Effective intercalation of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) into hydrocalumite: Mechanism discussion via near-infrared and mid-infrared investigations

The intercalation of an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), into hydrocalumite (CaAl-LDH-Cl) was investigated in this study. To understand the intercalation behavior, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were undertaken. The near-infrared spectra indicated a special spectral range from 6000 to 5600cm-1and prominent bands of CaAl-LDH-Cl intercalated with SDS around 8388cm-1. This band was assigned to the second overtone of the first fundamental of CH stretching vibrations of SDS, and it could be used to determinate the result of CaAl-LDH-Cl modified by SDS. Moreover, the results revealed that different adsorption behaviors were observed at different (high and low) concentrations of SDS. When the SDS concentration was around 0.2molL-1, anion exchange intercalation occurred and the interlayer distance expanded to about 3.25nm. When SDS concentration was 0.005molL-1, the surface adsorption of DS- was the major anion exchange event.

Near infrared spectroscopy of marble from Chillagoe, Australia and in comparison with other selected natural carbonates

Marble from the Chillagoe deposits was extensively used in the construction of Australia’s parliament house. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been applied to study the quality of marble from the Chillagoe marble deposits and to distinguish between different types of marble in the Chillagoe deposits. A comparison of the NIR spectra of marble with dolomite and monohydrocalcite is made. The spectrum of the marble closely resembles that of monohydrocalcite and is different from that of dolomite. The infrared spectra of the minerals are characterised by OH and water stretching vibrations. Both the first and second fundamental overtones of these bands are observed in the NIR spectra. Marble is characterised by NIR bands at 4005, 4268 and 4340 cm–1, attributed to carbonate combination bands and overtones. Marble also shows NIR bands at 5005, 5106, 5234 and 5334 cm–1 assigned to water combination bands. Finally the NIR spectrum of the marble displays broad low-intensity features centred upon 6905 cm–1 attributed to the water first overtones. It appears feasible to identify marble through the use of NIR spectroscopy.

The molecular structure of chloritoid: A mid-infrared and near-infrared spectroscopic study

The mineral chloritoid collected from the argillite in the bottom of Yaopo Formation of Western Beijing was characterized by mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The MIR spectra showed all fundamental vibrations including the hydroxyl units, basic aluminosilicate framework and the influence of iron on the chloritoid structure. The NIR spectrum of the chloritoid showed combination (ν + δ)OH bands with the fundamental stretching (ν) and bending (δ) vibrations. Based on the chemical component data and the analysis result from the MIR and NIR spectra, the crystal structure of chloritoid from western hills of Beijing, China, can be illustrated. Therefore, the application of the technique across the entire infrared region is expected to become more routine and extend its usefulness, and the reproducibility of measurement and richness of qualitative information should be simultaneously considered for proper selection of a spectroscopic method for the unit cell structural analysis.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic characterization of the arsenate-bearing mineral tangdanite– and in comparison with the discredited mineral clinotyrolite

The minerals clinotyrolite and fuxiaotuite are discredited in terms of the mineral tangdanite. The mixed anion mineral tangdanite Ca2Cu9(AsO4)4(SO4)0.5(OH)9 9H2O has been studied using a combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Characteristic bands associated with arsenate, sulphate and hydroxyl units are identified. Broad bands in the OH stretching region are observed and are resolved into component bands. These bands are assigned to water and hydroxyl stretching vibrations. Two intense Raman bands at 837 and approximately 734 cm−1 are assigned to the ν1 (AsO4)3− symmetric stretching and ν3 (AsO4)3− antisymmetric stretching modes. Infrared bands at 1023 cm−1 are assigned to the (SO4)2− ν1 symmetric stretching mode, and infrared bands at 1052, 1110 and 1132 cm−1 assigned to (SO4)2− ν3 antisymmetric stretching modes, confirming the presence of the sulphate anion in the tangdanite structure. Raman bands at 593 and 628 cm−1 are attributed to the (SO4)2− ν4 bending modes. Low-intensity Raman bands found at 457 and 472 cm−1 are assigned to the (AsO4)3− ν2 bending modes. A comparison is made with the previously obtained spectral data on the discredited mineral clinotyrolite.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterization of the carbonate bearing silicate mineral aerinite – Implications for the molecular structure

