Effects of supersonic fine particles bombarding on thermal barrier coatings after isothermal oxidation

This work was attempted to modify the current technology for thermal barrier coatings（TBCs） by adding an additional step of surface modification,namely,supersonic fine particles bombarding（SFPB） process,on bond coat before applying the topcoat.After isothermal oxidation at 1000 °C for different time,the surface state of the bond coat and its phase transformation were investigated using X-ray diffraction（XRD）,scanning electron microscopy（SEM） equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry（EDS）,transmission electron microscopy（TEM） and Cr3＋ luminescence spectroscopy.The dislocation density significantly increases after SFPB process,which can generate a large number of diffusion channels in the area of the surface of the bond coat.At the initial stage of isothermal oxidation,the diffusion velocity of Al in the bond coat significantly increases,leading to the formation of a layer of stable α-Al2O3 phase.A great number of Cr3＋ positive ions can diffuse via diffusion channels during the transient state of isothermal oxidation,which can lead to the presence of（Al0.9Cr0.1）2O3 phase and accelerate the γ→θ→α phase transformation.Cr3＋ luminescence spectroscopy measurement shows that the residual stress increases at the initial stage of isothermal oxidation and then decreases.The residual stress after isothermal oxidation for 310 h reduces to 0.63 GPa compared with 0.93 GPa after isothermal oxidation for 26 h.In order to prolong the lifespan of TBCs,a layer of continuous,dense and pure α-Al2O3 with high oxidation resistance at the interface between topcoat and bond coat can be obtained due to additional SFPB process.

Diurnal variation of number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine particles in the urban atmosphere of Beijing in winter

Number concentration and distribution of airborne particles in the size range 5.6 to 560 nm diameter were measured in Beijing for a 15-d period in winter 2005. Dally average number concentrations of nucleation mode （5.6-20 um）, Aitken mode （20-100 um）, and accumulation mode （100-560 um） particles, and total particles were 17500, 32000, 4000, and 53500 cm^-3, respectively. Average particle size distribution was monomodal with a mode diameter of about 40 um at night and bimodal with mode diameters of about 10 and about 40 um during the daytime. New particle formation events, which were connected to diurnal variation of nucleation mode particles, were observed in more than half of the observation days. The events often started around 10：00-11：00 Chinese Standard Time （CST） and ended up after 3-4 h. Concentrations of Aitken and accumulation mode particles increased from midnight and reached their maxima at about 10：00 CST, and then decreased and became the lowest in the afternoon. Analysis of diurnal cycles in traffic volume and meteorological parameters revealed that the accumulation of the particles in Aitken and accumulation modes in the morning was influenced by formation of an inversion and increase in vehicle emission, and dispersion of such particles in the afternoon was associated with more effective vertical mixing and higher wind speed.

Chemical composition and quantitative relationship between meteorological condition and fine particles in Beijing

The recent year's monitor results of Beijing indicated that the pollution level of fine particles PM 2.5 showed an increasing trend. To understand pollution characteristics of PM 2.5 and its relationship with the meteorological conditions in Beijing, a one-year monitoring of PM 2.5 mass concentration and correspondent meteorological parameters was performed in Beijing in 2001. The PM 2.5 levels in Beijing were very high, the annual average PM 2.5 concentration in 2001 was 7 times of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards proposed by US EPA. The major chemical compositions were organics, sulfate, crustals and nitrate. It was found that the mass concentrations of PM 2.5 were influenced by meteorological conditions. The correlation between the mass concentrations of PM 2.5 and the relative humidity was found. And the correlation became closer at higher relative humidity. And the mass concentrations of PM 2.5 were negtive-correlated to wind speeds, but the correlation between the mass concentration of PM 2.5 and wind speed was not good at stronger wind.

Monitoring of Pollution of Air Fine Particles (PM2.5) and Study on Their Genetic Toxicity

