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Adipocere refers to a postmortem product which forms from body fat in the later stages of decomposition. Factors present in the surrounding decomposition environment will influence adipocere formation and may accelerate or retard the process of conversion. One such factor important in burial environments is the type of grave soil in which the burial has taken place. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of various soil types on the formation of adipocere in grave soils. X-ray diffraction and particle size analysis were used to characterise the soils which were essentially chosen on the basis of grain size. Infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to investigate the lipid profile and chemical composition of adipocere developed from decomposing tissue. The results suggest that adipocere is able to form in various soil types and that particular soil environments may accelerate its formation. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adipocere is a soft white substance formed postmortem from fatty tissue in a decomposing body. In this preliminary study the formation of adipocere in soil was investigated for a number of animal species. Adipocere was formed from the fatty tissue of pig, cattle, sheep and rabbit. It was found that adipocere did not form from the fatty tissue of chicken or kangaroo in the time frame investigated. The issues being considered are relevant to the forensic examination of remains whose origin is otherwise uncertain or which are, in some way, related to human remains. Infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to characterise the composition of adipocere formed in the various species after different burial durations. Adipocere was observed to form at different rates among the species, but there was no distinct evidence of the fundamental composition varying between species. Copyright © 2005 by ASTM International.

Adipocere refers to a decomposition product, which forms due to the post-mortem conversion of adipose tissue into a lipid mixture. During the conversion process, triglycerides present in the adipose tissue convert to free fatty acids via hydrolysis. Under the right conditions, hydrogenation of the free fatty acids will yield adipocere, which is chiefly comprised of saturated fatty acids. In a burial environment, adipocere may form macroscopically on the decomposing remains, but may also leach into the surrounding soil. This paper describes the development of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method which allows for the quantitative analysis of trace levels of adipocere in grave soils.

"Yellow block" sandstone, a colloquial expression used for a locally quarried variety of sandstone, has made an important contribution to the cultural and architectural heritage of Australia's largest city, Sydney. The golden colour of this dimension stone adds to the attractive appearance of a number of significant landmarks of Sydney. After almost a century of exposure, the progressive decay of the natural consolidant, which is predominantly clay, is causing deterioration of many of these sandstone buildings. While in some cases partial and total replacements have been successful in the restoration work, a proper understanding of the cause of decay of the natural consolidant is necessary if a suitable consolidant is to be developed to preserve the original blocks. This paper reports the findings of a study of the weathering behaviour of the clay matrix in "yellow block" sandstones used in some of Sydney's historic buildings. Sandstone samples were investigated by the techniques of FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and thermal analysis. The analytical results support the theory that the changes to the original kaolinite clay structure upon prolonged exposure and weathering of the sandstone blocks investigated are at least partly due to the substitution by Fe3+ for Al3+ in the octahedral sheet. © 2003 Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Compression moulded plaques of a range of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)- poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) blends (100, 92, 48, 29, 9.5 and 0 mass% PEEK) have been characterised using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray crystallography (WAXD). A shift in the melting peak of the PEEK phase from 347 to 358°C was observed with increasing proportion of PTFE in the blend. A narrowing of the melting range was also observed. Correspondingly, WAXD measurements showed a reduction in the d-spacings. The observed changes in morphology are rationalised in terms of a higher degree of order imparted on the PEEK crystalline phase by the transmission of an applied 'hydrostatic' pressure by the presence of the PTFE.

Soil samples recovered from grave exhumations have been analysed in an attempt to identify and characterise adipocere contained in the samples. The soil samples were collected from different environments, including samples recovered from forensic grave sites. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to identify adipocere and characterise the fatty acid composition. X-ray diffraction was used to characterise the soil environments. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. Challenges in decomposition odour profiling have led to variation in the documented odour profile by different research groups worldwide. Background subtraction and use of controls are important considerations given the variation introduced by decomposition studies conducted in different geographical environments. The collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from soil beneath decomposing remains is challenging due to the high levels of inherent soil VOCs, further confounded by the use of highly sensitive instrumentation. This study presents a method that provides suitable chromatographic resolution for profiling decomposition odour in soil by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry using appropriate controls and field blanks. Logarithmic transformation and t-testing of compounds permitted the generation of a compound list of decomposition VOCs in soil. Principal component analysis demonstrated the improved discrimination between experimental and control soil, verifying the value of the data handling method. Data handling procedures have not been well documented in this field and standardisation would thereby reduce misidentification of VOCs present in the surrounding environment as decomposition byproducts. Uniformity of data handling and instrumental procedures will reduce analytical variation, increasing confidence in the future when investigating the effect of taphonomic variables on the decomposition VOC profile.

