Publications

Alam, Mary K.; Alam, Todd M.

Abstract not provided.

Proposed for publication in the Journal of Inorganic Chemistry.

Bonhomme, F.; Alam, Todd M.; Tallant, David T.; Tissot, Ralph G.; Boyle, Timothy J.; Rodriguez, Marko A.; Nyman, M.

Abstract not provided.

Proposed for presentation at the

Holland, Gregory P.; Alam, Todd M.

The use of rotational echo adiabatic passage double resonance (REAPDOR) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to determine the site location of an adsorbed polar molecule in a zeolite cage is presented. Nitrogen-15 labeled ammonia is used as a probe molecule to characterize the initial adsorption site in 3A zeolite molecular sieves. The relative position of the ammonia adsorption site in the cage is determined by measuring the internuclear distance between the N on ammonia and both a Na cation site and an Al framework environment using {sup 15}N/{sup 23}Na and {sup 15}N/{sup 27}Al REAPDOR NMR experiments, respectively. The measured internuclear distances are similar to a specific ammonia adsorption site for the zeolite 4A ammonia sorption complex located using X-ray diffraction. Additional details regarding the ammonia hydrogen-bonding environment can be extracted from {sup 1}H/{sup 23}Na and {sup 1}H/{sup 27}Al REAPDOR NMR measurements.

Alam, Todd M.; Nyman, M.; Holland, Gregory P.

Abstract not provided.

Proposed for publication in Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Alam, Todd M.; Holland, Gregory P.

Abstract not provided.

Alam, Todd M.; Rhoades, David W.

Abstract not provided.

Alam, Mary K.; Alam, Todd M.; Cherry, Brian R.

The production and aging of silicone materials remains an important issue in the weapons stockpile due to their utilization in a wide variety of components and systems within the stockpile. Changes in the physical characteristics of silicone materials due to long term desiccation has been identified as one of the major aging effects observed in silicone pad components. Here we report relaxation nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (R-NMRI) spectroscopy characterization of the silica-filled and unfilled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polydiphenylsiloxane (PDPS) copolymer (M9787) silicone pads within desiccating environments. These studies were directed at providing additional details about the heterogeneity of the desiccation process. Uniform NMR spin-spin relaxation time (T2) images were observed across the pad thickness indicating that the drying process is approximately uniform, and that the desiccation of the M9787 silicone pad is not a H2O diffusion limited process. In a P2O5 desiccation environment, significant reduction of T2 was observed for the silica-filled and unfilled M9787 silicone pad for desiccation up to 225 days. A very small reduction in T2 was observed for the unfilled copolymer between 225 and 487 days. The increase in relative stiffness with desiccation was found to be higher for the unfilled copolymer. These R-NMRI results are correlated to local changes in the modulus of the material

Alam, Todd M.

Abstract not provided.

Boyle, Timothy J.; Segall, Judith M.; Cherry, Brian R.; Butler, Paul C.; Alam, Todd M.; Tallant, David T.; Malizia, Louis A.; Rodriguez, Marko A.; Ingersoll, David I.; Clark, Nancy H.; Garcia, Manuel J.; Simpson, Regina L.

Exploration of the fundamental chemical behavior of the AlCl{sub 3}/SO{sub 2}Cl{sub 2} catholyte system for the ARDEC Self-Destruct Fuze Reserve Battery Project under accelerated aging conditions was completed using a variety of analytical tools. Four different molecular species were identified in this solution, three of which are major. The relative concentrations of the molecular species formed were found to depend on aging time, initial concentrations, and storage temperature, with each variable affecting the kinetics and thermodynamics of this complex reaction system. We also evaluated the effect of water on the system, and determined that it does not play a role in dictating the observed molecular species present in solution. The first Al-containing species formed was identified as the dimer [Al({mu}-Cl)Cl{sub 2}]{sub 2}, and was found to be in equilibrium with the monomer, AlCl{sub 3}. The second species formed in the reaction scheme was identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies as [Cl{sub 2}Al({mu}-O{sub 2}SCl)]{sub 2} (I), a scrambled AlCl{sub 3}{center_dot}SO{sub 2} adduct. The SO{sub 2}(g) present, as well as CL{sub 2}(g), was formed through decomposition of SO{sub 2}CL{sub 2}. The SO{sub 2}(g) generated was readily consumed by AlCl{sub 3} to form the adduct 1 which was experimentally verified when 1 was also isolated from the reaction of SO{sub 2}(g) and AlCl {sub 3}. The third species found was tentatively identified as a compound having the general formula {l_brace}[Al(O)Cl{sub 2}][OSCl{sub 2}]{r_brace}{sub n}. This was based on {sup 27}Al NMR data that revealed a species with tetrahedrally coordinated Al metal centers with increased oxygen coordination and the fact that the precipitate, or gel, that forms over time was shown by Raman spectroscopic studies to possess a component that is consistent with SOCl{sub 2}. The precursor to the precipitate should have similar constituents, thus the assignment of {l_brace}[Al(O)Cl{sub 2}][OSCl{sub 2}]{r_brace}{sub n}. The precipitate was further identified by solid state {sup 27}Al MAS NMR data to possess predominantly octahedral A1 metal center which implies {l_brace}[Al(O)Cl{sub 2}][OSCl{sub 2}]{r_brace}{sub n} must undergo some internal rearrangements. A reaction sequence has been proposed to account for the various molecular species identified in this complex reaction mixture during the aging process. The metallurgical welds were of high quality. These results were all visually determined there was no mechanical testing performed. However, it is recommended that the end plate geometry and weld be changed. If the present weld strength, based on .003' - .005' penetration, is sufficient for unit performance, the end plate thickness can be reduced to .005' instead of the .020' thickness. This will enable the plug to be stamped so that it can form a cap rather than a plug and solve existing problems and increase the amount of catholyte which may be beneficial to battery performance.

