cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1710052
title: Structural Studies on Aggregates Formed by Novel Star-Shaped Oligomeric Surfactants

description: Oligomeric surfactants, where three or more alkyl chains and headgroups are connected via spacer groups with various geometries, have interesting and potentially important properties which make them attractive for many applications. On incrementally increasing the degree of oligomerization, oligomeric surfactants exhibit significantly reduced critical micelle concentration (CMC), more-abundant aggregate structures, and better emulsification ability. The aggregation behavior of oligomeric surfactants also strongly depends on the nature and connecting features of the spacer groups. This proposal is about investigating the self-assemblies of a series of novel star-shaped oligomeric surfactants with different oligomerization and charge at various concentrations, as well as the effect of NaCl concentration on the aggregate structures.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1710088
title: Spin dynamics in metallic-like carbon nanospheres

description: Exploiting spin coherence phenomena in quantum materials is both technologically and fundamentally relevant, particularly in view of recent developments in quantum computing. Attempts to combine the advantages of inorganic and molecular materials have led to promising materials for use as quantum bits (qubits). These materials include isotopically engineered nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centre nanodiamonds5 and N@C60, graphene, and metallic molecular magnets. We recently demonstrated that a long itinerant electron spin lifetime in a magnetically homogeneous conducting carbon nanospheres can be achieved at room temperature.With the help of this muon experiment we will understand the origin of the unprecedentedly long spin lifetime of the metallic-like carbon nanospheres.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1710133
title: QENS Investigation of Proton Conduction Mechanism in Spark-Plasma-Sintered Protonic Ceramics Based on Doped Barium Zirconate

description: As part of a PhD study our research team is investigating protonic conduction in cerium and yttrium doped barium zirconate (BZCY) prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering. Previous experiments have been successfully carried out for yttrium-doped barium cerates to clarify the protonic behaviour inside the sample. However, the exact processes of protonic transport especially when prepared by novel techniques remain unknown. The aim of this experiment is to use quasielastic neutron scattering to gather detailed information on the diffusion of protons in BZCY, to get a better understanding of the proton conduction mechanism.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1710310
title: Muon-spin-rotation study of the noncentrosymmetric superconductor ThPtSi

description: Our recent research on Th-bearing intermetallics revealed bulk superconductivity in ThPtSi. The critical temperature determined from the resistivity and magnetization data is Tc = 3.3 K. The compound crystallizes with the LaPtSi-type crystal structure (s.g. I41md) that lacks an inversion symmetry. The results of bulk properties measurements, e.g. nearly linear temperature dependence of the upper critical field, hint at unconventional superconductivity. The aim of this proposal is to verify the nature of the superconducting state in ThPtSi by means of detailed muon-SR study
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1710386
title: Diamond anvil cell for a combined X-ray and neutron diffraction study of glycine

description: High pressure is a powerful thermodynamic tool, like temperature, to vary the properties and structure of materials. X-ray and neutron diffraction can be used to measure certain effects of pressure on a material, with both providing complementary information due to the differences in the nature of their interaction with matter. Typically it has not been possible to measure samples with both using the same pressure cell, due to technical difficulties such as the poor penetration of X-rays and the comparatively low flux of neutron sources. As such it is challenging to ensure that the sample is in exactly the same conditions between measurements, introducing a considerable source of error. We have developed a pressure cell suitable for measurements on both a neutron source, and a conventional X-ray diffractometer. We hope to study the amino acid glycine under pressure.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1720294
title: Spin excitations in CeCoSi under hydrostatic pressure

description: The meta-orbital transition is a new theoretical concept to explain the nature of quantum criticality in heavy-fermion systems. Such a transition can occur e.g. as function of pressure from localized behavior at ambient pressure to itinerant 4f states at high pressure. Here, we propose to study the possible meta-orbital transition in CeCoSi. This compound has quite unusual temperature-pressure phase diagram and QCP at 2GPa. At this experiment we want to study the quasielastic magnetic response under hydrostatic pressure when approaching the critical regime. The linewidth of the quasielastic fluctuations should strongly increase with pressure up to critical pressure with no much change beyond.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1800002
title: Test of electronics on ChipIr in collaboration with Cobham

description: This test is part of the scientific commissioning of ChipIr.We will assess the response of electronics devices in the ChipIR neutron beam to evaluate the use of the beamline for aerospace applications.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810114
title: Probing the electroactive interface of ionic liquids and their solutions

