Dense La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 ͑LSM͒ electrodes were patterned by photolithography and fabricated via pulsed-laser deposition on Y 2 O 3-stabalized ZrO 2 ͑YSZ͒ electrolytes. Impedance analysis shows that the interfacial polarization resistance decreases significantly as electrode thickness drops below a critical value, beyond which the top surface of the LSM becomes active for oxygen reduction. However, when the LSM electrodes become too thin, the in-plane sheet resistance of the LSM starts to limit the utilization of the electrodes along their length. Quantification of the characteristic thickness is important not only to intelligent design of practical mixed-conducting electrodes but also to electrode design for fundamental studies.

The impact strength and the tensile behavior of an impact grade of isotactic polypropylene (impact i-pp)=chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) rubber blends are studied at the CSM rubber concentrations 0 to 23.4 vol%. The impact strength, which increased with CSM rubber concentration, has been analyzed on the basis of the interphase adhesion and crazing mechanisms. Tensile modulus and strength decreased whereas breaking elongation increased with increase in CSM rubber content. Predictive models have been used to explain the tensile modulus and strength properties. Scanning electron microscopy has been employed to study the phase structure.

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Nickel was electrodeposited from NiCl 2 -1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride at various temperatures at a constant potential. It was observed that by varying the electrolysis temperature, face centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal close packed structured (HCP) nickel could be produced. From spectroscopic studies, it could be said that H ? ions played an important role in the formation of HCP nickel. The hydrogen content in HCP nickel was found to be 1.2 wt%. From the Chronoamperometric studies, the diffusion coefficient of the electroactive species for the electrodeposition of nickel at 150°C was estimated to be 1.1 9 10 -5 cm 2 s -1 .