Microscopy, optical refractive index

Optical properties of fibers are measured by light microscopy methods. ASTM D276 describes the procedure for fiber identification using refractive indexes and birefringence. Other methods for determining fiber optical properties have been discussed (3,38—44). However, different methods of determining optical properties may give different results (42). 

Methods used to obtain conformational information and establish secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures involve electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, refractive index, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared radiation, optical rotation, and anisotropy, as well as a variety of rheological procedures and molecular weight measurements. Extrapolation of solid state conformations to likely solution conformations has also helped. The general principles of macromolecules in solution has been reviewed by Morawetz (17), and investigative methods are discussed by Bovey (18). Several workers have recently reexamined the conformations of the backbone chain of xylans (19, 20, 21). Evidence seems to favor a left-handed chain chirality with the chains entwined perhaps in a two fold screw axis. Solution conformations are more disordered than those in crystallites (22). However, even with the disorder-... 

Lab grade hematite (Fe203) and copper sulfate (anhydrous and hydrated) were mounted on slides and used as controls to compare to mineral deposits that might have been found adhering to foe fibers. Rabbit hair and milkweed that had been colored with an aqueous hematite solution and with an aqueous copper sulfate (blue vitriol) solution were also used for comparison. Fibers removed from each simulated material were mounted in water (Refractive Index (Rl) of 1.0), and in Permount (Fisher Scientific) (RI of 1.55). The collected particulate matter and fibers removed from foe yam samples were similarly mounted and examined using optical microscopy. 

Optical microscopy is another method that has been used to determine the distribution of minerals in coal. This method is based on the detailed microscopic examination of polished or thin sections of coal in transmitted and/or reflected light. In principle, observing several of its optical properties, such as morphology, reflectance, refractive index, and anisotropy, makes identification of a mineral type possible. 

Induction times should decrease with an increase in supersaturation. Under constant supersaturation and all other variables constant, induction times will decrease with an increase in solubility, i.e., nucleation is faster in solvents providing high solubility. The induction time (formation of nuclei) can be detected by the appearance of crystals by optical microscopy or by changes in solution properties such as turbidity and refractive index. 

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