The mineral aerinite is an interesting mineral because it contains both silicate and carbonate units which is unusual. It is also a highly colored mineral being bright blue/purple. We have studied aerinite using a combination of techniques which included scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Raman bands at 1049 and 1072 cm−1 are assigned to the carbonate symmetric stretching mode. This observation supports the concept of the non-equivalence of the carbonate units in the structure of aerinite. Multiple infrared bands at 1354, 1390 and 1450 cm−1 supports this concept. Raman bands at 933 and 974 cm−1 are assigned to silicon–oxygen stretching vibrations. Multiple hydroxyl stretching and bending vibrations show that water is in different molecular environments in the aerinite structure.

A Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the sulphate mineral aluminite Al2(SO4)(OH)4·7H2O

The mineral aluminite has been studied using a number of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy identifies multiple sulphate symmetric stretching modes in line with the three sulphate crystallographically different sites. Raman spectroscopy also identifies a low intensity band at 1069 cm−1 which may be attributed to a carbonate symmetric stretching mode, indicating the presence of thaumasite. The observation of multiple bands in this ν4 spectral region offers evidence for the reduction in symmetry of the sulphate anion from Td to C2v or even lower symmetry. The Raman band at 3588 cm−1 is assigned to the OH unit stretching vibration and the broad feature at around 3439 cm−1 to water stretching bands. Water stretching vibrations are observed at 3157, 3294, 3378 and 3439 cm−1. Vibrational spectroscopy enables an assessment of the molecular structure of aluminite to be made.

Near infrared spectroscopy of selected natural magnesium carbonates: implications for geosequestration

The approach to remove greenhouse gases by pumping liquid CO2 several kilometres below the ground implies that many carbonate containing minerals will be formed. Among these minerals, the formation of hydromagnesite, dypingite and nesquehonite are possible, thus necessitating a study of such minerals. These minerals with a hydrotalcite-related formulae have been characterised by a combination of infrared and near infrared spectroscopy. Layered double hydroxides (also known as anionic clays or hydrotalcites) are a group of layered clay minerals described by the general formula: [M1–x2+Mx3+(OH)2]x+[An–]x/n∙mH2O. The infrared spectra of the minerals are characterised by OH and water stretching vibrations. Both the first and second fundamental overtones of these bands are observed in the NIR spectra in the 7030–7235 cm–1 and 10,490–10,570 cm–1 spectral ranges. Intense (CO3)2– symmetrical and anti-symmetrical stretching vibrations confirm the distortion of the carbonate anion. The position of the water bending vibration indicates water is strongly hydrogen-bonded to the carbonate anion in the mineral structure. NIR spectroscopy offers a method for quickly analysing such materials.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of turquoise minerals

Raman and infrared spectra of three well-defined turquoise samples, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O, from Lavender Pit, Bisbee, Cochise county, Arizona; Kouroudaiko mine, Faleme river, Senegal and Lynch Station, Virginia were studied, interpreted and compared. Observed Raman and infrared bands were assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of phosphate tetrahedra, water molecules and hydroxyl ions. Approximate O–H⋯O hydrogen bond lengths were inferred from the Raman and infrared spectra. No Raman and infrared bands attributable to the stretching and bending vibrations of (PO3OH)2− units were observed.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the borate mineral kaliborite

We have studied the mineral kaliborite. The sample originated from the Inder B deposit, Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan, and is part of the collection of the Geology Department of the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mineral is characterized by a single intense Raman band at 756 cm−1 assigned to the symmetric stretching modes of trigonal boron. Raman bands at 1229 and 1309 cm−1 are assigned to hydroxyl in-plane bending modes of boron hydroxyl units. Raman bands are resolved at 2929, 3041, 3133, 3172, 3202, 3245, 3336, 3398, and 3517 cm−1. These Raman bands are assigned to water stretching vibrations. A very intense sharp Raman band at 3597 cm−1 with a shoulder band at 3590 cm−1 is assigned to the stretching vibration of the hydroxyl units. The Raman data are complimented with infrared data and compared with the spectrum of kaliborite downloaded from the Arizona State University database. Differences are noted between the spectrum obtained in this work and that from the Arizona State University database. This research shows that minerals stored in a museum mineral collection age with time. Vibrational spectroscopy enhances our knowledge of the molecular structure of kaliborite.

