P. Rotaru

THERMAL DECOMPOSITION KINETICS OF SOME AROMATIC AZOMONOEHTERS Part II. Non-isothermal study of three liquid crystals in dynamic air atmosphere

Thermal analysis of three azomonoether dyes, exhibiting liquid-crystalline properties, was performed in dynamic air atmosphere. Thermal stability studies and the evaluation of the kinetic parameters of each physical or chemical transformations are essential for a full characterization, before attempting accurate thin films’ depositions of such materials used in non-linear optical applications. New synthesized dyes with general formula: where R is a nematogenic group: CN, CF3 or a highly polarizable group: NO2 were investigated using TG, DTG, DTA and DSC techniques, under non-isothermal regime. The evolved gases were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The activation energies of the first decomposition step were evaluated for each compound, the obtained results revealing complex mechanisms.

Thermal study of a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring actuator designed to insure the motion of a barrier structure

The study concerns an experimental model using a SMA spring actuator for improving the whole performance of a barrier structure. The study is, specifically, focused on the thermal analysis of the SMA spring material and on determination of the SMA spring working time periods at different values of the activating electric current inducing different phase changing speeds.

Bulk titanium for structural and biomedical applications obtaining by spark plasma sintering (SPS) from titanium hydride powder

Titanium is a low density element with excellent mechanical properties, and is an attractive material for structural and biomedical applications. In recent years, a new process technology is emerging by which titanium and titanium alloys can be obtained by using titanium hydride (TiH2) as a precursor for Ti and its mixture with alloying elements. The feasibility of this manufacturing approach has been fully demonstrated from powder to sintering and from microstructure to mechanical properties. In this paper, a study concerning powder metallurgy processing of Ti by spark plasma sintering (SPS) route is presented. The influence of the technological parameters on the hardness and microstructures change during SPS has been studied. The experimental results are related to microscopic, thermal, and mechanical analysis.

New complexes with 2-pyridyl ketone Schiff bases

Seven new complexes of 2-pyridyl ketone Schiff bases N,N′-bis-(pyridin-2-yl-benziliden)-propan-1,3-diamine (bpbpd) and N,N′-bis-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)-etiliden]-propan-1,3-diamine (bpepd) with Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) nitrates and perchlorates were synthesized and investigated using elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV–Vis–NIR) as well as magnetic and conductometric measurements. The structure of a cadmium(II) complex was accomplished by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Schiff base ligands act as NNNN tetradentate ligands coordinating through pyridine nitrogens and azomethine nitrogens to transition metal ions. The metal ions are six-coordinate for Co(II) and Ni(II), four-coordinate in the case of Zn(II) and eight-coordinate for Cd(II) ions. The coordination sphere of cobalt and nickel complexes is completed by two water molecules, resulting a distorted octahedron. In the case of zinc(II) complexes has been proposed a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The Cd(II) ions are surrounded by a tetradentate Schiff base ligand and two bidentate nitrate anions, leading to a dodecahedral coordination environment. Thermal decomposition of these compounds is a multistage process. Generally, water elimination occurs in the first step and the decomposition of nitrate groups and organic ligands in the next stages. The last step of decomposition for all complexes is strong exothermic and corresponds to oxidative combustion of the Schiff base ligand.

Condition monitoring of transformer oil using thermal analysis and other techniques

Any transformer oil undergoes continuous degradation because of all electric, thermal, mechanical, and climatic stresses it suffers while operating in the transformer. Therefore, the oil has to be checked on regular basis in order to decide whether it is necessary to regenerate or replace it, avoiding thus a sudden failure of the transformer. This article presents results of in-the-laboratory-performed experiments on transformer mineral oil samples. Those samples came from a power transformer that works in the Romanian power network. There were three monitoring stages conducted over four-and-a-half years. We used two measuring techniques: (i) measurement of the state parameters of transformer oil (breakdown voltage, loss factor, water contents, acidity index, interfacial tension, number of particles larger than 5 microns, and gas contents) in order to describe the oil condition during the monitoring period and to anticipate any severe fault. This enables the user to take preventive action before a severe fault might eventually occur; (ii) thermal analysis (TA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in order to determine the stability of oil samples. By using TA and FTIR, and by evaluating each and every significant parameter, it has been proven that the tested oil is still adequate for further employment in the power transformer.

