ALBERT

Notes: New types of amide polymers have been prepared and evaluated as corrosion inhibitors for steel protection. Such polymers included o-, m-, and p- itaconyl phenylene amides, itaconyl o- tolidine amide and maleiyl phenylene amide polymers. The polymers were prepared by condensation of equimolar ratios of diamine with itaconic or maleic acids in non-polar solvents of high boiling point (〉135°C) using the Dean and Stark apparatus. The amide polymers obtained were characterised and their structures confirmed based on the micro-analysis of C, H, and N, the estimated amount of water liberated from the condensation reaction, the IR spectrophotometric measurements and the molecular weight determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The amide polymers obtained were incorporated into paint formulations as corrosion inhibitors for steel protection.

Notes: Long afterglow Sr2MgSi2O7 (SMS) phosphor was prepared by Douby's methods at high temperature and reductive atmosphere. The excitation and emission spectra of this phosphor showed that both had broad bands and that the main emission peak at 469?nm was due to 4f-5d transitions of Eu+2 and implied that the luminescence centres Eu+2 occupied the Sr+2 sites in the Sr2MgSi2O7 host. The phosphor doped only with Eu ions did not demonstrate the long afterglow phenomenon, but when co-doped with Dy+3 ions in the SMS matrix, significant long afterglow was observed.

Notes: Recent years have seen a rapid development of ink-jet printing technology. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in ink-jet printing technology and gives an overview of ink-jet printing into the immediate future. The focus is placed on various applications of jet printing technology. The potential of applying jetting technology in the conventionally surface coating dominated applications will also be explored.

Notes: Purpose - To develop a method for the preparation of micaceous zinc ferrite (MZF), anticorrosive pigment having desirable chemical and physical properties. Design/methodology/approach - MZF pigment was prepared after firing the oxidised solid molten salts without washing. The MZF pigment obtained was characterised using X-ray diffraction analysis, crystal size analysis, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The pigment obtained was also evaluated chemically with respect to moisture content, content of water-soluble salts, hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and weight loss; and physically with respect to particle shape, colour, specific gravity and oil absorption. Commercially available micaceous iron oxide and zinc ferrite pigments were also characterised in comparison. Findings - A spinel, MZF pigment was prepared using relevant oxidised solid molten salts. The preparation produced a lamellar structure with a basic nature giving not only barrier protection but also chemical passivation of the substrate. Research limitations/implications - The anticorrosive properties of the pigments obtained could be evaluated using more conventional methods such as salt-spray test. Practical implications - The pigment prepared could be used as a highly efficient pigment for anticorrosion coating for steel. Originality/value - The method for the preparation of MZF pigment was novel. The pigment obtained could be used in various resin systems to produce anticorrosive paints for steel protection.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the efficiency of complex esters as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride plastisols and plasticates. Design/methodology/approach - Several poly(vinyl chloride) plastisols and plasticates were prepared with standard phthalate plasticizers and complex esters and were characterised using standard and laboratory methods. Findings - The use of mixtures of three new CE with standard phthalate plasticizers increased the physical, mechanical and electric characteristics of the resulting PVCPs and PVCPl. Research limitations/implications - The use of three new CE, obtained by esterification of dicarboxylic acids (adipic, sebacic, pelargonic), poly(ethylene glycol) and i-octanole, as plasticizers of poly(vinyl chloride) plastisols and plasticates was investigated. The use of CE based on other organic acids could be explored. Practical implications - The results confirmed the efficiency of plasticization of PVC by CE. Such a finding has significant industrial implication. Originality/value - Several findings are original and are of importance to relevant industry. The new CE with high molecular weights were effective plasticizers of PVC. The efficiency of the plasticizers depended on their chemical structure. The molecular weight of the CE had no influence on the compatibility of plasticizers and other components of the PVC plastisols and plasticates.

Notes: Purpose - To prepare and characterise organotin polymers via a new synthetic route by exchange reactions of poly-N-acryloyloxy- and poly-N-methacryloyloxy-tetrabromophthalimide with hydroxy- and aminotri-n-butyltin benzoates. Design/methodology/approach - Preparation of N-acryloyloxytetrabromophthalimide (NATP) and N-methacryloyloxytetrabromophthalimide (NMTP) by the reaction of N-hydroxytetrabromo-phthalimide with acryloyl or methacryloyl chloride. The exchange reactions of the resulting polymers with amino and hydroxytri-n-butyltin benzoate were carried out. The structure of the resulting compounds was characterised. Findings - NATP and NMTP were prepared by the reaction of N-hydroxy-tetrabromophthalimide with acryloyl or methacryloyl chloride in the presence of TEA. The monomers prepared were easily polymerised. The exchange reactions of poly-NATP and poly-NMTP with amino and hydroxytri-n-butyltin benzoate were studied. The structure of the polymers and copolymers prepared was confirmed by tin analysis, IR and 1HNR spectroscopy. Research limitations/implications - The new monomer described in the present investigation may be useful for the preparation of organotin polymers by a new synthetic route. Also, the organotin polymers prepared had good film properties and were suitable for film formation. Practical implications - The method for the preparation of monomer is simple and the exchange reactions provide a simple and practical solution for preparation of some classes of organotin polymers and copolymers. Originality/value - The method of preparation of organotin polymers was novel and may be useful for preparation of other organotin polymers and copolymers.

Notes: Purpose - Several solid solution combinations of aluminium oxide and iron oxide, for the preparation of a new pigment, were investigated to study the effect of aluminium oxide to iron oxide ratio on various properties of the resulting pigments. Design/methodology/approach - The conditions for the preparation of the pigments via solid solution interaction at 1,000°C had been estimated. Characterisation of three different combinations of aluminium oxide and iron oxide were carried out using spectroscopic methods of analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). Also, evaluation of the pigments prepared, in terms of oil absorption, specific gravity, water-soluble matter, and pH, using international standard testing methods was performed. The pigments prepared were incorporated in anticorrosive paint formulations based on medium oil alkyd resin as a binder. The physico-mechanical properties of the relevant paint films were obtained, while their anticorrosive properties were assessed by tests in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution for 28 days. Findings - The results showed that the anticorrosive protection properties of the pigment prepared were better than their aluminium and iron counterparts. Research limitations/implications - The pigments prepared may be used in different applications other than paint formulations. As the concentration of iron oxide increases, the hardness and the anticorrosive protection performance of the paint film increase. As the concentration of aluminium increases, elasticity, impact resistance and ductility also increase. Application of different combinations of these pigments in paint films had been studied. However, investigation of the application of these pigments in other systems such as plastics could also be interesting. Practical implications - The pigments prepared can be used as reinforcing filler in different rubber and plastic composites, beside its ferro-magnetic properties. As the concentration of alumina increased, the reinforcing and magnetic effects decreased and vice versa. Originality/value - Iron oxide is an abundant ore in several world countries; it is an inorganic, environmentally friendly material, which exhibits good Moh's hardness. Adding aluminium oxide which is a very light element having a unique flaky structure to iron oxide gave a new pigment that can be used not only in paint formulations, but also in rubber and plastic composites as reinforcing fillers.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the competing reaction of isocyanate with cellulose and water which can provide direction for further studies on bonding and curing reactions of isocyanate with wood. Design/methodology/approach - Two modern analytical techniques, Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used. The FTIR was used to identify the products of the reaction of phenyl isocyanate (PI) with alcohol, water, and cellulose; while the XPS was used to evaluate the proportions of isocyanate that reacted with water or cellulose when PI reacted with cellulose at different moisture contents (MCs), respectively. Findings - Methods for the IR identifications of reaction results of PI with n-propanol, water, and cellulose, in which the reactions of PI with water and PI with cellulose resulted in N,N'-diphenylurea and carbamate, respectively, were developed. It was discovered that the extent of reaction of isocyanate and cellulose decreased with increasing cellulose MC, and 92.98 per cent isocyanate reacted with water when 9.78 per cent MC was reached. It was confirmed that the products of the PI reaction were distributed mainly on the surface of the cellulose particles. Research limitations/implications - The study only focused on the reaction of PI. However, the industrial isocyanates, e.g. methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), polymerized methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (p-MDI) that have complexities in chemical structures and components, make analyses with FTIR and XPS impossible. Practical implications - The paper provides some instructive information about the isocyanate reaction that will help understanding the characteristics of isocyanate and guiding the design of technology bonding isocyanate to fibre, wood, etc. Originality/value - The application of FTIR and XPS for evaluating the reaction of isocyanate with cellulose having different MCs was novel and may be used as a reference for other relevant studies.

Notes: Itaconic acid was reacted with phenylene diamine (ortho, meta and para) and o-tolidine in boiling dekalin, using Dean and Stark apparatus. The polymers prepared were evaluated for their suitability as antioxidants for natural rubber vulcanizates. The amide polymers prepared showed high efficiency as antioxidants for rubber vulcanizates, exceeding the performance of commercial antioxidants. In addition, the results obtained are encouraging and support the use of these polymers from both the environmental and economical points of view.

