Change in Grain-Size Composition of Lignite under Cyclic Freezing-Thawing and Wetting-Drying

The paper presents the change in grain-size composition of lignite under cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC). The article shows that in the spring and autumn periods the lignites can be subjected to repeated freezing-thawing and wetting-drying, which determines the possibility of changing their grain-size composition and structure. Experimental studies in laboratory conditions on the influence of cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC) on the quality indicators of lignites have been carried out, their granulometric (fractional) composition has been studied. Freezing-thawing cycle conditions are as follows (FTC): minimum exposure temperature: -20°C;maximum: +5°C;relative humidity: 30%;number of processing cycles: 3. Wetting-drying cycles are as follows (WDC): drying temperatures are +20, +40, +60, +80°C, drying time 90 minutes, the coals are further subjected to rain (soaking) for a period of water saturation to humidity of 30% - 40% and dry again. The number of wetting-drying cycles is 3 times. The tests have revealed the destructive effects of FTC and WDC on the samples of lower metamorphic grade coal, and the cycles of wet-dry lead to the much higher yield of fine sizes (-6+0;-13+0 mm) than the cycles of freeze-thaw. Furthermore, it is found that the increase in the yield of fines depends on the heating temperature: coal disintegration proceeds more intensively at a higher temperature of drying.

Release of volatile organic compounds during bio-drying of municipal solid waste

Three treatments were tested to investigate the release concentrations of volatile organic compounds （VOCs） during the bio-drying of municipal solid waste （MSW） by the aerobic and combined hydrolytic-aerobic processes.Results showed that VOCs were largely released in the first 4 days of bio-drying and the dominant components were：dimethyl disulfide,dimethyl sulfide,benzene,2-butanone,limonene and methylene chloride.Thus,the combined hydrolytic-aerobic process was suggested for MSW bio-drying due to fewer aeration quantities in this phase when compared with the aerobic process,and the treatment strategies should base on the key properties of these prominent components.Malodorous sulfur compounds and terpenes were mainly released in the early phase of bio-drying,whereas,two peaks of release concentrations appeared for aromatics and ketones during bio-drying.Notably,for the combined hydrolytic-aerobic processes there were also high concentrations of released aromatics in the shift from hydrolytic to aerobic stages.High concentrations of released chlorinateds were observed in the later phase.For the VOCs produced during MSW bio-drying,i.e.,malodorous sulfur compounds,terpenes and chlorinateds,their release concentrations were mainly determined by production rates;for the VOCs presented initially in MSW,such as aromatics,their transfer and transport in MSW mainly determined the release concentrations.

Facile synthesis of Li3V2（PO4）3/C cathode material for lithium-ion battery via freeze-drying

In this work, we report a facile route for the synthesis of Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material via freezedrying and then calcination. The effect of calcination temperature on the electrochemical properties of the Li3V2(PO4)3/C is also investigated. When used as a lithium-ion battery cathode, the optimized Li3V2(PO4)3/C (LVP-800) through calcination at 800 ℃ exhibits a high initial charge and discharge capacity. The excellent electrochemical performance of LVP-800 is attributed to the good crystallinity and uniform morphology of the electrode material. In addition, the residual carbon can also improve the conductivity and buffer the volume expansion during the Li-ion extraction/reinsertion. Meanwhile, charge compensation also plays an important role in excellent electrochemical performance.

Study on potential evapotranspiration and wet-dry condition in the seasonal frozen soil region of northern Tibetan Plateau

This study was based on the CEOP/CAMP-Tibet observed data at AWS （Automatic Weather Station） of MS3478 in the seasonal frozen soil region of northern Tibetan Plateau from March 2007 to February 2008. The variation characteristics of PE （potential evapotransph＇ation） were analyzed based on the Penman-Monteith method recommended by FAO （the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Na- lions）. The contributions of dynamic, thermal and water factors to PE were discussed, and the wet-dry condition of the plateau region was further studied. The results indicated that daily PE was between 0.52 mm and 6.46 mm for the whole year. Monthly PE was over 107 mm from May to September, but decreased to less than 41 mm from November to February. Annual PE was 1,037.8mm. In the summer, thermal PE was significantly more than dynamic PE, but conversely in the winter. Annual variation of thermal PE was of sine wave pattern. In addition, drought and semi-drought climate lasted for a long time while semi-humid climate was short. The effect of water and dynamic factors on PE varied considerably with the seasons. Annual variation of thermal PE was of sine wave pattern.

