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Research subject: Expandable Poly Styrene (EPS) has many applications. This polymer prepared by the radical polymerization. This material has many uses in packaging and insulation industries Some of the properties of this polymer like low mechanical strength caused its applications to be limited. By adding some materials, these properties can be improved. Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) is from the materials that which by adding it to the EPS it can improve its quality.
Research approach: In this research, EPS having different percentages of SBS (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) in different conversion percentages (0.6, 0.63, 0.66, 0.69) has been prepared. Different tests like Impact Test, Modular Melt Flow test, Vicat Softening Temperature test, Tensile at Break test, K-value test, Rochwell Hardness test and Elongation at Break test are done on the prepared polymer. Laboratory gained data has been simulated by Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) method of artificial neural networks (ANN) and the simulated data covers the laboratory data perfectly.
Main Results: Investigating the tests show that in constant percentages of SBS in EPS with increase in conversion percentage of EPS, the numerical amount of the tests increases except MFI test (low MFI number means better quality). Increase in SBS percentage in the EPS, increases the properties of polymer. In addition, the results of simulation show that the laboratory data covers the the simulated data perfectly. The data obtained from the results of this reasearch can be used for predicting the data for the points which has not been tested. Adding SBS in different weight percentages of poly styrene in different conversion percentages in order to increase the properties of poly styrene has been used for the first time in this research and the laboratory data results in points which has not been tested has been acquired by applications of ANN.

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Research subject: Polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene alloy is one of the most widely used polymer alloys in the world, which has become very widespread due to the excellent properties and characteristics of these alloys as well as other advantages. However, it seems that strengthening the properties and efficiency of these alloys can increase their scope of application. Typically, polymers have a high resistance to the passage of electricity. In recent years, increasing the electrical conductivity or reducing the electrical resistance of polymers by using conductive nanoparticles has received much attention.
Research approach: For this purpose, first, alloys of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene were prepared by melt mixing method and were tested and evaluated in terms of physical and mechanical properties, thermal properties and behavior of the melt. Next, by adding nanographene to the best alloy, the electrical, mechanical and morphological properties of nanocomposites were investigated. In order to increase the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites, different amounts of nanographene (1, 2 and 3%) were used.
Main results: By increasing the amount of polycarbonate, tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and HDT of the alloys increased. The results showed that the alloy with 68% polycarbonate generally has better properties than other alloys, so this alloy was considered as the polymer base of nanocomposites. The results of the mechanical test show an increase in the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the samples with an increase in the percentage of nanoparticles. Also, the examination of the electrical resistance of nanocomposites showed that in all samples, nanographene has been able to reduce the electrical resistance of the polymer to a very significant extent. By examining the mechanical and electrical properties of the samples, it was determined that the Percolation threshold of nanoparticles is equal to 2%. The FE-SEM images of the nanocomposites showed that the graphene nanoparticles were well dispersed in the polymer matrix and no traces of clumps or clusters resulting from the accumulation of nanoparticles were observed.
 

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    Aim of pre-treatment drying of mulberry was to reduce the moisture content to a level that allows safe storage over an extended period. In this research after different combination of ethyl oleate pretreatments, mulberry was dried industrially (cabin dryer). Dried mulberries packed in polyethylene and polystyrene and preserved for 5 months in 20ْ c. Non Enzymatic Browning was tested at 440 nm by spectroscopic method. Organoleptic tests were done by trained panelists. Hardness, Cohesiveness, Springiness and Chewiness of dried mulberries were measured by a texture analyzer. Statistical method was factorial in frame of completely randomized design with two factors and three replicates. Factor A was different pretreatments and factor B was packaging type. The results showed that Least intensity of brown color was in dried white mulberry pretreated by ethyl oleate 2% +ascorbic acid1% and then in ethyl oleate 2% +potassium meta bisulfate 0.5%  treatments . The lowest total count was in white mulberry in ethyl oleate 2% +potassium meta bisulfate 0.5%.  The results of Panel tests showed highest score for texture, color, odor, taste and overall acceptance in pretreatment of fruits with ethyl oleate 2% +potassium meta bisulfate 0.5%. The results of rheological tests showed that the highest score for chewiness was in white mulberry pretreated with ethyl oleate 2% +potassium meta bisulfate 0.5%. White mulberry pretreated and packaged in poly styrene had the lowest scores for brown color and total count after 5 months storage. Totally it is concluded that dried white mulberry pretreated with combination of ethyl oleate 2% and potassium meta bisulfate 0.5% and packed in poly styrene preserved its  qualitative, sensory and rheological characteristics after 150 days in 20ْc .  

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The unique physicochemical properties of nanoscale plasmonic materials have attracted considerable attention in the fabrication of hybrid nano-bio structures because of their promising applications in biosensing, imaging, and controlled-release drug delivery. The purpose of this study was the synthesis of functionalized gold nanorods (GNRs) to both reduce the toxicity and increase the biocompatibility for further applications such as the design of a therapeutic nanocarrier for nucleic acid delivery to cancerous cells. In this study, GNRs were prepared by seed-mediated method and their surface was modified by polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) polymer. Then, peptide-functionalized GNRs was fabricated via ligand exchange method through the Au-S bond. The CTAB-GNRs and functionalized nanostructures were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential measurement. Finally, the cytotoxicity effects of functionalized GNRs on Hela cells were studied by MTT assay. The optimal concentration of PSS and peptide, which did not cause any aggregation and morphological perturbations of the nanostructure were obtained 50μM and 1mM respectively. The survival percentage of treated Hela cells significantly increased by surface modification of GNRs with PSS and functionalization with peptide compared to CTAB-GNRs. While LC50 of functionalized GNRs was calculated 50nM, treated cells with the same concentrations of CTABGNRs survived less than 20%. Functionalization of GNRs increases its biocompatibility and improves applications of this nanostructure as a therapeutic carrier in cancerous cells.

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One of the important applications of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in Iran is its use as infill block in Block and Joist Reinforced Concrete Floors. The properties and performance of EPS blocks in this floor system, including reaction-to-fire, mechanical properties, thermal resistance and acoustical performance of the system, was studied. Fire behavior of blocks was tested with ISO 5660 cone calorimeter test method. The fire properties of standard and flame retarded types of EPS were measured and discussed, including time to ignition, average and peak values of heat release rate and total heat release. The influence of type of EPS on its fire behavior was investigated. The results showed that the time-to-ignition and total heat release parameters can not be a characteristic value for distinction between standard and fire retarded types of EPS under cone calorimeter test condition. The reason is that both types are flammable and burn completely at fire temperatures. The peak value of heat release rate (PHRR) of EPS is the most important parameter that can be utilized for distinction of Standard and flame retarded types of EPS with cone calorimeter test method. PHRR values higher than 300 kW/m 2 were achieved for standard types, but the results for flame retarded ones were less than 250 (and mostly less than 200) kW/m     2 . The fire risks of specimens were also evaluated using Conecalc software and Richardson method. The results showed that even flame retarded   EPS needs to be protected with a thermal barrier in building applications. Moreover, it is required that the   protective barrier be mechanically fixed to the structural system, since EPS melts and recedes away heat,   once it is exposed to high temperatures. Hence, it is not able to keep barrier, say plaster, in its position.   The flexural strength of blocks under static and dynamic loads and its relation with density and   dimensions of blocks was evaluated. The results showed that minimum 12 and 14 (kg/m     3 ) density of foam is required respected for 25 and 20 cm of height of blocks with a width of 50 cm. An optimum 27      2 mm was obtained for the width of sitting section of blocks on joists. The influence of different properties and   geometry of EPS block (conductivity, width, height and existence of a thermal covering layer under joists)   on thermal resistance of floor system was also studied. The THERM software, Enery Efficiency and   Renewable Energy Program, was used for evaluation of thermal resistance of the floor. The increase of   height and width of blocks caused improvement in thermal resistance of the floor system, but the best result   was obtained when a thermal covering layer was considered under the joists. The acoustical results showed   that the replace of EPS blocks with hollow clay blocks does not influence importantly the impact sound   insulation of the floor system. Neither of them can fulfill the impact sound acoustical requirements and   need to be improved with an extra system, like a floating floor or an appropriate elastic floor covering for   this purpose.    

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Increasing pollution levels due to rapid industrialization and urbanization are now causes of major concern in industrializing countries. Petroleum and chemical processes are responsible for many emissions both into the air. Equipment leaks in chemical and petroleum processing industries are responsible for significant amount of emissions. Even if each individual leak is generally small, it is the largest source of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from petroleum industries and chemical manufacturing facilities. Styrene and Acrylonitrile are two major components in the streams of ABS plant of Tabriz Petrochemical Complex which is expected to be released to the atmosphere through various sources such as equipment leaks and tank venting. In the first step of this study the major sources of pollutants emission in the ABS plant were identified considering the PDF and PID of the plant. Then the emission rate of each source was estimated using the emission factors presented by USEPA. An emissions factor is a representative value that attempts to relate the quantity of a pollutant released to the atmosphere with an activity associated with the release of that pollutant. Emission factors are powerful tools for policy makers as they can be used to relate emissions and concentrations. In the last step, the estimated emission rates were used as the input of Industrial Source Complex Short-Term Version 3 (ISCST3) model to predict the ground level concentration of Styrene and Acrylonitrile around the ABS plant. The ISCST3 is steady-state Gaussian plume model which can be used to assess pollutant concentrations from a wide variety of sources associated with an industrial complex. The model is generally applicable for near-field (within 10 km) impact assessment of air pollutant in meteorologically and topographically uncomplex conditions. Among the 54 pumps, 23 compressors and other equipments of the plant, 11 pumps, 8 compressors and 6 storage tanks were identified as the emission sources of considered pollutants. The emission rates of pumps and compressors were estimated using the emission factors presented in AP-42 document of USEPA. The emission estimation of Styrene and Acrylonitrile from six storage tanks has been done using USEPA standard regulatory storage tanks emission model (TANKS 4.0.9a). The emission software program TANKS is developed using emission factors presented in AP-42. The results showed that the compressors are the significant sources of considered pollutants which release about 586 g/day Styrene and 2506 g/day Acrylonitrile to the atmosphere. The emission rate of Styrene and Acrylonitrile from pumps were estimated 36 g/day and 94 g/day, respectively. The results of using TANKS model indicated that Styrene and Acrylonitrile emission rates are 7 g/day and 22 g/day, respectively. The estimated emission rates were used as the input of ISCST3 model to find the ground level concentrations of considered pollutants around ABS plant. The results showed that the maximum level of Styrene was 646 µg/m3 which is below the Reference Concentration (Rfc). In the case of Acrylonitrile the maximum level of estimated concentration was 272 µg/m3 which is higher than Rfc. The implementation of a leak detection and repair (LDAR) program or modifying/replacing leaking equipment with “leakless” components were recommended to reduce the emissions from equipment leaks of ABS plant.

