TECHNOLOGY
FMC Spins Continuous Inorganic Fibers Using viscose rayon equipment, FMC produces high-strength ceramic fibers from silica, alumina, and silica-carbon Viscose rayon spinning—one of the oldest synthetic fiber-making processes—is showing promise in the search for practical, ultrahigh-temperature fibers. FMC Corp. is using viscose equipment to make development quantities of high-strength fibers from alumina, silica, silica-carbon, and other lattice-forming inorganics. Hybrid cellulose-inorganic filaments are spun as the first step. These are ignited and sintered to remove the organic portion. Most previous approaches to spun ceramic fiber making involve mechanical dispersion of particulate inorganics in a spinning dope. Poor strength has often been a problem with the fiber that remains after ignition. In the process developed by Irvin Wizon, Dr. J. A. Robertson, and their co-workers, the inorganics go into solution in the alkaline viscose dope. By varying dope formulation and coagulating conditions, the FMC group finds it can closely control the cross section, structure, and physical properties of the finished ceramic filament, Mr. Wizon told a Symposium on High-Temperature Fibers, at the ACS winter meeting in Phoenix. The symposium was sponsored by the Division of Cellulose, Wood, and Fiber Chemistry. To make silica or silica-carbon fiber, for example, FMC starts by dissolving sodium silicate in a form of viscose dope. Soluble and insoluble ceramic intermediates or modifiers may be added as well. As the dope flows through spinnerets into the usual acid bath, a hydrated silica polymer evidently forms at the same time that cellulose is being regenerated. The continuous filament leaving the bath is an interlocking, fine-structured web of silica and cellulose. These hybrid fibers, which may contain as much as 60% inorganic oxide, can be made into yarn and fabric on conventional rayon-handling machinery. Burning. Silica fiber can be produced in the firing step by burning 32
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3 1 , 1966
away the cellulose portion in an oxidizing atmosphere. Filaments from 2 to 25 microns in diameter can be produced this way. X-ray diffraction studies show that the fibers contain either many crystalline forms of silica—quartz, cristobalites, and tridymites—or no crystals at all, depending upon formulation and treatment of the spinning dope. Matrix structure responds to the same variable. Silica fibers that are both fine structured and free of crystals show a definite longitudinal orientation, the FMC workers say. Such fibers, when fired in tension, show tensile strengths as high as 150,000 p.s.i. Under compressive loading, fibers made by the viscose process fail by splitting axially. This tendency helps distribute stress along the fiber's length. When a fiber does split, moreover, the result is a bundle of smaller fibers which might themselves behave like reinforcing components. Reducing. Silica-carbon fibers are made by firing cellulose-silica filaments in a reducing atmosphere; the cellulose simply carbonizes. The two
components of the finished ceramic fiber are intimately associated. If the silica portion is leached away, for example, a continuous structure of carbon remains; oxidizing the carbon leaves an intact skeleton of silica. Under some firing conditions this close association promotes the formation within the fiber of silicon carbide, boosting its refractory properties. Ceramic fibers made by the viscose process are porous. A typical surface area measurement for a silica-carbon fiber is 27 square meters per gram. This property may be useful in mechanically keying such fibers into laminate matrixes. Varying the cross-sectional shape of the fibers might also make for a firmer bond. Another potentially useful property is the electrical conductivity of carbonmetal oxide fibers. Perhaps the most useful feature, however, is that existing rayon technology and equipment can be used to produce these fibers in a wide variety of forms. Their potential value in high-performance ablative applications has been demonstrated.
FMC Makes Continuous Ceramic Fibers Using Conventional Viscose Rayon Process
800-Ton Vessel Will House New Dresden Reactor
Worker, using submerged arc welder, joins steel plate sections 6 % in. thick to form nuclear reactor vessel head. The head is the bottom closure of an 800ton vessel for Commonwealth Edison Co.'s 715-megawatt Dresden No. 2 nuclear reactor scheduled to go into operation in April 1969, at Morris, III. Babcock & Wilcox Co. is fabricating the vessel, which will be more than 200 ft. in diameter, at the company's new Mt. Vernon, Ind., facility. The vessel will enclose the nuclear reactor core of a direct boiling-water reactor. It is designed, Babcock & Wilcox points out, to contain steam and water at 1250 p.s.i. and 575° F.
Nylon Fittings Join Pneumatic Tubing A new type of fitting for pneumatic tubing is now offered by AMP, Inc. AMP, better known in the electrical industry (for its solderless terminals) than in the chemical process industry, has used its knowledge in cold forming, or crimping metal to develop a crimp-type connector, combining nylon and metal, for pneumatic tubing. The fittings, called AMP-FIT, are being marketed by American Pamcor, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
AMP. Initially, the fittings are being offered for process control instrumentation and air conditioning systems. The fittings, made of nylon, are available in various forms, such as couplings, elbows, tees, and angle and globe valves. At each end of a fitting there is a metal band. To fasten a fitting to tubing, the tube is inserted into the fitting and a special tool is used to crimp the metal band. The crimping tool, rented by Pamcor for a
one-time charge of $20, provides a 360° crimp and the exact amount of crimping pressure required. The tool will not release until the proper pressure has been applied, but neither will it permit too much pressure to be applied, according to AMP. Thus, the system uses one-piece fittings which require no critical preparation of the tubing and eliminate the possibility of cross threading, cocked ferrules, and over or under torquing. The fittings allow all types of tubing to be joined—copper to aluminum, aluminum to plastic, or stainless steel to plastic, for example. With soft tubing—plastic or soft copper—a metal insert must be placed inside the end of the tube to be joined to the fitting. The connectors are available for 1 / 4 in. and 3 / 8 -in. tubing but may be bushed. Tensile strength of the fittings with metal tubing is 120 p.s.i.; they are designed for pneumatic systems with operating pressures up to 100 p.s.i. AMP says that the cost of the fittings falls into the "medium-price range"—about eight times the cost of sweat fittings and one third the cost of premium, high-class compression fittings. An advantage cited by AMP for its fittings is that skilled or trained labor is not needed to apply them. No judgment on the part of the user as to proper pressure, torque, or cleaning, fluxing, or soldering temperature is required.
IBM Issues Programs For Math Operations IBM is making life a bit easier for scientists and engineers using the IBM System/360 by relieving them of the necessity for programing many of the complex mathematical operations used in their work. The company is making available a package of 122 different problem solving segments. These subroutines, written in FORTRAN, can be used separately or in combinations. Typical of the program are subroutines for analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, canonical correlation, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, time series analysis, matrix inversion, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrixes. Other typical subroutines provide for simultaneous linear algebraic equations, integration of given or tabulated functions (Runge-Kutta), Fourier JAN.
31, 1966
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SULFUR COMPOUNDS -ORGANIC THIOLS-MERCAPTANS-R-SH Ammonium Thioglycolate Benzyl Mercaptan p-Bromothiophenol p-Chlorobenzyl Mercaptan p-Chlorothiophenol 2-Diethylaminoethanethiol Hydrochloride Iso-octyl Thioglycolate 2-Mercaptoethylamine Hydrochloride 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid
Ootadecyl Thioglycolate Thioacetic Acid (thiolacetic acid) Thiobenzoic Acid 1-Thioglycerol Thioglycolic Acid Thiolactic Acid Thiomalic Acid Thiosalicylic Acid
POLYTHIOLS-POLYMERCAPTANS-R-(SH)n b,b' dimercapto diethyl ether Dithiolterephthalic Acid Glycol Dimercaptoacetate Pentaerythritol Tetra (3-Mercaptopropionate) DITHIO COMPOUNDS-DISULFIDES-R-S-S-R Dithiodiglycolic Acid Dithiodipropionic Acid THIOETHERS-THIOCOMPOUNDS-SULFIDES-R-S.R p-Chlorothioanisole Distearyl Thiodipropionate Dilauryl Thiodipropionate Thiodiglycolic Acid Thiodipropionic Acid Thiodipropionitrile This is only a partial listing of our organic sulfur compounds. Write for complete catalog, or inquire aboutspecific chemical.
EVANS
Inc.
250 E. 43rd ST., NEW YORK, NY. 10017 • 212MU 3-0071
Soluble in OILS and SOLVENTS.. WAX 92 a fatty alcohol ester of fatty
acids
• Self-emulsifiable • Excellent metal wetting • Imparts lubricity • Easy cleaning • High film strength over wide temperature range • RECOMMENDED FOR: Fibre-to-fibre lubrication, metal working oils and plastic molding release agents.
WERNER G. SMITH INC. "MOBY DICK"
^
SPERM PRODUCTS
1730 TRAIN AVENUE • Phone: 861-3676
34
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JAN.
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44113 Area Code: 216
3 1 , 1966
analysis of given or tabulated functions, Bessel and modified Bessel function evaluation, and Legendre polynomial evaluation. With the program, called the Scientific Subroutine Package (SSP/360), problem solving requires four steps. First is to select one or more subroutines from storage in tape, disk, or cards. The user then provides numerical values for the problem, establishes limitations, and instructs the computer what to do with the answer. The answer, IBM says, can be a numerical value for the next problem, or it can be printed out in matrix, graph, or other form.
Electron Beam Produces Pure Sapphire Crystals Sapphire (alumina) crystals have been produced at Materials Research Corp., Orangeburg, N.Y., by a new electron beam process. Crystals produced by the process, the company says, are of a purity (99.995%) and perfection previously unattainable. For example, dislocation range of the electron beam-produced crystals is 10 3 per sq. cm., compared to 10G per sq. cm. for crystals grown by the other conventional techniques—flame fusion and Czochralski. Substructure of the new crystals is not visible, and there are no visible voids or gas pockets. In addition, crystals grown by the new process require no mechanical working to obtain the desired shape. They have been grown to 3 / 1 G in. in diameter and 5 in. long. Seeding techniques have been developed so that orientations of the basal plane from 10° to 75° can be obtained; 60° orientations for laser and optic uses are now available at $65 per in. To produce the crystals, highpurity A l 2 0 3 powders are sintered. The rod thus produced is placed in a chamber evacuated to 10~G mm. Hg. A beam of high-energy electrons is focused on the bottom of the rod creating a molten zone. By continually refocusing the beam, this zone is made to move the length of the rod. An afterheater, also heated by a portion of the electron beam, reduces thermal gradient in the rod, thereby suppressing thermal shock strains that would otherwise introduce crystalline imperfections. It is the afterheater, along with the material's molten state in a high vacuum, that produces the crystal's high purity and perfection.
Ion Collector Features Parallel Plates A new instrument system designed to aid research into the effects of ions on plant and animal life has been developed at Roy GO Instruments, Menlo Park, Calif. The system consists of a power control module, an ion collector, an electrometer that measures ion concentration, and a probe for identifying natural sources of ion emission. In operation, an integral blower pulls environmental ions into the collector, which consists of parallel plates to which a potential is applied. Ions are deflected to the plates where they produce a minute current, which is measured by the electrometer—a sensitive ammeter. By varying the potential of the collecting plates, the concentration of a specific ion with a particular charge-to-mass ratio can be measured. For ions having a high charge-tomass ratio, Royco offers the Model 411 ion collector. This model weighs 16 oz. and is tripod mounted. A larger collector, Model 412, is available for ions having a low charge-to-mass ratio. Two power control modules for powering either collector are available-Model 422, which offers battery or line operation and has an output of 22, 67, or 200 volts; and Model 421, which is line-operated only. The ion probe, Model 403, operates by natural convection without applied voltage. The electrometer, Model 410, is connected by cable to either collector or ion probe. E 30
New Device Winds Chromatograph Columns A device that winds chromatograph columns and offers ease of operation and reproducible results has been developed at Applied Science Laboratories, Inc., State College, Pa. With the device, columns of stainless steel, copper, and aluminum can be coiled to a predetermined diameter—either 1 / 4 in., 3 / 1 G in., or 1/8 in. o.d., the company notes. An adjustable scale is provided which produces coils of various diameters. The tubing is inserted, the scale adjusted to the desired diameter, and a crank handle turned to coil the column. Price of the unit is $175. E31
TRONOX CHLORIDE PROCESS
TITANIUM DIOXIDE
A bright new name in white pigments ON STREAM ON SPEC ON SCHEDULE Our 25,000-ton TRONOX titanium dioxide plant at Hamilton, Mississippi—an achievement in chloride process technology—has been brought on stream on schedule, with tonnage production of our paint grade pigments available now. High efficiency TRONOX Ti0 2 will meet your exacting specifications with more closely controlled particle size, excellent opacity and whiteness with great scattering power and tinting strength. • Our West Chicago, Illinois Technical Sales Service Laboratory is eager to work with your staff in application research and evaluation of TRONOX pigments in the paint, paper, plastics and rubber indus-
tries. • For your first look at TRONOX chloride process Ti0 2 , we suggest you call one of our pigment sales representatives. He has the experience, interest and training to serve you in depth, and can offer immediate delivery from strategically located warehouses. • You'll find you can depend on TRONOX chloride process titanium dioxide—an improved new product, from a substantial new source —making possible new levels of quality in surface coatings. AMERICAN POTASH & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, 99 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, or 3000 West Sixth Street, Los Angeles, California 90054.
