Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry analyses of ancient bronze artefacts of the Urartian period from Yegheghnadzor region, Armenia.

The results of the analysis on some fragments of bronze belts and a bowl discovered from southwestern Armenia, Yegheghnadzor archaeological site, are discussed. The samples are dated to the 7 and 6 BCE from the Urartian period. The artefacts were corroded, and a multilayer structure was formed.

Radiation-modified natural zeolites for cleaning liquid nuclear waste (irradiation against radioactivity).

There have been comparatively few investigations reported of radiation effects in zeolites, although it is known that these materials may be modified substantially by exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, by exposure to γ-rays or high-energy particles, the charge states of atoms may be changed so to create, and accumulate, lattice point defects, and to form structurally disordered regions. Such a technique may permit the creation, in a controlled fashion, of additionally useful properties of the material while preserving its essential stoichiometry and structure.

Radiolytic studies of naphthalene in the presence of water.

Naphthalene is an interesting candidate to study in the framework of organic delivery to planetary surfaces as well as in the origin of life. Additionally, naphthalene is of environmental interest, because of its chronic and acute effects on living systems, such as humans and animals (e.g.

The valence electronic structure and conformational flexibility of epichlorohydrin.

The electronic structure of epichlorohydrin is investigated in the whole valence region by a combined experimental and theoretical study. The issue of controversial assignments of the molecular electronic structure is here addressed. Photoelectron spectra (PES) and Threshold Photoelectron spectra (TPES) of room temperature molecules in the gas phase are recorded.

Gamma-radiation induced polymerization of a chiral monomer: a new way to produce chiral amplification.

The treatment of the terpene beta(-)pinene with gamma radiation (at dose level: 150, 300 and 600 kGy) causes its polymerization into a resin and into a dimer. The yield of the resin and of the dimer appears to be linearly dependent to the radiation dose. The structure of the products was studied by FT-IR spectroscopy also in comparison to a reference beta(-)pinene resin prepared by cationic polymerization.