description: We propose a detailed study of the interfacial structuring of a non-halogenated, and tribologically relevant, ionic liquid (IL) at an electrified interface, as a function of applied potential, its concentration (in a base fluid) and exposure to water (via addition of small water concentrations). We have already performed nano- and macro-scale tribological measurements on IL mixtures, which show clear changes in friction coefficient with applied potential and water exposure. Therefore, we expect to observe considerable changes in the IL boundary layers. Through integration with our ongoing tribology tests, we hope our results will help guide the application of ILs as future electro-responsive tribotronic lubricants or lubricant additives, as well as provide a launch pad for other electrochemical applications where responsive interfacial structures are likely to play a key role.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810239
title: Magnetic ordering in the layered oxide arsenides Sr2CrO2Fe2As2 and Sr2CrO2Co2As2

description: This proposal is to probe the structure and magnetic ordering in Sr2CrO2Fe2As2 and Sr2CrO2Co2As2, in order to complete a description of trends in the Cr sublattice magnetic ordering as the electronic properties in the metal arsenide layers changes in the series Sr2CrO2M2As2 (M = Cr  Co).
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810455
title: Structural analysis of honeycomb iridate alpha-Li2IrO3 under pressure

description: We propose to perform neutron diffraction measurements on a honeycomb iridium oxide alpha-Li2IrO3 under pressure. Honeycomb  iridates have been intensively studied as a possible materialisation of Kitaev spin liquid, but all of them show a magnetic ordering at low temperatures. We recently found a spin-liquid behaviour in 3D-honeycomb beta-Li2IrO3 under pressure. Moreover, by applying pressure, beta-Li2IrO3 undergoes a structural transition accompanying the Ir-Ir dimerisation. The Ir-Ir dimerisation may be a generic feature in honeycomb  iridates under pressure. The 2D honeycomb iridate alpha-Li2IrO3 was also reported to display a structural transition at around 3 GPa. The crystal structure under pressure is, however, yet to be solved, and the possible presence of Ir dimers has not been clarified. We therefore analyse the crystal structure of alpha-Li2IrO3 under pressure at PEARL.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810697
title: Combined Neutron Resonance Spectroscopy and Deep Inelastic Neutron Scattering on the Electronic Liquid System, Sr-NH3

description: We request 5 days on VESUVIO in order to examine the sensitivity of 87Sr (n,) resonances and DINS to the metal-insulator and liquid-solid transitions in the Sr-NH3 system. The ability to extract information regarding ion confinement from the Doppler-broadening of the resonance would be an important step forward in the application of VEUSVIO in the study of disordered and dilute systems. Accompanying this investigation we will conduct standard DINS measurements on two expanded metals, both of which have been reported to exhibit a highly unusual structure in the solid state.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810743
title: Probing the role of Mo on the precipitation kinetics of nanoscale titanium carbides in micro-alloyed low carbon steel

description: Ever more stringent environmental regulations have driven the automotive industry to strive for light weight solutions in automotive body and chassis applications, without compromise of passenger safety. It is believed that the formation of nano precipitates due to the addition of micro alloying elements in steels results in mechanical property and performance improvements in steels. However, these precipitates can coarsen overly quickly during the manufacturing process, which could degrade the strength of materials significantly. One possible solution shown in the literature is the addition of Mo. However, the mechanism by which Mo affects the coarsening kinetics of Ti/Mo carbides has not been quantitatively validated. The paucity quantitative data has left an open question for model validation, which quantitative measurement of nano-precipitates growth kinetins using SANS will answer.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810746
title: Elucidating the unique role of non-standard collagen helices in forming key protein-protein complexes

description: The collagens are the most abundant proteins in mammalian systems, comprising up to 25% of human proteins. Their three-stranded triple helix structures are a major determinant of their function. Our work on basic triple helix structures by SAXS and atomistic modelling revealed previously unknown flexibility and bends in its linear structure. Our efforts to repeat this work for more specialized triple helices in the complement proteins were held up by severe X-ray radiation damage. Test neutron scattering gave excellent results. We will thus compare the structures of basic and specialized triple helical peptides using a combination of neutron and X-ray scattering, ultracentrifugation and advanced atomistic modelling in CCP-SAS. An understanding of these collagen structures will provide essential new insights for understanding the molecular properties of triple helices and their function.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1810794
title: Influence of multiaxial cyclic loading on residual stress stability in high-strength steel welded joints

description: In welded joints subjected to multiaxial fatigue, it is of interest to determine both the time to crack initiation and propagation to understand what controls fatigue life of the element. It has been shown that the mean stress state at the weld toe is of great importance in both initiation and propagation stages of welded specimens. Since no such measurements have been made on S690QL specimens, the objective is to quantify the residual stress field and its stability at the estimated point of initiation on two types of specimens at two different times during multiaxial fatigue testing. Results will then be used to model specimens behaviour with the help of elasto-plastic finite element. Non-destructive neutron diffraction is the only choice for these measurements, since it makes possible stress measurement in same specimens at various stages of their fatigue life.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1820162
title: Interfacial transfer in an Anionic Surfactant Micelle

