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Surface Structure (surface + structure)
Selected AbstractsSurface Structure of Converter Slag Stabilized by HeatingJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007Naomitsu Tsuyuki Converter slag contains free lime (CaO) and unstable iron oxides (FeO, FeOOH) that may lead to expansive self-destruction. A typical industry practice for converter slag has been stabilization by steam curing and autoclaving; however, the stabilization can only reach the surface, and not the inside, of slag particles. A new method is proposed in this study to stabilize the converter slag by heating at a low temperature. After magnetic separation, specimens of converter slag were subjected to heating for 2 h at a temperature of 500°C, resulting in a decrease of free lime content irrespective of the particle size. This effect was attributed to the formation of Ca2Fe9O13 and complicated apatite groups owing to the heating. The iron oxides in the converter slag were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectra. It was found that after heating, the unstable FeO (wustite) content decreased and an oxidized ,-Fe2O3 (hematite) increased. This led to the prevention of the iron-induced expansion. The rate of heat liberation by the free lime in converter slag was smaller than that of the reagent CaO. This suggests that the presumed free lime is in a different form based on the Ca bond energy in the surface of slag particles. [source] Surface Structures and Osteoblast Activity on Biomedical Polytetrafluoroethylene Treated by Long-Pulse, High-Frequency Oxygen Plasma Immersion Ion ImplantationADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Liping Tong Abstract Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a biologically safe polymer used widely in clinical medicine including oral and orthopedic surgery. However, the high bio-inertness of PTFE has hampered wider applications in the biomedical fields. In this work, we extend the treatment time in long-pulse, high-frequency oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation of PTFE and a more superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 160° is created. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveal that the optimized long-pulse, high-frequency oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation process induces a rougher surface and to a lesser extent alters the surface oxygen concentration on the PTFE. Our data, especially long-term contact angles, suggest that the superhydrophobility stems from surface roughness alteration. Furthermore, the activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts cultured on the treated surfaces is promoted in terms of quantities and morphology. [source] Surface Structures in Thin Polymer Layers Caused by Coupling of Diffusion-Controlled Marangoni Instability and Local Horizontal Temperature GradientMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 10 2005Lothar Weh Abstract Summary: Surface tension-driven Marangoni convection causes the formation of regular surface structures in drying polymer layers. The shape of the surface structures formed during solvent evaporation depends on layer and interfacial dynamic parameters as well as external factors. The influence of a horizontal radial temperature gradient produced by a point heat source below the polymer layer on the diffusion-controlled Marangoni instability has been studied. In the region of the lateral temperature gradient, radial surface flow coupled with the interfacial instability leads to stripe, ladder, chevron and/or labyrinthine surface structures. Stepped ladder structures in a poly(vinyl butyral) layer produced by interfacial instability and heating with an ultrasonic sonotrode below the layer substrate. [source] Magnetoresponsive Microparticles with Nanoscopic Surface Structures for Remote-Controlled Locomotion,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 22 2010Shin-Hyun Kim Dr. Kügelchen in Bewegung: Die Rotations- und Translationsbewegung magnetischer Janus-Partikel mit nanoskopischer Oberflächenstruktur kann durch ein externes Magnetfeld gesteuert werden (siehe Bild). Die nanoskopischen Oberflächenmuster verstärken die mikroskopische Bewegung der Mikrokügelchen, indem sie eine starke Kopplung zwischen Rotation und Translation induzieren. Es ist außerdem möglich, einzelne Mikrokügelchen aus dem Gemisch abzutrennen. [source] Nanostructured, Gd-Doped Ceria Promoted by Pt or Pd: Investigation of the Electronic and Surface Structures and Relations to Chemical Properties.CHEMINFORM, Issue 5 2006Holger Borchert Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Molecular dynamics study on effects of surface structures in nanometer scale on energy transfer from fluid to surfaceHEAT TRANSFER - ASIAN RESEARCH (FORMERLY HEAT TRANSFER-JAPANESE RESEARCH), Issue 3 2005Masahiko Shibahara Abstract Energy transfer from fluid to surface was calculated numerically by using the classical molecular dynamics method in order to investigate the effects of surface structures from 0.1 nm to 10 nm on surface energy transfer. Surface structures on a constant surface area were composed of several hundred atoms having various potential energy parameters, in other words, thermal properties. The upper region in the calculation domain was controlled at a constant temperature and one of the solid atomic layers at the lower region in the calculation domain was controlled at another constant temperature to create a temperature gradient in the calculation system. Energy transfer to the surface was very dependent on surface nanometer scale structures in that affected the static structure and the dynamic behaviors of fluid molecules in the vicinity of the surface. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 34(3): 171,179, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20055 [source] Synthesis of well-defined chain-end-functionalized polystyrenes with four, eight, and sixteen perfluorooctyl groups and their surface characterizationPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 1-2 2004Akira Hirao Abstract We have successfully synthesized a series of novel well-defined chain-end-functionalized polystyrenes with a definite number of four, eight, and sixteen perfluorooctyl (C8F17) groups, via living anionic polymerization, by the coupling reaction of chain-end-functionalized polystyrenes with dendritic benzyl bromide moieties with the functionalized 1,1-diphenylalkylanion prepared from sec -BuLi and 1,1-bis(4- tert -butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl)ethylene, deprotection, and a Williamson reaction with C8F17(CH2)3Br. The resulting polymers were precisely controlled in molecular weight and molecular weight distribution as well as well-defined in chain-end-functionality. Surface structures of the annealed films cast from such chain-end-functionalized polystyrenes with C8F17 groups have been characterized by contact angle and angle-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. It has been clearly observed by both measurements that the C8F17 groups are preferentially segregated from their polystyrene main chains and significantly enriched at the surfaces. However, the degree of enrichment of C8F17 group increased only to a small extent by increasing the C8F17 group from four, eight, and even sixteen in number. We have compared the present results with the previous ones obtained by using chain-end-functionalized polystyrenes with one, two, three, and four C8F17 groups and the structurally analogous block copolymers and discussed in more detail in terms of the dependence of enrichment degree on number of C8F17 group. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF EARLY GASTRIC CANCERDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2002Yasumasa Niwa Magnifying endoscopy of stomach cancer requires observation of minute structure and minute vessel patterns of the mucosal surface. The small pits, various-sized pits, irregularly branched pits and irregular vessels were found to be characteristics as the surface structure of early gastric cancer. Small pits were commonly observed on the differentiated type of early gastric cancer (88%) compared with the undifferentiated type (50%). We found it important to analyze not only the minute vessel patterns, but also the minute surface structure to ensure magnifying endoscopic observation using 0.1% indigo-carmine and the binarized images would be effective in determining the margin of the lesion. The relationship between the findings of magnifying endoscopy in cancer and the histology should now be investigated. Applying the techniques mentioned above, more delicate observation in the regular endoscopy and prudent photographing to obtain clear images might be promoted. Thus, this would contribute to endoscopy with a concept similar to optical biopsy, and which can depend on the usual biopsy methods. [source] Theoretical study of lipid biosynthesis in wild-type Escherichia coli and in a protoplast-type L-form using elementary flux mode analysisFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2010Dimitar Kenanov In the present study, we investigated lipid biosynthesis in the bacterium Escherichia coli by mathematical modeling. In particular, we studied the interaction between the subsystems producing unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, phospholipids, lipid A, and cardiolipin. The present analysis was carried out both for the wild-type and for several in silico knockout mutants, using the concept of elementary flux modes. Our results confirm that, in the wild type, there are four main products: L1-phosphatidylethanolamine, lipid A, lipid A (cold-adapted), and cardiolipin. We found that each of these compounds is produced on several different routes, indicating a high redundancy of the system under study. By analysis of the elementary flux modes remaining after the knockout of genes of lipid biosynthesis, and comparison with publicly available data on single-gene knockouts in vivo, we were able to determine the metabolites essential for the survival of the cell. Furthermore, we analyzed a set of mutations that occur in a cell wall-free mutant of Escherichia coli W1655F+. We postulate that the mutant is not capable of producing both forms of lipid A, when the combination of mutations is considered to make a nonfunctional pathway. This is in contrast to gene essentiality data showing that lipid A synthesis is indispensable