Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Pore Size (pore + size)
Kinds of Pore Size Terms modified by Pore Size Selected AbstractsThe Influence of Surface Chemistry and Pore Size on the Adsorption of Proteins on Nanostructured Carbon MaterialsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2010Munusami Vijayaraj Abstract Carbon films are synthesized by templating of anodic aluminum oxide films. These carbon materials exhibit nanochannels with controlled diameter and length. Selected chemical treatments are done to tailor the surface chemistry. The adsorption capacities of bovine serum albumin and cytochrome c are measured by temperature-programmed desorption with mass spectrometry (TPD-MS) analysis and with conventional biological assays. The first method allows quantification of the proteins that exhibit strong interactions with the surface, while the second one is used to obtain the total adsorption capacity. Moreover, the TPD-MS profiles, which are related to the structural modifications of the proteins during the adsorption, show that strong interactions take place with hydrophobic surfaces. When oxygenated functions are present, the adsorption capacity increases and the nature of the interactions is modified. The ratio of irreversible to reversible adsorption is significantly different for the two proteins, and is slightly related to the surface chemistry. The influence of nanochannel size is studied: below 50 nm, the coverage ratio shows that access to the porosity is limited by diffusion in the channel and by pore plugging, in agreement with the strong interactions of proteins with the carbon surface. [source] The Effect of Pressure on ZIF-8: Increasing Pore Size with Pressure and the Formation of a High-Pressure Phase at 1.47,GPa,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 38 2009Stephen Unter Druck: Bei einem Druck von 0.18,GPa dringt Lösungsmittel in die porösen Hohlräume von ZIF-8 ein, was die Porengröße und das Volumen der Elementarzelle vergrößert. Wird der Druck auf 1.47,GPa erhöht, läuft eine Phasenumwandlung ab (siehe Bild). Danach kann mehr Lösungsmittel in die ursprünglichen Nanoporen eindringen, und die engen Kanäle zwischen diesen Poren werden größer, was das Gesamtporenvolumen und den Lösungsmittelgehalt erhöht. [source] High Surface Area, Mesoporous, Glassy Alumina with a Controllable Pore Size by Nanocasting from Carbon AerogelsCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 5 2005Wen-Cui Li Dr. Abstract A strategy to synthesize amorphous, mesoporous alumina by nanocasting has been developed, involving carbon aerogel as a hard template and aluminum nitrate solution as an alumina precursor. The alumina generated exhibits small, transparent granules with a 3,6 mm diameter and has inherited the three-dimensional network structure of the carbon template. The mesopore surface area of the alumina can be as high as 365 m2,g,1, and the pore volume reaches 1.55 cm3,g,1 after calcination at 600,°C in air for 8 h. The pore parameters can be varied within a certain range by variation of the carbon aerogel template and the loading amount of the alumina precursor. At high loadings, the obtained glassy alumina clearly has a bimodal pore size distribution in the mesopore range. [source] Mesoporous Anatase TiO2 Beads with High Surface Areas and Controllable Pore Sizes: A Superior Candidate for High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar CellsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 21 2009Dehong Chen Mesoporous anatase TiO2 beads with high surface areas and controllable pore sizes are prepared by using a combined sol,gel and solvothermal process. Dye-sensitized solar cells made from these mesoporous beads gave a total power conversion efficiency of 7.20% under AM 1.5 sunlight, higher than that obtained using Degussa P25 films of similar thickness (5.66%). [source] Beton unter hohen Temperaturen , eine Frage der TunnelsicherheitBETON- UND STAHLBETONBAU, Issue 2 2006Konrad Bergmeister Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Die Sicherheit in den Tunnels wird einerseits durch das Verhalten der Benützer und andererseits durch die Konstruktion und Ausstattung bestimmt. Neben der Modellierung des Verhaltens und der Anwendung von Sicherheitstheorien in Tunnel gilt es, organisatorische und erzieherische Maßnahmen in der Planungs-, Ausführungs- und Betriebsphase zu setzen. Durch die extreme Hitzeentwicklung können die Einbauten und das Tunneltragwerk beschädigt werden. Dabei kann es zu Betonabplatzungen (spalling) und zum Ablösen von Betonstücken bzw. Verankerungen kommen. In diesem Beitrag werden unterschiedliche Spritzbetone -experimentell unter hohen Temperaturen untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich, daß die Dichte und die Porenverteilung sowie die Zugkapazität der Betonformulierung von ausschlaggebender Bedeutung sind. Concrete exposed to high Temperatures , a safety Issue of tunnels The safety of tunnels is related to the behaviour of the users as well as to the construction and the equipment, which may be damaged due to heat impact. Concrete spalling decreases the effects of corrosion protection and the bonding of the reinforcement, and