Ingenieurwissenschaften und zugeordnete Tätigkeiten
Filtern
Erscheinungsjahr
- 2016 (116) (entfernen)
Dokumenttyp
- Posterpräsentation (116) (entfernen)
Referierte Publikation
- nein (116)
Schlagworte
- Sintering (5)
- Crystallization (4)
- Femtosecond laser ablation (4)
- In situ (4)
- Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) (4)
- 3D High-temperature shape screening (3)
- Cocrystal (3)
- Composite-Druckgefäße (3)
- Degradation (3)
- Hydrogen (3)
- Korrosionsbeständigkeit (3)
- Laser profilometry (3)
- Mechanochemistry (3)
- PE-HD (3)
- Phase grating (3)
- Residual stress (3)
- SAXS (3)
- XANES (3)
- AFM (2)
- Additive manufacturing (2)
- Bildgebung (2)
- Bioactive (2)
- Biodiesel (2)
- Confocal (2)
- Corrosion (2)
- Diesel (2)
- Electrochemistry (2)
- Faseroptik (2)
- Friction (2)
- Gel-type electrolytes (2)
- Glass (2)
- Hydrogen assisted cracking (2)
- Imaging (2)
- Metallographie (2)
- Microbial induced corrosion (2)
- Microscopy (2)
- Mikrobiell induzierte Korrosion (2)
- Milling (2)
- Nanosensor (2)
- Neutron diffraction (2)
- Numerical modeling (2)
- Polymer (2)
- Polymers (2)
- QY (2)
- SCNC (2)
- SEM (2)
- Schadensanalyse (2)
- Selective laser melting (2)
- Self-healing (2)
- Single molecule (2)
- Spectroscopic ellipsometry (2)
- Steel (2)
- Tribology (2)
- Ultra-Thin films (2)
- Wear (2)
- XRD (2)
- Zinc coatings (2)
- Zustandsüberwachung (2)
- cylinders (2)
- 29Si-27Al TRAPDOR MAS (1)
- 3D analysis (1)
- ALD (atomic layer deposited) (1)
- Abkühlgeschwindigkeit (1)
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) (1)
- Additive Manufacture (1)
- Aging (1)
- Al2O3 (1)
- Albumin (1)
- Alkali-Kieselsäure-Reaktion (1)
- Alkali-silica-reaction (1)
- Alkalialumosilicatsysteme (1)
- Aln (1)
- Alumina (1)
- Aluminium alloys (1)
- Ammoniumnitrat (1)
- Baustoffe (1)
- Betonschallplatte (1)
- Biofilm cultivation (1)
- Biofilms (1)
- Brazing (1)
- Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (1)
- Bruchmechanik (1)
- Building materials (1)
- CALPHAD (1)
- CCUS (1)
- CO2-Korrosion (1)
- Calcium cobaltite (1)
- Calculation (1)
- Carbon nanomembranes (1)
- Carrier Gas Hot Extraction (1)
- Catalysis (1)
- Ceramic-ceramc joints (1)
- Chromium (1)
- Chromstahl (1)
- Coarsening (1)
- Coatings (1)
- Composite cylinder (1)
- Compound (1)
- Compression (1)
- Compsite tapes (1)
- Computed Tomography (1)
- Computed tomography (1)
- Concrete (1)
- Corrosion investigations (1)
- Corrosion loss (1)
- Corundum grinding (1)
- Creep-resistant Steel (1)
- Creep-resistant steel (1)
- Curvelet Transform (1)
- DNA (1)
- Data fusion (1)
- Databases (1)
- Datenanalyse (1)
- Datenträger (1)
- Defects (1)
- Degradation of Mechanical Properties (1)
- Degree of purity (1)
- Dendrimersomes (1)
- Dendritic amphiphiles (1)
- Diffusion (1)
- Diffusion Coefficient (1)
- Diffusion barrier (1)
- Discotic Liquid Crystals (1)
- Discotic liquid crystals (1)
- Distribution during filling (1)
- Dosimetry (1)
- Duplex stainless steel (1)
- Duplexstahl (1)
- Durability (1)
- ESI-TOF-MS (1)
- Edelstahl (1)
- Elastomer (1)
- Electrolysis (1)
- Electron Microscopy (1)
- Elektrochemische Charakterisierung (1)
- Elevated Temperatures (1)
- Elevated temperatures (1)
- Ellipsometry (1)
- Emission test chamber (1)
- Energietechnik (1)
- Environmental stress cracking (1)
- Erneuerbare Energien (1)
- Explosivstoffe (1)
- FEM (1)
- FNCT (1)
- Fe-Cr alloys (1)
- Fiber (1)
- Fiber-optic microarray (1)
- Film thickness determination (1)
- Finite Element Method (1)
- Finite element method (1)
- Fluorescence (1)
- Fluorides (1)
- Fractography (1)
- Fraktographie (1)
- Fullerene (1)
- GMR (1)
- Gamma-irradiation (1)
- Gas Sorption (1)
- Geant4 (1)
- Gefahrgut (1)
- Gefahrstoff (1)
- Gelartige Elektrolyte (1)
- Geopolymer (1)
- Geothermal energy (1)
- Glas (1)
- Glasstruktur (1)
- Hauptkomponentenanalyse (1)
- Hazmat (1)
- Helium- und Wasserstoffpermeation (1)
- HfO2 (1)
- High Pressure (1)
- High resolution ultrasonic testing (1)
- High-Performance Concrete (1)
- High-temperature corrosion (1)
- Homemade explosives (1)
- Honeycomb structure (1)
- Hydrogen diffusion (1)
- Image Denoising (1)
- Image analysis (1)
- Immersion tank testing (1)
- Impact excitation (1)
- Impact strength (1)
- In situ analysis (1)
- In-Situ (1)
- In-situ loading (1)
- Indoor air (1)
- Intermediate (1)
- Internal oxidation (1)
- Invasive Arten (1)
- Inverse Analysis (1)
- Inverse analysis (1)
- Iron oxide nanoparticles (1)
- Kleidermotte (1)
- Kondensation (1)
- Korrosion (1)
- Korrosionsabtrag (1)
- Korundschleifen (1)
- LCF (1)
- Least-Squares Adjustment (1)
- Least-squares adjustment (1)
- Lebensdauer (1)
- Lizard (1)
- Load transfer (1)
- Localized corrosion (1)
- Low energy electrons (1)
- MIC (1)
- Magnetic stray fields (1)
- Martensitische nichtrostende Stähle (1)
- Mechanochemie (1)
- Metal matrix composite (1)
- Metal matrix composites (1)
- Metal phosphonates (1)
- Metal reducing bacteria (1)
- Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) (1)
- Microbiologically influenced corrosion (1)
- Microdosimetry (1)
- Microfluidic (1)
- Micromixer (1)
- Molecularly imprinted polymers (1)
- Multi-method Metrology (1)
- NMR (1)
- Nanoconfinement (1)
- Nanoparticle (1)
- Nanoparticles (1)
- Nd-sensitizer (1)
- Neintron diffraction (1)
- Neozoon (1)
- Ni-based alloy (1)
- Nichtrostende Stähle (1)
- Nichtrostender Stahl (1)
- Nickelbasislegierungen (1)
- Niobium carbide powder (1)
- Non destructive testing (1)
- Novel equipment (1)
- Numerical Modeling (1)
- One-part formulation (1)
- Optical layer model (1)
- Orientation (1)
- Oxidation (1)
- P92 (1)
- PIM-1 (1)
- POSS (1)
- Paracetamol (1)
- Permeation (1)
- Photovoltaic (1)
- Phthalocyanine (1)
- Pollen (1)
- Polyethylene (1)
- Pores (1)
- Porous Materials (1)
- Porous materials (1)
- Precipitation (1)
- Prüfmethode (1)
- Pulse reflection (1)
- Pulse shape analysis (1)
- Pulvermethode (1)
- QD (1)
- Quality assurance (1)
- Quality control (1)
- Qualitätssicherung (1)
- Quartz Crystal Microbalance QCM (1)
- Radiation damage (1)
- Radicals (1)
- Raman spectroscopy (1)
- Reduction of agglomerates (1)
- Reinforcing Bar (1)
- Resonanz (1)
- Reverse-time migration (1)
- Rice husk ash (1)
- Ringversuch (1)
- SEP 1927 (1)
- Schwefelgehalt (1)
- Schweißnähte (1)
- Selbstreinigung (1)
- Selective Electron Beam Melting (1)
