6 Materialchemie
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Eingeladener Vortrag
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Fluorides are well-known as wood preservatives. One of the limitations of fluoride-based wood preservatives is their high leachability. Alternative to current fluoride salts such as NaF used in wood protection are low water-soluble fluorides. However, impregnation of low water-soluble fluorides into wood poses a challenge. To address this challenge, low water-soluble fluorides like calcium fluoride (CaF2) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) were synthesized as nanoparticles via the fluorolytic sol−gel synthesis and then impregnated into wood specimens. In this study, the toxicity of nano metal fluorides was assessed by termite mortality, mass loss and visual analysis of treated specimens after eight weeks of exposure to termites, Coptotermes formosanus. Nano metal fluorides with sol concentrations of 0.5 M and higher were found to be effective against termites resulting in 100% termite mortality and significantly inhibited termite feeding. Among the formulations tested, the least damage was found for specimens treated with combinations of CaF2 and MgF2 with an average mass loss less than 1% and visual rating of “1”. These results demonstrate the efficacy of low water-soluble nano metal fluorides to protect wood from termite attack.
Eine umfangreich ausgestaltete Trinkwasseraufbereitung als Multibarrieren-System ist notwendig, wenn das Rohwasser direkt aus Fließgewässern entnommen wird (z. B. für das Mülheimer Verfahren). Eine der Barrieren wird, als gezielte Behandlungs- oder Sicherheitsstufe, oft als Filter mit granulierter Aktivkohle (GAK-Filter) realisiert. Ihre Standzeit kann bei geringer Wasserbelastung (DOC < 2 mg/L), z. B. bei der Landeswasserversorgung Langenau, bis zu 5 Jahre betragen. Bei Rohwasser mit höherem Organikgehalt (DOC > 7 mg/L), wie bei der Nordwasser in Rostock, wird hingegen mindestens alle drei Jahre die GAK in den Filterkolonnen ausgetauscht.
Die Rest-Adsorptionskapazität der GAK kann durch verschiedene Verfahren abgeschätzt werden, ist aber nach wie vor Gegenstand aktueller Forschung. Die weitergehende Charakterisierung der beladenen GAK kann hierbei helfen.
Auf dem Poster sollen erste Ergebnisse zu den in Langenau und Rostock eingesetzten Aktivkohlen präsentiert werden. Hierzu wurden die frischen und nach unterschiedlichen Laufzeiten beladenen GAK untersucht. Die Zusammensetzung der Anorganik und der adsorbierten Organik, welche mittels Zersetzungs¬gasanalyse charakterisiert wurde, zeigt deutliche Unterschiede. Bspw. nimmt der Calcium-Gehalt der GAK in Langenau kontinuierlich zu, wohingegen dieser in den Proben aus Rostock mit zunehmender Laufzeit zurückgeht. Umgekehrt verhält es sich mit der Organik: Die GAK aus Rostock zeigen Hinweise auf biologische Besiedelung, während diese in Langenau trotz längerer Filterlaufzeit auszubleiben scheint.
In this work the flexural rigidity of individual large diameter multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated. The bending modulus were obtained by detecting the resonance frequencies of mechanically excited cantilevered carbon nanotubes using the so-called dynamic scanning electron microscopy technique, and applying the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. For the nanotubes studied, we determined a modulus of up to 160 GPa. This agrees with values reported by other authors for MWCNTs produced by catalytic chemical vapor deposition, however, it is 6-8 times smaller than values reported for single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes produced by arc-discharge synthesis. Toxicological studies with carbon nanotubes have been showing that inhaled airborne nanofibers that reach the deep airways of the respiratory system may lead to serious, asbestos-like lung diseases. These studies suggested that their toxicity critically depends on the fiber flexural rigidity, with high rigidity causing cell lesions. To complement the correlation between observed toxicological effects and fiber rigidities, reliable and routinely applicable measurement techniques for the flexural rigidity of nanofibers are required.
Small-area/spot photoelectron spectroscopy (SAXPS) is a powerful tool for the investigation of small surface features like microstructures of electronic devices, sensors or other functional surfaces. For evaluating the quality of such microstructures, it is crucial to know whether a small signal in a spectrum is an unwanted contamination of the field of view (FoV), defined by the instrument settings, or it originated from outside. The aperture has a major influence on the signal-contribution from the outside. For the evaluation of the FoV, we determined the Au4f intensities measured with the center of the FoV aligned with the center of the spot and normalized to the Au4f intensity determined on the Au-film. With this test specimen, it was possible to characterize the FoV: The signal-contribution from the outside is reduceable down to lower than 50 %, when the aperture is 30 % of the structure dimension for our Kratos AXIS Ultra DLD system.