the load capacity is also diminished. Predictions about possible concrete spalling and failure mechanism often are based on experimental research. The crucial parameters for concrete spalling are the gas pressure in the pores, the physical properties e. g. water absorption at 20 °C and after 1000 °C and the mechanical resistance. In a full scale fire test in a highway tunnel there have been investigated various shotcrete mixtures. Pore size and distribution have been determined with the Mercury Intrusion (MIP) Porosimeter, whereas the permeability was calculated using the results of the MIP at different temperatures. It could be shown, that the moisture in the pore system and the physical and chemical adsorpted water in the matrix as well as in the aggregates evaporates under external increase of temperature and thus leading to higher pressure. Fire resistant shotcrete for use in tunnel shells should exhibit a certain volume of open pores in order to equalize the vapour pressure. [source] Preparation of a Porous Cermet SOFC Anode Substrate by Gelcasting of NiO,YSZ PowdersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2007Kuttan Prabhakaran A porous NiO,YSZ substrate for anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells has been prepared by gelcasting of NiO,YSZ powders using urea,formaldehyde monomers, followed by humidity-controlled drying, binder removal, and sintering of the gelled bodies. The gelled bodies had sufficient strength to remove even 2-mm-thick samples from the mold immediately after gelation. A gelcast NiO,YSZ sample sintered at 1450°C for 2 h showed an open porosity of ,53 vol%, and the porosity increased to ,58% upon reduction with hydrogen. Pore sizes measured on the scanning electron microscopy photomicrograph of NiO,YSZ and Ni,YSZ cermet substrates are in the range of 2,5 ,m. Urea,formaldehyde polymer, present in a high amount (,13 wt%) in the gelcast body, acts as a template for pores. [source] The Effect of Full-Face Broadband Light Treatments Alone and in Combination With Bilateral Crow's Feet Botulinum Toxin Type A ChemodenervationDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2004Jean Carruthers MD Background. Broadband light (BBL; Intense Pulsed Light; Lumenis Ltd., Yokneam, Israel) is a powerful, nonablative, light-based technology that targets melanin and hemoglobin and stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A; BOTOX; Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) treatment of the lateral periocular region relaxes the vertical fibers of the orbicularis oculi and results in softening of the lateral orbital crow's feet rhytides and widening of the palpebral aperture. Objective. To compare the effects of full-face BBL in combination with BTX-A and BBL alone in female subjects with Fitzpatrick I,III skin types, Glogau II,III rhytides, and significant associated facial lentigines and telangiectasia. Methods. This was a prospective, randomized study of 30 women with moderate to severe crow's feet rhytides. Half of the subjects were treated with BTX-A and BBL and the other half with BBL alone. Their response was assessed clinically and photographically. Skin biopsies of the temporal skin were taken from two subjects in each group and were stained with Masson trichrome. Results. Patients treated with a combination of BTX-A and BBL experienced a better response to treatment, both at rest and on maximum smile, as well as a slightly improved response in associated lentigines, telangiectasia, pore size, and facial skin texture compared with patients who received BBL treatment alone. Skin biopsies showed an increase in dermal collagen in each group. Conclusions. The patients in this study benefited from both treatments. Although BBL led to a remarkable improvement in full-face telangiectasias, lentigines, and skin texture, the improvement increased in all categories with combination therapy. In addition, an added improvement in the full-face aesthetic with both BTX-A and BBL therapy combined was obvious. These results suggest that both treatments,although evidently complementary,may also act synergistically to produce optimal clinical effects, revolutionizing the treatment of facial aging. [source] Restoring satisfactory status in ThinPrep Pap test specimens with too few squamous cells and containing microscopic red blood cellsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Ph.D., Yijun Pang M.D. Abstract Treatment of specimens that contain excessive blood can effectively reduce the unsatisfactory rate; however, a considerable number of unsatisfactory specimens remain. We evaluated the effectiveness of reprocessing unsatisfactory specimens that had too few squamous cells and contained microscopic red blood cells (TFSQRBC). Out of the 688 unsatisfactory specimens at microscopic screening, 197 (28.63%) were TFSQRBC that were reprocessed by treatment of glacial acetic acid (GAA). Red blood cells were observed clogging the pores in the filter of the ThinPrep device. After reprocessing, 129 (68.48%) yielded a satisfactory diagnosis, which accounted for a reduction of the unsatisfactory rate by 18.25%. In the restored satisfactory specimens, abnormal diagnoses of 1 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (0.78%), 3 atypical glandular cells (AGC) (2.33%), and 13 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (10.08%) were made. The abnormal diagnoses in this group of patients were significantly higher than that in the general population screened. Reprocessing unsatisfactory ThinPrep® (TP) specimens of TFSQRBC can reduce the unsatisfactory rate of the TP Pap test significantly and is a cost-effective measure. The initially unsatisfactory specimens are more likely to represent cases with an abnormal diagnosis, which also justifies the effort of reprocessing this group of specimens. Adjustment of the pore size on the ThinPrep filter device may reduce the interference of red blood cells. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:696,700. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gas Diffusion Electrodes for Use in an Amperometric Enzyme BiosensorELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 21 2008Martin Hämmerle Abstract The preparation of gas diffusion electrodes and their use in an amperometric enzyme biosensor for the direct detection of a gaseous analyte is described. The gas diffusion electrodes are prepared by covering a PTFE membrane (thickness 250,,m, pore size 2,,m, porosity 35%) with gold, platinum, or a graphite/PTFE mixture. Gold and platinum are deposited by e-beam sputtering, whereas the graphite/PTFE layer is prepared by vacuum filtration of a respective aqueous suspension. These gas diffusion electrodes are exemplarily implemented as working electrodes in an amperometric biosensor for gaseous formaldehyde containing NAD-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase from P. putida [EC. 1.2.1.46] as enzyme and 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid as electrochemical mediator. The resulting sensors are compared with regard to background current, signal noise, linear range, sensitivity, and detection limit. In this respect, sensors with gold or graphite/PTFE covered membranes outclass ones with platinum for this particular analyte and sensor configuration. [source] Confinement effects on the morphology of photopatterned porous polymer monoliths for capillary and microchip electrophoresis of proteinsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 14 2008Mei He Abstract We find that the morphology of porous polymer monoliths photopatterned within capillaries and microchannels is substantially influenced by the dimensions of confinement. Porous polymer monoliths were prepared by UV-initiated free-radical polymerization using either the hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or butyl methacrylate, cross-linker ethylene dimethacrylate and different porogenic solvents to produce bulk pore diameters between 3.2 and 0.4,µm. The extent of deformation from the bulk porous structure under confinement strongly depends on the ratio of characteristic length of the confined space to the monolith pore size. The effects are similar in cylindrical capillaries and D-shaped microfluidic channels. Bulk-like porosity is observed for a confinement dimension to pore size ratio >10, and significant deviation is observed for a ratio <5. At the extreme limit of deformation a smooth polymer layer ,300 nm thick is formed on the surface of the capillary or microchannel. Surface tension or wetting also plays a role, with greater wetting enhancing deformation of the bulk structure. The films created by extreme deformation provide a rapid and effective strategy to create robust wall coatings, with the ability to photograft various surface chemistries onto the coating. This approach is demonstrated through cationic films used for electroosmotic flow control and neutral hydrophilic coatings for electrophoresis of proteins. [source] Analyses of preservatives by capillary electrochromatography using methacrylate ester-based monolithic columnsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18-19 2004Hsi-Ya Huang Abstract Five common food preservatives were analyzed by capillary electrochromatography, utilizing a methacrylate ester-based monolithic capillary as separation column. In order to optimize the separation of these preservatives, the effects of the pore size of the polymeric stationary phase, the pH and composition of the mobile phase on separation were examined. For all analytes, it was found that an increase in pore size caused a reduction in retention time. However, separation performances were greatly improved in monolithic columns with smaller pore sizes. The pH of the mobile phase had little influence on separation resolution, but a dramatic effect on the amount of sample that was needed to be electrokinetically injected into the monolithic column. In addition, the retention behaviors of these analytes were strongly influenced by the level of acetonitrile in the mobile phase. An optimal separation of the five preservatives was obtained within 7.0 min with a pH 3.0 mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile 35:65 v/v. Finally, preservatives in real commercial products, including cold syrup, lotion, wine, and soy sauces, were successfully determined by the methacrylate ester-based polymeric monolithic column