate as fiber from textile products or as a fragment from packaging products (foils, bottles, etc.). Information about microplastic content in such environmental samples is limited yet, as most of the used analytical methods are very time-consuming, regarding sample preparation and detection, require sophisticated analytical tools and eventually need high user knowledge.
Results: Here, we present a simple, specific tool for the analysis of PET microplastic particles based on alkaline extraction of PET from the environmental matrix and subsequent determination of the monomers, terephthalic acid, using liquid chromatography with UV detection (LC-UV). The applicability of the method is shown for different types of PET in several soil-related, terrestrial environmental samples, e.g., soil, sediment, compost, fermentation residues, but also sewage sludge, suspended particles from urban water management systems, and indoor dust. Recoveries for model samples are between 94.5 and 107.1%. Limit of determination and limit of quantification are absolute masses of 0.031 and 0.121 mg PET, respectively. In order to verify the measured mass contents of the environmental samples, a method comparison with thermal extraction-desorption-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) was conducted. Both methods deliver similar results and corroborated each other. PET mass contents in environmental samples range from values below LOQ in agriculture soil up to 57,000 mg kg−1 in dust samples.
Conclusions: We demonstrate the potential of an integral method based on chemical extraction for the Determination of PET mass contents in solid environmental samples. The method was successfully applied to various matrices and may serve as an analytical tool for further investigations of PET-based microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems.
Nanocomposites of bisphenol A polycarbonate with 2, 4, 6, and 15 wt% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and their use in fire retardancy are investigated. Their thermal behavior and pyrolysis are characterized using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimeter, oscillatory shear rheology, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The flammability is addressed using LOI and UL 94; the fire behavior, with a cone calorimeter using different irradiation. With increasing MWNT content the storage modulus is increased (10-20%) and melt viscosity increases by several orders of magnitude, particularly for low shear rates. The melt flow, dripping, and deformation during fire are hindered, which influences UL 94 and cone calorimeter results. The peak heat release rate is reduced up to 40-50% due to an improved barrier for small amounts (2 wt%) of MWNT and for low irradiation, whereas the effect is reduced for increasing irradiation and nearly vanishes for increasing filling. Adjuvant but also deleterious mechanisms result in the complex dependency on the MWNT content. Significant flame retardancy effects are specific and limited to only some fire properties. This study allows the materials' potential for implementation in different fire scenarios and tests to be assessed and provides insight into active mechanisms.
Central venous port devices made of two different polymeric materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)and silicone rubber (SiR), were compared due their material properties. Both naïve catheters as well as catheters after removal from patients were investigated. In lab experiments the influence of various chemo-therapeutic solutions on material properties was investigated, where as the samples after removal were compared according to the implanted time inpatient. The macroscopic,mechanical performance was assessed with dynamic, specially adapted tests for elasticity. The degradation status of the materials was determined with common tools of polymer characterisation, such as infrared spectroscopy, molecular weight measurements and various methods of thermal analysis. The surface morphology was an alysed using scanning electron microscopy. A correlation between material properties and clinical performance was proposed. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the polyurethane catheter materials can potentially result in increased susceptibility of the catheter to bloodstream infections and thrombotic complications. The higher mechanic failure,especially with increasing implantation time of the silicone catheters is related to the lower mechanical performance compared to the polyurethane material as well as loss of barium sulphate filler particles near the surface of the catheter. This results in preformed microscopic notches, which act as predetermined sites of fracture.
Flame retarded wood-plastic composites (WPCs) should allow safe application in areas of fire risk. Halogen-free flame retardants can contain high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus or sulphur, which may serve as nutrition source for wood degrading fungi and accelerate wood decay. Therefore, the material resistance of WPCs with each of four flame retardants against both fire or fungal decay was examined in comparison to WPC without flame retardant. Expandable graphite showed the best performance against fire in cone calorimetry and radiant panel testing. Two ammonium polyphosphates and a third nitrogen-containing flame retardant were not as effective. Contrary to the possibility that flame retardants might enhance fungal decay of WPC, the opposite effect occurred in case of the wood-degrading fungi Trametes versicolor and Coniophora puteana according to determination of mass loss and decrease of bending modulus of elasticity. Only the surface mould Alternaria alternata slightly increased the degradation of WPCs with nitrogen-containing flame retardants compared to WPC without flame retardant according to mass loss data and FTIR-ATR analyses. Finally, WPC including expandable graphite as flame retardant was effective against both fire and fungal decay.