for the survival of the cell. The loss of the outer membrane in the cell wall-free mutant, however, shows that lipid A is dispensable as the main component of the outer surface structure in this particular E. coli strain. [source] Phase Segregation in Thin Films of Conjugated Polyrotaxane, Poly(ethylene oxide) Blends: A Scanning Force Microscopy Study,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2007L. Sardone Abstract Scanning force microscopy (SFM) is used to study the surface morphology of spin-coated thin films of the ion-transport polymer poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blended with either cyclodextrin (CD)-threaded conjugated polyrotaxanes based on poly(4,4,-diphenylene-vinylene) (PDV), ,-CD,PDV, or their uninsulated PDV analogues. Both the polyrotaxanes and their blends with PEO are of interest as active materials in light-emitting devices. The SFM analysis of the blended films supported on mica and on indium tin oxide (ITO) reveals in both cases a morphology that reflects the substrate topography on the (sub-)micrometer scale and is characterized by an absence of the surface structure that is usually associated with phase segregation. This observation confirms a good miscibility of the two hydrophilic components, when deposited by using spin-coating, as suggested by the luminescence data on devices and thin films. Clear evidence of phase segregation is instead found when blending PEO with a new organic-soluble conjugated polymer such as a silylated poly(fluorene)- alt -poly(para -phenylene) based polyrotaxane (THS,,-CD,PF,PPP). The results obtained are relevant to the understanding of the factors influencing the interfacial and the intermolecular interactions with a view to optimizing the performance of light-emitting diodes, and light-emitting electrochemical cells based on supramolecularly engineered organic polymers. [source] Antimicrobial activity of nisin incorporated in pectin and polylactic acid composite films against Listeria monocytogenesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Tony Jin Summary An extruded composite food packaging film containing pectin, polylactic acids (PLAs) and nisin was developed to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes. The mechanical properties and surface structure of the film were also examined. Cells of L. monocytogenes were reduced by 2.1, 4.5 and 3.7 log units mL,1 by the pectin plus PLA (pectin/PLA) film containing nisin (1000 IU mL,1 of tested liquid) in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth, liquid egg white and orange juice, respectively, after 48 h at 24 °C. Pectin played an important roll in embedding nisin into the film. The pectin/PLA film had a similar stiffness but lower tensile strength, elongation and fracture energy than the pure PLA film. These data suggested that nisin incorporated into the pectin/PLA film was an effective approach to reducing L. monocytogenes in a typical growth medium (e.g. BHI broth) as well as in foods (e.g. orange juice and liquid egg). [source] Accelerating aging of zirconia femoral head implants: Change of surface structure and mechanical propertiesJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007S. Chowdhury Abstract Recently, alternations of zirconia ceramic femoral heads of total hip prostheses during in vivo conditions have caused concern in the medical disciplines regarding phase transformation of zirconia prosthetic components. In this paper, we have investigated the mechanical and structural properties of different laboratory aged zirconia femoral heads and correlated changes in mechanical properties with the phase compositions of the sample. From laser microscope observation, cross-sectional Scanning electron microscopy imaging, and X-ray diffraction analysis on the surface of the zirconia femoral heads, we found monoclinic to tetragonal phase transformation in zirconia prostheses over time during the aging process in the laboratory. Mechanical properties, mainly hardness (H) and Young's modulus (E) values, were measured by nanoindentation technique on the surface of these implants. The results showed that both H and E values decreased with increased monoclinic phase in zirconia, thus confirming a phase transformation over time during aging. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006 [source] A Novel Method for Air Drying Aloe Leaf Slices by Covering with Filter Papers as a Shrink-Proof LayerJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 9 2009S.A. Kim ABSTRACT:, To prevent the shrinkage of aloe vera slices during air drying, a method utilizing a shrink-proof layer was developed. The sample was configured of whole leaf aloe slices, where 1 side or both sides were covered with filter papers as shrink-proof layers. After air drying by varying the air temperature and the slice thickness, the drying characteristics, as well as several quality factors of the dried aloe vera leaf slices, were analyzed. In the simulation of the drying curves, the modified Page model showed the best fitness, representing a diffusion-controlled drying mechanism. Nonetheless, there was a trace of a constant-rate drying period in the samples dried by the method. Shrinkage was greatly reduced, and the rehydration ratios increased by approximately 50%. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the surface structure of original fibrous form was well sustained. FT-IR characteristics showed that the dried samples could sustain aloe polysaccharide acetylation. Furthermore, the functional properties of the dried slices including water holding capacity, swelling, and fat absorption capability were improved, and polysaccharide retention levels increased by 20% to 30%. Therefore, we concluded that application of shrink-proof layers on aloe slices provides a novel way to overcome the shrinkage problems commonly found in air drying, thereby improving their functional properties with less cost. Practical Application: This research article demonstrates a novel air drying method using shrink-proof layers to prevent the shrinkage of aloe slices. We analyzed extensively the characteristics of shrinkage mechanism and physical properties of aloe flesh gels in this drying system. We concluded that this method can be a beneficial means to retain the functional properties of dried aloe, and a potential alternative to freeze drying, which is still costly. [source] Application of a Plasma Reactor to Modify Egg Ovalbumin for Improved SolubilityJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2001G.H. Gao ABSTRACT: A Plasma reactor was used to change the surface structure of ovalbumin and enhance solubility. The gases used to generate the plasmas were air, argon, nitrogen and oxygen. Ovalbumin was exposed to the gases for 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 min. Unexposed ovalbumin served as the control. Samples were examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), spectrophotometry, fluorometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and circular dichroism. Solubility and hydrophobicity of ovalbumin increased with exposure time, whereas endothermic enthalpy, onset PAGE. No change in CD spectra resulted from the plasma treatment. The structural changes were regarded as conformational adaptability. [source] The Dynamic Interaction of Water with Four Dental Impression Materials During CureJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 4 2009Dariush Hosseinpour PhD Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the interaction of water with four different dental impression materials: Aquasil (Ultra XLV Type 3), Take 1 (Wash Regular Set), Genie (Light Body, Standard Set), and Impregum Garant (Soft Light Bodied Consistency). Materials and Methods: Apparent contact angles of de-ionized water made against thin horizontal sample films of the different materials under different conditions were measured from analysis of profile images of symmetrical sessile drops of water placed on the sample films using a Model FTÅ200 dynamic drop shape analysis system, which included a JAI M30 high speed CCD camera combined with a zoom microscope. Data were taken for specimens of dry ages (times following mixing) from a minimum of 20 seconds up to 1220 seconds. Imaging was started before the initial water/impression material contact, and lasted for at least 420 seconds in each case. The interval at the beginning of each run was 0.033 second, and then increased by a factor of 1.012 to the end. During the initial 3 seconds following the drop deposition, the drop's shape oscillated due to inertial effects, so apparent contact angle data during this period were neglected in all cases. All measurements were made at room temperature. The drops were enclosed in a humidified chamber that suppressed evaporation. All data were repeated at least five times, and results were analyzed where appropriate using one-way ANOVA. Microscopic images of the water/impression material interactions for fresh (uncured) materials were acquired to reveal the destructive interactions that resulted from such contact. Finally, surface tension measurements were made of water that had been contacted with material of varying dry age using the pendant drop method capability of the drop shape analysis system. These helped to assess the origin of hydrophilicity development for the different materials. Results: For short curing times (dry ages), water showed a destructive effect on the integrity of all of the impression materials, as evidenced by the formation of a crater beneath the water drop and a scum of material at its surface. These effects diminished with dry age until a critical curing time was reached, beyond which such destructive interactions were no longer detectable. These critical curing times were determined to be 80, 140, 110, and 185 seconds for Aquasil, Take 1, Genie, and Impregum, respectively. The initial contact angle following the respective critical curing time was lowest for Impregum, at 66°; while values for Aquasil, Genie, and Take 1 were 93°, 104°, and 110°, respectively. Beyond the critical curing times for the different materials, different degrees of hydrophilicity were observed. Aquasil showed the lowest final contact angle (<10°), with Impregum, Take 1, and Genie showing 31°, 34°, and 40°, respectively. Measurements of the surface tension of water after contact with the different materials suggested that for Aquasil, hydrophilicity appears to be developed through the leaching of