The Mechanism of Carotenoid Degradation in Flue-Cured Tobacco and Changes in the Related Enzyme Activities at the Leaf-Drying Stage During the Bulk Curing Process

The mechanism of carotenoid degradation and the changes in the activities of related enzymes in flue-cured tobacco at the leaf-drying stage during the bulk-curing process were studied in order to provide theoretical basis for optimization of curing technology. The effect of different rising speeds of temperature on the carotenoid degradation and the related enzymes activities at the color-fixing stage during the bulk curing process was studied by using the electric-heated fluecuring barn designed by Henan Agricultural University, China, based on curing technology with yellowing at low temperature and moderate humidity and leaf drying at moderate humidity. The results showed that the carotenoid degradation components （β-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, and violaxthin） decreased gradually at the color-fixing stage during the bulk curing process. The carotenoid degradation components viz.,β-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, and violaxthin at the slow heating curing （T1） were relatively higher than the rapid heating curing （T2） accounting for 10, 2, 32 and 32% respectively, but there were no differences among treatments （P〉 0.05）. The effect of different conditions of curing on the activities of enzymes related to carotenoids degradation were significant. The lipoxygenase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase enzymes had a bidirectional effect on the quality of tobacco leaves and it was beneficial to form more premise matter of aroma based on the higher enzyme activities at the early leaf-drying stage. The slow heating could regulate the change in various enzymes＇ activities reasonably, making cell redox reaction to reach the dynamic balance and make the degradation of carotenoids adequately. Meanwhile, it could avoid the occurrence of browning reaction and provide foundation for improving the quality of tobacco and optimization of technology for bulk curing and further enhancing aroma.

THE WET-DRY CHANGES IN RECENT 40YEARS IN TAKLIMAKAN AREA

Using the precipitation data in recent 40 years of 48 meteorological stations in Taklimakan area and neighboring areas, this paper analyzes the stage and periodicity of the wet-dry changes in a year and four seasons. The paper also compares the correlativity of precipitation between Taklimakan area and around Mountains, and obtained some statisticconclusions as follows. (1) The precipitation changes of a year and four seasons in Taklimakan area have different wet-dryperiods and change periodicities. (2) Summer precipitation has well directive sense to annual precipitation in Taklimakanarea with a correlation coefficient 0. 901, and the negative correlation between precipitation and temperature in summer isvery remarkable. (3) There is definite correlation between annual precipitation in Taklimakan area and position of polarvortex. When longitude of polar vortex is partial west in February and its latitude is partial north in September of the lastyear, annual precipitation is above its mean in the area. In addition, it is beneficial to obtain more summer precipitation inthe area when position of polar vortex is partial west in February.

Pitting and galvanic corrosion behavior of stainless steel with weld in wet-dry environment containing Cl^-

Accelerated corrosion test of stainless steel with weld was carried out to investigate the corrosion behavior under the wetdry cyclic condition in the atmosphere containing Cl^-. In the surface morphology, corrosion products were analyzed by metallographic observation, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The results show that the damage to stainless steel with weld in the atmosphere containing Cl^- is due to localized corrosion, especially pitting and galvanic corrosion, Weld acts as the anode, whereas matrix acts as the cathode in the corrosion process. The pitting corrosion, including the nucleation and growth of a stable pit, is promoted by the presence of wet-dry cycles, especially during the drying stage. Pits centralizing in weld are found to be grouped together like colonies, with a number of smaller pits surrounding a larger pit. The composition of the corrosion products is Fe2O3, Cr2O3, Fe3O4, NiCrO4, etc.