Small-area/spot photoelectron spectroscopy (SAXPS) is a powerful tool for the investigation of small surface features like microstructures of electronic devices, sensors or other functional surfaces. For evaluating the quality of such microstructures, it is crucial to know whether a small signal in a spectrum is an unwanted contamination of the field of view (FoV), defined by the instrument settings, or it originated from outside. The aperture has a major influence on the signal-contribution from the outside. For the evaluation of the FoV, we determined the Au4f intensities measured with the center of the FoV aligned with the center of the spot and normalized to the Au4f intensity determined on the Au-film. With this test specimen, it was possible to characterize the FoV: The signal-contribution from the outside is reduceable down to lower than 50 %, when the aperture is 30 % of the structure dimension for our Kratos AXIS Ultra DLD system.
The progress in activities on Microbeam Analysis under VAMAS/TWA 37 is reviewed. Particularly the liaison with the new projects within the ISO technical committee TC 202 is presented and discussed with respect to the possibility of identifying and launching related VAMAS projects. Need of more promotion for the engagement of more participants from industry and academia at national, European and international level is highlighted. Also, the competition with the other technical working areas (on 'nano' or materials-related) is critically discussed.
Gold nanocubes with a monodispersed size distribution (edge = 55 nm) deposited on a silicon wafer. These tiny uniform cubes were produced as reference nanoparticles within the EMPIR project nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements. SEM image acquired at 10 kV with an in-lens secondary electron detector. Image colored in ImageJ using LUT “Orange hot.” Published in Microscopy and Microanalysis 25(S2) (2019) 2328.
Gold nanocubes with a monodispersed size distribution (edge = 55 nm) deposited on a silicon wafer. These tiny uniform cubes were produced as reference nanoparticles in the frame of the European project nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements. SEM Image acquired at 10 kV with an in-lens secondary electron detector. Image colored in ImageJ using LUT “Orange hot.” Published in Microscopy and Microanalysis 25(S2) (2019) 2328.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated on almost any material by irradiation with linearly polarized radiation. This chapter reviews the current state in the field of LIPSS, which are formed in a “self-ordered” way and are often accompanying materials processing applications. LIPSS can be produced in a single-stage process and enable surface nanostructuring and, in turn, adaption of optical, mechanical, and chemical surface properties. Typically, they feature a structural size ranging from several micrometers down to less than 100 nm and show a clear correlation with the polarization direction of the light used for their generation. Various types of LIPSS are classified, relevant control parameters are identified, and their material-specific formation mechanisms are analyzed for different types of inorganic solids, i.e., metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics. Finally, technological applications featuring surface functionalization in the fields of optics, fluidics, medicine, and tribology are discussed.
3D coherence scanning interferometry (CSI) is an optical, non-contact and rapide measurement technique using a defined bandwidth of white light at normal incidence. Based on this operational principle, white light interference microscopy (WLIM) provides three-dimensional surface topometry data up to a resolution of 0.4 μm lateral and 0.1 nm vertical. Three operating modi, i.e. surface, films and advanced films, enable measurements of step heights, roughness, wear volume, cone angle, surface pattern and layer thickness of transparent coatings.
The determination of layer thickness by WLIM requires the knowledge of optical constants, i.e.the refractive index n and the extinction coefficient k. For technical surfaces, data base values - if available at all - have to be determined or validated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). From this oblique incidence technique both optical constants and layer thickness can be derived based on a model for at least semi-transparent coatings. For different layer thicknesses, a
comparison is made between WLIM and SE. Measurement uncertainty is
discussed for both topometric features and layer thickness for different use cases.
Traceability to SI system is ensured by certified standards (PTB/NIST) within a DAkkS DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited lab.
Biofilm formation in industrial or medical settings is usually unwanted and leads to serious health problems and high costs. Inhibition of initial bacterial adhesion prevents biofilm formation and is, therefore, a major mechanism of antimicrobial action of surfaces. Surface topography largely influences the interaction between bacteria and surfaces which makes topography an ideal base for antifouling strategies and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical surface modifications. Femtosecond laser-processing was used to fabricate sub-micrometric surface structures on silicon and stainless steel for the development of antifouling topographies on technical materials.
Sufficient adhesion/tensile strength are basic requirements for any coating/composite material. For coatings, adhesive strength in N/mm2 is of Major interest for various applications such as decorative and water-repellent coatings on wood (paints and varnishes), optical coatings on glass and polymers (reflectors and filters), electrical coatings on semiconductors, glass and polymers (conducting and bondable layers), mechanical coatings on metals and polymers (wear-reduction, scratch-resistance) and adhesion-promoting layers. For composite materials, tensile strength in N/mm2 is also a key quantity for carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFC), laminates and adhesive-bonded joints. Centrifugal adhesion testing (CAT) transfers the single-sample tensile test from a tensile or universal testing machine into an analytical centrifuge as multiple-sample test of up to eight test pieces. The one-sided sample support instead of a two-sided sample clamping and the absence of mounting- and testing-correlated shear forces provides fast and reliable results both for adhesive strength and bonding strength by means of bonded test stamps. For bonding strength, the evaluation of failure pattern from microscopic inspection is required in order to determine the failure pattern according to ISO 10365 such as adhesive failure (AF), delamination failure (DF) and cohesive failure (CF). Hence, one test run by CAT-technology provides either statistics or ranking of up to eight samples at once. For adhesive strength of coatings, a variety of examples is discussed such as ALD-Al203 layers as adhesion promoters, evaporated Ag-layers on N-BK7 glass, sputtered Cr- and Al-layers on Borofloat 33 glass, evaporated Au-films on N-BK7 glass and sputtered SiO2 -layers on CR39 Polymer. Provided adhesive or bonding strength are high enough, the substrate or the joining part may also fail.
