The reinforcement degree offered by silica as a spherical filler with low aspect ratio and high filler–, filler interaction was compared with mica as a platelet filler with higher aspect ratio and lower filler–, filler interaction. By replacing half of the carbon black with silica or mica in a typical formulation, rubber composites were prepared and their properties were evaluated under two conditions: In the first one, the impact of increasing the amount of a chemical surface modifier, namely silane TESPT (bis triethoxysilylpropyl tetrasulfide), was investigated and in the second one, the increasing amount of a physical modifier namely DPG (diphenyl guanidine) on the performance of the two fillers was explored. The resulting composites were subjected to physico-mechanical experiments including the bound rubber, tensile test, and the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Results indicated that the greater amount of filler–, filler interaction resulting from the higher SiO2 and hydroxyl content in silica has a dominating role over the aspect ratio of mica which is then led to a remarkable difference in their bound rubber. However, the mica-containing composites were capable of competing with silica when the DPG was used. Nevertheless, the compound only containing carbon black with 19. 7 MPa of tensile strength and 24. 4 kgf/cm of tear strength showed the best mechanical properties among other fillers, and by replacing 30 phr carbon black, these properties decreased approximately 15 , ±,  , 3%. Based on DMTA findings, promising data were obtained for the mica-reinforced rubbers with regard to the tire application.

Nowadays, in order to achieve the combined properties of multiple alloys for important applications such as automotive and marine industries, the use of cladding method is common. Cladding, which is a type of coating through welding, is one of the widely used methods for surface modification of metal parts and sheets in industry. AH36 low-alloy steel is a steel used in shipbuilding, known for its toughness and good corrosion resistance, making it a significant condidcate among other steels used in this industry. In this research, to enhance the corrosion properties of AH36 steel, the cladding process was performed using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) with copper/nickel filler wire. Two samples, one from the coated (weld metal) and one from the uncoated (base metal) sections, were prepared and subjected to microstructural and corrosion investigations. The results indicated an increase in grain size in the heat-affected zone of the weld metal sample, leading to a reduction in mechanical properties. The cyclic polarization test showed that the base metal had higher susceptibility to pitting corrosion compared to the weld metal. Additionally, the weld metal exhibited a higher tendency for repassivation or repairing of the pits. The results of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test indicated that both the base metal and weld metal samples had a single-loop equivalent circuit. The larger diameter of the Nyquist semicircle for the base metal compared to the weld metal suggests better uniform corrosion behavior of the base metal relative to the weld metal.

This study was intended to investigate the synergistic effect of zirconium element on the active filler metal, using a multi-component filler alloy. The bonding of alumina to copper was investigated using active filler metals, namely Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5. 1Zr, using the induction brazing method. Alumina/copper joining was done with active filler metals of Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5. 1Zr at temperatures of 840 and 880 °C, respectively, for 15 min under vacuum of 10-6 millibar. The microstructure of the joints were assessed using optical and scanning electron microscopes, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and the mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated using the shear strength and the Vickers microhardness tests. Two phases of TiO and Cu3Ti3O were detected in the reaction layer area in alumina-copper joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn filler metal. Ag-Cu eutectic compounds were also found in the brazing zone. In alumina-copper joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5. 1Zr filler metal, two phases of TiO and ZrO2 were observed in the reaction layer area, and two phases rich in copper and silver were observed in the brazing zone. The shear strength, obtained in brazing joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5. 1Zr filler, was 33% higher than that of in the brazing joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn filler. The microhardness in the region of the reaction layer of the joint with filler metal containing 5. 1 wt. % of zirconium and that without zirconium was measured as 248 and 146 Vickers, respectively.

Historically, breast augmentation with injectable materials has been performed for decades. However, in the long term all materials led to unfavorable results with serious side effects. Recently, we came across a patient who had performed a breast augmentation using a brand-new Aquafilling® filler. Some insist that it is a very safe filler providing satisfactory improvement in breast shape and volume without any inflammatory reaction or serious adverse effect. Here, we present a 32-year-old woman who experienced severe complications 6 months after bilateral breast augmentation with Aquafilling® filler. The patient suffered from distant filler migration and inflammatory reaction extending from the left upper lateral abdominal wall to the vulva. Radiologic characteristics were very similar to those resulting from polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) mammoplasty. The use of Aquafilling® filler for breast augmentation should be strongly restricted until long-term safety is proved and verified.

The dissimilar joint of alumina to copper with active filler metals Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr were done using the induction brazing process at temperatures of 840 and 860 ℃ for 15 minutes. The microstructures of joints were evaluated using optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Vickers hardness test and shear tensile strength test were used to evaluate the mechanical properties. The results of the microstructural studies showed that the Al2O3/Cu joints using Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr fillers contain a reaction layer at the interface between alumina and the filler metal. At the area of the reaction layer with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn filler metal, two TiO and Cu3Ti3O phases were observed, and also at the reaction layer with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr filler metal, two TiO and ZrO2 phases were observed. The results of the shear strength test showed that due to the greater thickness of the filler metal and the lower thickness of the reaction layer, the joint with the filler metal Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr (14 MPa) has a higher shear strength as compared with the joint with filler metal Ag-Cu-Ti- Sn (9 MPa).

Copper barrier a new method, with barrier and mortality efficacies, has been evaluated against C. lencoranea on orange, mahali variety in comparison to other registered molluscicides (Metaldehyde and Carbaryl baits) and weeding control + plaguing treatment. The complete randomized block design was set up, with four replications and each replicate consist of three orange trees in each parts. This study conducted in east and west parts of Mazandaran province during 2004. Treatments were initiated in middle of October with Max. Snails activity. Mortality of C. lencoranea has been obtained through Henderson-Tilton method with sampling interval of one day before and 2, 4, 7, 14 and 21 days after the treatments. Mortality recorded by counting alive snails on 4 shoots infested by snails according selection and marking. Analysis of variance done on mean of mortality recorded in each sampling interval and with help of SAS method grouping as well as sustainable effected of those treatments were compared. The results of snail mortalities in all treatments in citrus orchards were found significant at level of 5% (p<0.05). Effects of different treatments found maximum in 7th day of the sampling and mortality rate increased with extent of interval period. Combined analysis done on data of both places and laboratory indicated that, copper barrier caused higher mortality effect on snail with longer persistence in comparison of other treatments investigated and placed in group a. Mean of snail control in Sari region (54.32%) was observed higher than Tonekabon (50.01%) region. In total, we can suggest that, copper barrier can consider in control of C. lencoranea in tall varieties of citrus in Mazandaran province and other infested citrus region by this snail pest too.

Hypothesis: Fatigue crack growth (FCG) of rubber composites as controlled by the viscoelastic losses, is strongly dependent on the polymer-filler interfacial phenomena. The type of filler-polymer bonding at the interface and the extent of mobility restriction of rubber chains resulting from the interaction by the filler are of the critical ones. In highly filled rubber compound, the amount of mobility restriction is almost dictated by the filler-filler interaction. Regulating the surface energy of the filler can be an effective method to control the filler-filler interaction, to distinguish the two interfacial phenomena, and to pave the way of studying their significance. Methods: Ultrasil VN3 and solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) were of the base composite materials. Using two silanes with a short and a long aliphatic chain length, the surface of Ultrasil was modified in our lab to a certain level of grafting density which could bring the required surface energy and the filler-filler interaction. By controlling the surface energy of silica treated in the lab, and by making a systematic comparison of the resulting composites, it was possible to study the role of covalent bonding at the interface, the role of filler-filler interaction and severity of mobility restriction and finally the role of silane chain length. Findings: Fatigue crack growth experiment revealed that the severity of mobility restriction and the filler-filler interaction of the composite have the highest impact on the amount of viscoelastic dissipation and the rate of crack growth. The covalent bonding at the interface can deviate the crack from growing in the original direction and thus it may act as a physical barrier to improve crack growth resistance. For highly filled compounds where the properties are almost dictated by the filler-filler interaction, the role played by the chain length of silane is minor.

The effect of nano SiO2 and silane coupling agents on practical properties of plywood was investigated. After plywood production with layers of hornbeam wood (Carpinus betulus), physical and mechanical properties were analyzed. Variables were the type of silane coupling agent (vinyl tri methoxy silane and g-amino propyl tri ethoxy silane), the amount of nano SiO2 (1% and 2%) and the amount of silane coupling agent (1% and 2%). The lowest water absorption and thickness swelling were observed in the case of boards produced with 1% treated nano SiO2 by 2% vinyl tri methoxy silane, and those with 1% treated nano SiO2 by 2% g-amino propyl tri ethoxy silane had the highest bending strength and modulus of elasticity. The highest shear strength was found for the boards produced with 2% nano SiO2 treated by 1% vinyl tri methoxy silane. The results of this study revealed that utilization of nano SiO2 treated by silane coupling agent as filler for urea formaldehyde resin is effective in improving the physical and mechanical properties of plywood.

