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At least 703 records · Page 39

Optimization of SHINE Process: Design and Verification of Plant-Scale AG 1 Anion-Exchange Concentration Column and Titania Sorbent Pretreatment

Argonne National Laboratory has developed a Mo-recovery and -purification system for the SHINE medical technologies process, which uses a uranyl sulfate solution for the accelerator-driven production of Mo-99. The objective of this effort is to reduce the processing time for the acidification of the Mo-99 product prior to loading onto a concentration column and concentration of the Mo-99 product solution. Two methods were investigated: (1) the replacement of the titania concentration column by an anion-exchange column to decrease processing time and increase the radioiodine-decontamination efficiency and (2) pretreatment of the titania sorbent to improve its effectiveness for the Mo-recovery and -concentration columns. Promising results are reported for both methods.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

SCILLA Secondary Aerosol Volume Concentration Airborne Data

This data set contains secondary aerosol volume concentration in cubic micrometers per cubic centimeter (um^3/cm^3). The aerosol was generated in an oxidation flow reactor (OFR) and its volume concentration measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Both components were designed and built at the University of California Riverside. Ambient particles were removed with a Teflon filter upstream of the OFR and then pure ammonium sulfate particles were added to create a stable aerosol surface area on which low-volatility oxidation products condense. High concentrations of hydroxyl radical (OH) formed inside the OFR accelerate the oxidative chemistry that would typically occur over a period of several days in the atmosphere, resulting in the production of secondary aerosol from precursor gases present in the ambient air. Concentrations of added ozone and water vapor were controlled to produce the desired and approximately constant level of photochemical aging. The reactor temperature was controlled, while the pressure was not, and was always slightly lower than that of the sampled outside air. Sampled air was pulled from above the Naval Postgraduate School’s (NPS) Twin Otter aircraft through a rear-facing, ¼” OD PFA Teflon tube. The sample stream was split between the OFR and several gas analyzers (NOx, CO, O3, and H2O). Though not contained in these files, data from an aerosol mass spectrometer intermittently operated downstream of the OFR are also available.

{"secondary aerosol concentration",aerosol_concent↗

Radiological Modeling for Determination of Derived Concentration Levels of an Area with Uranium Residual Material - 13533

As a result of a pilot project developed at the old Spanish 'Junta de Energia Nuclear' to extract uranium from ores, tailings materials were generated. Most of these residual materials were sent back to different uranium mines, but a small amount of it was mixed with conventional building materials and deposited near the old plant until the surrounding ground was flattened. The affected land is included in an area under institutional control and used as recreational area. At the time of processing, uranium isotopes were separated but other radionuclides of the uranium decay series as Th-230, Ra-226 and daughters remain in the residue. Recently, the analyses of samples taken at different ground's depths confirmed their presence. This paper presents the methodology used to calculate the derived concentration level to ensure that the reference dose level of 0.1 mSv y-1 used as radiological criteria. In this study, a radiological impact assessment was performed modeling the area as recreational scenario. The modelization study was carried out with the code RESRAD considering as exposure pathways, external irradiation, inadvertent ingestion of soil, inhalation of resuspended particles, and inhalation of radon (Rn-222). As result was concluded that, if the concentration of Ra-226 in the first 15 cm of soil is lower than, 0.34 Bq g{sup -1}, the dose would not exceed the reference dose. Applying this value as a derived concentration level and comparing with the results of measurements on the ground, some areas with a concentration of activity slightly higher than latter were found. In these zones the remediation proposal has been to cover with a layer of 15 cm of clean material. This action represents a reduction of 85% of the dose and ensures compliance with the reference dose. (authors)

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Enhanced Cycling Stability of Rechargeable Li-O2 Batteries Using High Concentration Electrolytes

