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One of the challenges of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is the poisoning of the Pt catalyst with H3PO4. H3PO4 is imbibed into the routinely used polybenzimidazole-based membranes, which facilitate proton conductivity in the temperature range of 120−200 °C. However, when leached out of the membrane by water produced during operation, H3PO4 adsorbs on the Pt catalyst surface, blocking the active sites and hindering the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
The reduction of H3PO4 to H3PO3, which occurs at the anode due to a combination of a low potential and the presence of gaseous H2, has been investigated as an additional important contributing factor to the observed poisoning effect. H3PO3 has an affinity toward adsorption on Pt surfaces even greater than that of H2PO4 −. In this work, we investigated the poisoning effect of both H3PO3 and H3PO4 using a half-cell setup with a gas diffusion electrode under ambient conditions. By means of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, it was possible to follow the signature of different species adsorbed on the Pt nanoparticle catalyst (H, O, H2PO4 −, and H3PO3) at different potentials under ORR conditions in various electrolytes (HClO4, H3PO4, and H3PO3). It was found that H3PO3 adsorbs in a pyramidal configuration P(OH)3 through a Pt−P bond. The competition between H3PO4 and H3PO3 adsorption was studied, which should allow for a better understanding of the catalyst poisoning mechanism and thus assist in the development of strategies to mitigate this phenomenon in the future by minimizing H3PO3 generation by, for example, improved catalyst design or adapted operation conditions or changes in the electrolyte composition.
Geophysical methods are able to contribute significantly to geotechnical site characterization. In-situ parameters are collected and gaps between boreholes or other direct tests are filled with information. However the limited resolution has to be considered and the indirect geophysical parameters have to be translated into something geotechnically useful. Moreover, the limitations have to be evaluated when including geophysical data into geostatistical models. If done properly, the use of geophysics will help in an efficient and effective site characterization. A comprehensive overview on existing geophysical (mostly seismic) methods is given as well as information on the calibration of geophysical against geotechnical parameters, pitfalls and limitations and some hints how to include these data into geostatistical/geotechnical models.
The Boltzmann plot is one of the most widely used methods for determining the temperature in different types of laboratory plasmas. It operates on the logarithm as a function of the dimensional argument, which assumes that the correct physical units are used. In many works using the Boltzmann method, there is no analysis of the dimension of this argument, which may be the cause of a potential error. This technical note offers a brief description of the method and shows how to correctly use physical units when using transcendental functions like the logarithm.
The European Metrology Network (EMN) for Advanced Manufacturing has been established in June 2021. Currently nine EMNs focussing on different important topics of strategic importance for Europe exist and form an integral part of EURAMET, the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (NMI). EMNs are tasked to ▪ develop a high-level coordination of the metrology community in Europe in a close dialogue with the respective stakeholders (SH)
▪ develop a strategic research agenda (SRA) within their thematic areas
▪ provide contributions to the European Partnership on Metrology research programme Based on the analysis of existing metrology infrastructures and capabilities of NMIs, the metrology research needs for advanced manufacturing are identified in close cooperation with academic, governmental and industrial stakeholders.
Here, we report on the progress of the EMN for Advanced Manufacturing.
The performance of the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm for calibration-free LIBS was studied on the example of a simulated spectrum that mimics a metallurgical slag sample. The underlying model is that of a uniform, isothermal, and stationary plasma in local thermodynamical equilibrium.
Based on the model, the algorithm generates from hundreds of thousands to several millions of simultaneous configurations of plasma parameters and the corresponding number of spectra. The parameters are temperature, plasma size, and concentrations of species. They are iterated until a cost function, which indicates a difference between synthetic and simulated slag spectra, reaches its minimum. After finding the minimum, the concentrations of species are read from the model and compared to the certified values. The algorithm is parallelized on a graphical processing unit (GPU) to reduce computational time. The minimization of the cost function takes several minutes on the GPU NVIDIA Tesla K40 card and depends on the number of elements to be iterated. The intrinsic accuracy of the MC calibration-free method is found to be around 1% for the eight elements tested. For a real experimental spectrum, however, the efficiency may turn out to be worse due to the idealistic nature of the model, as well as incorrectly chosen experimental conditions. Factors influencing the performance of the method are discussed.
Shape memory alloy structures for actuator and vibration damper applications may be manufactured using wire arc additive manufacturing (W AAM), which is one of the additive manufacturing technologies. Multilayer deposition causes heat accumulation during W AAM, which rises the preheat temperature of the previously created layer. This leads to process instabilities, which result in deviations from the desired dimensions and mechanical properties changes. During W AAM deposition of the wall structure, a systematic research is carried out by adjusting the interlayer delay from 10 to 30 s. When the delay period is increased from 10 to 30 s, the breadth decreases by 45% and the height increases by 33%. Grain refinement occurs when the interlayer delay duration is increased, resulting in better hardness, phase transformation temperature, compressive strength, and shape recovery behavior. This study shows how the interlayer delay affects the behavior of W AAM-built nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) structures in a variety of applications.
The climate and energy crisis are extreme challenges. One possible solution could be hydrogen technology. Safety is a big concern. Steel used for pipelines and storage is under permanent stress from low temperatures and high pressures. The content of different alloyed metals determines the performance of the steel. Nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmosphere pressure plasma mass spectrometry (N2-MICAP-MS) is a promising method for trace metal analysis in steel. Nitrogen is cheap and can be generated on site. It has fewer interferences than argon. Additionally, MICAP-MS is very matrix tolerant, proving the matrix-matched calibration expendable. Safety in technology and chemistry is the mission of BAM. Providing reference methods and materials can create trust in future technologies like hydrogen.
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of over 4730 individual compounds. Several PFASs are extremely persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. The analysis of PFASs is challenging because of their various chemical and physical properties as well as the high number of compounds. Target-based approaches (e.g., LC-MS/MS) are limited to the availability of analytical grade standards and are not suitable for the analysis of new/unknown PFASs and transformation products. Therefore, PFAS sum parameter methods become increasingly important to indicate realistic PFAS pollution levels.
PFAS sum parameters display the proportion of organically bound fluorine that can either be extracted (EOF) or adsorbed to activated carbon (AOF). For the instrumental analysis of such sum parameters, a fluorine selective detector is needed. High resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) is a sensitive and highly selective tool for fluorine determination. The method is based on the in situ formation of diatomic gallium-mono fluoride (GaF) in a graphite furnace at a temperature of 1550°C. The molecular absorption of GaF can be detected at its most sensitive wavelength at 211.248 nm providing limits of quantification of c(F) 2.7 µg/L.
Here, we present an improved method for the determination of PFASs using HR-CS-GFMAS via GaF detection. The optimized method includes a Ga pretreatment as described by Gawor et al. resulting in overall lower detection limits. Furthermore, during optimization the influence of species-specific responses during HR-CS-GFMAS analysis was reduced resulting in a more accurate determination of PFAS sum parameters. To test the applicability of the improved method, we analyzed soil samples from a former fire-fighting training area combining the improved method for detection with our previously optimized extraction method for EOF determination in soils.
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of over 4730 individual compounds. Several PFASs are extremely persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. The analysis of PFASs is challenging because of their various chemical and physical properties as well as the high number of compounds. Target-based approaches (e.g., LC-MS/MS) are limited to the availability of analytical grade standards and are not suitable for the analysis of new/unknown PFASs and transformation products. Therefore, PFAS sum parameter methods become increasingly important to indicate realistic PFAS pollution levels.
PFAS sum parameters display the proportion of organically bound fluorine that can either be extracted (EOF) or adsorbed to activated carbon (AOF). For the instrumental analysis of such sum parameters, a fluorine selective detector is needed. High resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) is a sensitive and highly selective tool for fluorine determination. The method is based on the in situ formation of diatomic gallium-mono fluoride (GaF) in a graphite furnace at a temperature of 1550°C. The molecular absorption of GaF can be detected at its most sensitive wavelength at 211.248 nm providing limits of quantification of c(F) 2.7 µg/L.
Here, we present an improved method for the determination of PFASs using HR-CS-GFMAS via GaF detection. The optimized method includes a Ga pretreatment as described by Gawor et al. resulting in overall lower detection limits. Furthermore, during optimization the influence of species-specific responses during HR-CS-GFMAS analysis was reduced resulting in a more accurate determination of PFAS sum parameters. To test the applicability of the improved method, we analyzed soil samples from a former fire-fighting training area combining the improved method for detection with our previously optimized extraction method for EOF determination in soils.
How much do we, the small-angle scatterers, influence the results of an investigation? What uncertainty do we add by our human diversity in thoughts and approaches, and is this significant compared to the uncertainty from the instrumental measurement factors?
After our previous Round Robin on data collection, we know that many laboratories can collect reasonably consistent small-angle scattering data on easy samples1. To investigate the next, human component, we compiled four existing datasets from globular (roughly spherical) scatterers, each exhibiting a common complication, and asked the participants to apply their usual methods and toolset to the quantification of the results https://lookingatnothing.com/index.php/archives/3274).
Accompanying the datasets was a modicum of accompanying information to help with the interpretation of the data, similar to what we normally receive from our collaborators. More than 30 participants reported back with volume fractions, mean sizes and size distribution widths of the particle populations in the samples, as well as information on their self-assessed level of experience and years in the field.
While the Round Robin is still underway (until the 25th of April, 2022), the initial results already show significant spread in the results. Some of these are due to the variety in interpretation of the meaning of the requested parameters, as well as simple human errors, both of which are easy to correct for. Nevertheless, even after correcting for these differences in understanding, a significant spread remains. This highlights an urgent challenge to our community: how can we better help ourselves and our colleagues obtain more reliable results, how could we take the human factor out of the equation, so to speak?
In this talk, we will introduce the four datasets, their origins and challenges. Hot off the press, we will summarize the anonymized, quantified results of the Data Analysis Round Robin. (Incidentally, we will also see if a correlation exists between experience and proximity of the result to the median). Lastly, potential avenues for improving our field will be offered based on the findings, ranging from low-effort yet somehow controversial improvements, to high-effort foundational considerations.
Measuring an X-ray scattering pattern is relatively easy, but measuring a steady stream of high-quality, useful patterns requires significant effort and good laboratory organization.
Such laboratory organization can help address the reproducibility crisis in science, and easily multiply the scientific output of a laboratory, while greatly elevating the quality of the measurements. We have demonstrated this for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration).
With the MOUSE, we have combined a comprehensive and highly automated laboratory workflow with a heavily modified X-ray scattering instrument. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, within a well-documented, FAIR-compliant data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated synchrotron beamlines). With two full-time researchers, our lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples, for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
This talk will briefly introduce the foundations of X-ray scattering, present the MOUSE project, and will highlight the proven utility of the methodology for materials science. Upgrades to the methodology will also be discussed, as well as possible avenues for transferring this holistic methodology to other instruments
A versatile software package in the form of a Python extension, named CDEF (computing Debye’s scattering formula for extraordinary form factors), is proposed to calculate approximate scattering profiles of arbitrarily shaped nanoparticles for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). CDEF generates a quasi-randomly distributed point cloud in the desired particle shape and then applies the open-source software DEBYER for efficient evaluation of Debye’s scattering formula to calculate the SAXS pattern (https://github.com/j-from-b/CDEF). If self-correlation of the scattering signal is not omitted, the quasi-random distribution provides faster convergence compared with a true-random distribution of the scatterers, especially at higher momentum transfer. The usage of the software is demonstrated for the evaluation of scattering data of Au nanocubes with rounded edges, which were measured at the four-crystal monochromator beamline of PTB at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY II in Berlin. The implementation is fast enough to run on a single desktop computer and perform model fits within minutes. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by comparison with analytically known form factors and verified with another implementation, the SPONGE, based on a similar principle with fewer approximations. Additionally, the SPONGE coupled to McSAS3 allows one to retrieve information on the uncertainty of the size distribution using a Monte Carlo uncertainty estimation algorithm.
