• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.211-218
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• 2013

Large quantities of irradiated graphite waste from graphite-moderated nuclear reactors exist and are expected to increase in the case of High Temperature Reactor (HTR) deployment [1,2]. This situation indicates the need for a graphite waste management strategy. Of greatest concern for long-term disposal of irradiated graphite is carbon-14 ($^{14}C$), with a half-life of 5730 years. Fachinger et al. [2] have demonstrated that thermal treatment of irradiated graphite removes a significant fraction of the $^{14}C$, which tends to be concentrated on the graphite surface. During thermal treatment, graphite surface carbon atoms interact with naturally adsorbed oxygen complexes to create $CO_x$ gases, i.e. "gasify" graphite. The effectiveness of this process is highly dependent on the availability of adsorbed oxygen compounds. The quantity and form of adsorbed oxygen complexes in pre- and post-irradiated graphite were studied using Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) in an effort to better understand the gasification process and to apply that understanding to process optimization. Adsorbed oxygen fragments were detected on both irradiated and unirradiated graphite; however, carbon-oxygen bonds were identified only on the irradiated material. This difference is likely due to a large number of carbon active sites associated with the higher lattice disorder resulting from irradiation. Results of XPS analysis also indicated the potential bonding structures of the oxygen fragments removed during surface impingement. Ester- and carboxyl-like structures were predominant among the identified oxygen-containing fragments. The indicated structures are consistent with those characterized by Fanning and Vannice [3] and later incorporated into an oxidation kinetics model by El-Genk and Tournier [4]. Based on the predicted desorption mechanisms of carbon oxides from the identified compounds, it is expected that a majority of the graphite should gasify as carbon monoxide (CO) rather than carbon dioxide ($CO_2$). Therefore, to optimize the efficiency of thermal treatment the graphite should be heated to temperatures above the surface decomposition temperature increasing the evolution of CO [4].

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2010.02a
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• pp.397-397
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• 2010

Bone is considered as hierarchically organized biocomposites of organic (collagen) and inorganic (hydroxyapatite) materials. The precise structural dependence between hydroxyapatite (HAp, $Ca_{10}(PO_4)_6(OH)_2)$ crystals and collagen fibril is critical to unique characteristics of bone. To meet those conditions and obtain optimal properties, it is essential to understand and control the initial growth mechanisms of hydroxyapatite at the molecular level, such as other nano-structured materials. In this study, collagen fibrils were prepared by adsorbing native type I collagen molecules onto hydrophobic surface. Hydrophobicity was introduced on the Si wafer surface by using PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition) method and cyclohexane as a precursor. Biomimetic nucleation and growth of HAp on the self-assembled collagen nanofibrils were occurred through incubation of the sample in SBF (simulated body fluid). Chemical and morphological evolution of HAp nanocrystals was investigated by surface-sensitive analytical techniques such as ToF-SIMS (Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) and AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) in the early growth stages (< 24 hrs). The very initial stages (< 12 hrs) of mineralization could be clearly demonstrated by ToF-SIMS chemical mapping of surface. In addition to ToF-SIMS and AFM measurement, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to characterize the HAp layer in the late stages. This study is of great importance in the growth of real bone-like materials with a structure analogous to that of natural bones and the development of biomimetic nanomaterials.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.1569-1579
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• 2021

This study aims to provide microstructural characterization for the matrix graphite which molten salt reactors (MSRs) use, and improve resistance to molten salt infiltration of the matrix graphite for fuel elements. Mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) densified matrix graphite A3-3 (MDG) was prepared by a quasi-isostatic pressure process. After densification by MCMBs with average particle sizes of 2, 10, and 16 ㎛, the pore diameter of A3-3 decreased from 924 nm to 484 nm, 532 nm, and 778 nm, respectively. Through scanning electron microscopy, the cross-section energy spectrum and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, resistance levels of the matrix graphite to molten salt infiltration were analyzed. The results demonstrate that adding a certain proportion of MCMB powders can improve the anti-infiltration ability of A3-3. Meanwhile, the closer the particle size of MCMB is to the pore diameter of A3-3, the smaller the average pore diameter of MDG and the greater the densification. As a matrix graphite of fuel elements in MSR was involved, the thermal and mechanical properties of matrix graphite MDG were also studied. When densified by the MCMB matrix graphite, MDGs can meet the molten salt anti-infiltration requirements for MSR operation.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.101-105
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• 2024

4H-SiC power metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) have been developed to achieve lower specific-on-resistance (R_on,sp), and the gate oxides have been thermally grown. The poor channel mobility resulting from the high interface trap density (D_it) at the SiO₂/4H-SiC interface significantly affects the higher switching loss of the power device. Therefore, the development of novel fabrication processes to enhance the quality of the SiO₂/4H-SiC interface is required. In this paper, NO post-oxidation annealing (POA) by using the conditions of N₂ diluted NO at a high temperature (1,300℃) is proposed to reduce the high interface trap density resulting from thermal oxidation. The NO POA is carried out in various NO ambient (0, 10, 50, and 100% NO mixed with 100, 90, 50, and 0% of high purity N₂ gas to achieve the optimized condition while maintaining a high temperature (1,300℃). To confirm the optimized condition of the NO POA, measuring capacitance-voltage (C-V) and current-voltage (I-V), and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) are employed. It is confirmed that the POA condition of 50% NO at 1,300℃ facilitates the equilibrium state of both the oxidation and nitridation at the SiO₂/4H-SiC interface, thereby reducing the D_it.

• Proceedings of the KWS Conference
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• 2010.05a
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• pp.73-73
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• 2010

합금원소가 다량 첨가된 고합금강, 스테인리스강, Ni기 초내열합금 등은 용접시 혹은 후열처리 동안 열영향부 (HAZ: heat-affected-zone)에서 결정립계를 따라서 액화균열이 종종 발생한다. 이러한 액화균열은 급속한 가열시 HAZ의 결정립계가 국부적으로 용융되어 액상필름을 형성하고, 냉각시 수축으로 인한 인장구속응력에 의해 필름을 따라서 균열이 발생하여 생성된다. HAZ 결정립계 액화는 탄화물, 황화물, 인화물, 보론계 화합물 등이 급가열시 기지와의 반응에 의해 표피 액상을 형성하는 조성적 액화 (constitutional liquation)에 의한 액상의 결정립계 침투로 설명되거나, 결정립계 자체의 용융점을 상당량 낮추는 보론(B), 인(P), 황(S)등의 편석에 의한 국부적 입계 용융으로 주로 연관 지어 해석한다. HAZ 액화균열은 고온 입계균열 현상이므로, 결정립계의 특성에 따라 크게 영향을 받으며 결정립계 character 설계에 의해 액화균열 저항성을 개선시킬 수 있음을 유추할 수 있다. 한편, 본 연구자들은 최근 Ni기 초내열합금에 있어 입계 serration 현상을 새롭게 발견하였으며, 이론적 접근법을 통해 serration을 위한 특별한 열처리 방법을 개발하였다. 형성된 파형입계는 결정학적인 관점에서 조밀 {111} 입계면을 갖도록 분해 (dissociation)되어 낮은 계면에너지를 갖게 됨을 확인하였으며, 입계형상 변화뿐만 아니라 탄화물 특성변화까지 유도하여 크리프 수명을 기존대비 약 40% 정도 향상시킴을 확인하였다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 직선형 입계 대비 'special boundary'로 간주되는 파형입계가 도입될 경우, 보론 편석 및 HAZ 액화거동에 미치는 영향을 고찰하고자 하였다. SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry)를 이용하여 열처리 직후 결정립계 보론편석 정도를 비교하였다. 파형입계 시편의 경우, 일반직선형 시편에 비해 결정립계에 보론편석 저항성이 우수함을 확인할 수 있었다. 재현 HAZ 열사이클 시험을 통해 미세조직을 정량적으로 분석하였다. 파형입계 시편 및 일반직선형 시편 모두 최고온도 $1060^{\circ}C$이상부터 입계 탄화물이 기지내로 완전 용해되고 입계가 액화되기 시작하였다. 최고온도별로 입계액화비율을 정량적으로 비교한 결과, 파형입계가 직선입계 대비 훨씬 낮음을 확인할 수 있었으며, 때때로 액화된 필름이 입계를 따라 전파되지 않고 부분적으로 단락되어 있음이 관찰되었다. 액화시험 후 투과전자현미경을 이용한 EDS (energy dispersive spectrometry) 분석을 통해 결정립계 액화의 주요원인은 입계 $M_{23}C_6$의 조성적 액화반응 보다는 보론 편석 (원자 및 $M_{23}(CB)_6$)으로 인한 결정립계 국부용융이 더 유력함을 유추할 수 있었다. 따라서 상기 결과로부터 입계구조가 안정되어 계면에너지가 낮은 파형입계가 보론편석에 대한 저항성이 우수하였으며, 이러한 결과는 액화 저항성에 대응되어 영향을 미침을 알 수 있었다. 게다가 파형입계에 액상 필름이 생성되더라도 낮은 계면에너지에 의해 비롯된 상대적으로 낮은 적심성 (wettability)에 의해 필름이 쉽게 전파되지 않음을 'Smith 입계 wetting 이론'을 이용하여 해석할 수 있었다.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.323-343
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• 2018

This study defines the mineralogical, micro-textural and geochemical characteristics for the carbonate rocks and discusses the fluids that have affected the depositional environment of the Lower Makgol Formation in Seokgaejae section. Based on analysis of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Electron Probe Micro Analyzer-Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EPMA-WDS) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), carbonate miorofacies in the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation are distinguished and classified into four types. Type 1 dolomite (xenotopic interlocking texture) and Type 2 dolomite (idiotopic interlocking texture) have relatively high Mg/Ca ratio, flat REE pattern, low Fe and Mn. Extensively interlocking textures in these dolomites indicate constant supply of Mg ion from hypersaline brine. Type 3 and Type 4 dolomite (scattered and loosely-aggregated texture) have relatively moderate Mg/Ca ratio, MREE enriched pattern, low to high Fe and Mn. These partial dolomitization indicate limited supply of Mg ion under the influx of meteoric water with seawater. Also, the evidence of Fe-bearing minerals, recrystallization and relatively high Fe and Mn in Type 4 indicates the influence of secondary diagenetic fluids under suboxic conditions. Integrating geochemical data with mineralogical and micro-textural evidence, the discrepancy between the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation indicates different sedimentary environment. It suggest that hypersaline brine have an influence on the basal member, while mixing meteoric water with seawater have an effect on the lower member of the Makgol Formation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.808-817
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• 2011

Because of its elevated cellulolytic activity, the filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum has a considerable potential in biomass hydrolysis applications. Trichoderma harzianum cellobiohydrolase I (ThCBHI), an exoglucanase, is an important enzyme in the process of cellulose degradation. Here, we report an easy single-step ion-exchange chromatographic method for purification of ThCBHI and its initial biophysical and biochemical characterization. The ThCBHI produced by induction with microcrystalline cellulose under submerged fermentation was purified on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 media and its identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The ThCBHI biochemical characterization showed that the protein has a molecular mass of 66 kDa and pI of 5.23. As confirmed by smallangle X-ray scattering (SAXS), both full-length ThCBHI and its catalytic core domain (CCD) obtained by digestion with papain are monomeric in solution. Secondary structure analysis of ThCBHI by circular dichroism revealed ${\alpha}$- helices and ${\beta}$-strands contents in the 28% and 38% range, respectively. The intrinsic fluorescence emission maximum of 337 nm was accounted for as different degrees of exposure of ThCBHI tryptophan residues to water. Moreover, ThCBHI displayed maximum activity at pH 5.0 and temperature of $50^{\circ}C$ with specific activities against Avicel and p-nitrophenyl-${\beta}$-D-cellobioside of 1.25 U/mg and 1.53 U/mg, respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.188-198
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• 1993

We have developed a technique for growing thin oxides (6~10 nm) by the Last step TCA method. N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (n-MOS) capacitor and n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor's (MOSFET's) having a gate oxide with chlorine incorporated $SiO_2/Si$ interface have been analyzed by electrical measurements and physical methods, such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The gate oxide grown with the Last strp TCA method has good characteristics as follows: the electron mobility of the MOSFET's with the Last step TCA method was increased by about 7% and the defect density at the $SiO_2/Si$ interface decreases slightly compared with that with No TCA method. In reliability estimation, the breakdown field was 18 MV/cm, 0.6 MV/cm higher than that of the gate oxide with No TCA method, and the lifetime estimated by TDDB measurement was longer than 20 years. The device lifetime estimated from hot-carrier reliability was proven to be enhanced. As the results, the gate oxide having a $SiO_2/Si$ interface incorporated with chlorine has good characteristics. Our new technique of Last step TCA method may be used to improve the endurance and retention of MOSFET's and to alleviate the degradation of thin oxides in short-channel MOS devices.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.124-127
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• 2005

It is demonstrated that the annealing process for Ti in-diffusion to z-cut $LiNbO_3$ at temperature lower than the curie temperature in a platinum (Pt) box can cause a ferroelectric micro-domain inversion at the +z surface and Li out-diffusion, therefore which should be avoided or suppressed for waveguide type periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) devices. The depth of the inversion layer depends on the Ti-diffusion conditions such as temperature, atmosphere, the sealing method of $LiNbO_3$ in the Pt box and crystal orientation is experimentally examined. The result shows that the polarization-inverted domain boundary appears at the only +z surface and its thickness is about $1.6{\mu}m$. Also, for the etched $LiNbO_3$, surface the domain shape was observed by the optical microscope and atomic force microscopy (AEM), and distribution of the cation concentrations in the $LiNbO_3$ crystal by the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.1004-1011
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• 2016

Flavonoids, non-nutrient secondary metabolites of plants, are widely distributed in commonly consumed agro-food resources. Flavonoids include aglycones, and their glycosides are reported to have potential health-promoting compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate flavonoid glycosides in the fruit and leaves of Zizyphus jujuba var. inermis (Bunge) Rehder (jujube). A total of six flavonoids (five flavonols and one chalcone) were identified in jujube fruit and leaves by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry along with chemical library and an internal standard. In positive ion mode, six flavonoids were linked to the C- and O-glycosides which were conjugated with sugar moieties based on kaempferol, quercetin, and phloretin aglycones. Total flavonoid contents of leaves (8,356.5 mg/100 g dry weight (DW)) was approximately 900-fold higher than that of fruit (fresh fruit, 13.6 mg/100 g dry DW; sun-dried fruits, 9.2 mg/100 g dry DW). Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin) and quercetin 3-O-robinobioside were the predominant flavonols in fruit and leaves of jujube. In particular, rutin had the highest content (6,735.2 mg/100 g DW) in leaves, and rutin is a widely reported bioactive compound. Phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glucoside (chalcone type) was detected only in leaves. The leaves of jujube contain a high content of flavonoids and the results of this study indicate that jujube leaves may be a source of bioactive flavonoids.