Abstract - A review of the recent work on II-VI semiconducting nanoparticle-polymer nanocomposites is presented. This review is not comprehensive but provides an overview of the processing techniques, trends in mechanical and thermal behaviuor and morphology of nanocomposites. A number of composite systems with amorphous polymer matrices and different nano-sized filler materials are discussed.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Nanocomposites, Mechanical properties, Glass transition temperature, Thermal stability, Thermal conductivity.

   Catalytic Industrial Processes Carried Out at High Temperature on Precious Metals
         by P. Villa, A. Nardini

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 515-529

Abstract - Many important catalytic processes are performed with precious metals at high temperature, the reactions being characterized by heat- and mass-transfer control. In many cases the desired product is not the most favoured thermodynamically, so that the equilibrium condition is to be avoided - high yields only being obtained for very short contact times. Under oxidizing conditions significant losses of precious metal can occur with consequent catalyst deactivation. The purpose of this review is to outline strategies for the prevention of precious metal loss. Several syntheses are addressed: the oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen oxide for nitric acid production; the Andrussow process for hydrogen cyanide; syngas production by catalytic partial oxidation; catalytic combustion for electric power generation.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Catalytic Combustion, Catalytic Partial Oxidation, High Temperature Catalytic Processes, Nitric Acid Production, Precious Metal Losses.

   Methodological Approaches to the Analysis of the Hemostasis System Effectors from the Venom of the Genus Agkistrodon
         by Burlova-Vasilieva N. K., Savchuk O. M., Vovk T. B., Ostapchenko L. I.

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 530-536

Abstract - This review is focused on incoming quality control of the venom of 3 species of the genus Agkistrodon. The technique was developed to assess the quality and quantity of trombin-like enzymes, prothrombin and protein C activators, fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes, inhibitors of platelet aggregation and phospholipase A2 for the pilot production. In our case, the developed technique of quality control of raw materials allowed us to define A. blomhoffi ussuriensis venom as an optimal material for the production purposes.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Snake Wenom, Hemostasis System, Incoming Control.

   Antioxidant Activities of Some Moroccan’s Plants
         by M. Boudkhili, H. Greche, D. Bousta, A. Farah, A. El Ouali Lalami, L. Aarab

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 537-541

Abstract - This study represents an investigation of some plants collected from North of Morocco. Methanol extracts concerning their antioxidant potential against free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and method of reducing power have been evaluated. The IC50 of the plant extracts ranged from to 4.61µg/ml to 86.64 µg/ml. The Coriaria myrtifolia extract showed the highest activity more than standard butyl hydroxytoluene (BHT). Similarly, the total reducing power of extracts of these plants was found higher. Chemical screening for their compounds, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of all extracts have been studied in addition. The results revealed the presence of total phenol compounds, flavonoïdes and tannins with different proportions in extracts which could be responsible for the obtained activities.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: DPPH, reducing power, Coriaria myrtifolia, Dittrichia graveolens, Populus alba, Teucrium fruticans, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid.

   Selectivity of Free Radical Reactions with Vinylidene Fluoride in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide, Probed by Muon Spin Spectroscopy
         by Paras Satija, Ryan M. L. McFadden, Philip Cormier, Khashayar Ghandi

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 542-549

Abstract - Free radical addition to alkenes is an important aspect of radical mediated polymerization reactions. In this work, we investigated free radical addition to vinylidene fluoride (VDF) in supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂). scCO₂ is an important “green solvent” and polymerization is one of the most important applications of this solvent. Our results suggest a clear selectivity among different free radical reaction channels for reaction of H atom with VDF. In particular the preferred reaction channel in the temperature range of 280 to 420 K and density range of 0.1 to 0.6 g/ cm³ is the addition to the CH₂ side.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Supercritical Fluids, Radical Chemistry, Green Chemistry.