- Self-assembly (1)
- Silver (1)
- Simulation (1)
- Slow crack growth (1)
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (1)
- Solar Cell (1)
- Solarenergie (1)
- Solid-State-Reaction (1)
- Sorption (1)
- Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (1)
- Stabilization of HT-structures at room temperature (1)
- Stable suspensions (1)
- Stainless steel (1)
- Stainless steels (1)
- Sulfidation (1)
- Synchrotron (1)
- Synchrotron radiation (1)
- TATP (1)
- THz spectroscopy (1)
- TMF (1)
- Talbot-Lau interferomerty (1)
- Tankdesign (1)
- Temperature dependence (1)
- Tensile (1)
- Tensile test (1)
- Terahertz synthetic aperture dielectric materials (1)
- Thermodynamik (1)
- Thermoelectrics (1)
- Thin Films (1)
- Thin Films; (1)
- Thin film metrology (1)
- Thin films (1)
- TiO2 (1)
- Time-resolved (1)
- Titanium (1)
- Titanium Dioxide (1)
- Titanium nitride (1)
- ToF-SIMS (1)
- Topography (1)
- Topotactic transformation (1)
- Transmission electron microscopy (1)
- Type III composite pressure receptacles (1)
- UCNP (1)
- UHPC (1)
- UPLC (1)
- Ultrasonic echo technique (1)
- Uncertainty (1)
- Vakuumheißextraktion (1)
- Validierung (1)
- Verzinkungen (1)
- Vessels (1)
- WAXS (1)
- Wasserstoffpermeation (1)
- Weld Joint (1)
- Welding (1)
- Wetting (1)
- Wood preservation (1)
- X-ray Computed Tomography (1)
- X-ray imaging (1)
- X-ray interferometry (1)
- X-ray refraction (1)
- Yellowing (1)
- Young's modulus (1)
- Young´s modulus (1)
- ZfP (1)
- burst test (1)
- cocrystal (1)
- creep behaviour (1)
- dangerous goods packagings (1)
- excitation power density (1)
- extreme temperature (1)
- life cycle test (1)
- mechanochemistry (1)
- milling (1)
- polyethylene terephthalate (1)
- stress cracking resistance (1)
- test methods (1)
- Örtliche Korrosion (1)
- β-cristobalite structure type (1)
Die Entwicklung von Wasserstoffbarrieren aus Glas erfordert die genaue Messung geringster H2-Permeabililtäten. Bisherige Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass die VHE-Pulvermethode diesbezüglich eine besonders hohe Empfindlichkeit bietet. Hierbei wird die isotherme Gasabgabe aus sphärischen Partikeln im Rahmen klassischer Diffusionsmodelle gefittet und daraus der Diffusionskoeffizient bestimmt. Für die Untersuchung von Gläsern mit möglichst geringer H2-Permeabilität ist jedoch eine Validierung der Genauigkeit der Methode notwendig. Vor diesem Hintergrund erfolgte die numerische Modellierung der H2-Abgabe mit Hilfe des Programms COMSOL Multiphysics®. Im Poster wird der Einfluss der Korngrößenverteilung der Glaspulverpartikel, der Partikelform sowie der Effekt einer nichthomogenen H2-Startverteilung auf die mittels Pulvermethode ermittelten Diffusionskoeffizienten diskutiert.
Advanced methods for 3D green density characterization like computed tomography and 3D FE sinter modeling can be utilized for increasing the reliability of sintered components. The experimental in situ observation of sin-tering, however, is currently restricted to silhouette methods, i.e. heating microscopy. For complex shaped sam-ples, in situ shape screening during shrinkage would allow better validation of 3D sinter simulation models. Further, by revealing temporary sinter warpage, 3D high-temperature shape screening would allow to locate potential defects of complex sintered components. Against this background, BAM developed a testing device for in situ 3D high-temperature shape screening for ceramic and glass-ceramic tapes up to 1000°C [1-3]. Current work is focused on dropping this restriction in sample shape and temperature. The poster illustrates the current state of this work and possible applications of the method e.g. in detecting sinter warpage of metallized glass-ceramic LTCC tapes.
In the course of miniaturizing modern technology down to the molecular scale, much remain unknown about the materials behavior and the deviations from the bulk that might arises from confinement effects. Here, a combination of nano-sized relaxation spectroscopies (Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and Specific heat spectroscopy (SHS); employing AC nanochip calorimetry) were utilized to investigate the glassy dynamics of ultra-thin films of Poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) and of blends PVME / Polystyrene (PS) 50:50 wt-%,, which are miscible in bulk (thicknesses: ca. 8 nm – 160 nm, film thickness was controlled by ellipsometry, film topography by AFM). Both methods are sensitive to different probes; where SHS senses entropy fluctuations while BDS measures dipole fluctuations. For BDS measurements, a recently developed nano-structured electrode sample arrangement is employed, where ultra-thin films are spin-coated on an ultra-flat highly conductive silicon wafer, sandwiched between a wafer with nanostructured SiO2 nano-spacers with heights between 35 nm and 70 nm. For PVME films, two thickness independent processes were observed and interpreted to be the α-processes of a bulk-like layer and a process due to an absorbed layer to the substrate. This adsorbed layer further undergoes a confinement effect that results in the localization of the segmental dynamics, which results in an Arrhenius-like temperature dependence. A detailed analysis of the dielectric strengths of both processes reveals that the thickness of the adsorbed layer decreases with increasing temperature, while that of the bulk-like layer increases. For the blend system, by measuring the dynamic Tg in dependence of the film thickness, SHS showed that the Tg of the whole film was strongly influenced by a nanometer-thick surface layer at the polymer/air interface due to a self-assembling process. The dynamic Tg obtained from the SHS measurements decreased with decreasing film thickness. On the other hand, BDS measurements showed a completely different behavior. At high temperatures, the temperature dependence of the relaxation times of the films follows that of bulk-like PS/PVME; obeying the VFT-law. With decreasing temperature, the temperature dependence deviates from the VFT to an Arrhenius law; where the apparent activation energy decreases with decreasing film thickness. This is the first example where confinement induced changes were observed by BDS for ultra-thin films. All results were analyzed in detail in a comprehensive discussion.