Preparation of Spherical FePO4 by Chemical Co-precipitation Combined with Spray-Drying

Well-shaped spherical agglomerates of FePO4 particles were prepared by a novel method:chemical co-precipitation combined with spray-drying.Tap density analysis,Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis,characterizations of X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the micron-sized spherical agglomerates with high specific surface area and high tap density were composed of the uniform nano-sized particles.The effects of pH and reaction time on the morphology of the FePO4 particles were investigated by experimental and theoretical analyses.The analyses revealed that amorphous FePO4 was responsible for forming a well-shaped spherical agglomerate,and the ideal spherical particles were obtained at pH 3.The reaction time also played a significant role in controlling the size and surface morphology of the FePO4 particles,and smooth spherical FePO4 particles were obtained at a reaction time of 6 h.By this novel method,poly-porous spherical iron phosphate particles were prepared,which can be used with high efficiency in some special fields,especially as a precursor for synthesizing LiFePO4 and catalysts.

Preparation of iridium nano-and submicroparticles on solid substrates by direct surface growth and drop-drying assembly

Iridium nanoparticles (IrNPs) and submicroparticles (IrSMPs) with different shapes were synthesized and assembled on indium thin oxide (ITO) and Si substrates using two different methods: direct surface growth and drop-drying assembly. The obtained IrNPs and IrSMPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The IrSMPs (or IrNPs) with disc-like shape and irregular shapes were obtained on ITO substrate by direct surface growth method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium citrate as different stabilizers, respectively. The reaction time and the injection temperature of reducing agent are found to have great effect on the size and morphology of the surface-grown Ir particles. The disc-like, ellipsoidal, and spherical IrSMPs (or IrNPs) were also synthesized in homogeneous solution in the presence of H3BO3 and Na2B4O7 as assistant-stabilizer. These IrNPs and IrSMPs were used as building blocks to construct nanoparticle assemblies by using a simple drop-drying method. Uniform IrNP and IrSMP assemblies were successfully prepared on Si and ITO substrates, indicating that the drop-drying method is efficient for the preparation of not only nanoparticle assemblies but also submicroparticle assemblies.

Effect of incubation temperature and wet-dry cycle on the availabilities of Cd,Pb and Zn in soil

The effect of incubation temperature and wet-dry cycle on the availabilities of Cd, Pb and Zn was studied. Three soils with pH ranging from 3.8 to 7.3, organic carbon （OC） from 0.7% to 2.4%, and clay from 12.3% to 35.6% were selected. Soils were spiked with reagent grade Cd（NO3）2, Pb（NO3）2, and Zn（NO3）2 at concentrations of 30 mg Cd/kg soil, 300 mg Zn/kg soil and 2000 mg Pb/kg soil. The soils were incubated at 35, 60, 105℃, respectively and went through four wet-dry cycles. Metal availability in soils was estimated by soil extraction with 0.1 mol/L Ca（NO3）2. According to this study, the effect of the spiking temperature on the metal availabilities was different among the metals, soils and wet-dry cycles. Mostly, 35 ~C was the first recommended spiking temperature for Cd and Pb while no spiking temperature was obviously better than others for Zn. Three wet-dry cycles was recommended regardless of the type of metals and incubation temperature.

STUDY ON SUB-DRY CUTTING GCr12

Through the comparison study on cutting force, cutting temperature andmachined surface quality with the sub-dry cutting traditional cooling method, it is shown thatsub-dry cutting can retard the wear of the tooled parts. It is beneficial to realize the productionwithout pollution and meet the demand of clean environment.