under this optimized condition. [source] Vertical agarose gel electrophoresis and electroblotting of high-molecular-weight proteinsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 11 2003Chad M. Warren Abstract The electrophoretic separation of high-molecular-weight proteins (>,500 kDa) using polyacrylamide is difficult because gels with a large enough pore size for adequate protein mobility are mechanically unstable. A 1% vertical sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-agarose gel electrophoresis (VAGE) system has been developed that allows titin (a protein with the largest known SDS subunit size of 3000,4000 kDa) to migrate over 10 cm in a ,13 cm resolving gel. Such migration gives clear and reproducible separation of titin isoforms. Proteins ranging in size from myosin heavy chain (,,220 kDa) up to titin can be resolved on this gel system. Electroblotting of these very large proteins was nearly 100% efficient. This VAGE system has revealed two titin size variants in rabbit psoas muscle, two N2BA bands in rabbit cardiac muscle, and species differences between titins from rat and rabbit muscle. Agarose electrophoresis should be the method of choice for separation and blotting of proteins with very large subunit sizes. [source] Photocatalytic oxidation of methanol using silica-titania composites in a packed-bed reactorENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 4 2006Jennifer M. Stokke Abstract The processing of forest products into pulp, paper, paperboard, and other wood products results in the generation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This work focused on the development of a photocatalytic packed-bed reactor for the oxidation of methanol, which is the primary constituent in high volume low concentration gases emitted from pulp and paper mills. Bench-scale studies using an annular reactor packed with silica-titania composite (STC) pellets were conducted to maximize methanol removal and minimize the formation of byproducts, such as formaldehyde. Parameters such as STC pore size (ca. 40, 120, and 260 Å) and UV wavelength (UVA and UVC) were varied. In the dark, the STC pellets removed methanol via adsorption and had a finite adsorption capacity dependent on the surface area of the composite. When irradiated with UV light, the STC pellets adsorbed and oxidized methanol simultaneously. At the bench-scale, 40 Å STC pellets irradiated with UVC light achieved the greatest methanol removal (ca. 90%) with minimal byproduct formation (i.e., effluent formaldehyde concentration was <1 ppmv). Based on these results, a 40 acfm pilot reactor was fabricated and achieved methanol removal rates up to 66% ± 7% with <1 ppmv formaldehyde production at steady state. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2006 [source] Incorporation of a (Cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum Oxo Complex in MCM-41 and Its Use as a Catalyst for Olefin EpoxidationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 24 2004Marta Abrantes Abstract The tricarbonyl complex [(,5 -C5H4 -COOMe)Mo(CO)3Cl] was prepared from the reaction of sodium (methoxycarbonyl)cyclopentadienide, (C5H4 -CO2Me)Na, with (Bu4N)[Mo(CO)5I]. Heating the ester with 3-(triethoxysilyl)propylamine gave the amide derivative {[,5 -C5H4 -CONH-C3H6Si(OEt)3]Mo(CO)3Cl}. The functionalised tricarbonyl complex was immobilised in the ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41 with a loading of 13 wt.-% Mo (1.4 mmol·g,1) by carrying out a grafting reaction in dichloromethane. Powder X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption,desorption analysis indicated that the structural integrity of the support was preserved during the grafting and that the channels remained accessible, despite significant reductions in surface area, pore volume and pore size. The success of the coupling reaction was confirmed by 29Si and 13C (CP) MAS NMR spectroscopy. A supported dioxo complex of the type [(,5 -C5H4R)MoO2Cl] was subsequently prepared by oxidative decarbonylation of the tethered tricarbonyl complex using tert -butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The oxidised material is an active catalyst for the liquid phase epoxidation of cyclooctene with TBHP as the oxygen source. Similar catalytic results were obtained using the tethered tricarbonyl complex directly as a pre-catalyst since fast oxidative decarbonylation occurs under the reaction conditions used. For both systems, the desired epoxide was the only product and the initial activities were about 13 mol·molMo,1·h,1. The solid catalysts were recycled several times. Some activity was lost between the first and second runs but thereafter tended to stabilise. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] Multilayer Amorphous-Si-B-C-N/,-Al2O3/,-Al2O3 Membranes for Hydrogen Purification,,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 6 2010Ravi Mohan Prasad Abstract The hydrogen and carbon monoxide separation is an important step in the hydrogen production process. If H2 can be selectively removed from the product side during hydrogen production in membrane reactors, then it would be possible to achieve complete CO conversion in a single-step under high temperature conditions. In the present work, the multilayer amorphous-Si-B-C-N/,-Al2O3/,-Al2O3 membranes with gradient porosity have been realized and assessed with respect to the thermal stability, geometry of pore space and H2/CO permeance. The ,-Al2O3 support has a bimodal pore-size distribution of about 0.64 and 0.045 µm being macroporous and the intermediate ,-Al2O3 layer,deposited from boehmite colloidal dispersion,has an average pore-size of 8,nm being mesoporous. The results obtained by the N2 -adsorption method indicate a decrease in the volume of micropores,0.35 vs. 0.75,cm3,g,1,and a smaller pore size ,6.8 vs. 7.4 Å,in membranes with the intermediate mesoporous ,-Al2O3 layer if compared to those without. The three times Si-B-C-N coated multilayer membranes show higher H2/CO permselectivities of about 10.5 and the H2 permeance of about 1.05,×,10,8 mol m,2 s,1 Pa,1. If compared to the state of the art of microporous membranes, the multilayer Si-B-C-N/,-Al2O3/,-Al2O3 membranes are appeared to be interesting candidates for hydrogen separation because of their tunable nature and high-temperature and high-pressure stability. [source] Powder Metallurgical Near-Net-Shape Fabrication of Porous NiTi Shape Memory Alloys for Use as Long-Term Implants by the Combination of the Metal Injection Molding Process with the Space-Holder Technique,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009Manuel Köhl Abstract A new method was developed for producing highly porous NiTi for use as an implant material. The combination of the space-holder technique with the metal injection molding process allows a net-shape fabrication of geometrically complex samples and the possibility of mass production for porous NiTi. Further, the porosity can be easily adjusted with respect to pore size, pore shape, and total porosity. The influence of the surface properties of powder metallurgical NiTi on the biocompatibility was first examined using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). It was found that pre-alloyed NiTi powders with an average particle size smaller than 45,,m led to the surface properties most suitable for the adhesion and proliferation of hMSCs. For the production of highly porous NiTi, different space-holder materials were investigated regarding low C- and O-impurity contents and the reproducibility of the process. NaCl was the most promising space-holder material compared to PMMA and saccharose and was used in subsequent studies. In these studies, the influence of the total porosity on the mechanical properties of NiTi is investigated in detail. As a result, bone-like mechanical properties were achieved by the choice of Ni-rich NiTi powder and a space-holder content of 50,vol% with a particle size fraction of 355,500,,m. Pseudoelasticity of up to 6% was achieved in compression tests at 37,°C as well as a bone-like loading stiffness of 6.5,GPa, a sufficient plateau stress ,25 of 261,MPa and a value for ,50 of 415,MPa. The first biological tests of the porous NiTi samples produced by this method showed promising results regarding proliferation and ingrowth of mesenchymal stem cells, also in the pores of the implant material. [source] Three Phase Microemulsion/Sol,Gel System for Aqueous C,C Coupling of Hydrophobic SubstratesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 14 2008Dmitry Tsvelikhovsky Abstract Heck, Stille, Suzuki and three-component coupling reactions with hydrophobic substrates have been carried out in water. The substrates are initially transformed by a general procedure into a microemulsion, which consists of nearly 90,% water with the aid of sodium dodecyl sulfate and either PrOH or BuOH. The surfactant carries the molecules of the substrates to Pd(OAc)2 entrapped within a hydrophobicitized silica sol,gel matrix where the coupling between the substrates is assumed to take place. The products are then returned by the surfactant into the microemulsion from which it can be released. The immobilized palladium catalyst is leach proof and recyclable. It can be used in various coupling processes at least six times without loss of activity. Experiments with D2O have revealed that the water does not take part in the coupling process, but it has an effect on the pore size of the sol,gel matrix, which hosts the palladium catalyst. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] Preparation of Titanium Foams by Slip Casting of Particle Stabilized Emulsions,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2009Bram Neirinck Bulk titanium foams were prepared by emulsion templating during slip casting. The emulsion template was stabilized using partially hydrophobized titanium particles while the continuous phase consisted of a titanium hydride powder suspension. Sintering was performed in inert atmosphere. The use of titanium hydride resulted in lower sintering temperatures and denser, stronger struts. Both homogeneous foams with high compressive strength and structures with a gradient in pore size were obtained. [source] Analysis of Anisotropic Void System in Electron-Beam Physical-Vapour-Deposited (EB-PVD) Thermal-Barrier Coatings,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009Bilge