American Potash & Chemical Corporation Pigment Sales Offices: New York • Los Angeles • Atlanta • Chicago • Cleveland • San Francisco • Shreveport • Portland (Ore.).
NOW. . . TEST SEQUENCES LIKE THESE CAN BE ADDED TO YOUR MATERIALS RESEARCH PROGRAM
MAX. LIMIT AT PRESET LOAD
\ MIN. LIMIT AT PRESET STRAIN
Typical test capabilities provided by the new system include (a) constant strain rate, then hold, showing stress relaxation. System may also be used to provide constant load rate and hold for creep studies; (b) cyclic test w i t h timed hold at preset load and strain values, alternating load and strain control modes; (c) curve follower accessory programs load or strain along arbitrary curve; (d) general program to illustrate overall capabilities of control system. Where desirable, an accessory Programmer provides completely automatic operation of all phases of even the most complex test routines.
Instron's Load/Strain Control System provides Instron users with a new range of testing capabilities. After years of development, Instron engineers have perfected a control system for use w i t h the basic testing instrument, which provides for the precise, automatic control of load or strain in the sample. W i t h this system, the Instron machine operates so that load or strain as experienced by the specimen conforms precisely to command functions prescribed by the control system. This makes possible a w h o l e new range of materials testing capabilities. For example, the control may be used for simulating complex in-service conditions; for studying strain-rate sensitive materials; for evaluating dynamic properties of
viscoelastic materials; for specification testing involving accurate control of loading rate; and many others. The system incorporates several advanced design features. For example, a t w o channel system may be specified w i t h automatic balancing, to permit the mode of control to be changed between load, strain, and crosshead position at any time during a test, w i t h o u t interruption of any kind. Optional accessories include programmer, curve follower, timers, etc. The availability of this unique control accessory is one more reason why Instron testing instruments and equipment represent perhaps your soundest materials research investment. For detailed data and specifications on Instron's new Load/Strain Control System, write: Instron Corporation, Dept. E-31, 2500 Washington Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
INSTRON C O R PO R AT I O N Find out how other Scientists and Engineers in your field are using Instron testing instruments and systems. Consult the Yellow Pages of your metropolitan telephone directory for address and phone number of your nearest Sales Office and Demonstration Center: Canton, Mass. • Springfield, New Jersey • Wilmington, Delaware • Cleveland, Ohio Park Ridge, Illinois • Atlanta, Georgia • Houston, Texas • Long Beach, California INSTRON CORPORATION, 2500 Washington Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021
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NEW CHEMICALS Barrier cream for use in the plastics industry to prevent skin irritation and allergy due to contact with amine hardeners is available from Ayerst Laboratories, New York City. A single application of the cream, Kerodex 71, provides protection from four to six hours, the company says. C 60
Hydroxypivalyl hydroxypivalate is now
specific structures lor creative chemistry
available in developmental quantities from the chemicals division of Eastman Chemical Products, New York City. A high-molecular-weight glycol, the chemical contains stable neopentyl configurations. The company expects the chemical to be useful as an intermediate for polymeric plasticizers, unsaturated polyesters, and alkyds. C 61
Coagulant aid that can also be used as a primary coagulant is available from Galgon Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa. The coagulant, No. 225, is a cationic liquid polyelectrolyte for use with conventional primary coagulants to improve color removal and speed settling of floe. Calgon says that the new aid offers good clarity and low cost. It is effective in replacing primary coagulants such as ferric salts or alum when used along with other coagulant aids. C 62
organic intermediates Benzoyl 2,5 diethoxy aniline: Grey in color, shot size pellets. 99% minimum purity with I melting point at 83-84°C..Used as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs and other organic chemicals.
