Mechanical properties of nanoparticle chain aggregates by combined AFM and SEM: isolated aggregates and networks.

Mechanical properties of nanoparticle chain aggregates (NCA) including tensile strength and Young's modulus were measured using an instrument incorporating an AFM tip under SEM imaging. The NCA were studied individually and as network films. Carbon NCA were made by laser ablation of graphite, and SnO2 NCA were made by oxidation of a tin compound.

The self-preserving size distribution theory. II. Comparison with experimental results for Si and Si3N4 aerosols.

The gas to particle synthesis route is a relatively clean and efficient manner for the production of high-quality ceramic powders. These powders can be subsequently sintered in any wanted shape. The modeling of these production systems is difficult because several mechanisms occur in parallel.

The self-preserving size distribution theory. I. Effects of the Knudsen number on aerosol agglomerate growth.

Gas-phase synthesis of fine solid particles leads to fractal-like structures whose transport and light scattering properties differ from those of their spherical counterparts. Self-preserving size distribution theory provides a useful methodology for analyzing the asymptotic behavior of such systems. Apparent inconsistencies in previous treatments of the self-preserving size distributions in the free molecule regime are resolved.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the straining of nanoparticle chain aggregates: the case of copper.

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that individual nanoparticle chain aggregates (NCAs) exhibit unusual mechanical behaviour when under strain inside the transmission electron microscope. NCAs made of various materials (e.g.

Residential biofuels in South Asia: carbonaceous aerosol emissions and climate impacts.

High concentrations of pollution particles, including "soot" or black carbon, exist over the Indian Ocean, but their sources and geographical origins are not well understood. We measured emissions from the combustion of biofuels, used widely in south Asia for cooking, and found that large amounts of carbonaceous aerosols are emitted per kilogram of fuel burnt. We calculate that biofuel combustion is the largest source of black carbon emissions in India, and we suggest that its control is central to climate change mitigation in the south Asian region.

Nanostructure manipulation device for transmission electron microscopy: application to titania nanoparticle chain aggregates.

Experimental difficulties in studying nanostructures stem from their small size, which limits the use of traditional techniques for measuring their physical properties. We have developed a nanostructure manipulation device to apply tension to chain aggregates mounted in a transmission electron microscope. A 1-mm-long slit was cut in the center of a lead-tin alloy disc, measuring 3 mm in diameter and 200 microm in thickness.

Morphological properties of atmospheric aerosol aggregates.

Ultrafine particles (smaller than about 0.1 microm) are often emitted from combustion and other high-temperature processes in the form of fractal-like aggregates composed of solid nanoparticles. Results of a study of atmospheric aggregates are reported.

Characterization of bacteria by particle beam mass spectrometry.

A technique is described for detecting and characterizing bacteria on a single-particle basis by mass spectrometry. The method involves generation of a particle beam of single whole cells which are rapidly volatilized and ionized in vacuum in the ion source of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The particle beam can be generated, with minimal sample handling, from a naturally occurring aerosol or from a solution of bacteria that can be dispersed as an aerosol.

Conversion of SO2 to sulfur particulate in the Los Angeles atmosphere.

Gas phase and particular phase sulfur have been measured at various locations in the Los Angeles basin to determine atmospheric conversion rates and mechanisms. A new technique was developed for the measurement of particulate sulfur. From measurements of the particulate to gas phase sulfur ratio near the major stationary sources and far downstream and from estimates of travel time determined by air trajectory analysis, it is possible to estimate gas-to-particle conversion rates for sulfur.

The diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gas in flowing blood.

Measurements were made of exchange rates of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and krypton-85 with blood at 37.5 degrees C. Gas transfer took place across a 1 mil silicone rubber membrane.

Diffusivity measurements of human methemoglobin.

Experimental measurements of the diffusion coefficient of human methemoglobin were made at 25 degrees C with a modified Stokes diaphragm diffusion cell. A Millipore filter was used in place of the ordinary fritted disc to facilitate rapid achievement of steady state in the diaphragm. Methemoglobin concentrations varied from approximately 5 g/100 ml to 30 g/100 ml.

The steady-state transport of oxygen through hemoglobin solutions.

The steady-state transport of oxygen through hemoglobin solutions was studied to identify the mechanism of the diffusion augmentation observed at low oxygen tensions. A novel technique employing a platinum-silver oxygen electrode was developed to measure the effective diffusion coefficient of oxygen in steady-state transport. The measurements were made over a wider range of hemoglobin and oxygen concentrations than previously reported.