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Abstract: One avenue to enhance CdTe cell performance is to improve the optical transmission of the transparent conductive oxide (TCO)/window layer stack. In this paper, we examine soda-lime float glass coated with an Al-doped ZnO layer and a buffer layer. The possible advantages of using a ZnO-based TCO include reduced surface roughness, improved transparency, and an integrated buffer layer that can be optimized for use in a CdTe PV device. Device processing was modified to address the chemical and thermal differences between the ZnO-based TCO stack produced by Saint-Gobain and the TCOs previously used at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). These process modifications produced ~8% efficiency for devices without a buffer layer. Incorporation of buffer layers has already produced devices with ~11% and >12% efficiency for CdTe deposition temperatures of 570° and 500°C, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of the current program was to evaluate the properties of chemical precipitates proposed by industry that have been used in sump strainer head loss testing. Specific precipitates that were evaluated included aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH) and sodium aluminum silicate (SAS) prepared according to the procedures in WCAP-16530-NP, along with precipitates formed from injecting chemicals into the test loop according to the procedure used by one sump strainer test vendor for U.S. pressurized water reactors. The settling rates of the surrogate precipitates are strongly dependent on their particle size and are reasonably consistent with those expected from Stokes’ Law or colloid aggregation models. Head loss tests showed that AlOOH and SAS surrogates are quite effective in increasing the head loss across a perforated pump inlet strainer that has an accumulated fibrous debris bed. The characteristics of aluminum hydroxide precipitate using sodium aluminate were dependent on whether it was formed in high-purity or ordinary tap water and whether excess silicate was present or not. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses geochemical controls on groundwater recovery focusing on the elements influencing cost allocation in the Pinal Creek aquifer in Arizona. Background on acid storage in iron and aluminum sulfates; Aluminum sulfate phases; Iron sulfate phases; Pinal Creek-specific acid sulfates.

This study evaluated and compared the pH, radiopacity, setting time, solubility, dimensional change, and compressive strength of ProRoot MTA (PMTA), ProRoot MTA (tooth colored formula) (WMTA), white Portland cement (WP), and ordinary Portland cement (OP). The results showed that PMTA and Portland cement have very similar physical properties. However, the radiopacity of Portland cement is much lower than that of PMTA. The compressive strength of PMTA was greater than Portland cement at 28 days. The major constituent of PMTA is Portland cement. Given the low cost of Portland cement and similar properties when compared to PMTA, it is reasonable to consider Portland cement as a possible substitute for PMTA in endodontic applications. However, industrially manufactured Portland cement is not approved currently for use in the United States and therefore no clinical recommendation can be made for its use in the human body. Further in vitro and in vivo tests, especially with regards its biocompatibility, should be conducted to ascertain if it meets the FDA requirements for use as a medical device.