Marian Sulek, Tomasz Wasilewski and Malgorzata Zieba
Modern cutting fluids often are real aqueous solutions of chemical compounds. That form of cutting fluid is simpler in preparation, as compared to emulsions and microemulsions…
Abstract
Purpose
Modern cutting fluids often are real aqueous solutions of chemical compounds. That form of cutting fluid is simpler in preparation, as compared to emulsions and microemulsions. The water base is a good cooling medium of high‐ecological value. The purpose of this paper is to discover water‐soluble additives that could improve the lubricity of water.
Design/methodology/approach
Three cationic surfactants were chosen to be analyzed. Their tribological properties were verified using two testers: T0‐2 (four‐ball machine) and T‐11 (ball‐on‐disk). The results of the tests performed using friction couples made of steel (T0‐2, T‐11) and steel‐ceramics (T‐11) were satisfactory.
Findings
The friction coefficients and wear scar diameters are even a few times smaller, as compared to the ones measured in a water environment.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates that the crucial role in improvement of the tribological properties is played by the surface activity of the additives (confirmed by the measurements of the surface tension and wetting angle). As the cationic surfactants are bactericidal and anti‐corrosive, they can be classified as multi‐purpose additives modifying water lubricity.
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Polish agriculture is one of the main sectors of the national economy that, under the influence of political transformations and European integration, is subject to measures…
Abstract
Research Background
Polish agriculture is one of the main sectors of the national economy that, under the influence of political transformations and European integration, is subject to measures stimulating its development. The instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have been an important supporting stimulus.
Purpose of the Chapter
This chapter aims to evaluate the significance of the common agricultural policy to the growth and development of agriculture and to structural transformations therein triggered primarily by the influx of additional CAP funds.
Methodology
The agricultural sector was examined together with its selected characteristics in the context of CAP instruments' impact after 2004. Data included the streams of funding for Polish agriculture and indicators illustrating changes in structural features, economic performance and productivity of production factors. The indicators included changes in the number, structure and potential of farmsteads, changes in the level of employment in agriculture, this sector's share in total gross value added, profitability of farmsteads, capital expenditure level and changes in labour and land profitability compared with changes in the level of employment and agricultural production intensity. They were calculated based on data from EUROSTAT, Statistics Poland and Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN).
Findings
The outcomes confirm that common agricultural policy has contributed to create development processes in Polish agriculture. Changes in the sector affected structural characteristics, production factors productivity and the income of agricultural producers. Since Poland joined the European Union (EU), the percentage of agricultural workers declined by 8.4 p.p. and the number of farms decreased by nearly 30%. These changes were accompanied by a nearly twofold increase in agricultural labour productivity, 50% increase in land productivity and the profitability of land increased by 43%.
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This study aims to explore the traditional plant dyeing of Xinjiang Atlas silk fabrics, providing references for the comprehensive utilization of plant dyes in intangible…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the traditional plant dyeing of Xinjiang Atlas silk fabrics, providing references for the comprehensive utilization of plant dyes in intangible cultural heritage.
Design/methodology/approach
The focus of this study is on dyeing experiments of Atlas silk fabrics using safflower extracts, constrained by regional resources. Safflower dry flowers grown in Xinjiang were selected, rinsed with pure water and rubbed. Yellow pigments were removed by adding edible white vinegar. Red pigments from safflower were extracted using an alkaline solution prepared with Populus euphratica ash, a special product of Xinjiang. The extraction rate was analyzed under varying material-to-liquor ratios, pH values, times and temperatures. Direct dyeing process experiments were conducted to obtain different colorimetric L, a, b and K/S values for comparison. Samples with good color development were selected to test the impact of dyeing immersions on color development, and their color fastness, UV protection and antibacterial effects were verified.
Findings
The dyeing experiments on silk fabrics confirmed their UV protection capabilities and antibacterial properties, demonstrating effectiveness against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. As a major producer of safflower, Xinjiang underscores the significance of safflower as an essential plant dyes on the Silk Road. This study reveals its market potential and suitability for use in the plant dyeing process of Atlas silk, producing vibrant red and pink colors.
Originality/value
The experiments indicated that after removing yellow pigments, the highest extraction rate of red pigment from safflower was achieved at a pH value of 10–11, a temperature of 30°C and an extraction time of 40 min. The best bright red color effect with strong color fastness was obtained with a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:20, a temperature of 40°C and three immersions. The best light pink color effect with strong color fastness was a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:80, a temperature of 30°C and two immersions.