Geological fakes and frauds

Some geological fakes and frauds are carried out solely for financial gain (mining fraud), whereas others maybe have increasing aesthetic appeal (faked fossils) or academic advancement (fabricated data) as their motive. All types of geological fake or fraud can be ingenious and sophisticated, as demonstrated in this article. Fake gems, faked fossils and mining fraud are common examples where monetary profit is to blame: nonetheless these may impact both scientific theory and the reputation of geologists and Earth scientists. The substitution or fabrication of both physical and intellectual data also occurs for no direct financial gain, such as career advancement or establishment of belief (e.g. evolution vs. creationism). Knowledge of such fakes and frauds may assist in spotting undetected geological crimes: application of geoforensic techniques helps the scientific community to detect such activity, which ultimately undermines scientific integrity.

Influence of nanoclays on mechanical and barrier properties of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites

In this research, two different methods have been investigated for optimising the preparation of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/clay nanocomposites. Commercially available organoclay (Cloisite 20A) has been considered for the preparation of rubber nanocomposites. A detailed analysis has been made to investigate the morphological structure and mechanical behaviour at room temperature and at elevated temperature. Also the influence of organoclays on permeability has been studied. Structural analysis indicates very good dispersion for a low loading of 5 parts per hundred (phr) amount of nanoclays. Significant improvements in mechanical properties have been observed with the addition of organoclays at both room and elevated temperatures. Even with the low level of addition of nanoclays, there was a remarkable reduction in permeability. © Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining 2011.

Hard coatings on elastomers for reduced permeability and increased wear resistance

In this study, three different elastomers, namely hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber, fluoroelastomer and silicone, have been subjected to two different hard metallised coatings by ion implantation process. The three different elastomers are commonly used in various seal applications, where reduced wear and gas permeability are essential in maintaining seal performance and functionality. Samples of these rubbers have been coated with chromium coating in one set of tests. In the second set of tests, samples of elastomers have been coated with tungsten carbide coating being deposited on all the three different elastomers. Wear, gas permeability and mechanical behaviour of the coated samples were compared with each other and with the control uncoated elastomers. All the coated samples showed good reduction in gas permeability. With the use of metallised coatings, there has been improved resistance to wear in all the coated samples. Adhesion strength and effect of coating on the elastomer have been investigated by mechanical testing. Mechanical tests revealed good adhesion of metal coatings on all the rubber samples, and there was no detrimental effect on the mechanical properties after coating. © 2012 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.