description: Surfactants are used in everyday cleaning products. In the absence of oil (grease) and above a critical concentration the surfactant forms a micelle. Often fragrances are added to the cleaning product to provide a more pleasing odour. Fragrances are simply small molecules which will partition between the water and the surfactant micelle. The aim of the current proposal is to find out how fast a small molecule transfers from the water to the micelle and vice versa.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1820231
title: Investigating texture influence on 3D phase mapping of tensile-stressed TRIP steel

description: TRIP steels are alloys commonly used in the automotive industry for its capacity to change crystallographic phase when deformed. This change gives the material outstanding energy absorption capabilities, hence its use as passive safety measure in cars and other vehicles since, upon impact, a lot of the energy will be absorbed by this material thus providing enhanced security for the passengers.The understanding of this phase change process is therefore of high relevance for the industry and for the general public in order to improve this material even further. Neutron imaging, with its unique capability of performing measurements on bulky samples which are closely resembling the as-constructed mechanical parts and hence more representative of reality. With this campaign we aim to further our knowledge of the limitation of this technique.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1820399
title: Identification of the empirical forging methods and microstructural properties of the Japanese Swords: more samples more knowledge.

description: In our previous experiment RB 1810171 we analysed a group of three Japanese swords from an important private collection. Among the samples included in the proposal, we found many unusual aspects related to their forging and microstructures, since these results enabled us to allow a clear identification of their microstructures and phase compositions and to relate them to the different treatments applied to the swords. We hope to go on with this research by analysing another small group of swords which belong to the same collection and which visual inspection suggests may have different microstructures and so to try to identify the possible methods used to forge them. We propose to measure the composition and microstructural properties in different selected cross-sections of the blades, to characterize the quality of the metal and the thermal and mechanical treatments applied.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1820418
title: Elucidating the effect of BTHC on DMPC monolayers

description: Plastic bags are used as containers for storage of donated blood. These bags are often made of PVC plasticized with dialkylphthalates (e.g. DEHP), which migrates into the blood and has been found to stabilize the membranes of red blood cells and thereby increases the shelf life of the stored blood. DEHP is inherently toxic and a non-toxic alternative is desired that does not sacrifice shelf life of stored blood. BTHC is considered as a replacement for DEHP but studies show that it is less effective at stabilising blood cells. Using neutron reflectometry we aim to establish how BTHC interact with phospholipid monolayers and thereby understand the difference to DEHP. This comparison will help us connect biological functions to chemical effects. Insight into the stabilization will lead to greater understanding of how to preserve blood cells and increase the storage time of collected blood.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1820457
title: A muon coherent quantum resonance with I &gt; 1/2 nuclei in A15 compounds

description: The implanted muon can form a quantum-coherent resonant state when sandwiched between two I=1/2 fluorine ions, where I is the nuclear spin.  This state has usually only been for I=1/2 nuclei which have no quadrupole moment.  This proposal seeks to explore a newly-discovered analogous state in compounds with the A15 structure containing either V (I=7/2) and Nb (I=9/2) in order to understand the nature of the muon site in A15 compounds.  Preliminary data on V3Si has yielded a promising hint of a quantum coherent state with I&gt;1/2 nuclei. Knowledge of this state, in which quadrupolar coupling can play a role, may provide a new route through which muons could be used in the future to study charge density waves via the electric field gradient at I&gt;1/2 nuclei.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1820520
title: Strong Magnetic Frustration in Honeycomb System Ag3LiRu2O6

description: Ag3LiRu2O6 is a honeycomb transition metal oxide compound that is remarkable for the complete absence of long range spin order despite a strong magnetic susceptibility of ~2.5 uB/Ru-ion and a Curie-Weiss temperature of TW = 41K. Intriguingly, our preliminary NMR measurements reveal a divergence in the 1/T1 relaxation rate below T = 10K, indicative of spin fluctuations, suggesting the presence of strong magnetic frustration. We propose to use inelastic neutron scattering to uncover the underlying spin dynamics of Ag3LiRu2O6 and better understand the nature of magnetic frustration in honeycomb systems. Based upon our initial characterisation, we suspect that the spin wave gap is on the order of 30meV, making the time-of-flight spectrometer MERLIN an ideal instrument to investigate the Q-dependent magnetic excitation spectrum of Ag3LiRu2O6.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1869011
title: Understanding the skin barrier design: identifying the conformation of ceramide EOS within a simple Stratum Corneum lipid model