Objective To compare PM2.5 pollation level between the city of coal-fuel pollution (Taiyuan) and the city of pollution mixed with coal fuels and vehicle exhausts (Beijing), to analyze the concentration of B[a]p and Pb in the pollutants, and to study the DNA damage by PM2.5. Methods Air fine particles (PM2.5) were collected in Beijing and Taiyuan by means of the filter membrane method, the concentration of B[a]p and Pb were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy respectveily, and the damage of DNA by PM2.5 was detected by single cell gel-electrophoresis (SCGE) using the human lung epithelial cells (A549) as target cells. Results The concentration of PM2.5 in the winter of Beijing was 0.028-0.436 mg/m3, and that in Taiyuan was 0.132-0.681 mg/m3. The concentration of B[a]p was 0.104 and 0.156 礸/mg on PM2.5 of Beijing and Taiyuan, respectively, whereas the concentration of Pb was 1.094 and 1.137 礸/mg on PM2.5 of Beijing and Taiyuan, respectively. Exposure to PM2.5 at the concentrations of 5, 50, and 200 礸/mL for 12 h and 24 h caused DNA damage of the human alveolar epithelium, and the ratios of the tailing and length of the tail were all significantly different from those of the negative control group (P<0.05), and indicated a dose-response relationship. Conclusion PM2.5 has certain genetic toxicity.

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Pr^(3+) Doped Ca_xBa_(1-x)TiO_3 (0.3≤x<1) Fine Particles

CaxBa1-xTiO3 （CBT） fine particles doped with red luminescence center of Pr3＋ ions （Pr： CBT） were successfully synthesized by salt assisted spray pyrolysis （SASP） process. Scanning electronic microscope （SEM） and laser scattering analysis demonstrate that salt can be removed from the surface of particles by washing with Milli-Q water and the particles can be further separated by ball-milling to get well-dispersed Pr^3＋ ions doped CBT fine particles. The luminescence properties, such as photoluminescence （PL） and mechanoluminescence （ML）, of as-synthesized Pr： CBT particles were investigated. For Pr： CBT fine particles with different Ca molar ratios, all the samples show one emission at 612 nm, with increasing Ca molar ratio, PL intensity of Pr： CBT fine particles become stronger and stronger. When pressure was loaded on the Pr： CBT pellet, mechanoluminescence（ML） emission was measured. The results show that the ML intensity is proportional to the applied pressure.

Effect of Supersonic Fine Particles Bombarding on the Service Life of Thermal Barrier Coating

Thermally Grown Oxide（TGO） is a dominating component in controlling the effectiveness of thermal barrier coating.During the growth of TGO,whether we could homogeneously distribute Al atom on the TGO and the intermediate metal layer will be the key factor in forming TGO with continuous,uniform and single-ingredient（Al2O3）.In this experiment,we bombarded particles on to the metallic bound layer.We studied the influence of supersonic particle bombardment on the diffusion of Al.We hope to control the growth of TGO by monitoring the diffusion of Al.Thermal barrier coating（TBC）,which consists of a NiCoCrAlY bond coat and a ZrO2-8Y2O3（wt.%） topcoat（TC）,is fabricated on the nickel-base superalloy by air plasma spray（APS）.NiCoCrAlY bond coat is treated by supersonic fine particles bombarding（SFPB）.The morphology,oxidation behavior of TBC and phase are characterized by scanning electron microscope（SEM） equipped with an energy dispersive spectromrter（EDS） and X-ray diffractometer（XRD）.The influence of supersonic fine particles bombarding technique on the service life of thermal barrier coating is studied.The results show that SFPB technique improves the flaw of excessive surface undulation in the as-sprayed bond coat.A continuous,uniform and single-ingredient（Al2O3） TGO can quickly form in the SFPB TBC during high temperature oxidation process.The thickening of TGO is relatively slow.These will effectively suppress the formation of other non-protective oxides.Therefore,SFPB technique reduces the growth stress level generated by the continuous growth of TGO,and also avoids the stress concentration induced by formation of the large particle spinal oxide.Thermal barrier coating still remains well after 350 thermal cycles.The service life of TBC is improved.The proposed research provides theoretical basis and technical references to further improve and enhance the SFPB technique.

Concentration Characteristics and Sources of Chemical Elements in Atmospheric Fine Particles (PM_(2.5)) in Autumn in Xi'an City

