Characteristic and Performance Tests of Membrane PES in Biodiesel Purification by Using Ultrafiltration Process

Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were prepared via phase inversion method. The effect of polymer concentration on the morphology of the fabricated membranes were studied. Furthermore, the effect of transmembrane pressure (TMP)was also studied on the filtration performance of biodiesel purification. The morphology of fabricated PES membrane was analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) indicated that the PES membranes had skin layer on the membrane surface and pores layer on the bottom surface. The permeability coefficient (Lp) of PES membranes were about 21-40 L/m2.h. The Molecular Weight Cut Off (MWCO) test shows that the rejection of dextran solution with the molecular weight 18,8Kda was above 90%. The water contact angle of PES membranes was measured to know the hydrophilicity of PES membrane. The water contact angle was about 73oconfirmed that the PES membrane was hydrophobic. The increasing ofTrans-membrane Pressure (TMP) had a significant effect on the permeability of membrane which isthe permeability of biodiesel increases by increasing the TMP. The maximum of flux was obtained about 110 ml/se

Finding Ground

My thesis called: ”Finding Ground” is an examination of my own artistic expression. Inspi-rations are memories of Finland and inner landscapes. A focus of my examinations lays in the historical background and the ground of my choices for material, technique and col-ours. The practical outcomes are woven objects of paper yarn und paintings in oil on can-vas. Both are speaking a different visual and sensual language, but talking about the same topic, the one of an end of searching and getting clear/finding ground. Weaving by Hand and painting are slow techniques. I choose them as a method to slow down and take a close look at the microcosms of structures and colours. Creating one´s own rhythm and structure in working and travelling provides a “ground” or a state to be between disci-plines and places

"Other? Fish in the Sea: Finding Nemo as an Epic Representation of Disability

The animated feature "Finding Nemo" swept the box office last summer, and audiences of all ages and critics alike were overwhelmed by how a seemingly simple story had made such a splash. Recently having a second life on DVD, the film has become the most financially successful film of 2003 and the largest grossing animated feature of all time, outshining Disney/Pixar's previous hits Toy Story I and II and Monsters, Inc., as well as its competing summer blockbusters. "Finding Nemo" surfaced as a characteristic Disney epic adventure and heart-warming coming of age tale with resplendent twists. The plot follows a young clown fish, Nemo (Alexander Gould), who is separated from his father, Marlin (Albert Brooks), by the human intervention of a scuba diver and held captive in the office fish tank of a Sydney, Australia dentist (Bill Hunter). Nemo is rescued through the joint efforts of exotic, yet familiarly goofy, ironically down-to-earth, and cleverly caricatured populations of marine creatures. Seagulls, pelicans, turtles, manta rays, jellyfish, squid, starfish, sharks, whales, lobsters, other curious crustaceans, and a glorious array of tropical fish in all configurations and designs animate the film's lavish oceanic world. The creatures are not only strikingly heterogeneous in appearance, but also have international accents or dialects and personas that convey a variety of social styles. This cast of characters, their tongue-in-cheek, witty dialogue, and appropriately colorful depictions add to the appeal and smash success of the film, as vivid and illusionistic artistry positions the viewer as a visually awed undersea explorer

Micro-CT and mercury intrusion porosimetry characterization of the fabric of roofing slate

The petrological fabric of roofing slate determines the main properties of the slate as a construction material, such as durability and waterproofing. Roofing slates are rocks derived from the low-grade metamorphism of lutites, with a characteristic lepidoblastic fabric. However, little attention by petrologists has been paid to the role of this fabric in the behaviour of roofin slates. This work characterizes the fabric and pore system of two roofing slate varieties from Spain, using two different techniques, each with its advantages and disadvantages: X-ray microtomography, useful to find heterogeneities and mineral inclusions on the slate bulk,and mercury intrusion porosimetry, which defines the pore system. The differentiation of mineral inclusions is very useful for predicting the weathering of a slate, while the definition of the pore system may help to understand how the slate will behave during its service life

Natural coagulates for wastewater treatment; a review for application and mechanism

The increase of water demand and wastewater generation is among the global concerns in the world. The less effective management of water sources leads to serious consequences, the direct disposal of untreated wastewater is associated with the environmental pollution, elimination of aquatic life and the spread of deadly epidemics. The flocculation process is one of the most important stages in water and wastewater treatment plants, wherein this phase the plankton, colloidal particles, and pollutants are precipitated and removed. Two major types of coagulants are used in the flocculation process included the chemical and natural coagulants. Many studies have been performed to optimize the flocculation process while most of these studies have confirmed the hazardous effects of chemical coagulants utilization on the ecosystem. This chapter reviews a summary of the coagulation/flocculation processes using natural coagulants as well as reviews one of the most effective natural methods of water and wastewater treatment

Synthesis and Characterization of Coated Gold Nanoparticles with Embedded SERS Tags

Gold nanoparticles were prepared with the potential to operate as drug delivery vehicles. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is of particular importance as an optical bioimaging technique due to its ability to allow deep and high-resolution volumetric imaging of biological tissues. Characterization of the gold nanoparticles with para-mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA), a SERS active molecule, silver, and a phospholipid bilayer was done using Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy and particle size analysis. Our results indicate successful coating of the gold nanoparticles and show consistent pMBA Raman spectroscopy peaks that will allow for the nanoparticle use in-vivo to be monitored

Investigation of TIG-welding plasma and the electrode contamination

TIG welding experiments have been used for the welded joints of the austenitic stainless steel and molybdenum. The aim of the experiments was to find the optimal welding parameters. The problems that occurred throughout the welding process were due to the very high melting point of the Mo. Also, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have performed a proper testing in parallel with the experiments. Regarding to the wear of electrode, there have been determined the tip angle, the tapering and the effect of the electrode’s material composition. The latter parameter was investigated for thorium-oxide and lanthanum-oxide alloyed electrodes