Saruhan Anisotropic and nanosized pores in PYSZ-based TBCs are analysed by means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Three different coating morphologies are produced by varying the process parameters. In order to differentiate between closed and open pores in 400,,m thick coatings, a contrast-matching SANS technique is employed. In situ high-temperature SANS measurements demonstrate the occurrence of thermally activated surface area and pore-surface changes. Thermally derived changes in the pore size and morphology are correlated with the thermal conductivity measured using laser-flash analysis (LFA). [source] Effect of degree of fluid saturation on transport coefficients in disturbed soilsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004A. Tuli Summary To improve the predictive capability of transport models in soils we need experimental data that improve their understanding of properties at the scale of pores, including the effect of degree of fluid saturation. All transport occurs in the same soil pore space, so that one may intuitively expect a link between the different transport coefficients and key geometrical characteristics of the pores such as tortuosity and connectivity, and pore-size distribution. To understand the combined effects of pore geometry and pore-size distribution better, we measured the effect of degree of water saturation on hydraulic conductivity and bulk soil electrical conductivity, and of degree of air saturation on air conductivity and gaseous diffusion for a fine sand and a sandy loam soil. To all measured data were fitted a general transport model that includes both pore geometry and pore-size distribution parameters. The results show that both pore geometry and pore-size distribution determine the functional relations between degree of saturation, hydraulic conductivity and air conductivity. The control of pore size on convective transport is more for soils with a wider pore-size distribution. However, the relative contribution of pore-size distribution is much larger for the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity than for gaseous phase transport. For the other transport coefficients, their saturation dependency could be described solely by the pore-geometry term. The contribution of the latter to transport was much larger for transport in the air phase than in the water phase, supporting the view that connectivity dominates gaseous transport. Although the relation between effective fluid saturation and all four relative transport coefficients for the sand could be described by a single functional relation, the presence of a universal relationship between fluid saturation and transport for all soils is doubtful. [source] The Manufacture of Porous Ceramics Using Supercritical Fluid TechnologyADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 3 2008S. Matthews Supercritical fluid-assisted technology has been combined with conventional polymer processing techniques, such as injection moulding and extrusion to manufacture porous ceramics components. This paper introduces the new process and highlights one of the key benefits of this technique; the ability to control the porous network formed. It was found that by altering the binder formulation and processing conditions the pore size, pore type and pore density could be controlled. [source] Tensile Behaviour of Replicated Aluminium Foams,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 6 2004J.-F. Despois Abstract The replication process is used to produce open-cell 99.99,% pure aluminium foams of controlled pore diameter and solid volume fraction; each parameter is varied respectively from 40 to 400,,m and 10 to 30,vol. pct. The foam tensile behaviour is consistent with the small-strain compressive behaviour and shows a significant dependence on pore size. [source] Integration of a Chemical-Responsive Hydrogel into a Porous Silicon Photonic Sensor for Visual Colorimetric ReadoutADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Lisa M. Bonanno Abstract The incorporation of a chemo-responsive hydrogel into a 1D photonic porous silicon (PSi) transducer is demonstrated. A versatile hydrogel backbone is designed via the synthesis of an amine-functionalized polyacrylamide copolymer where further amine-specific biochemical reactions can enable control of cross-links between copolymer chains based on complementary target,probe systems. As an initial demonstration, the incorporation of disulfide chemistry to control cross-linking of this hydrogel system within a PSi Bragg mirror sensor is reported. Direct optical monitoring of a characteristic peak in the white light reflectivity spectrum of the incorporated PSi Bragg mirror facilitates real-time detection of the hydrogel dissolution in response to the target analyte (reducing agent) over a timescale of minutes. The hybrid sensor response characteristics are shown to systematically depend on hydrogel cross-linking density and applied target analyte concentration. Additionally, effects due to responsive hydrogel confinement in a porous template are shown to depend on pore size and architecture of the PSi transducer substrate. Sufficient copolymer and water is removed