[Objective] The aim was to study the concentration characteristics and sources of chemical elements in atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) in autumn in Xi’an City. [Method] By means of mini-volume sampler, PM2.5 samples in atmosphere in Xi’an were collected in October 2009, and the concentration characteristics and sources of elements in PM2.5 were analyzed. [Result] The average mass concentration of PM2.5 in atmosphere in autumn in Xi’an City was 168.44 μg/m3 which was higher than that of Beijing and Pearl River Delta area, and the minimum and maximum value were 53.29 and 358.16 μg/m3, respectively. The mass concentration of S, Zn, K, Cl, Ca and Fe in PM2.5 was above 1.0 μg/m3, being at high pollution level. In addition, K had obvious correlation with organic carbon (OC) and element carbon (EC), with the correlation coefficients of 0.76 and 0.75 (P<0.000 1), respectively, and it showed that OC and EC had the same source as K, namely biomass burning had certain contribution to OC and EC. Enrichment factors analysis revealed that K, Ca, Fe, Ti, Mn and Cr mainly came from earth crust, rock weathering and other natural sources, while anthropogenic pollution sources had great effects on S, Zn, Cl, Pb, Br, Mo, Cd and As which were affected by soil dust and other natural sources slightly, and Cd had the highest enrichment factor and mainly came from metal smelting. In a word, coal combustion, biomass burning, vehicle emissions, metallurgical, chemical industry and dust were the main sources of PM2.5 in autumn in Xi’an. [Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical foundation for the control of urban environmental pollution.

Preparation of La _(0.9)RE_(0.1) MnO_3 Ultra fine Particles Used for CH_4 Oxidation

A technique for preparing perovskite type oxides was developed. By this technique, ultra fine particles of La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 (RE: Y, Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd,or Dy) with high surface area and single perovskite structure were prepared, and the series of La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 catalysts were studied experimentally. The so prepared ultra fine particles exhibites high catalytic activity for CH 4 total oxidation. The ultra fine particles of La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 (except for La 0.9 Pr 0.1 MnO 3) prepared by this method are thermally much more stable than LaMnO 3. Of the La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 series, La 0.9 Y 0.1 MnO 3 is most thermally stable, and La 0.9 Y 0.1 MnO 3 or La 0.9 Gd 0.1 MnO 3 (varies with calcination temperature) exhibits the highest catalytic activity for total oxidation of methane. The specific surface area of La 0.9 Y 0.1 MnO 3 calcined at 1000 ℃ reaches 14.9 m 2·g -1 , while the specific surface area of LaMnO 3 calcined at the same temperature is only 1.8 m 2·g -1 .

Adverse effects of exposure to fine particles and ultrafine particles in the environment on different organs of organisms

Particulate pollution is a global risk factor that seriously threatens human health.Fine particles(FPs)and ultrafine particles(UFPs)have small particle diameters and large specific surface areas,which can easily adsorb metals,microorganisms and other pollutants.FPs and UFPs can enter the human body in multiple ways and can be easily and quickly absorbed by the cells,tissues and organs.In the body,the particles can induce oxidative stress,inflammatory response and apoptosis,furthermore causing great adverse effects.Epidemiological studies mainly take the population as the research object to study the distribution of diseases and health conditions in a specific population and to focus on the identification of influencing factors.However,the mechanism by which a substance harms the health of organisms is mainly demonstrated through toxicological studies.Combining epidemiological studies with toxicological studies will provide a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the impact of PM on the health of organisms.In this review,the sources,compositions,and morphologies of FPs and UFPs are briefly introduced in the first part.The effects and action mechanisms of exposure to FPs and UFPs on the heart,lungs,brain,liver,spleen,kidneys,pancreas,gastrointestinal tract,joints and reproductive system are systematically summarized.In addition,challenges are further pointed out at the end of the paper.This work provides useful theoretical guidance and a strong experimental foundation for investigating and preventing the adverse effects of FPs and UFPs on human health.

Numerical study on the filtration characteristics of fine particles in granular bed filter at high temperature

Granular bed filter(GBF)has become one of the current research hot topics due to its excellent performance in removing fine particles.In this paper,a three-dimensional fixed bed GBF filtration model was established and its accuracy was verified.Then,the GBF filtration performance at high temperature were studied.The results demonstrate that elevating the temperature diminishes the filtration efficiency,albeit to a limited extent.The increasing of inlet gas velocity can significantly improve pressure drop for GBF and the filtration efficiency for fine particles of sizes larger than 5μm.As the diameter of stacked granular particle diameter grows,the filtration efficiency and pressure drop drops.The density of fine particles almost does not affect the filtration efficiency for fine particles of 1∼7μm,but a higher density leads to a higher filtration efficiency for fine particles of sizes bigger than 9μm.Additionally,as the fine particles size increases,the change of the filtration efficiency roughly goes through three stages:Stage 1:the filtration efficiency is basically unchanged;Stage 2:the filtration efficiency increases rapidly;Stage 3:the filtration efficiency increases steadily,but the rate of increase slows down.With the increase of the fine particles Stokes number,the filtration efficiency of GBF will pass through two phases of stabilization and rapid increase.

