• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.6-9
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• 2001

[ $SiO_2$ ] effect on the electrochemical properties of polymeric gel electrolytes(PGEs) reinforced with glass fiber cloth(GFC) was investigated . PGEs were composed of polyacrylronitrile(PAN), poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VdF-co-HFP)), $LiClO_4$ and three kind of plasticizer(ethylene carbonate, dietyl carbonate, propylene carbonate). $SiO_2$ was added to PGEs in the weight fraction of 10, 20, $30\%$ respectively. PGEs containing $SiO_2$ showed conductivity of over $10^{-3}S/cm\;at\;23^{\circ}C$ and electrochemical stability window to 4.8V. In the impedance spectra of the cells, which were constructed by lithium metals as electrodes, interfacial resistance increased due to growth of passivation layer during storage time and remarkable difference was not observed with content of $SiO_2$. In the impedance spectra of the lithium ion polymer batteries consisted of $LiClO_2$ and mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber(MCF), ohmic cell resistance of $SiO_2-free$ PGE was changed continuously with number of cycle, but those of $SiO_2-dispersed$ PGEs were not. Discharge capacity of the PGE containing $20wt\%\;SiO_2$ showed 132 mAh/g at 0.2C rate and $85\%$ of discharge capacity was retained at 2C rate.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.77-84
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• 2014

Biodegradable nanocomposites were fabricated with poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Nanomer$^{(R)}$ I.44P using ultrasonication (US). Processing conditions were optimized to obtain the maximum tensile properties of the nanocomposites. Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as a plasticizer to avoid the brittleness of nanocompsoties. In order to disperse nanoclay into the PLA matrix, PEG and Nanomer$^{(R)}$ I.44P were firstly mixed and dispersed in the chloroform and followed by ultrasonication for 1 min With 10% PEG 400, tensile stress and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites decreased from 53.5 MPa and 2225 MPa to 37.0 MPa and 1757 MPa, respectively, while the elongation was increased from 4% to 21%. Tensile stress, Young's modulus, and elongation of nanocomposites were also increased with nanoclay concentration up to 2% (w/w) and were decreased with further increase in the nanoclay concentration. Transmittance of nanocomposites were significantly decreased from 62.5% for pure PLA film to 7.8% for 5% nanoclay containing nanocomposites. Water vapor permeability of the nanocomposites was also significantly decreased with nanoclay concentration and the minimum WVP of $3.5{\times}10^{-11}g{\cdot}m/m^2{\cdot}s{\cdot}Pa$ was obtained with 5% (w/w) nanoclay concentration. The PLA/Nanomer$^{(R)}$ I.44P nanocomposites showed a great potential as a environmental friendly food packaging material.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.42 no.2 s.273
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• pp.132-139
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• 2005

Sintering behavior of $BaO-Nd_{2}O_3-TiO_2$ with a Pb-based glassceramics frit were investigated in order to understand an effect of glassceramics as a low temperature sintering agent on dielectric ceramics. A green sheet form was fabricated through tape casting method with the glassceramic fut added $BaO-Nd_{2}O_3-TiO_2$. The dispersion properties, rheological properties and final density of dielectric composit slurry as a function of amount and composition of organic additives was examined. The dispersants' addition was effective in controlling dispersion of the ceramics in solution. The addition of excessive dispersant showed adverse effect on dispersion. The prepared slurries, containing ceramic : powders, glass-ceramics and various kinds of organic viechles, exhibited typical shear thinning behavior. The best properties of tape casting appeared powder to solvent ratio 65 : 35 and amount of the binder 6 wt$\%$ and plasticizer 3 wt$\%$. The viscosity of the slurry was 677 cps and green/sintered density in the tape was $3.3 g/cm^3,\;5.56 g/cm^3$ respectively.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.457-466
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• 2005

Industrial plasticizers such as phthalates can induce peroxisome proliferation. A growing concern among environmental and health groups has arisen because phthalates such as di-2-ethy1hexy1 phthalate (DEHP) and DBP may cause hormonal disorders, reproductive toxicity, hepatocellular tumors, genital disorders owing to a capacity to bind estrogen receptors, and a low-dose toxic action during certain periods of fetal development. Phthalate esters are used extensively as a plasticizer for plastic manufacture such as PVC bags and medical devices. This study investigated the effects of leached components from spring water container's cap and seal film. Phthalates, e.g. dimethy1 phthalate (DMP), diethy1 phthalate (DEP), di-n-buty1 phthalate (DBP), benzy1buty1 phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethy1hexy1) phthalate (DEHP), and bisphenol A (BPA) were measured in the spring water. The bisphenol A was not detected or below the detection limit on the leaching from cap, sealing or spring water. DEHP were detected 90-116 ppb on the leaching from seal after 2 weeks, and 0.48-0.51 ppb from the spring water after I week. BBP were measured from seal within 1 week 25.4-66 ppb and below 0.12 ppb from spring water within 2 days. DMP were detected from seal within 2 weeks 51-68.5 ppb and 0.12 ppb after 2 weeks. DEP were measured from seal within 2 weeks 48.1-141 ppb and the concentrations were increased by the time from 0.10 to 0.31 ppb at spring water. DBP were detected from the seal within 2 weeks 92.3-5100 ppb and the concentration were decreased by the time from 0.24 to 0.10 ppb at spring water. These results indicate that some phthalate esters contaminated with spring water using the intact cap and seal film. It is concluded that the measured levels of phthalates leaching from these materials might in vivo only be slightly less than 1/10 of the LOAEL.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.222-228
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• 2011

Poly(vinyl chloride)-g-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PVC-g-POEM) graft copolymer was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and used as an electrolyte for electrochromic device. Plasticized polymer electrolytes were prepared by the introduction of propylene carbonate (PC)/ethylene carbonate (EC) mixture as a plasticizer. The effect of salt was systematically investigated using lithium tetrafluoroborate ($LiBF_4$), lithium perchlorate ($LiClO_4$), lithium iodide (LiI) and lithium bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide (LiTFSI). Wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements showed that the structure and glass transition temperature ($T_g$) of polymer electrolytes were changed due to the coordinative interactions between the ether oxygens of POEM and the lithium salts, as supported by FT-IR spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the microphase-separated structure of PVC-g-POEM was not greatly disrupted by the introduction of PC/EC and lithium salt. The plasticized polymer electrolyte was applied to the electrochromic device employing poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) conducting polymer.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.213-221
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• 2011

Using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a polymer host, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a plasticizer, potassium iodide and iodine as sources of $I^-/I_3^-$, polymer electrolyte membranes were prepared. Based on the polymer electrolytes, solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)s were fabricated. The content of PEG in the electrolyte was controlled to be 95%. The mole number of KI per 1 mole of EO ([KI]/[EO] ratio) in the electrolyte was changed to be 0.022, 0.044, 0.066 and 0.088. The electrolyte membrane showed wax phase in ambient temperature. The ionic conductivity increased with increasing KI content to reach the maximum value at which [KI]/[EO] ratio is 0.066. After the maximum value, the ionic conductivity decreased with increasing KI content. In the case of DSSC, the Voc decreased continuously with increasing KI content in the polymeric electrolyte membrane. The $J_{SC}$ increased with increasing KI content to show maximum value at which [KI]/[EO] ratio is 0.044. In the higher KI content region, $J_{SC}$ value decreased with increasing KI content.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.373-387
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• 2009

Considering the current construction technology and research status of deep repository tunnels for radioactive waste disposal, it is inevitable to use cementitious materials in spite of serious concern about their long-term environmental stability. Thus, it is an emerging task to develop low pH cementitious materials. This study reviews the state of the technology on low pH cements developed in Sweden, Switzerland, France, and Japan as well as in Finland which is constructing a real deep repository site for high-level radioactive waste disposal. Considering the physical and chemical stability of bentonite which acts as a buffer material, a low pH cement limits to $pH{\leq}11$ and pozzolan-type admixtures are used to lower the pH of cement. To attain this pH requirement, silica fume, which is one of the most promising admixtures, should occupy at least 40 wt% of total dry materials in cement and the Ca/Si ratio should be maintained below 0.8 in cement. Additionally, selective super-plasticizer needs to be used because a high amount of water is demanded from the use of a large amount of silica fume.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.289-296
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• 2007

