Synthesis of nanocrystalline titanium carbide by spark erosion
Interest in nanocrystaJline ceramic powders is due to their attractive processing and mechanical properties. The disadvantages of conventional ceramics, such as large internal flaws, negligible ductility, hightemperature processing, can possibly be eliminated or minimized by starting with finegrained powders. A previous study on the sinterability of nanocrystalline ceramic powders showed that high densities can be achieved at lower temperatures, both with and without the’ application of pressure [ 11. In addition, it is remarkable that superplastic behavior has been reported in nanocrystalline ceramics at room temperature [2]. One of the novel methods for nrenaring nanocrvstalline ceramic powders is reactive spark erosion [3-51. An important feature of this method is the-capability to synthesize new materials by reacting the eroded particles with the dielectric liguid. This technique utilizes two metal or conducting electrodes sparked in a suitable dielectric liquid that reacts with the pa&les to produce the desired ceramic powders. The high temperature provided by the spark results in vaporization of the electrodes and the surrounding dielectric liquid; the reaction products formed between the various vapor species are quenched in the liquid and produce spherical particles. The aim of the present note is to report on the titanium carbide particle formation in a carbonic dielectric liquid (pentane) with titanium electrodes and charges. The nanocrystalline titanium carbide was produced in a wide range of particle size distribution and in the form of single phase spheres.
A High-Temperature , Short-Duration Method of Fabricating Surrogate Fuel Microkernels for Carbide-Based TRISO Nuclear Fuels
High-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology is a frontrunner among generation IV nuclear reactor designs. Among the advanced nuclear fuel forms proposed for these reactors, dispersion-type fuel consisting of microencapsulated uranium di-oxide kernels, popularly known as tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel, has emerged as the fuel form of choice. Generation IV gas-cooled fast reactors offer the benefit of recycling nuclear waste with increased burn-ups in addition to producing the required power and hydrogen. Uranium carbide has shown great potential to replace uranium di-oxide for use in these fast spectrum reactors. Uranium carbide microkernels for fast reactor TRISO fuel have traditionally been fabricated by long-duration carbothermic reduction and sintering of precursor uranium dioxide microkernels produced using sol-gel techniques. These long-duration conversion processes are often plagued by issues such as final product purity and process parameters that are detrimental to minor actinide retention. In this context a relatively simple, high-temperature but relatively quick-rotating electrode arc melting method to fabricate microkernels directly from a feedstock electrode was investigated. The process was demonstrated using surrogate tungsten carbide on account of its easy availability, accessibility and the similarity of its melting point relative to uranium carbide and uranium di-oxide.
Efficacy of life skills training on general health in students
BACKGROUND
With regard to the importance of life skills, the present study deals with the effect of life skills training on general health of the students.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a one-group, pre-test, post-test, quasi-experimental research. Forty students were selected through purposive sampling method. The data collection tool was Goldberg General Health Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Paired t-test showed a 22 score significant decrease in general health after education compared to before education (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSION
This study showed that life skills education increases general health level of the students.