Switching of the magnetocaloric effect of Mn(II) glycolate by water molecules.

The transformation of Mn(II) glycolates (glc) between the three-dimensional coordination polymer [Mn(glc)2]n (1) and discrete mononuclear phase [Mn(glc)2 (H2O)2] (2) can be reversibly switched by water molecules, which dramatically change the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Mn(II) glycolates from the maximum of 6.9 J kg(-1) K(-1) in 1 to 60.3 J kg(-1) K(-1) in 2. This case example reveals that the effect of magnetic coupling on MCE plays a dominant role over that of other factors such as magnetic density for 3d-type magnetic refrigerants.

Manufacturing Technology of Composite Materials-Principles of Modification of Polymer Composite Materials Technology Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene.

The results of the investigations into the technological formation of new wear-resistant polymer composites based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with disperse synthetic and natural compounds are presented. The efficiency of using PTFE composites reinforced with carbon fibers depends on many factors, which influence the significant improvement of physicomechanical characteristics. The results of this research allow stating that interfacial and surface phenomena of the polymer-solid interface and composition play a decisive role in PTFE composites properties. Fillers hinder the relative movement of the PTFE molecules past one another and, in this way, reduce creep or deformation of the parts, reducing the wear rate of parts used in dynamic applications as well as the coefficient of thermal expansion. The necessary structural parameters of such polymer composites are provided by regimes of process equipment.

A large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect exhibited at low field by a 3D ferromagnetically coupled Mn(II)-Gd(III) framework material.

The large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect of a 3D oxydiacetate-bridged gadolinium-manganese MOF material, [Mn(H(2)O)(6)][MnGd(oda)(3)](2)·6H(2)O (1), was evaluated by magnetization and heat capacity measurements. A maximum -ΔS(m) of 50.1 J kg(-1) K(-1) for ΔH = 70 kG along with significant entropy change at lower field was found on account of the weak Mn···Gd ferromagnetic interactions and the small molecular mass. This suggests that 1 could be considered as a potential coolant for liquid helium temperature applications.

Scale-up of stirring as foam disruption (SAFD) to industrial scale.

Foam disruption by agitation-the stirring as foam disruption (SAFD) technique-was scaled up to pilot and production scale using Rushton turbines and an up-pumping hydrofoil impeller, the Scaba 3SHP1. The dominating mechanism behind SAFD-foam entrainment-was also demonstrated at production scale. The mechanistic model for SAFD defines a fictitious liquid velocity generated by the (upper) impeller near the dispersion surface, which is correlated with complete foam disruption. This model proved to be scalable, thus enabling the model to be used for the design of SAFD applications. Axial upward pumping impellers appeared to be more effective with respect to SAFD than Rushton turbines, as demonstrated by retrofitting a 12,000 l bioreactor, i.e. the triple Rushton configuration was compared with a mixed impeller configuration from Scaba with a 20% lower ungassed power draw. The retrofitted impeller configuration allowed 10% more broth without risking excessive foaming. In this way a substantial increase in the volumetric productivity of the bioreactor was achieved. Design recommendations for the application of SAFD are given in this paper. Using these recommendations for the design of a 30,000 l scale bioreactor, almost foamless Escherichia coli fermentations were realised.