Alam, Todd M.; Alam, Todd M.; Holland, Gregory P.; Cherry, Brian R.

The quantitative analysis of ammonia binding sites in the Davison (Type 3A) zeolite desiccant using solid-state {sup 15}N MAS NMR spectroscopy is reported. By utilizing 15N enriched ammonia ({sup 15}NH{sub 3}) gas, the different adsorption/binding sites within the zeolite were investigated as a function of NH{sub 3} loading. Using {sup 15}N MAS NMR multiple sites were resolved that have distinct cross-polarization dynamics and chemical shift behavior. These differences in the {sup 15}N NMR were used to characterize the adsorption environments in both the pure 3A zeolite and the silicone-molded forms of the desiccant.

Alam, Todd M.; Cherry, Brian R.; Alam, Todd M.

Abstract not provided.

Proposed for publication in Inorganic Chemistry.

Boyle, Timothy J.; Boyle, Timothy J.; Rodriguez, Marko A.; Alam, Todd M.

Abstract not provided.

Proposed for publication in Polymer.

Alam, Todd M.; Alam, Todd M.

Abstract not provided.

Proposed for publication in Macromolecular Rapid Communications.

Alam, Todd M.; Alam, Todd M.; Fan, Hongyou F.

Abstract not provided.

Journal of Chemometrics

Alam, Todd M.; Alam, M.K.

The effect of non-exponential and multi-exponential decay or relaxation behavior on the performance of the direct exponential curve resolution algorithm (DECRA) is investigated through a series of numerical simulations. Three different combinations of decay or relaxation behavior were investigated through DECRA analysis of simulated pulse gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR diffusion spectra that contained the combination of two individual components. The diffusion decay behavior of one component was described by a single-exponential decay, while the second component was described by either (1) a multi-exponential decay, (2) a decay behavior described by the empirical Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) relation or (3) a multi-exponential decay behavior correlated with variations in the NMR spectral line shape. The magnitudes and types of errors produced during the DECRA analysis of spectral data with deviations from a pure single-exponential decay behavior are presented. It is demonstrated that the deviation from single-exponential decay impacts the resulting calculated line shapes, the calculated relative concentrations and the quantitative estimation of the decay or relaxation time constants of both components present in the NMR spectra. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Alam, Todd M.

The quantitative analysis of microstructure and sequence distribution in polysiloxane copolymers using high-resolution solution {sup 29}Si NMR is reported. Copolymers containing dimethylsiloxane (DMS) and diphenysiloxane (DPS) monomer units prepared with either high vinyl content (HVM) or low vinyl content (LVM) were analyzed. The average run length (R{sub exp}), the number average sequence length (l{sub A}, l{sub B}), along with the various linkage probabilities (p{sub AA}, p{sub AB}, p{sub BA}, and p{sub BB}) were determined for different production lots of the LVM97 and HVM97 samples to address the lot variability of microstructure in these materials.

Radiation Physics and Chemistry

Alam, Todd M.; Celina, Mathias C.; Assink, Roger A.; Clough, Roger L.; Gillen, Kenneth T.

The γ-irradiated-oxidation of pentacontane (C50H102) and the polymer polyisoprene was investigated as a function of oxidation level using 17O nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that by using 17O labeled O2 gas during the γ-irradiation process, details about the oxidative degradation mechanisms can be directly obtained from the analysis of the 17O NMR spectra. Production of carboxylic acids is the primary oxygen-containing functionality during the oxidation of pentacontane, while ethers and alcohols are the dominant oxidation product observed for polyisoprene. The formation of ester species during the oxidation process is very minor for both materials, with water also being produced in significant amounts during the radiolytic oxidation of polyisoprene. The ability to focus on the oxidative component of the degradation process using 17O NMR spectroscopy demonstrates the selectivity of this technique over more conventional approaches. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Polymer Preprints

Alam, Todd M.

Abstract not provided.

Chemical Physics Letters

Alam, Todd M.; Lang, David P.

Abstract not provided.

Inorganic Chemistry

Boyle, Timothy J.; Alam, Todd M.; Lang, David P.

