Hexavalent chromium in welding fume

Evaluates the current Australian Standard method (AS3853.1) for the determination of total hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in stainless steel welding fume. Investigates the extraction kinetics of this Cr(VI) into a range of media. Develops an analytical method for the determination of Cr(VI) in acidic extract solutions and investigates the extraction of Cr(VI) under simulated in vivo conditions.

Synthesis, characterisation and thermal analysis of copper (II) and chromium (II, III) hydrazine carboxylates

Copper(II) hydrazine carboxylate monohydrate, Cu(N2H3COO)2·H2O and chromium (II, III) hydrazine carboxylate hydrates, Cu(N2H3COO)2·H2O and Cu(N2H3COO)2·3H2O have been prepared and characterised by chemical analysis, IR, visible spectra and magnetic measurements. Thermal analysis of the copper complex yields a mixture of copper metal and copper oxide. Chromium complexes on thermal decomposition yield Cr2O3 as residue. Decomposition of chromium(HI) complex under hydrothermal conditions yield CrOOH, a precursor to CrO2.

Gas sensing response analysis of p-type porous chromium oxide thin films

The ethanol sensing properties of porous Cr2O3 thin films deposited by the ultrasonic nebulized spray pyrolysis of an aqueous combustion mixture is reported. The impact of the precursor selection and various deposition parameters on the film crystallinity, surface morphology and stoichiometry are studied using thermo-gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. The film morphology exhibits a highly porous nature, as a result of the exothermic combustion reaction during film deposition. The gas sensing properties of these films are investigated in the temperature range of 200-375 degrees C for ethanol. The films show two different regions of response for ethanol above and below 300 degrees C. A good relationship between the response and the ethanol concentration is observed, and is modeled using an empirical relation. The possible mechanism and the surface chemical reactions of ethanol over the chromium oxide surface are discussed.

Effect of Pt doping on the gas sensing properties of porous chromium oxide films through a kinetic response analysis approach

The effect of doping trace amounts of noblemetals (Pt) on the gas sensing properties of chromium oxide thin films, is studied. The sensors are fabricated by depositing chromium oxide films on a glass substrate using a modified spray pyrolysis technique and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The films are porous and nanocrystalline with an average crystallite size of similar to 30 nm. The typical p-type conductivity arises due to the presence of Cr vacancies, formed as a result of Cr non-stoichiometry, which is found to vary upon Pt doping. In order to analyze the effect of doping on the gas sensing properties, we have adopted a kinetic response analysis approach, which is based on Langmuir Adsorption isotherm (LA) theory. The sensor response is analyzed with equations obtained from LA theory and time constants as well as energies of adsorption-desorption are evaluated. It is seen that, Pt doping lowers the Schottky barrier height of the metal oxide semiconductor sensor from 222 meV to 172 meV. Subsequently the reduction in adsorption and desorption energies led to enhancement in sensor response and improvement in the kinetics of the sensor response i.e. the response time as well as recovery times of the sensor.

Analysis of chromium behaviour and speciation during the electrodialytic process

The interest in chromium (Cr) arises from the widespread use of this heavy metal in various industrial processes that cause its release as liquid, solid and gaseous waste into the environment. The impact of Cr on the environment and living organisms primarily depends on its chemical form, since Cr(III) is an essential micronutrient for humans, other animals and plants, and Cr(VI) is highly toxic and a known human carcinogen. This study aimed to evaluate if the electrodialytic process (ED) is an appropriate treatment for Cr removal, through a critical overview of Cr speciation, before and after the ED experiments, to assess possible Cr(III)-Cr(VI) interconversions during the treatment. ED was the treatment technique applied to two types of matrices containing Cr: chromate copper arsenate (CCA) contaminated soil and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash. In order to study Cr remediation, three EDR set-ups were used: a new set-up, the combined cell (2/3C or 3/2C), with three compartments, alternating current between two anodes and different initial experimental conditions, one set-up with three compartments (3C cell) and the other set-up with two compartments (2C cell). The Cr removal rates obtained in this study were between 10-36% for the soil, and 1-13% for the fly ash. The highest Cr removal rates were achieved in the 26 days experiments: 36% for the soil, 13% for the fly ash. Regarding the 13 days experiments, the highest Cr removal rates were attained with the 2/3C set-up: 24% for the soil, 5% for the fly ash. The analysis of Cr(VI) was performed before and after ED experiments to evaluate eventual changes in Cr speciation during the treatment. This analysis was conducted by two methods: USEPA Method 3060A, for the extraction of Cr(VI); and Hach Company Method 8023, for the detection of Cr(VI). Despite the differences in Cr total concentration, both matrices presented a similar speciation, with Cr(III) being the main species found and Cr(VI) less than 3% of Cr total, before and after the treatment. For fly ash, Cr(VI) was initially below the detection limit of the method and remained that way after the treatment. For soil, Cr(VI) decreased after the treatment. Oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) did not occur during the ED process since there was no increase in Cr(VI) in the matrices after the treatment. Hence, the results of this study indicate that ED is an appropriate technique to remediate matrices containing Cr because it contributes to Cr removal, without causing Cr(III)-Cr(VI) interconversions.

Comparative analysis of the fit of 3-unit implant-supported frameworks cast in nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium alloys and commercially pure titanium after casting, laser welding, and simulated porcelain firings

This study compared the vertical misfit of 3-unit implant-supported nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy and commercially pure titanium (cpTi) frameworks after casting as 1 piece, after sectioning and laser welding, and after simulated porcelain firings. The results on the tightened side showed no statistically significant differences. On the opposite side, statistically significant differences were found for Co-Cr alloy (118.64 mu m [SD: 91.48] to 39.90 mu m [SD: 27.13]) and cpTi (118.56 mu m [51.35] to 27.87 mu m [12.71]) when comparing 1-piece to laser-welded frameworks. With both sides tightened, only Co-Cr alloy showed statistically significant differences after laser welding. Ni-Cr alloy showed the lowest misfit values, though the differences were not statistically significantly different. Simulated porcelain firings revealed no significant differences.

PIXE analysis of chromium phytoaccumulation by the aquatic macrophytes Eicchornia crassipes

The uptake of hexavalent chromium in free living floating aquatic macrophytes Eicchornia crassipes cultivated in non-toxic chromium-doped hydroponic solutions is presented. A Cr-uptake bioaccumulation experiment was carried out using healthy macrophytes grown in a temperature controlled greenhouse. Six samples of nutrient media and plants were collected during the 23 day experiment. Roots and leaves were acid digested with the addition of an internal Gallium standard, for thin film sample preparation and quantitative Cr analysis by PIXE method. The Cr(6+) mass uptake by the macrophytes reached up to 70% of the initial concentration, comparable to former results and literature data. The Cr-uptake data were described using a non-structural first order kinetic model. Due to low cost and high removal efficiency, living aquatic macrophytes E. crassipes are a viable biosorbent in an artificial wetland of a water effluent treatment plant. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of depth of the microporosity in a nickel-chromium system alloy: effects of electrolytic, chemical and sandblasting etching

The present study was designed to analyse the average depth of the microporosity of a nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) system alloy (Verabond II). The metal surface was subject to one of the following surface treatment: (i) Electrolytic etching in nitric acid 0.5 N at a current density of 250 mA cm(-2) ; (ii) chemical etching with CG-Etch etchant; and (iii) Sandblasting with alumina particles 50 mum. Half of the samples were polished before the surface treatments. The depth of porosity was measured through photomicrographs (500x) with a profilometer, and the data were statistically analysed using an analysis of variance (anova) followed by Tukey's test. The conclusions were (i) Differents surface treatment of the Ni-Cr system alloy lead to different depths of microporosity; (ii) the greatest depth of porosity was observed in non-polished alloy; (iii) the greatest and identical depth of microporosity was observed following electrolytic etching and chemical etching; (iv) the least and identical depth of microporosity was observed with chemical etching and sandblasting with alumina particles 50 mum, and (v) Chemical etching showed an intermediary depth.

Sequential spectrophotometric determination of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) using flow injection analysis

A flow injection analysis (FIA) procedure for the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) using the 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) method is presented. As Cr(III) does not interfere in the Cr(VI) - DPC reaction, both Cr(VI) and total chromium [after the on-line oxidation of Cr(III) by Ce(IV)] are sequentially determined. Cr(III) is obtained by difference. Under the experimental conditions described, the calibration graphs are linear up to 2 μg mh1 of Cr(VI) and 4 μg ml-1 of Cr(III). The detection limits found were 18 ng ml -1 for Cr(VI) and 55 ng ml-1 for Cr(III), at a signal to noise ratio of 3. The common interfering elements in the Cr(VI) - DPC reaction were investigated under dynamic FIA conditions. The FIA method was also compared with the conventional spectrophotometric procedure.

The significance and determination by image analysis of microcrack density in hard chromium plating

It is well known that the microcrack density is a fundamental parameter in hard chromium electroplating. The chemical and mechanical properties of this coating are widely dependent on its microcrack density. In this paper a simple image analysis procedure to determine microcrack density is presented in order to demonstrate it as a fundamental tool to estimate the fatigue, corrosion and wear behavior, as well as the residual stress field of a coated component. For this purpose, the image analysis procedure was carried out on two kinds of hard chromium plating - one called accelerated (high velocity of deposition and fluoride-free) and the other conventional (with fluoride). The coatings were applied on samples of AISI 4340 aeronautical steel, which is widely used in aircraft landing gear components. To characterize the practical significance of this study, the microcrack density results were related to the fatigue, wear and corrosion behavior from previous study and to the residual stress field in the coatings.

Varying spin state composition by the choice of capping ligand in a family of molecular chains: detailed analysis of magnetic properties of chromium(III) horseshoes

We report a detailed physical analysis on a family of isolated, antiferro-magnetically (AF) coupled, chromium(III) finite chains, of general formula (Cr(RCO(2))(2)F)(n) where the chain length n = 6 or 7. Additionally, the chains are capped with a selection of possible terminating ligands, including hfac (= 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate(1-)), acac (= pentane-2,4-dionate(1-)) or (F)(3). Measurements by inelastic neutron scattering (INS), magnetometery and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy have been used to study how the electronic properties are affected by n and capping ligand type. These comparisons allowed the subtle electronic effects the choice of capping ligand makes for odd member spin 3/2 ground state and even membered spin 0 ground state chains to be investigated. For this investigation full characterisation of physical properties have been performed with spin Hamiltonian parameterisation, including the determination of Heisenberg exchange coupling constants and single ion axial and rhombic anisotropy. We reveal how the quantum spin energy levels of odd or even membered chains can be modified by the type of capping ligand terminating the chain. Choice of capping ligands enables Cr-Cr exchange coupling to be adjusted by 0, 4 or 24%, relative to Cr-Cr exchange coupling within the body of the chain, by the substitution of hfac, acac or (F)(3) capping ligands to the ends of the chain, respectively. The manipulation of quantum spin levels via ligands which play no role in super-exchange, is of general interest to the practise of spin Hamilton modelling, where such second order effects are generally not considered of relevance to magnetic properties.

Chromium supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: Chromium is an essential trace mineral for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which is currently prescribed to control diabetes mellitus. Results of previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of chromium supplementation and metabolic profiles in diabetes have been inconsistent. Aim: The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the effects on metabolic profiles and safety of chromium supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus and cholesterol. Methods: Literature searches in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were made by use of related terms-keywords and randomized clinical trials during the period of 2000-2014. Results: Thirteen trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Total doses of Cr supplementation and brewer's yeast ranged from 42 to 1,000 µg/day, and duration of supplementation ranged from 30 to 120 days. The analysis indicated that there was a significant effect of chromium supplementation in diabetics on fasting plasma glucose with a weighted average effect size of -29.26 mg/dL, p = 0.01, CI 95% = -52.4 to -6.09; and on total cholesterol with a weighted average effect size of -6.7 mg/dL, p = 0.01, CI 95% = -11.88 to -1.53. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests favourable effects of chromium supplementation on glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. Chromium supplementation may additionally improve total cholesterol levels.

Transition of synthetic chromium oxide gel to crystalline chromium oxide : a hot stage Raman spectroscopic study

Chromium oxide gel material was synthesised and appeared to be X-ray amorphous. The changes in the structure of the synthetic chromium oxide gel were investigated using hot-stage Raman spectroscopy based upon the results of thermogravimetric analysis. The thermally decomposed product of the synthetic chromium oxide gel in nitrogen atmosphere was confirmed to be crystalline Cr2O3 as determined by the hot-stage Raman spectra. Two bands were observed at 849 and 735 cm-1 in the Raman spectrum at 25 °C, which were attributed to the symmetric stretching modes of O-CrIII-OH and O-CrIII-O. With temperature increase, the intensity of the band at 849 cm-1 decreased, while the band at 735 cm-1 increased. These changes in intensity are attributed to the loss of OH groups and formation of O-CrIII-O units in the structure. A strongly hydrogen bonded water H-O-H bending band was found at 1704 cm-1 in the Raman spectrum of the chromium oxide gel, however this band shifted to around 1590 cm-1 due to destruction of the hydrogen bonds upon thermal treatment. Six new Raman bands were observed at 578, 540, 513, 390, 342 and 303 cm-1 attributed to the thermal decomposed product Cr2O3. The use of the hot-stage Raman microscope enabled low-temperature phase changes brought about through dehydration and dehydroxylation to be studied.