   Electrochemical and Corrosion Behavior of Niobium in Corrosive Media
         by Irena Mickova

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 550-562

Abstract - The electrochemical and corrosion behaviors of niobium in various concentrations of H₂SO₄ and KOH solutions were studied using open circuit potentials, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical corrosion measurements and ellipsometry. Through measurements of open circuit potentials the self passivation and dissolution processes on niobium surfaces were investigated. The cyclic voltammetry profiles indicated that niobium is easily passivated even in the highly concentrated 10 M H₂SO₄ and 10 M KOH solutions. The active/passive transition and reactivation processes on niobium surfaces were strongly affected in KOH, but not considerably in H₂SO₄ concentrations. >From Tafel plots and polarization resistance measurements the corrosion parameters of niobium electrode in all investigated concentrations of H₂SO₄ and KOH solutions were determined. The film thickness growth on the Nb electrode and its dissolution in the passive potential region has been investigated by in situ-ellipsometric method. The linear dependence of the applied potentials and the coefficient of the grown film thickness were determined. The imaginary part of the refractive index of passive films has indicated that they are highly transparent with semi-conducting properties. The comparisons of the electrochemical and corrosion properties of niobium and its passive films in various concentrations of H₂SO₄ and KOH solutions were discussed. It was shown that the dissolution of passive films is only possible in higher concentration of KOH. The corrosion data revealed that the Nb is more stable in H₂SO₄ than in KOH solutions.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Nb Oxides, Passive Films, Cyclic Voltammetry, Ellipsometry.

   Cadmium Removal from Potable Water of Mujamma Aldour by Electrocoagulation Process Using Aluminum Electrodes
         by Maha I. Al-Ali

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 563-567

Abstract - Electrocoagulation (EC) process is an effective method for the removal of heavy metal ions from water and wastewater effluents. In the present study, the removal of Cadmium (Cd) ions from potable water of Al-Mujamma Alsakany of Aldour city in Salahaddin Province north of Baghdad in Iraq has been studied by EC process with aluminum electrodes. The effect of several parameters such as pH(3-10), voltage(v) (20-40volt), time(t) (5-25min) and electrodes spaces (d) (3-6cm) on the performance of EC process has been investigated. The results indicated that the initial pH has no significant effect on the removal efficiency. The applied voltage and electrolysis period has a positive effect on the Cd removal efficiency. In which that the optimum operating conditions were determined as an electric potential of 40 volt, operating time of 25 min at pH 3. Also, the electrical energy consumption and electrode consumption were examined. Indeed the kinetic of contaminant (Cd) removal was calculated as a first order kinetic model.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Aluminum Electrodes, Cadmium Removal, Electrocoagulation, Potable water.

   Development of a Computational Model to the Vacuum Distillation Tower Used in Petroleum Refining: an Analysis of the Consumption of Stripping Steam
         by Rodolfo B. Vadinal, Julio P. Maia, Maria Regina W. Maciel

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 568-572

Abstract - Despite advances in process simulators, none computational model reproduces faithfully the phenomena that occur in a vacuum tower for the petroleum refining. The model developed in Aspen Plus 22.0 simulator considers the separation of phases in the transfer line and the entrainment of oil to the washing zone. To test the model created, we selected two oils (ATR13 and ATR19) previously studied. Increasing the consumption of stripping steam reduces the generation of vacuum residue and increases the production of vacuum gasoils. In comparison to the base case, raising the percentage of steam from 0.75% to 5.0% (based on the mass flow of oil fed in the tower) allows an increase of 17.9% and 19.0% in the production of vacuum gasoils to ATR13 and ATR19, respectively, and a reduction of 11.8% (ATR13) and 11.3% (ATR19) in the generation of vacuum residue.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Heavy Oil; Vacuum Distillation; Stripping Steam; Computer Simulation.