Successful implementation of an optical polarimetry measurement setup. Due to wall anchoring interactions HAT6 embedded in an untreated alumina membrane exhibits a radial orientation for pore sizes in between 30 nm and 80 nm. Embedded in large membranes, pore size of 180 nm, HAT6 forms the favored hexagonal columnar phase along the pore axis.
By means of an effective medium (EMA) based approach, it is possible to use spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine the mixing ratios between air and material in porous dielectrics and calculate a quantitative value of the porosity for these materials. As this method is model-based, it is very difficult to provide a quantitative measure for the accuracy of porosity values determined by this method. Valuable additional information can often be obtained by combining ellipsometry with other complementary methods. In the present study, the ellipsometry results were validated by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) with the option of layer analysis (by the socalled “STRATAGem” approach), gravimetry, and electron microscopy. We analysed porous TiO2 thin layers synthesised by means of a template synthesis approach (evaporation induced self assembly).
Ellipsometry measurements on porous samples are difficult to analyse due to the complexity of the models necessary. Often it is difficult to decide if the measured data contains enough information to successfully determine the target quantities (mixing ratio, dielectric function of the matrix material). One method to decrease the complexity of the fit and therefore use the measurement data most efficiently is a multi-sample analysis. In the present case, multi-sample analysis was used for determining the porosity factors of the individual layers while using one common set of dielectric function values for the matrix in all cases.
While the results of the fit analysis in this case can be used to show the feasibility and also the limitations of the multi-method approach, the porosity values themselves show a promising agreement between the independent methods. It can therefore be concluded that determining porosity values with ellipsometry is in accordance to other methods to the level of accuracy provided by the complementary methodologies.
Silicon surface passivation with atomic layer deposited (ALD) thin films has gained more and more interest in the PV community in recent years. With ALD good film quality, accurate thickness control and conformity are reached. Furthermore, ALD is capable of coating difficult substrates such as nanostructured surfaces with the same accuracy as flat surfaces. A variety of materials such as Al2O3, TiO2 and HfO2 demonstrate good surface passivation quality both for front and rear surface of silicon solar cells. In addition of providing good surface passivation, thin films with high refractive index e.g. HfO2, TiO2 and AlN can act simultaneously as antireflection coatings when applied on the front surface of the device. Hence, ALD thin films can reduce both electrical and reflective losses in solar cells.
Thorough investigation of the optical properties of these layers is crucial for several reasons related to their production and use. Optical measurements provide a fast, easy, non-destructive, and in situ capable approach to quality assurance for photovoltaic devices. As the function of the final device is optical, optimisation of the device performance relies strongly on the knowledge of the wide-range dielectric function of the thin layers. In this contribution, we determined the optical constants of ALD generated layers of AlN, Al2O3, TiO2, and HfO2 in a wide spectral range covering the near ultraviolet and the mid-infrared regions by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry. By combining data from a UV-Vis-NIR ellipsometer (Woollam M2000DI) and an FTIR ellipsometer (Sentech Sendira), we can determine the optical constants alongside with the layer thicknesses from one large set of spectroscopic measurements. We consider this a contribution to the metrological treatment of stratified and structured thin films in the optical range by polarisation-sensitive measurement methods.
In recent years, upconversion nanocrystals (UCNC) have shown great promise for biological and medical applications, mainly because of their excitation in the NIR region, which provides minimum fluorescence background and a rather deep penetration into biological samples, as opposed to excitation in the visible or UV region. Moreover, they show a multitude of characteristic narrow emission bands as basis for ratiometric measurements. Commonly, Yb is the sensitizer of choice, because of a comparatively high absorption cross section, simple energy scheme, and rather efficient energy transfer to the activator, mostly Er, Tm or Ho. A main disadvantage of the use of Yb as sensitizer for biological and medical applications is its absorption band at 976 nm and hence the use of an excitation wavelength at which water has a non-negligible absorption. This can lead to significant sample heating, especially at long illumination times or high excitation power densities, and thus, tissue damage or even cell death. A possible solution is the tri-doping of UCNC with Nd as sensitizer, which can be excited efficiently at around 800 nm, where water absorption is at minimum.
The use of Nd as a sensitizer and Yb as a bridge between Nd and the activator Er in NaYF₄ nanocrystals is a relatively new way to overcome the problems of heating of samples in an aqueous environment. Disadvantages can arise from the tri-doping, which can favor non-radiative relaxation due to the more complicated excitation process compared to e.g., simple Yb,Er-doped UCNC, which might lower the upconversion quantum yields in these tri-doped systems. In order to quantify clear advantages, NaYF₄:Yb,Er,Nd nanoparticles were synthesized and spectroscopically studied using an 8 W 804 nm laser diode and a custom-designed Edinburgh instruments FSP980 spectrometer. Wavelength-dependent studies of the emission intensities and the decay kinetics of these tri-doped UCNC at different excitation power densities and excitation pulse widths revealed the clear advantages of preventing water absorption on measurable luminescence signals.
We were able to show the influence of pulse width and excitation power density on the luminescence intensities and decay kinetics lifetimes at different emission wavelengths. Additionally, we can clearly discern power density-dependent and independent peaks in the emission spectra. In summary, we demonstrate that the tri-doping of NaYF₄:Yb,Er,Nd nanoparticles is a very promising approach to render UCNC more efficient and to make them better suitable for biological and medical applications requiring measurements in aqueous environment.
Microbial induced corrosion (MIC) is a crucial problem in many technical plants as well as fuel tanks, leading to considerable damage and huge financial losses. Successful prevention of MIC requires the localization of first signs of corrosion as well as the identification of factors influencing the corrosion process.1 Hence, there is a growing need for sensitive and preferably inexpensive tools that enable the early detection of MIC. Of high importance are methods, which provide spatially and time-resolved information and allow the study of changes on metal surfaces as prerequisites for a more detailed analysis of ongoing corrosion processes at a MIC-affected site.2 In this respect, also the determination of corrosion rates can be of interest for the possible prevention of MIC.