Odour profiling of decomposed remains is important for understanding the mechanisms that cadaver dogs and forensically-relevant insects use to locate decomposed remains. The decomposition odour profile is complex and has been documented in outdoor terrestrial environments. The purpose of this study was to perform longitudinal analysis of the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile in soils associated with decomposed remains across all stages of decomposition. Two VOC collection techniques (sorbent tubes and solid phase microextraction) were used to collect a wider analyte range and to investigate differences in collection techniques. Pig carcasses were placed in an outdoor research facility in Australia to model the decomposition process and VOCs were collected intermittently over two months. VOCs of interest were identified over the duration of the trial, showing distinct trends in compound evolution and disappearance. The collection techniques were complementary, representing different subsets of VOCs from the overall profile. Sorbent tubes collected more decomposition-specific VOCs and these compounds were more effective at characterising the matrix over an extended period. Using both collection techniques improves the likelihood of identifying the complete VOC profile of decomposition odour. Such information is important for the search and recovery of victim remains in various stages of decomposition.

Photosynthesis by marine diatoms contributes substantially to global biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem productivity. It is widely accepted that diatoms are extremely sensitive to changes in Fe availability, with numerous in situ experiments demonstrating rapid growth and increased export of elements (e.g. C, Si and Fe) from surface waters as a result of Fe addition. Less is known about the effects of Fe enrichment on the phenotypes of diatoms, such as associated changes in nutritional value – furthermore, data on taxon-specific responses are almost non-existent. Enhanced supply of nutrient-rich waters along the coast of the subantarctic Kerguelen Island provide a valuable opportunity to examine the responses of phytoplankton to natural Fe enrichment. Here we demonstrate the use of synchrotron radiation Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy to analyse changes in the macromolecular composition of diatoms collected along the coast and plateau of Kerguelen Island, Southern Ocean. SR-FTIR microspectroscopy enabled the analysis of individual diatom cells from mixed communities of field-collected samples, thereby providing insight into in situ taxon-specific responses in relation to changes in Fe availability. Phenotypic responses were taxon-specific in terms of intraspecific variability and changes in proteins, amino acids, phosphorylated molecules, silicate/silicic acid and carbohydrates. In contrast to some previous studies, silicate/silicic acid levels increased under Fe enrichment, in conjunction with increases in carbohydrate stores. The highly abundant taxon Fragilariopsis kerguelensis displayed a higher level of phenotypic plasticity than Pseudo-nitzschia spp., while analysis of the data pooled across all measured taxa showed different patterns in macromolecular composition compared to those for individual taxon. This study demonstrates that taxon-specific responses to Fe enrichment may not always be accurately reflected by bulk community measurements, highlighting the need for further research into taxon-specific phenotypic responses of phytoplankton to environmental change.

A cross section of the discarded plinth from the Australian Museum in College Street, Sydney was analyzed to determine differences in the physical and chemical properties of Maroubra sandstone after a century of natural exposure. Thin section petrography shows the sandstone contains 68% quartz, 14% each of clay and pores with minor amounts of siderite (3%) and secondary quartz (1.2%). Preliminary compressive strength tests indicate the Maroubra sandstone cross-section ranged from 28.63MPa to 42.84MPa in dry conditions, while it lost approximately half its strength in wet conditions. X-ray diffraction and infrared analyses confirm the clay that binds Maroubra sandstone is pre dominately kaolinite with minor amounts of illite. Subtle differences in kaolinite detected by infrared spectroscopy may be due to partial iron substitution of aluminium in the clay.

The phase transition properties of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), in aqueous solution, have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the presence of NaCl (0−2 M). DSC studies show, for the first time, that the PEO phase transitions have an unusual line shape, the exact nature of which is dependent on NaCl concentration. The Tm (temperature of maximum apparent excess heat capacity) decreases with increasing [NaCl]. FT-IR experiments reveal that changes occur in the conformation of the C−O−C backbone of PEO, in the presence of 2 M NaCl, at the same temperature as the discontinuity in the apparent excess heat capacity function observed by DSC.