The electrolyte stability against reactive reduced-oxygen species is crucial for the development of rechargeable Li-O2 batteries. In this work, we systematically investigated the effect of lithium salt concentration in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)-based electrolytes on the cycling stability of Li-O2 batteries. Cells with high concentration electrolyte illustrate largely enhanced cycling stability under both the full discharge/charge (2.0-4.5 V vs. Li/Li+) and the capacity limited (at 1,000 mAh g-1) conditions. These cells also exhibit much less reaction-residual on the charged air electrode surface, and much less corrosion to the Li metal anode. The density functional theory calculations are conducted on the molecular orbital energies of the electrolyte components and the Gibbs activation barriers for superoxide radical anion to attack DME solvent and Li+-(DME)n solvates. In a highly concentrated electrolyte, all DME molecules have been coordinated with salt and the C-H bond scission of a DME molecule becomes more difficult. Therefore, the decomposition of highly concentrated electrolyte in a Li-O2 battery can be mitigated and both air-cathodes and Li-metal anodes exhibits much better reversibility. As a results, the cyclability of Li-O2 can be largely improved.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Current–Induced Ion Concentration Polarization at a Perfect Ion–Exchange Patch in an Infinite Insulating Wall

This research examines theoretically the ion concentration polarization, ion fluxes, and electrostatic fields near an ion exchange patch in the wall of an electrified fluidic channel. These phenomena are important in related microfluidic ion-preconcentration systems. Under an electric field, counterions enter the ion-exchange patch at one side and leave at the other, with salt depletion occurring near the entrance and accumulation near the exit. Furthermore, the high patch conductivity and the concentration profiles lead to local electric field perturbations that may facilitate preconcentration. This study includes analytical expressions of ion concentrations and electrochemical potentials at small to moderate electric fields, as well as numerical simulations. Additionally, a simple matrix of polynomial coefficients (obtained via fitting of numerical data) enables analytical calculation of the 2-dimensional concentration profiles at all electric fields within the range investigated in the numerical simulations. This is possible because a single dimensionless parameter controls this problem.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Concentrations, Sources, and Risk Assessment of Organohalogen Compounds in Soils from Kiambu to Mombasa, Kenya

Concentrations, sources, and risk assessment of 16 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in soils from Kiambu to Mombasa in Kenya. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged between 7.62 and 76.09 ng/g, dominated by HCHs. Source identification displayed recent inputs and historical use of DDTs and lindane. The total concentrations of PCBs ranged from 9.90 to 20.8 ng/g with an average of 14.40 ng/g dominated by penta-PCBs from old transformers leakages. The total PBDEs concentrations were in the range of 1.89–38.36 ng/g and with a mean of 11.38 ng/g. Electric and electronic equipment waste and PBDE containing materials as sources of PBDE. The risk assessment of OCPs and PCBs showed low potential human health risk from OCPs, while PCBs indicated to pose a high risk.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Exploration of the Effect of Chitosan and Crosslinking Agent Concentration on the Properties of Dual Responsive Chitosan-g-Poly (N-Isopropylacrylamide) Co-polymeric Particles

The objective of the present study was to synthesize and evaluate the effect of change in concentration of chitosan (CS) and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA)- a cross linking agent, on various properties such as lower critical solution temperature (LCST), zeta potential, particle size and poly dispersity index (PDI) of the synthesized co-polymer. Nine different formulations of chitosan-g-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (CS-g-PNIPAAm) co-polymer with varying CS and MBA concentrations were synthesized by a surfactant free dispersion copolymerization method. The synthesized co-polymer was further characterized and confirmed for its structure, morphology, particle size, zeta-potential, thermo and pH responsive properties, in-vitro cyto-compatability and stability studies using various analytical tools. The data confirms the successful synthesis of co-polymer. The increase in the concentrations of CS and MBA during the polymerization of co-polymer, resulted in proportional increase of LCST and zeta potential with decrease in particle size of co-polymeric nanoparticles. pH responsive studies showed that as the pH of the medium increases particle size and zeta potential decreases with increase in LCST of co-polymeric nanoparticles. From the results, it can be inferred that the synthesized co-polymeric nanoparticles exerted thermo and pH responsive properties with biocompatibility. By varying the CS and MBA concentrations in the co-polymer, desired LCST, particle size and zeta potential for co-polymeric nanoparticles can be obtained and thus the synthesized co-polymer may have great potential to be used as a drug carrier (nanoform) with both thermo and pH responsiveness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of NaOH Concentration and Adding Sequences on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ni{sub 0.4}Co{sub 0.6}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} Nanopowders Prepared Via Co-precipitation Route