This study will present a new approach to distinguishing writing inks that have the same elemental compositions and visual appearances. The approach is based on displaying the intensity of elemental distributions as heat maps that represent data recorded with a scanning μX-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The heat maps present the data so as to facilitate digitally identifying and distinguishing between inks used to produce, correct, and reink two medieval Torah scrolls. As ritual objects, Torah scrolls had to be written in accordance with exacting standards that evolved over time. This requirement led to successive stages of modifications, sometimes over centuries. Both vitriolic and non-vitriolic inks used to modify Torah scrolls can be visually identical to each other. Furthermore, different non-vitriolic inks usually have an identical elemental composition. The solid material analysis evidence and its presentation as heat maps made it possible to discriminate between original and altered portions of text that in some cases would have been impossible. Our interdisciplinary work brought together conservation, material science, paleog-raphy, and philology to enable the identification of complex stratigraphy in multiple stages of production, correction, and reinking. ©2 0 2 2 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
Isotope ratio applications are on the increase and a major part of which are delta measurements, because they are easier to perform than the determination of absolute isotope ratios while offering lower measurement uncertainties. Delta measurements use artefact-based scales and therefore scale conversions are required due to the lack of the scale defining standards. Such scale conversions often form the basis for comparing data being generated in numerous projects andtherefore need to be as accurate as possible. In practice, users are tempted to apply linear approximations, which are not sufficiently exact, because delta values are defined by nonlinear relationships. The bias of such approximations often is beyond typical measurement uncertainties and its extent can hardly be predicted. Therefore, exact calculations are advised. Here, the exact equations and the bias of the approximations are presented, and calculations are illustrated by real-world examples. Measurement uncertainty is indispensable in this context and therefore, its calculation is described as well for determining delta values but also for scale conversions. Approaches for obtaining a single delta measurement and for repeated measurements are presented. For the latter case, a new approach for calculating the measurement uncertainty is presented, which considers covariances between the isotope ratios.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anionic, cationic and zwitterionic synthetic products, in which the hydrogen atoms on the carbon skeleton of at least one carbon atom have been completely replaced by fluorine atoms (see Figure 1) and which include more than 4730 compounds, depending on the definition. As a result of continuous and prolific use, mainly in aviation firefighting foams, thousands of industrial and military installations have been found to contain contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water. Furthermore, because of the continuous contamination through PFAS containing commercial products, effluents and sewage sludge from WWTPs have been shown to be an important source of PFAS discharge into the aquatic environment. In the last few years, legacy PFAS (≥C4) have been found in various environments, including soil, water and wastewater, and their environmental pathways have been partly described. To get a better
overview of the amount of “total PFAS,” sum parameter methods like total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay and methods based on combustion ion chromatography (CIC) are in development. CIC results in data regarding the sum of absorbable organic fluorine (AOF) or extractable
organic fluorine (EOF), which can also quantify other organically bound fluorine compounds such as fluorinated pesticides and pharmaceutical. Additionally, for research purpose several spectroscopical methods like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, particular induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are available. Therefore, an overview is given on various analytical techniques for PFAS in environmental samples and their application possibilities discussed for different kind of PFAS compounds
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic organofluorine surfactants used in the formulations of thousands of products and consumer goods, including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used to suppress aviation fires in training scenarios, non-stick cookware, fast-food wrappers, water-repellent fabrics, medical equipment. Because PFAS have been extensively used in a variety of AFFF products they can be found in soils from industrial and military installations. Current decontamination strategies of PFAS-burdened soils mainly consist of adsorption methods using adsorbents for fixation of PFAS in the ground. A second option is the utilization of a “pump and treat” process, cycling polluted soils through a washing plant leading to the concentration of the pollutants in the fine fraction. Only a subsequent, high-energy consuming pyrolysis process guarantees the total destruction of all fluorinated organic contaminants. Both approaches are cost-intensive and not intended for the direct decomposition of all PFAS contaminants. Hence, there is a great demand for innovative developments and chemical treatment technologies, dealing with new strategies of tackling the PFAS problem. Previously, mechanochemical treatment of polychlorinated organic compounds in soils showed an efficient dechlorination. Thus, we investigated mechanochemical treatment of PFAS contaminated soils with various additives in a ball mill and analyzed the PFAS defluorination with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively, as well es the fluoride mineralization by ion chromatography (IC) and fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.
Analytical Challenges for PFAS in Environmental Samples - Methods, Approaches and Applicability
(2022)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anionic, cationic and zwitterionic synthetic products, in which the hydrogen atoms on the carbon skeleton of at least one carbon atom have been completely replaced by fluorine atoms and which include up to 1.7 M compounds, depending on the definition. As a result of continuous and prolific use, mainly in aviation firefighting foams, thousands of industrial and military installations have been found to contain contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water. Furthermore, because of the continuous contamination through PFAS containing commercial products, effluents and sewage sludge from WWTPs have been shown to be an important source of PFAS discharge into the aquatic environment. In the last few years, legacy PFAS (≥C4) have been found in various environments, including soil, water and wastewater, and their environmental pathways have been partly described.
Several long-chain PFAS species, and their respective salts are considered as persistent organic pollutants by the United Nations Stockholm Convention. These pollutants have been linked to altered immune and thyroid function, liver disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer. A significant shift in the chemical industry towards production of short (C4-C7) and ultrashort (C1-C3) alternatives was observed in response to recently intensified regulations and restrictions on the use of long-chain (≥C8) PFAS. PFAS analysis in environmental samples is currently mainly done by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This efficient method is conducted in a targeted fashion analyzing a small subset of PFAS. The US EPA method for analysis of PFAS using LC-MS/MS for example currently lists 40 PFAS (≥C4). However, to get a better overview of the amount of “total PFAS,” sum parameter methods like total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay and methods based on combustion ion chromatography (CIC) are in development. CIC results in data regarding the sum of absorbable organic fluorine (AOF) or extractable organic fluorine (EOF), which can also quantify other organically bound fluorine compounds such as fluorinated pesticides and pharmaceutical. Moreover, non-target and suspect screening mass spectrometry can be used to identify novel emerging PFAS and partly unknown fluorinated compounds in environmental samples. Furthermore, to analyze ultrashort PFAS (C1-C3), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are available, but further research is needed to develop reliable and accurate methods to quantify several ultrashort PFAS in environmental samples.
Additionally, for research purpose several spectroscopical methods like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES)spectroscopy, particular induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are available.
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Brazil. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Brazilian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
Chemical and pharmaceutical companies need to find new ways to survive successfully in a changing environment, while finding more flexible ways of product and process development to bring their products to market faster - especially high-value, high-end products such as fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals. This is complicated by changes in value chains along a potential circular economy.
One current approach is flexible and modular chemical production units that use multi-purpose equipment to produce various high-value products with short downtimes between campaigns and can shorten time-to-market for new products. Online NMR spectroscopy will play an important role for plant automation and quality control, as the method brings very high linearity, matrix independence and thus works almost calibration-free. Moreover, these properties ideally enable automated and machine-aided data analysis for the above-mentioned applications.
Using examples, this presentation will outline a possible more holistic approach to digitalization and the use of machine-based processes in the production of specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals through the introduction of integrated and networked systems and processes.
DNA long-term stability and integrity is of importance for applications in DNA based bio-dosimetry, data-storage, pharmaceutical quality-control, donor insemination and DNA based functional nanomaterials. Standard protocols for these applications involve repeated freeze-thaw cycles of the DNA, which can cause detrimental damage to the nucleobases, as well as the sugar-phosphate backbone and therefore the whole molecule. Throughout the literature three hypotheses can be found about the underlying mechanisms occurring during freeze-thaw cycles. It is hypothesized that DNA single-strand breaks during freezing can be induced by mechanical stress leading to shearing of the DNA molecule, by acidic pH causing damage through depurination and beta elimination or by the presence of metal ions catalyzing oxidative damage via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we test these hypotheses under well defined conditions with plasmid DNA pUC19 in high-purity buffer (1xPBS) at physiological salt and pH 7.4 conditions, under pH 6 and in the presence of metal ions in combination with the radical scavengers DMSO and Ectoine. The results show for the 2686 bp long plasmid DNA, that neither mechanical stress, nor pH 6 lead to degradation during repeated freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast, the presence of metal ions (Fe2+) leads to degradation of DNA via the production of radical species.
Measurement and calculation of x-ray production efficiencies for copper, zirconium, and tungsten
(2022)
Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) is based on physical relations between measured X-ray intensities of characteristic lines and their Xray production efficiency, which depends on the specimen composition. The quality of the analysis results relies on how realistically the physical relations describe the generation and emission of X-rays. Special experiments are necessary to measure X-ray production efficiencies. A challenge in these experiments is the determination of the detection efficiency of the spectrometer as a function of the photon energy. An energy-dispersive spectrometer was used in this work, for which the efficiency was determined at metrological synchrotron beamlines with an accuracy of ±2%. X-ray production efficiencies for the L series and the Kα series of copper and zirconium and for the M and L series of tungsten were determined at energies up to 30 keV in a scanning electron microscope. These experimental values were compared with calculated X-ray production efficiencies using physical relations and material constants applied in EPMA. The objective of the comparison is the further improvement of EPMA algorithms as well as extending the available database for X-ray production efficiencies. Experimental data for the X-ray production efficiency are also useful for the assessment of spectrum simulation software.
The BAMline at the BESSY II synchrotron X-ray source has enabled research for more than 20 years in widely spread research fields such as materials science, biology, cultural heritage and medicine. As a nondestructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography, plays a particularly important role in structural characterization. A recent upgrade of key equipment of the BAMline widens its imaging capabilities: shorter scan acquisition times are now possible, in situ and operando studies can now be routinely performed, and different energy spectra can easily be set up. In fact, the upgraded double-multilayer monochromator brings full flexibility by yielding different energy spectra to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. The upgraded detector (based on an sCMOS camera) also allows exploiting the higher flux with reduced readout times. Furthermore, an installed slip ring allows the sample stage to continuously rotate. The latter feature enables tomographic observation of processes occurring in the time scale of a few seconds.
A systematic study has been carried out to investigate the neutron transmission signal as a function of sample temperature. In particular, the experimentally determined wavelength-dependent neutron attenuation spectra for a martensitic steel at temperatures ranging from 21 to 700°C are compared with simulated data. A theoretical description that includes the Debye–Waller factor in order to describe the temperature influence on the neutron cross sections was implemented in the nxsPlotter software and used for the simulations. The analysis of the attenuation coefficients at varying temperatures shows that the missing contributions due to elastic and inelastic scattering can be clearly distinguished: while the elastically scattered intensities decrease with higher temperatures, the inelastically scattered intensities increase, and the two can be separated from each other by analysing unique sharp features in the form of Bragg edges. This study presents the first systematic approach to quantify this effect and can serve as a basis , for example, to correct measurements taken during in situ heat treatments, in many cases being a prerequisite for obtaining quantifiable results.