In the face of rising energy demand and the impending climate change the development of a sustainable, fossil-free fuel and chemical production is of global importance. One possible goal is the development of electrochemical conversion processes using catalysts. Porous materials play an important role in such energy applications. The key to the development of improved catalysts is a better understanding of the relations between their performance, stability and physico-chemical properties. However, the complex morphology of such catalysts constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques.
Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is a versatile method for studying material properties by using appropriate models (e.g. film thickness, optical and electronic properties). The fact that the material properties cannot be taken directly from the measured spectra, the developed models have to be validated. In a first step, the model for the ellipsometric fit studies of a calcination series of mesoporous iridium oxide films (300 – 600 °C) was investigated and validated with respect to their material properties. Moreover, the electronic structures of the catalysts reveal a direct correlation with electrochemical activities. The development of an environmental cell offers the possibility of investigations under real conditions. This will allow changes in the optical and electronic properties during the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.
Alkali-activated materials have been repeatedly reported to exhibit high acid resistance, but no generally accepted hypothesis regarding the underlying mechanisms has emerged yet. To contribute to this issue, K-waterglass-activated metakaolin specimens, with and without the addition of CuSO4·5H2O in the starting mix, were exposed to either a chemically aggressive sewer environment (mortars) or sulfuric acid (pastes). The mode of copper incorporation in the materials and the formation of copper phases in the corroded layers were studied by XANES at the Cu K-edge, and 29Si, 27Al and 1H MAS NMR was employed to understand the processes during acid attack. Copper was found as a spertiniite-like phase in the as-cured materials, while in the deterioration layers of the pastes it was present as copper sulfate. In the corroded regions of the mortars, unequivocal identification of Cu phases was not possible, but the results were reconcilable with the presence of copper carbonate hydroxide. The solid-state NMR results revealed virtually complete dissolution of the K-A-S-H gel and the formation of silica gel, interpreted to be a central mechanism determining the acid resistance. No significant differences between the microstructural alterations of the pastes with and without Cu addition on (chemical) sulfuric acid attack were observed.
Hochentropie-Legierungen (HEAs) zeichnen sich durch einen Mischkristall-System aus mindestens fünf und Mittelentropie-Legierungen (MEAs) durch mindestens drei Hauptlegierungselemente aus, in äquiatomarer Zusammensetzung. Sie zeigen außergewöhnliche Anwendungseigenschaften, wie z.B. hohe Festigkeit, Duktilität oder Korrosionsbeständigkeit. Zukünftige HEA/MEA-Komponenten aufgrund ihrer Eigenschaften für wasserstoffhaltige Umgebungen (wie Behälter für kryogene oder Hochdruckspeicherung) von Interesse. Daher ist die Bewertung der Wasserstoffabsorption und die Diffusion in diesen Materialien von großer Bedeutung. Dazu wurden in unserer Studie eine CoCrFeMnNi-HEA und eine CoCrNi-MEA untersucht. Die Proben wurden elektrochemisch mit Wasserstoff beladen. Für die Ermittlung des Wasserstoffdiffusionsverhaltens wurde die thermische Desorptionsanalyse (TDA) mit unterschiedlichen Heizraten bis zu 0,250 K/s angewandt. Die nachfolgende Peakentfaltung der Signale führte zu Hochtemperatur-Desorptionsspitzen und Wasserstofftrapping auch über 280°C. Eine resultierende Gesamtwasserstoffkonzentration > 40 ppm wurde für den MEA ermittelt und > 100 ppm für den HEA. Dies deutet auf zwei wichtige Effekte hin:
(1) verzögerte Wasserstoffdiffusion und (2) eine beträchtliche Menge an getrapptem Wasserstoff auch bei hoher Temperatur. Beide Effekte können hinsichtlich einer wasserstoffunterstützten Rissbildung kritisch werden, dies erfordert jedoch weitere Untersuchungen. Zusätzlich erfolgte die Bestimmung des lokalen Volta-Potentials mittels hochauflösender Kelvin-Sonden-Kraft-Mikroskopie (SKPFM). Die ermittelten Scans zeigen einen bestimmten Einfluss der Wasserstoffbeladung auf die Potentiale.
The quantitative determination of adhesion and cohesion properties is a key requirement for adhesive-bonded joints and coated components in both R&D and Quality assurance. Because of the huge variety of layer/substrate Systems in terms of materials and large thickness range, adhesion tests display the same diversity as layer/substrate systems. There are only two tensile testing procedures available, that determine adhesive strength in terms of force per area (N/mm²), the single-sample pull-off test in a tensile testing machine and the multiple-sample-test using the Centrifugal Adhesion Testing (CAT) Technology.
The CAT Technology is a testing method which uses centrifugal force as tensile testing force in a multiple-sample arrangement within a drum rotor of a Desktop centrifuge. Hence, the adhesive/bonding strength A/B can be determined on a statistical basis under identical testing conditions for up to eight samples.
A variety of examples for bonding strength of adhesives, adhesive strength of coatings and compound strength of composite materials is discussed such as metalto-metal and glass-to-metal bonding, sputtered SiO2-layers on CR39 Polymer and carbon fiber reinforced polymer.
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are characterized by a solid solution of minimum five and medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) of minimum three principal alloying elements in equiatomic proportions. They show exceptional application properties, such as high-strength and ductility or corrosion resistance. Future HEA/MEA-components could be exposed to hydrogen containing environments like vessels for cryogenic or high-pressure storage where the hydrogen absorption and diffusion in these materials is of interest. In our study, we investigated the HEA Co20Cr20Fe20Mn20Ni20 and the MEA Co33.3Cr33.3Ni33.3. For hydrogen ingress, cathodic charging was applied and diffusion kinetic was measured by high-resolution thermal desorption spectros-copy using different heating rates up to 0.250 K/s. Peak deconvolution resulted in high-temperature desorption peaks and hydrogen trapping above 280 °C. A total hydrogen concentration > 40 ppm was identified for the MEA and > 100 ppm for HEA. This indicates two important effects: (1) delayed hydrogen diffusion and (2) considerable amount of trapped hydrogen that must be anticipated for hydrogen assisted cracking phenomenon. Local electrochemical Volta potential maps had been measured for the hydrogen free condition by means of high-resolution Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKPFM).
In this paper one refined approach is applied to determine the exact orientation of bipyramidal TiO2 nanoparticles prepared with good dispersion as almost isolated particles on a carbon TEM grid. The advantages of the recently developed high-throughput Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) are used to identify quickly and reliably the geometrical orientation of the crystalline TiO2 nanoparticle bipyramids (anatase) on a statistically relevant number of particles.
In this contribution different ways are explored with the aim to generate suitable training data for ‘non-ideal’ samples using various approaches, e.g., computer-generated images or unsupervised learning algorithms such as generative adversarial networks (GANs). We used these data to train simple CNNs to produce segmentation masks of SEM images and tested the trained networks on real SEM images of complex nanoparticle samples. The novel use of CNN for the automated analysis of the size of nanoparticles of complex shape and with a high degree of agglomeration has proved to be a promising tool for the evaluation of particle size distribution on a large number of constituent particles. Further development and validation of the preliminary model, respectively larger training and validation data sets are necessary.
The present study addresses the capability of measurement of relative particle number concentration by scanning electron microscopy for model bimodal silica and gold samples prepared in the frame of the European research project “nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements” as candidate reference nanoparticles.
Tire wear particles (TW) are generated by the abrasions of tires on the road surface through traffic. These particles can be transported by air and surface runoff and might also infiltrate the soil and consequently affect terrestrial ecosystems. The estimated tire wear (TW) emissions are immense, with 1.33 106 t a-1 in Europe. Despite this, only little is known about the environmental contents or the fate of TW.
One reason for this knowledge gap is the challenging analysis of TW in environmental samples. Detection of TW with spectroscopic methods is problematic due to high fluorescence interferences caused by contained black carbon. One analytical approach is to use zinc (Zn), a typical additive in tires, as a specific marker for the quantification of tire wear. However, any Zn originating from the sample matrix must be separated beforehand and requires elaborate sample preparation.
Car tires consist partly of synthetic rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR). This SBR could be identified and quantified via Thermal-Extraction-Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TED-GC-MS). This newly developed and fast screening method allows the simultaneous detection of microplastics and TW mass contents and requires minimal to no sample preparation. Firstly the sample is thermally extracted in a thermobalance under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting specific decomposition products are sorbed on a solid phase adsorber, which is then transferred to a GC-MS via an autosampler, where the products are desorbed, separated and identified. Cyclohexenylbenzene is used as a specific marker for SBR.
Here we investigated top layer soil samples, collected at the roadside of highly frequented German highways. Samples were analyzed without sample preparation, and SBR was detected in all investigated samples in mass contents ranging from 67.2 to 2230 mg kg-1. A correlation between SBR and Zn content in the soil was confirmed, while the correlation between SBR and Corg was hardly pronounced. We successfully demonstrated the application of TED-GC-MS as a screening method for tire wear in soil samples.
