Blacks, optical

Mesophase formation in coal-tar pitch is encouraged by a reduction of the natural quinoline-insoluble matter content, which resembles carbon black but is not optically anisotropic and is characterized by an atomic carbon hydrogen ratio of 4 1. In contrast, the atomic carbon hydrogen ratio of mesophase is about 2 1. 

The detection of Hquid crystal is based primarily on anisotropic optical properties. This means that a sample of this phase looks radiant when viewed against a light source placed between crossed polarizers. An isotropic solution is black under such conditions (Fig. 12). Optical microscopy may also detect the Hquid crystal in an emulsion. The Hquid crystal is conspicuous from its radiance in polarized light (Fig. 13). The stmcture of the Hquid crystalline phase is also most easily identified by optical microscopy. Lamellar Hquid crystals have a pattern of oil streaks and Maltese crosses (Fig. 14a), whereas ones with hexagonal arrays of cylinders give a different optical pattern (Fig. 14b). 

Limits on emissions are both subjective and objective. Subjective limits are based on the visual appearance or smell of an emission. Objective limits are based on physical or chemical measurement of the emission. The most common form of subjective limit is that which regulates the optical density of a stack plume, measured by comparison with a Ringelmann chart (Fig. 25-1). This form of chart has been in use for over 90 years and is widely accepted for grading the blackness of black or gray smoke emissions. Within the past four decades, it has been used as the basis for "equivalent opacity" regulations for grading the optical density of emissions of colors other than black or gray. 

The original Ringelmann chart was a reflectance chart the observer viewed light reflected from the chart. More recently, light transmittance charts have been developed for both black (1) and white (2) gradations of optical density which correlate with the Ringelmarm chart scale. It is now common practice in the United States to send air pollution inspectors to a "smoke school" where they are trained and certified as being able to read the density of black and white plumes with an accuracy that is acceptable for court testimony. 

Black smoke (BS) is a particulate measure that typically contains at least 50% respirable particulates smaller than 4.5 mm in aerodynamic diameter, sampled by the British smokeshade (BS) method. The reflectance of light is measured by the darkness of the stain caused by particulates on a white filter paper. The result of BS sampling depends on the density of the stain and the optical properties of the particulates. Because the method is based on reflectance from elemental carbon, its use is recommended in areas where coal smoke from domestic fires is the dominant component of ambient particulates. 

Silicon Monoxide. SiO, mw 44.09, hard and abrasive, black to brn-black amorph or cubic crysts, mp > 1702°, bp 1880°, d 2.13-.20. Sol in coned aq alk and dil HF+HN03. Prepn is by subliming finely divided silicon at 1250° under high vacuum for 4 hrs. It is used as a coating for precision optical lenses... 

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