During their life span, concrete structures interact with many kinds of external mechanical loads. Most of these loads are considered in advance and result in reversible deformations. Nevertheless, some of the loads cause irreversible, sometimes unnoticed changes below the macroscopic scale depending on the type and dimension of the impact. As the functionality of concrete structures is often relevant to safety and society, their condition must be known and, therefore, assessed on a regular basis. Out of the spectrum of non-destructive monitoring methods, Coda Wave Interferometry using embedded ultrasonic sensors is one particularly sensitive technique to evaluate changes to heterogeneous media. However, there are various influences on Coda waves in concrete, and the interpretation of their superimposed effect is ambiguous. In this study, we quantify the relations of uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension on Coda waves propagating in normal concrete. We found that both the signal correlation of ultrasonic signals as well as their velocity variation directly reflect the stress change in concrete structures in a laboratory environment. For the linear elastic range up to 30% of the strength, we calculated a velocity variation of −0.97‰/MPa for compression and 0.33%/MPa for tension using linear regression. In addition, these parameters revealed even weak irreversible changes after removal of the load. Furthermore, we show the time-dependent effects of shrinkage and creep on Coda waves by providing the development of the signal parameters over time during half a year together with creep recovery. Our observations showed that time-dependent material changes must be taken into account for any comparison of ultrasonic signals that are far apart in time. The study’s results demonstrate how Coda Wave Interferometry is capable of monitoring stress changes and detecting even small-size microstructural changes. By indicating the stated relations and their separation from further impacts, e.g., temperature and moisture, we anticipate our study to contribute to the qualification of Coda Wave Interferometry for its application as an early-warning system for concrete structures.
What is meant by ‘Micro Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation’? This was the central subject of debate in this Special Issue.
At present, sub-millimeter-size components or even assemblies are pervading the industrial and scientific world. Classic examples are electronic devices and watches (as well as parts thereof), but recent examples encompass additively manufactured lattice structures, stents, or other microparts. Moreover, most assemblies contain micro-components. Testing such components or their miniaturized parts would fit well within the topic of micro non-destructive testing and evaluation.
In all cases, performance and integrity testing, quality control, and dimensional tolerances need to be measured at the sub-millimeter level (ideally with a spatial resolution of about a micron); most of the time, such features and components are embedded in much larger assemblies, which also need to be taken into account. The solution to this dilemma (i.e. measuring large parts with high resolution) depends on the part and on the problem under consideration.
Another possible definition of micro non-destructive testing and evaluation can relate to the characterization of micro-features (e.g., the microstructure) in much larger specimens, such as damage in concrete cores or porosity in additively manufactured components. A further aspect is the use of microscopic probes to evaluate macroscopic properties. This is the case, for instance but not at all exclusively, in the use of diffraction techniques to determine macroscopic stress.
The splits between testing and characterization at the micro-level (or of micro parts) from one side and handling of macroscopic assemblies on the other represent a great challenge for many fields of materials characterization. On top of that, including the use of microscopic methods to test integrity would add a further level of complexity.
Imaging, mechanical testing, non-destructive testing, measurement of properties, structural health monitoring, and dimensional metrology all need to be re-defined if we want to cope with the multi-faceted topic of micro non-destructive testing and evaluation.
The challenge has already been accepted by the scientific and engineering communities for a while but is still far from being universally tackled. This Special Issue yields an interesting answer to the questions posed above. It presents the progress made and the different aspects of the challenge as well as at indicates the paths for the future of NDT&E.
Since 1997, the Committee for Health-related Evaluation of Building Products (AgBB) has been developing the basis for building regulations for protection against indoor health risks that may arise when building products are used. In 2009, the AgBB decided to include relevant VVOCs in the assessment procedure. The ISO 16000-6 (2021) states that the use of the thermal desorption gas chromatography technique is appropriate for VVOCs, if adaptations are considered. However, a suitable method for the trustworthy quantification of VVOC emissions from building products and in the indoor air is still missing.
This webinar will present the results of a research project on the development of a procedure for VVOC analysis:
• identification of the gaps towards standardization
• investigations on gas standards and the suitability of chromatography columns
• investigations on sorbent combinations and water management
• validation of the method and screening of VVOC emissions from building products.
The BAMline at the synchrotron X-ray source BESSY II (Berlin, Germany) is supporting researchers in a wide range of research areas since more than 20 years. These fields include biology, cultural heritage, medicine, and also materials science. As a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography with hard X-Rays, plays an important role in structural 3D characterization. A recent upgrade of key equipment at the BAMline expands the imaging capabilities towards shorter acquisition times. Therefore, in-situ and operando experiments can now be routinely conducted. Also, different energy resolutions can be set up to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. This requires an adaptation of the used reconstruction methods in order to perform necessary analyses also during the experiment. In this presentation the equipment, data handling pipeline as well as various examples from material science are presented.
The BAMline at the 3rd generation synchrotron X-ray source BESSY II has been supporting researchers in a wide range of research areas for over 20 years. In addition to materials science, these fields also include biology, cultural heritage, and medicine. Being a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, in particular tomography (SXCT), plays a particularly important role in structural characterization. A recent upgrade of key BAMline equipment expands the imaging capabilities: The upgraded dual multilayer monochromator offers flexibility by providing different energy spectra to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. Different spectra (8 – 60 keV with ΔE/E 0.01%, 1.5%, 4% and pink beam) can be selected. The upgraded detector (in white beam configuration, equipped with an sCMOS camera) allows the higher flux to be exploited with reduced readout times. Shorter tomographic acquisition times in the range of seconds are now possible. Hence, in-situ and operando examinations are routinely available. An integrated slip ring allows continuous rotation of the sample stage for ease of wiring. The pink beam option allows tomographic observation of processes occurring in the time domain of a few seconds with a resolution down to ~ 1 µm. Different scan methods, optimized for quality and speed are available and discussed. Examples of energy related materials from fuel cell and battery research are shown.
An optional end station allows refraction enhanced imaging (synchrotron X-Ray refraction radiography (SXRR) and tomography (SXRCT)). That includes an analyzer Si-crystal in Bragg alignment between sample and detector. This technique obtains sensitivity to smaller structures (cracks, pores) down to a few wavelengths, while obtaining field of view sizes in the range of several mm. Besides medicine (e.g., teeth explants), several applications are found in material science, like studies on diesel particulate filters, ceramics, additively manufactured (AM) alloys and metal matrix composites (MMC). The in-situ capabilities include mechanical load (tension and compression) and heating up to 1100°C. A case study, the microstructural evolution during heat treatment of an AM AlSi10Mg, will be shown.
Thirteen laboratories participated in an international interlaboratory comparison for the determination of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in four cement reference materials (RM) using the conventional method for 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios analyses. Sample dissolution and Sr isolation via ion exchange chromatography were required since the cement samples were distributed as powders. Analytical preparation included the use of various digestion methods including mixed mineral acids, microwave/acid, bomb/acid digestion or borate fusion, followed by Sr separation using ion exchange chromatography. In this study, we evaluated whether any statistically significant differences were attributable to instrumental differences (i.e., MC-ICP-MS and MC-TIMS), or to laboratory-specific techniques (different sample preparation techniques, Sr isolation and the procedures for correcting the data outputs). To evaluate these effects, consensus values for cement RMs and associated standard uncertainties were estimated by fitting a linear, Gaussian mixed effects model using the R function “lmer” defined in package “lme4”. No statistically significant effects (SSE) attributable to instrumental differences regardless of whether the materials are considered together or separately were evident. There were SSE attributable to differences between laboratories for three cement RMs when the individual cements were considered separately. Since consideration or disregard for such differences does not induce significant changes in the estimate of the consensus values for the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in cement RMs, these effects can safely be neglected when calculating the best estimates for the true values of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in these RMs.
Responsible treatment of the environment and resources is a key element of sustainability. The building and construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources. Consequently, there is a particular need for regulations and technologies that help to create closed material cycles. From the technological point of view, such efforts are complicated by the growing material diversity and the amount of composites contained in present and future construction and demolition waste (CDW). Nowadays, simple but proven techniques like manual sorting are mainly used. However, this practice not only poses health risks and dangers to the staff performing the work, but also relies on merely obvious, visually striking differences. Automated, sensor-based sorting of these building materials could complement or replace this practice to improve processing speed, recycling rates, sorting quality, and prevailing health conditions. The preliminary results for the identification of a wide variety of building materials with LIBS are presented.
Isotope reference materials
(2022)
The variation of isotope ratios is increasingly used to unravel natural and technical questions. In the past, the investigation and interpretation of such variations was the field of a limited number of experts. With new upcoming techniques and research topics in the last decades, such as provenance or food authenticity studies, the number of published isotope data strongly increased. Instrumental developments such as the enhancement of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) from an instrument for simple quantitative analysis to highly sophisticated isotope ratio machines influenced this process significantly. While in former times only experts in mass spectrometry were able to produce reliable isotope data, nowadays many laboratories, never been in touch with mass spectrometry before, produce isotope data with an ICP-MS. Isotope reference materials (iCRM) are indispensable to enable a reliable method validation or in rare cases even SI-traceability. The fast development and the broad availability of ICP-MS also lead to an expansion of the classical research areas and new elements are under investigation. Irrespective of the investigated element or the knowledge of the user all isotope ratio applications require reference materials either for correction of instrumental isotope fractionation, for method validation or to provide a common accepted basis as needed for delta measurements. This presentation will outline the basic principles and illustrate the urgent need for new iCRMs. Consequently, the production and certification of iCRMs will be discussed and illustrated by examples of already completed certification projects. Finally, plans for future iCRMs to be produced at BAM will be presented.
Concrete structures often show severe damage during their lifetime. One such damage is pitting corrosion of the steel reinforcement caused by chloride ingress into the porous concrete structure. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising method in civil engineering, which is used for detection of chlorine in concrete structures in addition to conventional methods of wet chemistry. To assess LIBS as a trustful analytical technique, its accuracy and robustness is carefully tested. The presentation will outline the results of the interlaboratory comparison of chlorine quantification in cement paste samples, which was carried out by 12 laboratories in 10 countries. Two sets of samples with chloride content ranging from 0.06-1.95 wt.% in the training set and 0.23-1.51 wt.% in the test sample set (“unknowns”), with additional variations in the type of cement and chlorine source (salt type) were sent to the laboratories. The overall result demonstrates that LIBS is suitable for the quantification of the investigated sample compositions: average relative bias was mostly below 15 %. Considering that the laboratories did not receive instructions on how to perform the analysis or how to process the data, the results can be evaluated as a true status quo of the LIBS technique for this type of analysis.
Modeling is an important tool for understanding a physical phenomenon. It helps to interpret results of experiments and optimize experimental parameters for obtaining a desirable result. Modeling laser induced plasma is beneficial for many scientific and industrial fields, e.g., analytical chemistry, pulsed laser deposition, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, laser welding, additive manufacturing etc. In this presentation, a personal experience in development of a physical model of laser induced plasma will be given in a chronological sequence starting from early 2000th and until now.
Over the time, the model evolved from its simple analytical form that described plasma emission spectra to its current numerical form that describes plasma dynamics, chemistry, and interaction with a substrate surface. Several examples will be given for the application of the model to practical problems such as spectroscopic chemical analysis, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and surface modification by laser ablation.
