Pole tip recession in linear tape systems

The tribology of linear tape storage system including Linear Tape Open (LTO) and Travan5 was investigated by combining X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Optical Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technologies. The purpose of this study was to understand the tribology mechanism of linear tape systems then projected recording densities may be achieved in future systems. Water vapour pressure or Normalized Water Content (NWC) rather than the Relative Humidity (RH) values (as are used almost universally in this field) determined the extent of PTR and stain (if produced) in linear heads. Approximately linear dependencies were found for saturated PTR increasing with normalized water content increasing over the range studied using the same tape. Fe Stain (if produced) preferentially formed on the head surfaces at the lower water contents. The stain formation mechanism had been identified. Adhesive bond formation is a chemical process that is governed by temperature. Thus the higher the contact pressure, the higher the contact temperature in the interface of head and tape, was produced higher the probability of adhesive bond formation and the greater the amount of transferred material (stain). Water molecules at the interface saturate the surface bonds and makes adhesive junctions less likely. Tape polymeric binder formulation also has a significant role in stain formation, with the latest generation binders producing less transfer of material. This is almost certainly due to higher cohesive bonds within the body of the magnetic layer. TiC in the two-phase ceramic tape-bearing surface (AlTiC) was found to oxidise to form TiO2.The oxidation rate of TiC increased with water content increasing. The oxide was less dense than the underlying carbide; hence the interface between TiO2 oxide and TiC was stressed. Removals of the oxide phase results in the formation of three-body abrasive particles that were swept across the tape head, and gave rise to three-body abrasive wear, particularly in the pole regions. Hence, PTR and subsequent which signal loss and error growth. The lower contact pressure of the LTO system comparing with the Travan5 system ensures that fewer and smaller three-body abrasive particles were swept across the poles and insulator regions. Hence, lower contact pressure, as well as reducing stain in the same time significantly reduces PTR in the LTO system.

The boundary lubricated friction and wear of low alloy steel

Pin on disc wear machines were used to study the boundary lubricated friction and wear of AISI 52100 steel sliding partners. Boundary conditions were obtained by using speed and load combinations which resulted in friction coefficients in excess of 0.1. Lubrication was achieved using zero, 15 and 1000 ppm concentrations of an organic dimeric acid additive in a hydrocarbon base stock. Experiments were performed for sliding speeds of 0.2, 0.35 and 0.5 m/s for a range of loads up to 220 N. Wear rate, frictional force and pin temperature were continually monitored throughout tests and where possible complementary methods of measurement were used to improve accuracy. A number of analytical techniques were used to examine wear surfaces, debris and lubricants, namely: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), optical microscopy, Back scattered Electron Detection (BSED) and several metallographic techniques. Friction forces and wear rates were found to vary linearly with load for any given combination of speed and additive concentration. The additive itself was found to act as a surface oxidation inhibitor and as a lubricity enhancer, particularly in the case of the higher (1000 ppm) concentration. Wear was found to be due to a mild oxidational mechanism at low additive concentrations and a more severe metallic mechanism at higher concentrations with evidence of metallic delamination in the latter case. Scuffing loads were found to increase with increasing additive concentration and decrease with increasing speed as would be predicted by classical models of additive behaviour as an organo-metallic soap film. Heat flow considerations tended to suggest that surface temperature was not the overriding controlling factor in oxidational wear and a model is proposed which suggests oxygen concentration in the lubricant is the controlling factor in oxide growth and wear.