The present study will discuss these analytical results in detail as well as sampling parameters like sampling depth and distance to the roadside, and the effect of the particle size on the particle transport by water runoff and air.
Introduction to SAXS
(2020)
The SPONGE
(2020)
Recorded at the Better with Scattering workshop 2020, this talk highlights the complete set of data correction steps that we do for the MAUS, and how they can be used elsewhere too. This links well with the talk in this series by Dr. Tim Snow, and also highlights the details of the background subtraction that needs to be done.
The dark side of science
(2020)
X-ray generation
(2020)
After a colleague sent me a more useful measurement from a laboratory instrument than what I could get from the beamline, I knew it was time to reassess my life's choices. Over the course of several subsequent post-doc and permanent positions around lab instruments, I managed to refine a flexible, comprehensive methodology for data collection, correction and analysis which can be applied to many X-ray scattering investigations at the lab and at the synchrotron. With the help of friends at round places, this methodology was implemented and put into production, and has been delivering high-quality data since then. Now, we have almost all possible data corrections (for X-ray scattering) implemented, and are improving the hardware to deliver higher-quality metadata to enable the corrections to be performed to a higher accuracy.
Simultaneously, we have set up a mini-large facility at BAM with the MAUS, the Multi-scale Analyzer for Ultrafine Structures. The MAUS combines the freedom of a laboratory instrument, with the spectrum of users of a beamline: besides measuring our own samples, and performing our own machine and methodology developments, we have opened this instrument for collaboration with fellow scientists from within BAM and from external institutes and universities. Here, we provide a comprehensive support for these collaborations, guiding the user from concept to sample selection, to interpretation and analysis. In 2019, we have supported over 30 different projects this way, leading to seven co-authored publications involving the MAUS in that year alone. As the MAUS uses the latest iteration of our comprehensive measurement methodology, the data quality is unmatched by any other lab instrument, and fully traceable to boot.
The freedom of the laboratory allows for more proof-of-principle experimentation than what is possible at the synchrotron. Therefore, the MAUS provides a good first (and sometimes final) step towards many experimental materials science investigations, nicely complementing the capabilities of the synchrotron. If and when more flux is needed, the step to the synchrotron is now smaller than ever, in particular with the same method
The possibility of creating patient-specific individual implants makes Additive Manufacturing technologies of special interest for the medical sector. For substitution of bone defects, powder based Additive Manufacturing by Binder Jetting is a suitable method to produce complex scaffold-like structures made of bioceramics with easily adapted geometries and controlled porosity. The process inherent residual porosity in the printed part, even though desired as it supports bone ingrowth, also leads to limited mechanical strength. Currently, bioceramic scaffolds made by Binder Jetting feature suitable biocompatible and biodegradable properties, while a sufficient mechanical stability is rather challenging. The purpose of this work is to apply the gas flow assisted powder deposition introduced in 2014 by Zocca et al., to the powder bed during printing of bioceramic tablets and scaffolds using α-TCP powder as feedstock. This enables exploiting the advantages of an increased powder bed density, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the printed parts.
The invention of new miniaturized and smart medical implants continues in all medical fields, including miniaturized heart pacemakers. These implants often come with a titanium (Ti) casing, which may have to be removed after several months or years and shall therefore not be completely overgrown by cells or scar tissue after implantation. Scar tissue is mainly formed by fibroblast cells and extracellular matrix proteins like collagen produced by them. Suppression of fibroblast growth at Ti surfaces could be achieved by 800 nm femtosecond laser-ablation creating self-organized sharp spikes with dimensions in the 10 μm-range which are superposed by fine sub-μm parallel ripples. On flat Ti control samples, the best results regarding suppression of cell growth were obtained on spike-structures which were additionally electrochemically anodized under acidic conditions. When Ti cylinders with a diameter of 8 mm (similar as the pacemakers) were placed upright in a culture of murine fibroblasts, a multi-layer cell growth up to a height of at least 1.5 mm occurred within 19–22 days. We have demonstrated that a laser-structured and anodized ring around the Ti cylinder surface is an effective way to create a barrier that murine fibroblasts were not able to overgrow within this time.
In recent years, we have come to appreciate the astounding intricacy of the processes leading to the formation of minerals from ions in aqueous solutions. The original, and rather naive, ‘textbook’ image of these phenomena, stemming from the adaptation of classical nucleation and growth theories, has increased in complexity due to the discovery of a variety of precursor and intermediate species. These include solute clusters (e.g. prenucleation clusters, PNCs), liquid(-like) phases, as well as amorphous and nanocrystalline solids etc.. Does it, however, mean that all the minerals grow through intermediate phases, following a non-classical pathway?
In general, the precursor or intermediate species constitute different, often short-lived, points along the pathway from dissolved ions to the final solids (typically crystals in this context). In this regard synchrotron-based scattering (SAXS/WAXS/total scattering) appears to be the perfect tool to follow in situ and in a time-resolved manner the crystallization pathway because of the temporal and spatial length scales that can be directly accessed with these techniques. In this presentation we show how we used scattering to probe the crystallisation mechanisms of calcium sulfate, This system contains minerals that are widespread in diverse natural environments, but they are also important in various industrial settings. Our data demonstrate that calcium sulfate precipitation involves formation and aggregation of sub-3 nm anisotropic primary species. The actual crystallisation and formation of imperfect single crystals of calcium sulfate phases, takes place from the inside of the in itial aggregates. Hence, calcium sulfate follows a non-classical pathway.
In contrast to the crisp, clear images you can get from electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns are rather featureless. These patterns, however, contain averaged structural information of all of the finest material structures that were illuminated by the X-ray beam. With careful and precise investigation, and supplementary information from complementary techniques, this bulk material structure can be quantified to reveal structural information spanning four or even five decades in size. Additionally, while the data correction and analysis is complex, sample preparation is very straightforward, also allowing for in-situ and operando measurements to be performed without breaking a sweat. In the right hands, then, this technique can be the most powerful tool in your analytical arsenal.
Simultaneous characterization of poly(acrylic acid) andpolysaccharide polymers and copolymers
(2020)
Copolymer products that result from grafting acrylic acid and other hydrophilicmonomers onto polysaccharides have recently gained significant interest in researchand industry. Originating from renewable sources, these biodegradable, low toxicity,and polar copolymer products exhibit potential to replace polymers from fossil sourcesin several applications and industries. The methods usually employed to character-ize these copolymers are, however, quite limited, especially for the measurement ofbulk properties. With more sophisticated applications, for example, in pharmaceu-tics requiring a more detailed analysis of the chemical structure, we describe a newapproach for this kind of complex polymers. Our approach utilizes chromatographyin combination with several detection methods to separate and characterize reactionproducts of the copolymerization of acrylic acid and chemically hydrolyzed starch.These samples consisted of a mixture of homopolymer poly (acrylic acid), homopoly-mer hydrolyzed starch, and – in a lower amount – the formed copolymers. Several chro-matographic methods exist that are capable of characterizing either poly (acrylic acid)or hydrolyzed starch. In contrast, our approach offers simultaneous characterization ofboth polymers. The combination of LC and UV/RI offered insight into the compositionand copolymer content of the samples. Size exclusion chromatography experimentsrevealed the molar mass distribution of homopolymers and copolymers. FTIR inves-tigations confirmed the formation of copolymers while ESI-MS gave more details onthe end groups of hydrolyzed starches and poly (acrylic acids). Evidence of copolymerstructures was obtained through NMR measurements. Finally, two-dimensional chro-matography led to the separation of the copolymers from both homopolymers as wellas the additional separation of sodium clusters. The methods described in this work area powerful toolset to characterize copolymerization products of hydrolyzed starch andpoly(acrylic acid). Together, our approach successfully correlates the physicochemicalproperties of such complex mixtures with their actual composition.
In addition to molar mass distribution (MMD) synthetic polymers often exhibit an additional chemical heterogeneity distribution, expressed by different end groups and other structural variations (e.g. tacticity, copolymer composition etc.). Ionization in MALDI MS is always strongly affected by such chemical properties. For example, the abundance of cyclics in MALDI TOF mass spectra is frequently reported to greatly exceed that of linears. Thus, the MALDI ionization behavior of various neat end-capped linear poly(L-lactide)s and one cyclic poly(L-lactide) was investigated and compared with that of blends of both structures. Moreover, the influence of the cationizing salt was investigated too.
Neat compounds and various blends of cyclic and linear species were prepared and studied using two MALDI TOF mass spectrometers under identical conditions with regard to sample preparation and instrumental conditions, except for the laser power and the salt used for cationization. Polymer samples were additionally characterized by NMR and SEC.
The steady increase of the laser intensity caused an exponential increase of the peak intensities of both linear and cyclic polylactides.The response of linear polylactides (in the investigated molecular mass range), whether as neat polymer or in blends with other linear polylactides was almost similar. This clearly supports our assumption that ionization in MALDI is probably unaffected by the end group structure.The variation of the laser power shows only little effect on the intensity ratio of linear-to linear and cyclic-to-linear polylactides in blends. Whereas neat linear polylactides at all laser intensities have a significantly higher abundance than neat cyclics, in mixtures of both an overestimation of cyclic species in MALDI TOF mass spectra of polylactides was found. However, this is far less distinct than frequently reported for other polymers.Concluding, peak suppression of linear polymers in mixtures of both architectures can be excluded, which also means, that polylactides showing only peaks of cyclic compounds in their MALDI - TOF mass spectra do not contain a significant fraction of linear analogues.