Faserverbundbauteile werden durch Tränkung von Fasergewebe mit flüssigem Harz, in der Regel Epoxidharzen, und anschließender Härtung des Harzes gefertigt. Dabei kann man das Gewebe im Vorfeld mit reaktivem Harz tränken und als so genanntes Prepreg verarbeiten oder man injiziert das frisch mit dem Härter gemischte Harz in ein Werkzeug, in dem das Gewebe bereits liegt - z. B. beim RTM-Prozess. Ausgehend von der Aufgabenstellung, eine Prepregherstellung mit hohem Qualitätsstandard zu realisieren und Möglichkeiten der Fertigungskontrolle für den Prepreg-Verarbeiter aufzuzeigen, wurde an einem für die Prepregherstellung vorgesehenen Harzsystem eine weitgehende Charakterisierung des Aushärtungsverlaufs vorgenommen. Wegen der Schwierigkeit, schnell konstante Aushärtungstemperaturen zu erreichen, wurden bei allen Methoden mit einer Heizrate von 1 K/min von RT bis 200 °C aufgeheizt.
In this study, the thermal decomposition of 1,3,5-tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione (TDBPTAZTO) and 2,4,6-tris-(2,4,6-tribromo-phenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (TTBP-TAZ) were investigated for the first time by thermogravimetric analysis. Both compounds were thermal degraded between 225 and 350 °C (TDBP-TAZTO) as well as 300 and 400 °C (TTBP-TAZ).
As a result, mass loss (%) of 98.5% for TTBP-TAZ and 95.4% for TDBP-TAZTO at 600 °C under N2 were observed. The major pyrolytic degradation products of TTBP-TAZ were formed in a single step and identified by FTIR analysis as 2,4,6-tribromophenol and further bromine-substituted aromatic compounds. In comparison, TDBP-TAZTO was pyrolytic degraded in two steps, whereby on the first step the release of hydrogen Bromide and 1,3,5-triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione could be detected. In the second minor step, isocyanic acid could be additionally identified.
Subsequently, the obtained products of the TGA-FTIR measurements were used for a targeted search for mass fragments in mass spectrometry measurements. For TTBP-TAZ, only the degradation product 1,3,5-tribromobenzene could be detected by MS/MS analyzes. No comparable thermal degradation products, except hydrogen bromide, were observed in the MS/MS spectra of TDBP-TAZTO. Therefore, the search of further mass fragments was not possible compared to the findings of the TGA-FTIR measurements.
In this study some relevant aspects of the durability of an aromatic poly(ether urethanes) was investigated. Hydrolytic and oxidative treatments at increased temperatures were applied. The induced changes in the materials under investigation were characterised by complementary polymer characterisation methods, such as ATR-FTIR, DSC and mechanical testing. The thermal and hydrolytic treatment did not significantly affect the chemical composition of the materials. Changes can be observed in the microstructure of the materials.
The cure behaviour of a specific ethylene vinyl acetate material as used for encapsulation of photovoltaic modules was analysed by rheometer, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to test for a suitable replacement for the laborious determination of gel content. The results show that all applied methods are capable of describing the effects of the cross-linking process. Some provide results very similar to those yielded by analysis of the insoluble content, but the question remains as to whether indirect methods should be preferred over the direct measurement of physical properties, e.g. as performed by the curemeter. A material stored for one year was also tested to demonstrate the effect of extended storage on cure behaviour and how this is detected by different methods. This complements the other methods, which were clearly able to detect the different cure behaviour of the aged EVA, whereas determination of the gel content could not.
Influence of weathering on the stability of flame retardancy in polymeric materials for outdoor use
(2009)
A systematic and comparative evaluation of the pyrolysis of halogen-free flame-retarded epoxy resins containing phosphine oxide, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate (phosphorus contents around 2.6 wt.%) and the fire behaviour of their carbon fibre composites is presented. Decomposition pathways are proposed based on the thermal analysis (TG), TG coupled with evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR), kinetics and analysis of the residue with FTIR and XPS. All organophosphorus-modified hardeners containing phenoxy groups lead to a reduced decomposition temperature and mass loss step for the main decomposition of the cured epoxy resin. With increasing oxidation state of the phosphorus the thermally stable residue increases, whereas the release of phosphorus-containing volatiles decreases. The flammability of the composites was investigated with LOI and UL 94 and the fire behaviour for forced-flaming conditions with cone calorimeter tests performed using different irradiations. The flame retardancy mechanisms are discussed. With increasing oxidation state of the phosphorus additional charring is observed, whereas the flame inhibition, which plays the more important role for the performance of the composites, decreases. The processing and the mechanical performance (delamination resistance, flexural properties and interlaminar bonding strength) of the fibre-reinforced composites containing phosphorus were maintained at a high level and, in some cases, even improved. The potential for optimising flame retardancy while maintaining mechanical properties is highlighted in this study.
