MAJOR PRODUCTS IN THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF PERYLENE ADSORBED IN MODELS OF ATMOSPHERIC PARTICULATE MATTER

The photodegradation of adsorbed perylene is strongly influenced by the environment in which it is found as demonstrated by the nature of the photoproducts characterized on the adsorbed state in comparison to its photochemical behavior in solution. The separation, characterization, and identification of the products were carried out using HPLC equipped with UV-Vis diode array and MS detection. Two of the products were identified as 1,12-perylenedione and 3,10-perylenedione. Three additional products were characterized as a perylenedione and two perylenediols based on their m/z ratio. Based on this information, two possible mechanisms of formation were proposed for the identified diones. The experimental data showed that both the radical cation and singlet oxygen participate in the route of photodegradation of perylene which occurs through a mixed Type I and Type II pathway. These results assist in the understanding of complex processes undergone by perylene and other PAHs in the environment.

Catalytic sterilization of Escherichia coli K 12 on Ag/Al2O3 surface

Bactericidal action of Al(2)O(3), Ag/Al(2)O(3) and AgCl/Al(2)O(3) on pure culture of Escherichia coli K 12 was studied. Ag/Al(2)O(3) and AgCl/Al(2)O(3) demonstrated a stronger bactericidal activity than Al(2)O(3). The colony-forming ability of E. coli was completely lost in 0.5 min on both of Ag/Al(2)O(3) and AgCl/Al(2)O(3) at room temperature in air. The configuration of the bacteria on the catalyst surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the expression of the bactericidal activity on the surface of catalysts by assay with O(2)/N(2) bubbling and scavenger for ROS. Furthermore, the formation of CO(2) as an oxidation product could be detected by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and be deduced by total carbon analysis. These results strongly support that the bactericidal process on the surface of Ag/Al(2)O(3) and AgCl/Al(2)O(3) was caused by the catalytic oxidation.

Fracture Toughness of Advanced Ceramics at Room Temperature

This report presents the results obtained by the five U.S. participating laboratories in the Versailles Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) round-robin for fracture toughness of advanced ceramics. Three test methods were used: indentation fracture, indentation strength, and single-edge pre-cracked beam. Two materials were tested: a gas-pressure sintered silicon nitride and a zirconia toughened alumina. Consistent results were obtained with the latter two test methods. Interpretation of fracture toughness in the zirconia alumina composite was complicated by R-curve and environmentally-assisted crack growth phenomena.