In respect of modern approaches in material sciences and highly increased requirements on materials on safety relevant components, quality management and non-destructive testing reclaims a steadily increased meaning. The destructive meaning of measuring the degree of purity is defined in DIN EN 10247 through metallurgical investigations, especially microsections. For and comparable, but non-destructive testing due ultrasonic testing, the material the SEP 1927 is a well-defined industry standard. A novel and alternative way of reference block construction was focused by this work. The proposed amendments, regarding the manufactoring and machining, are less time and cost consuming. Verified by measurements the presented reference block fits the same acoustical characteristics and the requirements of the guideline.
X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns of the high-temperature (HT) cristobalite form of SiO2 and its isoelectronic AlPO4 analogue are essentially influenced by the dynamic disorder of these crystal structures. The nature of this disorder and of the phase transition between the α- and β-form has been the subject of intensive research during the last four decades [1]. By 1989 it became possible to stabilize the HT-form of cristobalite SiO2 at room temperature in laboratory and engineering ceramic industries by applying solid solution forming techniques [2]. However, for the HT-form of cristobalite AlPO4 nothing similar has been known until 2014 when it was discovered that nanocrystalline and stacking-disordered β-cristobalite AlPO4 is the major component of the fly ash of a large incineration facility operated by the waste water treatment authorities of Frankfurt/M. [3]. Previous comprehensive investigations of this fly ash failed to interpret its complex XRD pattern – presumably mainly due to the lack of a matching experimental digital pattern in the Powder Diffraction Database. The present paper reports on a synthesis route that facilitates the crystallization of nanocrystalline and stacking-disordered β-cristobalite AlPO4 that is free of crystalline impurity phases and long-term stable at ambient. Its room temperature XRD pattern is presented with parameters traced back to certified reference materials.
[1] Yuan F. and Huang L., Phys. Rev, B, 2012, 85, 134114. [2] Perrotta J.A., Grubbs D.K., Martin E.S., Dando N.R., McKinstry H.A. and Huang C.-Y., J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 1989, 72, 441. [3] Peplinski B., Adam C., Adamczyk B., Müller R., Michaelis M., Krahl Th. and Emmerling F., Powder Diffraction Journal, 2015, 30, 2, Supp. 1, S31.
In situ investigations using PXRD coupled with Raman spectroscopy permit the evaluation of the formation pathways of milling reactions. The liquid-assisted grinding cocrystallisation of theophylline with benzamide leading to polymorphic compounds was investigated. The dipole moment of the solvent used in the synthesis determines the structure of the polymorphic product. A detailed investigation allows determining the kinetically and thermodynamically favored product. In situ observations of the formation pathway during the grinding process of both polymorphs show that the thermodynamically favored cocrystal is formed in a two-step mechanism with the kinetic cocrystal as intermediate. The evaluation of the mechanochemical formation pathways reveals the importance of in situ investigations for an in depth understanding of mechanochemical synthesis mechanisms. Our study demonstrates that the choice of the solvent in the LAG synthesis is decisive for the controlled formation of a desired polymorphic final product.
The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock farming leads to trace residues in food products and wastewater, potentially entailing antimicrobial resistance in food-borne pathogens. The determination of antibiotics in aqueous environments and foodstuff is thus of major concern.
Analytical assays based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a valuable tool in this field due to the low production costs, stability, format adaptability and the possibility to imprint and thus their ability to recognize a wide variety of target analytes. With regard to optical sensing technologies, however, MIPs have only been used in considerably few applications, especially in fluorescence sensors. This limitation is basically due to the fact that the incorporation of a fluorescently responding moiety into a polymer matrix is challenging. One way to overcome this limitation is to use tailor-made fluorescent indicator monomers for direct transfer of the binding event into an optical signal. If such a monomer is integrated into a thin MIP-shell on microspheres such core/shell particles can be readily used in advanced multiplexing sensory fiber-optic microarrays.
Here, we propose such a fiber-optic microarray based on fluorescent MIP microspheres for antibiotics. The binding behavior and the selectivity of a microarray using these MIP were examined and compared with a non-imprinted polymer (NIP) control, employing the target molecules and other structurally closely related antibiotics.
Renewable resources become more and more relevant to maintain energy demands for an increasing global population. Biosynthetic fuels like biodiesel might replace conventional petrochemical fuels, such as diesel. However, more research is needed to characterize the interaction between the different fuels and the polymeric material, especially with respect to ageing and degradation.
The poster will present several interaction and degradation phenomena of high density polyethylene (PE-HD) induced by diesel and biodiesel 1-3. Also the possible influence of microbial growth (fungi and bacteria) is considered. The chosen PE-HDs are typical thermoplastic resins for container and storage tank applications. Degradation of PE-HD will be investigated by changes of the mechanical properties – with main emphasis on the Charpy impact strength 2. Furthermore, with alternating sorption and desorption cycles in combination with oven ageing the co-oxidation 3 of PE-HD in contact with biodiesel will be addressed.
Metal reducing bacteria (MRB) are able to utilize various materials such as iron, uranium and manganese as well as many organic compounds as electron acceptors. This process leads to the conversion of Fe(III) containing passive film species to soluble Fe(II) oxides and hydroxides. The reduction process triggers the acceleration of general and local corrosion processes. Electron transfer mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In literature it has been controversially discussed to which extend secreted electron shuttles contribute to the extracellular electron transfer (EET).
To understand the chemical and electrochemical interaction mechanisms of MRB with steel surfaces this project combines a variety of in-situ techniques. The changes in oxide chemistry on Fe/steel surfaces in the presence of biomolecules and MRB are under investigation using a newly designed electrochemical cell for in situ XANES (x-ray absorption near edge structure) spectroscopy. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (eQCM) studies support the spectroscopic investigations to gain information about the kinetics of attachment processes and changes in biofilm viscosity. The biofilm structure and composition as well as cell viability are investigated by complementary ex situ spectroscopic and microscopic analysis.
Combining spectroscopic techniques and eQCM data with electrochemical measurements, biological processes and the resulting degradation of steel surfaces can be observed in a non-destructive manner. Selecting model systems and a defined biological medium allows the determination of individual effects of diverse surface and environmental parameters. The fundamental understanding of bacterial attachment mechanisms and initial steps of biofilm formation will contribute to the development of new antifouling strategies.
The ability to penetrate dielectric materials makes T-rays attractive to reveal discontinuities in polymer and ceramic materials. Changes of travelling time (ToF) and pulse shape due to the interactions of THz pulses with the dielectric material and its inherent discontinuities can be observed. A tomogram of the object under the test can be reconstructed from time of flight diffraction (ToFD) scans if a synthetic focusing aperture (SAFT) algorithm is applied.
Time-resolved studies on the formation of maghemite nanoparticles combining fast-XANES and SAXS
(2016)
Iron oxide nanoparticles find application in different areas like sensing, magnetic storage media, and biomedicine, due to their magnetic properties and environment-friendliness.
In the present contribution, we report on the in situ investigation of an iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis by coupled X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The combination provides simultaneously information about the size of particles (SAXS) and on the oxidation state and the local structure of the iron atoms (XANES). The co-precipitation synthesis was exemplary studied, using a stabilization agent to decelerate the fast precipitation of the iron oxides. This allows to detect intermediates in situ. The measurements were performed using a custom-made acoustic levitator as sample holder. From the data, a mechanism was derived indicating different phases of particle Formation and oxidation state changes.
In the last years, secondary low-energy electrons (LEE) emerged as important, if not predominant, reductive pathway in ionizing damage of biomolecules. These electrons are created in copious amount as result of inelastic scattering of high energy radiation at water. Until now, all experiments the quantification of the effects of LEEs on the biomolecular damage was either performed in vacuum with LEE sources or with DNA on surfaces in humid atmosphere.
We present a new experimental setup to irradiate biomolecules with electrons under physiological conditions. In combination with monte carlo simulations this setup makes it possible to determine microdosimetric quantities for biomolecules in liquid environment under electron irradiation.
This opens up new possibilities in radiation research to access the LEE damage under well defined physiological condition, for more complex systems, such as DNA-Protein complexes and even living cells.
Invasoren im Kleiderschrank
(2016)
Beton ist als Massenbaustoff vielseitig einsetzbar. Eine der neuesten Entwicklungen ist Ultrahochleistungsbeton (UHPC). Seine besonderen Eigenschaften ermöglichen eine zusätzliche Funktionalisierung der Oberflächen, da annähernd beliebige Mikrostrukturen exakt abgeformt werden können. So lassen sich beispielsweise Fassadenelemente aus UHPC bereits bei ihrer Herstellung im Betonfertigteilwerk mit selbstreinigenden Oberflächen ausrüsten. Eine andere Möglichkeit ist eine Anwendung als Datenspeicher. Wie das Beispiel der Schallplatte aus UHPC zeigt, lassen sich Muster, die hier die Schallinformationen enthalten, exakt von einer Matrize kopieren.
Characterization of statistical EO-PO copolymers containing different end groups by UPLC/ESI-MS
(2016)
Commercial statistical ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) copolymers of different monomer compositions and different average molar masses were studied by liquid chromatography under critical conditions (LCCC). Theoretical predictions of the existence of a critical adsorption point (CPA) for statistical copolymers with a given chemical and sequence distribution, could be studied and confirmed. An improved way to determine these critical conditions in a copolymer, alongside the inevitable chemical composition distribution (CCD), with the aid of mass spectrometric detection is described. Shift of the critical eluent composition with the monomer composition of the polymers could be observed. Due to the relatively low average molecular weight, broad molecular weight distribution (MWD) and the presumed existence of different end group functionalities as well as sequence distribution, gradient separation only by CCD was not possible. Therefore isocratic separations at the CPA of definite CCD’s were applied. Although the various present distributions partly superimposed the separation process the goal of separation by end group functionality could still be achieved on the basis of the additional dimension of ESI-MS. The existence of HO-H besides the desired AllylO-H end group functionalities could be confirmed and their amount could be estimated.
Multilayer carbon nanomembrances (CNMs) could pave the way for a new ultrathin functional conductive coatings with tunable electrical, optical, and chemical properties. Due to their molecular thickness, they can also be regarded as “interfaces without bulk” separating regions of different gaseous, liquid, or solid components and controlling the materials exchange between them, making them optimal materials for membranes applications. Furthermore, their physical and chemical properties depend strongly on their structure, molecular composition, and the surroundings of either sides, thus allowing for tailored properties. Here, nanolayers of Aromatic p-terphenylthiol (TPT) self-assembled into 2D carbon monolayers (thickness - 1.6 nm) were synthesized and further crosslinked by ion bombardment, forming CNMs. Here, though a recently developed multilayer nanosheets routine, stacks of 5, 10, 15 and 20 TPT sheets where transferred on top of each other forming a multilayered CNMs. However, this transfer routine could introduce some intrinsic defects to the sheets, which would alter the molecular composition and / or structure, thus consequently the CNMs properties. Therefore, it is essential to characterize defects in “pure” TPT nanomembranes, before tailoring the molecular compositions, e.g. adding functional groups. For this reason, broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) was utilized to characterize any defects that could be rasied during preparation. Due the structure of pure TPT membranes, no dipole moment should exsist. However, the presence of other elements, e.g. water or sulphur, would result in a dipole moment that could be probed by BDS.
As a main result, for all different stacked-layer numbers, a clear relaxation process is seen, which moves to higher frequencies with increasing the temperature. The temperature dependence of the relaxation rate of this process is independent of film thickness and can be well described by a common VFT function, hence a corporative motion. This relaxation process was assigned to intrinisic defects in the membranes, introduced during preparation, which was further confimed by a detailed anaylsis of the dielectric strength. This is the first BDS measurment on TPT CNMs.
Many engineering structures are made of composite materials or metal foam. To simulate the deformational behaviour of these structures often requires a high number of discretisation elements. This in turn yields a very large system of linear equations that are extremely time and memory consuming or practically impossible to solve. It is therefore desirable to find an approach to overcome this obstacle.
Many engineering structures are made of composite materials or metal foam. To simulate the deformational behaviour of these structures often requires a high number of discretisation elements. This in turn yields a very large system of linear
equations that are extremely time and memory consuming or practically impossible to solve. It is therefore desirable to find an approach to overcome this obstacle.
Calcium cobaltite is a promising p-type oxide thermoelectric material for high temperature applications due to its high figure of merit between 600 °C and 900 °C in air. The solid-state-reaction is well known for large scale powder synthesis of functional materials. As a high temperature process, the powder synthesis consumes a lot of energy. In different studies, different synthesis conditions were used for the preparation of calcium cobaltite powder. This study showed that a higher energy input (elevated temperatures, longer dwell times, or repeated calcinations) during powder synthesis does not increase but decrease the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity. The same correlation was determined for the densification. As a higher energy input leads to a larger grain size and therefore to a reduced sinter activity, it can be concluded that the thermoelectric properties are correlated with the sinter activity of the powder. These results can be used to minimize the energy demand for the powder synthesis of Ca₃Co₄ O₉.
Since geothermal wells are a feasible energy source to replace fossil fuel supply, many technologies have been developed to take advantage of geothermal energy. Nevertheless, service conditions in geothermal facilities are due to the chemical composition of hydrothermal fluids and temperatures, in many cases, extreme in terms of corrosion.
Therefore, materials selection based on preliminary material qualification is essential to guarantee a secure and reliable operation of the facilities. The corrosion behavior of different high-alloyed metals including Duplex and austenitic stainless steels as well as a nickel alloy have been evaluated in artificial geothermal fluids simulating the conditions in some locations with geothermal potential in Germany as well as two sites in Indonesia. The suitability of carbon steel 25CrMo4, stainless steels X2CrNiMo17-12-2, X2CrNiMo-22-5, X2CrNiMoCuWN25-7-4 and super austenitic steel X1CrNiMoCu32-28-7 in these geothermal fluids obtained by electrochemical measurements and exposure tests is limited. The nickel alloy NiCr23Mo16Al shows an excellent corrosion resistance against pitting corrosion. Excluding its high cost, it is a very good alternative to be used in the construction of geothermal facilities having highly saline brines. Stainless and Duplex steels exhibit a limited corrosion resistance concerning pitting and crevice corrosion. Beside of the higher alloyed materials, also the lowalloyed steel 25CrMo4 could be employed as a constructional material for the geothermal power plant in stagnant highly acidic non Saline environments, as long as the wall thickness of the material vs. corrosion rate is taken into account.
Derzeit wird der Einsatz metallener Werkstoffe in CCU-/CCS-Anlagen hinsichtlich deren Korrosionsbeständigkeit und eine eventuell daraus resultierende Herausforderung diskutiert. Während des CO₂-Transportes vom Abscheide- zum Injektionsort kann es aufgrund der den CO₂-Strom begleitenden Beimengungen, wie Wasser, O₂, SOₓ , NOₓ , Temperaturschwankungen durchaus zu Kondensationseffekten und daraus resultierenden Schäden kommen.
Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die sich möglicherweise innerhalb einer CO₂-Rohrleitung bildenden Kondensate infolge von Begleitstoffen wie SO2 und NO2 eine viel korrosivere Wirkung auf Rohrleitungswerkstoffe entfalten, als in reinem CO₂.
In letzter Zeit kommen immer mehr alternative Energiequellen als Ersatz fossiler Brennstoffe zum Einsatz, so auch die Solarthermie. Jedoch sind die Betriebsbedingungen aufgrund der chemischen Zusammensetzung der Wärmeträgermedien und herrschenden Temperaturen extrem hinsichtlich Korrosion. Da die Kraftwerke bei maximaler Lebensdauer ökonomisch vertretbar sein müssen, ist eine Werkstoffauswahl basierend auf Voruntersuchungen notwendig, um einen sicheren und verlässlichen Betrieb dieser Anlagen zu gewährleisten.
Die Werkstoffauswahl hängt von der Betriebstemperatur eines Kraftwerks bzw. der chemischen Zusammensetzung des Wärmeträgermediums ab. In hochkorrosiven Umgebungen werden aufgrund ihrer sehr guten Korrosionsbeständigkeit Nickelbasislegierungen nicht nur für stark korrosiv beanspruchte Bauteile als die Lösung angesehen. Jedoch kann es durchaus beständigkeitsbedingte Einschränkungen für den Einsatz geben, wofür die hier vorgestellten Ergebnisse dienen sollen.
In diesem Beitrag wird die Beständigkeit ausgewählter hochlegierter Werkstoffe (inklusive einer neuentwickelten Legierung in einer Nitrat-Salzschmelze (60 % NaNO3/40 % KNO3) vorgestellt, die mittels elektrochemischer Messungen und Auslagerungsversuchen ermittelt wurde.
Polymers are favorable materials for gas separation membranes. In general, gas transport experiments are performed with films in the range of 100 µm thickness. However, in large-scale processes very thin selective polymer layers in the range of 100 nm to 1 µm are used. Moreover, it was shown that thin films behave different compared to thick films with respect to gas transport properties and physical aging as well. Thus, for fundamental research it is important to realize gas transport experiments with thin films. The Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is a very sensitive method to detect mass changes in the range of nanograms. Therefore, this method enables sorption experiments with thin films or layers attached to the QCM crystal (100 nm up to 1 µm). Here, we present the experimental set-up for using the QCM technique for characterizing the gas sorption behavior of thin polymer films in a temperature controlled pressurized environment (up to 50 bar) - also quartz crystals and crystal holders were optimized. The study aims for the characterization of long-term behavior and physical aging of high-performance polymers for gas separation membranes - such as polyimides and polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) and respective nanocomposites. Especially the differences of the behavior of thin films compared to films with thicknesses up to 100 µm as well as nanofiller induced-effects are adressed.
In times of the energy revolution, the need for energy efficient separation processes promotes the advancement of new high performance materials for use as highly selective separation membranes. Most promising materials in this field, especially for gas separation, are polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) which were firstly introduced by Budd and McKeown. In this study the permeability of PIM-1 was increased by 439 % by formation of nanocomposites with only 1 wt% of polyhedral oligomeric phenethyl-silsesquioxane (PhE-POSS) within the polymer matrix. As the CO2/CH4 selectivity is fully retained, this leads to a shift in the Robeson plot towards the upper bound. The Robeson plot describes the current state of the art trade-off relation between selectivity and permeability of all known membrane polymers. As molecular mobility is a key factor for gas transport as well as the often observed physical aging of such polymers, our study also includes for the first time, molecular dynamics and conductivity of pure PIM-1 and PIM-1 nanocomposites as investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS).
Advanced methods for 3D green density characterization like computed tomography and 3D FE sinter modeling can be utilized for increasing the reliability of sintered components. The experimental in situ observation of sintering, however, is currently restricted to silhouette methods, i.e. heating microscopy. For complex shaped samples, in situ shape screening during shrinkage would allow much better validation of 3D sinter simulation models. Further, by revealing temporary sinter warpage, 3D high-temperature shape screening would allow to locate potential defects of complex sintered components. Against this background, BAM developed a testing device for in situ 3D high-temperature shape screening for ceramic and glass-ceramic tapes up to 1000°C. Current work is focused on dropping this restriction in sample shape and temperature. The poster illustrates the current state of this work and possible applications of the method e.g. in detecting sinter warpage of metallized glass-ceramic LTCC tapes.
Low-alloyed CrMoV steels, such as T24, are widely used for welded components in fossil power stations due to their excellent creep-strength. Spectacular failure cases in the recent years exhibited severe cracking in T24 welds. The results showed that hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC) occurring up to 200 degree Celsius cannot be excluded. Hence, a basic understanding is necessary on how hydrogen affects the material properties of welded microstructures. In this regard, each weld microstructure (HAZ and weld metal) has influence on the HAC susceptibility and respective hydrogen diffusion. Thus, the present contribution summarizes different results obtained from experiments with grades T24 (CrMoV alloy) and T22 (CrMo) and thermally simulated HAZ. Tensile tests were conducted with hydrogen charged specimens and compared to hydrogen-assisted stress corrosion cracking results obtained from slow strain rate tests (SSRT) up to 200 degree Celsius. Electrochemical permeation and degassing experiments were performed to identify a particular weld microstructure influence on hydrogen diffusion and trapping (especially in the HAZ). The results showed that T24 base material has improved resistance to hydrogen-assisted degradation/cracking. In contrast, the as-welded HAZ had remarkably increased susceptibility (tesnile tests at hydrogen concentration of 1 to 2 ppm). SSRT experiments confirmed this at elevated temperatures for both the T24 and the T22. Hence, the evaluation of a particular degradation of the mechanical properties should be performed independently for each weld microstructure. In addition, the HAZ showed decreased diffusion coefficients (at room temperature) of approximately one magnitude compared to the base materials. Trapped hydrogen was determined in the T24 at temperatures up to 120 degree Celsius compared to 75 degree Celsius in the T22. This has to be considered in case of changing operational temperatures, e.g. in the case of start-up and shutdown processes of boiler components.
