Identification of novel Cu, Ag, and Au ternary oxides from global structural prediction

We use ab initio global structural prediction, and specifically the minima hopping method, to explore the periodic table in search of novel oxide phases. In total, we study 183 different compositions of the form MXO2, where M=(Cu, Ag, Au) and X is an element of the periodic table. This set includes the well-known Cu delafossite compounds that are, up to now, the best p-type transparent conductive oxides known to mankind. Our calculations discover 81 stable compositions, out of which only 36 are included in available databases. Some of these new phases are potentially good candidates for transparent electrodes. These results demonstrate, on one hand, how incomplete is still our knowledge of the phase-space of stable ternary materials. On the other hand, we show that structural prediction combined with high-throughput approaches is a powerful tool to extend that knowledge, paving the way for the experimental discovery of new materials on a large scale

Processing of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics

ECCM15 - 15TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS, Venice, Italy, 24-28 June 2012Towpregs based on different fibres and thermoplastic matrices were processed for highly demanding and more commercial applications by different composite processing technologies. In the technologies used, compression moulding and pultrusion, the final composite pr ocessing parameters were studied in order to obtain composites with adequate properties at industrial compatible production rates. The produced towpregs were tested to verify its polymer content and degree of impregnation. The obtained results have shown t hat the coating line enabled to produce, with efficiency and industrial scale speed rates, thermoplastic matrix towpregs that may be used to manufacture composites for advanced and larger volume commercial markets

Processing of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics

Towpregs based on different fibres and thermoplastic matrices were processed for highly demanding and more commercial applications by different composite processing technologies. In the technologies used, compression moulding and pultrusion, the final composite processing parameters were studied in order to obtain composites with adequate properties at industrial compatible production rates. The produced towpregs were tested to verify its polymer content and degree of impregnation. The obtained results have shown that the coating line enabled to produce, with efficiency and industrial scale speed rates, thermoplastic matrix towpregs that may be used to manufacture composites for advanced and larger volume commercial markets.(undefined

Filament wound products made with thermoplastic matrix towpregs

Cost-effective glass-reinforced thermoplastic matrix towpregs produced by a powder coating line that were used to manufacture composite pipes by filament winding. A conventional 6 axes filament-winding equipment was adapted for processing such structures. The influence of the filament winding speed and mandrel temperature on the composite final properties was studied in the present work. An optimized processing window was established by comparing the composite theoretical expected mechanical properties with the experimentally obtained ones. The final properties determined on the produced pipes and structures and the technological changes introduced to the conventional filament-winding equipment will be presented and discussed. Besides the processing description and conditions, it will be presented the relationship between processing conditions and mechanical properties.(undefined

A CF3I-based SDD Prototype for Spin-independent Dark Matter Searches

The application of Superheated Droplet Detectors (SDDs) to dark matter searches has so far been confined to the light nuclei refrigerants C2ClF5 and C4F10 (SIMPLE and PICASSO, respectively), with a principle sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions. Given the competitive results of these devices, as a result of their intrinsic insensitivity to backgrounds, we have developed a prototype trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I)-loaded SDD with increased sensitivity to spin-independent interactions as well. A low (0.102 kgd) exposure test operation of two high concentration, 1 liter devices is described, and the results compared with leading experiments in both spin-dependent and -independent sectors. Although competitive in both sectors when the difference in exposures is accounted for, a problem with fracturing of the detector gel must be addressed before significantly larger exposures can be envisioned.Comment: revised and updated; accepted Astrop. Phy

Glass/polyvinyl chloride composites

This paper summarizes the results obtained in the use of plastisols of vinyl chloride homopolymer (PVC), obtained by the process of emulsion polymerization, as thermoplastic matrix in the production of composite pipes and in pipe repairing. Two processing techniques commonly used with thermosetting matrices were studied: filament winding and hand lay-up. The produced composite structures of PVC reinforced with glass fibres were subsequently subjected to tests in order to determine their mechanical properties. This paper concludes that it is possible to use the described technique for piping repairing with good results