Collaborative control of fine particles and ozone required in China for health benefit

PM2.5 concentration declined significantly nationwide,while O3 concentration increased in most regions in China in 2013–2020.Recent evidences proved that peak season O3 is related to increased death risk from non-accidental and respiratory diseases.Based on these new evidences,we estimate excess deaths associated with long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and O3 in China following the counterfactual analytic framework from Global Burden Disease.Excess deaths from non-accidental diseases associated with long-term exposure to ambient O3 in China reaches to 579(95%confidential interval(CI):93,990)thousand in 2020,which has been significantly underestimated in previous studies.In addition,the increased excess deaths associated with long-term O3 exposure(234(95%CI:177,282)thousand)in 2013–2020 offset three quarters of the avoided excess deaths(302(95%CI:244,366)thousand)mainly due to PM2.5 exposure reduction.In key regions(the North China Plain,the Yangtze River Delta and the Fen-Wei Plain),the former is even larger than the latter,particularly in 2017–2020.Health benefit of PM2.5 concentration reduction offsets the adverse effects of population growth and aging on excess deaths attributed to PM2.5 exposure.Increase of excess deaths associated with O3 exposure is mainly due to the strong increase of O3 concentration,followed by population aging.Considering the faster population aging process in the future,collaborative control,and faster reduction of PM2.5 and O3 are needed to reduce the associated excess deaths.

Improving flow and fluidization quality of fine and ultrafine particles via nanoparticle modulation

Fine and ultrafine particles possess great potential for industrial applications ascribed from their huge specific surface area and ability to provide good gas–solid contact.However,these powders are inherently cohesive,making it challenging to achieve smooth flow and fluidization.This challenge can be well-resolved by nanoparticle modulation(nano-modulation),where a small amount of nanoparticles is uniformly mixed with the cohesive fine/ultrafine powders.Through nano-modulation,the fluidization system of cohesive powders exhibits distinguishable minimum fluidization velocity,enlarged bed expansion ratio(particularly the dense phase expansion),and scarcer,smaller,and slower moving bubbles,indicating improved flow and fluidization quality.The purpose of the current work is to systematically summarize the state-of-the-art progress in the fluidization and utilization of fine and ultrafine particles via the nanoparticle modulation method.Accordingly,a broader audience can be enlightened regarding this promising fine/ultrafine particle fluidization technology,so as to provoke their attention and encourage interdisciplinary integration and industry-academia collaborative research.

Collision and attachment behavior between fine cassiterite particles and H_2 bubbles

Particle-bubble interaction during electro-flotation of cassiterite was investigated by determining the recovery of cassiterite and the collision mechanism of cassiterite particle and H2 bubble. Flotation tests at different conditions were conducted in a single bubble flotation cell. The recovery of cassiterite was found to be affected by cassiterite particle and bubble size. A matching range, in which the best recovery can be obtained, was found between particle and bubble size. Collision, attachment, and detachment of the particle-bubble were observed and captured by a high-speed camera. Particle-bubble collision and attachment were analyzed with the use of particle-bubble interaction theory to obtain the experimental results. An attachment model was introduced and verified through the photos captured by the high-speed camera. A bridge role was observed between the bubbles and particles. Particle-bubble interaction was found to be affected by bubble size and particle size, which significantly influenced not only the collision and attachment behavior of the particles and bubbles but also the flotation recovery of fine cassiterite particles.

Nano-microbubble flotation of fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particles

As is well known to mineral processing scientists and engineers, fine and ultrafine particles are difficult to float mainly due to the low bubble-particle collision efficiencies. Though many efforts have been made to improve flotation performance of fine and ultrafine particles, there is still much more to be done. In this paper, the effects of nano-microbubbles （nanobuhbles and microbubbles） on the flotation of fine （-38 ＋ 14.36 μm） and ultrafine （-14.36 ＋ 5μm） chalcopyrite particles were investigated in a laboratory scale Denver flotation cell. Nano-microbubbles were generated using a specially-designed nano- microbubble generator based on the cavitation phenomenon in Venturi tubes. In order to better under- stand the mechanisms of nano-microbubble enhanced froth flotation of fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particles, the nano-microbubble size distribution, stability and the effect of frother concentration on nano- bubble size were also studied by a laser diffraction method. Comparative flotation tests were performed in the presence and absence of nano-microbubbles to evaluate their impact on the fine and ultrafine chalcopyrite particle flotation recovery. According to the results, the mean size of nano-microbubbles increased over time, and decreased with increase of frother concentration. The laboratory-scale flotation test results indicated that flotation recovery of chalcopyrite fine and ultrafine particles increased by approximately 16-21% in the presence of nano-microbubbles, depending on operating conditions of the process. The presence of nano-microbubbles increased the recovery of ultrafine particles （-14.36 ＋ 5 μm） more than that of fine particles （-38 ＋ 14.36 μm）. Another major advantage is that the use of nano-microbubbles reduced the collector and frother consumptions by up to 75% and 50%, respectively.