Introduction: Plastic contamination, especially in packaging application, has been the main issue for universities and industry. Bio-composite of biodegradable Starch is considered as an appropriate replacement for starch due to low price, availability and biodegradability. The film or coating is placed on the food as an integrated and thin layer of different polymer compounds. Today, contaminants from synthetic polymers have drawn attention to the use of biodegradable materials, and over the past two decades, the study of biodegradable materials derived from proteins and carbohydrates has expanded. These macromolecules could potentially be a viable alternative to synthetic polymers derived from petroleum products. Material and methods: In the present study, different starch films have been produced by corn starch and natural cellulose booster from 0% to 20% applying melt mixing with twin extruder. The aim of this study is to obtain a suitable combination of starch with cellulose (natural and degradable) that makes starch similar to synthetic polymers with low water permeability and high mechanical strength and can be a good alternative for them. In addition, food additives such as citric acid and stearic acid are used in a constant amount to facilitate the process and improve the properties of the film. The current study aims at investigating the effect of cellulose, as an intensifier, and different ratio of glycerol/sorbitol, as a plasticizer, on the improvement of starch bio-composite. The optimum point for starch bio-composite is obtained by Design Expert Software and structural tests, TGA and XRD, were conducted on this point. First, a suspension of cellulose and a certain amount of water were homogenized or subjected to ultrasound so that the starch could be well dispersed in the matrix. Raw material for the production of starch biocomposites, including corn starch (as a matrix), glycerol and sorbitol (as a softener and each from 10 to 20% by weight of starch), different amounts of cellulose fiber (from 0 to 20% by weight of starch), citric acid 1% by weight to improve the biocomposite, starch and stearic acid were physically mixed as a process aid (to prevent starch from adhering to equipment and 1% by weight of starch). The main mixing was done uniformly in the two-screw face extruder. The produced starch biocomposite or sheet was exposed to 50% relative humidity and 30° C for one week and then the necessary tests were performed on them. In the next step, the mold was used under pressure, until a starch sheet with a thickness of 1 mm was produced. The sheets were produced at a temperature of 160° C and a pressure of 25 Mpa for 2 minutes. The temperature reached 50-40° C by the flow of cold water flowing around the mold and the pressure was removed. Then each sheet was qualified separately at 58% RH and 30° C and entered the test stage. The thickness of the film was measured randomly in 5 positions with the micrometer of incision (model W-3275-A, USA) with a resolution of 0. 01 mm and their average was used for calculations. Results and discussion: Tensile strength, Young’ s modulus and elongation at break were measured from the stress-strain curves gained from the prepared starch sheets. Table1 shows that there was irregularity effect with the addition of cellulose, glycerol and sorbitol in the composite. The lowest yield of tensile strength was 0. 51 MPa at 5% cellulose, 15% glycerol and 20% sorbitol and the highest level was 1. 52 MPa with 15% cellulose, 12. 5% glycerol and 12. 5% sorbitol. The mechanical properties are prejudiced by the ingredients of a composite. The adding of component is estimated to rise the mechanical properties of a composite because of the increasing affinity in the composite. Different trends were observed for Young’ s modulus. A significant improvement for Young’ s modulus from 283 to 915 MPa was obtained for different starch biocomposites. The best result for Young’ s modulus was obtained with 10% of cellulose, 10% glycerol and 20% sorbitol. Elongation at break had range from 1. 01 to 10. 24 that could be related to the percentage increase in length that a material will achieve before breaking. A higher percentage usually indicates a better quality material when combined with good UTS. Negative coefficient of sorbitol and glycerol means they caused to fall down elongation of starch biocomposite. Those starch biocomposites with cellulose had more elongation at break. The optimum point was 5% cellulose and 17. 5% of each emollient which has Water Vapor Permeability (WVP) as 7. 81*10-10 gs-1-1-1 m Pa, tensile strength of 0. 85 Mpa, Young module 277. 56 Mpa and elongation at break point 7. 08%. The optimum glass transition temperature of bio-composite starch increases to 130 o C. Although optimum bio-composite XRD show high picks demonstrating crystals, the findings from thermal weighting reveal that optimum bio-composite will be decomposed about 300. According to decomposition of natural starch at 220 o C, this thermal resistance can be ascribed to the cellulose in its structure. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to obtain a suitable combination of starch with cellulose (natural and degradable) and glycerol and sorbitol softeners that make starch similar to synthetic polymers with low water permeability and high mechanical strength. In this study, optimization of starch biocomposite formulation was performed by epithelial mixing method. The main purpose of optimization was to place the parameters of tensile strength, elongation and elastic modulus in the desired range and to minimize water vapor permeability. According to the modeling, the optimal treatment in the production of starch biocomposite was 5% cellulose, 17. 5% glycerol and 17. 5% sorbitol. The validation results of the answers showed that the results of the model have an acceptable similarity with the practical results. X-ray diffraction test to investigate the distribution of particles in the polymer matrix showed that the components of the composites are well dispersed. Behavioral patterns related to heat-weight changes of starch biocomposite showed that three main stages of degradation and weight loss were observed in starch biocomposites. It is It is concluded that the composition of microcrystal cellulose and equal glycerol/sorbitol ratio lead to the development of starch bio-composite properties. The results of this study can open a new window towards the use of biodegradable packaging in the food industry to improve food quality and safety and reduce food waste. More research is needed to replace conventional plastics with green composites to at least protect human health and the environment.