Notes: This paper reviews the self-stratifying coatings concept, which is a tool to formulate film-forming compositions based on incompatible polymer blends capable of producing coatings having polymer/polymer composite structures and outstanding performance in a number of application fields. The self-stratifying concept is applicable to waterborne, solvent-based and powder coatings, requiring specific formulations and frequently also conditions of application and film formation. Micro-heterogeneous and non-homogeneous-in-layer (or ultimately double-layer) film structures obtained by one-coat application of a single coating composition render considerable enhancement in coatings properties (mechanical, protective etc.) particularly various surface/interfacial properties (e.g. scratch-resistance, mar-resistance and adhesion durability, etc.).

Notes: Recent years have seen a significant increase in the use of inkjet technology for printing on textile fabrics. Typical inkjet printed textile products included curtains, large advertising posters, flags and banners. As a result of the need for such inkjet printed products to have a greater durability, especially for outdoor applications, inks containing pigments as the colourants are gaining more interests. However, pigments may give rise to logistical problems in terms of their dispersion stability within the ink formulation, consequently blocking the nozzles within the inkjet print head. This paper reports methods for the preparation of pigment dispersions and of inkjet printing ink formulations and the methods for the evaluation of the suitability of pigmented ink formulations for jet printing on textile materials. In particular, the suitability of three magenta pigments for inkjet inks were assessed and reported.

Notes: A comparison of the difference in chemical nature of re-dispersible polymer powders useful for the modification of cement based compositions is made. Core-shell acrylic lattices synthesised by multi-step sequential polymerisation are formulated and spray-dried to obtain re-dispersible powders. The heterogeneous acrylic copolymers prepared are characterised by excellent re-dispersibility, high chemical stability and good application properties.

Notes: A soluble polyschiff base containing triarylamine unit in backbone was synthesised by condensation polymerisation. The hole transport properties of such polyschiff base were studied. The mobility of the hole carrier in the polyschiff base film was also measured and found to be µ=1.68×10-4?cm2/V?s by means of time of flight technique. A polymer electroluminescence device was prepared with the polyschiff base used as hole transporting moiety by spin coated.

Notes: The market for ultraviolet curing technology has been growing at double-digit rates in the last 10 years. The main reason for such a rapid technological growth of UV curing is its unique process characteristic, which allow UV-coating to be applied on virtually any substrates, including plastic, metal, composite, wood, paper, leather, vinyl, glass, magnetic recording tape and even human teeth. The original driving forces behind the commercialisation of UV-technology were energy saving and freedom from solvents. These benefits are complemented by high productivity and subsequently higher profits that can be achieved with the increased line speed, just-in-time benefits and immediate "pack and ship" capabilities. This paper gives a review of the development of the UV curing technology, with emphasis placed on relevant chemistry.

Notes: Commercial pressure has forced improvements in the reduction of press down time. One restraining factor for the flexographic printing process has been the lack of predictability and consistency. The results of a factorial designed experiment, are reported in this paper. Investigations into the complex interactions of many variable factors that take place during the printing process were carried out. Various statistical methods were employed for the design of the experiment and for the interpretation of experimental data generated. The results of the investigation have been used to optimise the flexographic printing techniques to significantly manipulate the properties of various production components for the end-use application to enhance the plates printing performance and consistency.

Notes: UV curing technology has a number of unique advantages over the conventional curing technologies. However, until very recently, there had been few successful examples of the application of UV curing technology in ink-jet printing. Several reasons, including the requirement of low viscosity for ink-jet printing inks, were responsible for the lack of development of UV curable ink-jet printing inks. This paper describes, in some details, the challenges that a formulator had to face in developing UV curable ink-jet printing inks, together with information on the status quo of UV curable ink-jet printing technology.

Notes: Impermeability tests had been carried out to compare the moisture resistance of two wood finish paints available on the Cameroonian market. Two types of paints had been used namely, an oil-based paint and an emulsion paint, both manufactured in Cameroon by SMALTO Company. It appeared that the oil-based paint gave better protection to wood in wet environments, areas with strong pluviometry (where the quantity of humidity in the air is very high). The emulsion paint was found to be suitable for use for interior decorative purpose. It was suggested that a glycerophthalic lacquer could be used for wood finishing in areas subjected to the emissions of water vapour or requiring frequent washing (bathroom, kitchen, WC, etc.). In addition, the number of coating layers should be increased to enhance the moisture resistance of such paint films.

Notes: A range of methine dyes has been synthesised by condensation of electronegative active methylene compound, 4-nitrophenylacetonitrile with substituted benzaldehydes. The electronic absorption spectroscopic properties of the dyes were investigated. It was found that in general, substituents on the aromatic aldehyde moiety had a significant effect on the visible absorption maxima of the dyes.

Notes: Zinc potassium chromate (4Zn·O4CrO3·K2O·3H2O) was prepared using zinc salt solution, sodium hydroxide and potassium dichromate solutions. The pigment synthesised was investigated by various methods. Upon heating, this pigment underwent decomposition to form ZnCr2O4, K2CrO4 and ZnO. The pigment obtained was successfully used in the preparation of glaze and then on a tile. The L*, a* and b* values of the fired glaze were 71.607, 2.695 and 67.327, respectively.

Notes: The effects of natural Artemisia oil on the corrosion of steel in molar hydrochloric acid were studied by the measurements of weight loss, electrochemical and EIS polarisation. The results obtained revealed that Artemisia oil reduced the rate of corrosion. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the increase of inhibitor concentration. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies clearly revealed that the presence of the natural Artemisia oil did not alter the mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction and acted essentially as a cathodic inhibitor. Good agreement between gravimetric and electrochemical polarisation results was noted. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behaviour of steel in 1M HCl, with and without the oil in the temperature range of 308-353?K, indicated that inhibition efficiency increased with temperature. The adsorption of Artemisia oil on the steel is followed by Frumkin adsorption isotherm.

Notes: This paper reports on the preparation of six formulations (G1-G6) containing mixed soap greases based on cotton soap stock, aromatic extract, heavy alkylate and lube base oil. The physicochemical properties of these ingredients were characterised. The consistency, dropping point and mechanical stability of the formulated greases were assessed and tested in accordance with the National Laboratory for Grease Institute standards, and compared with the Egyptian Standards. The properties of the formulated grease G4 proved to be the best. The work reported also includes preparation of itaconyl-o-tolidine-, itaconyl bisaniline- and itaconyl m-phenylene- amide polymers. The structure of these polymers was investigated using infrared spectroscopy, micro analysis and gel permeation chromatography. The polymers prepared were evaluated as antioxidants for the optimum formulated grease G4. The study revealed that the itaconyl m-phenylene amide polymer was a weak antioxidant, while itaconyl bisaniline- and itaconyl-o-tolidine amide polymers showed good anti-oxidation property.

Notes: The effects of polyol types, polyol molecular weights, NCO/OH molar ratio, solvent types, and resin solid contents of the one-part ambient temperature curing adhesives were studied. The results showed that the one-part ambient temperature curing polyurethane prepared had fast rate of setting and good bonding, meeting the requirements of a typical structural adhesive.

Notes: The inhibition of corrosion of steel in 1?M HCl solution by newly synthesised pyrazole derivatives has been studied by weight loss and polarisation techniques at 308°K. Its inhibitory power is compared to N,N'-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl-methyl)-pentanolamine (Bipyr). The results obtained reveal that tripyrazole exhibits a good protection. Inhibition is found to increase with increase in inhibitor concentration. The inhibition behaviour of the compound has been explained on the basis of molecule size and charge density of adsorption active centres. The adsorption phenomenon obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.

Notes: Purpose - Preparation of new organotin polymers via a new synthetic route based on the exchange reactions of pentachlorophenyl acrylate or methacrylate with amino-tri-phenyltin benzoates or hydroxyl-tri-phenyltin benzoates. Design/methodology/approach - The pentachlorophenyl acrylate or methacrylate was prepared by polymerisation in solution with azobisisobutyrontrile as a free radical initiator. The polymers obtained were allowed to undergo exchange reactions with amino-tri-phenyltin benzoates or hydroxyl-tri-phenyltin benzoates. The structure of the polymers prepared was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Films were prepared from purified organotin polymers solution on glass, PVC and tin plates. The release of tin compound from the films, when immersed in aqueous media, was assessed. The concentration of the released tin (ppm) was measured by atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. Findings - The new synthetic route was effective, the organotin polymers prepared had good film properties and the release of tin compounds increased with the content of tin in the organotin polymers. Research limitations/implications - The alkaline resistance of the polymeric films prepared needs improvement. Practical implications - The polymers prepared provide a family of effective polymeric fungicide useful for a number of applications including water sterilisation. Originality/value - The polymers prepared contained pendent triphenyltin moieties which slowly hydrolysed to give fungicidal and antifouling effects.