Optical and electronic properties of polyvinyl alcohol doped with pairs of mixed valence metal ions

The electronic mechanisms induced by the UV exposure of thin films of polyvinyl alcohol doped with pairs of mixed valence metal ions were studied in relation to their optical behaviour by Mossbauer spectroscopy and optical absorption. The results obtained definitely point to the role of each element from the pair in the electronic mechanism involved, with influence on the optical properties regarding applications in real-time holography and integrated optics.

Polyvinylphenol (PVP) microcapacitors printed by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT): multilayered pixel design and thermal analysis investigations

Ag/polyvinylphenol (PVP) multilayered pixels are printed by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) technique for thin film microcapacitor applications. The third harmonic (3 omega/355 nm, tau = 50 ps) of a solid state neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser source is employed throughout our LIFT experiments. By selecting adequate printing parameters (e.g. donor thickness, laser fluence, background pressure), we show how functional microcapacitors are fabricated. At similar to 350 mu m in lateral size and 300 nm thickness of the dielectric film, the pixels have capacities in the picofarad range. We discuss the laser influence during the pixel transfer process and highlight the polymers thermal behaviour.

Optical and Mössbauer study of the real time holographic organometallic material Fe:PVA

Abstract The Fe:PVA thin films were studied by optical and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Both the absorption and Mossbauer spectra are dependent on the PVA dilution and ferric chloride concentration. A strong correlation between the optical and Mossbauer results was found, indicating the major role of the iron electronic local levels in the optical phenomena. A relation between the various absorption probabilities and also indirect information about the Debye temperatures were obtained.

Transient Hg, Ba+, Ca+ and Y+ Optical Emission Lines of a Mercury HID Lamp Exposed to X-Ray: Thermal Analysis of the Tungsten Electrode with Emissive Mixture Based on Barium, Calcium and Yttrium

A study is made on optical emission spectrum modification during X-ray exposure, in the case of a high-pressure mercury discharge lamp operated at several powers. A strong dependence on the lamp operating power for all the spectral lines intensities is observed. Erosion of the emissive mixture based on barium, calcium and yttrium compounds is evidenced by higher values recorded for spectral line intensities in all cases of X-ray exposure compared with those corresponding to non-irradiated lamps. Boltzmann type functions fitted the experimental data of measured optical emission intensities versus time for Ba+, Ca+ and Y+ lines. However, X-ray influence on plasma electron temperature is not significant. The spectroscopic data are correlated with the results of electrical measurements and of thermal analysis performed for the electrode having the emissive mixture based on barium, calcium and yttrium compounds. A qualitative explanation of the results is also given.

Shape memory alloy-based smart module structure working under intense thermo-mechanical stress

The paper presents a complete model for a modular mechatronic structure actuated by a one-way memory effect shape memory alloy actuator. In order to claim the complete attribute of the model, the austenite transformation temperature evolution of actuator was evaluated in relation with the precision and repeatability related capabilities of the mechatronic structure. The evolution of austenite transformation temperature was obtained through determinations based on DSC method. Those determinations were performed on the shape memory alloy wire used as actuator in the modular mechatronic structure. The wire is subject of intense and repetitive operating mode. All determinations are performed on the SMA wire used as actuator system after 5,000, and 1,003,600 cycles, respectively. The results indicate a shift in both As and Af temperatures, a trend that is heavily dependent on the operating history of the system. Using experimental results, authors built a graph (surface) that is based on heating time schedule, heating current, and austenite finish temperature. Also, the results lead to the conclusion that for any desired heating time, it can be identified (in a restricted but relatively wide range), at least a pair of both austenite finish temperature and heating current. If the control algorithm modifies the electrical current in accordance with the number of working cycles and austenite transformation temperature evolution, the time response and, by default, the structure repeatability are assured even after over 1 million working cycles.