News. Academia. Natural Fibers Sustainable Future

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1 Academia Weighing Analytical and solutions Analysis in the Laboratory laboratory 6 News Natural Fibers Sustainable Future Despite intensive cotton farming, supply can not meet the increasing world demand for natural fibers. Finding alternatives is the key objective of the Textile Engineering and Materials (TEAM) research group at De Montfort University, Leicester UK. METTLER TOLEDO s DMA861e has played a crucial role in their research. Searching for Substitutes TEAM s research encompasses technical textiles and advanced material technologies focusing on natural fibers, enzymes and mathematical modelling. The mathematical fibers modelling of yarn and textile products forms a large part of the research effort within TEAM where problems such as yarn color and creasing during washing have been under detailed study. To aid its work, the group needed to set up a new lab facility. One area was required to support the high tech analysis related to composites. DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) is considered to be a useful analytical technique for this procedure. As a result, TEAM purchased a METTLER TOLEDO DMA861e. Mr. Dennis Waldron, TEAM research staff explains that, The equipment is used to characterize products from body armour to footwear materials. It has been used to address problems dealing with composites and raw materials on a regular basis. Used in conjunction with a METTLER TOLEDO DSC we have been able to fully characterise many materials. Natural Resources Reliable Source of Fiber The DMA has recently been used to investigate the mechanical properties of bast plant straw to optimize harvesting and processing. Active research is being carried out on materials including flax, hemp and stinging nettles. Straw is processed through a series of mechanical processes including decortication and

2 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis maturation. The technique of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was used to study changes that occurred to the crops during plant maturation. The majority of work focuses on flax. Samples were harvested at different stages of plant maturity, dried naturally and samples cut from the middle of the stems. These were then conditioned at 20 C and 65% relative humidity prior to testing. All tests represent the average of 15 repetitions. Tests were carried out using the DMA861e either as dual cantilever (3-point bending) or compression modes. Initial work was carried out at 20 C and samples were tested over a range of frequencies. Mr. Waldron explains that, Viewing a plant stem as a complex composite suggests that DMA is a technique that has the capability of providing useful information to assist in the decortication process. Initial tests carried out on flax have verified that changes in the mechanical properties of the plant stem can be monitored during maturation. There is much to be gained from the mutual cooperation of METTLER TOLEDO and De Montfort University. The benefits of having a well equipped thermal testing facility, with technical support from the manufacturer, cannot be underestimated. added Mr. Waldron. Know-how Learn how to improve your results in our DMA webinars The interactive webinars, presented by industry leaders and internal experts, give you an opportunity to learn about specific areas of interest. In the webinars you will learn: Flax (Linum usititassimum) stem under test. DMA basics How to measure What to expect from results What to measure with DMA that is not possible to be measured with other techniques Which analytical problems can only be solved with the help of DMA Mr. Dennis Waldron, research staff at TEAM. Sign up for the DMA Webinar sessions Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Production Segment Marketing LAB Global MarCom Switzerland Subject to technical changes. Mettler-Toledo AG 08/09 Printed in Switzerland. 2 METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6

3 OneClick Titration Excellence System Serving Archaeology The Bavarian State Archaeological Collection in Munich, Germany, exhibits finds from the Bavarian pre- and early history. In addition to the preservation of the existing cultural material, a large quantity of new objects need to be treated that originate from official excavations from within the whole of Bavaria. T90 Excellence Titrator Iron Finds The primary issue concerning iron conservation is the desalting of iron finds to prevent continued corrosion. The embedded chlorides are washed using an alkaline sodium sulphite solution, which dissolves the chlorides. The solution is titrated with silver nitrate in a METTLER TOLEDO Excellence Titrator T90. The washing procedure is completed when the concentration begins to stagnate. Previously, without monitoring the chloride content, the objects were washed for an indeterminate time. Today, we have the possibility to wash the archaeological objects in an optimum manner so that all chloride is removed and, therefore, continued corrosion is prevented after the conservation treatment. Wood Wet wood objects become brittle and fragile when exposed to a simple drying process. For this reason, they are immersed in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. The PEG displaces the water and causes the cell structure to stabilize. In order to determine the end of the displacement process, the water content in the PEG solution around the object is measured with the aid of METTLER TOLEDO s Excellence Titrator T90 with a Karl-Fischer option. If the water content does not further increase, the process is completed. Optimum Conservation The METTLER TOLEDO system can be employed to determine the optimum points of time in the conservation process of iron and wet wood in a reliable, fast and safe time period. The Bavarian State Archaeological Collection can only fulfil its tasks to preserve these finds for future generations if an optimum conservation method is ensured. Modern mortar, becoming desalinated in an alkaline solution. Wet wood before conservation in PEG. Bronze Age evidence in finding position. METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6 3