Notes: Molecular charge transfer complexes of some thiazolazo compounds with Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, La3+ and Zr3+ complexes with iodine have been studied spectrophotometrically. The stoichiometry and formation constants of the complexes formed were determined. The effect of solvents, effect of buffer (pH 2-11) and the energy of transition (E) were calculated. The optimum conditions favouring the formation of the coloured complexes were extensively studied by Beer's law and Ringbom method. Furthermore, the spectral characteristics, IR, UV-Vis and 1H NMR of the complexes were investigated and discussed in terms of donor molecular structure.

Notes: Studies were carried out on the modification of silica with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane in various solvents. The modified silica obtained was subjected to comprehensive evaluations of physicochemical properties, including the bulk density and the capacities to absorb water, dibutyl phthalate and paraffin oil. Particle size, particle size distribution, uniformity of the particles, tendency to form agglomerates, as well as particle surface morphology, were also examined using SEM and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The properties of the modified silica obtained were compared to evaluate the effects of the solvents used during the surface modification of the silica.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the effects of different levels of quaternised pyrodextrin as wet-end and filler retention aid additives in papermaking. Design/methodology/approach - The pulp furnishes used in this study were a mixture of bleached rice straw pulp with bleached sulphite softwood pulp at a ratio of 60:40. The beaten pulps (never dried) were treated with different grades of modified starch (Pyrodextrins). The results obtained were compared with those of several commercial polymers, such as Accostrength®86, cationic starch and polyacrylamide. Findings - The results obtained from this study showed that addition of 0.3 percent of British Gum (BG) (Degree of Substitution at 0.058) grade pyrodextrin to the pulp slurry, especially in case of kaolin as paper filler gave the most significant improvement in paper properties as well as filler retention. The results obtained also showed that the filler retention and paper properties were better/higher for all pyrodextrins studied than those obtained from both Accostrength®86 and polyacrylamide. Research limitations/implications - Using quaternised pyrodextrins as wet-end additives and filler retention aids improved all mechanical properties of treated paper, except the brightness which decreased very slightly. Practical implications - The grade of pyrodextrins used in this work could be used to improve the physical and strength properties of paper sheets. Originality/value - Different types of pyrodextrin namely, Dexy-84 (D-84), Dexy-86 (D-86) and British Gum (BG) could be used as paper wet-end additives and filler retention aids in paper making processing.

Notes: White pine wood was impregnated with a mixture of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and N-methacryloyloxyphthalimide and by other three mixtures prepared by mixing MMA and N-methacryloyloxytetrabromo-phthalimide. Water uptake of treated wood was found to be 54 per?cent after water-soaking test of 168?h and maximum antiswell efficiency was found to be 48 per?cent for treated wood samples with non-brominated comonomer mixture.

Notes: In the "dry" state, pigment particles are held together by attraction forces of various physical chemical natures including the van der Waals force and the "liquid bridge" force. These attraction forces must be overcome in order to disperse pigment particles into liquid media. Dispersion machinery is designed to generate energy required to overcome, to various extents, such attraction forces. On the other hand, the efficiency of dispersion operation is significantly dependent upon the effectiveness of the transfer of energy from the dispersion tools/dispersion charges to the oversized pigment particles, as a result of the presence of the adhesion and cohesion within the dispersion system. This paper explores the nature and the significance of various forces between pigment particles and of the adhesion and cohesion phenomena associated with pigment dispersion, from a practical point of view. Principles relevant to improving the efficiency of pigment dispersion via minimisation of the adhesion between pigment particles and via maximisation of the adhesion and cohesion within the dispersion system are also discussed.

Notes: Purpose - To study the effect of inhibition of new bipyrazole derivatives on the corrosion of steel in HCl media at various temperatures. Design/methodology/approach - In this study, novel corrosion inhibitors, namely bipyrazoles were synthesised and tested as corrosion inhibitors for steel in 1?M HCl. The degree of corrosion was measured using various techniques including weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarisation, linear polarisation resistance (Rp) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Findings - It was found that 1,5,5'-trimethyl-1H,2'H-3,3'-bipyrazole (P1) gave the best inhibition effect. The inhibition efficiency increased with the concentration of P1 to attain 79 per cent at 10-3?M. Good agreement between the various methods explored was observed. Polarisation measurements also showed that P1 acted essentially as a cathodic inhibitor. The cathodic curves indicated that the reduction of proton at the steel surface was an activating mechanism. P1 adsorbed on the steel surface according to Frumkin adsorption model. Research limitations/implications - The synthesis route offers the possibility of other pyrazolic compounds to be tested in the future. Practical implications - The inhibitory efficiency of P1 increased with the increase of both the concentration and the temperature (in the 298-353?K range). As such, P1 can be used in chemical cleaning and pickling processes. Originality/value - The originality of this work is the synthesis of new inhibitors based on pyrazolic organic compounds.

Notes: ZnS:Cu phosphors were prepared by co-precipitating Cu along with ZnS using H2S and thiourea. Phosphors giving luminescence at around 530?nm were prepared. The difference in the characteristic properties among the samples prepared appeared to be due to the formation of nanoparticles during the preparation of the samples by different methods.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the efficiency of modifying flax fibre using copper ammonia solution for improved dyeability and to optimise the conditions of such a modification. Design/methodology/approach - Treatments of flax fibre using copper ammonia solution were carried out under various conditions, i.e. the compositions of the solution and the length of time for treatment. The dyeability, the dyeing colour depth, the tensile strength and the structure of the untreated and treated flax fibres were characterised. Findings - The modification of flax fabric using copper ammonia solution could improve the dyeability and the dyeing colour depth of the flax fabric. The treatment appeared to reduce the crystallinity and the orientation index of the flax fibre, which was the main cause to the improved dyeability and dyeing colour depth of the flax fabric. The optimum conditions for the treatment were as follows: concentration of Cu2+ at 20?g/L, Cu2+/NH3 ratio at 12?:?1 and time of treatment at 6?min. Research limitations/implications - Whilst effective in improving the dyeability of the flax fibre, the treatment led to a reduction in the tensile strength of the treated flax fabric. Practical implications - The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improve the dyeability of flax fibre. Originality/value - The method for treatment of flax fibre was novel and could be used for industrial production process.

Notes: Purpose - To prepare modified epoxy resins from resorcinol, cresol and phenol for improved adhesion and chemical resistance. To evaluate the properties of such modified epoxy resins. Design/methodology/approach - Epoxy novolac resins (ENRs) were synthesised by condensing epichlorohydrin with novolacs based on different types of substituted phenols for improving adhesion and chemical resistance. Various compositions were made by incorporating different proportions of polyamide resin. The chemical and adhesive strengths of the conventional epoxy and the modified epoxy resins were characterised. Findings - The modified ENR using substituted phenols showed significant enhancement of chemical and adhesive strengths over the conventional DGEBA resin. The modified ENR had an increased number of glycidyl groups (thus increased functionality) of resin, which was responsible for improved chemical and adhesive strengths over the conventional DGEBA resin. Research limitations/implications - The EPN resins used in the present context was synthesised from phenol, resorcinol and cresol and cured by polyamide resin of different amine values. Besides, it could be synthesised from phenolphthalein p-aminophenol and p-ter-butylcatachol, etc. Practical implications - The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the adhesive and chemical resistance of cured epoxy phenol novolac resins. Originality/value - The method for enhanced adhesive and chemical resistance of cured epoxy was novel and could find numerous applications in surface coating and adhesive.

Notes: Purpose - To investigate the effects of acetylation process as a chemical treatment method to improve the dimensional stability of wood, or as a pre-treatment step to enhance the dimensional stability of wood by impregnates. Design/methodology/approach - Esterification of two species of wood were carried out by vapour and liquid phase acetylation processes. With the vapour phase acetylation process, wood with different acetyl contents were obtained by changing the length of time of treatment. With the liquid phase acetylation, different acetyl content were obtained by changing the acetylating mixture or by activating wood with acetic acid for different periods of time and at different temperatures prior to the acetylation processes. The acetyl content and the conditions of impregnation improving the dimensional stability were modelled and optimised. The success of acetylation process for improving the affinity of wood towards the impregnation was also demonstrated. Findings - Vapour phase acetylation process was preferable over liquid phase acetylation for improving both water resistance and dimensional stability of wood species examined. Liquid acetylating of wood, as a pre-treatment step enhanced the effect of impregnates, especially the linseed oil to improve relevant wood properties. The greater improvement was obtained at 3?h impregnation time and 190°C curing temperature for 1?h. Research limitations/implications - Despite the success in improving the affinity of wood species to novolac by pre-acetylation, increasing the curing time and curing temperature led to deterioration of the water resistance and dimensional stability. Practical implications - Pre-acetylation of the wood provided a practical solution to rendering the natural wood greater water resistance property using commercial impregnates. Originality/value - The method for acetylation of wood prior to impregnation was novel and could be used for inhibiting wood against moisture absorption during storage.