Microstructure of porous Cu fabricated by freeze-drying process of CuO/camphene slurry

Porous Cu with macroscopically aligned channels was synthesized using a freeze-drying process.Camphene-based CuO slurry was prepared by milling at 60 °C with a small amount of dispersant.Freezing of a slurry was done at 25 °C while unidirectionally controlling the growth direction of the camphene.Pores were generated subsequently by sublimation of the camphene during drying.The green body was hydrogen-reduced at 300 °C for 30 min,and sintered in the furnace at 700 °C for 1 h under a hydrogen atmosphere.Microstructural observation reveals that all of the sintered samples are composed of only Cu phase and show macroscopic open pores with an average size of 100 μm which are aligned along its macroscopic growth direction.The internal wall of the macroscopic aligned pore shows relatively small pores due to the traces of the camphene left between the concentrated Cu particles on the internal wall.Increase in the porosity and pore size with increasing camphene content was explained by the change of the growth behavior of the camphene crystals.

Performance of Concrete Subjected to Severe Multiple Actions of Composite Salts Solution under Wet-Dry Cycles and Flexural Loading in Lab

Several action regimes were employed, namely, those exposed to solutions containing single and/or composite chloride and sulfate salts, and under wet-dry cycles and/or flexural loading. The variations in dynamic modulus of elasticity（Erd values） were monitored, as well as the key factor impacting on the chloride ingress when concrete subjected to multiple action regimes was identified by the method of Grey Relation Analysis（GRA）. The changes in micro-structures and mineral products of interior concrete after different action regimes were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction（XRD）, mercury intrusion technique（MIP）, and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）. The test results showed that the cyclic wet-dry accelerated the deterioration of OPC concrete more than the action of 35% flexural loading based on the results of Erd values and the GEA. The analyses from micro-structures could give certain explanations to the change in Erd values under different action regimes.

Microencapsulation of nutmeg essential oil by spray-drying with different wall materials

Nutmeg essential oil with volatile components is sensitive to oxygen, light, water and high temperature. Spray-drying is widely used as an encapsulation technique for improving compound stability during processing and storage. In this study, influence of encapsulated matrix on spray-dried nutmeg essential oil microcapsule was investigated using blends of maltodextrin and either gum Arabic(GA-MD), or octenyl succinic acid modified starch(OSA-MD) as wall materials. Characteristics of spray-dried powders from these 2 wall materials were evaluated and compared. Powder property analysis indicated that GA-MD microcapsules presented larger size, higher moisture and poorer flowability compared with OSA-MD microcapsules. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed that both GA-MD and OSA-MD microcapsules improved the stability of nutmeg essential oil. However, GA-MD microcapsules exhibited higher storage stability than OSA-MD microcapsules. This research provided theoretical foundation for wall material choice of microcapsule and nutmeg essential oil utilization in food industry.

Synthesis of PZT power by wet-dry method and its structure

To prepare PZT powder at lower temperature, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powder (x(Zr)/x(Ti)=56?44) was prepared by wet-dry method. Glycol was used as the solvent, and zirconium oxychloride was used as zirconium source. The properties and structure of the powder were analyzed by XRD, SEM and Sedimentograph. The effects of sintering parameter such as sintering temperature, keeping time and heating-up velocity on structure of PZT power were investigated. The results show that homogeneous PZT with single-phase perovskite structure can be obtained after sintering at 730 ℃ for 2 h, and the average size of PZT powder is about 113 nm.

Effects of Air-Drying on the Inorganic Phosphorus Forms in Soils

After 90 days cultivation of five different plants (rye grass, lupin, buckwheat, rape and amaranth) in three soils (Yellowbrown soil, Paddy soil and Red soil), fresh soil samples were collected and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) fractions weremeasured before and after air-drying. The results clearly indicated that the total Pi and their composition differed significantlyamong soil types. The air-drying process increased the total Pi in yellow brown soil and in paddy soil, while decreased thatin red soil. The total Pi could vary to 70% of that before air-drying. The Pi forms in different soils changed to differentextent after air-drying. As to yellow brown soil, Al-P decreased, while O-P and Ca-P increased; as to paddy soil, Al-P andCa-P increased, while Fe-P and O-P remained; as to red soil, Al-P and Fe-P increased, Ca-P remained and O-P reducedobviously. Growth of different plants in soils had effects on Pi forms during the process of air-drying. Therefore, forchemical study of soil phosphorus, application of fresh soil samples can provide more reliable results.