4 XP Analytical Balance Differential Weighing Application Saving Research Labs Time An award winning, US based hospital known for its state-of-the-art research laboratories recently became a permanent home for the Excellence Plus XP Delta Range Analytical Balance from METTLER TOLEDO. Time and money was effectively saved when a manual procedure changed into a highly automated differential weighing application. Make a Difference The recent addition of the METTLER TOLEDO XP Analytical Balance has had a positive affect on one procedure at the hospital in particular. This procedure consists of finding the weight of multiple lipid samples extracted with solvent after having been dried in a test tube. Before the METTLER TOLEDO XP Analytical Balance came into the labs, a researcher from the hospital would place the empty test tube on a balance and record the weight. The researcher would then place the liquefied slurry sample in the tube and proceed through the drying process. Once the sample was dry, they would place the test tube with the dried sample, which remained on the balance, and record its weight. Finally, the researcher would manually calculate the difference in weight, resulting in the weight of the dried sample. This cumbersome procedure was then repeated for a series of samples. Now, with the METTLER TOLEDO XP Analytical Balance, the researcher uses the Differential Weighing Application featured by the balance. This application is able to analyze changes in weight of up to 500 samples completed in as many as 99 user-defined series. The lab technician weighs around 20 test tubes in a series about three times a week. The application allows them to firstly obtain and store the empty weight of each tube directly on the balance. Then, the technician places a sample in all 20 tubes, dries the tubes in a vacuum and brings them back to room temperature. From there, the researcher weighs all 20 tubes again. The XP Analytical Balance recalls the weight of each empty test tube and automatically subtracts it from the heavier dried sample weight. The result is one recordable dried sample weight for each tube with no manual calculations necessary. And There re More To develop this application further, the balance can be connected to a METTLER TOLEDO printer that dispenses a result sheet when a sample is complete. This process saves time and eliminates the possibility of transmission errors. In addition, the data can be sent electronically to a LIMS or application software package using the LabX software, preventing errors and reducing process time. The products and solutions made available by METTLER TOLEDO can significantly increase the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory procedures, saving both valuable time and money whilst simultaneously ensuring the highest quality results. 4 METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6 ErgoClip ensures secure placement of test tube and allows dosing directly into the container.

5 Characterization of Chemical Synthesis Products The determination of a melting point is one of the first characterization methods almost every student of chemistry uses. Most students who studied a long time ago would have used the silicon bath thermometer equipped instrument in practical work. The melting process with these instruments can only be observed through the magnification glass by one person at a time. With the new Excellence Melting point Systems all these problems are removed. Capillaries The determination of the melting point serves as identification and determination of the purification quality of synthesis products which are results of preparative tasks. The traditional method was to use a silicon bath thermometer instrument where one has to concentrate on both the sample and thermometer simultaneously. If one is distracted when the melting occurs, the point could be missed. A new sample would then need to be prepared and the measurement repeated. MP70 Melting Point System With the new Excellence Melting Point Systems all such concerns are removed. The color touch screen displays the melting which is recorded as an AVI movie. Therefore, live melting can also be observed by a group of people when necessary for teaching purposes. As the melting process is recorded and can be replayed on the instrument, a melting point is never missed again. Other sample effects, such as decomposition, color change or shrinkage due to structural changes can also be detected thanks to the high resolution color video. The new systems are very easy to operate. If a particular measurement method is commonly used, a One Click short cut can easily be programed on the home screen. Thereafter, the program can be started with only One Click. The issues concerning students practical work also apply for professors carrying out research. Online screen with live video of a colored substance. Home screen with One Click shortcut. METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6 5