Notes: Purpose - The preparation and characterisation of new bioactive polymeric materials. Design/methodology/approach - New bioactive polysaccharide were prepared by grafting of acrylonitrile onto water soluble starch and then reacting with bioactive heterocyclic rings. The biological activity, against bacteria, of the materials prepared was studied. Findings - Some of the prepared bioactive materials show high disinfecting power against bacteria. Research limitations/implications - The bioactive materials were prepared by grafting acrylonitrile onto starch and then reacting the resulting material with cyanuric acid and 2-aminothiazole. Many other heterocyclic rings that contain tertiary nitrogen atom or amide nitrogen can also be used. Practical implications - The new bioactive materials prepared can be used for disinfecting purposes. Originality/value - Some of the materials prepared were used successfully in killing bacteria, as such, can be used as disinfecting materials.

Notes: The paper deals with comparison of aqueous polymer dispersions from the point of view of the application thereof to anticorrosive primers. The corrosion tests performed with the coatings formulated on various water-borne binders indicate considerable differences in the protective coating function. The differences in binders are given by the chemical composition and also by the sizes of polymeric particles forming the binder.

Notes: Polyesteramide resin based on the condensation of hydroxyethylamide derivatives of fatty acids of soybean {N, N'-bis(2 hydroxyethyl)soybean amide} and various dibasic acid and anhydride were synthesized. Physico-chemical characteristics and film forming properties of these resins were determined to prove its suitability as a vehicle for surface coatings. The study reveals that resins can be used for the baked type of finishes.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the photochromic performance of photochromic compounds in polymer matrices. Design/methodology/approach - The epoxy resin doped with photochromic fulgide were prepared and the effect of UV irradiation were studied using spectrophotometer. The reversible reaction was effected using white light. The effect of heat was also determined. Findings - A film of fulgide 1-E doped in epoxy polymer was irradiated with UV light (366?nm), the film turned pink. The later colour was switched back to the original colour when the film was irradiated with a white light. The photocoloration and photobleaching obeyed first order rate equations with rate constants being 4.19×10-3?s-1 and 2.86×10-2?s-1, respectively. It was found that the film showed a good fatigue resistance. Another film was preheated at 80°C for 1-4?h. No change in the UV absorption spectra of the film was observed. Similarly, the photocoloration and photobleaching of the annealed film showed first order rate equations with rate constants being 8.77×10-3?s-1 and 4.02×10-2s-1, respectively. Interestingly, the photocoloration and photobleaching reactions of the annealed film were faster than those of the non-annealed film. Research limitations/implications - The epoxy resin doped photochromic fulgides described in the present paper was prepared and studied. The principle of study established can be applied to any type of resin or to any type of photochromic compounds. Practical implications - The photochromic materials developed can be used for different applications, such as coatings and holography. Originality/value - The method developed may be used to enhance the performance of photochromic materials.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the corrosion inhibition potential of Datura metel in acid medium on mild steel (MS) with a view to develop green corrosion inhibitors. Design/methodology/approach - Acid extract of the D. metel was studied for its corrosion inhibitive effect by electrochemical and weight loss methods. Using weight loss measurement data, an attempt has been made to probe the mechanism of inhibitive action by fitting adsorption isotherms. Findings - D. metel has been found to show significant corrosion inhibitive effect in acid medium on MS. Inhibition is through adsorption of the phytoconstituents on MS following Tempkin and Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The results of A.C. impedance and polarisation studies correlate well with the weight loss studies. Originality/value - The plant has been investigated for the first time for its corrosion inhibitive effect. The effect has been studied by proven methods. This green inhibitor can find use in the inhibition of corrosion in industries where MS is used as a material of choice for the fabrication of machinery.

Notes: Purpose - Trials to develop environmentally friendly marine paints based on natural materials as replacement for copper and tin compounds for fouling and marine corrosion control. Design/methodology/approach - Green algae, tubeworms in dead powder form and garlic were used as natural anti-fouling components in the paints developed. Electrochemical technique was employed for testing the potential of both tubeworms and garlic in terms of inhibition of steel corrosion in seawater. Marine paint formulations containing each of the three selected natural materials were applied onto PVC and un-primed steel surface, which were immersed in natural seawater for the assessment of their anti-fouling and anti-corrosion properties. The results of visual assessment and seawater analysis were also used for such an evaluation. Findings - Tubeworms act as mixed type inhibitor while garlic affects the potential cathodic process of steel in seawater. Tubeworms-based paint, with 25 per cent in the dry paint film, could protect steel surface from marine corrosion up to 7 months. The paints containing algae and garlic, and the corresponding algae/garlic free paints, resisted slime film formation. Steel and PVC coated surfaces with paint containing algae showed the best anti-fouling potential within the prepared series. Research limitations\implications - The investigation only involved the application of the dead form of green algae and tubeworms as effective pigments in the developed paints. It is recommended that further research should focus on extracting and identifying the active components in each organism against fouling and marine corrosion. Practical implications - The paint formulations developed (containing 25 per cent by weight tubeworms in the paint film) could be used to protect un-primed steel surface against fouling and marine corrosion for a reasonably long duration. Originality/value - The application of one paint formulation on un-primed steel surface for its protection from both fouling and marine corrosion is novel. The electrochemical studies of steel in natural seawater in presence of tubeworms and garlic are original.

Notes: The objective of this work was to examine the anticorrosive behaviour of four different epoxy coatings, which were formulated with zinc pigments and were applied on pretreated steel panels exposed to deionised/deaerated water taken from the installations of the Greek Public Electricity Company, as well as to compare the results of this study with those of a relevant, previous work. The coating's performance was assessed by the measurement of the potentiodynamic polarisation resistance, by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the measurement of dielectric permittivity, during the deionised/deaerated water immersion tests. Additionally, accelerated salt spray tests were performed. All types of coatings tested exhibited a high protective performance. It was concluded that the epoxy system containing zinc dust was the most effective anticorrosion coating under the conditions relevant to this study.

Notes: Two types of amorphous silica namely, the precipitated silica and the pyrogenic silica, were studied. The surfaces of such silica were modified with silane coupling agents such as 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane. Pigments were obtained by the adsorption of organic dyes, C.I. Reactive Blue 19 and C.I. Acid Green 16, onto the modified silica surface. Structural properties of the modified silica and the pigments obtained were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis and particle size measurement techniques. Moreover, colour of the pigments obtained was evaluated using the CIE L *a*b* colour space system. The specific surface area of the pigment obtained was estimated using the BET method.

Notes: Various routes to the synthesis of annulated and substituted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines are reported. In particular, the reactions of N-{3-cyano-6-[4(5-oxo-2- phenylhydrazono-4,5-dihydroimid-azol-1-yl)phenyl]-4- phenylpyridin-2-yl}formimidic ethyl ester (3) and 3-[4-(3-amino-4-imino-5-phenyl-3,4-dihydropyrido [2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-5-phenyl- hydrazono-3,5-dihydroimidazol-4-one (4) with a variety of reagents were investigated. The antimicrobial activity of some of the compounds obtained were evaluated and reported.

Notes: Linseed oil was employed to modify polyesteramide resin via the condensation of hydroxyethylamide derivatives of fatty acids of linseed oil, i.e. {N, N'-bis(2 hydroxylethyl) linseed amide} and phthalic anhydride and dicarboxylic acids such as adipic acid, succinic acid and sebacic acid. The polyesteramide resins obtained were tested for their application as a vehicle/binder in the preparation of surface coatings. The resins obtained were also characterised for their physico-chemical properties, film forming properties and chemical resistance.

Notes: The influence of addition of the natural material, jojoba oil, on the corrosion of iron in molar hydrochloric acid had been studied using weight loss measurement and electrochemical polarisation methods. It was found that the corrosion rate was significantly reduced in the presence of jojoba. It was also found that the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the concentration of the jojoba oil to attain a 100 per cent inhibition at 0.515?g/l of jojoba oil, indicating that jojoba oil was an excellent corrosion inhibitor. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behaviour of iron indicated that the inhibition efficiency of jojoba oil decreased very slightly with the rise of temperature. It was found that the adsorption of jojoba oil on the iron, which followed the Frumkin isotherm, was the main cause to the corrosion inhibition.

Notes: Styrene-acrylic resin paints having a pigment volume concentration of 31 per cent and consisting of a constant level of ethylene glycol, titanium oxide, water, rheological agent, inhibitor and defoamer and variable levels of dispersant (x), anticorrosion pigment (y) and wollastonite (z) were prepared. Such emulsion paints were applied to the flat carbon steel test panels. The dried paint films were subjected to various standard anticorrosion tests. The results obtained showed different types of relationship between the anticorrosive behaviour of the paints and variables x, y and z. The antifouling properties of the paint films were obtained through corrosion tests in a marine-industrial environment at ambient temperatures.

Notes: New N-halamine polymeric compounds were prepared by reacting cyanuric acid and polyacrylonitrile. Grafting of acrylonitrile monomer onto cotton linters was carried out and the product was reacted with cyanuric acid and finally was chlorinated. Cyanoethylation of polyvinyl alcohol was performed using acrylonitrile monomer to give polyvinylcyanoethyl ether, which, in turn, was reacted with cyanuric acid. The biological activity of the various chlorinated compounds obtained was examined against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria using columns and dishes methods. A high disinfecting power of the chlorinated compounds obtained was observed. Thus, the bacteria was deactivated after the first cycle without contact with the product. All of the compounds prepared were insoluble in water and most of inorganic solvents. These compounds were also found to be very stable and did not decompose to give any toxic compounds. Thus, the chlorinated compounds prepared had no harmful effects on humans.

