The implications of embodiment and Putty-Clay to economic development

In this paper we construct and analyze a growth model with the following three ingredients. (i) Technological progress is embodied. (ii) The production function of a firm is such that the firm makes both technology upgrade as well as capital and labor decisions. (iii) The firm’s production technology is putty-clay. We assume that there are disincentives to the accumulation of capital, resulting in a divergence between the social and the private cost of investment. We solve a single firm’s problem in this environment. Then we determine general equilibrium prices of capital goods of different vintages. Using these prices we aggregate firms’ decisions and construct the theoretical analogues of National Income statistics. This generates a relationship between disincentives and per capita incomes. We analyze this relationship and show the quantitative and qualitative roles of embodiment and putty-clay. We also show how the model is taken to data, quantified and used to determine to what extent income gaps across countries can be attributed to disincentives.

New bacterial cellulose nanocomposites prepared by in situ radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers

Bacterial cellulose/polymethacrylate nanocomposites have received attention in numerous areas of study and in a variety of applications. The attractive properties of methacrylate polymers and bacterial cellulose, BC, allow the synthesis of new nanocomposites with distinct characteristics. In this study, BC/poly(glycidylmethacrylate) (BC/PGMA) and BC/poly(ethyleneglycol)methacrylate (BC/PPEGMA) nanocomposites were prepared through in situ free radical polymerization of GMA and PEGMA, respectively. Ammonium persulphate (APS) was used as an initiator and N,N’methylenebisacrilamide (MBA) was used as a crosslinker in BC/PGMA. Chemical composition, morphology, thermal stability, water absorption, mechanic and surface properties were determined through specific characterization techniques. The optimal polymerization was obtained at (1:2) for BC/PGMA, (1:2:0.2) ratio for BC/GMA/MBA and (1:20) for BC/PPEGMA, with 0.5% of initiator at 60 ºC during 6 h. A maximum of 67% and 87% of incorporation percentage was obtained, respectively, for the nanocomposites BC/PGMA/MBA and BC/PPEGMA. BC/PGMA nanocomposites exhibited an increase of roughness and compactation of the three-dimensional structure, an improvement in the thermal and mechanical properties, and a decrease in their swelling ability and crystallinity. On the other hand, BC/PPEGMA showed a decrease of stiffness of three-dimensional structure, improvement in thermal and mechanical properties, an increase in their swelling ability and a decrease the crystallinity. Both BC/polymethacrylate nanocomposites exhibited a basic surface character. The acid treatment showed to be a suitable strategy to modifiy BC/PGMA nanocomposites through epoxide ring-opening reaction mechanism. Nanocomposites became more compact, smooth and with more water retention ability. A decrease in the thermal and mechanical proprieties was observed. The new nanocomposites acquired properties useful to biomedical applications or/and removal of heavy metals due to the presence of functional groups.

Caracterização de atapulgita visando aplicação para reforço de materiais poloméricos

The clay mineral attapulgite is a group of hormitas, which has its structures formed by microchannels, which give superior technological properties classified the industrial clays, clays of this group has a very versatile range of applications, ranging from the drilling fluid for wells oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Such properties can be improved by activating acid and / or thermal activation. The attapulgite when activated can improve by up to 5-8 times some of its properties. The clay was characterized by X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy before and after chemical activation. It can be seen through the results the efficiency of chemical treatment, which modified the clay without damaging its structure, as well as production of polymer matrix composites with particles dispersed atapugita

Adição de resíduo cerâmico em pastas geopoliméricas para cimentação de poços de petróleo