Degradation of Pore Structure and Microstructures in Hardened Cement Paste Subjected to Flexural Loading and Wet-dry Cycles in Sea Water

Hardened cement paste was subjected to the flexural loading and wet-dry cycles in sea water. The degradation of microstructures was obtained using scanning electron microscope （SEM）, and the energy dispersive spectrum （EDS） analysis was carried to analyze the local composition. Mercury intrusion porosimetry （Poremaster GT-60） was used to analyze the degradation of pore structures. The experimental results show that the synergistic action of the flexural loading, wet-dry cycles and sea water leads to significant deterioration of hardened cement paste. The degradation of microstructures in the tensile region is more serious than that in the compressive region. The flexural loading and wet-dry cycles accelerate the chemical attack of sea water.

Effect of Moisture Content on Melilotus suaveolens Seed Quality During Ultra-drying Storage

In order to enhance the seed storability and supply high-quality seeds for vegetation restoration in the arid and semi-arid regions in Northwest China,the effects of ultra-drying and accelerated aging on the physiological characterstics of Melilotus suaveolens seeds were studied.Melilotus suaveolens seeds were dried in a desiccator containing silica gel to 80,53,42,33,23 and 16 g·kg-1 of moisture contents（MC）,respectively.The parameters of the seed quality including germination energy（GE）,germination percentage（GP）,relative conductivity（RC）,dehydrogenase activity（DA） and α-amylase activity（AA） were determined after ultra-drying and accelerated aging.The results showed that ultra-dried seeds with 42 g·kg-1 of MC showed the minimum changes of GE and GP before and after seed aging.Moreover,ultra-dry seeds with 42 g·kg-1 of MC showed higher DA and AA,and lower RC than non-ultra-drying seeds.Therefore,ultra-drying to 42 g·kg-1 of MC was helpful for M.suaveolens seed storage.

Variability in physical properties of plantation-grown progenies of Melia composita and determination of a kiln-drying schedule

Plantation-grown progenies of Melia composita Willd.were studied for variability in several physical properties： density,radial and tangential shrinkage,longitudinal permeability of heartwood and sapwood.Furthermore,flat-sawn planks from each of the progeny were subjected to a quick-drying test for determination of kilndrying schedule.The mean density of the species was 0.39 g cm^（-3） and the wood may be categorized as light wood.Mean radial shrinkage（%） for the species was 2.8% with progeny-wise variation in radial shrinkage from 1.56 to 4.11%.Mean tangential shrinkage（%） for the species was 5.54% with progeny-wise variation in tangential shrinkage from 3.69 to 7.71%.The resultant tangentialradial shrinkage ratio was 1.98（less than two）,which suggests that the wood is relatively stable with respect to drying behavior.Mean sapwood and heartwood longitudinal permeability of the species were 3.38 and 2.02 Darcy,respectively.Higher longitudinal permeability of sapwood and heartwood indicate better drying and preservative properties of the species.Terazawa quick-drying test method suggests that the species is less susceptible to drying defects.During the test,only moderate checks and cracks were observed.A tentative kiln-drying schedule was recommended based on these results.

Growth and Freeze-Drying Optimization of Bifidobacterium crudilactis

Bifidobacterium crudilactis FR62/b/3 belongs to a new population of bifidobacteria isolated from raw milk and raw milk cheese. The objective of this work was to study the large scale culture of the strain and its stability in a dry formulation. Growth rate of Bifidobacterium crudilactis FR62/b/3 was optimal at a pH of 5.0 and a temperature of 37°C. At a temperature growth of 33°C and a pH of 5.0, the stationary phase was reached after 22 h, the viable cell number and the mean dry biomass concentration were respectively of 8.3 × 109 CFU/mL and of 2.1 g/L. Resistance of Bifidobacterium crudilactis FR62/b/3 to freeze-drying and effect of a variety of cryoprotectants to maintain the viability were also evaluated. Sorbitol was the most suitable cryoprotectant for freeze-drying as well as storage whereas sucrose and monosodium glutamate were only efficient during storage.