Notes: Historically, paints designed to protect steel and other metals have been formulated using anticorrosive chromate pigments, which are currently under environmental restrictions. During the investigation reported here, various phosphate compounds. The pigments prepared were characterised using a variety of chemical and spectrophotometric methods of analysis including emission atomic absorption, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, in addition to thermal gravimetric analysis. The pigments were also evaluated according to relevant international standard testing methods. The phosphates prepared were incorporated into anticorrosive paint formulations, to replace the imported zinc phosphate pigment, containing medium oil alkyd resin, and melamine formaldehyde resin. Paint films obtained were tested in artificial seawater for 28 days for anticorrosion properties. The results indicated that the paint films had good anticorrosive protection properties that could be attributed to the pigments prepared and the resins used.

Notes: Purpose - To investigate a new approach for the prevention of lignocellulosic composites based on agro-fibres (e.g. sugar-cane bagasse) from the emission of toxic formaldehyde. Design/methodology/approach - Five organic polymer containing nitrogen-urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesive systems were used as bonding agents for bagasse fibres. The environmental performance of the lignocellulosic composites prepared were evaluated in terms of the effect of the organic polymers on the percentage of free formaldehyde in the adhesive system and the adhesion properties (static bending and water resistance properties) of the composite produced, in comparison with that prepared from un-modified UF. The nitrogen content of the polymer and the amount of organic polymers incorporated in the adhesive system were optimised using the 3D response surface methodology and the multi-linear regression technique. Findings - All investigated organic polymers (crude PAM-g-starch, PAM-g-starch, PAM, CE-starch and Cm-starch) were found to enhance the performance of the UF-adhesive for producing environmentally friendly bagasse-composite, whereas the reduction of free-HCHO in UF-adhesive systems ranges from 26 to 100 percent. The performance of the composite produced exceeded the ANSI requirements for Grade H-3 particle-board. Research limitations/implications - Despite the success in improving the performance (mechanical properties and reduction of free-formaldehyde) of the UF-adhesive and agro-composites, the polymers needed to be incorporated at a high percentage (12-20 percent) resulting in reduced water resistance of the product. Further investigation is needed to resolve this problem. Practical implications - The approach developed provided a simple and practical solution to enhancing the performance of waste agro-fibres and commercial amino adhesive in the production of high performance lignocellulosic composite. Originality/value - The organic polymers UF adhesive systems are novel bonding agents for agro-fibres and could be used in timber mills for production of particle-board and medium density fibre-board.

Notes: Purpose - To evaluate the efficiency of modifying epoxy resin using amine terminated poly(ethylene glycol) benzoate (ATPEGB) for improved toughness and to optimise the results of such a modification. Design/methodology/approach - For effective toughening, various compositions were made by incorporating different concentrations of ATPEGB. The impact and adhesive strengths of the unmodified and modified epoxy networks were characterised. Findings - The modification of epoxy resin using ATPEGB showed significant enhancement of impact and adhesive strengths over the unmodified one. The modification caused a chemical linkage between ATPEGB and resin which led not only to a phase separation but also to ensuring the intrinsically strong chemical bonds across the ATPEGB phase/resin matrix interface, which was the main cause to the improved impact and adhesive strengths. The optimum results were obtained at 12.5?phr (parts per hundred parts of epoxy resin) of modifier. Research limitations/implications - The modifier, ATPEGB, used in the present context was synthesised from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of molecular weight 600. Besides, it could be synthesised from PEG of molecular weight 200, 400, 4,000, 20,000 etc. In addition, the efficiency of modification of epoxy resin using these could also be studied. Practical implications - The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the toughness of cured epoxy. Originality/value - The method for enhanced toughness of cured epoxy was novel and could find numerous applications in surface coating and adhesive.

Notes: Purpose - Synthesis and evaluation of new naphthopyran and related compounds as ultraviolet absorbers. Design/methodology/approach - The new naphthopyran and related compounds were prepared using new synthesis methodology which gave new derivatives via positions not accessible by traditional methods. Findings - A new method for the preparations of naphthopyran was developed. The naphthopyran compounds prepared had promising UV absorption/protection capabilities. Practical implications - The new compounds synthesised had unique character enabling them to be used in applications such as UV absorber and sunscreen. Originality/value - New method of synthesis and the possibility of using the naphthopyran derivatives as UV absorber in many applications.

Notes: Purpose - To determine the optimal general condition for the synthesis and polymerisation of 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl acrylate (NPEA), as well as the exchange reactions of poly-NPEA with aminated and hydroxylated compounds as a model compound. Design/methodology/approach - Preparation of 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl acrylate by the reaction of N-(2-hydroxyethyl) phthalimide with acrylic acid and polymerisation of the resulting monomer. The exchange reactions of the resulting polymer with amines and hydroxy compounds were carried out. The structure of the resulting compounds were characterised. Findings - NPEA was prepared by the reaction of N-(hydroxyethyl)phthalimide with acrylic acid. The monomer prepared was easily polymerised. The reactions of the resulting polymer with amines and hydroxy compounds were studied. In all cases, the exchange reactions were almost practically quantitative, which was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. Also, it was clear that poly-NPEA showed a good behaviour as a model compound for a long active polymeric-drug. Research limitations/implications - The new monomer described in the present investigation may be useful for the preparation of polymeric-drug adducts. Also, similar monomeric phthalimides may be synthesised starting from a number of other hydroxy or amino acids, thus providing wider possibilities for the synthesis of pharmacologically active polymers. Practical implications - The method for preparation of monomer is simple and the exchange reactions provide a simple and practical solution to prepare some classes of macromolecular drugs. Originality/value - The method of preparation of polymers was novel and may be useful for preparation of polymeric-drug adducts.

Notes: Purpose - The print fault "dot bridging" reduces the printing press efficiency. This study was designed to find the best combination of materials used in normal production which would reduce or eliminate the problems thus increasing efficiency. Design/methodology/approach - Various statistical methods were used to design the experiments and to analyse the experimental results. The experiment included all of the factors which were considered to have an effect on the "dot bridging" print fault. Findings - The most important conclusion that can be drawn from the results is that the complex interactions between factors included in the process can be characterised. The experiment proved that the problem was not random. The data gathered during the experiment had a direct correlation with the psychometric results. Various factors included in the experiment were found to have a significant influence on print density and print contrast. Contrast and density were selected for analysis as ink film thickness was thought to have an influence on the best looking print samples and the "dot bridging" print fault. Research limitations/implications - The results of the experiment were used to optimise the production process particularly the platemaking technique. Data from further experiments would help to optimise more process parameters. Practical implications - Minitab computer software was used to analyse the results of the experiment thus making it easier to communicate the results to non-scientific production staff. Originality/value - This was the first time that the printer concerned had used a scientific approach to problem solving. The end result for the printer was an increase in production efficiency which saved the printer a considerable amount on money.

Notes: UV curable systems have found wide applications in clear coatings. However, coatings containing pigment showed a degree of curing inhibition due to the absorption, scattering and reflection of the UV radiation caused by the presence of pigments in the coating film. This results in poor through-cure and consequently in poor adhesion. Thus, pigments used in the UV curable coating systems should not absorb radiation in the same region as the photo-initiators. One of the solutions to such a problem, reported in this paper, was to develop more reactive, alcohol soluble, non-heat reactive, low molecular weight cresol based, pigmented novolac epoxy acrylate systems, which have a lower absorption in the UV region. In addition, the effects of several photoinitiators having absorption in the longer wavelength region of the UV spectrum were investigated.

Notes: A series of novel halamine polymers known as pyrimidinone biocidal polymers were prepared by reacting poly-4-vinylacetophenone with urea and benzaldehyde to form 1H,3H,6H,-4(4'-polystyreno)-6-phenyl-pyrimidin-2-one, which on chlorination yielded 1Cl,3H,6H,-4(4'-polystyreno)-6-phenyl-pyrimidin-2-one. The same reaction was also carried out using the derivatives of benzaldehyde such as p-nitrobenzaldehyde and p-methoxybenzaldehyde under the same reaction conditions. .

Notes: A scheme for manufacturing lacquers from mixes of waste single-base propellants with halogen-containing polymers is proposed. Examines the physical and mechanical characteristics (decrease of mass of coating, hardness, adhesion, and impact strength) of created coatings subjected to accelerated ageing, by two methods. Compares and analyses results obtained in testing. Results show that coatings from mixes of propellants with polymers are more stable than conventional nitrocellulose lacquers.

Notes: Two series of azo dye systems are considered, namely, 2-amino-arylazo-4-phenylthiazole axo dye systems 4a,b,c,d,e, and 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazolone azo dye systems 8a-d. The shifts of ultraviolet-visible absorption maxima affected by the structural configuration of the thiazole and pyrazole dye systems are investigated. The structural effects of the polyfunctionaIly substituted thiazole and pyrazole dye systems on the intensity of colour and fastness properties of the dyed fabrics are also discussed. The data of these studies are listed.

