Space charge behavior of XLPE/silica nanocomposites under high electric field
Space charge formation behavior is compared among crosslinked polyethylene and its two nanocomposites with silica nanofillers with and without surface treatment. By conducting a degassing treatment, we have prepared nine kinds of samples in total. As a result, it was found that the presence of cross-linking by-products suppresses space charge formation. As far as the present silica nanofillers are concerned, their addition to XLPE enhances the formation of negative space charge near the cathode.
The effects of material properties and inclusions on the space charge profiles of LDPE and XLPE
The effects of material properties and inclusions on the space charge profiles in LDPE and XLPE were examined. Whereas the charge profile in LDPE is influenced by material properties such as the degree of crystallinity and MFR, the charge profile in XLPE is influenced by inclusions in the material such as acetophenone, moisture and various kinds of phenolic antioxidant. In order to examine the effect of moisture on the creation of negative hetero-charge in XLPE, the charge profiles in LDPE and XLPE containing a non-ionic surfactant glycerol monostearate were examined. Taking into account the density of the hetero-charge in relation to the concentration of cross-linking byproducts, as well as the conductivity of pure water containing each of the cross-linking byproducts, the mechanism of hetero-charge creation in XLPE was discussed.
Thorium-induced Anatomical and Histopathological Changes in Liver of Swiss Mice
ObjectivePresent study is aimed to investigate the anatomical and histopathological changes in liver tissues of Swiss albino male mice, one month after intravenous administration of thorium (232Th; 4 and 40 mg/kg).MethodsSynchrotron X-ray micro-CT imaging, CD31 immuno-cytochemistry, hematoxylin & eosin staining and Periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed to study changes in liver anatomy, blood vessels/capillaries, histology and glycogen content of liver, respectively.ResultsSynchrotron X-ray micro-CT imaging of liver showed loss of blood vessels in mice treated with thorium (4 mg/kg), which was more prominent at higher dose of thorium (40 mg/kg). These thorium-induced changes in liver were correlated with the decrease in CD31 positive cells and loss of tissue architecture. A dose-dependent increase in glycogen content was also observed in the liver of thorium-treated mice.ConclusionOur results provide novel insight about the effects of thorium on liver, which may have significant implications in understanding the mechanism of thorium thorium-induced hepatotoxicity.