Susceptibility of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to heart rate difference associated with the short-term exposure to metals in ambient fine particles:A panel study in Beijing,China

Susceptibility of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)to cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction asso-ciated with exposure to metals in ambient fine particles(PM2.5,particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter≤2.5µm)remains poorly evidenced.Based on the COPDB(COPD in Beijing)panel study,we aimed to compare the associations of heart rate(HR,an indicator of cardiovascular autonomic function)and exposure to metals in PM2.5 between 53 patients with COPD and 82 healthy controls by using linear mixed-effects models.In all participants,the HR levels were significantly associated with interquartile range increases in the average concentrations of Cr,Zn,and Pb,but the strength of the associations differed by exposure time(from 1.4%for an average 9 days(d)Cr exposure to 3.5%for an average 9 d Zn exposure).HR was positively associated with the average concentrations of PM2.5 and certain metals only in patients with COPD.Associations between HR and exposure to PM2.5,K,Cr,Mn,Ni,Cu,Zn,As,and Se in patients with COPD significantly differed from those in health controls.Furthermore,association between HR and Cr exposure was robust in COPD patients.In conclusion,our findings indicate that COPD could exacerbate difference in HR following exposure to metals in PM2.5.

Compositions and sources of organic acids in fine particles(PM_(2.5)) over the Pearl River Delta region, south China

Organic acids as important constituents of organic aerosols not only influence the aerosols＇ hygroscopic property, but also enhance the formation of new particles and secondary organic aerosols. This study reported organic acids including C14-C32 fatty acids, C4-C9 dicarboxylic acids and aromatic acids in PM2.5 collected during winter 2009 at six typical urban, suburban and rural sites in the Pearl River Delta region. Averaged concentrations of C14-C32 fatty acids, aromatic acids and C4- C9 dicarboxylic acids were 157, 72.5 and 50.7 ng/m3, respectively. They totally accounted for 1.7% of measured organic carbon. C20-C32 fatty acids mainly deriving from higher plant wax showed the highest concentration at the upwind rural site with more vegetation around, while Cl4-C18 fatty acids were more abundant at urban and suburban sites, and dicarboxylic acids and aromatic acids except 1,4-phthalic acid peaked at the downwind rural site. Succinic and azelaic acid were the most abundant among C4-C9 dicarboxylic acids, and 1,2-phthalic and 1,4-phthalic acid were dominant aromatic acids. Dicarboxylic acids and aromatic acids exhibited significant mutual correlations except for 1,4-phthalic acid, which was probably primarily emitted from combustion of solid wastes containing polyethylene terephthalate plastics. Spatial patterns and correlations with typical source tracers suggested that C14-C32 fatty acids were mainly primary while dicarboxylic and aromatic acids were largely secondary. Principal component analysis resolved six sources including biomass burning, natural higher plant wax, two mixed anthropogenic and two secondary sources; further multiple linear regression revealed their contributions to individual organic acids. It turned out that more than 70% of C14-C18 fatty acids were attributed to anthropogenic sources, about 50%-85% of the C20-C32 fatty acids were attributed to natural sources, 80%-95% of dicarboxylic acids and 1,2-phthalic acid were secondary in contrast with that 81% of 1,4-phthalic acid was primary.

A preliminary study on pollution characteristics of surfactant substances in fine particles in the Beibu Gulf Region of China