description: The stratum corneum layer of the skin acts as a barrier between the body and the external environment. This is achieved by dead corneocytes encased in a lamellar lipid matrix, which provides the only continuous pathway through the barrier. Skin diseases occur primarily due to alterations in the lipid matrix, which in turn compromises the barrier capability. To better investigate the lipid matrix a range of model systems have been developed that can mimic the structure and permeability behaviour of stratum corneum, however the lipid arrangement in these models remain unknown. For this experiment we have obtained some partially deuterated ceramide EOS, and we aim to determine if the ceramide is arranged either linearly or as a hairpin. This experiment will provide key information on how the lipid unit cells are bound together, providing further insights into the barrier structure.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1900008
title: Chipir commercial access: Broadcom

description: Chipir commercial access: Broadcom
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1900107
title: Measuring Radiation Effects on Robotic Systems

description: Performance degradation analysis of the sensors and embedded computing systems in the radiation-rich environment is a research area for nuclear robotics. In this perspective, a couple of experiments are proposed to capture the neutron-induced noise on the Raspberry Pi ARM processor-based system and associated camera. The experiments are designed to maintain a log of the data from the irradiated devices to a wide neutron fluence range. The captured data will be useful in modelling the device under test (DUT) performance degradation as the function of the neutron fluence. Such models can be useful for researchers planning similar deployments and for algorithms facilitating radiation robust operation. The degradation analysis requires periodic irradiation of the DUT from a high flux collimated neutron beam, and a 24-hour beamtime at the ChipIR facility is ideal to support the said need.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1520342
title: The role of disulphide bridges in the adsorption of globular proteins at the oil/water interface

description: Following our previous study of adsorption of globular lysozyme and BSA at the oil/water interface by neutron reflection, we continue to explore how unfolding of globular structures by reducing the disulphide bonds affects the structure of the adsorbed layers. Inter is preferred because we have built technical capability on this instrument.  The results will enable us to answer if the unfolding of the globular structures affects the entire adsorbed layers, especially the characteristic segment distributions into the oil region.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1520366
title: Nearly ferromagnetic fluctuations in CeRhSi3?  A high resolution study at low temperatures

description: The proposal requests time on OSIRIS to measure the low-energy magnetic fluctuations in CeRhSi3.  This compound is a noncentrosymmetric superconductor under pressures of ~10 kbar. We have previously done inelastic measurements above the magnetic ordering temperature and have found ferromagnetic fluctuations.  We propose to perform an experiment below Tn and study the low-energy response to search for any crossover to incommensurate fluctuations.  We request 5 days of time on OSIRIS for this experiment.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1567501
title: Spin dynamics study on the magnetic-field-induced superconductor,  l- (BETS)2FeCl4
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1610131
title: Structure of Confined Mucin Films

description: Nowadays, a significant research effort is devoted to understand and mimic biological lubricants which, in contrast to most man-made lubricants, are based on water. It has been extensively shown that nature overcomes the poor lubricity of water with the addition of biological molecules. Among these molecules, mucins are recognized as instrumental for biological lubrication. However, the molecular details of their lubricating properties are yet poorly understood. While structural studies of mucins at surfaces have given some insight into this aspect, the fact is that very little is known on the structure of confined mucin films, i.e. the really relevant system in the study of mucin lubrication. We propose to study this system by means of neutron reflectivity experiments employing a recently developed surface force type apparatus that allows the investigation of confined thin films.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1610271
title: Structure of hyaluronic acid solutions from dilute to concentrated regime

description: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a biopolymer naturally occurring in many biological systems, including the human body with vital roles in the eye, skin and joints due to its unique viscoelastic properties.The rheological behaviour of HA solutions is directly linked to the macromolecular structure but also to intermolecular interactions (when outside the dilute regime). It is therefore relevant to couple rheological measurements ((already and sistematically carried out by the applicants) with structural studies in a physiological environment and at molecular weights and concentrations similar to those found in the various tissues and biomedical products. In addition HA is an ideal system to study semi-rigid polyelectrolytes, theoretical prediction can therefore be tested and compared to a real system.
DOI: 10.5286/isis.e.rb1610292
title: Polymer electrolyte morphology investigated by SANS

description: Polymer electrolytes constitute a promising class of materials for rechargeable Li-batteries. The ionic conductivity behavior is dependent on the local morphology of the material, which in turn is dependent on the polymer host composition, salt content and temperature. We have synthesized novel polymer host materials  consisting of comb-shaped polymers in a block-copolymer arrangement  which have been investigated as electrolytes in prototype battery cells.  To fully understand the electrochemical behavior of these systems, we need to understand how their morphology interplay with salt concentration and temperature. We therefore propose to investigate the polymer nano-structure by Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS).