• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.229-234
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• 2001

The EDXRF(Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer) technique was applied to the determination of heavy metals in welding fume. The EDXRF method designed in this study was a non-destructive analysis method. Samples were analyzed directly by EDXRF without any pre-treatment such as digestion and dilution. The samples used to evaluate this method were laboratory samples exposed in a chamber connected with a welding fume generator. The samples were first analyzed using a non-destructive EDXRF method. The samples subsequently were analyzed using AAS method to verify accuray of the EDXRF method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of the non-destructive analysis of heavy metals in welding fume by EDXRF. The results of this study were as follow: 1.When the samples were collected under the open-face sampling condition, a surface distribution of welding fume particles on sample filters was uniform, which made non-destructive analysis possible. 2. The method was statistically evaluated according to the NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and HSE(Health and Safety Executive) method. 3. The overall precision of the EDXRF method Was calculated at 3.45 % for Cr, 2.57 % for Fe and 3.78 % for Mn as relative standard deviation(RSD), respectively. The limits of detection were calculated at $0.46{\mu}g$/sample for Cr, $0.20{\mu}g$/sample for Fe and $1.14{\mu}g$/sample for Mn, respectively. 4. A comparison between the results of Cr, Fe, Mn analyzed by EDXRF and AAS was made in order to assess the accuracy of EDXRF method. The correlation coefficient between the results of EDXRF and AAS was 0.9985 for Cr, 0.9995 for Fe and 0.9982 for Mn, respectively. The overall uncertainty was determined to be ${\pm}12.31%$, 8.64 % and 11.91 % for Cr, Fe and Mn, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed that Cr, Fe, Mn in welding fume were successfully analyzed by the EDXRF without any sample pre-treatment such as digestion and dilution and a good correlation between the results of EDXRF and AAS was obtained. It was thus possible to use the EDXRF technique as an analysis method of working environment samples. The EDXRF method was an efficient method in a non-destructive analysis of heavy metals in welding fume.

• Clean Technology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2021

Material Life Cycle Assessment (MLCA) was performed to analyze the environmental impact characteristics of the Mg₂NiH_x-5 wt% CaO hydrogen storage composites' manufacturing process. The MLCA was carried out by Gabi software. It was based on Eco-Indicator 99' (EI99) and CML 2001 methodology. The Mg₂NiH_x-5 wt% CaO composites were synthesized by Hydrogen Induced Mechanical Alloying (HIMA). The metallurgical, thermochemical characteristics of the composites were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), specific surface area analysis (Bruner-Emmett-Teller, BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As a result of the CML 2001 methodology, the environmental impact was 78% for Global Warming Potential (GWP) and 22% for Eutrophication Potential (ETP). In addition, as a result of applying the EI 99' methodology, the acidification was the highest at 43%, and the ecotoxicity was 31%. Accordingly, the amount of electricity used in the manufacturing process may have an absolute effect on environmental pollution. Also, it is judged that the leading cause of Mg₂NiH_x-5 wt% CaO is the addition of CaO. Ultimately, it is necessary to research environmental factors by optimizing the process, shortening the manufacturing process time, and exploring eco-friendly alternative materials.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.409-421
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• 2022

Achieving a highly resolved spatial distribution of Mn-bearing minerals and elements in the natural ferromanganese nodules can provide detailed knowledge of the temporal variations of geochemical conditions affecting the formation processes of nodules. While a recent study utilizing Raman spectroscopy has reported the changes in the manganate mineral phases with growth for spherical nodules from the Arctic Sea, the distributions of minerals and elements in the nodules from the shallow Arctic Sea with non-spherical forms have not yet fully elucidated. Here, we reported the micro-laser Raman spectra with varying data acquisition points along three different profiles from the center to the outermost rim of the non-spherical ferromanganese nodules collected from the East Siberian Sea (~73 m). The elemental distributions in the nodule (such as Mn, Fe, etc.) were also investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to observe the internal structure and mineralogical details. Based on the microscopic observation, the internal structures of a non-spherical nodule can be divided into three different regions, which are sediment-rich core, iron-rich substrate, and Mn-Fe layers. The Raman results show that the Mn-bearing mineral phases vary with the data acquisition points in the Mn-Fe layer, suggesting the changes in the geochemical conditions during nodule formation. In addition, we also observe that the mineral composition and structural characteristics depend on the profile direction from the core to the rim. Particularly, the Raman spectra obtained along one profile show the lack of Fe-(oxy)hydroxides and the noticeably high crystallinity of Mn-bearing minerals such as birnessite and todorokite. On the other hand, the spectra obtained along the other two profiles present the presence of significant amount of amorphous or poorly-ordered Fe-bearing minerals and the low crystallinity of Mn-bearing minerals. These results suggest that the diagenetic conditions varied with the different growth directions. We also observed the presence of halite in several layers in the nodule, which can be evidence of the alteration of seawater after nodule formation. The current results can provide the opportunity to obtain detailed knowledge of the formation process and geochemical environments recorded in the natural non-spherical ferromanganese nodule.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2023