from the PSi transducer upon dissolution and drying of the hydrogel to induce color changes that can be detected by the unaided eye. This highlights the potential for future development for point-of-care diagnostic biosensing. [source] Study of the Catalytic Layer in Polybenzimidazole-based High Temperature PEMFC: Effect of Platinum Content on the Carbon SupportFUEL CELLS, Issue 2 2010J. Lobato Abstract In this work, the effect of platinum percentage on the carbon support of commercial catalyst for electrodes to be used in a Polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based PEMFC has been studied. Three percentages were studied (20, 40 and 60%). In all cases, the same quantity of PBI in the catalyst layer was added, which is required as a ,binder'. From Hg porosimetry analyses, pore size distribution, porosity, mean pore size and tortuosity of all electrodes were obtained. The amount of mesopores gets larger as the platinum percentage in the catalytic layer decreases, which reduces the overall porosity and the mean pore size and increases the tortuosity. The electrochemical characterisation was performed by voltamperometric studies, assessing the effective electrochemical surface area (ESA) of the electrodes, by impedance spectroscopy (IS), determining the polarisation resistance, and by the corresponding fuel cell measurements. The best results were obtained for the electrodes with a content of 40% Pt on carbon, as a result of an adequate combination of catalytic activity and mass transfer characteristics of the electrode. It has been demonstrated that the temperature favours the fuel cell performance, and the humidification does not have remarkable effects on the performance of a PBI-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). [source] The effect of water content on proton transport in polymer electrolyte membranesFUEL CELLS, Issue 3-4 2002P. Commer Abstract We investigate proton transport in a polymer electrolyte membrane using continuum theory and molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations. Specifically our goal is to understand the possible molecular origin of the effect of water content on the activation energy (AE) and pre-exponential factor of proton conductivity, in comparison with experimental observations reported for Nafion, where a decrease of AE with increasing water content has been observed. We study proton diffusion in a single pore, using a slab-like model. We find that although the average proton diffusion coefficient is several times smaller in a narrow pore than in a wide water-rich pore, its AE is almost unaffected by the pore width. This contradicts an earlier proposed conjecture that the sizable Coulomb potential energy barriers near the lattice of immobile point-like SO3, groups increase the AE in a narrow pore. Here we show that these barriers become smeared out by thermal motion of SO3, groups and by the spatial charge distribution over their atoms. This effect strongly diminishes the variation of the AE with pore width, which is also found in MD simulations. The pre-exponential factor for the diffusion process, however, decreases, indicating a limited number of pathways for proton transfer and the freezing out of degrees of freedom that contribute to the effective frequency of transfer. Decreasing the pore size diminishes bulk-like water regions in the pore, with only less mobile surface water molecules remaining. This hampers proton transfer. The increase of AE takes place only if the thermal motion of the SO3, head groups freezes out simultaneously with decreasing water content, but the effect is not profound. The stronger effect observed experimentally may thus be associated with some other rate-determining consecutive process, concerned with polymer dynamics, such as opening and closing of connections (bridges) between aqueous domains in the membrane under low water content. [source] Fabrication of Microbeads with a Controllable Hollow Interior and Porous Wall Using a Capillary Fluidic DeviceADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2009Sung-Wook Choi Abstract Poly(D,L -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microbeads with a hollow interior and porous wall are prepared using a simple fluidic device fabricated with PVC tubes, glass capillaries, and a needle. Using the fluidic device with three flow channels, uniform water-in-oil-in-water (W-O-W) emulsions with a single inner water droplet can be achieved with controllable dimensions by varying the flow rate of each phase. The resultant W-O-W emulsions evolve into PLGA microbeads with a hollow interior and porous wall after the organic solvent in the middle oil phase evaporates. Two approaches are employed for developing a porous structure in the wall: emulsion templating and fast solvent evaporation. For emulsion templating, a homogenized, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion is introduced as the middle phase instead of the pure oil phase. Low-molecular-weight fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and high-molecular-weight fluorescein isothiocyanate,dextran conjugate (FITC,DEX) is added to the inner water phase to elucidate both the pore size and