surfactant from the material, whereas for Impregum, Take 1, and Genie, hydrophilicity is developed at least in part through a change in surface structure in contact with water. Impregum and Aquasil materials of dry ages well beyond the critical curing time exhibited a stick-slip behavior in their interline movement or contact angle evolution. This was believed to be due to the slowness in the leaching of surfactant (in the case of Aquasil) or the re-orientation of unleachable surface groups (in the case of the other materials) in comparison to the inherent kinetics of water drop spreading. Conclusions: All materials investigated in the fresh, uncured state showed qualitative decomposition when put in contact with water through the formation of a crater beneath the water drop and a scum of material at its surface. These effects diminished with curing time until beyond a critical value, no such effects were evident. The initial hydrophilicity of the materials as determined by the contact angles obtained at their respective critical dry ages was greatest for Impregum. Beyond the critical curing time, different degrees of hydrophilicity were observed, with Aquasil showing the lowest final contact angle. [source] SERS-active sites on various copper substratesJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 4 2001C. Siemes The wavenumbers of the Raman bands of ethylene adsorbed on Cu in ultra-high vacuum depend on the surface structure of the copper substrate. Thus it is possible to differentiate between ethylene adsorbed at Cu(110) sites, Cu(111) sites and surface defect sites of unknown configuration. These latter are the ,SERS-active sites.' Only when these sites are annealed does the distance dependence of SERS follow the expectations from the electromagnetic model of SERS. In the presence of the SERS-active sites, also the signal of ethylene at (111) sites shows a ,first layer effect.' Ethylene adsorbed on cold-deposited copper films shows strong infrared absorption at the same wavenumber as the ethylene at SERS-active sites in Raman scattering, irrespective of the Raman,infrared exclusion rule for the free centrosymmetric ethylene molecule. This raises the possibility that SERS-active sites are also infrared-active sites. The SERS-active sites at stepped Cu surfaces decorated by 3 nm of cold-deposited copper anneal below 200 K, whereas they prevail beyond 400 K on Cu island films. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The oldest reptile in amber: a 120 million year old lizard from LebanonJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 1 2002E. N. Arnold Abstract Animals enclosed in amber often provide a unique insight into their surface structure. Such fossils of reptiles are rare and usually not extremely ancient, the earliest being no more than 40 million years (my). A recently discovered 120 my lizard from the Lower Cretaceous of Lebanon provides direct evidence that several common external features of autarchoglossan lizards had evolved by this time. Ecomorphology indicates that the lizard concerned had considerable climbing ability on open surfaces and perhaps in vegetation, and probably lived in a mesic forested environment, something supported by associated plant and invertebrate remains. [source] Microtribological behaviour of thin DLC films using different testing methodsLUBRICATION SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006R. Bandorf Abstract To enhance the lifetime and reliability of microcomponents, thin microtribological films are applied to microparts. With reduction of the component size, investigation methods for tribological testing must be adapted. This paper studies the microtribological behaviour of thin diamond-like carbon (DLC) films using different testing methods. To tie in with macroscopic results, to determine friction we used the well-known pin-on-disc test with spherical surfaces of 10,mm diameter under a typical load of 3,N. For investigations of the behaviour under single asperity contact, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) methods with applied loads of a few hundred micronewtons were used. Investigations on thin DLC films showed that the friction coefficient under single asperity contact is strongly dependent on the applied load and the resulting contact area. Especially for thin films (up to a few hundred nanometres) the friction coefficient is influenced by the substrate material. With decreasing substrate Young's modulus the friction coefficient also decreases. On the other hand, an increase in the abrasive wear resistance was observed using soft substrate materials. In this paper we show that the friction coefficient was also reduced by a simple surface structure. For investigations we used photolithography to create concentric circles in different substrates. This resulted in a behaviour like riding on rails for the pin-on-disc test. Depending on the tribological pairing the friction coefficient was reduced to more than 50% of the original value. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of Surface Modification on the Synthesis of Pore-Filling Polymeric Monoliths in Microfiltration Membranes Made from Poly(propylene) and Poly(ethylene terephthalate)MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2007Abdus Salam Abstract The effect of pre-modification on the interaction of macroporous substrates (membranes) with mainly micro- and mesoporous polymer monoliths has been studied. Bulk, porous polymer monoliths were synthesized to optimize the synthesis conditions and their pore morphology, and the data were used as benchmark for this study. Pre-modification of the entire pore surface of PP microfiltration membranes and PET track-etched membranes by UV-initiated grafting with PEGMA was performed using well-established methods, including coating with the photo-initiator, benzophenone. Subsequently, these membranes were functionalized by filling the pores with porous polymer monoliths from MAA and EDMA and compared with membranes that had been functionalized without the pre-modification step. The materials were characterized mainly by the degree of grafting, SEM and by the gas-adsorption-isotherm method. The DG values, after composite-membrane preparation under identical conditions, were not influenced by the pre-modification. However, it could be clearly seen from the SEM images that the pre-modification step prevents the formation of voids at the monolith-membrane pore interface. Larger specific surface area and pore volume values for composite membranes, prepared after pre-modification, fully support the SEM results. Especially large differences in pore structure between the two different composite membranes were found in the mesopore range. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to prepare porous, composite membranes where the trans-membrane transport is exclusively controlled by the pore and surface structure of a functional polymeric monolith, for example, made from a molecularly-imprinted polymer. [source] Morphological and Physical Properties of Triblock Copolymers of Methyl Methacrylate and 2-Ethylhexyl MethacrylateMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 9 2006Hormoz Eslami Abstract Summary: Triblock copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA) [that is, poly(MMA,EHMA,MMA)] were prepared by an emulsion atom-transfer radical polymerization. The relationships of their structural, morphological, and physical properties were investigated. The latex particles had core-shell morphologies and the block copolymers experienced phase separation. Small latex particles with a low number of cores could deform and wet silicon-wafer surfaces, but the deformation of large latex particles was restricted by the internal two-phase morphology of the particles. Latex casting produced continuous pinhole-free films, in which hard poly(MMA) (PMMA) cores of different latex particles merged and provided interparticle connections. The morphology of solution-cast films depended on block composition, solvent type, and film thickness. For all the prepared polymer samples, thick films cast in toluene had poly(EHMA) (PEHMA) materials at air surface, whereas those cast in tetrahydrofuran had a sponge-like PMMA surface structure. Thin toluene-cast films from P(MMA,EHMA,MMA) with the block degrees of polymerization () 200,930,200 showed spherical PMMA domains and those from 380,930,380 yielded a protruded worm-like PMMA structure. The copolymer materials were coated on a glass surface for peeling tests. The films gave good hot-melt adhesion properties when the of the PEHMA block was over 600. The peeling strength depended on the lengths of both PEHMA and PMMA blocks. The P(MMA,EHMA,MMA) sample with of 310,930,310 yielded the highest peeling strength of 7.4 kgf,·,inch,1. The developed material is demonstrated to be a good candidate for a solvent-free, hot-melt, pressure-sensitive adhesives for special-purpose applications such as medical tapes and labels. [source] Grafting Polymer Brushes from Glass Fibers by Surface-Initiated ATRPMACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 3-4 2010Hongwen Zhang Abstract Grafting of PMMA and/or PS brushes from the surface of glass fibers by SI-ATRP has been investigated in order to achieve a controlled surface structure of the matrix. The surface composition and morphology of the modified glass fibers were analyzed by FTIR, XPS, TGA, and SEM. The results indicated that the surface composition and morphology were improved by grafting polymer after modification. The modified glass fibers were composed of an organic tube and an inorganic core. The organic content on the surface of modified glass fibers was high. GPC data of free polymer showed that the SI-ATRP from the surface of bromine-bound glass fibers proceeded in a controlled/"living" manner. [source] Shape persistence as a concept in the design of macromolecular architecturesMACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2003Gerhard Wegner Abstract Shape persistent macromolecules are objects defined by a time independent overall shape. In most cases such macromolecular objects are characterized by an exterior surface structure and an internal architecture giving coherence to the shape and topology. Shape persistent macromolecules are essential to the development of a polymer based nanotechnology and serve as constitutive units of larger scale architectures either via self-organization or via processes in which they are assembled to give