Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “SAMPLE PREPARATION”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Neutron scattering measurement of water content and chemical composition of alkali-glass powder reacted gel

Highlights: • Water absorption ability of alkali-glass powder reacted gel was largely reduced comparing other reported alkali-silica gels. • Both SAXS and SANS results showed similar internal structures of samples prepared with different H2O:D2O mixing ratios. • Neutron scattering method was developed to non-destructively determine gel water content and mass density of reacted gels. • Neutron scattering methods (based on scattering length density) on gel water content was validated with TGA measurement. - Abstract: Recent studies demonstrated that the added glass powder with high-alumina content could significantly reduce Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) damage in cement concrete. This paper aims to investigate the gel water content, chemical composition and expansion behavior of the alkali-glass powder reacted gel by using neutron scattering and other characterization techniques. Three types of samples were prepared with glass powder, sodium oxide and deuteroxide/hydrogen water with different molar ratios. The swelling potential of this alkali-glass powder reacted gel was much lower than that of the reported alkali-silica reacted gel. The gel water content and chemical compositions were characterized with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique, supported by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), prompt-gamma ray neutron activation analysis (PGAA) measurement. The SAXS test results showed the close scattering intensities, and thus similar internal microstructures among these samples. The elemental molar ratios of gels were obtained from the PGAA test results. Then the gel water molar ratio and mass density were determined by neutron scattering contrast calculation. The determined gel water content from neutron scattering analysis was validated with zero contrast analysis and TGA experimental measurement. Overall, this paper demonstrated the feasibility of using SANS technique to determine the water content of alkali-glass powder reacted gel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Correlative transmission electron microscopy and electrical properties study of switchable phase-change random access memory line cells

Phase-change memory line cells, where the active material has a thickness of 15 nm, were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation such that they still could be switched and characterized electrically after the preparation. The result of these observations in comparison with detailed electrical characterization showed (i) normal behavior for relatively long amorphous marks, resulting in a hyperbolic dependence between SET resistance and SET current, indicating a switching mechanism based on initially long and thin nanoscale crystalline filaments which thicken gradually, and (ii) anomalous behavior, which holds for relatively short amorphous marks, where initially directly a massive crystalline filament is formed that consumes most of the width of the amorphous mark only leaving minor residual amorphous regions at its edges. The present results demonstrate that even in (purposely) thick TEM samples, the TEM sample preparation hampers the probability to observe normal behavior and it can be debated whether it is possible to produce electrically switchable TEM specimen in which the memory cells behave the same as in their original bulk embedded state.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2012

Analytical Capability of Plasma Spectrometry Team [Slides]

Samples analyzed were: (1) Pu and U metal; (2) Pu oxide for nuclear fuel; (3) 23 8Pu oxide for heat source; and (4) Nuclear forensic samples - filters, swipes. Sample preparations that we did were: metal dissolution, marple filter dissolution, Pu oxide closed vessel acid digestion, and column separation to remove Pu.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Scanning EM of non-heavy metal stained biosamples: Large-field of view, high contrast and highly efficient immunolabeling

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is increasing its application in life sciences for electron density measurements of ultrathin sections. These are traditionally analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM); by most labs, SEM analysis still is associated with surface imaging only. Here we report several advantages of SEM for thin sections over TEM, both for structural inspection, as well as analyzing immuno-targeted labels such as quantum dots (QDs) and gold, where we find that QD-labeling is ten times more efficient than gold-labeling. Furthermore, we find that omitting post-staining with uranyl and lead leads to QDs readily detectable over the ultrastructure, but under these conditions ultrastructural contrast was even almost invisible in TEM examination. Importantly, imaging in SEM with STEM detection leads to both outstanding QDs and ultrastructural contrast. STEM imaging is superior over back-scattered electron imaging of these non-contrasted samples, whereas secondary electron detection cannot be used at all. We conclude that examination of ultrathin sections by SEM, which may be immunolabeled with QDs, will allow rapid and straightforward analysis of large fields with more efficient labeling than can be achieved with immunogold. The large fields of view routinely achieved with SEM, but not with TEM, allows straightforward raw data sharing using virtual microscopy, also known as nanotomy when this concerns EM data in the life sciences. - Highlights: • High resolution and large fields of view via nanotomy or virtual microscopy. • Highly relevant for EM‐datasets where information density is high. • Sample preparation with low contrast good for STEM, not TEM. • Quantum dots now stand out in STEM‐based detection. • 10 Times more efficient labeling with quantum dots compared to gold.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Excitation and emission spectra of rubidium in rare-gas thin-films