Current trends in materials and life sciences are flanked by the need to push detection limits to single molecules or single cells, enable the characterization of increasingly complex matrices or sophisticated nanostructures, speed up the time of analysis, reduce instrument complexity and costs, and improve the reliability of data. This requires suitable analytical tools such as spectroscopic, separation and imaging techniques, mass spectrometry, and hyphenated techniques as well as sensors and their adaptation to application-specific challenges in the environmental, food, consumer product, health sector, nanotechnology, and bioanalysis. Increasing concerns about health threatening known or emerging pollutants in drinking water, consumer products, and food and about the safety of nanomaterials led to a new awareness of the importance of analytical sciences. Another important driver in this direction is the increasing demand by legislation, particularly in view of the 17 sustainable development goals by the United Nations addressing clean energy, industry, and innovation, sustainable cities, clean water, and responsible consumption and production. In this respect, also the development of analytical methods that enable the characterization of material flows in production processes and support recycling concepts of precious raw materials becomes more and more relevant. In the future, this will provide the basis for greener production in the chemical industry utilizing recycled or sustainable starting materials.
This makes analytical chemistry an essential player in terms of the circular economy helping to increase the sustainability of production processes. In the life sciences sector, products based on proteins, such as therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies, increase in importance. These increasingly biotechnologically produced functional biomolecules pose a high level of complexity of matrix and structural features that can be met only by highly advanced methods for separation, characterization, and detection. In addition, metrological traceability and target definition are still significant challenges for the future, particularly in the life sciences.
However, innovative reference materials as required for the health and food sector and the characterization of advanced materials can only be developed when suitable analytical protocols are available. The so-called reproducibility crisis in sciences underlines the importance of improved measures of quality control for all kinds of measurements and material characterization. This calls for thorough method validation concepts, suitable reference materials, and regular interlaboratory comparisons of measurements as well as better training of scientists in analytical sciences.
The important contribution of analytical sciences to these developments is highlighted by a broad collection of research papers, trend articles, and critical reviews from these different application fields. Special emphasis is dedicated to often-overlooked quality assurance and reference materials.
Current trends in materials and life sciences are flanked by the need to push detection limits to single molecules or single cells, enable the characterization of increasingly complex matrices or sophisticated nanostructures, speed up the time of analysis, reduce instrument complexity and costs, and improve the reliability of data. This requires suitable analytical tools such as spectroscopic, separation and imaging techniques, mass spectrometry, and hyphenated techniques as well as sensors and their adaptation to application-specific challenges in the environmental, food, consumer product, health sector, nanotechnology, and bioanalysis. Increasing concerns about health threatening known or emerging pollutants in drinking water, consumer products, and food and about the safety of nanomaterials led to a new awareness of the importance of analytical sciences. Another important driver in this direction is the increasing demand by legislation, particularly in view of the 17 sustainable development goals by the United Nations addressing clean energy, industry, and innovation, sustainable cities, clean water, and responsible consumption and production. In this respect, also the development of analytical methods that enable the characterization of material flows in production processes and support recycling concepts of precious raw materials becomes more and more relevant. In the future, this will provide the basis for greener production in the chemical industry utilizing recycled or sustainable starting materials.
This makes analytical chemistry an essential player in terms of the circular economy helping to increase the sustainability of production processes. In the life sciences sector, products based on proteins, such as therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies, increase in importance. These increasingly biotechnologically produced functional biomolecules pose a high level of complexity of matrix and structural features that can be met only by highly advanced methods for separation, characterization, and detection. In addition, metrological traceability and target definition are still significant challenges for the future, particularly in the life sciences.
However, innovative reference materials as required for the health and food sector and the characterization of advanced materials can only be developed when suitable analytical protocols are available. The so-called reproducibility crisis in sciences underlines the importance of improved measures of quality control for all kinds of measurements and material characterization. This calls for thorough method validation concepts, suitable reference materials, and regular interlaboratory comparisons of measurements as well as better training of scientists in analytical sciences.
The important contribution of analytical sciences to these developments is highlighted by a broad collection of research papers, trend articles, and critical reviews from these different application fields. Special emphasis is dedicated to often-overlooked quality assurance and reference materials.
The acquisition and appropriate processing of relevant information about the considered system remains a major challenge in assessment of existing structures. Both the values and the validity of computed results such as failure probabilities essentially depend on the quantity and quality of the incorporated knowledge. One source of information are onsite measurements of structural or material characteristics to be modeled as basic variables in reliability assessment. The explicit use of (quantitative) measurement results in assessment requires the quantification of the quality of the measured information, i.e., the uncertainty associated with the information acquisition and processing. This uncertainty can be referred to as measurement uncertainty. Another crucial aspect is to ensure the comparability of the measurement results.This contribution attempts to outline the necessity and the advantages of measurement uncertainty calculations in modeling of measurement data-based random variables to be included in reliability assessment. It is shown, how measured data representing time-invariant characteristics, in this case non-destructively measured inner geometrical dimensions, can be transferred into measurement results that are both comparable and quality-evaluated. The calculations are based on the rules provided in the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM). The GUM-framework is internationally accepted in metrology and can serve as starting point for the appropriate processing of measured data to be used in assessment. In conclusion, the effects of incorporating the non-destructively measured data into reliability analysis are presented using a prestressed concrete bridge as case-study.
The composition of thin films of polymer blends in vertical direction is still under discussion. For explaining the thickness dependence of some properties like the thermal glass transition temperature, a three-layer model has been introduced consisting of an adsorbed layer with a reduced segmental mobility at the substrate, a bulk-like layer in the middle of the film and an outermost surface layer with a higher molecular mobility. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ER-XPS) measurements with a varying excitation energy from 400 eV to 1486.6 eV and, herewith, an information depth from 1.5 nm to 10 nm were performed at PVME/PS films with compositions of 25/75 wt% and 50/50 wt% and thicknesses between 15 nm and 190 nm. As expected, it was found that the PVME concentration decreases with increasing information depth. Secondly, a complex correlation between the PVME concentration at the surface and the film thickness was found. The PVME concentration increases with decreasing film thickness until a maximum at 30 nm. For thinner films, the PVME concentration decreases. These data agree with previous investigations obtained with specific heat spectroscopy.
We thank BESSY II (HZB) for the allocation of beamtime at the HE-SGM beamline and for technical support. DFG (Project number 124846229) is acknowledged for financial support.
Designing the shape and size of catalyst particles, and their interfacial charge, at the nanometer scale can radically change their performance. We demonstrate this with ceria nanoparticles. In aqueous media, nanoceria is a functional mimic of haloperoxidases, a group of enzymes that oxidize organic substrates, or of peroxidases that can degrade reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 by oxidizing an organic substrate. We show that the chemical activity of CeO2−x nanoparticles in haloperoxidase- and peroxidaselike reactions scales with their active surface area, their surface charge, given by the ζ-potential, and their surface defects (via the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio). Haloperoxidase-like reactions are controlled through the ζ-potential as they involve the adsorption of charged halide anions to the CeO2 surface, whereas peroxidase-like reactions without charged substrates are controlled through the specific surface area SBET. Mesoporous CeO2−x particles, with large surface areas, were prepared via template-free hydrothermal reactions and characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering. Surface area, ζ-potential and the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio are controlled in a simple and predictable manner by the synthesis time of the hydrothermal reaction as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, sorption and ζ-potential measurements. The surface area increased with synthesis time, whilst the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio scales inversely with decreasing ζ-potential. In this way the catalytic activity of mesoporous CeO2−x particles could be tailored selectively for haloperoxidase- and peroxidase-like reactions. The ease of tuning the surface properties of mesoporous CeO2x particles by varying the synthesis time makes the synthesis a powerful general tool for the preparation of nanocatalysts according to individual needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, were also affected by the associated disruptions. Their role in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. The question arises of how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported, on average, a reduction in demand for their services during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had an overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as a countermeasure, with CABs reporting a higher need for digitalization. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses relevant to policymakers and industry alike.
Introduction of a monitoring system for Bingham fluids in additive manufacturing with concrete
(2022)
Freeform additive manufacturing of concrete structures is a rising technology in civil engineering with several fascinating advantages. Nonetheless, to ensure reliability and structural integrity, standards and quality control are required in the future to bring this technology into the market. As the concrete is manufactured continuously, continuous quality control of the printing process is also required, i.e. comprehensive process monitoring. At BAM, a test rig will be installed, enabling the printing of concrete structures with a maximum size of 2 m x 1 m x 1 m (l x w x h). Here, process monitoring is the focus of the test rig. In this study, we show the results of the first pump tests, including the measurement of several parameters such as temperature and pressure along the supply system, i.e. from the concrete pump to the printer head.
Introduction of a monitoring system for Bingham fluids in additive manufacturing with concrete
(2022)
Freeform additive manufacturing of concrete structures is a rising technology in civil engineering with several fascinating advantages. Nonetheless, to ensure reliability and structural integrity, standards and quality control are required in the future to bring this technology into the market. As the concrete is manufactured continuously, continuous quality control of the printing process is also required, i.e. comprehensive process monitoring. At BAM, a test rig will be installed, enabling the printing of concrete structures with a maximum size of 2 m x 1 m x 1 m (l x w x h). Here, process monitoring is the focus of the test rig. In this study, we show the results of the first pump tests, including the measurement of several parameters such as temperature and pressure along the supply system, i.e. from the concrete pump to the printer head.
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in the Netherlands. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Dutch CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
The aim of this study was to identify specific truffle marker substances within the truffle aroma. The aroma profile of different truffle species was analyzed using static headspace sampling with gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (SHS/GC-MS). Possible marker substances were identified, taking the additional literature into account. The selected marker substances were tested in an experiment with 19 truffle dogs. The hypothesis “If trained truffle dogs recognize the substances as supposed truffles in the context of an experiment, they can be regarded as specific” was made. As it would be nearly impossible to investigate every other possible emitter of the same compounds to determine their specificity, this hypothesis was a reasonable approximation. We were interested in the question of what it is the dogs actually search for on a chemical level and whether we can link their ability to find truffles to one or more specific marker substances. The results of the dog experiment are not as unambiguous as could have been expected based on the SHS/GC-MS measurements. Presumably, the truffle aroma is mainly characterized and perceived by dogs by dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. However, as dogs are living beings and not analytical instruments, it seems unavoidable that one must live with some degree of uncertainty regarding these results.
pH presents one of the most important analytes in the life and material sciences, indicating, e.g., diseases and corrosion processes. This includes the optical monitoring of pH in living cells for studying cellular internalization pathways, such as phagocytosis, endocytosis, and receptor mediated internalization with the aid of molecular and nanoscale fluorescent sensors. Nanoparticle (NP)-based sensors, that are labelled or stained with a multitude of sensor dyes, have several advantages as compared to conventional molecular probes like enhanced brightness, i.e., amplified signals, ease of designing ratiometric systems by combining analyte-sensitive and inert reference dyes, and increased photostability. Moreover, this can enable the use of hydrophobic dyes in aqueous environments. Versatile templates and carriers for the fabrication of nanosensors by staining and/or labelling with different fluorophores and sensor molecules are surface-functionalized particles like silica (SiO2) and polystyrene (PS) particles. Here we present a platform of blue-red-green fluorescent pH nanosensors for the measurement of acidic, neutral, and basic pH utilizing both types of matrices and two spectrally distinguishable sensor dyes with an integrated reference dye and demonstrate its applicability for cellular studies.
Mechanically stable structures with interconnected hierarchical porosity combine the benefits of both small
and large pores, such as high surface area, pore volume, and good mass transport capabilities. Hence, lightweight micro-/meso-/macroporous monoliths are prepared from ordered mesoporous silica COK-12 by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS, S-sintering) and compared to conventionally (C-) sintered monoliths. A multi-scale model is developed to fit the small angle X-ray scattering data and obtain information on the hexagonal lattice parameters, pore sizes from the macro to the micro range, as well as the dimensions of the silica population. For both sintering techniques, the overall mesoporosity, hexagonal pore ordering, and amorphous character are preserved. The monoliths' porosity (77–49%), mesopore size (6.2–5.2 nm), pore volume (0.50–0.22 g cm-3
), and specific surface area (451–180 m2 g-1) decrease with increasing processing temperature and pressure. While the difference in porosity is enhanced, the
structural parameters between the C-and S-sintered monoliths are largely converging at 900 C, except for the mesopore size and lattice parameter, whose dimensions are more extensively preserved in the
S-sintered monoliths, however, coming along with larger deviations from the theoretical lattice. Their higher mechanical properties (biaxial strength up to 49 MPa, 724 MPa HV 9.807 N) at comparable porosities and ability to withstand ultrasonic treatment and dead-end filtration up to 7 bar allow S-sintered monoliths to reach a high permeance (2634 L m-2 h-1 bar-1), permeability (1.25 x 10^-14 m2), and ability to reduce the chemical oxygen demand by 90% during filtration of a surfactant-stabilized oil in water emulsion, while indicating reasonable resistance towards fouling.
Avoiding the formation of defects such as keyhole pores is a major challenge for the production of metal parts by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The use of in-situ monitoring by thermographic cameras is a promising approach to detect defects, however the data is hard to analyze by conventional algorithms. Therefore, we investigate the use of Machine Learning (ML) in this study, as it is a suitable tool to model complex processes with many influencing factors. A ML model for defect prediction is created based on features extracted from process thermograms. The porosity information calculated from an x-ray Micro Computed Tomography (µCT) scan is used as reference. Physical characteristics of the keyhole pore formation are incorporated into the model to increase the prediction accuracy. Based on the prediction result, the quality of the input data is inferred and future demands on in-situ monitoring of LPBF processes are derived.
Closed material cycles and unmixed material fractions are required to achieve high recovery and recycling rates in the building industry. The growing diversity of construction and demolition waste is leading to increasing difficulties in separating the individual materials. Manual sorting involves many risks and dangers for the executing staff and is merely based on obvious, visually detectable differences for separation. An automated, sensor-based sorting of these building materials could complement or replace this practice to improve processing speed, recycling rates, sorting quality, and prevailing health conditions.
A joint project of partners from industry and research institutions approaches this task by investigating and testing the combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and visual (VIS)/ near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Joint processing of information (data fusion) is expected to significantly improve the sorting quality of various materials like concrete, main masonry building materials, organic components, etc., and may enable the detection and separation of impurities such as SO3-containing building materials (gypsum, aerated concrete, etc.). Focusing on Berlin as an example, the entire value chain will be analyzed to minimize economic/technological barriers and obstacles at the cluster level and to sustainably increase recovery and recycling rates.
First LIBS measurements show promising results in distinguishing various material types. A meaningful validation shall be achieved with further practical samples. Future works will investigate the combination of LIBS and VIS/NIR spectroscopy in a fully automated measurement setup with conveyor belt speeds of 3 m/s.
In a joint project of partners from industry and research, the automated recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is investigated and tested by combing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Joint processing of information (data fusion) is expected to significantly improve the sorting quality of various materials like concrete, main masonry building materials, organic components, etc., and may enable the detection and separation of impurities such as SO3-cotaining building materials (gypsum, aerated concrete, etc.). The project focuses primarily on the Berlin site to analyze the entire value chain, minimize economic/technological barriers and obstacles at the cluster level, and sustainably increase recovery and recycling rates. First measurements with LIBS and NIR spectroscopy show promising results in distinguishing various material types and indicate the potential for a successful combination. In addition, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is being performed to obtain more information about the quantitative elemental composition of the different building materials. Future work will apply the developed sorting methodology in a fully automated measurement setup with CDW on a conveyor belt.
This sequence of X-Ray images shows how one of the most common Italian moka pots actually work! The sequence starts with a completely prepared moka pot (water in the bottom part, coffee in the middle and hot plate on). During the process the water starts to boil and the steam pressure pushes the hot water through the coffee into the bassin at the top of the pot.
This video sequence and additional explanations can also be found on Wikipedia.
X-Ray computed tomography (XCT) scan of 11 individual metallic powder particles, made of (Mn,Fe)2(P,Si) alloy. The data set consists of 4 single XCT scans which have been stitched together [3] after reconstruction. The powder material is an (Mn,Fe)2(P,Si) alloy with an average density of 6.4 g/cm³. The particle size range is about 100 - 150 µm with equivalent pore diameters up to 75 µm. The powder and the metallic alloy are described in detail in [1, 2].
By means of laser thermography, surface defects, in particular surface breaking cracks, can be detected with high sensitivity. Basically, this requires a focused heat source (high-power laser), a thermographic camera and a relative movement between laser and test object, as well as a suitable evaluation algorithm to distinguish between surface defects and defect-free areas. In this paper we report on a method in which the relative motion is realised by a robot to fully inspect large and non-planar test objects such as rail sections, turbine blades, gears, etc. We show the influence of the excitation laser, which can be varied in terms of spot geometry, wavelength, and scan scheme, and we demonstrate our evaluation algorithms with the aim of automatically detecting surface defects.
In a joint project of partners from industry and research, the automated recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is investigated and tested by combing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Joint processing of information (data fusion) is expected to significantly improve the sorting quality of various materials like concrete, main masonry building materials, organic components, etc., and may enable the detection and separation of impurities such as SO3-cotaining building materials (gypsum, aerated concrete, etc.). The project focuses primarily on the Berlin site to analyze the entire value chain, minimize economic/technological barriers and obstacles at the cluster level, and sustainably increase recovery and recycling rates. First measurements with LIBS and NIR spectroscopy show promising results in distinguishing various material types and indicate the potential for a successful combination. In addition, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is being performed to obtain more information about the quantitative elemental composition of the different building materials. Future work will apply the developed sorting methodology in a fully automated measurement setup with CDW on a conveyor belt.
Nebivolol (NEB), a β-blocker frequently used to treat cardiovascular diseases, has been widely detected in aquatic environments, and can be degraded under exposure to UV radiation, leading to the formation of certain transformation products (UV-TPs). Thus, the toxic effects of NEB and its UV-TPs on aquatic organisms are of great importance for aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, the degradation pathway of NEB under UV radiation was investigated. Subsequently, zebrafish embryos/larvae were used to assess the median lethal concentration (LC50) of NEB, and to clarify the sub-lethal effects of NEB and its UV-TPs for the first time. It was found that UV radiation could reduce the toxic effects of NEB on the early development of zebrafish. Transcriptomic analysis identified the top 20 enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways in zebrafish larvae exposed to NEB, most of which were associated with the antioxidant, nervous, and immune systems. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the pathways were reduced after UV radiation. Furthermore, the analysis of protein biomarkers, including CAT and GST (antioxidant response), AChE and ACh (neurotoxicity), CRP and LYS (immune response), revealed that NEB exposure reduced the activity of these biomarkers, whereas UV radiation could alleviate the effects. The present study provides initial insights into the mechanisms underlying toxic effects of NEB and the detoxification effects of UV radiation on the early development of zebrafish. It highlights the necessity of considering the toxicity of UV-TPs when evaluating the toxicity of emerging pollutants in aquatic systems.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) comprise mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn´s disease (CD). Both forms present with a chronic inflammation of the (gastro) intestinal tract, which induces excessive changes in the composition of the associated extracellular matrix (ECM). In UC, the inflammation is limited to the colon, whereas it can occur throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract in CD. Tools for early diagnosis of IBD are still very limited and highly invasive and measures for standardized evaluation of structural changes are scarce. To investigate an efficient non-invasive way of diagnosing intestinal inflammation and early changes of the ECM, very small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOPs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were applied in two mouse models of experimental colitis: the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and the transfer model of colitis. For further validation of ECM changes and inflammation, tissue sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. For in depth ex-vivo investigation of VSOPs localization within the tissue, Europium-doped VSOPs served to visualize the contrast agent by imaging mass cytometry (IMC). VSOPs accumulation in the inflamed colon wall of DSS-induced colitis mice was visualized in T2* weighted MRI scans. Components of the ECM, especially the hyaluronic acid content, were found to influence VSOPs binding. Using IMC, colocalization of VSOPs with macrophages and endothelial cells in colon tissue was shown. In contrast to the DSS model, colonic inflammation could not be visualized with VSOP-enhanced MRI in transfer colitis. VSOPs present a potential contrast agent for contrast-enhanced MRI to detect intestinal inflammation in mice at an early stage and in a less invasive manner depending on hyaluronic acid content.
Ultrasonic measurement technology has become indispensable in NDT-CE. Air-coupled ultrasonic (ACU) measurement techniques promise to reduce measurement time. However, the signal quality suffers from large specific impedance mismatch at the transducer-air and air-specimen interface. Additionally, large pressure amplitudes are necessary for the penetration depth required in NDT-CE applications. To address the specific requirements of ultrasonic testing in NDT-CE, a robust ACU transducer was developed, that generates ultrasound by quickly switching a pressurized air flow. The simple design of the fluidic transducer makes the device maintenance free and resilient against harsh environmental conditions. Since the signal is generated by aeroacoustics, there is no specific impedance mismatch between the transducer and the surrounding air. The ultrasonic signal exhibits frequencies in the 30-60 kHz range and is therefore well suited to penetrate heterogenous materials such as concrete. This contribution gives an introduction in the working principle and signal characteristics of the fluidic transducer. Its applicability to measurements in concrete is verified. A detailed outlook is given to discuss the future potential of fluidic ultrasonic actuators.
Materials are key for our modern communities; current life seems nearly impossible without concrete, plastic and metal. In particular metals play important roles in all areas of our daily life - from building materials to high tech products.
However, due to the increasing consumption of metals and corresponding waste production, an elevated release of metals from buildings and consumer goods into the environment takes place. Furthermore, metals in direct contact with the environment undergo corrosion processes which leads also to a release of metals into the (aquatic) environment. Besides this immediate metal release, the lifespan of products/buildings are substantially reduced – hence unnecessary economic costs arise. Thus, research in this regard is needed within the force field of metal/material environment.
However, to evaluate the environmental impact of materials as well as developing “safe” materials, new analytical methods are highly needed. One promising powerful tool in this regard is single cell-ICP-ToF-MS for multi-elemental analysis on a single cell/organism level.
Within this presentation the concept, strength as well as challenge of single cell-ICP-MS are briefly introduced. Afterwards, two application examples are presented: (i) assessing the environmental impact of metals and (ii) the impact of the environment on metal-based materials and the derivation of potential environmental-friendly material protection strategies. These applications highlight the strength of new analytical approaches to explore the durability and safety of newly developed materials. Thus, analytical chemistry is one corner stone to transformation of modern society into circular economy (CEco).
(i) Diatoms are located at the bottom of the food chain. Thus, toxicological relevant metals taken up by diatoms can possibly accumulate within the food web and cause harmful effects. Diatoms are a common test system in ecotoxicology. To investigate potential metal uptake and harmful effects on a single cell level, we developed an on-line single cell-ICP-ToF-MS approach for multi-elemental diatom analysis. Our approach is a new potential tool in ecotoxicological testing for metal-based materials.
(ii) Next to classical corrosion processes, microorganisms are responsible for so called microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). MIC is a highly unpredictable process relying on the interaction pathways between cells and the metal surface. To shed light on MIC processes and derivate potential metal protection strategies, we applied single cell-ICP-ToF-MS for MIC research on a single bacteria/archaea level. It turned out that microorganism are taking up particular metals from alloys - thus, single bacteria-ICP-ToF-MS will enable the development of environmental friendly corrosion protection strategies.
Several countries, which use or used nuclear power, started to destruct nuclear power plants. Thus, large amounts of radioactive waste have to be stored safely during the next decades. Large underground caverns will
be used a nuclear waste disposal. Once the cavern is full, a sealing construction is required. The sealing should avoid the contact to any fluids or substances of the storage barrels and reduce hazardous radiation.
Ultrasonic measurement technology has become indispensable in NDT-CE. Air-coupled ultrasonic (ACU) measurement techniques promise to reduce measurement time. However, the signal quality suffers from large specific impedance mismatch at the transducer-air and air-specimen interface. Additionally, large pressure amplitudes are necessary for the penetration depth required in NDT-CE applications.
To address the specific requirements of ultrasonic testing in NDT-CE, a robust ACU transducer was developed, that generates ultrasound by quickly switching a pressurized air flow. The simple design of the fluidic transducer makes the device maintenance free and resilient against harsh environmental conditions. Since the signal is generated by aeroacoustics, there is no specific impedance mismatch between the transducer and the surrounding air. The ultrasonic signal exhibits frequencies in the 30-60 kHz range and is therefore well suited to penetrate heterogenous materials such as concrete. This contribution gives an introduction in the working principle and signal characteristics of the fluidic transducer. A detailed outlook is given to discuss the future potential of fluidic ultrasonic actuators.
In non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring, ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) are of great interest for finding and characterizing structural flaws. The interaction of the waves with the flaws can often not be described analytically due to waves’ complexity. This makes numerical simulations and experiments indispensable. However, mentioned field of research is still relatively young and most of the methods focus on flaw localization, using time of flight of the reflected signal. This leaves many possibilities for further research, especially when it comes to separate analysis of different propagating modes.
It is well-known that ultrasonic wave modes convert when interacting with flaws. When a fundamental mode (A0 or S0) encounters a notch, it interacts and converts to another fundamental mode. In this contribution, this effect is used to analyze the depth of a notch. Firstly, numerical simulations are presented, which show notch depth proportionality to amplitude ratio of fundamental modes. To validate these results, experiments were carried out on a metal plate with a shallow notch which was gradually deepened. UGWs were excited using a polymer-based interdigital transducer (IDT) and detected with a 3D laser Doppler vibrometer. The IDT is employed to ensure excitation of a single mode and thus to reduce the complexity of the analysis. Good agreement between numerical and experimental results has been found. The results show the potential of UGWs not only for defect reconstruction and localization, but also its precise sizing.
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Latvia. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Latvian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Ireland. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Irish CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
Rapid, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly methods are desired today for routine analysis of the Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) in edible vegetable oils. Liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) is commonly used to reliably control the specified ZEN maximum levels, which requires efficient sample clean-up to avoid matrix interferences. Therefore, a highly selective extraction and clean-up method based on reversible covalent hydrazine chemistry (RCHC) using hydrazine-functionalized silica was developed. This efficient solid-phase extraction (SPE) involves reversible hydrazone formation of ZEN with the hydrazine moiety covalently bound to a solid phase. Optimal conditions were achieved with 1 mL SPE cartridges filled with 400 mg of hydrazine-functionalized silica. The developed RCHC-SPE method was validated in an interlaboratory comparison study (ILC) with twelve participants analyzing six edible vegetable oils with a focus on maize oils. The derived method parameters (ZEN recovery 83%, repeatability 7.0%, and reproducibility 18%) meet the performance criteria of Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. The developed RCHC-SPE-based HPLC-FLD method allows the reliable quantification of ZEN in the range of 47–494 μg/kg for different types of edible vegetable oils, also for matrix-reach native oils. Due to the high efficiency, the significantly reduced matrix load helps to extend the lifetime of analytical equipment. Furthermore, the re-useability of the RCHC-SPE cartridges contributes to an eco-friendly approach and reduced analysis costs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on ZEN quantification in edible vegetable oils based on manual RCHC-SPE cartridges. Due to its high performance, the developed RCHC-SPE method is a promising alternative to the current European standard method EN 16924:2017 (HPLC-FLD part).
NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+@NaGdF4:Nd3+/Yb3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were prepared using a solvothermal method, and the effects of key factors such as the content of sensitiser Nd 3+ and Yb3+ on their luminescence properties were investigated. The nanoparticles are homogeneous in size and well dispersed. Under 808 nm excitation, it can produce strong upconversion fluorescence. At the same time, the nanoparticles have good temperature-sensing properties at the thermally coupled energy levels of 700 nm and 646 nm for Tm3+. Using its fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR), accurate temperature measurements can be performed, and it has been found that it exhibits different temperature sensing properties in low and high-temperature regions. The maximum relative sensitivity was found to be 0.88% K-1 and 1.89% K-1 for the lowtemperature region of 285 K-345 K and the high-temperature region of 345 K-495 K. The nanoparticles were applied to the internal temperature measurement of lithium batteries and the actual high-temperature environment, respectively, and were found to have good temperature measurementt performance.
Learned block iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm for photothermal super resolution imaging
(2022)
Block-sparse regularization is already well known in active thermal imaging and is used for multiple-measurement-based inverse problems. The main bottleneck of this method is the choice of regularization parameters which differs for each experiment. We show the benefits of using a learned block iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm (LBISTA) that is able to learn the choice of regularization parameters, without the need to manually select them. In addition, LBISTA enables the determination of a suitable weight matrix to solve the underlying inverse problem. Therefore, in this paper we present LBISTA and compare it with state-of-the-art block iterative shrinkage thresholding using synthetically generated and experimental test data from active thermography for defect reconstruction. Our results show that the use of the learned block-sparse optimization approach provides smaller normalized mean square errors for a small fixed number of iterations. Thus, this allows us to improve the convergence speed and only needs a few iterations to generate accurate defect reconstruction in photothermal super-resolution imaging.
A new “green” and mild synthesis of highly stable microcrystalline Cs2AgxNa1-xBiyIn1-yCl6 (CANBIC) perovskites under ambient conditions was developed that is scalable to the multi-gram production. Under UV illumination, the CANBIC perovskites emit intense broadband photoluminescence (PL) with a quantum yield (QY) of 92% observed for x = 0.35 and y = 0.01-0.02. The combination of strong UV absorbance and broadband visible emission, high PL QY, and long PL lifetimes of up to 1.4 μs, along with an outstanding stability makes these CANBICs a promising material class for many optical applications.
For test laboratories operating under accreditation schemes like ISO/IEC 17025 (ISO/IEC 17025), as the international reference for testing and calibration laboratories wanting to demonstrate their capacity to deliver reliable results, a periodical control of the critical instrumental parameters of an Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS) is required.
This periodical check of an EDS is specified with exact procedures and materials in the ISO 15632:2021 ”Microbeam Analysis – Selected instrumental performance parameters for the specification and checking of energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometers for use in electron probe microanalysis” (ISO 15632). The EDS check can be simplified to the acquisition of only one 10 kV spectrum from a dedicated test material, EDS-TM002, which is made available by BAM since 2009 (https://webshop.bam.de/webshop_en/). The optional BAM software “EDX spectrometer check” is destined to automatically evaluate this spectrum and determine the performance of the EDS in terms of energy resolution and calibration, as well as possible alteration of low-energy efficiency due to detector contamination. Nearly 200 laboratories have the EDS-TM and associated software package in use.
Practical examples based on various types of artifacts occurred in the EDS spectra and a long-term (>10 years) meticulous observation of the own spectrometers will be discussed. Different types of EDS spectrometers are considered, e.g. Si(Li) and SDD, of various window types (AP, the recent one Si3N4 or even windowless), and with different front contact layers (Au and Ni) (Hodoroaba and Procop, 2014). Evaluation of other parameters or effects such as the deadtime at different count rates or pileup effects is also explained with examples.
This study presents a practical procedure to give access to more information by tilting the sample holder and hence allowing images of a single particle to be recorded at different orientations under the same view angle. From the analysis of these images, extended information on surface roughness of the particle can be extracted. Thus, instead of obtaining 2D information from a single SEM image, three-dimensional (3D) information is obtained from 2D projections recorded at different particle orientations.
Lithium and boron are trace components of magmas, released during exsolution of a gas phase during volcanic activity. In this study, we determine the difusivity and isotopic fractionation of Li and B in hydrous silicate melts. Two glasses were synthesized with the same rhyolitic composition (4.2 wt% water), having diferent Li and B contents; these were studied in difusion-couple experiments that were performed using an internally heated pressure vessel, operated at 300 MPa in the temperature range 700–1250 °C for durations from 0 s to 24 h. From this we determined activation energies for Li and B difusion of 57±4 kJ/mol and 152±15 kJ/mol with pre-exponential factors of 1.53 × 10–7 m2/s and 3.80× 10–8 m2 /s, respectively. Lithium isotopic fractionation during difusion gave β values between 0.15 and 0.20, whereas B showed no clear isotopic fractionation. Our Li difusivities and isotopic fractionation results difer somewhat from earlier published values, but overall confrm that Li difusivity increases with water content. Our results on B difusion show that similarly to Li, B mobility increases in the presence of water. By applying the Eyring relation, we confrm that B difusivity is limited by viscous fow in silicate melts. Our results on Li and B difusion present a new tool for understanding degassing-related processes, ofering a potential geospeedometer to measure volcanic ascent rates.
Heterogeneous Oxysulfide@Fluoride Core/ Shell Nanocrystals for Upconversion-Based Nanothermometry
(2022)
Lanthanide (Ln3+)-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) often suffer from weak luminescence, especially when their sizes are ultrasmall (less than 10 nm). Enhancing the upconversion luminescence (UCL) efficiency of ultrasmall UCNPs has remained a challenge that must be undertaken if any practical applications are to be envisaged. Herein, we present a Ln3+-doped oxysulfide@fluoride core/shell heterostructure which shows efficient UCL properties under 980nm excitation and good stability in solution. Through epitaxial heterogeneous growth, a ∼4 nm optically inert β-NaYF4 shell was coated onto ∼5 nm ultrasmall Gd2O2S:20%Yb,1%Tm. These Gd2O2S:20%Yb,1%Tm@NaYF4 core/shell UCNPs exhibit a more than 800-fold increase in UCL intensity compared to the unprotected core, a 180-fold increase in luminescence decay time of the 3H4 → 3H6 Tm3+ transition from 5 to 900 μs, and an upconversion quantum yield (UCQY) of 0.76% at an excitation power density of 155 W/cm2. Likewise, Gd2O2S:20%Yb,2%Er@NaYF4 core/shell UCNPs show a nearly 5000-fold
increase of their UCL intensity compared to the Gd2O2S:20%Yb,2%Er core and a maximum UCQY of 0.61%. In the Yb/Er core−shell UCNP system, the observed variation of luminescence intensity ratio seems to originate from a change in lattice strain as the temperature is elevated. For nanothermometry applications, the thermal sensitivities based on thermally coupled levels are estimated for both Yb/Tm and Yb/Er doped Gd2O2S@NaYF4 core/shell UCNPs.
The ability of industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) to scan an object with several internal and external features at once causes increasing adoption in dimensional metrology. In order to evaluate the quality of a measurement value, the task-specific measurement uncertainty has to be determined. Currently, VDI/VDE 2630 part 2.1 gives a guideline to determine the uncertainty of CT measurements experimentally by conducting repeated measurements. This is costly and time-consuming. Thus, the aim is to determine the task-specific measurement uncertainty numerically by simulations (e. g. according to the guide to expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM) Supplement 1). To achieve that, a digital twin is necessary. This contribution presents a simple first approach how a digital twin can be built. In order to evaluate this approach, a study comparing measurements and simulations of different real CT systems was carried out by determining the differences between the measurement results of the digital twin and of the measurement results of the real-world CT systems. The results have shown a moderate agreement between real and simulated data. To improve on this aspect, a standardized method to characterize CT systems and methods to implement CT parameters into the simulation with sufficient accuracy will be developed.
The residual stresses and load transfer in multiphase metal alloys and their composites (with both random planar-oriented short fibers and particles) will be shown, as studied by neutron diffraction, by X-ray computed tomography, and by a model based on the reformulation of classic Maxwell’s homogenization method.
Contrary to common understanding and state-of-the-art models, we experimentally observe that randomly oriented phases possess non-hydrostatic residual stress. Moreover, we disclose that the unreinforced matrix alloy stays under hydrostatic compression even under external uniaxial compression.
The recently developed modeling approach allows calculating the residual stress in all phases of the composites. It rationalizes the presence of deviatoric stresses accounting for the interaction of random oriented phases with fibers having preferential orientation. It also allows the explanation of the unconventional in-situ behavior of the unreinforced alloy and the prediction of the micromechanical behavior of other similar alloys.
The availability of non-destructive methods is particularly important for composites, e.g., carbon or glass fiber-reinforced polymers because their properties strongly depend on the manufacturing process and in-service conditions. Composites are mostly used in thin-walled components which are perfectly suited for the characterisation with ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs).
In this contribution, we demonstrate sensitivities of UGW to different elastic constants of a composite material. Then we present a characterisation procedure which can be used to in-fer elastic properties. Our approach is based on an inverse procedure in which the numeri-cally calculated dispersion curves are fitted to the measured curves. The acquisition is done by applying a broadband piezoelectric transducer (PZT) to excite various UGW modes and a 3D laser Doppler vibrometer (3D LDV) to record them. Compared to the approaches based on laser excitation, the PZT provides a better signal-to-noise ratio because more energy is brought into the structure. Whereas the 3D LDV compared to a 1D LDV or a PZT allows cap-turing in-plane and out-of-plane components giving more dispersion information for a better characterisation. Since the inverse procedure requires many iterations before elastic prop-erties are retrieved, an efficient tool for the calculation of the dispersion curves is necessary. For this, the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method is used. All in all, a good agreement be-tween theoretical and experimental curves is demonstrated.
The residual stresses and load transfer in multiphase metal alloys and their composites (with both random planar-oriented short fibers and particles) will be shown, as studied by neutron diffraction, by X-ray computed tomography, and by a model based on the reformulation of classic Maxwell’s homogenization method.
Contrary to common understanding and state-of-the-art models, we experimentally observe that randomly oriented phases possess non-hydrostatic residual stress. Moreover, we disclose that the unreinforced matrix alloy stays under hydrostatic compression even under external uniaxial compression.
The recently developed modeling approach allows calculating the residual stress in all phases of the composites. It rationalizes the presence of deviatoric stresses accounting for the interaction of random oriented phases with fibers having preferential orientation. It also allows the explanation of the unconventional in-situ behavior of the unreinforced alloy and the prediction of the micromechanical behavior of other similar alloys.
The application of temperature compensation strategies is crucial in structural health monitoring approaches based on guided waves. Actually, the varying temperature influences the performance of the inspection system inducing false alarms or missed detection, with a consequent reduction of reliability and impact on probability of detection (POD).
This paper quantitatively describes two different methods to compensate the temperature effect, namely the optimal baseline selection (OBS) and the baseline signal stretch (BSS) extending their application to the case of a distributed sensor networks (DSN). This latter introduces a number of possible data to explore compensation strategies which do not necessarily returns univocal results. Hence, a decision framework is needed, which takes into consideration multiple ultrasonic time traces with different arrival times and amplitude. In detail, the effect of temperature separation between baseline time-traces in OBS are investigated considering multiple couples of sensors employed in the DSN. A combined strategy that uses both OBS and a frequent value warning is introduced to find the more probable temperature with increasing reliability of the assessment. The same procedure is applied using the BSS algorithm. Finally, the use of both approaches is introduced, comparing the capability of the mixed algorithm to correctly sort temperature information from OBS and then apply the BSS combining the frequent value warning to have a unique correction all over the DSN.
Theoretical results are compared, using data from two several experiments, which use different frequency analysis with either predominantly A0 mode or S0 mode data or both. The focus is given on the fact that different paths are available in a sensor network and several possible combinations of results are available. Nonetheless, introducing a frequent value warning it is possible to increase the efficiency of the OBS and BSS approaches making use of fewer signal processing algorithms. These confirm that the performance of OBS quantitatively agrees with predictions. In addition, the possibility to combine BSS approached also demonstrates that the use of compensation strategies improves detectability and localization of damage even in a DSN. This result can be used to improve the SHM system reliability, with promising perspectives in increasing POD.
While there is a extensive literature on the micro-mechanical behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs) under uniaxial applied stress, very little is available on multi-phase MMCs. In order to cast light on the reinforcement and damage processes in such multi-phase composites, an Al alloy with one and two ceramic reinforcements (planar-random oriented alumina fibers and SiC particles) were studied. In-situ compression tests during neutron diffraction experiments were used to track the load transfer among phases, while X-ray computed tomography was used to investigate pre-strained samples, in order to monitor and quantify damage. We found that damage progresses differently in composites with different orientations of the fiber mat. Because of the presence of the intermetallic network, it was observed that the second ceramic reinforcement changes the load transfer scenario only at very high applied load, when also intermetallic particles break. We rationalized the experimental results by means of a micromechanical model based on Maxwell’s homogenization scheme, and we could explain why no damage is observed in the ductile matrix under compression: the matrix finds itself in hydrostatic compression, and the Poisson’s tensile strain is totally carried by the reinforcement phases
Global Status and Trends in Digital Transformation and Conformity Assessment – The Case of Germany
(2022)
This presentation summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment worldwide. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) in Germany conducted in 2022, as well as some first insights from Latin American countries. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on CABs is part of a global project that covers various countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
Ultrasonic probes for high-temperature applications are provided with metallic wedges, which can withstand the contact with the high temperature of the inspected structure. The ultrasonic signal travels within the wedge and gets reflected from its boundaries, causing interference signals called “ghost echoes”. The current work presents an investigation of the additional damping effect provided by porous sintered metal plates applied onto the surface of the wedge. In particular, the study evaluates the effect of damping plate thickness on the interference signal level at different transmission frequencies. Damping plates made of sintered metal SIKA-R 15 AX were attached to a wedge prototype made of steel 1.4301. The study revealed, that the most effective thickness of damping plates in the selected frequency interval of 1 to 4 MHz is equal to 4 mm. The evaluation of the interference signal has shown that the application of such damping plates to the wedge surface contributes to an additional attenuation of an interference signal of 10 to 30 dB after 500 μs of signal propagation.
In this work, we report on a method for automatic inspection of components using laser scanning thermography, in which the relative motion is performed by a robot to fully inspect complex test objects such as turbine blades. We demonstrate our evaluation algorithms with the aim of automatically detecting surface defects on calibrated specimens. We show the influence of the excitation laser, which can be varied in terms of spot geometry, wavelength, and scan scheme. Additionally, we show some advantages, versatility, and current challenges of using a programmed robot for non-destructive evaluation in thermography.
Analysis of electrochemical and liver microsomal transformation products of lasalocid by LC/HRMS
(2022)
Rationale: Lasalocid (LAS), an ionophore, is used in cattle and poultry farming as feed additive for its antibiotic and growth-promoting properties. Literature on transformation products (TP) resulting from LAS degradation is limited. So far, only hydroxylation is found to occur as the metabolic reaction during the LAS degradation. To investigate potential TPs of LAS, we used electrochemistry (EC) and liver microsome (LM) assays to synthesize TPs, which were identified using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS).
Methods: Electrochemically produced TPs were analyzed online by direct coupling of the electrochemical cell to the electrospray ionization (ESI) source of a Sciex Triple-TOF high resolution mass spectrometer. Then, EC-treated LAS solution was collected and analyzed offline using LC/HRMS to confirm stable TPs and improve their annotation with a chemical structure due to informative MS/MS spectra. In a complementary approach, TPs formed by rat and human microsomal incubation were investigated using LC/HRMS. The resulting data were used to investigate LAS modification reactions and elucidate the chemical structure of obtained TPs.
Results: The online measurements identified a broad variety of TPs, resulting from modification reactions like (de-)hydrogenation, hydration, methylation, oxidation as well as adduct formation with methanol. We consistently observed different ion complexations of LAS and LAS-TPs (Na+; 2Na+ K+; NaNH4 +; KNH4 +). Two stable methylated EC-TPs were found, structurally annotated, and assigned to a likely modification reaction. Using LM incubation, seven TPs were formed, mostly by oxidation/hydroxylation. After the identification of LM-TPs as Na+-complexes, we identified LM-TPs as K+-complexes.
Conclusion: We identified and characterized TPs of LAS using EC- and LM-based methods. Moreover, we found different ion complexes of LAS-based TPs. This knowledge, especially the different ion complexes, may help elucidate the metabolic and environmental degradation pathways of LAS.
Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is an advanced digital radiographic imaging technique employing the refraction of X-rays to contrast internal interfaces. This study aims at qualitatively and quantitatively evaluating images acquired using this technique and to assess how different fitting functions to the typical rocking curves (RCs) influence the quality of images. RCs are obtained for every image pixel. This allows the separate determination of the absorption and the refraction properties of the material in a position-sensitive manner. Comparison of various types of fitting functions reveals that the Pseudo-Voigt (PsdV) function is best suited to fit typical RCs. A robust algorithm was developed in the Python programming language, which reliably extracts the physically meaningful information from each pixel of the image. We demonstrate the potential of the algorithm with two specimens: a silicone gel specimen that has well-defined interfaces, and an additively manufactured polycarbonate specimen.
CS particles show unique properties by merging individual characteristics of the core and the shell materials. An alteration particularly in their surface roughness affects the final performance of the particles in the targeted application. Quantitative evaluation of the roughness of CS microparticles is, however, a challenging task employing microscopic techniques being scarce and showing large differences in terms of methodology and results.
In our previous work, we have reported a systematic study with a reliable analysis tool, which evaluates profile roughness quantitatively, for individual core-shell microparticles using electron microscopy (EM) images of both types, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and transmission mode SEM (or TSEM). The SEM images contain two-dimensional (2D) information, therefore, provide profile roughness data only from the projection in the horizontal plane (in other words, from the “belly”) of a spherical particle. The present study offers a practical procedure to give access to more information by tilting the sample holder and hence allowing images of a single particle to be recorded at different orientations under the same view angle. From the analysis of these images, extended information on surface roughness of the particle can be extracted. Thus, instead of obtaining 2D information from a single SEM image, three-dimensional (3D) information is obtained from 2D projections recorded at different particle orientations.
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Italy. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Italian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
Photothermal characterization of polyester composites loaded with parallelly arranged graphite rods
(2022)
One of the biggest challenges in the measurement of thermal properties is to measure inhomogeneous materials This work focuses on measuring the thermal properties of cylindrical polyester resin composite materials loaded with graphite rods oriented in the direction of the resin thickness, varying the graphite concentrations starting from zero to 8 75 of volumetric fraction and changing the distribution of graphite rods inside the polyester matrix
A first tricolor fluorescent pH nanosensor is presented, which was rationally designed from biocompatible carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles and two analyte-responsive molecular fluorophores. Its fabrication involved particle staining with a blue-red-emissive dyad, consisting of a rhodamine moiety responsive to acidic pH values and a pH-inert quinoline fluorophore, followed by the covalent attachment of a fluorescein dye to the particle surface that signals neutral and basic pH values with a green fluorescence. These sensor particles change their fluorescence from blue to red and green, depending on the pH and excitation wavelength, and enable ratiometric pH measurements in the pH range of 3.0−9.0. The localization of the different sensor dyes in the particle core and at the particle surface was confirmed with fluorescence microscopy utilizing analogously prepared polystyrene microparticles. To show the application potential of these polystyrene-based multicolor sensor particles, fluorescence microscopy studies with a human A549 cell line were performed, which revealed the cellular uptake of the pH nanosensor and the differently colored emissions in different cell organelles, that is, compartments of the endosomal-lysosomal pathway. Our results demonstrate the underexplored potential of biocompatible polystyrene particles for multicolor and multianalyte sensing and bioimaging utilizing hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic stimuli-responsive luminophores.
A fluorolytic sol–gel method was used for the fast and simple synthesis of small cubic-phase SrF2:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion (UC) nanocrystals (UCNC) of different composition at room temperature. Systematic studies of the crystal phase and particle size of this Yb3+,Er3+-concentration series as well as excitation power density (P)-dependent UC luminescence (UCL) spectra, UCL quantum yields (ΦUCL), and UCL decay kinetics yielded maximum UCL performance for doping amounts of Yb3+ of 13.5% and Er3+ of 1.3% in the studied doping and P-range (30–400 W cm−2). Furthermore, ΦUCL were determined to be similar to popular β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+. The relative spectral UCL distributions revealed that all UCNC show a strong red emission in the studied doping and P-range (30–400 W cm−2) and suggest that the UCL quenching pathway for unshelled cubic-phase SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ UCNC differs from the commonly accepted population and depopulation pathways of β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ UCNC. In SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ UCNC the 4S3/2 →
4I13/2 transition exhibits a notably stronger sensitivity towards P and reveals increasing values for decreasing Yb3+–Yb3+ distances while the 4I9/2 → 4I15/2 transition is significantly less affected by P and energy migration facilitated UCL quenching. These results emphasize the complexity of the UC processes and the decisive role of the crystal phase and symmetry of the host lattice on the operative UCL quenching mechanism in addition to surface effects. Moreover, the room temperature UCNC synthesis enabled a systematic investigation of the influence of the calcination temperature on the crystal phase of powder-UCNC and the associated UCL properties. Calcination studies of solid UCNC of optimized doping concentration in the temperature range of 175 °C and 800 °C showed the beneficial influence of temperature-
induced healing of crystal defects on UCL and the onset of a phase separation connected with the oxygenation of the lanthanide ions at elevated temperature. This further emphasizes the sensitivity of the UC process to the crystal phase and quality of the host matrix.
Li-rich nanoparticles of Li1+xMn2–xO4 doped with Al, Co, or Ni are successfully synthesized using a facile, fast, and efficient microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of the crystalline cubic spinel phase type. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis at the Co and Ni K- and L-edges verifies that the dopants are within the Li1+xMn2–xO4 spinel structure and are inactive during cycling in the bulk and at the surface. Moreover, we demonstrate that nanocrystallinity and cationic doping play an important role in improving the electrochemical performance with respect to LiMn2O4 microparticles. They significantly reduce the charge-transfer resistance, lower the first cycle irreversible capacity loss to 6%, and achieve a capacity retention between 85 and 90% after 380 cycles, with excellent Coulombic efficiency close to 99% without compromising the specific charge at a 5C cycling rate. Furthermore, the Mn K- and L-edges attest that after long cycling, the Mn oxidation state in the bulk differs from that at the surface caused by the Mn disproportion reaction; however, the cationic doping helps mitigate the Mn dissolution with respect to the undoped Li1+xMn2–xO4 nanoparticles, as indicated by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.
Fluid inclusion microthermometry is one of the analytical approaches that has been proposed for speleothem-based temperature reconstructions. The proxy of this paleothermometer is the density of drip water relicts that have been enclosed in microscopic fluid inclusions during speleothem growth. Prior to microthermometric analyses, the monophase liquid inclusions need to be transferred from a metastable liquid into a stable liquid-vapour two-phase state by stimulating vapour bubble nucleation by means of single ultra-short laser pulses. Subsequent microthermometric analyses determine the temperature at which the vapour bubble disappears again, the so-called liquid-vapour homogenisation temperature (Th(obs) ). The observed homogenisation temperature depends not only on the water density but also on the inclusion volume. In order to determine the water density, a thermodynamic model is used that takes account of the effect of surface tension on Th(obs) to calculate Th∞. This is the corresponding homogenisation temperature at saturation pressure that determines the water density and defines the formation temperature of the fluid inclusion. The analytical precision of the method ranges between 0.1 and 0.3 °C depending on the size of the inclusions.
Validation of a fast and traceable radiographic scale calibration of dimensional computed tomography
(2022)
A fast and highly precise method of determining the geometrical scale factor of computed tomography (CT) measurements has been validated successfully by Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) within the scope of AdvanCT (Advanced Computed Tomography for dimensional and surface measurements in industry), a project funded in the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR). The method has been developed by PTB and requires only two radiographic images of a calibrated thin 2D standard (hole grid standard) from two opposite directions. The mean grid distance is determined from both radiographs. From this and with the help of the calibration result, the radiographic scale and therefore the voxel size is determined. The procedure takes only a few minutes and avoids a time-consuming CT scan. To validate the method, the voxel sizes determined via this method were compared with voxel sizes determined from CT scans of calibrated objects. Relative deviations between the voxel sizes in the range of 10−5 were
achieved with minimal effort using cone-beam CT systems at moderate magnifications.
Methodologies for model parameterization of virtual CTs for measurement uncertainty estimation
(2022)
X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a fast-growing technology for dimensional measurements in industrial applications. However, traceable and efficient methods to determine measurement uncertainties are not available. Guidelines like the VDI/VDE 2630 Part 2.1 suggest at least 20 repetitions of a specific measurement task, which is not feasible for industrial standards. Simulation-based approaches to determine task specific measurement uncertainties are promising, but require closely adjusted model parameters and an integration of error sources like geometrical deviations during a measurement. Unfortunately, the development of an automated process to parameterize and integrate geometrical deviations into XCT models is still an open issue. In this work, the whole processing chain of dimensional XCT measurements is taken into account with focus on the issues and requirements to determine suitable parameters of geometrical deviations. Starting off with baseline simulations of different XCT systems, two approaches are investigated to determine and integrate geometrical deviations of reference measurements. The first approach tries to iteratively estimate geometric deviation parameter values to match the characteristics of the missing error sources. The second approach estimates those values based on radiographs of a known calibrated reference object. In contrast to prior work both approaches only use a condensed set of parameters to map geometric deviations. In case of the iterative approach, some major issues regarding unhandled directional dependencies have been identified and discussed. Whereas the radiographic method resulted in task specific expanded measurements uncertainties below one micrometre even for bi-directional features, which is a step closer towards a true digital twin for uncertainty estimations in dimensional XCT.
i-TRIBOMAT will provide the world's first Open Innovation Test Bed dedicated to analysing and simulating materials in tribological systems. In order to make necessary results of tribological tests comparable, harmonised ways to produce data are mandatory. Many sources influence the outcome of a Tribological test. Different approaches of institutes were evaluated in best practices via quality management tools minimising the impact on results.
Probe diagnostics is used to determine the electron temperature and electron number density in a low pressure inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ignited in the mixture of SiF4, Ar and H2. Emission spectra of mixtures with different stoichiometry of components are investigated and the electron density distribution function (EDDF) is estimated. The optimal conditions for high conversion of SiF4 into Si are found by studying the dependence of the yield of silicon upon the ratio of reagents. The maximum achieved yield of silicon is 85% under the optimal conditions. Based on the analysis of IR and MS spectra of exhaust gases, 5% of initial SiF4 converts into volatile fluorosilanes. A rate of production of Si is 0.9 g/h at the energy consumption 0.56 kWh /g.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is increasingly used to study the distribution of metal-containing drugs, imaging probes and nanomaterials in connection with disease related changes and therapy progress. Additionally, biomolecules can be detected indirectly by using metal-tagged antibodies.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is, besides the cells, an important component of all body tissues. The macromolecular network of the ECM consists of structural proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin) and proteoglycans composed of highly negatively charged carbohydrates, the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are covalently linked to a protein core. Many diseases, including inflammatory processes and tumors, are associated with characteristic ECM changes at an early stage. Recent studies have shown that contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are based on gadolinium containing chelate complexes or iron oxide nanoparticles, can bind themselves to ECM components.
To elucidate the role of GAGs like keratan sulfate (KS) and its modification state in disease, highly specific tools are necessary. As a complement to conventional immunohistochemistry LA-ICP-MS was applied to investigate the distribution of KS in tissue thin sections using a well characterized anti-KS antibody labelled with metal ions. Furthermore, LA-ICP-MS was used for the detection of MRI contrast agents and the identification of their target cells and molecules in tissue samples from animal models, e.g. for cardiovascular diseases. The results show the possibilities of LA-ICP-MS for the elucidation of pathological tissue changes.
Mechanochemistry has become a sustainable and attractive cost-effective synthetic technique, largely used within the frame of crystal engineering. Cocrystals, namely, crystalline compounds made of different chemical entities within the same crystal structure, are typically synthesized in bulk via mechanochemistry; however, whereas the macroscopic aspects of grinding are becoming clear, the fundamental principles that underlie mechanochemical cocrystallization at the microscopic level remain poorly understood. Time-resolved in situ (TRIS) monitoring approaches have opened the door to exceptional detail regarding mechanochemical reactions. We here report a clear example of cocrystallization between two solid coformers that proceeds through the formation of a metastable low melting binary eutectic phase. The overall cocrystallization process has been monitored by time-resolved in situ (TRIS) synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction with a customized ball milling setup, currently available at μ Spot beamline at BESSY-II, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. The binary system and the low melting eutectic phase were further characterized via DSC, HSM, and VT-XRPD.
Fire-gilding is a historic technique for the application of golden layers on a number of different base materials utilizing a gold amalgam. This technique leaves a significant amount of Hg in the golden layer, giving archeometrists a reliable indicator to identify firegildings.
Recent findings on presumably fire-gilded objects have shown in several cases significantly lower Hg content than previously studied objects. This prompted a synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence investigation into the Hg distribution along the material–gilding interface, as well as a series of measurements regarding the Hg content development in fire-gilded samples during artificial aging. This work presents findings on laboratory-prepared fire-gildings, indicating an Hg enrichment at the interface of firegilded silver samples. Notably, such an enrichment is missing in fire-gilded copper samples. Further, it is confirmed that fire-gilded layers typically do not undercut an Hg bulk content of 5%. In this light, it seems improbable that ancient samples that contain <5% Hg are fire-gilded. The results presented in this study might lead to a non-destructive method to identify the Hg enrichment at the interface. This might be obtained by a combination of different non-destructive measurements and might also work unambiguously in samples in which the gold top layer is altered.