Our study is the first systematic comparison of the MALDI ionization of neat and blended cyclic and linear polylactides.
Zur Ermittlung von Mikroplastik-Gehalten in verschiedenen Umweltmatrices ist ein schnelles Detektionsverfahren für die Routineanalytik notwendig. Ein solches Verfahren wird hier in Form der ThermoExtraktion/Desorption-GasChromatographie/ MassenSpektroskopie (TED-GC/MS) vorgestellt. Neben grundlegenden verfahrensspezifischen Erläuterungen zur Identifizierung und Quantifizierung von Mikroplastik werden auch exemplarische Beispiele aus unterschiedlichen Umweltkompartimenten und Produkten dargestellt. Neu vorgestellt wird ein neues Verfahren zur Analytik von Flaschenwasser. Dazu wurde ein Messfiltertiegel entwickelt, der besonders für Proben mit geringen Gehalten an abfiltrierbaren Stoffen geeignet ist
All over the world, microplastic (MP) particles (particle size: 1 - 1.000 µm) are found in water, soil, air, biota and even food products. But plenty of these discussed findings are based on a very low number of real datasets, which are extrapolated to general projections. Furthermore, most data are not comparable because the strategies for sampling, sample preparation and detection methods are not harmonised/ or standardised. This would require extensive proficiancy tests. Because of the ubiquity presence and the unclear risks, which might arise from those particles, various political and environmental organisations (i.e. OECD, UNEP, WHO) identify the reduction of plastic entry in the environment as a key challenge for now and the future. This challenge includes the identification of relevant entry pathways but also the demand of harmonised, meaningful and reliable analytical procedures.
Regarding this task within the last few years, a fast practical solution for MP analysis has been developed, which includes the steps of representative sampling, adequate sample preparation and fast detection. Sampling is done by fractional filtration over sieves with mesh sizes of 500, 100, 50 and 5 µm [1]. The received samples are measured by ThermoExtraction/Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TED-GC-MS) [1,2]. for the most abundant polymers used in practice, which are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) and acrylate as well as styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), a main component of tires.
The present presentation will give first-time insight in a comprehensive dataset of microplastic analysis for an exemplary urban sewage system. MP mass contents of different waters at several days, such as greywater, stormwater retention tank, influent and effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) within an urban sewage system in Germany are determined. Furthermore, the mass of the polymers found in dry weather and rain weather flow are compared. The use of these large datasets allows first expressive conclusions regarding the contribution of urban sewage system to the MP entry sources in the environments.
We found PP and PS in all different waters. Furthermore, there is SBR in influent and also in effluent of the WWTP. Surprisingly, we could also detect hugh amounts of PE in the effluent of the WWTP.
DNA basierte Dosimetrie
(2020)
We propose the development of a standardized DNA based dosimeter. This dosimeter will improve the comparability between the results of different laboratories in radiation research. Compared to conventional methods in dosimetry, this Approach provides direct access to the relation between radiation interaction and biological damage. Moreover, it enables the systematic investigation of the relation between the microscopic characteristics of radiation and DNA damage over a wide dose range.
The electrocatalytic conversion of water into molecular hydrogen and oxygen under the utilization of excess renewable energies, such as wind power, photovoltaics and hydroelectric power is one possible pathway to establish a sustainable hydrogen economy. The obtained hydrogen is either stored and used in a fuel cell or consumed on-site in industrial applications.
Water electrolysis systems (WES) are based on two half cell reactions, such as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) which both proceed simultaneously. The OER suffers from slow reaction kinetics and thus limits the overall performance.
The most promising compounds in acidic electrolysis are IrO2 and RuO2. Due to their rare abundance and extremely high price a wide use of acidic WES was prevented. Lowering the catalysts noble metal content by mixing iridium with titanium reduces the production costs.
Thin films are produced by dip coating a solution of metal oxide precursors alongside with a polymer template dissolved in ethanol. The obtained samples are subsequently calcined to the remove the template and adjust crystallinity. Finally, an additional iridium deposition step was performed on the outer surface plane area.
Understanding the influence of structural and morphological aspects on the OER-activity is beneficial to further optimize WES. The current presentation will thus give detailed insights to structural aspects obtained by Raman spectroscopy, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering which are then combined with electrochemical parameters to deduce structure-activity relationships.
Laser material processing is an emerging technology that generates surface functionalities on the basis of optical, mechanical, or chemical properties. In the form of laser surface texturing (LST), it has attracted a remarkable amount of research to tailor surface properties towards various tribological applications. The main advantages of this single-step, laser-based technology are the contactless machining, featuring a high flexibility, efficiency, and speed, along with the excellent quality of the processed products. LST can be applied precisely localized to sub-micrometric areas, but, via laser beam scanning, it is also feasible for structuring large surface areas at the square meter size.
