Surface area, effect weakness

Although a number of filler characteristics influence composite properties, particle size, specific surface area, and surface energetics must again be mentioned here. All three also influence interfacial interactions. In the case of large particles and weak adhesion, the separation of the matrix/ filler interface is easy, debonding takes place under the effect of a small external load. Small particles form aggregates which cause a deterioration in the mechanical properties of the composites. Specific surface area, which depends on the particle size distribution of the filler, determines the size of the contact surface between the polymer and the filler. The size of this surface plays a crucial role in interfacial interactions and the formation of the interphase. 

The amount of polymer bonded in the interphase depends on the thickness of the interlayer and on the surface area, where the filler and the polymer are in contact with each other. The size of the interface is more or less proportional to the specific surface area of the filler, which is inversely proportional to particle size. In accordance with the above proposed explanation on the relation of the effect of immobilized polymer chains and the extent of deformation, modulus shows only a very weak dependence on the specific surface area of the filler [64]. 

The use of the anion-exchange resin Duolite A-7 for concentrating organic acids was reported as early as 1965 by Abrams and Breslin (7) and more recently by Leenheer (8). A-7 is a high-surface-area, macro-porous, phenol-formaldehyde, weak-base resin. This resin combines weak-base, secondary-amine functional groups with the relatively hydrophilic phenol-formaldehyde matrix to effectively sorb and elute organic acids. 

A Raney Ni catalyst modified by tartaric acid and NaBr is fairly effective for enantioselective hydrogenation of a series of (3-keto esters (Scheme 1.41) [203a,214,215]. The enantio-discrimi-nation ability of the catalyst is highly dependent on the preparation conditions such as pH (3—4), temperature (100°C), and concentration of the modifier (1%). Addition of NaBr as a second modifier is also crucial. Ultrasonic irradiation of the catalyst leads to even better activity and enantioselectivity up to 98% ee [214d-f. The Ni catalyst is considered to consist of a stable, selective and weak, nonselective surface area, while the latter is selectively removed by ultrasonication. 

Oxide electrodes have been observed to be almost immune from poisoning effects due to traces of metallic impurities in solution [99]. This is undoubtedly due primarily to the extended surface area. It can be anticipated that the calcination temperature must have a sizable effect. But in addition, a different mechanism of electrodeposition must be operative. Chemisorption on wet oxides is usually weak because metal cations are covered by OH groups [479]. As a consequence, underpotential deposition of metals is not observed on Ru02, although metal electrodeposition does takes place. However, electrodeposited metals give rise to clusters or islands and not to a monomolecular layer like on Pt. Therefore, the oxide active surface remains largely uncovered even if metallic impurities are deposited [168]. Thus, the weak tendency of oxides to adsorb ions, and its dependence on the pH of the solution is linked to their favorable behavior observed as cathodes in the presence of metallic impurities. 

The specific surface area of a ceramic powder can be measured by gas adsorption. Gas adsorption processes may be classified as physical or chemical, depending on the nature of atomic forces involved. Chemical adsorption (e.g., H2O and AI2O3) is caused by chemical reaction at the surface. Physical adsorption (e.g., N2 on AI2O3) is caused by molecular interaction forces and is important only at a temperature below the critical temperature of the gas. With physical adsorption the heat erf adsorption is on the same order of magnitude as that for liquefaction of the gas. Because the adsorption forces are weak and similar to liquefaction, the capillarity of the pore structure effects the adsorbed amount. The quantity of gas adsorbed in the monolayer allows the calculation of the specific surface area. The monolayer capacity (V ,) must be determined when a second layer is forming before the first layer is complete. Theories to describe the adsorption process are based on simplified models of gas adsorption and of the solid surface and pore structure. 

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