Ni{sub 0.4}Co{sub 0.6}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders were prepared via the co-precipitation route followed by annealing treatment. The structural and magnetic properties of the as-synthesized samples were determined by XRD, FT-IR, TG-DSC, and PPMS measurements, respectively. The XRD patterns indicated a single-phase cubic spinel structure for all the Ni-Co ferrite samples, regardless of adding sequences of the reactants or NaOH concentration. The analysis of the XRD patterns revealed that the enhancement in lattice constant with increasing NaOH concentration is related to the prevention of oxidization of Co{sup 2+} ions in the Ni-Co ferrite lattice. The FT-IR spectra indicated that samples prepared in the B process have fewer impurities than those prepared in the A process. The enhancement in saturation magnetization with the increase in sodium hydroxide concentration could be attributed to the strengthening of super-exchange interaction between A and B sublattices, due to replacements of Co{sup 3+} ions (magnetic moment of 0 μ{sub B}) by Co{sup 2+} ions (magnetic moment of 3 μ{sub B}) at B sublattices. The obvious increase in the coercivity field with the increase in concentration of NaOH solutions can be interpreted in terms of enhancement of magneto-crystalline anisotropy that originated from gradual substitutions of Co{sup 3+} ions with Co{sup 2+} ions at the octahedral sites.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Quantifying uncertainty in uranium concentration measurements via K-edge densitometry

This study quantifies the uncertainty in uranium concentration predictions of fluoride and chloride-based salts within a steel pipe using K-edge densitometry. Modeling and simulation was conducted with the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport (MCNP) code. The quality of of this technique’s prediction in a pipe requires proper characterization of the pipe’s thickness, which is dependent on the source size and axial offset from the pipe centerline. The thickness was determined as either the center-line thickness seen by the X-ray source or an average value determined through random sampling. Generally, the predicted concentrations were slightly better at lower offset with the random sampling thickness and using the center-line thickness for the highest offsets. For a line-beam source and varying axial offsets, the relative error of concentration was within 1% of the true value but uncertainty increased by 2 orders of magnitude. Similarly, for no axial offset, the relative error was significantly less than 1% while no trend for uncertainty was found. However, at the largest possible offset for a given source size, the concentrations become erroneous and greater than the allowable 1% relative error. Furthermore, high offsets tended to increase the variance of the transmission spectra by 3 orders of magnitude.

Characterization and Analytical Technique↗

The Influence of Lactic Acid Concentration on the Separation of Light Rare Earth Elements by Continuous Liquid–Liquid Extraction with 2-Ethylhexyl Phosphonic Acid Mono-2-ethylhexyl Ester

The separation of rare earth elements (REEs) using solvent extraction adding complexing agents appears to be an alternative to saponification of the extractant. We evaluated the effect of lactic acid concentration on didymium (praseodymium and neodymium) and lanthanum extraction with 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethyl hexyl ester [HEH(EHP)] as extractant. First, we investigated in batch experiments the separation of lanthanum (La) and didymium (Pr and Nd) using McCabe–Thiele diagrams to estimate the number of extraction stages when the feed solution was or was not conditioned with lactic acid. Additionally, we conducted continuous liquid–liquid extraction experiments and evaluated the influence of lactic acid concentration on the REE extraction and separation. The tests showed that the extraction percentage of REEs and the separation factor Pr/La increased when the lactic acid concentration increased, but the didymium purity decreased. Lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium extraction rate were 23.0, 89.7, and 99.2 pct, respectively, with 1:1 aqueous/organic volume flow rate and feed solution doped with 0.52 mol L{sup −1} lactic acid. The highest didymium purity reached was 92.0 pct with 0.26 mol L{sup −1} lactic acid concentration.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Global and regional trends in mercury emissions and concentrations, 2010–2015

Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust. It can be harmful to human health when released in large quantities and/or converted to the neurotoxicant methyl mercury in aquatic ecosystems. This study analyzes here global and regional trends in anthropogenic Hg releases to the atmosphere between 2010 and 2015, as well as the associated trends in modeled and measured Hg concentrations at sites around the world. In general, we find that global Hg emissions and concentrations have grown slightly in this period, as declines from the phase-out of commercial Hg use in the developed world have been more than matched by increases in Hg-related activities in the industrializing countries of the world. We estimate that global Hg emissions between 2010 and 2015 have grown at a rate of 1.8%/yr, from 2188 Mg (+44%/-20%, 80% C.I.) in 2010 to 2390 Mg (+42%/-19%, 80% C.I.) in 2015. Regionally, emissions declined over this period in the U.S. (-10%), OECD Europe (-5.8%), and Canada (-3.2%), while they increased in Central America (+5.4%), South Asia (+4.6%), and Eastern Africa (+4.0%). East Asia remained the largest emitting region at 1012 Mg in 2015, though growth there has slowed significantly in recent years. The production of Hg (+7.9%), caustic soda (+6.3%), and cement (+6.3%) showed the highest increases by source type, though artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) was the single largest source of emissions in 2015 (775 Mg). The commercial use of Hg in dental applications (-5.6%) and electrical equipment (-5.2%) continued to decline. These emission trends show a continuation of the regional and sectoral shifts that began in the 1970s, but with a resulting reversal in global trends, because the benefits from Hg phase-out in North America and Europe have been largely realized and industrial growth in developing countries has begun to dominate. The emission trends are in agreement with trends in modeled and measured concentrations, which show small declines in surface air total gaseous Hg concentrations in eastern North America and Western Europe between 2010 and 2015, but slight increases for much of the rest of the world, driven by the continued increases in emissions from Asia and from ASGM. Our results suggest that reductions of Hg in the North Atlantic region have been largely successful, and focus now needs to shift to Asia and to the continued practice of ASGM worldwide.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Age-dependent changes in diastolic Ca{sup 2+} and Na{sup +} concentrations in dystrophic cardiomyopathy: Role of Ca{sup 2+} entry and IP{sub 3}

Highlights: • Age-dependent increase in [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} in mdx cardiomyocytes. • Gadolinium significantly reduced both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} at all ages. • IP{sub 3}-pathway inhibition reduced cations concentrations in dystrophic cardiomyocytes. - Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-inherited disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Besides the relatively well characterized skeletal muscle degenerative processes, DMD is also associated with a dilated cardiomyopathy that leads to progressive heart failure at the end of the second decade. The aim of the present study was to characterize the diastolic Ca{sup 2+} concentration ([Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d}) and diastolic Na{sup +} concentration ([Na{sup +}]{sub d}) abnormalities in cardiomyocytes isolated from 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month old mdx mice using ion-selective microelectrodes. In addition, the contributions of gadolinium (Gd{sup 3+})-sensitive Ca{sup 2+} entry and inositol triphosphate (IP{sub 3}) signaling pathways in abnormal [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} were investigated. Our results showed an age-dependent increase in both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} in dystrophic cardiomyocytes compared to those isolated from age-matched wt mice. Gd{sup 3+} treatment significantly reduced both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} at all ages. In addition, blockade of the IP{sub 3}-pathway with either U-73122 or xestospongin C significantly reduced ion concentrations in dystrophic cardiomyocytes. Co-treatment with U-73122 and Gd{sup 3+} normalized both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} at all ages in dystrophic cardiomyocytes. These data showed that loss of dystrophin in mdx cardiomyocytes produced an age-dependent intracellular Ca{sup 2+} and Na{sup +} overload mediated at least in part by enhanced Ca{sup 2+} entry through Gd{sup 3+} sensitive transient receptor potential channels (TRPC), and by IP{sub 3} receptors.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Plasma polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and immune function in postmenopausal women