constructs of nanoscale defined patterns. [source] Optimizing environmental scanning electron microscopy of spheroidal reaggregated neuronal culturesMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 11 2008Ivan S. Uroukov Abstract Electrophysiological recordings from hen embryo brain spheroidal reaggregates on penetrating 3D multielectrode arrays could be understood more easily if the surface structure was known in more detail. Electrophysiological activity, as grouped spikes in trains, is acquired from spheroids, indicating the inner formation a neuronal network. To this end, spheroids can be observed by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Live spheroids collapse when the supporting water is evaporated. By careful adjustment of the chamber pressure it is possible to observe fully hydrated fixed spheroids. A thin film of water tends to prevent a clear view of the surface detail. This can be evaporated to reveal the surface while taking steps to avoid both inadvertent shrinkage and rewetting. Conventional SEM shows a very different surface that is rich in protruding cell bodies and fibers. The images are compared and interpreted with some images of the surface using transmission electron microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Use of confocal and multiphoton microscopy for the evaluation of micro-optical components and emittersMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 4 2004J.M. Girkin Abstract We report on the application of confocal and multiphoton microscopic techniques for the evaluation of the latest generation of micro optical components. The optical emitting characteristics of arrays of matrix addressable GaN micrometer-sized light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) have been measured using a commercial confocal microscope utilising the LEDs' own emission along with reflection confocal microscopy to determine the surface structure. Multiphoton induced luminescence from the 10,20-micron diameter emitters has also been used to examine the structure of the device and we compare this with electrically induced emission. In related work, the optical properties of micro lens arrays (10,100-micron diameter) fabricated in SiC, Sapphire, and Diamond have been determined using transmission confocal microscopy. Such optical microscopy techniques offer a simple, non-destructive method to determine the structure and performance of such novel devices. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:293,296, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] First atomistic studies of epitaxial growth of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 on SrTiO3PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 12 2008Petar Petrov Abstract The first stages of epitaxial growth of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 on SrTiO3 substrates were studied by means of a newly developed kinetic Monte-Carlo (KMC) model employing several types of particles, different types of neighbors and various energy barriers. Density functional method (DFT) has been used for computing the surface structure with adatoms and for obtaining some of the diffusion barriers. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Structural and optical characterization of (11-22) semipolar GaN on m -plane sapphire without low temperature buffer layerPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 7-8 2010Sung-Nam Lee Abstract We reported the high quality semipolar (11-22) GaN grown on m-sapphire by using the novel two-step growth method without low temperature GaN or AlN buffer layer. It is found that macroscopic surface morphology of semipolar GaN epilayer was very smooth, while microscopic surface structure was arrowhead-like surface structure toward the direction of [1-21-1]. Anisotropic crystal properties of semipolar GaN/m-sapphire were also observed by two incident directions of X-ray beam. Therefore, we suggested that the anisotropic crystal properties and arrow-head like surface structure would be caused by heteroepitaxial crystallograhpic difference between semipolar GaN and m-sapphire. Additionally, photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed the strong bandedge emission of n-type semipolar GaN without yellow luminescence (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Influence of dynamic structure on the microstructure formation of a steel surface in the electrolyte in a steady magnetic fieldPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 12 2004Svetlana Gorobets Abstract The periodic microfabrication effect of metal element surfaces in an electrolyte solution in an external steady magnetic field was investigated. Authors have shown that corrosion velocity and periodic microstructure formation on the metal element surface can be controlled by magnetic field application. Geometric configuration of periodic microstructure depends on metal element characteristics, electrolyte solution, treatment time, magnetic field magnitude and other parameters. Investigation results have shown possibility of magnetic field influence on hydrodynamic conditions and metal surface structure under its etching in the nitric acid solution. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Morphology of Cultured Human Epidermal Melanocytes Observed by Atomic Force MicroscopyPIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004Ru-zhi Zhang The objective of this study was to image the surface structure of cultured human epidermal melanocytes using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Epidermis obtained from human foreskins was treated with 0.5% dispase. Cell suspensions of the epidermis were prepared and seeded in six-well plates, in which sheets of mica had been placed. Samples for AFM were fixed on mica and scanning AFM images were captured by contacting and tapping modes operated under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature. Human epidermal melanocytes exhibited rounded, oval, triangular or quadrangular perikarya from which eight to 10 thick dendrites arose. These dendrites first bifurcated near the soma and then divided profusely into daughter branches, which spread out in all directions. We observed string-like long thin projections, growth cones and shorter thicker projections, which arose from the dendritic shafts, in which groups of melanosomes were arrayed. In addition to such structures, the most striking feature was the presence of filopodia arising from the melanocyte dendrite tips and the melanocyte cell body, many of which contained melanosomes. The termini of dendrites formed unbranched terminal protrusions (approximately 1500,2000 nm wide) consisting of two to three melanosomes wrapped in an arc, with their filopodia extending outwards. The tips of these structures also appeared to be squeezed and finally pinched off by the melanocyte to form a pouch filled with numerous melanosomes. We conclude that secondary and tertiary branches and subordinate branches might take part in transferring melanosomes into keratinocytes in addition to the transfer through the tips of the dendritic shafts. The melanin granules were expelled by exocytosis. [source] Deposition of Barrier Layers for Thin Film Solar Cells Assisted by Bipolar Substrate BiasingPLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue S1 2009Evelyn Häberle Abstract For the development of diffusion and insulation barriers for thin film solar cells on unpolished steel with a rough surface as substrate, investigations of the shape of deposited SiOx layers in dependence on an applied substrate biasing are carried out. Si-wafers with a well-defined surface structure in the range of micrometre are used as ,model' substrate. As a result, the deposition in the indentations of this surface is much higher in the case of a biased substrate. To determine the influence of the bias on the molecular structure, first investigations of the deposited layer without an applied bias are performed with in situ Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. Hence the molecular composition of the films is monitored during the deposition. In these spectra the Berreman effect occurs and is analysed. [source] Biodegradable comb polyesters containing polyelectrolyte backbones facilitate the preparation of nanoparticles with defined surface structure and bioadhesive properties,POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 10-12 2002A. Breitenbach Abstract A major challenge in oral peptide and protein delivery remains the search for suitable carrier systems. Therefore, a new concept was investigated combining a modified three-dimensional architecture, increased hydrophilicity of poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) and charged groups in a single polymer. Biodegradable comb PLGA were synthesized by grafting short PLGA chains onto different poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based backbone polyols, poly(2-sulfobutyl-vinyl alcohol) and poly(diethylaminoethyl-vinyl alcohol). The polyelectrolyte backbones were obtained by etherification of PVA with charge-containing pendent groups. The comb polymer structure could be confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, elemental analysis and measurement of intrinsic viscosity. Nanoparticles (NP), as potential mucosal carriers systems, were prepared by controlled precipitation and investigated as a function of polymer composition. The amphiphilic character and the three-dimensional architecture of the novel polyesters allowed the preparation of small nanoparticles even without the use of surfactants. Surface NMR, surface charge and hydrophobicity determination indicate a core,corona-like NP structure, especially in the case of negatively charged polyesters. A structural model is proposed for the NP with an inner polyester core and an outer charged-groups-containing surface, depending on polymer composition and backbone charge density. The higher the polymer backbone charge density, the more pronounced its influence on the nanoparticle surface properties. The possibility of preparing NP without the use of a surfactant, as well as of designing the NP surface characteristics by polymer backbone charge density and polymer hydrophilic,hydrophobic balance, will be a major advantage in protein adsorption, bioadhesion and organ distribution. This makes these biodegradable polymers promising candidates for colloidal protein and peptide delivery. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||