Notes: For numerical treatment of resin-containing systems and forecasting of their properties, certain models of branching are needed. In this review, existing theoretical models of systems containing branched structures (polymers, aggregates, etc.) are analyzed and compared. The criteria of selection of the optimal theoretical model comprise chemical and physical problems available for solution, simplicity of such solution, connection between theoretically forecasted and experimental results, and the time needed for computing. It is concluded that, according to these criteria, the optimal (between existing models) is the statistical polymer method.

Notes: A barrier type of finish coat on zinc-rich primers can effectively prevent corrosion on mild steel structures in marine environments. Chlorinated rubber is well known for its impermeability of water vapours and corrosive ions. Micaceous iron oxide (MIO) and titanium dioxide (Ti02) are the best barrier pigments available in the world. The chlorinated rubber based top coatings have been prepared by incorporating these two pigments separately and applied over three types of zinc-rich primers (ZRP) (butyl titanate ZRP, cashew nut shell liquid ZRP and epoxy polyamide ZRP). The electro chemical aspects of protection afforded by these coating systems have been evaluated on mild steel substrate in 3 percent NaCI solution by potential-time, polarisation and impedance techniques. This study revealed an interesting correlation between the polarisation and impedance observations. The inorganic ZRP with top coated systems behave differently to organic ZRP with top coated systems. The MIO pigmented finish coat affords equally higher duration of protection of steel substrate from corrosive saline environment, even though the PVC value is considerably lower than the TiO2 pigmented top coat systems.

Notes: The paper deals with using the maleinized polybutadiene as a binder in anticorrosive coating compositions. This aqueous emulsion can be as a binder mixed with the styrene–acrylate dispersion in any ratio, evaluating thus positively a series of final anticorrosive coating properties. The aqueous emulsion binder based on the maleinized polybutadiene was compared to other aqueous (alkyd, urethanized alkyd, or polyurethane) emulsions. The coatings formed by the aqueous maleinized polybutadiene emulsion and styrene–acrylate dispersion show a far higher efficiency than the coatings consisting of a styrene–acrylate dispersion alone with respect to anticorrosion protection function.

Notes: A severe problem with water-borne paints containing aluminium or zinc pigments is hydrogen corrosion of these metals in the aqueous alkaline paint media. The subject of the present study is the examination of corrosion inhibition of aluminium and zinc pigments in aqueous alkaline media by different amino and polyamino acids. Aspartic acid inhibits this corrosion reaction of aluminium pigment only at pH 8 (protection factor 96 per cent) whereas polyaspartic acids do not. In contrast, aspartic acid stimulates the corrosion reaction of zinc pigment whereas polyaspartic acids show a moderate corrosion inhibiting effect. So, corrosion inhibition by aspartic and polyaspartic acids is completely different on aluminium and zinc pigment.

Notes: Polyurethane (PU) anionomer having 2-ethoxymethacrylate terminal groups was prepared in a methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate mixture as a reactive diluent, following a prepolymer mixing process. This prepolymer-acrylic monomer mixture was chain extended in a water/surfactant solution using different dispersion speeds. Stability tests of PU-acrylic monomer dispersions before polymerization were performed at different temperatures by following the particle size evolution. After the dispersion process the kinetics of batch emulsion polymerization at 70°C using different concentrations of initiator was investigated. Data are compared with published results of batch emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate. The effect of triethylamine, used in the prepolymer synthesis, on the emulsion polymerization of acrylic monomers was also studied. The kinetic results indicate that during emulsion polymerization of PU acrylic mixture, some coagulation takes place, mainly due to changes in ionic strength of the medium, before stable latex particles are formed. The presence of the PU prepolymer seems not to affect the kinetics of batch copolymerization of methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate monomers.

Notes: Several novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives containing two arylazo functions were synthesised from 4-arylazo-3,5-diaminopyrazoles. Such derivatives were used as starting components. The characteristics of and the application properties of the dyes synthesised from 4-arylazo-3,5-diaminopyrazoles were investigated and reported.

Notes: The synthesis of novel cycloalkane ring-fused arylazopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, using 4-arylazo-3-aminopyrazol-5-ones as starting components, is described in this paper. The dyeing application and the dyeing characteristics of the dyes synthesised are also reported.

Notes: Inconsistency in flexographic platemaking techniques was perceived to influence the print quality and consistency. The results of a factorial designed experiment created to establish which platemaking factors had a significant influence on the flexographic printing quality are reported in this paper. The objective of the experiment was not only to define the optimum platemaking technique, but also to improve the understanding of the characteristics and properties of the photopolymer printing plate and to identify the key interacting factors which have the most significant effect on print quality and consistency. Various statistical methods were employed for the design of the experiment and for the interpretation of experimental data generated. The results of the investigation have been used to fine-tune the flexographic platemaking techniques to significantly manipulate the properties for the end-use application to enhance printing performance and consistency of the plates.

Notes: Magnesium ferrite pigments were evaluated as active pigments in anticorrosive water-borne paints. The study includes the use of two different anticorrosive pigment volume concentration (APVC), 15 and 25 per cent and fixed the Q value (the pigment volume concentration/critical pigment volume concentration ratio) in both paint formulations. Epoxy and acrylated alkyd resins were used as binders. The paints were evaluated by accelerated salt spray tests, corrosion tests in condensed water and sulphur dioxide chambers and electrochemical evaluations. The results obtained were compared with reference paints containing zinc ferrite and zinc phosphate pigments. Ferrite pigments passivate the carbon steel directly in the case of neutral epoxy resin binder or indirectly due to the soaps produced as a result of reaction with the acidic acrylated alkyd resin binder. A lower per cent, i.e. 15 per cent of APVC was found to be sufficient to provide satisfactory anticorrosion protection.

Notes: This work concerns the electrodeposition of highly pure brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O) on titanium alloy substrates and the transformation of the brushite to hydroxyapatite (HAp) Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 as a coating for orthopaedic implants. Thus, the electrodeposition of electrolyte containing calcium nitrate and ammonium hydrogen phosphate was carried out. The influences of the substrate surface treatment, the electroplating conditions (bath composition, current density, pH value and temperature) and the hydrothermal post treatment conditions on the deposition rate, the throwing power, the adhesion, the morphology and the structure of the coating were evaluated. High adhesion bond strength (around 23?mPa) was achieved on a rough clean substrate, which is slightly higher than plasma sprayed HAp coating on titanium alloy.

Notes: Novel coumarines having an ester group in position 4 had been prepared via a new methodology utilising ylides. Such a new method made it possible to prepare a new class of bis coumarines. The new coumarins derivative obtained showed good UV absorption properties in the range of 250-410?nm making them good UV absorbers of commercial potential.

Notes: Development of new radiation-curable materials for the application in radiation curing technology is of significant importance. Most of the commercially available radiation-curable resins are derived from synthetic raw materials. The synthesis of acrylated, epoxidised soybean oil (ESO) from ESO had been carried out by reacting acrylic acid with the oxirane group in ESO. The acrylated ESO products were characterised using a variety of analytical techniques. Thus, the oxygen value, the iodine value, the acid value and the infrared spectra of the acrylated ESO products were obtained. Pigmented acrylated ESO systems were prepared and found to cure on exposure to UV radiation.

Notes: A series of azo dye systems, namely, 5-arylazo-pyridin-2-one dye systems (5a-k), was synthesised and characterised. The effects of the structural configuration of the pyridinone dye systems on the shifts of the ultraviolet-visible absorption maxima were investigated. The structural effects of the polyfunctionally substituted pyridinone dye systems on the intensity of colour and fastness properties of the dyed fabrics were also discussed.

Notes: Focuses on the critical role played by professionals in the management of health-care institutions in the UK and Canada. Using empirical data, examines the structural models of clinical management, the roles of clinical managers and their relationships with colleague professionals. Compares the approaches taken in the UK and Canada, and explores issues of context, history and relative power. Questions the extent to which professionals are losing autonomy to other professions and management. In particular examines whether the sharing of power inter-professionally may lead to greater, overall collective professional autonomy. Develops themes of the contextual influences on the process of change, and whether professionals are more effectively managed by internal or external processes of control.

Notes: Analyses the features, strategies and characteristics of health-care reforms in the People's Republic of China. Since the fourteenth Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party held in 1992, an emphasis has been placed on reform strategies such as cost recovery, profit making, diversification of services, and development of alternative financing strategies in respect of health-care services provided in the public sector. Argues that the reform strategies employed have created new problems before solving the old ones. Inflation of medical cost has been elevated very rapidly. The de-linkage of state finance bureau and health service providers has also contributed to the transfer of tension from the state to the enterprises. There is no sign that quasi-public health-care insurance is able to resolve these problems. Finally, co-operative medicine in the rural areas has been largely dismantled, though this direction is going against the will of the state. Argues that a new balance of responsibility has to be developed as a top social priority between the state, enterprises and service users in China in order to meet the health-care needs of the people.