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure has been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in several studies, and the immune system is a potential mediator. Objectives: We analyzed associations of plasma PCBs with immune function measures. We hypothesized that higher plasma PCB concentrations are associated with lower immune function cross-sectionally, and that increases in PCB concentrations over a one year period are associated with decreases in immune function. Methods: Plasma PCB concentrations and immune function [natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and PHA-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation (PHA-TLP)] were measured at baseline and one year in 109 postmenopausal overweight women participating in an exercise intervention study in the Seattle, Washington (USA) area. Mixed models, with adjustment for body mass index and other potential confounders, were used to estimate associations of PCBs with immune function cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results: Associations of PCBs with immune function measures differed across groups of PCBs (e.g., medium- and high-chlorinated and dioxin-like [mono-ortho-substituted]) and by the time frame for the comparison (cross-sectional vs. longitudinal). Higher concentrations of medium- and high-chlorinated PCBs were associated with higher PHA-TLP cross-sectionally but not longitudinally. The mean decrease in 0.5 µg/mL PHA-TLP/50.0 pmol/g-lipid increase in dioxin-like PCBs over one year was 51.6 (95% confidence interval 2.7, 100.5; P=0.039). There was no association between plasma PCBs and NK cytotoxicity. Conclusions: These results do not provide strong evidence of impaired cellular immunity from PCB exposure. Larger longitudinal studies with greater variability in PCB exposures are needed to further examine temporal associations of PCBs with immune function. - Highlights: • Plasma PCBs and immune function were measured in 109 women at baseline and one year. • Immune measures included T lymphocyte proliferation (TLP) and NK cell cytotoxicity. • Higher-chlorinated PCBs were positively associated with TLP in cross-section. • An increase in dioxin-like PCBs was associated with a decrease in TLP over one year. • We did not find strong evidence of impaired cellular immunity from PCB exposure.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Acute phytotoxicity of seven metals alone and in mixture: Are Italian soil threshold concentrations suitable for plant protection?

Metals can pollute soils in both urban and rural areas with severe impacts on the health of humans, plants and animals living there. Information on metal toxicity is therefore important for ecotoxicology. This study investigated the phytotoxicity of different metals frequently found as pollutants in soils: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum) and cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds were used as models for other plants used in human nutrition such as cereals, rice, fruits and vegetables. The 72-h germination rate and root elongations were selected as short-term ecotoxicological endpoints in seeds exposed to single metals and mixtures. Metals were spiked onto OECD standard soils in concentrations comparable to current Italian contamination threshold concentrations for residential and commercial soils. Arsenic, chromium, mercury and nickel were the most toxic metals in our experimental conditions, particularly to cress seeds (5.172, 152 and 255.4 mg/kg as 72 h IC50 for arsenic, mercury and nickel respectively). Italian limits were acceptable for plant protection only for exposure to each metal alone but not for the mixtures containing all the metals concentrations expected by their respective legislative threshold. The effects of the mixture were class-specific: trends were comparable in dicots but different in monocots. The response induced by the mixture at high concentrations differed from that theoretically obtainable by summing the effects of the individual metals. This might be due to partial antagonism of the metals in soil or to the formation of complexes between the metals, which reduce the bioavailability of the pollutants for plants. - Graphical abstract: Metals investigated: Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel and Zinc. - Highlights: • The short-term phytotoxicity of seven metals was investigated with 3 higher plants. • Italian limits for arsenic and nickel in residential soils can damage plants. • Root elongation is heavily affected by metals. • Italian limits are not suitable for plant protection when metals are in mixture.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Effect of soot concentration on radiative transport in a 2 m JP-8 pool fire

Hubbard et al. (2024) investigated conjugate heat transfer in a 7.9 m JP-8 pool fire, utilizing both heavily sooting and non-sooting fuel models. Their findings indicated that all models produced pool radiative heat fluxes within the measurement uncertainty for large-scale outdoor experiments. This study aims to further investigate the influence of soot concentration on radiative transport. To this end, Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of a 2 m diameter JP-8 pool fire were conducted, employing four turbulent combustion chemistry models: the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) and three variants of flamelet model. Additionally, three variations of the one-equation subgrid scale turbulence kinetic energy model, and multiple mesh resolutions were utilized. The primary validation metrics were pool radiative heat flux and plume radiative fraction, with simulation data compared to experimental results published by Blanchat et al. (2010). The EDC model produced high soot concentrations near the pool surface, resulting in a significant shielding effect. In contrast, the flamelet combustion model has different kinetic limiters for soot production, leading to soot formation higher in the flame, where it can be more readily oxidized. Flamelet models incorporating both acetylene and benzene contributions to soot growth demonstrated better agreement with experimental data. To assess the sensitivity of pool radiative heat flux to soot mass concentration, we used a one-dimensional approximation over a wide range of soot concentrations and compared it to three-dimensional solutions obtained using Discrete Ordinates. Furthermore, this analysis illustrates the impacts of soot shielding and Turbulence Radiation Interactions (TRI), with TRI emission enhancement factors predicted to be in the range of 3–5 near the edges of the plume.