Tetraethylenepentamine, a long-chained multifunctional amine, was used to attach nitrogen (N) groups to the surface of a polyethylene terephthalate film. The N content of the modified films was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis as well as titration measurements. The physical properties of the modified films were studied using weight-loss measurements, X-ray diffraction, and environmental scanning electron microscopy. Contact-angle measurements were used to establish the changes in wettability of the modified films. The applicability of the surface-tension-component theory and the equation-of-state approach to this system is briefly discussed.

Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy has been used to study soil samples known to contain adipocere, the waxy material which can form from the tissue of human remains. In this preliminary study, the technique demonstrates potential as a means of determining the nature of adipocere formation. In particular, the types of fatty acids present may be discerned. Samples obtained from cemetery exhumations and forensic sites have been investigated.

The Nylon line used in a sculpture by the artist Naum Gabo has been investigated. The sculpture at the Tate Gallery in London shows signs of degradation and there is interest in determining the best replacement material in order to extend the life of the sculpture. Thermal analysis was employed to identify the original polyamide used in the artwork. The tensile properties of the degraded Nylon from the sculpture were compared with those of unaged Nylon and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), identified as a potential replacement material. PVDF was proposed as the preferred replacement for the sculpture.

This paper reviews the use of Raman spectroscopy for investigations in polymer tribology. In particular, a number of studies dealing with the problem of surface plasticisation in engineering polymers have been reported and are reviewed in this paper. Solvent and thermally-induced plasticisation have been examined using Raman spectroscopy. The polymers poly(ether ether ketone), nylon and polycarbonate have been investigated and are discussed here.

The Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectrum of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA1) is reported. The spectra of PVA1 exposed to different aqueous environments are also reported. The changes to the FT Raman spectrum of PVA1 in the presence of water provide evidence of several forms of water in the polymer. For PVA1 exposed to an environment of 75% relative humidity, it is postulated that water molecules disrupt the inter-chain hydrogen bonding which exists in the polymer and produce an augmented hydrogen bonding. For the case of exposure to a 100% relative humidity environment, evidence is provided for the existence of liquid-like water clustered between the crystallites of PVA1. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

This paper describes a study of the surface properties of polycarbonate (PC) using a scratch friction technique. The scratch friction technique is shown to be a simple, effective method for investigating solvent induced changes to the surface mechanical properties of the polymer. The influence of the organic solvent p-xylene on the scratch friction of PC was studied and it was found that this solvent induces plasticisation in PC, evidenced by changes in the frictional properties. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

There are many factors which affect the rate of decomposition in a grave site including; the depth of burial, climatic conditions, physical conditions of the soil (e.g. texture, pH, moisture), and method of burial (e.g. clothing, wrappings). Clothing is often studied as a factor that can slow the rate of soft tissue decomposition. In contrast, the effect of soft tissue decomposition on the rate of textile degradation is usually reported as anecdotal evidence rather than being studied under controlled conditions. The majority of studies in this area have focused on the degradation of textiles buried directly in soil. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of soil texture on the degradation and/or preservation of textile materials associated with buried bodies. The study involved the burial of clothed domestic pig carcasses and control clothing in contrasting soil textures (silty clay loam, fine sand and fine sandy loam) at three field sites in southern Ontario, Canada. Graves were exhumed after 2, 12 and 14 months burial to observe the degree of degradation for both natural and synthetic textiles. Recovered textile samples were chemically analyzed using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to investigate the lipid decomposition by-products retained in the textiles. The findings of this study demonstrate that natural textile in contact with a buried decomposing body will be preserved for longer periods of time when compared to the same textile buried directly in soil and not in contact with a body. The soil texture did not visually impact the degree of degradation or preservation. Furthermore, the natural-synthetic textile blend was resistant to degradation, regardless of soil texture, contact with the body or time since deposition. Chemical analysis of the textiles using GC-MS correctly identified a lipid degradation profile consistent with the degree of soft tissue decomposition. Such information may be important for estimating time since deposition in instances where only grave goods and associated materials are recovered from a burial site. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

The decomposition of human remains involves a series of processes that begin immediately after death. The chemical process of decomposition is complex and involves the breakdown of soft tissue until skeletonization has occurred. The chemical processes associated with the decomposition involve identifiable changes to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and bone. A knowledge of the types of compounds produced during decomposition and, importantly, when they are formed provides potentially valuable information about the time and nature of a death. A variety of analytical techniques, including separation and spectroscopic methods, are available to identify the compounds of interest in the field of decomposition chemistry.

The conformation of SP-26, the synthetic peptide (residues 53–78) of myelin P2 protein that causes experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) in the peripheral nervous system, has been investigated in D 2 O using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Turns were found in 26% of the residues in the peptide, with rest of the residues in random coil (72%). The presence of 26% turns agrees well with the number of residues forming three turns in the antigenic region of the intact protein and the number of turns correlates well with the severity of EAN. Since turns also exist in peptides inducing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the central nervous system counterpart of EAN, turn structure may be a common structural motif for these closely related autoimmune neurological disorders.

The results of a sliding friction study of a blend of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly(ether imide) (PEI) are reported. The frictional behaviour of the blend follows a similar trend to that of the unblended PEEK, but the overall friction is higher in the case of the blend. However, comparison of the data obtained for unblended and blended PEEK shows that there is a reduction in the failure potential of PEEK when PEI is incorporated. That is, the potential for catastrophic thermally induced contact failure in the PEEK/PEI blend investigated is less than that observed for the unblended PEEK.

This paper describes a study of the surface properties of the poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) using a scratch hardness technique. A comparison of the hardness values determined for amorphous and crystalline PEEK shows that the crystalline polymer is harder. In addition, comparison of the scratch frictional behaviour indicates several friction mechanisms apply for this polymer.

The secondary structure of P2 protein, isolated from bovine peripheral nervous system myelin, in reconstituted myelin was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Spectra of the protein in aqueous solution and in the lipid environment were compared and notable changes were observed. It was proposed that there are significant differences in the conformation of the protein in the contrasting environments. An increase in alpha-helical structure was observed for the protein in myelin and the significant amount of beta-structure observed in aqueous solution was reduced. The degree of alpha-helix appears to be related to the neuritogenic activity of the P2 protein. The findings of this study also support the view that the presence of both alpha-helices and beta-structure plays a significant role in membrane proteins.

The temperature dependence of the Fourier transform Raman spectrum of polycarbonate has been investigated. C−O−C stretching and C−H stretching modes were found to be temperature-sensitive. The changes noted indicate the presence of a cis-trans conformation for the crystalline polymer, while the cis-cis conformation predominates in amorphous polycarbonate.

The field of nuclear science has seen an unusually large number of discoveries by women this century. This article focuses on the acclaimed work of Marie Curie, her daughter Irene Joliot-Curie, Lise Meitner and Maria Goeppert-Mayer.

The Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectrum of poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar-49) is reported. Additional bands, not observed in the conventional Raman spectrum, have been assigned. The changes to the FT-Raman spectrum of Kevlar due to the presence of water have also been examined. As a consequence of the intensity changes to certain Raman modes in this preliminary study, it is postulated that water molecules form liquid-like clusters between the crystallite regions of Kevlar fibres. © 1995 Springer-Verlag.

The Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectrum of polycarbonate (PC) is reported. The effect of xylene on the structural properties of PC has been investigated. Changes to the FT/Raman spectrum of PC in the presence of xylene are believed to be due to an increase in the amount of the cis-trans conformation produced in the polymer. Xylene causes plasticisation of PC while inducing ordering in the polymer.

Tribological studies have been carried out on Nylon 6,6 with particular emphasis placed on the examination of the effect of water on this polymer. An examination of the sliding frictional behaviour of Nylon 6,6 against a steel substrate shows that the friction decreases with increasing load, probably due to the formation of thermally softened interfaces in the contact. After exposure of this polymer to water, dramatic changes to the frictional behaviour of the Nylon are observed ; the friction increases with increasing load. From the application of the adhesion model of friction it is postulated that the observed changes are caused by extensive plasticisation of the Nylon and, as a consequence, an increase in the contact area. This proposition is confirmed by the reported scratch hardness data. After treatment with water the scratch friction mechanism changes significantly and a notable reduction in the hardness of Nylon is observed.

A study of the effects of some chlorinated organic solvents on the physical and spectral properties of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been carried out. Infra-red and Raman spectroscopy, as well as mass diffusion studies, were used to examine the consequences of exposing PEEK to carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, chloroform and tetrachloroethane. Certain solvents were found to cause swelling and induce crystallization in the polymer. The effects of these solvents on the Raman spectrum of PEEK allowed a fictive temperature of 250°C to be assigned. Lewis acid—base theory was used to interpret the different swelling effects.

Infrared spectroscopy has proved to be a powerful tool for the study of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This spectroscopic approach enables such molecules to be identified and changes to their chemical structures to be characterized. The application of this technique to biological problems is continually expanding, particularly with the advent of increasingly sophisticated sampling techniques associated with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Biological systems, including animal and plant tissues, microbial cells, clinical samples, and food, have all been successfully studied using infrared spectroscopy. In particular, recent decades have seen a rapid expansion in the number of studies of more complex systems, such as diseased tissues. This article reviews the sampling methods available for biological molecules. The interpretation of infrared data, both qualitatively and quantitatively, for such systems is covered. The specific information to be obtained from the main types of biological molecules is detailed, and the application of biological infrared spectroscopy is reviewed.

The potential for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as a tool for the discrimination of forensic polymer specimens is investigated for a series of commercial low density polyethylene (LDPE) samples. Variation in the melting temperatures of 'as received' samples was found to be too small for its use in sample discrimination. The melting behaviour of thermally treated samples, quenched from the melt in liquid nitrogen followed by annealing at temperatures below the melting temperature, showed promise in discrimination potential. The application of principal component analysis to aid discrimination demonstrated the necessity in using a controlled thermal history to aid the discrimination process. The clustering of the LDPEs based on the factors selected demonstrated the potential of DSC for the discrimination of forensic LDPE samples. © Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary 2011.

The changes to Fourier transform Raman spectra of Nylon 6 due to the presence of water have been examined. It is postualted that water molecules disrupt the inter-chain hydrogen-bonding which exists in the polyamide; water molecules have a greater propensity to interact at the basic carbonyl sites of Nylon than adjacent Nylon chains. The Raman spectra of thermally softented Nylon are also reported. Increased temperature is shown to destroy hydrogen-bonding. Comparison of thermally and solvent plasticised Nylon 6 indicate differing spectral changes. © 1994 Springer-Verlag.

A study of blends consisting of the polymers poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) using Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy is described. The data presented show that the presence of PTFE in the PEEK environment causes the PEEK molecules to become more ordered. The most significant changes to the PEEK molecules are shown to occur with only small additions of PTFE. These observations are compared with reported frictional and hardness data.

Adipocere is a postmortem decomposition product that consists of a mixture of fatty acids. The rate of formation of adipocere from pig adipose tissue in an aqueous environment has been monitored. The effect of various clothing and carpet material types on the process was investigated. The fatty acid composition of the adipocere was determined at regular intervals using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Examination of the changes to fatty acid concentrations allowed the degree of adipocere formation in the different environments to be estimated. The study demonstrated that the rate at which adipocere forms is particularly accelerated by the presence of coverings produced from natural materials. Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry revealed, for the most part, little change to the cations present in the adipocere formed. However, an increase in Ca concentration was observed for tissue wrapped in acrylic carpet, which was associated with a CaCO(3) additive used in the carpet manufacture.

Polymer composites comprised of poly(vinyl alcohol) and montmorillonite with higher clay loadings have been prepared and characterised. The extent of intercalation in the composites was examined over a range of compositions using scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The incorporation of an acidification step followed by washing the clay results in a homogenous polymer-clay film. The source of montmorillonite was found to have an effect on the morphology of the clay in the resulting composite. Montmorillonite was obtained from two sources and different clay structures within the polymer - clay composites were identified in each case, indicating that the choice of clay is an important consideration when producing poly(vinyl alcohol) - montmorillonite composites with higher clay content. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The mechanism and stability of dimethylol urea (DMU) to polycondensation were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy (TG-MS) for evolved gas analysis and a non-isothermal model-free induction period kinetic analysis using three temperature functions; the Arrhenius function and two non-Arrhenian functions. The polycondensation was observed to occur through a two-step process of condensation followed by elimination of formaldehyde during structural rearrangement as has been reported in the literature. The rate equations for each temperature function were evaluated and extrapolated to room (23 °C) and refrigerator (4 °C) temperature to estimate the length of the induction period for the onset of polycondensation for storage life prediction. Based on experience, estimates of the length of the induction periods and, hence, storage life, were most realistically predicted by the non-Arrhenian temperature functions.

The potential of thermogravimetric analysis (TG) as a tool for the characterisation of ochre paint used in indigenous Australian bark paintings has been investigated. TG has been combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mass spectrometry (MS) to identify and quantify the main inorganic and organic components present in the paints. The results obtained were supported by comparison with infrared spectra and XRD data obtained for the same specimens. The potential of thermal methods for the characterisation ochres has been demonstrated, with subtle differences between small samples being able to be identified. © 2011 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.

An investigation of a post-mortem product, adipocere, resulting from the decomposition of a pig carcass left on a soil surface is reported. The presence of this material should provide valuable information for forensic investigators: although a body may have been removed from a crime scene, decomposition products may remain in the soil below and the depth to which these are observed can provide insight into the problem of how long a body remained on the soil surface. Infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used in this study to identify the compounds associated with adipocere, which is comprised of particular fatty acids, in soil samples taken from different depths below the carcass. Both techniques demonstrate that adipocere may be detected in soil beneath a body and the depth to which it is detected is dependent upon the time since the body was deposited on the soil surface. © 2011 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences.

This paper describes a study of the crystallization behaviour of blends consisting of the polymers poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly (ether imide) (PEI) using Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The annealing process of PEEK was followed for the virgin polymer and also when it was blended with PEI. The data presented show that the crystallization process of PEEK is inhibited by the presence of the PEI, but the extent of the crystallinity is increased. There is also evidence that the presence of the PEI induces premelting of the PEEK.

The paper describes an experimental study, with an associated analysis incorporating supplementary data, of the anti-boundary lubricating action of an alkane-aliphatic carboxylic acid lubricant system in a poly (ether ether ketone)-mild steel contact. The experiments involve progressively increasing the load in a contact formed between a polymer plate and a rotating steel shaft and estimating the fractional work dissipated. Scuffing is identified when a rapid increase in frictional work is noted at a characteristic normal load. It is shown that the additive induces premature scuffing. Subsidiary data is provided using Raman spectroscopy and hardness probes, and confirms that certain additives such as decanoic acid and dodecylamine will induce surface plasticization in poly (ether ether ketone). The trends in the frictional data have been interpreted using the adhesive model of friction in conjunction with temperature-dependent interfacial rheology and bulk mechanical property data. It is proposed that the scuffing process is induced prematurely as a consequence of excessive additive-induced subsurface plasticization. Restricted surface plasticization in this system provides an enhanced self-lubricating capacity.

Adipocere is a late-stage postmortem decomposition product that forms from the lipids present in soft tissue. Its formation in aquatic environments is typically related to the presence of a moist, warm, anaerobic environment, and the effect of decomposer microorganisms. The ideal temperature range for adipocere formation is considered to be 21-45°C and is correlated to the optimal conditions for bacterial growth and enzymatic release. However, adipocere formation has been reported in cooler aquatic environments at considerable depths. This study aimed to investigate the chemical process of adipocere formation in a cold freshwater environment in Lake Ontario, Canada. Porcine tissue was used as a human tissue analogue and submerged at two depths (i.e., 10 and 30 feet) in the trophogenic zone of the lake. Samples were collected at monthly postmortem submersion intervals and analysed using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy to provide a qualitative profile of the lipid degradation and adipocere formation process. Early stage adipocere formation occurred rapidly in the cold water environment and proceeded to intermediate stage adipocere formation by the second month of submersion. However, further adipocere formation was inhibited in the third month of the study when temperatures approached the freezing point. The depth of submergence did not influence the chemical conversion process as similar stages of adipocere formation occurred at both depths investigated. The study demonstrated that adipocere can form rapidly, even on small amounts of soft tissue, which may be representative of dismembered or disarticulated limbs discovered in an aquatic environment. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.