The development of activities the of oil and gas sector have promoted the search for suitable materials for cementing oil wells. In the state of the Rio Grande do Norte, the integrity of the cement sheath tends to be impaired during steam injection, a procedure necessary to increase oil recovery in reservoirs with low-viscosity oil. The geopolymer is a material that can be used as alternative cement, since it has been used in the production of fire-resistant components, building structures, and for the control of toxic or radioactive residues. Geopolymers result from condensation polymer alkali aluminosilicates and silicates resulting three-dimensional polymeric structures. They are produced in a manner different from that of Portland cement, which is made an activating solution that is mixed with geopolymer precursor. Among the few works studied allowed us to conclude that the pastes prepared with metakaolin as precursor showed better performance of its properties. Several studies show the addition of waste clay as a means of reducing cost and improving end of the folder properties. On this basis, the goal is to study the influence of the addition of ceramic waste in geopolymer paste. To develop the study of rheology tests were carried out, filtered, thickening time, compressive strength, free water, specific gravity and permeability, according to the American Pretoleum Institute (API). The results for all formulations studied show that the folders have high mechanical strength to a light paste; low filtrate volume, absence of free water, very low permeability, slurry, consistent with a light paste, and thickening time low that can be corrected with the use of a retardant handle. For morphological characterization, microstructural, physical, chemical and thermal tests were carried out by XRD, MEV, DTA, TG, FTIR. In the trial of XRD, it was found that geopolymer is an amorphous material, with a peak of crystalline kaolinite. In tests of TG / DTA, revealed the presence of a significant event, which represents the mass loss related to water, and also observed the reduction of weight loss by increasing the concentration of ceramic waste. In the trial of MEV, we found a uniform matrix without the presence of other phases. In the trial of FT-IR, we observed the presence of the band related to water. From all results it was determined that the optimum concentration range of use is between 2.5 and 5% of waste ceramic

Efeito da adição de grafite expandido por microondas nas propriedades térmicas, elétricas e mecânicas de nanocompósitos de matriz epóxi

Epoxy based nanocomposites with 1 wt % and 3 wt % of nanographite were processed by high shear mixing. The nanographite was obtained by chemical (acid intercalation), thermal (microwave expansion) and mechanical (ultrasonic exfoliation) treatments. The mechanical, electrical and thermal behavior of the nanocomposites was determined and evaluated as a function of the percentage of reinforcement. According to the experimental results, the electrical conductivity of epoxy was not altered by the addition of nanographite in the contents evaluated. However, based on the mechanical tests, nanocomposites with addition of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of nanographite showed increase in tensile strength of 16,62 % and 3,20 %, respectively, compared to the neat polymer. The smaller increase in mechanical strength of the nanocomposite with 3 wt.% of nanographite was related to the formation of agglomerates. The addition of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of nanographite also resulted in a decrease of 6,25 % and 17,60 %, respectively, in the relative density of the material. Thus, the specific strength of the nanocomposites was approximately 33,33 % greater when compared to the neat polymer. The addition of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of nanographite in the material increased the mean values of thermal conductivity in 28,33 % and 132,62 %, respectively, combined with a reduction of 26,11 % and 49,80 % in volumetric thermal capacity, respectively. In summary, it has been determined that an addition of nanographite of the order of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% produced notable elevations in specific strength and thermal conductivity of epoxy

Efeito de argilas organofílicas na estrutura e propriedades de nanocompósitos de poli(metacrilato de metila)

Nacomposites of polymers and lamellar clayminerals, has generated high scientific and technological interest, for having mechanical properties and gas barriers differentiated of polymers and conventional composites. In this work, it was developed nanocomposites by single screw extruder and injection, utilizing commercial raw material, with the goal to investigate the quality of new developed materials. It was evaluated the influence of the content and the kind of clay in the structure and in the nanocomposites properties. It was used regular and elastomeric poly (methyl methacrylate) (Acrigel LEP 100 and Acrigel ECP800) and six montmorillonites (Cloisite 10A, 11B, 15A, 20A, 25A e 30B) at the concentration of 1% e 3% in weight. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), colorimetric, optical transparency, flexural and tensile tests, Rockwell hardness and esclerometry. It was founded that is possible to obtain intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites PMMA/MMT, and the top results was obtained in the materials with 1%in clay weight organophilizated with 2M2HT (Cloisite 15A and 20A) presented intercalate and hybrid morphology (exfoliated and flocullated). The ones that was produced with organophilizated clay with 2MHTL8 (Cloisite 30B) had excellent visual quality, but the majority presented hybrid morphology. In the materials processed with organophilizated clay with MT2ETOH (Cloisite 30B), there were color change and loss of transparency. It occurs improvement in a few mechanical properties, mainly in the materials produced with PMMA elastomeric (Acrigel ECP800), being more significant, the increase in the resistance to stripping in those nanocomposites

Mineralogy of the clay fraction of Alfisols in two slope curvatures: III - spatial variability

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Mineralogy of the clay fraction of alfisols in two slope curvatures: IV - spatial correlation with physical properties

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Hillslope curvature, clay mineralogy, and phosphorus adsorption in an Alfisol cultivated with sugarcane

As curvaturas do relevo promovem pedoambientes específicos que condicionam os atributos químicos e mineralógicos do solo e podem auxiliar na definição de zonas específicas de manejo. O fósforo (P) é um dos principais elementos limitantes ao desenvolvimento e longevidade do canavial. O teor e a constituição mineralógica da fração argila assumem papel importante na disponibilidade do P, sendo que a gibbsita (Gb), quando presente em altas proporções no solo, pode ser a principal responsável pela sua adsorção e indisponibilidade. Investigaram-se as relações e a variabilidade espacial da adsorção de P e a ocorrência de caulinita (Ct) e gibbsita na fração argila de um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo eutrófico originado de rochas areníticas sob diferentes curvaturas do relevo em área sob cultivo de cana-de-açúcar. Duas malhas de 1 ha foram delimitadas numa área côncava e outra área convexa. Foram coletadas 121 amostras em cada área para realização das análises granulométricas, químicas e mineralógicas. A capacidade máxima de adsorção de P foi obtida em seis amostras escolhidas ao acaso em cada área. Os resultados foram submetidos às análises estatísticas descritiva e geoestatística. Os menores valores médios de P disponível encontraram-se na área convexa. Nesta área, a proporção de gibbsita, expressa pelos valores da razão [Gb/(Gb+Ct)] e os valores de capacidade máxima de adsorção de fósforo foram maiores do que na área côncava.

Enhancement of thermal stability, strength and extensibility of lipid-based polyurethanes with cellulose-based nanofibers

Cellulose was extracted from lignocellulosic fibers and nanocrystalline cellulose (NC) prepared by alkali treatment of the fiber, steam explosion of the mercerized fiber, bleaching of the steam exploded fiber and finally acid treatment by 5% oxalic acid followed again by steam explosion. The average length and diameter of the NC were between 200-250 nm and 4-5 nm, respectively, in a monodisperse distribution. Different concentrations of the NC (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% by weight) were dispersed non-covalently into a completely bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) derived entirely from oleic acid. The physical properties of the TPU nanocomposites were assessed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Mechanical Properties Analysis. The nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced stress and elongation at break and improved thermal stability compared to the neat TPU. The best results were obtained with 0.5% of NC in the TPU. The elongation at break of this sample was improved from 178% to 269% and its stress at break from 29.3 to 40.5 MPa. In this and all other samples the glass transition temperature, melting temperature and crystallization behavior were essentially unaffected. This finding suggests a potential method of increasing the strength and the elongation at break of typically brittle and weak lipid-based TPUs without alteration of the other physico-chemical properties of the polymer. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Manejo hídrico em viveiro e uso de hidrogel na sobrevivência pós-plantio de Eucalyptus urograndis em dois solos diferentes

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a sobrevivência do clone H13 de Eucalyptus urograndis sob dois manejos hídricos de viveiro, plantados em dois solos, com e sem a adição de polímero hidroabsorvente (hidrogel). O plantio foi realizado em vasos mantidos em estufa, com dois tipos de solo: um arenoso e outro argiloso. Cada vaso recebeu 2,5 L de solo, um litro de água e o hidrogel na proporção de 0,4 g vaso-1 (120 mL de gel). O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Os sintomas de estresse, nos vários níveis avaliados, sempre se manifestaram primeiro nas plantas no solo argiloso, de modo mais acentuado naquelas que foram mantidas sem estresse de água na fase de viveiro. Isso garantiu que as plantas sobrevivessem por um período menor sem água, variando de 14 a 20 dias (com e sem hidrogel, respectivamente), enquanto, no solo arenoso, a sobrevivência foi maior, de 29 a 34 dias (com e sem hidrogel, respectivamente). Apesar da não significância estatística, os resultados com o hidrogel possibilitam, em ambos os solos, maior flexibilidade operacional na intervenção com novas irrigações.