Computational fluid dynamics↗

Mobile Ion Concentration Measurement and Open-Access Band Diagram Simulation Platform for Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

We propose two approaches to compute the band diagram of highly efficient perovskite solar cells, both based on the migration of a single-mobile ion (halide vacancies). The first is a full analytical approach to quickly calculate the main features of the perovskite band diagram and easily extract the mobile vacancy concentration from experimental data. The second approach is an online-open-access platform that can be used by anyone to accurately simulate their own band diagram. We combine the first approach with current transient measurements to extract the mobile ion concentration for six different perovskite compositions - including perovskite solar cells with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 19%. For the devices measured herein, we obtain ion concentrations in the range 7 x 10 16 -5 x 10 17 cm -3 . We use the second approach to quantitatively discuss the implications of the mobile ion concentrations we measured in terms of device performance and stability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Variation of carbon concentration in proeutectoid ferrite during austenitization in hypoeutectoid steel

The variation of the C concentration in proeutectoid ferrite (α{sub PF}) during austenitization in hypoeutectoid steels was quantitatively investigated using the massive transformation start temperature (T{sub m}) of α{sub PF} to austenite (γ) measured by high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy and hardness of α{sub PF}. The C concentration in α{sub PF} at T{sub m} in hypoeutectoid steels increased with increasing total C concentration up to approximately 0.2 wt.% during heating. The hardness of α{sub PF} with isothermal holding time at 775 °C in S20C steel revealed C enrichment in α{sub PF} at the early stage of isothermal holding and its reduction with further holding. These results explain the redistribution of the C in α{sub PF} during austenitization as follows: free C atoms released from cementite during pearlite decomposition diffuse excessively into neighboring α{sub PF} as well as pearlitic ferrite. The supersaturated C concentration in α{sub PF} is reduced during the long-range diffusive transformation of α{sub PF} to γ. However, some of the excess C atoms still remain in α{sub PF} until α{sub PF} starts to massively transform to γ. - Highlights: • Massive transformation of αPF to γ in hypoeutectoid steels was observed using CLSM. • C content in αPF during austenitization was analyzed by measured Tm and hardness. • Tm decreases and C content in αPF at Tm increases with increasing total C. • C atoms released from θ during formation of P to γ diffuse excessively into αPF. • Supersaturated C content in αPF is reduced during transformation of αPF to γ.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The effect of Eu{sup 2+} doping concentration on luminescence properties of Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 2+} yellow phosphor

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The concentration quenching mechanism of Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 2+}can be interpreted by the dipole–dipole (d–d) interaction of Eu{sup 2+} ions. • The average electronegativity of O{sup 2−} ions located around Eu{sup 2+} ion is 1.9991 eV. • The optimum concentration of Eu{sup 2+} ions in Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6} is 7 mol%. • Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 2+} is a hexagonal crystal structure. - Abstract: The Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 2+} yellow phosphors were synthesized by high-temperature solid state reaction method. The crystal structure and optical properties of the Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor was studied. Results indicate that Sr{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 2+} has a hexagonal crystal structure. The excitation spectrum indicates that this phosphor can be effectively excited by ultraviolet light of near 390 nm and blue light of 460 nm. The emission spectrum shows a intense broad band spectrum peaking at 566 nm, which corresponds to the 4f{sup 6}({sup 7}F)5d ({sup 2}e{sub g})→{sup 8}S{sub 7/2} (4f{sup 7})transition of Eu{sup 2+} ion. The excitation spectrum is a broad asymmetric excitation band extending from 300 nm to 500 nm and the main excitation peak is at 468 nm. The average electronegativity of O{sup 2−} ions located around Eu{sup 2+} ion is 1.9991 eV. The optimum concentration of Eu{sup 2+} is 7 mol%. The concentration quenching mechanism can be interpreted by the dipole–dipole (d–d) interaction of Eu{sup 2+} ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