Ferroelectric state analysis in grain boundary of Na0.85Li0.15NbO3 ceramic

The electric and dielectric properties of the grain boundary of Na0.85Li0.15NbO3 lead-free ferroelectric-semiconductor perovskite were investigated. The impedance spectroscopy was carried out as a function of a thermal cycle. The sodium lithium niobate was synthesized by a chemical route based on the evaporation method. Dense ceramic, relative density of 97%, was prepared at 1423 K for 2 h in air atmosphere. ac measurements were carried out in the frequency range of 5 Hz-13 MHz and from 673 to 1023 K. Theoretical adjust of the impedance data was performed to deriving the electric parameters of the grain boundary. The electric conductivity follows the Arrhenius law, with activation energy values equal to 1.55 and 1.54 eV for heating and cooling cycle, respectively. The nonferroelectric state of the grain boundary and its correlation with symmetry are discussed in the temperature domain. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

The planktonic community in tropical interdunal ponds (Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Maranhao State, Brazil).

The aim of this study was to characterize the LenYois Maranhenses ponds (Maranhao State, Brazil) with respect to morphometry and physical and chemical aspects of the water body, in particular, the planktonic community. LenYois Maranhenses is a tropical coastal region with sand dunes and numerous interdunal ponds, most of them temporary. Ten ponds were studied, and a nictemeral variation was carried out. They have similar physical and chemical characteristics (high temperature - 27.5 to 32.0 [degree]C, acid pH - 4.9 to 6.2, low values of dissolved nutrients, chloride - 0.75 to 1.00 mg.L[long dash]1, and electric conductivity - 18.8 to 33.2 [mu]S.cm[long dash]1, and light penetration up to the sediment). With respect to the plankton, it is likely that the different histories of colonization, the formation of the ponds, and the initial organisms, affect the species richness, density and dominance observed. The lakes were classified as polymitic and oligotrophic.

Theory of non-steady state electrical characteristics of metal-insulator-metal structures with schottky barriers and exponentially distributed impurity states

We discuss non-steady state electrical characteristics of a metal-insulator-metal structure. We consider an exponential distribution (in energy) of impurity states in addition to impurity states at a single energy level within the depletion region. We discuss thermal as well as isothermal characteristics and present an expression for the temperature of maximum current (Tm) and a method to calculate the density of exponentially distributed impurity states. We plot the theoretical curves for various sets of parameters and the variation of Tm, and Im (maximum current) with applied potential for various impurity distributions. The present model can explain the available experimental results. Finally we compare the non-steady state characteristics in three cases: (i) impurity states only at a single energy level, (ii) uniform energetic distribution of impurity states, and (iii) exponential energetic distribution of impurity states.

Doping of polyaniline and derivatives induced by X-ray radiation

Thin films of chemically synthesized polyaniline and poly(o-methoxyaniline) were exposed to ionizing X-ray radiation and characterized by radiation induced conductivity measurements, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, electrical conductivity and solubility measurements. Samples irradiated in vacuum or dry Oxygen atmosphere did not have their electronic spectra changed. However, under humid atmosphere the energy of the excitonic transition was decreased and accompanied by a great conductivity increase. The results indicate that doping of polyaniline can be induced by X-ray radiation which might be of great interest for applications on lithography and microelectronics.

Determination of density of states in PPS from space-charge-limited current measurements

Space-charge-limited currents measurements have been carried out on undoped amorphous poly p-phenylene sulfide. The scaling law is checked for different samples with varying thickness, and J-V data analyzed. The position of the quasi-Fermi level and the density of states was obtained.

Metal-insulator transitions in pressed pellets of BF4 - doped poly(3-methylthiophene)

From Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) data in pressed pellets of BF4 - doped Poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) we obtained simultaneously the paramagnetic susceptibility and. the microwave conductivity. We observed a transition from a high-temperature insulator state to a room-temperature metallic state. Around 240K. evidence of a Peierls transition is observed, but if the sample is slowly cooled, this transition is partially suppressed. DC conductivity data taken with the sample quenched to 79 K show a non-linear I-V response for very small electric fields, suggesting depinning of Charge-Density Wave (CDW). The data for heating and cooling the system above room temperature, indicate the formation of bipolarons.

Electrical properties of the SnO2-based varistor

The non-linear electrical properties of CoO-doped and Nb205-doped SnO2 ceramics were characterized. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the system is single phase. The electrical conduction mechanism for low applied electrical field was associated with thermionic emission of the Schottky type. An atomic defect model based on the Schottky double-barrier formation was proposed to explain the origin of the potential barrier at the ceramic grain boundaries. These defects create depletion layers at grain boundaries, favouring electron tunnelling at high values of applied electrical field. © 1998 Chapman & Hall.

Dynamic behavior of a linear induction motor

Although conventional rotating machines have been largely used to drive underground transportation systems, linear induction motors are also being considered for future applications owing to their indisputable advantages. A mathematical model for the transient behavior analysis of linear induction motors, when operating with constant r.m.s. currents, is presented in this paper. Operating conditions, like phase short-circuit and input frequency variations and also some design characteristics, such as air-gap and secondary resistivity variations, can be considered by means of this modeling. The basis of the mathematical modeling is presented. Experimental results obtained in the laboratory are compared with the corresponding simulations and discussed in this paper.