Bioglass® 45S5 is mainly used clinically as powders, granules or pastes instead of sintered compacts. This is due to the inherent problem of crystallization during sintering. Recently, new bioactive glasses with improved crys-tallization stability have been developed as promising candidates for manufacturing of sintered powder compacts for bone regeneration, which combine improved sintering behavior with bioactivity. Compared with the well-known Bioglass® 45S5 (SiO2-P2O5-CaO-Na2O) the calcium/alkali oxide ratio was increased, sodium oxide was partially replaced by potassium oxide and up to 3 mol% calcium fluoride were added, in order to stabilize the glass against crystallization. Sintering and crystallization were characterized by heating microscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and DTA. The results show that a sintered density of 88-99 % is achieved in contrast to only 57-67% for Bioglass® 45S5. Whereas Bioglass® 45S5 powder compacts crystallize during sintering, for the new glasses no crystalline phases were detected. Additionally the influence of grain size was characterized. These studies showed that full densification can be attained for particle size < 32 µm, whereas coarser particles pro-gressively increase residual porosity. Observed foaming phenomena, are strongly retarded by crystallization.
Ferritic steels with Cr-contents up to 13 wt. % are used as heat exchanger or boiler tube materials in combustion based power plants. These materials are subject to aggressive corrosion caused by the reaction of the steel with highly corrosive gases under high temperatures up to 650°C. The early stages of corrosion and sulfidation especially and the influence of the Cr-content in the alloy are thereby not understood but of fundamental interest.
Our work shows corrosion mechanisms and presents corrosion models for Fe and different Fe-Cr-alloys under pure SO2 und SO2+O2 atmospheres for different time scales. Modell alloys of high purity are used to focus on the reaction of the intended elements: Fe, Cr, S, and O. Long-time experiments (≥12h) took place in tube furnaces and short-time experiments (≥5min) in a special designed light furnace. Heating and cooling took place under inert atmosphere. The reactive gases were added not until the experimental temperature was reached. Samples were analyzed using high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction using a micro focus setup and electron microscopy including FIB.
Many earlier studies on corrosion and sulfidation on iron based alloys show a higher corrosion rate and material loss when sulfur was present in the atmosphere. In contrast, later studies propose an inhibiting effect of sulfur containing atmospheres. On the one side, most likely due to the formation of a protective layer of Mx(SO4)y -phases at the scale-gas interface. On the other side, a very recent study proposes the theory that MxSy-phases limit the further diffusion of elements. Up to now, no Mx(SO4)y –phases were detected in our samples, but sulfide phases nucleated within the oxide phases. For pure Fe our samples show FeS at the scale-metal interface working as a diffusion barrier for Fe-Cations from the base material in to the oxide scale. The above lying spalled off oxide-sulfide scale shows a wide area of small voids and accumulations of FeS-Crystals at the bottom. Under the main oxide scale a second generation of oxide-sulfide scale starts to form. For the Fe-Cr-alloys the inner oxide scale only shows FeS- and CrS-phases surrounded by hollow space. The here presented study will explain and discuss a new growth model for the shown phenomenon.
Bioglass® 45S5 is mainly used clinically as powders, granules or pastes instead of sintered compacts. This is due to the inherent problem of crystallization during the sintering, which results in poor mechanical properties and reduced bioactivity. Recently, new bioactive glasses with improved crystallization stability have been developed as promising candidates for manufacturing of sintered powder compacts for bone regeneration, which combine improved sintering behavior with bioactivity. Compared with the well-known Bioglass® 45S5 (SiO2-P2O5-CaO-Na2O) the calcium/alkali oxide ratio was increased, sodium oxide was partially replaced by potassium oxide and up to 3 mol% calcium fluoride were added, in order to stabilize the glass against crystallization. The aim of this study was to investigate the sintering and crystallization behavior of these new bioactive glasses.
Sintering and crystallization were characterized by heating microscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and DTA. The results show that a sintered density of 88-99 % is achieved in contrast to only 57-67% for Bioglass® 45S5. In addition, FTIR and XRD analyses show that Bioglass® 45S5 crystallized during sintering while for the new glasses no crystalline phases are detected. The thermal properties of all glasses were studied by DTA measurements, and the influence of grain size was characterized. These studies showed that full densification can be attained for particle size < 32 µm, whereas coarser particles progressively increase residual porosity. Observed foaming phenomena, are strongly retarded by crystallization of beta-HAp.
Advanced methods for 3D green density characterization like computed tomography and 3D FE sinter modeling can be utilized for increasing the reliability of sintered components. The experimental in situ observation of sintering, however, is currently restricted to silhouette methods, i.e. heating microscopy. For complex shaped samples, in situ shape screening during shrinkage would allow much better validation of 3D sinter simulation models. Further, by revealing temporary sinter warpage, 3D high-temperature shape screening allows to locate potential defects of complex sintered components. Against this background, BAM developed a testing device for in situ 3D high-temperature shape screening for ceramic and glass-ceramic tapes up to 1000°C [1-3]. Current work is focused on dropping this restriction in sample shape and temperature. The poster illustrates the current state of this work and possible applications of the method e.g. in detecting sinter warpage of metallized glass-ceramic LTCC tapes.
We investigated the efficiency of phase gratings, i.e., the visibility upon variation of different parameters. Rotating around an axis parallel to the grid lines of the phase grating changes the grating’s shape and thereby the initial distribution of phase shifts. This yields high visibilities for shorter propagation distances than derived from box shapes. Tilting the grating in the scattering plane allows continuous tuning of the grating’s height that corresponds to an ideal phase shift for a particular photon energy. This opens the way for tuning the design energy suitable for the material under investigation
Mechanical characterization of high-density polyethylene in contact with diesel and biodiesel fuels
(2016)
Renewable resources become more and more relevant to maintain energy demands for an increasing global population. Biosynthetic fuels like biodiesel might replace conventional petrochemical fuels, such as diesel. However, more research is needed to characterize the interaction between the different fuels and polymeric materials widely used in the fuel infrastructure as well as for automotive parts. Especially changes in the structural properties and mechanical behavior of the polyethylene (PE-HD) have to be addressed.
The presented work comprises the direct interaction of high density polyethylene (PE-HD) with diesel and biodiesel, resulting in swelling and plasticization. Also long-term degradation phenomena will be discussed.
The chosen PE-HD types are typical thermoplastic resins for container and storage tank applications. The impact of diesel and biodiesel in PE-HD is investigated by changes in the mechanical properties with emphasis on the Charpy impact strength. Furthermore, structural and dynamic influences on the polymeric material induced by diesel and biodiesel are proven in Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Both methods, Charpy impact strength and DMA, reveal softening effects due to the migration of diesel and biodiesel into the amorphous regions of PE-HD.