The nucleation mechanism was studied using a calcium ion selective electrode (Ca ISE) to observe the formation of CaCO₃, a representative mineral in the CO2 cycle, and to analyze the effect of the Mg/Ca-ratio and temperature on the formation of pre-nucleation cluster (PNC) and CaCO₃. As a result of the experiment, a small amount of crystal was formed. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used for surface element analysis, and a field emission scanning-electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used for the morphology analysis of synthesized carbonates. These results showed that various shapes of crystalline CaCO₃ (calcite, aragonite, etc.) were observed for each Mg/Ca ratio and temperature. In addition, the calibration plot obtained from Ca ISE showed information on the formation process of CaCO₃. Our results showed that as magnesium ions interfered with the binding of calcium and carbonate ions and delayed the aggregation between PNCs, the nucleation and formation of CaCO₃ were delayed. On the other hand, the temperature showed an opposite trend as compared to the effect of magnesium under our experimental conditions, indicating that temperature accelerated the formation of CaCO₃. Furthermore, the morphology of CaCO₃ clearly changed according to the Mg/Ca ratio and temperature, and it was confirmed that the two factors are very important for CaCO₃ formation in that they could affect the overall process.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.413-422
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• 2022

Barnea manilensis is a bivalve which bores soft rocks, such as, limestone or mudstone in the low intertidal zone. They make burrows which have narrow entrances and wide interiors and live in these burrows for a lifetime. In this study, the morphology and the microstructure of the valve of rock-boring clam B. manilensis were observed using a stereoscopic microscope and FE-SEM, respectively. The chemical composition of specific part of the valve was assessed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. 3D modeling and structural dynamic analysis were used to simulate the boring behavior of B. manilensis. Microscopy results showed that the valve was asymmetric with plow-like spikes which were located on the anterior surface of the valve and were distributed in a specific direction. The anterior parts of the valve were thicker than the posterior parts. EDS results indicated that the valve mainly consisted of calcium carbonate, while metal elements, such as, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, and Mg were detected on the outer surface of the anterior spikes. It was assumed that the metal elements increased the strength of the valve, thus helping the B. manilensis to bore sediment. The simulation showed that spikes located on the anterior part of the valve received a load at all angles. It was suggested that the anterior part of the shell received the load while drilling rocks. The boring mechanism using the amorphous valve of B. manilensis is expected to be used as basic data to devise an efficient drilling mechanism.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2010

Transition metal based spent catalysts (Ni-Mo and Co-Mo), which were scrapped from the petrochemical industry, were reused for the removal processes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Especially the optimum regeneration procedures were determined using the removal efficiency of VOCs. In this work, the spent Ni-Mo and spent Co-Mo catalysts were pretreated with different physic-chemical treatment procedure: 1) acid aqueous solution, 2) alkali solution, 3) chemical agent and 4) steam. The various characterization methods of spent and its regenerated catalysts were performed using nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). It was found that all spent catalysts were found to be potentially applicable catalysts for catalytic oxidation of benzene. The experimental results also indicated that among the employed physico-chemical pretreatment methods, the oxalic acid aqueous (0.1 N, $C_2H_2O_4$) pretreatment appeared to be the most efficient in increasing the catalytic activity, although the catalytic activity of spent Ni-Mo and spent Co-Mo catalysts in the oxidation of benzene were greatly dependent on the pretreatment conditions. The pretreated spent catalysts at optimum condition could be also applied for removing other aromatic compounds (Toluene/Xylene).