Sulphide ore minerals:surface chemical properties

The surfaces of iron-containing sulphide minerals were oxidised by a range of inorganic oxidants, and the resultant surface alteration products studied using various spectroscopic techniques. The characterisation of surface oxidation is relevant to the alteration of ores in nature and their behaviour during flotation and leaching, of importance to the metallurgical industry. The sulphides investigated included pyrite (FeS2), hexagonal pyrrhotine (Fe9S10), monoclinic pyrrhotine (Fe7Se), violarite (FeNi2S4), pentlandite ((FeiNi)9Se), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS). The surfaces were oxidised by various methods including acid (sulphuric), alkali (ammonium hydroxide), hydrogen peroxide, steam, electrochemical and air/oxygen (in a low-temperature (150ºC) furnace), The surfaces were examined using surface sensitive chemical spectroscopic methods including x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ms), Auger electron spectroscopy (LES) and conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEKS). Physical characterisation of the surfaces was undertaken using scanning electron microscopy (SM), spectral reflectance measurements and optical microscopy. Bulk characterisation of the sulphide minerals was undertaken using x-ray diffraction and electron microprobe techniques. Observed phases suggested to form in most of the sulphide surfaces include Fe204, Fe1-x0, Fe202, Fe00H, Fe(OH)3, with iron II & III oxy-sulphates. The iron sulphides show variable extents of oxidation, indicating pyrite to be the most stable. Violarite shows stability to oxidation, suggested to result from both its stable spinel crystal structure, and from the rapid formation of sulphur at the surface protecting the sub-surface from further oxidation. The phenomenon of sub-surface enrichment (in metals), forming secondary sulphides, is exhibited by pentlandite and chalcopyrite, forming violarite and copper sulphides respectively. The consequences of this enrichment with regard to processing and leaching are discussed. Arsenopyrite, often a hindrance in ore processing, exhibits the formation of arsenic compounds at the surface, the dissolution of which is discussed in view of the possible environmental hazard caused by the local pollution of water systems. The results obtained allow a characterisation of the sulphides in terms of their relative stability to oxidation, and an order of stability of the sulphide surfaces is proposed. Models were constructed to explain the chemical compositions of the surfaces, and the inter-relationships between the phases determined at the surface and in the sub-surface. These were compared to the thermo-chemically predicted phases shown in Eh/pH and partial pressure diagrams! The results are discussed, both in terms of the mineralogy and geochemistry of natural ores, and the implications for extraction and processing of these ore minerals.

The breakdown of stainless steels in strong acids

A study was made of the corrosion behaviour in the ASTM standard Nitric acid and Oxalic acid tests, of two commercial AISI type 304L steels in the as received condition and after various heat treatments. Optical microscopy and SEM, TEM and STEM in conjunction with energy dispersive x-ray analysis, were used to correlate the corrosion behaviour of these steels with their microstructure. Some evidence of phosphorus segregation at grain boundaries was found. The corrosion behaviour at microstructural level was studied by examining on the TEM thin foils of steel that had been exposed to boiling nitric acid. Banding attack in the nitric acid and oxalic acid tests was studied using SEM and EPNA and found to be due to the micro-segregation of chromium and nickel. Using two experimental series of 304L, one a 17% Cr, 91 Ni, steel with phosphorus additions from 0.006% to 0.028%, the other a 20% Cr, 121 Ni steel with boron additions from 0.0011 to 0.00B51. The effect of these elements on corrosion in the nitric acid test was studied. The effect of different cooling rates and different solution treatment temperature on the behaviour of these steels was examined. TEM and STEM in conjunction with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis were again used to study the microstructure of the steels. Phosphorus was found to affect the corrosion behaviour but no effect was found with boron.

Polymeric films for buccal drug delivery

The aim of this research project is to evaluate whether or not pullulan films are suitable to buccal drug delivery of a phosphodiesterase5 (PDE5) inhibitor yonkenafil, which was discovered in our research group and currently is under phase II clinical trial for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Variable formulations of pullulan films were designed and the films were prepared. Mechanical properties of the films, in vitro drug release and polymer dissolution, in vitro drug penetration through porcine esophageal mucosa were investigated. The plasticization effects of solvents, polyols and acids to the films were studied by tensile test, and differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, fourier transform-infrared, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy was applied to analyse the structure and chemical-bonding between pullulan and the additives within the films. Release mathematics models were used in the study of the mechanism of drug releases and polymer dissolutions. Ethanol, menthol, fatty acids, and sodium dodecyl sulphate were employed as penetration enhancers to pretreat the tissue. Various plasticizers and acids were applied into the films and the result showed polyethylene glycol 400 and 600 had the excellent plasticization effect on the drug-free pullulan films, while lactic acid was the best plasticizer for the drug-loaded films. Both PEG400 and lactic acid had a great effect on the drug release from the films in vitro, and all the results indicated that the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of pullulan and the additives influenced the mechanical properties of the films significantly, and also altered drug release mechanisms. Ethanol shows the greatest enhancing ability on the drug permeation through the porcine esophageal mucosa. A possible mechanism for this is that ethanol interferes with the structure of the lipids in the mucosa, resulting in increased partitioning of the drug into the membrane.