The increasing pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with plastic debris leads to the accumulation of microscopic plastic particles of still unknown amount. To monitor the degree of contamination analytical methods are urgently needed, which help to quantify microplastics (MP). Currently, time-costly purified materials enriched on filters are investigated both by micro-infrared spectroscopy and/or micro-Raman. Although yielding precise results, these techniques are time consuming, and are restricted to the analysis of a small part of the sample in the order of few micrograms. To overcome these problems, here we tested a macroscopic dimensioned NIR process-spectroscopic method in combination with chemometrics. For calibration, artificial MP/soil mixtures containing defined ratios of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene with diameters < 125 µm were prepared and measured by a process FT-NIR spectrometer equipped with a fiber optic reflection probe. The resulting spectra were processed by chemometric models including support vector machine regression (SVR), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Validation of models by MP mixtures, MP-free soils and real-world samples, e.g. and fermenter residue, suggest a reliable detection and a possible classification of MP at levels above 0.5 to 1.0 mass% depending on the polymer. The benefit of the combined NIRS chemometric approach lies in the rapid assessment whether soil contains MP, without any chemical pre-treatment. The method can be used with larger sample volumes and even allows for an online prediction and thus meets the demand of a high-throughput method.
The flame retardancy of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) containing aluminium diethlyphosphinate (AlPi) and/or nanometric metal oxides such as TiO2 or Al2O3 was investigated. In particular the different active flame retardancy mechanisms were discovered. Thermal analysis, evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR), flammability tests (LOI, UL 94), cone calorimeter measurements and chemical analyses of residues (ATR-FTIR) were used. AlPi acts mainly in the gas phase through the release of diethylphosphic acid, which provides flame inhibition. Part of AlPi remains in the solid phase reacting with the PBT to phosphinate-terephthalate salts that decompose to aluminium phosphate at higher temperatures. The metal oxides interact with the PBT decomposition and promote the formation of additional stable carbonaceous char in the condensed phase. A combination of metal oxides and AlPi gains the better classification in the UL 94 test thanks to the combination of the different mechanisms.
The pyrolysis and flammability of phosphonium-modified layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposites (EP/LS) were evaluated when LS was combined with two flame retardants, melamine borate (MB) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP), that also act via a surface protection layer. Thermogravimetry (TG), TG coupled with Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (TG-FTIR), oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 burning chamber (UL 94) and cone calorimeter were used. The glassy coating because of 10 wt % MB during combustion showed effects in the cone calorimeter test similar to nanodispersed LS, and somewhat better flame retardancy in flammability tests, such as LOI and UL 94. Adding APP to EP resulted in intumescent systems. The fire retardancy was particularly convincing when 15 wt % APP was used, especially for low external heat flux, and thus, also in flammability tests like LOI and UL 94. V0 classification is achieved when 15 wt % APP is used in EP. The flame retardancy efficiency of the protection layers formed does not increase linearly with the MB and APP concentrations used. The combination of LS with MB or APP shows antagonism; thus the performance of the combination of LS with MB or APP, respectively, was disappointing. No optimization of the carbonaceous-inorganic surface layer occurred for LS-MB. Combining LS with APP inhibited the intumescence, most probably through an increase in viscosity clearly above the value needed for intumescent behavior.
Flame Retardant Mechanisms of Red Phosphorus and Magnesium Hydroxide in High Impact Polystyrene
(2004)
The flame retardant mechanisms of red phosphorus, magnesium hydroxide and red phosphorus combined with magnesium hydroxide were studied in high impact polystyrene by means of comprehensive decomposition studies and combustion tests. The study is intended to illuminate prerequisites and the potential of red phosphorus as a fire retardant for hydrocarbon polymers in the condensed phase and in the gas phase. Thermal and thermo-oxidative decomposition, decomposition kinetics and the product gases evolved were characterized using thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy, respectively. Fire behaviour was investigated with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes, whereas the flammability was determined by limited oxygen indices. The combustion residues were analysed using XPS. Red phosphorus reduced the heat release in HIPS due to radical trapping in the gas phase. Magnesium hydroxide influenced fire behaviour by heat sink mechanisms, release of water and the formation of a magnesia layer acting as a barrier. The combination of both flame retardants in HIPS nearly resulted in a superposition. A slight synergy in barrier characteristics was due to the formation of magnesium phosphate, whereas a slight anti-synergism occurred in flammability and in the gas phase action. The latter effect is controlled by a decreased fuel rate due to the barrier layer rather than by an initiation of red phosphorus oxidation in the condensed phase.
Glass fiber reinforced polyamide (PA) 6T/DT flame retarded with aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) was tested to assess its flame retardant properties. Models for the decomposition of PA 6T/DT with and without AlPi are presented. Thermal decomposition was measured by performing TGA with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy in the condensed phase. Fire behavior was studied using a cone calorimeter and flammability was tested with UL 94 and the limiting oxygen index. AlPi works as an effective flame retardant for glass fiber reinforced PA 6T/DT materials, acting in the gas phase. Also observed was condensed-phase action, which occurs especially under oxidative conditions before the samples ignite.
Flame retardancy mechanisms of phosphorus containing epoxy resins: effects of oxidation state
(2006)
The pyrolysis and fire behavior of glass-fiber reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT/GF) with two different metal phosphinates as flame retardants in combination with and without melamine cyanurate (MC) were analyzed by means of thermogravimetry, thermogravimetry coupled with infrared spectroscopy, flammability, and cone calorimeter tests as well as scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. In PBT/GF, dosages of 13-20% of the halogen-free flame retardant aluminum phosphinate or aluminum phosphinate in combination with MC fulfill the requirements for electrical engineering and electronics applications (UL 94 = V-0; LOI > 42%), whereas the use of the same amount of zinc phosphinate or zinc phosphinate in combination with MC does not improve the fire behavior satisfactorily (UL 94 = HB; LOI = 27-28%). The performance under forced flaming conditions (cone calorimeter) is quite similar for both of the metal phosphinates. The use of aluminum and zinc salts results in similar flame inhibition predominantly due to the release of the phosphinate compounds in the gas phase. Both metal phosphinates and MC interact with the polymer changing the decomposition characteristics. However, part of the zinc phosphinate vaporizes as a complete molecule. Because of the different decomposition behavior of the metal salts, only the aluminum phosphinate results in a small amount of thermally stable carbonaceous char. In particular, the aluminum phosphinate-terephthalate formed is more stable than the zinc phosphinate-terephthalate. The small amount of char has a crucial effect on the thermal properties and mechanical stability of the residue and thus the flammability.
Flame retardancy mechanisms of aluminium phosphinate in glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics
(2008)
The fire retardancy mechanisms of aluminium diethylphosphinate in combination with melamine polyphosphate and zinc borate was analysed in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6. The influence of phosphorus compounds on the polyamide decomposition pathways was characterized using thermal analysis (TG), evolved gas analysis (TGFTIR), and FTIRATR analysis of the residue. The Lewis acidbase interactions between the flame retardants, the amide unit, and the metal ions control the decomposition. The flammability (LOI, UL 94) and performance under forced-flaming conditions (cone calorimeter using different irradiations) were investigated. Fire residues were analysed with FTIRATR, SEMEDX, and NMR. Aluminium phosphinate in polyamide 6,6 acts mainly by flame inhibition. Melamine polyphosphate shows some fuel dilution and a significant barrier effect. Using a combination of aluminium phosphinate and melamine polyphosphate results in some charring and a dominant barrier effect. These effects are improved in the presence of zinc borate due to the formation of boronaluminium phosphates instead of aluminium phosphates.
The flame retardancy mechanisms of aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi) and its combination with melamine cyanurate (MC) in glass-fibre-reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT/GF) were analysed using TGA including evolved gas analysis (TGA-FTIR), cone calorimeter measurements using various irradiations, flammability tests (limited oxygen index, LOI, UL 94) and chemical analyses of residues (FTIR, SEM/EDX). AlPi decomposed mainly through the formation of diethylphosphinic acid and aluminium phosphate and influenced the decomposition of the PBT only slightly. AlPi acted mainly through flame inhibition. A halogen-free V-0 PBT/GF material was achieved with a LOI of 44%. Additional charring influenced the flammability. MC decomposed independently of the polymer and showed some fuel dilution effects.