The pollution characteristics of surfactant substances in fine particles(PM_(2.5))in spring were studied in the Beibu Gulf Region of China,68 samples of PM_(2.5)were collected at Weizhou Island in Beihai City from March 12 to April 17,2015.The Anionic Surfactant Substances(ASS)and Cationic Surfactant Substances(CSS)in the samples were analyzed using Byethyl Violet Spectrophotometry and Disulfide Blue Spectrophotometry,respectively.Combined with the data from backward trajectory simulation,the effects of air pollutants from remote transport on the pollution characteristics of surfactant substances in PM_(2.5)in the Beibu Gulf Region were analyzed and discussed.The results showed that the daily mean concentrations of ASS and CSS in spring in the Beibu Gulf Region were 165.20 pmol/m^(3)and 8.05 pmol/m^(3),and the variation ranges were 23.21–452.55 pmol/m^(3)and 0.65–31.31 pmol/m^(3),accounting for 1.82‰±1.65‰and 0.12‰±0.11‰of the mass concentration of PM_(2.5),respectively.These concentrations were lower than those in comparable regions around the world.There was no clear correlation between the concentrations of ASS and CSS in PM_(2.5)and the mass concentrations of PM_(2.5).Tourism and air transport had a positive contribution on the concentrations of ASS.The concentration of surfactant substances in PM_(2.5)was significantly impacted by wind speed and wind direction.Atmospheric temperature,air pressure and precipitation had little effect on the concentrations of surfactant substances.Surfactant substances in PM_(2.5)significantly impacted visibility.Results also showed that the main sources of surfactant substances were from the southern China and Southeast Asia.

A statistic comparison of multi-element analysis of low atmospheric fine particles(PM_(2.5)) using different spectroscopy techniques

Over the past few decades,the metal elements(MEs)in atmospheric particles have aroused great attention.Some well-established techniques have been used to measure particlebound MEs.However,each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of complexity,accuracy,and specific elements of interest.In this study,the performances of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES)and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(TXRF)were evaluated for quality control to analyze data accuracy and precision.The statistic methods(Deming regression and significance testing)were applied for intercomparison between ICP-OES and TXRF measurements for same lowloading PM_(2.5)samples in Weizhou Island.The results from the replicate analysis of standard filters(SRM 2783)and field filters samples indicated that 10 MEs(K,Ca,V,Cr,Mn,Fe,Ni,Cu,Zn,and Pb)showed good accuracies and precision for both techniques.The higher accuracy tended to the higher precision in the MEs analysis process.In addition,the interlab comparisons illustrated that V and Mn all had good agreements between ICP-OES and TXRF.The measurements of K,Cu and Zn were more reliable by TXRF analysis for low-loading PM_(2.5).ICP-OES was more accurate for the determinations for Ca,Cr,Ni and Pb,owing to the overlapping spectral lines and low sensitivity during TXRF analysis.The measurements of Fe,influenced by low-loading PM_(2.5),were not able to determine which instrument could obtain more reliable results.These conclusions could provide reference information to choose suitable instrument for the determination of MEs in low-loading PM_(2.5)samples.

Development of a standardized in vitro approach to evaluate microphysical,chemical,and toxicological properties of combustion-derived fine and ultrafine particles

Ultrafine particles represent a growing concern in the public health community but their precise role in many illnesses is still unknown. This lack of knowledge is related to the experimental difficulty in linking their biological effects to their multiple properties, which are important determinants of toxicity. Our aim is to propose an interdisciplinary approach to study fine(FP) and ultrafine(UFP) particles, generated in a controlled manner using a mini CAST(Combustion Aerosol Standard) soot generator used with two different operating conditions(CAST1 and CAST3). The chemical characterization was performed by an untargeted analysis using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. In conjunction with this approach, subsequent analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS) was performed to identify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAH). CAST1 enabled the generation of FP with a predominance of small PAH molecules, and CAST3 enabled the generation of UFP, which presented higher numbers of carbon atoms corresponding to larger PAH molecules. Healthy normal human bronchial epithelial(NHBE) cells differentiated at the air-liquid interface(ALI) were directly exposed to these freshly emitted FP and UFP. Expression of MUC5AC, FOXJ1, OCLN and ZOI as well as microscopic observation confirmed the ciliated pseudostratified epithelial phenotype. Study of the mass deposition efficiency revealed a difference between the two operating conditions, probably due to the morphological differences between the two categories of particles. We demonstrated that only NHBE cells exposed to CAST3 particles induced upregulation in the gene expression of IL-8 and NQO1. This approach offers new perspectives to study FP and UFP with stable and controlled properties.

Experimental observation of surface phonon absorption in Zn fine particles coated with ZnO

FINE particles have attracted much attention in the past few years due to their unique physical and chemical properties. For gas-evaporated fine metallic particles, a thin oxide layer is usually formed on their surface. According to Ruppin’s prediction, a dielectric coating on metallic particles should have a series of surface modes between ωTO and ωLO, the long-wavelength transverse and longitudinal optical phonon frequencies of the dielectric. The frequency of