Analysis of femtosecond laser surface patterning on bulk single-crystalline diamond

Preliminary work is reported on 2-D and 3-D microstructures written directly with a Yb:YAG 1026 nm femtosecond (fs) laser on bulk chemical vapour deposition (CVD) single-crystalline diamond. Smooth graphitic lines and other structures were written on the surface of a CVD diamond sample with a thickness of 0.7mm under low laser fluences. This capability opens up the opportunity for making electronic devices and micro-electromechanical structures on diamond substrates. The fabrication process was optimised through testing a range of laser energies at a 100 kHz repetition rate with sub-500fs pulses. These graphitic lines and structures have been characterised using optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Using these analysis techniques, the formation of sp2 and sp3 bonds is explored and the ratio between sp2 and sp3 bonds after fs laser patterning is quantified. We present the early findings from this study and characterise the relationship between the graphitic line formation and the different fs laser exposure conditions. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.

Desenvolvimento de novos biolubrificantes hidráulicos derivados dos óleos de maracujá e de moringa in natura e epoxidados

With the increasing environmental awareness, maximizing biodegradability and minimizing ecotoxicity is the main driving force for new technological developments. Thus, can be developed new biodegradable lubricants for use in environmentally sensitive areas. The aim of this study was to obtain new bio-lubricants from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Degener) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lamarck) epoxidized oils and develop a new additive package using experimental design for their use as a hydraulic fluid. In the first stage of this work was performed the optimization of the epoxidation process of the oils using fractional experimental design 24-1 , varying the temperature, reaction time, ratio of formic acid and hydrogen peroxide. In the second step was investigated the selectivity, thermodynamics and kinetics of the reaction for obtaining the two epoxides at 30, 50 and 70 °C. The result of the experimental design confirmed that the epoxidation of passion fruit oil requires 2 hours of reaction, 50 °C and a ratio H2O2/C=C/HCOOH (1:1:1). For moringa oil were required 2 hours reaction, 50 °C and a ratio of H2O2/C=C/HCOOH (1:1:1.5). The results of the final conversions were equal to 83.09% (± 0.3) for passion fruit oil epoxide and 91.02 (±0,4) for moringa oil epoxide. Following was made the 23 factorial design to evaluate which are the best concentrations of corrosion inhibitor and anti-wear (IC), antioxidant (BHA) and extreme pressure (EP) additives. The bio-lubricants obtained in this step were characterized according to DIN 51524 (Part 2 HLP) and DIN 51517 (Part 3 CLP) standards. The epoxidation process of the oils was able to improve the oxidative stability and reduce the total acid number, when compared to the in natura oils. Moreover, the epoxidized oils best solubilized additives, resulting in increased performance as a lubricant. In terms of physicochemical performance, the best lubricant fluid was the epoxidized moringa oil with additives (EMO-ADI), followed by the epoxidized passion fruit oil with additives (EPF-ADI) and, finally, the passion fruit in natura oil without additives (PFO). Lastly, was made the investigation of the tribological behavior under conditions of boundary lubrication for these lubricants. The tribological performance of the developed lubricants was analyzed on a HFRR equipment (High Frequency Reciprocating Rig) and the coefficient of friction, which occurs during the contact and the formation of the lubricating film, was measured. The wear was evaluated through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the addition of extreme pressure (EP) and anti-wear and corrosion inhibitor (CI) additives significantly improve the tribological properties of the fluids. In all assays, was formed a lubricating film that is responsible for reducing the coefficient of metal-to-metal wear. It was observed that the addition of EP and IC additives in the in natura vegetable oils of passion fruit and moringa did not favor a significant reduction in wear. The bio-lubricants developed from passion fruit and moringa oils modified via epoxidation presented satisfactory tribological properties and shown to be potential lubricants for replacement of commercial mineral-based fluids.

Estudo do comportamento da sinterização de compactos de cavacos de um aço SAE 1050 obtidos sob alta pressão

From an economic standpoint, the powder metallurgy (P/M) is a technique widely used for the production of small parts. It is possible, through the P/M and prior comminution of solid waste such as ferrous chips, produce highly dense sintered parts and of interest to the automotive, electronics and aerospace industries. However, without prior comminution the chip, the production of bodies with a density equal to theoretical density by conventional sintering techniques require the use of additives or significantly higher temperatures than 1250ºC. An alternative route to the production of sintered bodies with high density compaction from ferrous chips (≤ 850 microns) and solid phase sintering is a compression technique under high pressure (HP). In this work, different compaction pressures to produce a sintered chip of SAE 1050 carbon steel were used. Specifically, the objective was to investigate them, the effect of high pressure compression in the behavior of densification of the sintered samples. Therefore, samples of the chips from the SAE 1050 carbon steel were uniaxially cold compacted at 500 and 2000 MPa, respectively. The green compacts obtained were sintered under carbon atmosphere at 1100 and 1200°C for 90 minutes. The heating rate used was 20°C/min. The starting materials and the sintered bodies were characterized by optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, density measurements (geometric: mass/volume, and pycnometry) and microhardness measurements Vickers and Rockwell hardness. The results showed that the compact produced under 2000 MPa presented relative density values between 93% and 100% of theoretical density and microhardness between 150 HV and 180 HV, respectively. In contrast, compressed under 500 MPa showed a very heterogeneous microstructure, density value below 80% of theoretical density and structural conditions of inadequate specimens for carrying out the hardness and microhardness measurements. The results indicate that use of the high pressure of ferrous chips compression is a promising route to improve the sinterability conditions of this type of material, because in addition to promoting greater compression of the starting material, the external tension acts together with surface tension, functioning as the motive power for sintering process. Additionally, extremely high pressures allow plastic deformation of the material, providing an intimate and extended contact of the particles and eliminating cracks and pores. This tends to reduce the time and / or temperature required for good sintering, avoiding excessive grain growth without the use of additives. Moreover, higher pressures lead to fracture the grains in fragile or ductile materials highly hardened, which provides a starting powder for sintering, thinner, without the risk of contamination present when previous methods are used comminution of the powder.

Análise experimental de danos em pistões de motor à gasolina operando com adição de gás hidróxi

The addition of hydrogen gas as an alternative fuel source has been widely used, as well reported in scientific literature. Today, several experiments are underway for the use of hydrogen generators (electrolysers) demand for motor vehicles. In all these products their ads manufacturers claim that this provides a reduction of fuel consumption, reduces the emission levels of toxic gas by the discharge and improves engine life. This research analyzes the physical structure of engine components using electrolysis on demand. To this end, a stationary system was fitted with a power generator of electricity, drum roller and adapted two electrolyzers: a dry cell and wet cell other. In steps observation were consumption analyzes in four work load ranges and observing the piston engine, which has been cut and analyzed by Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Dispersive Energy (SEM-EDS), X – Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Confocal Microscopy, the stationary system in each step. The results showed a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and a high corrosion in the original factory piston constituted of aluminum-silicon alloy. As corrosion barrier was made a plasma nitriding in the piston head, which proved resistant to attack by hydrogen, although it has presented evidence also, of having been attacked. It is concluded that the automotive electrolysers can be a good choice in terms of consumption and reducing toxic gas emissions, but the material of the combustion chambers of vehicles must be prepared for this purpose.