6 Multi-Channel Pipetting Multi-Channel Pipetting With RAININ Improving Your Workflow Many samples in medium to high throughput life science laboratories are focused around SBS format plates, usually 96-wells in an 8 x 12 format. Multi-channel pipetting is an essential component of such liquid handling containers as it provides a convenient process for filling all of the wells. Different applications, however, will require alternative filling processes. Liquidator96 96 Wells at Once If a master mix of components or a single solution needs to be added to the entire plate, a 96-well bench top device best fits lab workflow. All 96 samples can be added to the plate or plates to speed up the process. The Liquidator96 is a convenient manual pipetting system that can be used in all laboratory settings for filling an entire 96-well plate with solutions within a range of 5 to 200 µl. Taking less than 15 seconds to fill an entire plate, the Liquidator96 improves productivity at a low cost with a bench-top platform requiring no programming or electrical supply. A typical application example is the filling of a PCR plate with a master mix in preparation for a genomics experiment. Multi-Channel Pipetting Between Different Formats An alternative multi-channel platform is the adjustable spacer system that enables multi-channel pipetting to move between style formats. In tissue culture maintenance, for example, 24-well plates with a 19mm center are often used for culturing cells An adjustable spacing system is required in order to transfer cells from this format to a 96-well plate (with 9 mm centers). RAININ offers both the manual Pipet-Lite and the electronic EDP3 of adjustable spacing systems in order to improve productivity for labs that need to move samples between formats. Traditional Row by Row Filling of 96 Wells Some applications require that a 96-well plate has a multiplicity of different products in the wells, which requires alternative tools to fill the plate. Traditionally, an 8- or 12-channel pipette would be used to add liquid down a column or across a row of wells. There are a number of pipetting platforms from RAININ that can meet these needs from the simple to use manual system of the Pipet-Lite, to the more automated electronic version of the EDP3. In both cases, the same multi-channel liquid shafts are available to provide the highest accuracy and precision. A typical application could be the addition of specific rows of primers for a PCR reac- 6 METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6

7 tion that requires a very accurate small volume multi-channel pipette. Each row could be a different primer set. Another example could be a serial dilution experiment that requires the starting row to have the maximum concentration of material under investigation, followed by the subsequent removal of an aliquot from row one to row two to produce a series of greater dilutions. This application is best performed by an electronic EDP3 multi-channel pipette which can not only remove and add liquid, but can also mix the components to ensure sample homogeneity before removing the next aliquot. Traditional Pipetting High Forces Large sealing area with thick-walled tip creates high friction Conical shaft fits into conical tip with no positive stop. BioClean and LTS LiteTouch System Maintaining Your Sample Integrity The ideal tips should always ensure complete inertness, ensuring that the experiment is not compromised by any interfering material. RAININ s BioClean are the answer. All tips must fit snugly onto the nozzle of the appropriate pipetting system in order to maintain sample integrity. It is essential for all multi-channel operations that all tips on all channels pick up the correct volume, dispense the correct volume and do not leak. LTS tips from RAININ are the perfect choice for all multi-channel operations, as the patented double seal system ensures equal performance on all channels and offers the lightest ejection forces. LTS Solution Low Forces Cylindrical tip with small seal area Positive stop eliminates jamming METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6 7