Since biodiesel is more prone to oxidative degradation compared to diesel, the fuel/air/polymer-interaction is studied for partly immersed tensile test specimens. Main focus of the evaluation is the co-oxidation. Here, the accelerated deterioration of PE caused by the sorption of the facile oxidation of biodiesel into the solid polymer might be a major degradation mechanism in this context.
The formation of biofilms on different materials provokes high costs in industrial processes, as well as in medical applications. Therefore, the interest in development of new materials with improved surfaces to reduce bacterial colonization rises. In order to evaluate the quality and safety of these new materials, it is highly important to ensure world-wide comparable tests that are relying on statistical evidence. The only way to reach this statistical safety is through a high-throughput Screening under standardized test conditions.
We developed a flow through system for cultivation of biofilm-forming bacteria under controlled conditions with a total capacity for testing up to 32 samples in parallel. Quantification of the surface colonization was done by staining the bacterial cells with a fluorescence marker, followed by epifluorescence microscopy. More than 100 images of each sample were automatically taken and the surface coverage was estimated with the free open source software gmic (http://gmic.eu), followed by a precise statistical evaluation. Overview images of all gathered pictures of the whole material coupon were generated to illuminate the colonization characteristics of the selected bacteria on certain materials.
With this method, differences in bacterial colonization on different materials can be quantified in a statistically validated manner. The innovative and solid test procedure will support the design of improved materials for medical and industrial applications such as implants, ship hulls, pipelines, heat exchangers, aquaculture equipments, photovoltaic-panels and fundaments of wind power plants.
Due to their chemical structure, a rigid disk-like aromatic core and flexible alkyl chains attached to the core, discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) can organize and stack themselves into columns in a hexagonal columnar mesophase, a mesophase in between the plastic crystalline and isotropicphase. The overlap of the π orbitals of the aromatic core in the hexagonal columnar mesophase leads to a high charge-carrier mobilitie along the column axis – these columns can be considered as “moleculer nanowires” making liquid crystals a promising class of materials for electronic applications. Previous studies on DLCs showed that the phase behavior of DLCs is susceptible to nano confinement. Here in this study, the thermotropic collective orientational order of 2,3,6,7,10,11 hexakis[hexyloxy] triphenylene (HAT6), a triphenylene based DLC, and the effects of nano confinment on of its phase behavior were investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). HAT6 was embedded into nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide membranes by melt infiltration in the isotropic phase under argon atmosphere. The filled membranes have the thickness of 80 µm and the diameter of 15mm and parallel aligned tubular nanopores having the pore diameters of 25, 40, 80 and 180 nm. The filling degree for each sample was checked by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in order to ensure complete filling. The bulk HAT6 forms, a hexagonal columnar phase between the isotropic phase above 371 K, and the plastic crystalline phase below 340 K. Unlike the bulk, the confined HAT6 forms two peaks in the heat flow during the plastic crystalline-to-hexagonal columnar phase transition, which might be the evidence of two different phase structures close to the wall and in the pore center. Moreover, the isotropic-to-columnar transition of the confined HAT6 shifts with decreasing pore diameter to lower temperatures.
The Full-Notch Creep Test (FNCT) is widely used to characterize the slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of polyolefin materials in “inert” media as well as effects of environmental stress cracking (ESC) in which the medium has decisive influence on damage mechanism and time to failure tf*. Usually the FNCT is applied as a standardized testing method (ISO 16770) using a few universal liquid media, such as solutions of Arkopal N 100 (detergent).
Selected relevant PE-HD materials are investigated also in real media and influences of temperature and geometry of specimen and notch are explicitly addressed. The investigations comprise also the ESC behavior of PE-HD in media that are sorbed to a significant extent – such as Diesel and Biodiesel – based on comparison with samples previously saturated with those media.
In the present study, internal damage to an AlSi12CuMgNi alloy reinforced with planar random Al2O3 short fibres was investigated after compression testing. Due to the alloy composition, this composite contains a second reinforcement phase in the form of eutectic Si, which builds interpenetrated networks in the volume and increases the creep resistance and load-bearing capacity of the material. Materials with their fibre plane parallel and transversal to the load direction were characterized in order to investigate the dependence of load partition and damage on fibre plane orientation. In-situ compression testing during neutron diffraction measurements showed that internal damage is strongly influenced by the load partition between matrix and reinforcement. Moreover, micro-computed tomography was performed in the same material after ex-situ compression for damage analysis. In the case of a fibre plane perpendicular to the applied load, breakage and interconnected cracks appeared in a significantly higher volume fraction than with a fibre plane parallel to load.
Maintaining a consistent product quality is critical for the thin film industry. Therefore, the development of highly accurate protocols able to detect variations and nonidealities in manufactured thin film devices is essential and helps improve production quality and decrease manufacturing costs. The present work will discuss the accuracy and reproducibility in the determination of the thickness of thin films relevant for optoelectronic industry using spectroscopic ellipsometry, starting with the importance of set-up calibration, the need for very well defined calibration standards suitable for real devices and not least, the importance of accurate data analysis. As ellipsometry is an indirect method and theoretical modelling is needed to obtain the desired information regarding the investigated samples (e.g. thickness, roughness, optical constants), the model uncertainty has to be discussed and taken into account. If for ideal samples consisting of single layers with well-known optical constants the determination of thickness and roughness is straight forward and pretty accurate, for real samples, more complex theoretical models are needed and extracting accurate information regarding the samples can be very challenging. With careful calibration and a multidisciplinary approach, a combined measurement methodology can be developed enabling reliability, comparability, and accuracy. For production-relevant operation, maintaining the ease of use and scalability of ellipsometry as a technique can also be retained.
The role of metal reducing bacteria (MRB) in corrosion is being controversially discussed in the literature. They can utilize metals including iron, uranium and manganese as well as many organic compounds as electron acceptors. The reduction of Fe(III) compounds to soluble Fe(II) species leads to the destruction of passive films on steel, resulting in acceleration of general and local corrosion processes. Recent research shows that the secretion of electron shuttles like riboflavins also contribute to the extracellular electron transfer (EET).
The aim of this project is to understand the chemical and electrochemical interaction mechanisms of MRB with steel surfaces by means of combined in situ techniques. An electrochemical XANES (x-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy) cell has been designed to study the changes of passive film chemistry in the presence of biomolecules and MRB. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (eQCM) is used for studying the kinetics of bacterial cell attachment and diffusion of biomolecules in model biofilms. In situ investigations are complemented by ex situ spectroscopic and microscopic analysis to investigate the biofilm structure, composition and cell viability.
Via the combination of electrochemical methods with spectroscopic techniques and QCM we are able to follow biological processes and resulting degradation of steel surfaces in a non-destructive manner. The selection of model systems and a defined biological medium allows the identification of the effects of individual surface and environmental parameters. The fundamental understanding of bacterial attachment mechanisms and initial steps of biofilm formation will contribute to the development of new antifouling strategies.