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Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive atomic X-ray spectrometry (EDAX) were used to study the response mechanism of a previously reported new Hg membrane ion-selective electrode (ISE) based on 1,3-diphenylthiourea. These techniques allowed the study of the membrane surface characteristics, such as the morphological homogeneity and chemical composition. A 'twice Nernstian' response at pH > or = 7 was explained by the detection of the Hg(OH)+ cation. A normal Nernstian response was found at acidic pH values. Using these techniques, both coordination compounds, [Ligand-Hg-OH] at pH 7 and [Ligand-Hg-Ligand] at pH 4.5, were confirmed on the electrode membrane surface activated with Hg(NO3)2 solution at both pH values. These methods provide results which are independent of the potential measurement data and in agreement with them. A successful response model has explained both independent and unbiased sets of results. These conclusions confirm the proposed response mechanisms for this new Hg membrane sensor.

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Post-irradiation effects on nylon 6,12 crystalline fibers gamma-irradiated 6 years previously (6YI) were studied, including thermal stability and morphology; their relationship with storage time was also studied. The results of these studies were compared with those obtained for nonirradiated (NI) and namely freshly irradiated (FI) crystalline fibers. The results include analyses like thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical images for (6YI and FI) both kinds of nylon 6,12 fibers. The results showed that the most prominent effect is related to the reaction progress. The chain scission and/or crosslinking mechanisms, as well as the free radicals, allow proceeding with the reaction, and consequently, changes on the properties of the FI samples. The melting point, degree of crystallinity, degradation temperature and morphology prove that additional chemical reactions and surface modifications keep occurring in the fibers long after the irradiation process has ended. With storage time, the surface becomes rougher, the color turns yellowish, the melting point diminishes and the degree of crystallinity increases.