The pyrolysis and the flame retardancy of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) containing aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) and nanometric Fe2O3 were investigated using thermal analysis, evolved gas analysis (Thermogravimetry-FTIR), flammability tests (LOI, UL 94), cone calorimeter measurements and chemical analysis of residue (FTIR). AlPi mainly acts as a flame inhibitor in the gas phase, through the release of diethylphosphinic acid. A small amount of Fe2O3 in PBT promotes the formation of a carbonaceous char in the condensed phase. The combination of 5 and 8 wt% AlPi, respectively, with 2 wt% metal oxides achieves V-0 classification in the UL 94 test thanks to complementary action mechanisms. Using PBT/metal oxide nanocomposites shows a significant increase in the flame retardancy efficiency of AlPi in PBT and thus opens the route to surprisingly sufficient additive contents as low as 7 wt%.
A comprehensive characterization of the thermal and the fire behaviour is presented for polypropylene (PP) flax compounds containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expandable graphite as fire retardants. Thermogravimetry coupled with an evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR) was performed to ensure a significant thermal analysis. The fire response under forced flaming conditions was studied using a cone calorimeter. The external heat flux was varied between 30 and 70 kW m-2 so that the results could be evaluated for different fire scenarios and tests. Different flammability tests (UL 94, limiting oxygen index, glow wire test, GMI 60261) were performed and the results compared with the cone calorimeter data. The different char forming mechanisms are described and the resulting fire retardancy is classified. The successful and ecological friendly fire retardancy is a technological breakthrough for PP/flax biocomposites.
The thermal decomposition and the fire behavior of glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66 (PA-66) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) containing red phosphorus (P4) were investigated. For glass fiber reinforced PA-66, P4 promotes char formation in the condensed phase. Barrier effects and the reduction of combustible volatiles were identified as fire retardancy mechanisms. For HIPS, P4 acts in the gas phase, mainly trapping radicals. The heat release per mass loss polymer is reduced due to an incomplete combustion.
The fire retardancy mechanism of aluminium diethyl phosphinate (AlPi) and AlPi in combination with melamine polyphosphate (MPP) was investigated in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/GF) by analysing the pyrolysis, flammability and fire behaviour. AlPi in PA6/GF-AlPi partly vaporises as AlPi and partly decomposes to volatile diethylphosphinic acid (subsequently called phosphinic acid) and aluminium phosphate residue. In fire a predominant gas-phase action was observed, but the material did not reach a V-0 classification for the moderate additive content used. For the combination of both AlPi and MPP in PA6/GF-AlPi-MPP a synergistic effect occurred, because of the reaction of MPP with AlPi. Aluminium phosphate is formed in the residue and melamine and phosphinic acid are released in the gas phase. The aluminium phosphate acts as a barrier for fuel and heat transport, whereas the melamine release results in fuel dilution and the phosphinic acid formation in flame inhibition. The higher amount of aluminium phosphate in PA6/GF-AlPi-MPP stabilised the residue in flammability tests in comparison to PA6/GF-AlPi, so that this material achieved a V-0 classification in the UL 94 test.
In order to determine the relevance of microplastic particles in various environmental media, comprehensive investigations are needed. However, no analytical method exists for fast identification and quantification. At present, optical spectroscopy methods like IR and RAMAN imaging are used. Due to their time consuming procedures and uncertain extrapolation, reliable monitoring is difficult. For analyzing polymers Py-GC-MS is a standard method. However, due to a limited sample amount of about 0.5 mg it is not suited for analysis of complex sample mixtures like environmental samples. Therefore, we developed a new thermoanalytical method as a first step for identifying microplastics in environmental samples. A sample amount of about 20 mg, which assures the homogeneity of the sample, is subjected to complete thermal decomposition. The specific degradation products of the respective polymer are adsorbed on a solid-Phase adsorber and subsequently analyzed by thermal Desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry. For certain identification, the specific degradation products for the respective polymer were selected first. Afterwards real environmental samples from the aquatic (three different rivers) and the terrestrial (bio gas plant) systems were screened for microplastics. Mainly polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) were identified for the samples from the bio gas plant and PE and PS from the rivers. However, this was only the first step and quantification measurements will follow.