To understand the optical properties of atoms in solid state matrices, the absorption, excitation, and emission spectra of rubidium doped thin-films of argon, krypton, and xenon were investigated in detail. A two-dimensional spectral analysis extends earlier reports on the excitation and emission properties of rubidium in rare-gas hosts. We found that the doped crystals of krypton and xenon exhibit a simple absorption-emission relation, whereas rubidium in argon showed more complicated spectral structures. Our sample preparation employed in the present work yielded different results for the Ar crystal, but our peak positions were consistent with the prediction based on the linear extrapolation of Xe and Kr data. We also observed a bleaching behavior in rubidium excitation spectra, which suggests a population transfer from one to another spectral feature due to hole-burning. The observed optical response implies that rubidium in rare-gas thin-films is detectable with extremely high sensitivity, possibly down to a single atom level, in low concentration samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Influence of myelin proteins on the structure and dynamics of a model membrane with emphasis on the low temperature regime

Myelin is an insulating, multi-lamellar membrane structure wrapped around selected nerve axons. Increasing the speed of nerve impulses, it is crucial for the proper functioning of the vertebrate nervous system. Human neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, are linked to damage to the myelin sheath through demyelination. Myelin exhibits a well defined subset of myelin-specific proteins, whose influence on membrane dynamics, i.e., myelin flexibility and stability, has not yet been explored in detail. In a first paper [W. Knoll, J. Peters, P. Kursula, Y. Gerelli, J. Ollivier, B. Demé, M. Telling, E. Kemner, and F. Natali, Soft Matter 10, 519 (2014)] we were able to spotlight, through neutron scattering experiments, the role of peripheral nervous system myelin proteins on membrane stability at room temperature. In particular, the myelin basic protein and peripheral myelin protein 2 were found to synergistically influence the membrane structure while keeping almost unchanged the membrane mobility. Further insight is provided by this work, in which we particularly address the investigation of the membrane flexibility in the low temperature regime. We evidence a different behavior suggesting that the proton dynamics is reduced by the addition of the myelin basic protein accompanied by negligible membrane structural changes. Moreover, we address the importance of correct sample preparation and characterization for the success of the experiment and for the reliability of the obtained results.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

2D/3D cryo x-ray fluorescence imaging at the bionanoprobe at the advanced photon source

Trace elements, particularly metals, play very important roles in biological systems. Synchrotron-based hard X-ray fluorescence microscopy offers the most suitable capabilities to quantitatively study trace metals in thick biological samples, such as whole cells and tissues. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated X-ray fluorescence imaging of frozen-hydrated whole cells using the recent developed Bionanoprobe (BNP). The BNP provides spatial resolution down to 30 nm and cryogenic capabilities. Frozen-hydrated biological cells have been directly examined on a sub-cellular level at liquid nitrogen temperatures with minimal sample preparation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Direct observation and analysis of yolk-shell materials using low-voltage high-resolution scanning electron microscopy: Nanometal-particles encapsulated in metal-oxide, carbon, and polymer

Nanometal particles show characteristic features in chemical and physical properties depending on their sizes and shapes. For keeping and further enhancing their features, the particles should be protected from coalescence or degradation. One approach is to encapsulate the nanometal particles inside pores with chemically inert or functional materials, such as carbon, polymer, and metal oxides, which contain mesopores to allow permeation of only chemicals not the nanometal particles. Recently developed low-voltage high-resolution scanning electron microscopy was applied to the study of structural, chemical, and electron state of both nanometal particles and encapsulating materials in yolk-shell materials of Au@C, Ru/Pt@C, Au@TiO{sub 2}, and Pt@Polymer. Progresses in the following categories were shown for the yolk-shell materials: (i) resolution of topographic image contrast by secondary electrons, of atomic-number contrast by back-scattered electrons, and of elemental mapping by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy; (ii) sample preparation for observing internal structures; and (iii) X-ray spectroscopy such as soft X-ray emission spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy was also used for characterization of Au@C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Three-dimensional analysis by serial sectioning of cubic zirconia sinters

Three-dimensional electron backscatter diffraction technique was used for the characterization of grain boundary geometry and pore morphology in cubic zirconia. A set of three samples composed of cubic yttria stabilized zirconia, sintered under different conditions was investigated. Analysis of grain boundaries and pore structure was carried out in a dual-beam scanning electron microscope. For each sample, a volume of 15·10{sup 3} μm{sup 3} was investigated. The results of three-dimensional microstructure analysis were compared to the results derived from regular, two-dimensional maps of the area of 2500 µm{sup 2}. Based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional data the average grain diameter, number of grains, average number of neighbors and porosity were calculated. The average grain diameter varied in the range from 2.39 µm to 2.91 µm and from 3.00 µm to 3.79 µm, while the level of porosity varied in the range from 1.22% to 1.77% and from 1.30% to 5.61% for two-dimensional and three-dimensional data, respectively. The analysis of grain boundary networks revealed a strong dependence between grain boundary density and sample preparation parameters. The parameters of the sintering process affected also the size and distribution of pores. The comparison of the results of 2D and 3D materials characterization revealed significant differences in the values of calculated microstructure parameters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

MicroED data collection and processing

The collection and processing of MicroED data are presented. MicroED, a method at the intersection of X-ray crystallography and electron cryo-microscopy, has rapidly progressed by exploiting advances in both fields and has already been successfully employed to determine the atomic structures of several proteins from sub-micron-sized, three-dimensional crystals. A major limiting factor in X-ray crystallography is the requirement for large and well ordered crystals. By permitting electron diffraction patterns to be collected from much smaller crystals, or even single well ordered domains of large crystals composed of several small mosaic blocks, MicroED has the potential to overcome the limiting size requirement and enable structural studies on difficult-to-crystallize samples. This communication details the steps for sample preparation, data collection and reduction necessary to obtain refined, high-resolution, three-dimensional models by MicroED, and presents some of its unique challenges.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

High-Resolution Characterization of UMo Alloy Microstructure

This report highlights the capabilities and procedure for high-resolution characterization of UMo fuels in PNNL. Uranium-molybdenum (UMo) fuel processing steps, from casting to forming final fuel, directly affect the microstructure of the fuel, which in turn dictates the in-reactor performance of the fuel under irradiation. In order to understand the influence of processing on UMo microstructure, microstructure characterization techniques are necessary. Higher-resolution characterization techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) are needed to interrogate the details of the microstructure. The findings from TEM and APT are also directly beneficial for developing predictive multiscale modeling tools that can predict the microstructure as a function of process parameters. This report provides background on focused-ion-beam–based TEM and APT sample preparation, TEM and APT analysis procedures, and the unique information achievable through such advanced characterization capabilities for UMo fuels, from a fuel fabrication capability viewpoint.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF IRON SILICATES IN THE INFRARED TO MILLIMETER AS A FUNCTION OF WAVELENGTH AND TEMPERATURE

The Optical Properties of Astronomical Silicates with Infrared Techniques program utilizes multiple instruments to provide spectral data over a wide range of temperatures and wavelengths. Experimental methods include Vector Network Analyzer and Fourier transform spectroscopy transmission, and reflection/scattering measurements. From this data, we can determine the optical parameters for the index of refraction, n, and the absorption coefficient, k. The analysis of the laboratory transmittance data for each sample type is based upon different mathematical models, which are applied to each data set according to their degree of coherence. Presented here are results from iron silicate dust grain analogs, in several sample preparations and at temperatures ranging from 5 to 300 K, across the infrared and millimeter portion of the spectrum (from 2.5 to 10,000 {mu}m or 4000 to 1 cm{sup -1}).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

A 350 mK, 9 T scanning tunneling microscope for the study of superconducting thin films on insulating substrates and single crystals

We report the construction and performance of a low temperature, high field scanning tunneling microscope (STM) operating down to 350 mK and in magnetic fields up to 9 T, with thin film deposition and in situ single crystal cleaving capabilities. The main focus lies on the simple design of STM head and a sample holder design that allows us to get spectroscopic data on superconducting thin films grown in situ on insulating substrates. Other design details on sample transport, sample preparation chamber, and vibration isolation schemes are also described. We demonstrate the capability of our instrument through the atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy on NbSe{sub 2} single crystal and spectroscopic maps obtained on homogeneously disordered NbN thin film.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of drying temperatures on structural performance and photocatalytic activity of BiOCl synthesized by a soft chemical method

A group of BiOCl photocatalysts with different drying temperatures were prepared by a soft chemical method. The effects of drying temperatures on the crystalline phase, morphology, surface area and optical property of as-prepared samples were investigated in detail by XRD, SEM, N{sub 2} absorption–desorption and DRS. Moreover, their photocatalytic activities on the degradation of rhodamine B were evaluated under visible light irradiation. It was found that the sample dried at 120 °C had the best photocatalytic activity, which was mainly attributed to the highest exposing proportion of {001} facets correspond to BiOCl, largest BET and minimum bandgap. The degradation mechanism was explored that superoxide radicals were mainly contributed to the degradation of chromophore, however, holes and hydroxyl were mainly contributed to the photo degradation. Moreover, holes and hydroxyl dominated the degradation of RhB. - Graphical abstract: Holes, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals can attribute to the degradation process but take different degradation pathways. Superoxide radicals mainly contribute to the degradation of chromophore, however, holes and hydroxyl mainly contribute to the photo degradation. Display Omitted - Highlights: • BiOCl nanosheets were prepared by a soft chemical method. • Effect of drying temperatures on as-prepared BiOCl samples was studied. • The highest removal efficiency of RhB was obtained over the sample dried at 120 °C.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Hydriding and dehydriding characteristics of LiBH{sub 4} and transition metals-added magnesium hydride

Graphical abstract: Hydriding reaction curves under 12 bar H{sub 2}, and dehydriding reaction curves under 1.0 bar H{sub 2}, at 593 K at the 1st cycle for MgH{sub 2}–10Ni–2LiBH{sub 4}–2Ti and MgH{sub 2}. Highlights: ► Addition of Ni, LiBH{sub 4}, and Ti to MgH{sub 2} to increase reaction rates. ► Sample preparation by reactive mechanical grinding. ► At n = 2, the sample absorbed 4.05 wt% H for 60 min at 593 K under 12 bar H{sub 2}. ► Analysis of rate-controlling step for dehydriding of the sample at n = 3. - Abstract: In this study, MgH{sub 2} was used as a starting material instead of Mg. Ni, Ti, and LiBH{sub 4} with a high hydrogen-storage capacity of 18.4 wt% were added. A sample with a composition of MgH{sub 2}–10Ni–2LiBH{sub 4}–2Ti was prepared by reactive mechanical grinding. The activation of MgH{sub 2}–10Ni–2LiBH{sub 4}–2Ti was completed after the first hydriding–dehydrding cycle. The hydriding rate decreases as the temperature increases due to the decrease in the driving force for the hydriding reaction. At the 1st cycle, the sample desorbs 1.45 wt% H for 10 min, 2.54 wt% H for 20 min, 3.13 wt% H for 30 min, and 3.40 wt% H for 60 min at 593 K under 1.0 bar H{sub 2}. At the 2nd cycle, the sample absorbs 3.84 wt% H for 5 min, 3.96 wt% H for 10 min, and 4.05 wt% H for 60 min at 593 K under 12 bar H{sub 2}. MgH{sub 2}–10Ni–2LiBH{sub 4}–2Ti after reactive mechanical grinding contained MgH{sub 2}, Mg, Ni, TiH{sub 1.924}, and MgO phases. The reactive mechanical grinding of Mg with Ni, LiBH{sub 4}, and Ti is considered to create defects on the surface and in the interior of Mg (to facilitate nucleation), and to reduce the particle size of Mg (to shorten diffusion distances of hydrogen atoms). The formation of Mg{sub 2}Ni during hydriding–dehydriding cycling increases the hydriding and dehydriding rates of the sample.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Dry-cleaning of graphene

Studies of the structural and electronic properties of graphene in its pristine state are hindered by hydrocarbon contamination on the surfaces. Also, in many applications, contamination reduces the performance of graphene. Contamination is introduced during sample preparation and is adsorbed also directly from air. Here, we report on the development of a simple dry-cleaning method for producing large atomically clean areas in free-standing graphene. The cleanness of graphene is proven using aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron spectroscopy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Blood group typing based on recording the elastic scattering of laser radiation using the method of digital imaging

The possibility is demonstrated to determine the human blood group by recording the scattering of laser radiation with the help of the digital imaging method. It is experimentally shown that the action of a standing ultrasound wave leads to acceleration of the agglutination reaction of red blood cells, to formation of larger immune complexes of red blood cells, and, as a consequence, to acceleration of their sedimentation. In the absence of agglutination of red blood cells the ultrasound does not enhance the relevant processes. This difference in the results of ultrasound action on the mixture of blood and serum allows a method of blood typing to be offered. Theoretical modelling of the technique of the practical blood typing, carried out on the basis of the elastic light scattering theory, agrees well with the experimental results, which made it possible to plan further improvement of the proposed method. The studies of specific features of sedimentation of red blood cells and their immune complexes were aimed at the optimisation of the sample preparation, i.e., at the search for such experimental conditions that provide the maximal resolution of the method and the device for registering the reaction of red blood cells agglutination. The results of the study may be used in designing the instrumentation for blood group assessment in humans.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Heating-induced glass-glass and glass-liquid transformations in computer simulations of water

Water exists in at least two families of glassy states, broadly categorized as the low-density (LDA) and high-density amorphous ice (HDA). Remarkably, LDA and HDA can be reversibly interconverted via appropriate thermodynamic paths, such as isothermal compression and isobaric heating, exhibiting first-order-like phase transitions. We perform out-of-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of glassy water using the ST2 model to study the evolution of LDA and HDA upon isobaric heating. Depending on pressure, glass-to-glass, glass-to-crystal, glass-to-vapor, as well as glass-to-liquid transformations are found. Specifically, heating LDA results in the following transformations, with increasing heating pressures: (i) LDA-to-vapor (sublimation), (ii) LDA-to-liquid (glass transition), (iii) LDA-to-HDA-to-liquid, (iv) LDA-to-HDA-to-liquid-to-crystal, and (v) LDA-to-HDA-to-crystal. Similarly, heating HDA results in the following transformations, with decreasing heating pressures: (a) HDA-to-crystal, (b) HDA-to-liquid-to-crystal, (c) HDA-to-liquid (glass transition), (d) HDA-to-LDA-to-liquid, and (e) HDA-to-LDA-to-vapor. A more complex sequence may be possible using lower heating rates. For each of these transformations, we determine the corresponding transformation temperature as function of pressure, and provide a P-T “phase diagram” for glassy water based on isobaric heating. Our results for isobaric heating dovetail with the LDA-HDA transformations reported for ST2 glassy water based on isothermal compression/decompression processes [Chiu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 184504 (2013)]. The resulting phase diagram is consistent with the liquid-liquid phase transition hypothesis. At the same time, the glass phase diagram is sensitive to sample preparation, such as heating or compression rates. Interestingly, at least for the rates explored, our results suggest that the LDA-to-liquid (HDA-to-liquid) and LDA-to-HDA (HDA-to-LDA) transformation lines on heating are related, both being associated with the limit of kinetic stability of LDA (HDA)

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