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Additive manufacturing or 3D printing processes through which applicable complicated parts are directly made based on 3D model of the part has been extensively addressed in numerous research and development tasks for the past years. Certain merits such as decline of time, cost of design and manufacturing of product, processing different engineering materials, manufacturing parts with highly complicated geometries, and manufacturing customized parts should be noted in the case of adopting these methods. Indirect selective laser sintering is one of the interesting methods of integrated manufacturing which could be used for manufacturing of complicated pieces and certain materials such as ceramics with a high melting point and difficult manufacturing process through typical methods. In the present study, indirect SLS of spherical alumina powder particles with a thin layer of amorphous thermoplastic (PMMA and PS). In order to coat alumina particles with different weight percent of thermoplastic, the new method of phase Inversion process was used. Due to significance of geometry and dimensions of the final part, the least probable thickness of thermoplastic was used for manufacturing of parts based on SLS method. In the present study, evaluation of coating and method of coating have been discussed. The evaluative techniques include assessment through scanning electron microscopy, analytical results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, green parts where produced based SLS method and through optimal values of laser parameters and selection of alumina powder particles with thinnest thermoplastic coating.

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The presence of the Achaemenid Persians and the archaeological materials that they left in their territories have always been regarded as important topics. Phoenicia was one of their prized dominions. Considering the historical importance of the pioneering universal empire of the Achaemenids as well as the significance of the Phoenician civilization, the study of their interactions would be invaluable. After a historicalgeographical introduction and an overview of the role and status of Phoenicia in the history of the Achaemenid Empire, the present research has focused on Phoenician architecture. The questions addressed in this study are: To what extent can Persian influence be observed in the architectural findings recovered from Achaemenid Phoenicia? To what extent did each Phoenician city-state adopt Achaemenid architectural elements? The study of available sources and reports indicated that the Persian influence on Phoenician architecture, despite its insignificance, demonstrates the presence and dominance of the Achaemenid style. Furthermore, the extent of Persian influence on different city-states was not equal, and did not depend on the prominence of a city-state. It even seems that there was no special requirement for the application of Achaemenid elements. It should be noted that architectural findings only constitute a part of the available material. Obviously, in order to achieve a more comprehensive result regarding the research topic, other data from Achaemenid Phoenicia should also be considered. 

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This article serves as a continuation of our exploration into "Achaemenid Phoenicia," following our previous work on "Persian influence on Phoenician architecture. In this research, we delve into additional available evidence concerning Achaemenid Phoenicia, along with pertinent historical sources. Our primary objective is to provide a more holistic view of Persian influence on Phoenicia. The next step is to offer possible corrections or complements to the results of previous paper, which focused on the presence and dominance of the Achaemenids in the region, the non-uniformity of Persian elements in the architecture of Phoenician city-states, and the absence of a connection between the importance of a city-state and the extent of Persian influence on it. By studying additional evidence, we surmise that Persian influences were popular among the upper class and, to some extent, the middle class of society. When it comes to royal art, the evidence from Sidon indicates a notable influence, whereas that from Tyre suggests a certain conservatism, despite the significance of the city-state. However, other movable findings discovered in the territory of Tyre reveal Persian influence, indicating the lack of conservatism among the elites of Tyre in contrast to their local royal court. Regarding the entry of Persian elements into Phoenicia, the available evidence suggests that the presence of Persian officials in Phoenicia, as well as Phoenicians who visited centers such as Susa and Persepolis, could have been two major factors in this cultural penetration. Overall, our findings support and enhance those of our previous study.