This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments concerning the tribological performance of laser-generated periodic surface nano- and microstructures and their applications. This includes the laser-based processing of different surface patterns, such as “self-organized” laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples), grooves, micro-spikes, hierarchical hybrid nano-/micro-structures, microfeatures generated by direct laser interference patterning (DLIP), or even dimples or other topographic geometries shaped by direct laser modification or ablation. The applications of these periodically nano- and micro-patterned surfaces may improve the lubricated or non-lubricated tribological performance of surfaces in conformal and even non-conformal contact through a reduction of wear, a variation of the coefficient of friction, altered load carrying capacity, etc., resulting in energy saving, improved reliability, increased lifetimes as well as durability, leading in turn to extended maintenance intervals/reduced down-time. This can be beneficial in terms of bearings, gears, engines, seals, cutting tools, or other tribological components. Fundamental aspects addressed may involve the investigation of the relevant physical and chemical effects accompanying the laser-generated nano- and microscale topographies, such as alterations of the material structures, the hardness, superficial oxidation, the role of additives contained in lubricants, surface wettability, micro-hydrodynamic effects, etc.
For this Special Issue we aim to attract both academic and industrial researchers and would like to provide a bridge between research in the fields of tribology and laser material processing in order to foster the current knowledge and present new ideas for future applications and new technologies.
Laser material processing is an emerging technology that generates surface functionalities on the basis of optical, mechanical, or chemical properties. In the form of laser surface texturing (LST), it has attracted a remarkable amount of research to tailor surface properties towards various tribological applications. The main advantages of this single-step, laser-based technology are the contactless machining, featuring a high flexibility, efficiency, and speed, along with the excellent quality of the processed products. LST can be applied precisely localized to sub-micrometric areas, but, via laser beam scanning, it is also feasible for structuring large surface areas at the square meter size.
This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments concerning the tribological performance of laser-generated periodic surface nano- and microstructures and their applications. This includes the laser-based processing of different surface patterns, such as “self-organized” laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples), grooves, micro-spikes, hierarchical hybrid nano-/micro-structures, microfeatures generated by direct laser interference patterning (DLIP), or even dimples or other topographic geometries shaped by direct laser modification or ablation. The applications of these periodically nano- and micro-patterned surfaces may improve the lubricated or non-lubricated tribological performance of surfaces in conformal and even non-conformal contact through a reduction of wear, a variation of the coefficient of friction, altered load carrying capacity, etc., resulting in energy saving, improved reliability, increased lifetimes as well as durability, leading in turn to extended maintenance intervals/reduced down-time. This can be beneficial in terms of bearings, gears, engines, seals, cutting tools, or other tribological components. Fundamental aspects addressed may involve the investigation of the relevant physical and chemical effects accompanying the laser-generated nano- and microscale topographies, such as alterations of the material structures, the hardness, superficial oxidation, the role of additives contained in lubricants, surface wettability, micro-hydrodynamic effects, etc.
For this Special Issue we aim to attract both academic and industrial researchers and would like to provide a bridge between research in the fields of tribology and laser material processing in order to foster the current knowledge and present new ideas for future applications and new technologies.
Nanoparticle suspensions were microprinted onto TEM grids for subsequent analysis by SEM/TSEM and evaluation of particle numbers using Image J software. Various nanoparticle types, concentrations and printing conditions (temperature, rel. humidity) were evaluated in order to determine the optimal conditions for producing a uniform distribution of particles on the substrate and eliminating the coffee ring effect.
Der Vortrag widmet sich der „Zentrifugentechnologie zur statistischen Untersuchung von Stumpfklebungen“ und beschreibt drei wesentlich verschiedene Realsysteme (Fügefläche 1/Klebstoff/ Fügefläche 2), um die Statistik ZPM (wiederholte Ein-Proben-Prüfung) vs. CAT (Mehr-Proben-Prüfung) zu vergleichen. Dazu wurden drei unterschiedliche Klebstoff-klassen mit typischen Fügeteilmaterialkombinationen ausgewählt und in einem Vorversuch mit jeweils 3 unterschiedlichen Prüfgeschwindigkeiten sowohl im Weg-geregelten als auch Kraft-geregelten Mode beansprucht. Die Ergebnisse ZPM vs. CAT und Kraft- vs. Weg-Regelung des Vorversuches zeigten keinerlei Unterschiede auf. Im Ergebnis wurde ein Ringversuch im Kraft-geregelten Mode (6xZPM vs. 8xCAT) für ein Referenzsystem durchgeführt, der nachwies, dass die CAT-Technologie statistisch relevante Prüfergebnisse zur Klebfestigkeit bereitstellt. Es zeigte sich, dass für zwei ZPM-Teilnehmer im Vertrauensbereich 99% statistisch signifikant etwas kleinere Werte der Klebfestigkeit bestimmt wurden, was auf geringfügige Abweichungen von der axialen Ausrichtung des eingespannten Prüflings bei der Ein-Proben-ZPM-Zugprüfung zurückgeführt wird.