their interconnectivity in the wall of the microbeads. From optical fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images, it is confirmed that the emulsion-templated microbeads (W-W/O-W) have larger and better interconnected pores than the W-O-W microbeads. These microstructured microbeads can potentially be employed for cell encapsulation and tissue engineering, as well as protection of active agents. [source] The Implications of Polymer Selection in Regenerative Medicine: A Comparison of Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Polymer for Tissue RegenerationADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 9 2009Michelle D. Kofron Abstract Biodegradable polymeric scaffolds are being investigated as scaffolding materials for use in regenerative medicine. While the in vivo evaluation of various three-dimensional (3D), porous, biodegradable polymeric scaffolds has been reported, most studies are ,3 months in duration, which is typically prior to bulk polymer degradation, a critical event that may initiate an inflammatory response and inhibit tissue formation. Here, a 6,month in vitro degradation and corresponding in vivo studies that characterized scaffold changes during complete degradation of an amorphous, 3D poly(lactide- co -glycolide)(3D-PLAGA) scaffold and near-complete degradation of a semi-crystalline3D-PLAGA scaffold are reported. Using sintered microsphere matrix technology, constructs were fabricated in a tubular shape, with the longitudinal axis void and a median pore size that mimicked the architecture of native bone. Long-term quantitative measurements of molecular weight, mechanical properties, and porosity provided a basis for theorization of the scaffold degradation process. Following implantation in a critical size ulnar defect model, histological analysis and quantitative microCT indicated early solubilization of the semi-crystalline polymer created an acidic microenvironment that inhibited mineralized tissue formation. Thus, the use of amorphous over semi-crystalline PLAGA materials is advocated for applications in regenerative medicine. [source] Nanoporous Copper with Tunable Nanoporosity for SERS ApplicationsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 8 2009Lu-Yang Chen Abstract Nanostructured materials with designable microstructure and controllable physical and chemical properties are highly desired for practical applications in nanotechnology. In this article, it is reported that nanoporous copper with a tunable nanopore size can be fabricated by controlling the dealloying process. The influence of acid concentration and etching potential on the formation of nanoprosity is systematically investigated. With optimal etching conditions, the nanopore sizes can be tailored from ,15 to ,120,nm by controlling the dealloying time. It is found that the tunable nanoporosity leads to significant improvements in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of nanoporous copper and peak values of SERS enhancements for both rhodamine 6G and crystal violet 10B molecules are observed at a pore size of ,30,50,nm. This study underscores the effect of complex three-dimensional nanostructures on physical and chemical properties and is helpful in developing inexpensive SERS substrates for sensitive instrumentations in molecular diagnostics. [source] Inverse-Opal Electrodes: Compact Inverse-Opal Electrode Using Non-Aggregated TiO2 Nanoparticles for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009Mater. On page 1093, Hyunjung Lee and co-workers report a novel method to fabricate an inverse-opal electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. Compact and ordered TiO2 inverse-opal photoelectrodes are prepared using a 3D colloidal array templating route with flexible dimensional control of pore size. Organic-layer-coated TiO2 nanoparticles improved the degree of infiltration and consequently minimized the volume contraction during thermal calcinations of the colloidal template within the inverse opal structure. [source] Formation of Chiral Mesopores in Conducting Polymers by Chiral-Lipid-Ribbon Templating and "Seeding" Route,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2008Chaxing Fan Abstract Conducting polymer nanofibers with controllable chiral mesopores in the size, the shape, and handedness have been synthesized by chiral lipid ribbon templating and "seeding" route. Chiral mesoporous conducting poly(pyrrole) (CMPP) synthesized with very small amount of chiral amphiphilic molecules (usually,<,3%) has helically twisted channels with well-defined controllable pore size of 5,20,nm in central axis of the twisted fibers. The structure and chirality of helical mesopores have been characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron tomography. The average pore diameters of chiral mesopores were approximately estimated from the N2 adsorption,desorption data and calculated by the conversion calculation from helical ribbons to a rectangular straight tape. The pore size of CMPP has been controlled by choosing different alkyl chain lengths of chiral lipid molecules or precisely adjusting the H2O/EtOH volume ratio. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||