Spectroscopic investigations on thin adhesive layers in multi-material laminates.

Three different spectroscopic approaches, Raman linescans, Raman imaging, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) imaging were evaluated for the visualization of the thin adhesive layers (3-6 μm) present in polymeric photovoltaic backsheets. The cross-sections of the multilayer laminates in the original, weathered, and artificially aged samples were investigated spectroscopically in order to describe the impact of the environmental factors on the evenness and thickness of the adhesive layers. All three methods were found to be suitable tools to detect and visualize these thin layers within the original and aged polymeric laminates.

Non-destructive determination of ethylene vinyl acetate cross-linking in photovoltaic (PV) modules by Raman spectroscopy.

Vibrational spectroscopy was found to be a suitable method for the determination of the degree of cross-linking of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymers. Spectral changes in the Raman spectra of EVA with increasing lamination time (which equals increasing degree of cross-linking) were mainly detected in the CH vibrational regions, namely, in the relative intensities of the characteristic CH3 and CH2 bands. These spectral regions were chosen for a chemometric evaluation where a calibration was performed with the Raman spectra of reference EVA samples and the results obtained from corresponding thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry) and Soxhlet extraction data.

Visualisation and characterisation of ageing induced changes of polymeric surfaces by spectroscopic imaging methods.

A polymeric resin material was chosen as the model system to visualise the ageing-induced chemical surface changes with molecular spectroscopic imaging techniques and correlate these results to physical properties such as colour changes. The influence of light radiation, temperature and humidity on the polymeric surfaces was analysed by means of attenuated total reflection infrared imaging, Raman imaging spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Samples were analysed before, during and after the weathering/ageing tests.

Spectroscopic characterization of the oligomeric surface structures on polyamide materials formed during accelerated aging.

Crystalline surface species were observed at the surface of polyamide 12 materials upon accelerated aging. After detection of the depositions with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the crystalline surface precipitations were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman imaging microscopy. These surface species were supposed to be cyclic oligomers (dimer and trimer) of the PA12 monomer laurolactam, which are usually present in polyamide materials and tend to migrate to the surface when the material is subjected to accelerated aging.

GCK-MODY (MODY 2) Caused by a Novel p.Phe330Ser Mutation.

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The second most common cause is GCK-MODY due to heterozygous mutations in the GCK gene which impair the glucokinase function through different mechanisms such as enzymatic activity, protein stability, and increased interaction with its receptor. The enzyme normally acts as a glucose sensor in the pancreatic beta cell and regulates insulin secretion.