Investigations on microscopic foams and on protoplasm : experiments & observations directed towards a solution of the question of the physical conditions of the phenomena of life /

"Literature": p. [331]-340.

Peptide surfactants (Pepfactants) for switchable foams and emulsions

We have developed a series of sustainable peptide surfactants (Pepfactants) capable of stabilizing foams and emulsions in a stimuli-responsive manner, based on the reversible formation of a mechanically strong interfacial film. Under conditions where the interfacially adsorbed peptide forms a mechanically strong film state, foam or emulsion stabilization occurs as a direct result of the film strength. Under conditions where the interfacially adsorbed peptide forms a mobile detergent state, foam or emulsion stabilization is either reduced, or does not occur. Preformed foams or emulsions stabilized by Pepfactants undergo rapid phase coalescence when the film state is converted to the detergent state. Switching between film and detergent states is readily and reversibly achieved by a change in the bulk solution composition, such as a change in pH, or the addition or sequestering of metal ions. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Numerical heat transfer analysis of carbon-based foams for use in thermal protection system

The applicability of carbon-based foams as an insulating or active cooling material in thermal protection systems (TPSs) of space vehicles is considered using a computer modeling. This study focuses on numerical investigation of the performance of carbon foams for use in TPSs of space vehicles. Two kinds of carbon foams are considered in this study. For active cooling, the carbon foam that has a thermal conductivity of 100 W/m-k is used and for the insulation, the carbon foam having a thermal conductivity of 0.225 W/m-k is used. A 3D geometry is employed to simulate coolant flow and heat transfer through carbon foam model. Gambit has been used to model the 3D geometry and the numerical simulation is carried out in FLUENT. Numerical results from this thesis suggests that the use of CFOAM and HTC carbon foams in TPS's may effectively protect the aluminum structure of the space shuttle during reentry of the space vehicle.

Composites and foams based on polylactic acid (PLA)

Cette étude est destinée à la production et à la caractérisation des composites d’acide polylactique (PLA) et des fibres naturelles (lin, poudre de bois). Le moussage du PLA et ses composites ont également été étudiés afin d’évaluer les effets des conditions de moulage par injection et du renfort sur les propriétés finales de ces matériaux. Dans la première partie, les composites constitués de PLA et des fibres de lin ont été produits par extrusion suivit par un moulage en injection. L’effet de la variation du taux de charge (15, 25 et 40% en poids) sur les caractéristiques morphologique, mécanique, thermique et rhéologique des composites a été évalué. Dans la deuxième étape, la poudre de bois (WF) a été choisie pour renforcer le PLA. La préparation des composites de PLA et WF a été effectuée comme dans la première partie et une série complète de caractérisations morphologique, mécanique, thermique et l’analyse mécanique dynamique ont été effectués afin d’obtenir une évaluation complète de l’effet du taux de charge (15, 25 et 40% en poids) sur les propriétés du PLA. Finalement, la troisième partie de cette étude porte sur les composites de PLA et de renfort naturel afin de produire des composites moussés. Ces mousses ont été réalisées à l’aide d’un agent moussant exothermique (azodicarbonamide) via le moulage par injection, suite à un mélange du PLA et de fibres naturelles. Dans ce cas, la charge d’injection (quantité de matière injectée dans le moule: 31, 33, 36, 38 et 43% de la capacité de la presse à injection) et la concentration en poudre de bois (15, 25 et 40% en poids) ont été variées. La caractérisation des propriétés mécanique et thermique a été effectuée et les résultats ont démontré que les renforts naturels étudiés (lin et poudre de bois) permettaient d’améliorer les propriétés mécaniques des composites, notamment le module de flexion et la résistance au choc du polymère (PLA). En outre, la formation de la mousse était également efficace pour le PLA vierge et ses composites car les masses volumiques ont été significativement réduites.

Copper-cobalt foams as active and stable catalysts for hydrogen release by hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

The progress of hydrogen generation by sodium borohydride hydrolysis depends highly on the development of efficient catalysts based on non-noble metals such as cobalt. However, such catalysts undergo extensive deactivation which has a detrimental effect on their stability. Herein, highly porous copper and cobalt-based bimetallic foams, CuxCo100-x (x = 0-100 at%), produced by electrodeposition using the dynamic hydrogen bubble template are reported. The chemical composition of the foams was optimized in order to enhance specific surface area and improve their catalytic activity and stability as heterogeneous catalysts for sodium borohydride hydrolysis. Among the tested catalysts, copper-rich samples like Cu85Co15 are slightly more active than Co-100 and above all, they are less sensitive to deactivation by borates adsorption. Porous copper-rich foams were found to be an alternative to cobalt as low-cost, active and stable heterogeneous catalysts for hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal analysis during bone drilling using rigid polyurethane foams: numerical and experimental methodologies