Towards (dis)Satisfaction

Hosted at Blindside Artist-Run Initiative (Melbourne) the exhibition Towards (dis)Satisfaction (2015) was a re-staging of earlier sculptural works from the exhibitions Means are the Ends: The Command Issue and Crude Tools (2014), Feeble Actions (2013). The forms humorously interrogated representations of gender and sexuality via strategies of sculptural intervention. A stripper’s pole oozes grease from its stainless surface, fluted with holes. A dildo vibrates on a glass tabletop; propped up by simulated testicles, the intensity of the dildo’s vibrations makes the form spin. With its continual circling, the phallus drags Vaseline over the table, performing a drawing and redrawing of a smeared circle. In Towards (dis)Satisfaction fetish is used as an instrumental strategy, employed as a mode to work across different theoretical and material discourses. In the works the play between explicit and implicit depiction creates an ambiguity that has suggestive potency, where fragmentation and dysfunction initiate diverse readings. These material dialogues make apparent the anxiety and desire inherent in the viewer and question how the visual conventions of erotica and art history are mutually informative.

VIBRANTe 2.0

ARTIST STATEMENT VIBRANTe 2.0 was inspired by a research project for Parkinson’s disease patients aimed at developing a wearable device to collect relevant data for patients and medical health professionals. Vibrante is a Spanish word that translates to vibrant; literally meaning shaking or vibrations. Vibrante also has a dual meaning including vibrancy, energy, activity, and liveliness. Parkinson’s can be a debilitating disease, but it does not mean the person has to lose energy, activeness or vibrancy. As technology moves from being worn to becoming implantable and completely hidden within the body, the very notion of its physicality becomes difficult to grasp. While the human body hides implantable technology, VIBRANTe 2.0 intentionally hides the human body by making it invisible to reveal the technology stitched within. Wires become veins, delivering lifeblood to the technology inside, allowing it to pulsate and exist, while motherboards become networked hubs by which information is transferred through and within the body, performing functions that mirror and often surpass human performance capabilities. Ultimately, VIBRANTe 2.0 seeks to prompt the viewer to reflect on the potential ramifications of the complete immersion of technology into the human body. CONTEXT Technology is increasingly penetrating all aspects of our environment, and the rapid uptake of devices that live near, on or in our bodies is facilitating radical new ways of working, relating and socialising. Such technology, with its capacity to generate previously unimaginable levels of data, offers the potential to provide life-augmenting levels of interactivity. However, the absorption of technology into the very fabric of clothes, accessories and even bodies begins to dilute boundaries between physical, technological and social spheres, generating genuine ethical and privacy concerns and potentially having implications for human evolution. Embedding technology into the fabric of our clothes, accessories, and even the body enable the acquisition of and the connection to vast amounts of data about people and environments in order to provide life-augmenting levels of interactivity. Wearable sensors for example, offer the potential for significant benefits in the future management of our wellbeing. Fitness trackers such as ‘Fitbit’ and ‘Garmen’ provide wearers with the ability to monitor their personal fitness indicators while other wearables provide healthcare professionals with information that improves diagnosis and observation of medical conditions. This exhibition aimed to illustrate this shifting landscape through a selection of experimental wearable and interactive works by local, national and international artists and designers. The exhibition will also provide a platform for broader debate around wearable technology, our mediated future-selves and human interactions in this future landscape. EXHIBITION As part of Artisan’s Wearnext exhibition, the work was on public display from 25 July to 7 November 2015 and received the following media coverage: [Please refer to Additional URLs]