Significance of electrokinetic characterization for interpreting interfacial phenomena at planar, macroscopic interfaces

Journal ArticleStreaming potential measurements provide valuable information for the validation and interpretation of interfacial phenomena that occur at flat macroscopic surfaces. Planar substrates have been extensively used for the interpretation of events, which occur at particulate surfaces; however, these flat surfaces are often only questionably representative of their particulate counterparts due to variations in surface chemistry and topography. In this study, the zeta potential from planar macroscopic surfaces of PMMA, mica, graphite, fluorite, and calcite have been calculated from streaming potentials measured in aqueous solutions using an asymmetric clamping cell. These zeta potentials have been found to significantly contribute to understanding and interpretation of interfacial phenomena influenced by Coulombic interactions including adsorption, surface forces, and the structure of surface micelles

A new approach in ultrapurification of coal by selective flocculation

A relatively pure sample of coal and coal pyrite (free of clays) was provided from the Coal Research Resource Center at VPI, Blackburgh, VA. The samples have been prepared and single mineral flucculation tests are in progress to confirm the selectivity achieved with the previously evaluated flocculents. The mathematical/computational model was used to predict the effect of process parameters such as feed composition and polymer dosage on the yield and selectivity. It is determined that improvement is selectivity can be achieved by controlling the dosage of not so selective flocculents. Further screening of potential selective flocculents will continue. Also FT-IR and heat of adsorption measurements and planned to better understand the parameters which control the floc properties

A new approach in ultrapurification of coal by selective flocculation

The specific objective of the present investigation is to develop a mathematical and computational model to elicit values of active sites ({phi}) and fractional surface coverage ({theta}) which would yield optimum separation of coal from coal pyrite and coal refuse. Attempts are to be made to select appropriate flocculants and experimental conditions to obtain {phi} and {theta} values as dictated by the theoretical model so as to achieve the desired separation in naturally occurring samples of fine coal. (VC

Current applications of nanotechnology for magnetic resonance imaging of apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a morphologically and biochemically distinct form of cell death, which together with proliferation plays an important role in tissue development and homeostasis. Insufficient apoptosis is important in the pathology of various disorders such as cancer and autoimmune diseases, whereas a high apoptotic activity is associated with myocardial infarction, neurodegenerative diseases, and advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Consequently, apoptosis is recognized as an important therapeutic target, which should be either suppressed, e.g., during an ischemic cardiac infarction, or promoted, e.g., in the treatment of cancerous lesions. Imaging tools to address location, amount, and time course of apoptotic activity non-invasively in vivo are therefore of great clinical use in the evaluation of such therapies. This chapter reviews current literature and new developments in the application of nanoparticles for non-invasive apoptosis imaging. Focus is on functionalized nanoparticle contrast agents for MRimaging and bimodal nanopartide agents that combine magnetic and fluorescent properties