Osteotomy or bone cutting is a common procedure in orthopaedic surgery, mainly in the treatment of fractures and reconstructive surgery. However, the excessive heat produced during the bone drilling process is a problem that counters the benefits of this type of surgery, because it can result in thermal osteonecrosis, bone reabsorption and damage the osseointegration of implants. The analysis of different drilling parameters and materials can allow to decrease the temperature during the bone drilling process and contribute to a greater success of this kind of surgical interventions. The main goal of this study was to build a numerical three-dimensional model to simulate the drilling process considering the type of bone, the influence of cooling and the bone density of the different composite materials with similar mechanical properties to the human bone and generally used in experimental biomechanics. The numerical methodology was coupled with an experimental methodology. The use of cooling proved to be essential to decrease the material damage during the drilling process. It was concluded that the materials with less porosity and density present less damage in drilling process. The developed numerical model proved to be a great tool in this kind of analysis. © 2016, The Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering.

A geometric study of liquid retention in open-cell metal foams

Open-cell metal foams show promise as an emerging novel material for heat exchanger applications. The high surface-area-to-volume ratio suggests increased compactness and decrease in weight of heat exchanger designs. However, the metal foam structure appears conducive to condensate retention, which would degenerate heat transfer performance. This research investigates the condensate retention behavior of aluminum open-cell metal foams through the use of static dip tests and geometrical classification via X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography. Aluminum open-cell metal foam samples of 5, 10, 20, and 40 pores per inch (PPI), all having a void fraction greater than 90%, were included in this investigation. In order to model the condensate retention behavior of metal foams, a clearer understanding of the geometry was required. After exploring the ideal geometries presented in the open literature, X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography was employed to classify the actual geometry of the metal foam samples. The images obtained were analyzed using specialized software from which geometric information including strut length and pore shapes were extracted. The results discerned a high variability in ligament length, as well as features supporting the ideal geometry known as the Weaire-Phelan unit cell. The static dip tests consisted of submerging the metal foam samples in a liquid, then allowing gravity-induced drainage until steady-state was reached and the liquid remaining in the metal foam sample was measured. Three different liquids, water, ethylene glycol, and 91% isopropyl alcohol, were employed. The behaviors of untreated samples were compared to samples subjected to a Beomite surface treatment process, and no significant differences in retention behavior were discovered. The dip test results revealed two distinct regions of condensate retention, each holding approximately half of the total liquid retained by the sample. As expected, condensate retention increased as the pores sizes decreased. A model based on surface tension was developed to predict the condensate retention in the metal foam samples and verified using a regular mesh. Applying the model to both the ideal and actual metal foam geometries showed good agreement with the dip test results in this study.

Fabrication of Mg foams for biomedical applications by means of a replica method based upon spherical carbon particles

Interest in Mg foams is increasing due to their potential use as biomaterials. Fabrication methods determine to a great extent their structure and, in some cases, may pollute the foam. In this work Mg foams are fabricated by a replica method that uses as skeleton packed spheres of active carbon, a material widely utilized in medicine. After Mg infiltration, carbon particles are eliminated by an oxidizing heat treatment. The latter covers Mg with MgO which improves performance. In particular, oxidation retards degradation of the foam, as the polarization curves of the Mg foam with and without oxide indicate. The sphericity and regularity of C particles allows control of the structure of the produced open-cell foams.

Development of a biaxial compression device for biological samples : preliminary experimental results for a closed cell foam

Biological tissues are subjected to complex loading states in vivo and in order to define constitutive equations that effectively simulate their mechanical behaviour under these loads, it is necessary to obtain data on the tissue's response to multiaxial loading. Single axis and shear testing of biological tissues is often carried out, but biaxial testing is less common. We sought to design and commission a biaxial compression testing device, capable of obtaining repeatable data for biological samples. The apparatus comprised a sealed stainless steel pressure vessel specifically designed such that a state of hydrostatic compression could be created on the test specimen while simultaneously unloading the sample along one axis with an equilibrating tensile pressure. Thus a state of equibiaxial compression was created perpendicular to the long axis of a rectangular sample. For the purpose of calibration and commissioning of the vessel, rectangular samples of closed cell ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam were tested. Each sample was subjected to repeated loading, and nine separate biaxial experiments were carried out to a maximum pressure of 204 kPa (30 psi), with a relaxation time of two hours between them. Calibration testing demonstrated the force applied to the samples had a maximum error of 0.026 N (0.423% of maximum applied force). Under repeated loading, the foam sample demonstrated lower stiffness during the first load cycle. Following this cycle, an increased stiffness, repeatable response was observed with successive loading. While the experimental protocol was developed for EVA foam, preliminary results on this material suggest that this device may be capable of providing test data for biological tissue samples. The load response of the foam was characteristic of closed cell foams, with consolidation during the early loading cycles, then a repeatable load-displacement response upon repeated loading. The repeatability of the test results demonstrated the ability of the test device to provide reproducible test data and the low experimental error in the force demonstrated the reliability of the test data.