Notes: Studies the provision of development co-operation of two UN funding agencies: UNFPA and UNICEF. Their development co-operation is carried out in programmes that can be considered a form of international public service management. Describes the organizational set-up and governance issues that form the context of programme management. Shows that both governments and civil society actors deeply influence the functioning of both funds. Compares the programme procedures, as well as the internal and external management problems, of both funds and indicates some possible remedies for these problems. Discusses the opportunities and limits of a public management approach for UN development co-operation.

Notes: Presents initial findings from research undertaken in 1996 for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation into the internal governance of further education corporations, housing associations and training and enterprise councils. Discusses the relationship between board members and senior officers in these organizations by focusing on the distinctions drawn between strategy, policy and operations. Argues that the language of policy has increasingly been replaced by the language of strategy and that this corresponds to the evacuation of policy questions from the local public sphere. Advances four hypotheses to explain this rolling back of the frontiers of politics: a reassertion of the power of chief executives/managers linked to a new generation of social entrepreneurs; the emergence of a new generation of élite volunteers who restrict their activities to vision and strategy; a response to a rapidly changing economy, society, politics and environment in which speed of decision is of the essence; and increasing centralization. Concludes that a combination of internal and external pressures has reinforced the move towards the new governance.

Notes: Reports that marked limitations in the Greek Civil Service, combined with the severe fiscal constraints of the Maastricht Treaty, have raised the issue of public management restructuring. Within this framework, attempts to investigate the extent to which middle managers in the public services are realizing the adjustments to the nature of their managerial work necessary to serve the "new management culture". Underscores the need for greater control over resources in order to meet their responsibilities effectively and act "as managers". States that the empowerment issue that is raised by the survey could be considered of pivotal importance for personnel development in, and the organizational restructuring of, the Greek public services.

Notes: Explains that the public sector is a major buyer of goods and services. In the mid-1980s discriminatory (buy national) public purchasing was identified as one of the barriers to the completion of the Single European Market. Studies suggested that a more liberal public purchasing regime would bring significant economic benefits with increased competition for contracts reducing public sector procurement costs and facilitating the creation of a more competitive European industrial base. These ideas led to a series of European Union procurement directives designed to prohibit preferential public purchasing. Uses data on contract awards from 1993 to investigate the extent to which public purchasing still discriminates in favour of domestic firms. This evidence casts doubts on the true extent of openness in EU public procurement markets.

Notes: Provides an overview of the literature on public sector reform, total quality management (TQM) and strategic planning. Traces the change efforts and road to privatization of Asset Services, which is a maintenance contractor with about 2,000 staff and a business unit of a large Australian government department. Describes how, during the period 1989-1996, Asset Services undertook a process which illustrates the integration of customer focus, quality principles and strategic business planning. Introduces the concept of the business improvement leader, and discusses some of the many TQM and business planning activities undertaken to the point of being fully commercialized. Identifies a number of factors influencing the success of this business unit.

Notes: Argues that user involvement can provide the best basis for reforming the internal and external relationships of local government, supporting both the reinvigoration of public accountability and providing the only secure foundation for improvements in operational effectiveness. Considers and criticizes other models for improving public management. Focuses particularly on the core processes of local government - the democratic, management and service delivery processes - and the primary interactions with politicians and service users, through which managers must function. Examines survey evidence on the extent of quality initiatives in local authorities and goes on to speculate about the organizational arrangements needed to support a user-involvement approach. Concludes that the fundamental problem of public management centres on the alienation of the public and that public managers have a critical responsibility in reconstructing the public through reforms of service delivery.

Notes: Focusing on one of the "Next Steps" agencies, explores the difficulties which many organizations experience in relation to the process of strategy implementation. States that agentization has created a need for public sector organizations to embark on strategic change. However, adherence to an outmoded set of cultural values and a panic-crazed obsession with efficiency often lead to a series of ill-conceived, disjointed initiatives; these may contribute to a disintegrated approach adopted towards strategy formulation. Argues that, to effect successful strategic change, there is a need for organizations to promote integration between the content and the process of strategic management.

Notes: The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first part introduces a theoretical argument from Giddens to help explain the way in which accounting systems and systems of accountability have changed abruptly in New Zealand's health care sector. The changes are proceeding, surrounded by controversy and the second part used Habermas's theory of communicative action to assess the benefits or otherwise of reform and restructuring of the public health of New Zealanders. What counts as valid evidence is contentious. The reforms have been socially divisive, and surrounded by ideology and rhetoric. There appears to be little evidence to demonstrate that the reforms have improved or will ever improve access to health care by those without personal wealth.

Notes: Draws upon detailed empirical work undertaken with elected members and senior officers from a sample of 30 UK local authorities. Its focus is on the ways in which authorities have responded to rapid changes in the economic, social and political contexts and the profound challenges which these present to traditional modes of policy making and public management. Suggests that existing theoretical frameworks give insufficient attention to implications of changing local governance for the roles of elected members and that, in practice, most councillors feel ill-equipped to respond to these changes. Local authorities need therefore to develop training and support for local politicians in fulfilling their rapidly changing and increasingly demanding roles. In particular they should look at ways of supporting elected members in working with external agencies so that they bring the "added value" of locally accountable political leadership to the work of partnerships involving public, private and voluntary sectors agencies. This will require them to embrace new forms of communication and methods of learning which are likely to be one of the key ingredients in attempts to revitalize local democracy.

Notes: Of many managerialist panaceas, the most prevalent one today is the assertion that private sector practices will solve the public sector's "self-evident" inadequate performance. This managerialist view assumes hegemonic proportions in Anglo-Saxon public sectors and largely goes unchallenged, notwithstanding serious reservations about the superiority of private managerial prerogatives one would draw from organization theory or, even, mainstream liberal economics, which is largely silent about the role of management and control in economic behaviour. It is a particular brand of economics that underscores the linking of public agency efficiency to managerial ability and performance. In neo-institutional economics, "rent-seeking" behaviour is attributed to civil servants, rather than corporate entrepreneurs, and from that ideological perspective of bureaucratic pathology flows a whole series of untested propositions culminating in the commercializing, corporatizing and privatizing rationales, now uncritically accepted by most bureaucrats themselves to be axiomatically true. The economistic underpinning of managerialism and its "New Functionalism" in organizational design hardly addresses the significant structural, cultural and behavioural changes necessary to bring about the rhetorical benefits said to flow from the application of managerialist solutions. Managerialism expects public managers to improve efficiency, reduce burdensome costs and enhance organizational performance in a competitive stakeholding situation. Managerialism largely ignores the administrative-political environment which rewards risk-averse behaviour which, in turn, militates against the very behavioural and organizational reforms managerialists putatively seek for the public sector.

Notes: Over the past decade, there has been growing international interest in utilising private contractors to improve efficiency and reduce costs of road maintenance. In developing countries the existing private contracting sector is often too weak to take on this work. Accordingly projects to foster private sector involvement have been designed and implemented through international technical assistance, with a varying emphasis on financial, training and other support in order to achieve a workable market. This paper discusses case studies from five different countries which vary widely, in terms of social, cultural, contractual and organizational practices. While there are many different aspects to a construction development programme the paper discusses the issues of international assistance, training programmes, equipment provision, contracts and payments, programme objectives, contractor selection. Lessons are drawn from previous project experience in order to propose guidelines for future contractor development projects.

Notes: This article examines contracting-out in practice in public health and water services in Ghana. Drawing on in-depth interviews and discussions with knowledgeable officials, complemented by documentary analysis and secondary sources, the article provides insights into some of the institutional constraints and capacity issues that policy-makers and implementers need to be aware of in seeking to introduce and implement contracting-out policies in a developing country context. Though contracting-out in Ghana's health and water sectors has so far been used in the provision of support services, attempts to broaden its application to include the direct provision of core services raise a number of capacity questions related to regulatory frameworks, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, development of management information systems and skills for contract management. The capacity and willingness of the private sector to take on direct provision of public services are also crucial.

