Stone-ground wood pulp-reinforced polypropylene composites: water uptake and thermal properties

Two of the drawbacks of using natural-based composites in industrial applications are thermal instability and water uptake capacity. In this work, mechanical wood pulp was used to reinforce polypropylene at a level of 20 to 50 wt. %. Composites were mixed by means of a Brabender internal mixer for both non-coupled and coupled formulations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the thermal properties of the composites. The water uptake behavior was evaluated by immersion of the composites in water until an equilibrium state was reached. Results of water absorption tests revealed that the amount of water absorption was clearly dependent upon the fiber content. The coupled composites showed lower water absorption compared to the uncoupled composites. The incorporation of mechanical wood pulp into the polypropylene matrix produced a clear nucleating effect by increasing the crystallinity degree of the polymer and also increasing the temperature of polymer degradation. The maximum degradation temperature for stone ground wood pulp–reinforced composites was in the range of 330 to 345 ºC

1998 Annual Report of the Iowa Utilities Board, 1998

Annual report for Iowa Utilities Board

1999 Annual Report of the Iowa Utilities Board, 1999

Annual report for Iowa Utilities Board

2001 Annual Report of the Iowa Utilities Board, 2001

Annual report for Iowa Utilities Board

2000 Annual Report of the Iowa Utilities Board, 2000

Annual report for Iowa Utilities Board

Iowa Utilities Board Fiscal Year 2004 Regulatory Plans Pursuant to Executive Order Nine, August 1, 2003

Report for Iowa Utilities Board

Multiple origins of invasive and "native" water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) in Switzerland

The marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) has been introduced in many places of Central and Western Europe due to commercial trades with Eastern Europe, and is rapidly replacing the native pool frog (P. lessonae). A large number of Pelophylax species are distributed in Eastern Europe and the strong phenotypic similarity between these species is rendering their identification hazardous. Consequently, alien populations of Pelophylax might not strictly be composed of P. ridibundus as previously suspected. In the present study, we analyzed the cytochrome b and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 genes of introduced and native Pelophylax from Switzerland (299 individuals), in order to properly identify the source populations of the invaders and the genetic status of the native species. Our study highlighted the occurrence of several genetic lineages of invasive frogs in western Switzerland. Unexpectedly, we also showed that several populations of the native pool frog (P. lessonae) cluster with the Italian pool frog P. bergeri from central Italy (considered by some authors as a subspecies of P. lessonae) Hence, these populations are probably also the result of introductions, meaning that the number of native P. lessonae populations is less important than expected in Switzerland. These findings have important implications concerning the conservation of the endemic pool frog populations, as the presence of multiple alien species could strongly affect their long-term subsistence.

Iowa Water Pollution Control Works and Drinking Water Facilities Financing Programs (Joint Programs of the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources), June 30, 2002

State Agency Audit Report State Revolving Fund - Clean Water & Drinking Programs

Anita Municipal Utilities, June 30, 2003

City Audit Report- Municipal Utilities

Special Investigation Anita Municipal Utilities, Anita Iowa, December 30, 2003

City Audit Report - Special Investigation

Iowa Utilities Board Fiscal Year 2005 Regulatory Plan Pursuant to Executive Order Nine, August 2, 2004

Regulatory Plan for Fiscal Year 2005

Iowa Utilities Board Fiscal Year 2003 Regulatory Plan Prepared Pursuant to Executive Order Nine, August 26, 2002

Regulatory Plan for Fiscal Year 2003

Soil and Water Conservation; Conservation Program Summary, 2003

Report of Conservation Program Summary produced by Iowa Departmment of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Investigation of the Department of Natural Resources Response to Water Pollution complaints involving Lynndana Acres Subdivision, 1998

Investigative report produced by Iowa Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman