Prediction of acoustic properties of parallel assemblies by means of transfer matrix method

International audienceThe Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) is used conventionally to predict the acoustic properties of laterally infinite homogeneous layers assembled in series to form a multilayer. In this work, a parallel assembly process of transfer matrices is used to model heterogeneous materials such as patchworks, acoustic mosaics, or a collection of acoustic elements in parallel. In this method, it is assumed that each parallel element can be modeled by a 2x2 transfer matrix, and no diffusion exists between elements. The method is validated by comparison with finite element method (FEM). Then, an overview of the possibilities, such as the combination of series and parallel matrices, the sound absorption coefficient and the transmission loss of a parallel array of resonators or three-dimensional geometries is presented and discussed

A method for measuring the acoustic properties of a porous sample mounted in a rigid ring in acoustic tubes

International audienceThis study presents a method to measure the acoustic properties of a homogeneous porous material with a support or a reduction element in an acoustic tube. Some materials tested have a lateral size much smaller than the tube's diameter, as they cannot be produced in the correct dimensions without corrupting the material; this also permits the testing of the same samples in a large frequency bandwidth by using different section tubes. Moreover, the acoustic leaks on the material boundaries can significantly change the transmission loss measured in tubes. To rectify these problems, rings can be placed on each material surface. The presence of these rings can influence the acoustic indicator measurement; while this effect is negligible for tubes with a large cross section, it is not for tubes with a small cross section. To correct, or remove, the influence of the rings, we propose to use an application of the parallel assembly process of the transfer matrix method which has recently been proposed by Panneton et al. [Proceeding Internoise New York (2012)]. Measurements on classical porous materials with and without reductions are proposed and compared to simulated results. The ring's effects and the proposed corrections are discussed for different materials

Polycaprolactone (PCL) chains grafting on the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) during in situ polymerization of ε-caprolactone at room temperature

This work aimed at investigating the feasibility of surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using in situ ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) at room temperature. Residues of flax and milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) stem fibers were used as a source of cellulose to obtain and isolate CNCs. The cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP) of the monomer ε-CL was used to covalently graft polycaprolactone (PCL) chains at the CNCs surface. Silver hexafluoroantimonate (AgSbF6) was used in combination with the extracted CNCs to initiate, at room temperature, the polymerization and the grafting reactions with no other stimulus. Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometry (XPS), UV/visible absorption and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analyses evidenced the presence of PCL chains covalently grafted at CNCs surface, the formation of Ag(0) particles as well as low or moderate molecular weight free PCL chains

MARUCA PENICHET, MISS GRAN CANARIA. [Material gráfico]

** DE PLACA ORIGINAL ADQUIRIDA POR EL COLECCIONISTA EN LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIAFOTO DE RETRATO DE SEÑORITA CON MANTILLA VISTA DESDE CINTURA. MISS GRAN CANARIA. MARUCA PENICHETCopia digital. Madrid : Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Subdirección General de Coordinación Bibliotecaria, 201

N-Vinylcarbazole: As an Additive for Thermal Polymerization at Room Temperature with in situ Formation of Ag(0) Nanoparticules

N-vinylcarbazole (NVK) is proposed as an additive for acrylates thermal free radical polymerization (FRP) and epoxy thermal ring opening polymerization (ROP) at room temperature. The new initiating systems are based on a silane/silver salt/N-vinylcarbazole interaction, which ensures good to excellent polymerization. Moreover, the polymerization is much more efficient under air than under argon. The effects of the N-vinylcarbazole, silane, silver salt and monomer structures are investigated. Interestingly, silver nanoparticles Ag(0) are formed in situ. The as-synthesized nanocomposite materials contained spherical nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrices. Polymers and nanoparticles were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-vis spectroscopy. A coherent picture of the involved chemical mechanisms is presented

A Review of the Effect of Plasticizers on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Alginate-Based Films

In recent years, there has been a growing attempt to manipulate various properties of biodegradable materials to use them as alternatives to their synthetic plastic counterparts. Alginate is a polysaccharide extracted from seaweed or soil bacteria that is considered one of the most promising materials for numerous applications. However, alginate potential for various applications is relatively limited due to brittleness, poor mechanical properties, scaling-up difficulties, and high water vapor permeability (WVP). Choosing an appropriate plasticizer can alleviate the situation by providing higher flexibility, workability, processability, and in some cases, higher hydrophobicity. This review paper discusses the main results and developments regarding the effects of various plasticizers on the properties of alginate-based films during the last decades. The plasticizers used for plasticizing alginate were classified into different categories, and their behavior under different concentrations and conditions was studied. Moreover, the drawback effects of plasticizers on the mechanical properties and WVP of the films are discussed. Finally, the role of plasticizers in the improved processing of alginate and the lack of knowledge on some aspects of plasticized alginate films is clarified, and accordingly, some recommendations for more classical studies of the plasticized alginate films in the future are offered

Thermal Conductivity of Al2O3/Water-Based Nanofluids: Revisiting the Influences of pH and Surfactant

The present work focuses on the preparation and the stabilization of Al2O3-water based nanofluids. Though they have been widely considered in the past, to the best of our knowledge, there is no clear consensus about a proper way to prepare and stabilize them by the appropriate surfactant. In this paper, a careful experimental investigation is performed to quantify the combined influence of pH and the surfactant on the stability of Al2O3-water based nanofluids. Two volume concentrations of nanoparticles and three nanoparticle sizes have been considered. The good preparation and stability of these nanofluids are evaluated through thermal conductivity measurements. The results show that the optimum value for the thermal conductivity is obtained mainly by controlling the pH of the mixture and surfactants are not necessary to stabilize the solution

Evaluating the Properties of Native and Modified Milkweed Floss for Applications as a Reinforcing Fiber

The use of natural fibers is a sustainable alternative for developing reinforced-polymer composites. It is believed that the seed flosses of common milkweed, Asclepias Syriraca, may be a promising reinforcing fiber given its uncommon hollow microstructure that is associated with both high specific properties and outstanding insulating capacities. This study presents an overview of the properties of milkweed floss and its potential use in reinforced-polymer composites. Milkweed flosses from Quebec were analyzed to determine their overall dimensions, density, porosity, coefficient of acoustic absorption, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and elastic modulus. In parallel, a portion of milkweed fibers was treated with acetone to modify their surface, and the properties of the treated fibers were measured and compared against the characteristics of the original fibers. Infrared spectroscopy was employed to assess differences between the chemical groups on the surface of treated and native fibers. The treatment with acetone removed fatty acids, waxes, and free sugars from the fibers’ surface. The acetone treatment did not affect the fibers’ microstructure nor their acoustic absorption capacity. The acetone-treated fibers showed greater thermal resistance and a higher thermal conductivity than native milkweed floss. The elastic modulus of milkweed decreased by nearly 49% after the acetone treatment