4-Cyano-2,2-dimethylbutyraldehyde is
available in development quantities from the Chemicals Division of Eastman Chemical Products, New York City. The chemical, called Ibanitrile, contains a reactive aldehyde group and a cyano group. It undergoes hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and condensation. In many cases, the company says, proper choice of process conditions will lead to selective reaction of either the aldehyde or cyano group, leaving the other unchanged. There is also a tendency for these groups to interact, forming products containing six-membered rings. C 6 3
Four halocarbons for use as refrigerants and inert activating fluids are available in research and development quantities from Hynes Chemical Research Corp., Durham, N.C. The four are CF 3 CH 3 , CF 3 CC1 3 , CF 3 CFCl 2 , C64 and CFoClCCL
2,5 Diethoxy Aniline: Off white to greyj powder. 98% minimum assay with melting point at 81-83°C. Used as an intermediate! for pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs and other organic chemicals.
Pfister CHEMICAL WORKS, INC. RIDGEFIELD, NEW JERSEY
Pfister
PHONE AREA 201 WH 5-5400 IN N.Y.C. DIAL 947-4934 JAN.
31, 1966 C & E N
37
Y o u c a n u s e Bendix T O F M a s s Spectrometers in 2 5 different research and analysis areas.
1. Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer: Physically and chemically analyzes gases, liquids, solids. Separates ions of different mass-to-charge ratios continuously, and with unmatched speed.
Imagine what you c a n do with all these.
2. Polarmatic Spectropolarimeter: Plots optical rotation of solutions as a function of wavelength, simultaneously recording the optical transmission.
3. Automatic Polarimeter: Rapidly ures rotation of monochromatic polarized light passing through a with angular sensitivity of 0.0002 of arc.
measplaneliquid, degree
4. Magnetic Electron Multiplier: Basic component detects photons, other particles. Small, rugged, lightweight, undamaged by exposure to atmospheric pressure.
5. Polarotrace 1660A: Polarography system using drop-synchronized linear voltage sweep to detect and measure trace elements in solutions.
6. Dosimeters: Pen-sized meters for immediate and accurate measurement of personnel radiation exposure.
7. Helium-Neon Gas Laser: Inexpensive portable tool that demonstrates basic properties of lasers. Highly monochromatic light source.
8. Contraves Rheometers: Only instruments that accurately measure both Newtonian and non-Newtonian viscosities to 12,000,000 centipoises.
9. Electrostatic Air Sampler: Light, compact and portable kit for rapidly sampling large quantities of air.
10. Reactor Instrumentation: Measures core neutron flux, safeguards reaction operation. Solid-state modules can be assembled into any system.
For details on any of our scientific i n s t r u m e n t s for research and analysis (or one designed and built to your specifications), write us at 3625 Hauck Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241.
Cincinnati Division CO
R P 0
R A T
I 0
N
Visit our Booth 63-64 at the Pittsburgh ACAS Meeting, February 21-February 25, 1966
Tritium-labeled nucleotides are now
available from International Chemical & Nuclear Corp., City of Industry, Calif. The line includes carbon-14, phosphorus-32, and nonradioactive nucleotides. C 65
Unfilled epoxy containing no bromine or chlorine and having fire retardancy is available from Isochem Resins Co., Lincoln, R.L The low-viscosity resin, Isochemrez 471FRV, has good thermal shock properties, and has no exotherm during cure. C 66
formulated with the new chemicals controlled formation of sludge in test engines after 384 hr. C 67
Phenolic molding compound that combines wide molding latitude with fast cure cycles is available from Union Carbide's Plastics Division in New York City. The two-step, medium-impact compound, Bakelite BMMA-5715, performs well in compression, plunger, and injection molding machines. C 68
A family of ashless detergent-dispersants for gasoline and diesel engine lubricating oils is being produced at Monsanto Co.'s William G. Krummrich plant in Monsanto, 111. Oils
Further information on keyed Chemical and Equipment items is readily available . . .
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Glassdistilled water?
January 31, 1966
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Just say "CORNING" Now you can match volume in glassdistilled purity to the needs of your lab with the three packaged units in our line of CORNING® Water Distillation Apparatus. The new AG-1A yields 1 liter/hour; the AG-2, 3 liters/hour; the AG-10, 10 liters/ hour. A big plus: you can see when these units need a quick and simple flushing to keep purity high. For data on these new standards of convenience in automatic production of glass-distilled water, send today to Laboratory Glassware Department, Corning Glass Works, 7401 Crystal Street, Corning, N. Y. THE
NEW STANDARDS COME FROM
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