8 Online Tools Use as a Work Efficiency Resource Quick results with application notes Application Data Sheet for Moisture Determination Using the Halogen Moisture Analyzer METTLER TOLEDO We offer comprehensive application support for weighing, moisture analysis, titration and many other analytical methods. Our titration application database alone holds over 300 applications for each relevant industry segment. This data sheet contains details of Halogen Moisture Analyzer settings for drying coffee cream. These settings enable you to develop your own drying method. The settings must be checked individually and adapted to the relevant sample. The reference method data enables you to make comparisons with the Halogen Moisture Analyzer method. Moisture Determination Method for Coffee Cream Description/material properties Valflora coffee cream UHT, 0.25 l TetraPak, Migros e.g. Titration Applications: Reference Method: Oven Accessories METTLER TOLEDO AX205 DR balance, oven, aluminum pans, pipette, desiccator with silica gel, sea sand, small glass stirrer, spoon Sample preparation/procedure Pre-dry the aluminum pans with 20 g of sea sand and a small glass stirrer in the oven (1 hour at 110 C) and then leave to cool in the desiccator. Using the pipette, place the cream in the pre-weighed aluminum pans and stir well. Leave the samples to thicken in the oven for 30 mins at 90 C, then start drying them at 103 C in the oven. Remove the contents after the preset drying time has elapsed, leave to cool in the desiccator and weigh. Repeat the process until mass constancy is achieved. e.g. Moisture Applications: Sample weight: 4 [g] Drying temperature: 103 [ C] Drying times: 3/1/1 [hour(s)] Moisture content (average of 6 measurements): [%] Standard deviation: 0.30 [%] Important notes/bibliography Literature: Schweizerisches Lebensmittelbuch (Swiss Food Book) (Issue 5), 3A / 03 Tips & tricks for daily work improvements offers a great deal of background information on techniques, such as weighing processes, in addition to tips and tricks on how to improve your results. Our UserCom magazines offer many examples of how to carry out better and more efficient working practice. e.g. Good Weighing Practice: e.g. Thermal Analysis UserCom: 8 METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6

9 Learn new techniques with little time or effort in our webinars You can join a wide array of webinars to gain knowledge about various topics from process optimization and applications to advanced techniques. e.g. Automated Chemistry Webinars: e.g. Thermal Analysis Webinars: Get the right help to fix problematic issues quickly We offer tools which interactively troubleshoot common issues with lab equipment, such as electrodes for example. Electrode Diagnosis Cockpit: Download comprehensive documentation We offer manuals and other documents related to our products and your business including various information supporting your equipment qualification needs. e.g. Balance Instruction Manuals: Find corresponding manuals on our product page e.g. Conformity Documents: Find corresponding manuals on our product page METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6 9

10 G20 Compact Titrator Innovative Solutions for Today's Challenges of Academic Labs The new Compact Titrator G20 combines simplicity and dependability for the research and education in one instrument. The G20 is especially designed for basic applications and can be simply operated due to the well established unique One Click user interface and the Plug & Play accessory concept. The LabX light titration laboratory PC software offers data reliability and comprehensive documentation. Dependable Handling Plug & Play The burette and sensor automatically identify and reduce any errors during installation. Simple Operation Safe Data Storage Easy method editing The method editor of the One Click User Interface allows to change a method easily and rapidly. LabX light titration Enable evaluation and documentations for further studies. 10 METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6

11 Study chemistry under actual conditions from highly concentrated to sub-millimolar using a powerful but easy-to-use reaction analysis system, ReactIR with ic IR software. Clear View of Your Chemistry with ic IR Software Quality Assured The wizard guided software ensures proper instrument setup to guarantee the highest quality data is collected the first time and every time. Monitor your reactions Dynamic result sets allow the scientist to combine and compare quantitative concentration profiles from different saved experiments. For instance, all experimental curves can be combined, compared and detailed on a single screen. Ergonomic Concept Designed to fit neatly into a fume hood, the lightweight and mobile ReactIR ic10 is moved easily to where it is needed. Designed for the Chemistry Silver halide (AgX) fiber optic technology with Comp sensors makes it easy to reliably monitor chemistry across a wide range of scales. METTLER TOLEDO AcademiaNews 6 11

12 Spotlight on Promotion Special offering on ph meter/ printer! Complete Documentation, Easy Workflow Use your ph meter more efficiently The New SevenEasy ph Meter S20 and Conductivity Meter S30 Version 2 Offer: Optimal documentation: The printer RS-P26 has an integrated date and time function in order to create the perfect printout with date and time recorded. Perfect protection: A protective cover is included with each instrument in order to protect the instrument against splashes and spills. Greater precision: The new S20 has a resolution of ph and an accuracy of ph. Buy a SevenEasy ph or Conductivity Meter and get a discount on an RS-P26 Printer. Contact your local representatives for detailed information. Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland For more information