Avaliação e modelagem reológica de fluido de perfuração base água

The determination of the rheology of drilling fluids is of fundamental importance to select the best composition and the best treatment to be applied in these fluids. This work presents a study of the rheological behavior of some addictives used as viscosifiers in water-based drilling fluids. The evaluated addictives were: Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Xanthan gum (GX), and Bentonite. The main objective was to rheologically characterize suspensions composed by these addictives, by applying mathematical models for fluid flow behavior, in order to determine the best flow equation to represent the system, as well as the model parameters. The mathematical models applied in this research were: the Bingham Model, the Ostwald de Wale Model, and the Herschel-Bulkley Model. A previous study of hydration time for each used addictive was accomplished seeking to evaluate the effect of polymer and clay hydration on rheological behavior of the fluid. The rheological characterization was made through typical rheology experiments, using a coaxial cylinder viscosimeter, where the flow curves and the thixotropic magnitude of each fluid was obtained. For each used addictive the rheological behavior as a function of temperature was also evaluated as well as fluid stability as a function of the concentration and kind of addictive used. After analyses of results, mixtures of polymer and clay were made seeking to evaluate the rheological modifications provided by the polymer incorporation in the water + bentonite system. The obtained results showed that the Ostwald de Waale model provided the best fit for fluids prepared using CMC and for fluids with Xanthan gum and Bentonite the best fit was given by the Herschel-Bulkley one

Preparação e caracterização de um material híbrido, à base de vermiculita modificada com quitosana, para a remoção de íons de chumbo presentes em efluentes sintéticos

Actually, surveys have been developed for obtaining new materials and methodologies that aim to minimize environmental problems due to discharges of industrial effluents contaminated with heavy metals. The adsorption has been used as an alternative technology effectively, economically viable and potentially important for the reduction of metals, especially when using natural adsorbents such as certain types of clay. Chitosan, a polymer of natural origin, present in the shells of crustaceans and insects, has also been used for this purpose. Among the clays, vermiculite is distinguished by its good ion exchange capacity and in its expanded form enhances its properties by greatly increasing its specific surface. This study aimed to evaluate the functionality of the hybrid material obtained through the modification of expanded vermiculite with chitosan in the removal of lead ions (II) in aqueous solution. The material was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) in order to evaluate the efficiency of modification of matrix, the vermiculite, the organic material, chitosan. The thermal stability of the material and the ratio clay / polymer was evaluated by thermogravimetry. To evaluate the surface of the material was used in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and (BET). The BET analysis revealed a significant increase in surface area of vermiculite that after interaction with chitosan, was obtained a value of 21, 6156 m2 / g. Adsorption tests were performed according to the particle size, concentration and time. The results show that the capacity of removal of ions through the vermiculite was on average 88.4% for lead in concentrations ranging from 20-200 mg / L and 64.2% in the concentration range of 1000 mg / L. Regarding the particle size, there was an increase in adsorption with decreasing particle size. In fuction to the time of contact, was observed adsorption equilibrium in 60 minutes with adsorption capacity. The data of the isotherms were fitted to equation Freundlich. The kinetic study of adsorption showed that the pseudo second- order model best describes the adsorption adsorption, having been found following values K2=0,024 g. mg-1 min-1and Qmax=25,75 mg/g, value very close to the calculated Qe = 26.31 mg / g. From the results we can conclude that the material can be used in wastewater treatment systems as a source of metal ions adsorbent due to its high adsorption capacity

Use of Primary Sludge from Pulp and Paper Mills for Nanocomposites

Cellulose nanocrystals have been evaluated as reinforcement material in polymeric matrices due to their potential to improve the mechanical, optical, and dielectric properties of these matrixes. This work describes how high pressure defibrillation and chemical purification affect the sludge fiber morphology from micro to nanoscale. Microscopy techniques and X-ray diffraction were used to study the structure and properties of the prepared nanofibers and composites. Microscopic studies showed that the used individualization processes lead to a unique morphology of interconnected web-like structure of sludge fibers. The nanofibers are bundles of cellulose fibers having widths (5 to 30 nm) and estimated lengths of several micrometers.

Use of Saponins as an Effective Surface Modifier in Cellulose Nanocomposites

The present paper deals with the extraction of saponins from the pericarp of Sapindus mukorossi to use as compatibilizer in nanocomposites. The nanofibrils extracted from banana fibres are utilized as reinforcement of nanocomposite. These nanofibers were treated with Saponin, GPS (3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) and APS (3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) to compare the effectiveness of surface treatment. The effectiveness of surface modification was reflected on the increase in mechanical (tensile test, flexural modulus, impact test) properties and decrease in the RMS (Roughness Measurement System) roughness investigation by SFM (Scanning force microscopy) analysis.