Notes: The focus of the paper is on the relationship between General Practitioners (GPs) and central government. This relationship dates from the introduction of national health insurance in the UK. From the outset it had an impact on GPs' medical role, their professional status and income. The structure created in 1911 meant that GPs operated as franchisees and, notwithstanding Labour's policy objective of creating a salaried service, this role continued, effectively unchanged, after the creation of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948. General Practice was also the poor relation in contrast to hospital medicine, a feature intensified by the priorities of the NHS. These forces meant that GPs had a dual role: that of clinician and gatekeeper to specialist hospital services, a role in which they exercised substantial clinical freedom: and running a small business, a feature which was exaggerated by the absence of grant aid to improve premises prior to the Family Doctor Charter of 1965. This structural relationship has been progressively transformed by changes in the 1980s and 1990s. On the one hand the emphasis on cost control has seen central government attempting to combine a financial with a clinical gatekeeping role. The crucial change in this respect is the creation of GP fundholding which, in turn, could be seen to have implications for the subordinate status of GPs within the medical profession. However, this has been combined with trends to greater measures of control over GPs. Of central importance in this respect were the changes introduced by the 1990 GP contract. The contract involved an attempt to substantially reduce clinical autonomy by building in much more detailed contractual duties with respect for example, to health promotion activities. This was combined with the use of financial incentives to reach, for example, immunization targets. Control over clinical autonomy has also involved constraints over prescribing and the shift from Family Practitioner Committees to Family Health Service Authorities. The rationale for this shift is the move from an administrative to a managerial body, acting as the agent of central government in enforcing the contract and imposing financial norms. GPs are thus to be made managerially accountable. The paper analyses the place of general practitioners in central government's approach to health strategy and examines the tensions generated by the combination of conferring new powers on GPs and increasing controls over them. These tensions are related to current disputes over out-of-hours working and attempts by GPs to redefine a "core of service" approach to their job. The ambiguities of reliance on professionals combined with the desire to exert greater controls is traced in the recent policy statement by the Secretary of State Primary Care: The Future (1996). The paper thus aims to contribute to the critical discussion of the impact of central government managerialist initiative on key professional groups in the welfare state.

Notes: Describes the reorganization of social services in Munich, Germany, from 1992 to 1996. A model of co-operation between different providers of public services was introduced. Its use was confirmed in 1997.

Notes: In the UK the Benefits Agency is seeking to process its business more efficiently, and commissioned research to investigate the number and nature of the contacts customers have with the Agency. The paper draws on this research and outlines the case for adopting a longitudinal perspective to elucidate and analyse customers' contacts with a welfare provider. No research design is unproblematic, and the lessons learned in mapping the customers' contacts will be discussed. In particular, the difficulties encountered and the solutions adopted in drawing a sample representative of pieces of business, in designing a contact grid, and in operationalising the notion of a contact will be elaborated. Some key findings from the research are used to illustrate the advantages of a longitudinal study.

Notes: The paper describes the application of a group decision support system (GDSS) to the work of a panel of public sector workers assessing the needs of clients for various forms of social support and benefit. In particular, the paper focuses on the development of consistency of approach to judgement when the workers come from a variety of professional backgrounds. The application is concerned with the introduction within Norway of an approach to the production of judgemental information relating to clients, and for its subsequent utilisation in a national system. The framework, known as GERIX, is intended to ensure that assistance and support is provided on a fair and equitable basis across the nation. The approach is centred on a set of criteria designed to enable a comprehensive review of a client situation to be undertaken. Data for a client, utilising the criteria, are based on judgemental assessments by professionals. It is, therefore, critical for all involved in these assessments to understand and apply the model in a consistent way. Results strongly suggest that the approach to group process support enhances individual learning of professionals who are required to utilise the GERIX framework.

Notes: Outlines the urban redevelopment of Hong Kong from the early 1900s to the present day. Obstacles such as: absentee ownership, compensation to owners, resettlement of tenants, financial difficulties, piece-meal efforts and the lack of a centralized co-ordination body are discussed. The development of the Land Development Corporation has provided opportunity to address these problems, forming as it does a public/private development partnership.

Notes: The research on which this article is based has been carried out over a period of five years (1992-1997). It focuses on the management of change in the National Health Service (NHS) since the reforms introduced in the 1990 NHS Act. The research comprises four case studies: two NHS Trusts providing mental health services and two colleges of nursing and midwifery. All four bodies have experienced major changes brought about, in the main, by the creation of the NHS internal market. The article attempts to map the process of managing change in these four organizations. It outlines the difficulties encountered by managers in designing and implementing effective strategies for their organizations. In particular, the article: highlights major discrepancies in linking strategic plans with the reality of managing public services and the complexities of planning for large-scale changes in the 1990s; shows that although leadership is important, it must be appropriate to an organization's situation; argues that organizations can make false assumptions about the immutability of the environment in which they operate and the degree of choice available. The article concludes by presenting a model of change which incorporates environmental conditions, internal cohesion, management styles and approaches to change.

Notes: Empowerment has been described as providing local management with a clear framework within which to manage, with the maximum devolution of responsibility and with the skills and confidence to accept it. Despite their wide adoption there is a dearth of research which elevates the voice of those on the receiving-end of such empowering strategies, especially as applied in public sector organisations. This paper examines the impact of a five-year empowerment programme, as perceived by the managers and staff within a "Next Steps" agency. Based on individual and group interviews with 75 staff, it is found that the programme is associated with a number of new working practices and a shift in management attitudes but the extent to which these are experienced as empowering varies considerably.

Notes: Government's continuum of policy instrument choices historically has included nationalization of enterprise. Today, the additional choice exists of the privatization of state enterprises. Canada is examined as a country in the process of switching from growing state enterprises (Crown corporation) to privatizing them. Although ideology, accountability, efficiency and/or financing were all reasons for creating state enterprise - financing is the most prevalent driver of privatization.

Notes: This article is concerned with entrepreneurial behaviour and the use of marketing by architectural professionals and their business colleagues in building services as a response to the extension of Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CTT) in the UK. CTT is where the functions of the operational divisions under local jurisdiction are offered for tender. Such tenders may be awarded to either private sector operators or the existing in-house team. The underlying assumption by Central Government is that the outcome will be beneficial to the final consumer through, as a minimum, reduced operating costs. An appropriate academic environment in which to analyse the situation is that suggested by the marketing/ entrepreneurship interface.

Notes: The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) is a key social-economic regeneration instrument in the UK delivered through partnerships of cross- sectoral organisations with local communities. The article discusses recent research which found that women's needs and capabilities were largely ignored in SRB. The reasons stem from widespread "gender blindness" characterised by familiar gender-neutral motifs which deny the salience of gender as a variable through which human life and inequality are experienced. Gender blindness was additionally supported by social processes and institutions which have emerged from shifts in public policy and political change since the 1980s. The gender blindness of the late 1990s is described as a new manifestation of discrimination and its curiousness is that it is evident in a policy context which gives high priority to combating social exclusion.

Notes: Internal marketing (IM) focuses on acquiring and retaining customer-oriented employees. Critics of internal marketing claim that the term is simply a synonym for good human resources management. The concepts of internal marketing and human resource effectiveness (HRE), at both a strategic and technical level, are considered and suitable measures identified. Data are collected from the Australian public sector and a moderated regression analysis is used to investigate the hypothesized relationships. The study provides empirical support that there is a valid and distinct demarcation between IM and HRE, and that IM is an important antecedent to HRE.

Notes: The aim of this paper is to explore the possible varieties of convergence in the public administrations of members of the European Union, as well as the framework for analysing aspects of convergence. It assists students of comparative public administration who attempt to understand "puzzles" triggered by NPM and EU pressures. These pressures seem to push national systems in opposite directions, and not to be united as a single force for a particular model. At the same time, however, both involve assertive action by government to achieve reform in the face of inertia or hostility of public bureaucracies anxious to preserve their traditional arrangements. The paper suggests that the answer to the question "Are West European administrative systems becoming more alike?" cannot be simply "yes" or "no". With the impact of NPM the answer must be "more than they used to", but as a trend toward a common destination, "no". With the impact of the EU the answer must be "yes" and "no" depending on which aspect of an administrative system is being examined.

Notes: This article presents a longitudinal case study of the methods employed by the general managers of two leading Australian local authorities in an attempt to introduce decentralised reform into their organisations. The article commences by detailing the nature of the respective general managers' criticisms of the traditional divisional approach to local government strategic planning and provision of services as forming the driving motivations behind their reform direction. Their respective reform approaches are then charted, concentrating on the nature of the relationships the general managers consciously cultivated with key stakeholders in order to overcome resistance to change and remove obstacles to their visions. The article then outlines the mistakes made and the lessons to be learned in attempting to successfully implement decentralised change in local government.

Notes: Increasingly, governments are using contracts as a means of achieving accountability for public resources directed towards community organisations. This paper compares contractual arrangements between community organisations and governments in British Columbia, Queeensland, and New Zealand. The paper examines the extent to which these contracts are able to measure performance. These contracts are also examined with respect to the power relationships between government and community organisations. The paper concludes that performance measurement may rest on establishing an appropriate "value" framework, and that autonomy of community organisations from government may vary according to broader objectives within policy areas.

Notes: University governance has been in flux for some time. Examines the current situation, the legal framework and how power is distributed. Discusses the problems and concludes that effective goverance is most likely to be achieved when the constituent parts of the organization exist in creative tension, which could mean the need for less external control and not more.

Notes: In many countries state ownership of public utilities is being abandoned in favour of private ownership with state regulation. To prevent monopoly abuse, regulatory structures are being created for the telecommunications, gas, electricity and water and sewerage sectors. From 1984 the UK privatised its major utilities and introduced a form of regulation that is proving to be a model for other countries. This paper looks at the performance of UK privatised utilities and the role of regulation in improving performance. It also considers the important subject of regulatory governance. The paper concludes that regulatory governance depends on the institutional context of regulation and that one country's regulatory system cannot be successfully transferred to another country with a very different set of institutional constraints without appropriate adaptation.