Thermal analysis of conductive blends of PVDF and poly(o-methoxyaniline)

The thermal behavior of blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride), or PVDF, and poly(o-methoxyaniline) doped with toluene sulfonic acid was studied by thermogravimetic analysis, electrical conductivity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Blends with thermal and electrical conductivity stabler than the conductive polymer alone were obtained. Nevertheless, degradation occurs after a long period of time (500 h) at high temperatures. The possible association of the conductivity decay with dopant loss, degradation and structural and morphological changes of the blend is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Lead zirconate titanate/polyurethane (PZT/PU) composite for acoustic emission sensors

Piezoelectric composite, made from ferroelectric ceramic lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and vegetable based polyurethane (PU) polymer, was doped with a semiconductor filler, graphite. The resulting composite (PZT/C/PU) with 49/1/50- vol. % composition could be poled at lower field and shorter time due to the increased conductivity of the polymer phase following the introduction of graphite. The PZT/C/PU composite showed higher pyroelectric coefficient in comparison with the undoped PZT/PU composite with 50/50-vol. % composition. Also, the PZT/C/PU composite has shown the ability to detect both extensional and flexural modes of simulated acoustic emission (AE) at a distance up to 8.0 m from the source, thus indicating that it may be used for detection of structural damages.

Comparison between different conditions of the chemical polymerization of polyaniline on top of PET films

Composites produced during the in situ chemical polymerization of aniline on top of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film, in different conditions, were studied by open-circuit potential (Voc), ultraviolet-visible, and infrared spectroscopy, electrical conductivity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The polymerization monitoring by Voc showed a maximum associated with the intermediate pernigraniline oxidation state and a final formation of polyaniline (PANI) in the doped emeraldine salt (ES) form. Furthermore, high electrical conductivity values were obtained for the PANI-ES coating prepared under selected conditions. A globular formation was observed for the doped PANI-ES coating with globules of sizes of the same order and same shape of the PET, demonstrating the influence of the substrate on the coating morphology.

Fractal approach to ac impedance spectroscopy studies of ceramic materials

A novel fractal model for grain boundary regions of ceramic materials was developed. The model considers laterally inhomogeneous distribution of charge carriers in the vicinity of grain boundaries as the main cause of the non-Debye behaviour and distribution of relaxation times in ceramic materials. Considering the equivalent circuit the impedance of the grain boundary region was expressed. It was shown that the impedance of the grain boundary region has the form of the Davidson-Cole equation. The fractal dimension of the inhomogeneous distribution of charge carriers in the region close to the grain boundaries could be calculated based on the relation ds = 1 + β, where β is the constant from the Davidson-Cole equation.

Determinação de parâmetros genéticos em população de gonçalo-alves (Astronium fraxinifolium) através das características fisiológicas da semente

Seeds of Astronium fraxinifolium (Anarcadiaceae) were collected in two years, and submitted to tests of seed germination and vigour (first count, aging and electric conductivity), in order to verify the potencial of conservation and if variations in the seed quality presented on association with genetic parameters. Coefficient of heritability in average (ĥm 2) were 0.91 and 0.97 to germination; 0.90 and 0.96 to first count; 0.93 and 0.97 to aging and 0.95 and 0.99 to electric conductivity, for seeds collected in 1997 and 1998, respectively, evidencing a great heritability to all studied characteristics. Genetic variability was influenced more by environmental conditions of blooming and harvest of seeds than storage time.

Specific depth cone resistivity measurements to determine soil engineering properties

The University of British Columbia (UBC) began performing piezocone penetration tests (CPTU) with electrical resistivity measurements (RCPTU) in 1989. Since then, RCPTU research at UBC has focused on obtaining geo-environmental parameters such as fluid resistivity and soil engineering properties such as porosity and degree of saturation from measurements of bulk soil electrical resistivity using the empirical relationship proposed by Archie (1942). Within this framework, the paper illustrates and discusses important design and calibration issues for resistivity modules such as the use of isolated circuitry to achieve linear calibrations over large ranges of resistivity. The suitability of RCPTU measurements for determination of geo-environmental and geotechnical parameters are assessed using typical ranges of soil and groundwater properties and methods of isolating individual factors for study are discussed. Illustrative examples of RCPTU research efforts including the environmental characterization of mine tailings, delineation of saline water intrusions in fresh water aquifers and the quality control of geotechnical ground densification are presented throughout the text. It is shown that groundwater temperature and hence ion mobility is not significantly altered by frictional heat generated during piezocone penetration and that ratio-based approaches to monitoring soil porosity can be used to eliminate the requirement for extensive groundwater sampling programs. Lastly, it is shown that RCPTU measurements above the water table can only be made using resistivity modules that are stable over a large range of resistivities and that such measurements are the most difficult to interpret because of grain surface conduction effects and generally unknown fluid resistivities.