[Tl(OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 3})]{sub 4}, (1) was reacted with excess HOR to prepare a series of [Tl(OR)]{sub n} where OR= OCHMe{sub 2} (2, n = 4), OCMe{sub 3} (3, n = 4), OCH{sub 2}CMe{sub 3} (4, n = 4), OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}(Me){sub 2}-2,6 (5, n = {infinity}), and OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}(Pr{sup i}){sub 2}-2,6 (6, n = {infinity}). Single crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the structure of compounds ligated by more sterically demanding ligands. Compound 4 was found to adopt a cubane structure, while 5 and 6 formed linear polymeric structures. These compounds were additionally characterized by {sup 203,205}Tl solution and {sup 205}Tl solid state NMR. Compounds 1--4 were found to remain intact in solution while the polymeric species, 5 and 6, appeared to be fluxional. While variations in the solution and solid state structures for the tetrameric [Tl(OR)]{sub 4} and polymeric [Tl(OAr)]{sub {infinity}} may be influenced by the steric hindrance of their respective ligands, the covalency of the species is believed to be more an effect of the parent alcohol acidity.

Spectroscopy

Alam, Todd M.; Alam, Mary K.

Chemometric analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has increased dramatically in recent years. A variety of different chemometric techniques have been applied to a wide range of problems in food, agricultural, medical, process and industrial systems. This article gives a brief review of chemometric analysis of NMR spectral data, including a summary of the types of mixtures and experiments analyzed with chemometric techniques. Common experimental problems encountered during the chemometric analysis of NMR data are also discussed.

Assink, Roger A.; Celina, Mathias C.; Alam, Todd M.; Clough, Roger L.; Gillen, Kenneth T.

The authors have shown that the hydroperoxide species in {gamma}-irradiated {sup 13}C-polyethylene can be directly observed by {sup 13}C MAS NMR spectroscopy. The experiment was performed without the need for special sample preparation such as chemical derivatization or dissolution. Annealing experiments were employed to study the thermal decomposition of the hydroperoxide species and to measure an activation energy of 98 kJ/mol. EPR spectroscopy suggests that residual polyenyl and alkylperoxy radicals are predominantly trapped in interracial or crystalline regions, while the peroxy radicals observed after UV-photolysis of hydroperoxides are in amorphous regions.

Inorganic Chemistry

Boyle, Timothy J.; Alam, Todd M.; Rodriguez, Marko A.

Abstract not provided.

Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics

Alam, Todd M.; Cygan, Randall T.

A molecular dynamics (MD) study of the lithium ultraphosphate glass series, xLi{sub 2}O{center_dot}(1{minus}x)P{sub 2}O{sub 5} (0 {le} x < 0.5) was used to investigate the changes in the Li environment with increasing modifier concentration. The results from the MD simulations indicate that no major structural variations in the Li coordination environment are observed. Changes in the type of oxygen coordinated to the modifier are observed and correlate with the T{sub g} minimum. Additionally, changes in the number of shared phosphorus vertices are observed with increasing modifier concentration, in support of recent models involving the role of the modifier in the extended range structure of phosphate glasses. Empirical calculations of the {sup 6}Li NMR chemical shifts directly from the MD simulation structures is also reported and compared to recent experimental solid-state NMR results.

Inorganic Chemistry

Boyle, Timothy J.; Alam, Todd M.; Rodriguez, Marko A.

A series of arylalcohols [H-OAr where OAr = OC{sub 6}H{sub 5} (OPh), OC{sub 6}H{sub 4}(2-Me) (oMP), OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}(2,6-Me){sub 2} (DMP), OC{sub 6}H{sub 4}(2-Pr{prime}) (oPP), OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}(2,6-Pr{prime}){sub 2} (DIP), OC{sub 6}H{sub 4}(2-Bu{prime}) (oBP), OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}(2,6-Bu{prime}){sub 2} (DBP) where Me = CH{sub 3}, Pr{prime} = CHMe{sub 2}, and Bu{prime} = CMe{sub 3}] were reacted with LiN(SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2} in pyridine (py) to generate the appropriate ``Li(OAr)(py){sub x}'' complex. The resultant products were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction as: [Li(OPh)(py){sub 2}]{sub 2} (1), [Li(oMP)(py){sub 2}]{sub 2} (2), [Li(DMP)(py){sub 2}]{sub 2} (3), [Li(oPP)(py){sub 2}]{sub 2} (4), [Li(DIP)(py){sub 2}]{sub 2} (5), [Li(oBP)(py){sub 2}]{sub 2} (6), and [Li(DBP)(py)]{sub 2} (7). Compounds 1--6 adopt a dinuclear, edge-shared tetrahedral complex. For 7, due to the steric crowding of the DBP ligand, only one py is coordinated yielding a dinuclear fused trigonal planar arrangement. Two additional structure types were also characterized for the DIP ligand as [Li(DIP)(H-DIP)(py)]{sub 2} (5b) and [Li{sub 2}(DIP){sub 2}(py){sub 3}] (5c). {sup 6,7}Li and {sup 13}C NMR solid state MAS spectroscopy indicated that the bulk powder was consistent with the crystalline material. Solution state NMR spectroscopy revealed a symmetric molecule existed in solution for 1--7.