n order to determine the relevance of microplastic particles in various environmental media, comprehensive investigations are needed. However, no analytical method exists for fast identification and quantification. At present, optical spectroscopy methods like IR and RAMAN imaging are used. Due to their time consuming procedures and uncertain extrapolation, reliable monitoring is difficult. For analyzing polymers Py-GC-MS is a standard method. However, due to a limited sample amount of about 0.5 mg it is not suited for analysis of complex sample mixtures like environmental samples. Therefore, we developed a new thermoanalytical method as a first step for identifying microplastics in environmental samples. A sample amount of about 20 mg, which assures the homogeneity of the sample, is subjected to complete thermal decomposition. The specific degradation products of the respective polymer are adsorbed on a solid-phase adsorber and subsequently analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry. For certain identification, the specific degradation products for the respective polymer were selected first. Afterwards real environmental samples from the aquatic (three different rivers) and the terrestrial (bio gas plant) systems were screened for microplastics. Mainly polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) were identified for the samples from the bio gas plant and PE and PS from the rivers. However, this was only the first step and quantification measurements will follow.
Exploratory analysis of hyperspectral FTIR data obtained from environmental microplastics samples
(2020)
Hyperspectral imaging of environmental samples with infrared microscopes is one of the preferred methods to find and characterize microplastics. Particles can be quantified in terms of number, size and size distribution. Their shape can be studied and the substances can be identified. Interpretation of the collected spectra is a typical problem encountered during the analysis. The image datasets are large and contain spectra of countless particles of natural and synthetic origin. To supplement existing Analysis pipelines, exploratory multivariate data analysis was tested on two independent datasets. Dimensionality reduction with principal component analysis (PCA) and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) was used as a core concept. It allowed for improved visual accessibility of the data and created a chemical two-dimensional image of the sample. Spectra belonging to particles could be separated from blank spectra, reducing the amount of data significantly. Selected spectra were further studied, also applying PCA and UMAP. Groups of similar spectra were identified by cluster analysis using k-means, density based, and interactive manual clustering. Most clusters could be assigned to chemical species based on reference spectra. While the results support findings obtained with a ‘targeted analysis’ based on automated library search, exploratory analysis points the attention towards the group of unidientified spectra that remained and are otherwise easily overlooked.
Microplastic particles are currently detected in almost all environmental compartments. The results of detection vary widely, as a multitude of very different methods are used with very different requirements for analytical validity.
In this work four thermoanalytical methods are compared and their advantages and limitations are discussed. One of them is thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS), an analysis method for microplastic detection that has become established in recent years. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) were applied, two methods that are less common in this field but are still used in other research areas. Finally, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) was applied, a method not yet used for microplastic detection.
The presented results are taken from a recently published interlaboratory comparison test by Becker et al. (2020). Here a reference material consisting of suspended matter and specified added polymer masses was examined, and only the results of the recoveries were presented. In the present paper, however, the results for the individual polymers are discussed in detail and individual perspectives for all instruments are shown.
It was found that TED-GC/MS is the most suitable method for samples with unknown matrix and unknown, variable kinds and contents of microplastic. TGA-FTIR is a robust method for samples with known matrix and with defined kinds of microplastic. TGA-MS may offer a solution for the detection of PVC particles in the future. MCC can be used as a very fast and simple screening method for the identification of a potential microplastic load of standard polymers in unknown samples.
Die Präsenz von Mikroplastik in aquatischen Ökosystemen ist ein globales Problem und steht zunehmend im Fokus der Öffentlichkeit. In mehreren Studien konnten Anreicherungen hydrophober, organischer Schadstoffe an MP nachgewiesen werden. Der Einfluss des Alterungszustandes der MP-Partikel auf das Sorptionsverhalten von hydrophoben organischen Substanzen ist nicht hinreichend geklärt.
Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Untersuchung des Sorptionsverhaltens von Schadstoffen mit Bedeutung für limnische Gewässer an künstlich gealterten Partikeln relevanter Polymere. Das Modell verwendete die Aromaten Benzol, Toluol, Ethylbenzol und Xylol (BTEX) sowie Etherverbindungen. Diese Substanzen sind oder waren Bestandteile in unterschiedlichen Kraftstoffen und finden sich daher in vielen aquatischen Ökosystemen weltweit. Als Sorbentien kamen teilkristallines Polypropylen (PP) und amorphes Polystyrol (PS) in Form von Industriepellets zum Einsatz. Die Pellets wurden jeweils sowohl unbehandelt als auch mittels UV-Bestrahlung künstlich gealtert verwendet und mikroskopisch sowie mittels XPS, FTIR und DSC charakterisiert. Die Alterung führte bei PS zu einer verringerten Sorptionskapazität, während bei PP keine Veränderung im Sorptionsverhalten beobachtet wurde.