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.232-239
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• 2008

The dental orthodontic mini-screw requires good mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance for implantation in the bone. The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrochemical characteristics of TiN and ZrN coated orthodontic mini-screws, mini-screws were used for experiment. Ion plating was carried out for mini-screw using Ti and Zr coating materials with nitrogen gas. Ion plated surface of each specimen w as o bserved with f ield emission scanning e lectron microscopy ( FE-SEM), e nergy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electrochemical tester. The surface of TiN and ZrN coated mini-screw were more smooth than that of other kinds of non-coated mini-screw due to dercrease of machined defects. The corrosion current density of the TiN and ZrN coated mini-screw decreased compared to non-coated sample. The corrosion potential of TiN and ZrN coated mini-screw were higher than that of non-coated mini-screw in 0.9% NaCl solution. The pitting corrosion resistance increased in the order of ZrN coated, TiN coated and non-coated wire. Pitting potential of ZrN coated mini-screw was the highest in the other specimens.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.226-231
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• 2008

Titanium and its alloy have been widely used in dental implant and orthopedic prostheses. Electrochemical characteristics of dental implant in the various simulated body fluids have been researched by using electrochemical methods. Ti-6Al-4V alloy implant was used for corrosion test in 0.9% NaCl, artificial saliva and simulated body fluids. The surface morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The electrochemical stability was investigated using potentiosat (EG&G Co, 263A). The corrosion surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results of potentiodynamic test in various solution, the current density of implant tested in SBF and AS solution was lower than that of implant tested in 0.9% NaCl solution. From the results of passive film stability test, the variation of current density at constant 250 mV showed the consistent with time in the case of implant tested in SBF and AS solution, whereas, the current density at constant 250mV in the case of implant tested in 0.9% NaCl solution showed higher compared to SBF and AS solution as time increased. From the results of cyclic potentiodynamic test, the pitting potential and |$E_{pit}\;-\;E_{corr}$| of implant tested in SBF and AS solution were higher than those of implant tested in 0.9% NaCl solution.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.181-188
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• 2008

A.C. impedance properties of HA/Ti compound layer coated Ti-30Ta-($3{\sim}15$)Nb alloys have been studied by electrochemical method. Ti-30Ta binary alloys contained 3, 7, 10 and 15 wt% Nb were manufactured by the vacuum furnace system. And then specimen was homogenized at $1000^{\circ}C$ for 24 hrs. The sample was cut and polished for corrosion test and coating. It was coated with HA/Ti compound layer by magnetron sputter. The non-coated and coated morphology of Ti alloy were analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and filed emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The corrosion behaviors were investigated using A.C. impedance test (PARSTAT 2273, USA) in 0.9% NaCl solution at $36.5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. Ti-30Ta-($3{\sim}15\;wt%$)Nb alloys showed the ${\alpha}+{\beta}$ phase, and $\beta$ phase peak was predominantly appeared in the case of increasingly Nb contents. The microstructures of Ti alloy were transformed from needle-like structure to equiaxed structure as Nb content increased. From the analysis of coating surface, HA/Ti composite surface uniformed coating layer with 750 nm thickness. The growth directions of film were (211), (112), (300) and (202) for HA/Ti composite coating on the surface after heat treatment at $550^{\circ}C$, whereas, the growth direction of film was (110) for Ti coating. The polarization resistance ($R_p$) of HA/Ti composite coated Ti-alloys were higher than those of the Ti and HA coated samples in 0.9% NaCl solution at $36.5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. Especially, corrosion resistance of Ti-Ta-Nb system increased as Nb content increased.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2008

The triaxial compression tests and consolidation tests using NaCl solution and leachates as substitute pore (or saturated) water in samples were carried out to find out the behavior characteristics of strength, deformation and permeability coefficient of contaminated clay. Also, the chemical property analysis on the clay samples using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer were involved. The magnitudes of composition ratio were shown in the order of O, C, Si, Al, and Fe as a result of chemical composition analysis for clay samples. Besides, as the results of triaxial compression tests and consolidation tests, the shear strength, compression and permeability properties were increased with increasing in the concentration of contaminant (NaCl). It may be considered that these circumstances be caused by the changes of soil structure to flocculent structure due to the decrease in the thickness of diffuse double layer with increasing in the concentration of electrolyte. MT3D model was also using to grasp the procedures that the groundwater may be contaminated by the leachates permeated through the clay liner. The results of contaminant transport analysis showed a tendency that the predicted concentration of groundwater was higher with increasing in the initial concentration of $Cl^-$ ion and increased as a nonlinear curves with time. The transportation distance calculated by the use of regression equation between the distance from contaminant source and the concentration of $Cl^-$ ion was increased with increasing the initial concentration.