   Waste Polystyrene (PS-6) Plastic Conversion into Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuel by using HZSM-5 Catalyst with Thermal Degradation Process
         by Moinuddin Sarker, Mohammad Mamunor Rashid, Mohammad Molla, Md. Sadikur Rahman

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 573-584

Abstract - Polystyrene is a thermoplastic substance, which is in solid (glassy) state at room temperature, but flows if heated above its glass transition of about 100 ºC (for molding or extrusion),and becomes solid again when cooled. Pure solid polystyrene is a colorless, hard plastic with a limited flexibility. It can be cast into molds with fine detail. Polystyrene can be transparent or can be made to take on various colors. Polyester is one of the most widely used plastics, the scale several billion kilograms per year. Polystyrene and polystyrene materials have become to the concern topics about that very high temperature and sophisticated facility needs to apply to speed up the degradation process. The process of degradation could eradicate the polystyrene materials from the environment and save the atmosphere from defect air pollution. Catalytic and thermal degradation of waste polystyrene have been studied in a glass fiber reactor and. HZSM-5 catalyst used accelerates the reaction and increase the production yield. Temperature is used 120 ºC to 400 ºC. Polystyrene melting temperature is 260 ºC. Also polystyrene made by p-Xylene it has benzene ring. Analytical instrument are (GC/MS) used for produce fuel it has lots of benzene compound, aliphatic alkane and aliphatic alkenes. GC/MS trace the hydrocarbon range before thermal degradation C₃-C₂₈ and after degradation is range C₆-C₁₈ because catalyst help to degrade the polyester long chain to short chain hydrocarbon. ASTM standard test is showing fuel sulfur content also less then EPA standard.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: PS-6 Plastic, Waste Plastic, Catalyst, Thermal Degradation, Fuel, Hydrocarbon, Condensation, GC/MS.

   Flow of a Second Order/Grade Fluid Induced by a Pull of Disks in an Orthogonal Rheometer
         by H. Volkan Ersoy

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 585-591

Abstract - The flow of a second order/grade fluid due to a pull with constant velocities of disks in an orthogonal rheometer is examined. The effects of all the parameters on the flow are carefully examined. Our special attention is focused to analyze the effect of the sign of the material modulus α₁. It is found that an increase in the elasticity of fluid with positive sign leads to an increase in the velocity profiles; however, a reverse effect is observed for the elasticity of fluid with negative sign. Furthermore, increasing the elasticity of fluid with positive sign gives rise to an increase in the x-component of the dimensionless force per unit area exerted by the fluid on the disks but causes an insignificant decrease in the y-component. The increase of the elasticity of fluid with negative sign brings about a decrease in the x-component but an increase in the y-component.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Disk, Orthogonal Rheometer, Pull, Second Order/Grade Fluid.

   Froth Flotation of the Aguiba Ore Oxidized Lead in North Western Tunisia
         by Ch. Abdelmalek-Babbou, F. Chaabani, A. Henchiri

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 592-601

Abstract - The Aguiba ore mineralization is of the Pb-Ba-Sr type from which Galena (PbS) has been exploited. The only secondary mineral remaining is found as cerussite (PbCO3). Economic quantities of lead can be concentrated from secondary minerals such as cerussite by the froth flotation process. Tunisian sulphide ores contain relatively large amounts of secondary lead minerals besides lead sulphides at low grade. This oxidized ore type has however, previously been regarded as uneconomic. The current tendency in increasing metal prices has motivated the search for new deposits as well as appropriate technology such as froth flotation to make oxidized ore economically profitable. Lead flotation of secondary minerals is much more difficult than that of sulphides. Cerussite sulphidization with Na2S results in important recovery of total Pb (79.1%) and oxidized Pb (73.39%) from a feed grade 3.23 % total Pb and 2.3% oxidized Pb. The separation efficiency increases from 14.74% to 45.57% after addition of Na2S, which enables lead to float more efficiently. In fact, major advances in productivity and technology have greatly increased both the amount of resources and the supply of Pb.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Cerussite Sulphidization, Froth Flotation, Secondary Mineral, Sodium Sulphide.

   Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Dry Flowers’ Essential Oil of Lavandula Officinalis
         by Barkat Malika, Bouguerra Ali, Laib Imène , Himed Louiza

      Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 602-606

Abstract - The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant activity of dried flowers’ essential oil of lavender (Lavandula officinalis). Extraction of essential oil is carried out by water distillation. The composition of essential oil is analyzed by GC. 49 terpene compounds have been identified, the most important ones: linalyl acetate (15.26%), Linalool (10.68%), 1, 8-cineole (10.25%), γ-terpinene (11.2%) and camphor (11.25%). The study of antioxidant power of these oils is carried out by DPPH• method. The results obtained show the existence of an antioxidant activity of dried flowers’ essential oil of Lavandula officinalis, but less effective compared with vitamin E.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Essential Oil, Lavandula Officinalis, GC; Antioxidant Activity.

   Studies of Activation of Sphalerite by Copper and Xanthate Adsorption
         by Z. Nedjar, D. Barkat

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 607-613

Abstract - Flotation of sulphide minerals and their activation and modification have been investigated for many years. In this work the influence of sulphite on xanthate-induced flotation of copper-activated sphalerite has been studied been investigated. The adsorption of potassium amyl xanthate (KAX 3×10-3M) on sphalerite has been also studied using electrochemical potential, FTIR technique and SEM. Non activated minerals and minerals activated with copper sulfate (10-4 M) and copper nitrate (10-4 M) have been investigated at pH = 6.8. Surface species have been identified by FTIR and correlated with SEM. After copper sulfate activation, copper xanthate exists on all of the minerals studied. Neutral pH is most favorable for potassium amyl xanthate adsorption on activated minerals.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Activation, Adsorption, Flotation, Sphalerite, Xanthate.

   Characteristics of Aerated Concrete Composites Prepared with Biomass Carbonization Effluents
         by Luis E. Brossard Perez, Antonio L. Beraldo, Luís A. B. Cortez

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 614-621

Abstract - An air entrainment agent for foamed concrete production was obtained by treating the dark insoluble bio-oil condensed from vegetable carbon making effluents with water NaOH solution. The resulting solution of alkaline bio-oil, SABO, was used to study the preparation of foamed concrete composites, at laboratory scale, following an experimental ternary mixture design. The mixtures had constant total mass and constant cement mass and variable mass proportions of SABO ( from 0.03 to 0.09 ), water (from 0.65 to 0.71) and rice husk as vegetable aggregate (from 0 to 0.065). There were studied the hydration process of the fresh water-cement mixture as well as the water absorption of the hardened foamed specimens. It is concluded that the use of SABO could bring advantages over current commercial foaming agents due to its readily availability, low cost and performance characteristics equivalent to that found in usual commercial products.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Foamed Concrete, Carbonization, Bio-oil.

   Studying of Residual Chlorine Concentration Within Water Supply Distribution System in Samarra City- Iraq
         by Abbas Hadi Abbas

         Vol. 3. n. 5, pp. 622-626

Abstract - This research paper is accomplished to evaluate the concentration of residual chlorine (RC) within water supply distribution system in Samarra city-Iraq. Ten stations in ten of the city sections were selected to take the tap drinking water samples. The samples were taken monthly from July to December -2010.Temperature,Turbidity and pH were tested to study the effect of these parameters on the disinfection process and also to compare these parameters with dependant drinking water standards. The results showed that the concentrations ranges of RC, Temperature, Turbidity ,and pH were ( 0.1-0.3 ) ppm ,( 11.6-30) °C,(6.0-15.5) NTU ,and (7.0-8.8) respectively .The results showed that Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) values are negative which may lead to corrosion in Iron pipes of drinking water network. Statistical analysis by using a regression linear model between RC as dependant variable and (Temperature, Turbidity ,and pH) as independent variables showed high degree of correlation coefficient R2which is reached to 0.918.

Copyright © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved

Keywords: Residual chlorine(RC), Distribution system, LSI.