Di-(ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), commonly used as a plasticizer for manufacturing flexible vinyl products, has been the topic of extensive research, especially concerning endocrine disrupting properties. Metallothionein (MT) is a low molecular weight (6,000$\sim$7,000 Da), cysteine-rich (22$\sim$23%), metal-binding protein and is known to be induced by extrinsic factors such as chemical agents and stresses. Some of the known function of MT include detoxification of heavy metals and alkylating agents and neutralization of free radicals. Nonetheless, the definitive physiological function of MT are still unknown. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of DEHP on the ultrastructural changes and the expression of MT of the rat liver. The rats were orally intubated with either corn oil (experimental control) or 0.5 mg, 1.5 mg and 4.5 mg DEHP kg$^{-1}$ day$^{-1}$ in 0.5 mL of corn oil for 15 days before sacrificing and sampling. DEHP induced mild ultrastrctural changes of some cell organelles such as rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes and peroxisomes in the rat liver treated with DEHP. In the respect of immunogold labelling and Western blotting, MT expression of the liver tissue was up-regulated by DEHP. In conclusion, DEHP has effects on the ultrastructures and hepatic function for MT expression in rat.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.231-239
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• 2018

Bisphenol A, an everywhere chemical, is applied as a plasticizer in polycarbonate plastics, which often used in our everyday products and in epoxy resins as protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans for decades. Human exposure to BPA may lead to adverse effects by interfering with oestrogen receptors. Our present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit E) on BPA-induced damage in the liver of male rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: the first group received olive oil and served as control. The second group received both (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet). The third one treated orally by (10 mg/kg b.w.) of BPA. The last group received (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet) concomitantly with (10 mg/kg b.w.) BPA. Exposure to BPA for three weeks engendered a hepatic disorder. An increased AST and ALT enzymatic activity was noticed in BPA-treated group as compared to other groups. Furthermore, a change in glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, albumin, and bilirubin level was remarkable. Moreover, exposure to BPA increased malondialdehyde levels while reduced gluthatione content was decreased in the liver homogenate. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase and catalase activities was observed in the same group. Administration of selenium and vitamin E through the diet in BPA treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. In addition, an improvement in activities of liver enzymes was recorded. The histological findings confirmed the biochemical results. The model of this study that we employed characterized the relationships between BPA-induced hepatotoxicity and its alleviation by natural antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.29-37
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• 2013

PURPOSES : This study aims to review the possibility of developing a road snow-melting system that can prevent slip accidents by maintaining a constant temperature of the winter roads and enhance performance of structures, including improvement of compressive strength by mixing carbon nanotube (hereafter referred to as CNT) with cement paste, the basic material. METHODS : To achieve the above purpose, an experiment was conducted by mixing power-type CNT and wrap-type CNT up to cement paste formulation by weight of 0.0wt%~4.1wt% in accordance with "KS L ISO 679(of cement strength test method)", and compressive strength was measured at 28 days of curing. In addition, the volume resistivity of the specimen was measured to test thermal and electrical characteristics, and the rate of temperature changes in specimen surface by power consumption was measured by passing electricity through the cross-sections of the specimen. Meanwhile, the criteria for checking the performance as a road snow-melting system was determined as volume resistivity of $100{\Omega}{\cdot}cm$ or less. RESULTS : A comparative analysis between specimen with 0wt% CNT content in plain status and specimen containing various types of CNTs was carried out. From its results, it was found that compressive strength increased approximately 19%, showing the highest rate when 0.2wt% of wrap-type CNT was contained, but volume resistivity of $100{\Omega}{\cdot}cm$ or less appeared only in specimens containing more than 0.2wt% CNT. In addition, it was observed that the surface temperature increased by $4.62^{\circ}C$ per minute on average in specimens containing 3.2wt% CNT. CONCLUSIONS : In this study, CNT was examined as an underlying material for a road snow-melting system, and the possibility of developing the road now-melting system was reviewed by conducting various experiments using CNT-Cement composites. From the experimental results, the specimens were found to have a superior performance when compared to the existing road snow-melting systems that place the heat transfer medium such as copper on the road. However, satisfactory strength performance were not obtained from the specimen containing CNT(2.0% or more) that functions as a heating element, which leads to the need for reviewing methods to increase the strength by using plasticizer or admixture.