Spatial distributions of desorbing products in steady-state NO and N2O reductions on Pd(110).
The angular and velocity distributions of desorbing product N(2) were examined over the crystal azimuth in steady-state NO+CO and N(2)O+CO reactions on Pd(110) by cross-correlation time-of-flight techniques. At surface temperatures below 600 K, N(2) desorption in both reactions splits into two directional lobes collimated along 41 degrees -45 degrees from the surface normal toward the [001] and [001] directions. Above 600 K, the normally directed N(2) desorption is enhanced in the NO reduction. Each product desorption component, as well as CO(2), shows a fairly asymmetric distribution about its collimation axis. Two factors, i.e., the anisotropic site structures and the reactant orientation and movements, are operative to induce such asymmetry, depending on the product emission mechanism.
Surface-nitrogen removal in a steady-state NO + H2 reaction on Pd(110).
Surface-nitrogen removal steps were analyzed in the course of a catalyzed NO + H(2) reaction on Pd(110) by angle-resolved mass spectroscopy combined with cross-correlation time-of-flight techniques. Four removal steps, i.e., (i) the associative process of nitrogen atoms, 2N(a) --> N(2)(g), (ii) the decomposition of the intermediate, NO(a) + N(a) --> N(2)O(a) --> N(2)(g) + O(a), (iii) its desorption, N(2)O(a) --> N(2)O(g), and (iv) the desorption as ammonia, N(a) + 3H(a) --> NH(3)(g), are operative in a comparable order. Above 600 K, process (i) is predominant, whereas the others largely contribute below 600 K. Process (iv) becomes significant at H(2) pressures above a critical value, about half the NO pressure. Hydrogen was a stronger reagent than CO toward NO reduction and relatively enhanced the N(a) associative process.
Brushite-collagen composites for bone regeneration.
Brushite-based biomaterials are of special interest in bone regeneration due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability; on the other hand, collagen is a well-known osteoconductive biomaterial. In the present study a new brushite-collagen composite biomaterial is reported. This new biomaterial was prepared by combining citric acid/collagen type I solutions with a brushite cement powder. The obtained biomaterial was a cement paste, with improved handling properties. The effect of collagen on the setting reaction of brushite cement was studied, and was found to speed up the cement setting reaction. The cement paste set into a hard ceramic material within 18.5+/-2.1min and had compressive strength similar to that of spongeous bone (48.9+/-5.9MPa in dry conditions and 12.7+/-1.5MPa in humid conditions). The combination of collagen with citric acid revealed an interesting synergistic effect on the compressive strength of the composite material. Moreover, this new biomaterial had excellent cohesion properties (ninefold better than brushite cement), and high cellular adhesion capacity (threefold higher than brushite cement). The composite biomaterial described in this study combines good handling properties, compressive strength, cohesion and cell adhesion capacity, along with the osteoconductive and biodegradable properties inherent in brushite and in collagen-based biomaterials.