Nano Reinforced Filaments for Additive Manufacturing

Nano Reinforced Filaments for Additive Manufacturing Nomenclature: Summary: Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a popular technique for Additive Manufacturing (AM). FDM is used for fabrication of thermoplastic parts used for rapid prototyping with advantages like low cost and minimal material wastage. The objective of this project report is to understand different properties of reinforced extruded polymer filaments. The process includes the mixing of carbon nanotubes with polymer filament such as PLA and investigating different properties i.e. mechanical properties and use these new filaments for FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) machines. CNT blended polymers are lighter but stronger materials then typical PLA. This new material has outstanding mechanical properties which includes extreme tensile strength and Youngs modulus. The blending of CNT with PLA is shown in this report through microscopy. The experiment includes PLA with different composition i.e. simple PLA,0.1% CNT,0.2% CNT,0.5%CNT and 1%CNT. The tables show the relationship between shear rate and shear viscosity of materials with different compositions achieved through rheology. The rheological behaviour of CNT composite melt was also examined at two different temperatures i.e. 190 °c and 195 °c. The graph represents the This report is going to present the results achieved by MFI (Melt Flow Index) and Rheology to see if the material is stronger than any typical polymer, so that it can be used for Additive Manufacturing. The technology of Additive Manufacturing (AM) is rapidly emerging as alternative to conventional manufacturing techniques. Industry is increasingly looking at it as a means of producing finished articles rather than simply for prototyping. One of the main AM techniques is Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) in which a polymer filament is melted and progressively extruded to create a 3D plastic part. AT present a relatively small number of polymers may be successfully used with conventional FDM machines and this is limiting the ability of the process to expand into new markets. 1.1. Additive Manufacturing: Additive manufacturing (AM) is the name given to a group of emerging technologies that create objects from the bottom-up by adding material one cross-sectional layer at a time. [[i]] A three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape can be manufactured from a digital model. The adaptation of such a technology will result in engineers having to invest less time dealing with manufacturing constrains and will give them almost unlimited design freedom. However, up to now, despite all positive aspects, no single 3D printer has been able to print using different materials. Additionally, while various materials can be used in AM, their material properties, such as strength, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity typically have inferior properties compared with conventionally manufactured counterparts due to the anisotropy caused by the layer-by-layer approach. Many studies have reported on the incorporation of nanoparticles for the creation of new printing materials for AM. Metal nanoparticles [ii]], Nano-sized carbon black powder [iii]], carbon nanotubesand ceramic nanoparticles have been used in the past. Manufacturers across different industries are utilizing this digital manufacturing procedure to create a range of items, including: motor parts for car applications, impellers and blades for aviation use, design less sand moulds for pumps utilized as a part of the oil and energy industry, and medical prosthetics which require effectively versatile design adjustments. 1.2. Carbon Nano-Tubes: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) take the form of tube shaped carbon atoms and have novel properties that make them potentially valuable in a wide variety of utilizations in nanotechnology, hardware, optics, and different fields of materials science. They show exceptional quality and one of a kind electrical properties, and are good conductors. Inorganic nanotubes have also been combined. Manufacturing a nanotube is subject to applied quantum science, particularly, orbital hybridization. Nanotubes are composed altogether out of sp2 bonds, like those of graphite. This holding structure, stronger than the sp3 bonds found in diamond, gives the atoms their exceptional quality. Nanotubes adjust themselves into ropes held together by Van der Waals forces. Under extreme pressure, nanotubes can combine, exchanging some sp2 bonds for sp3 bonds, giving incredible probability for creating solid, unlimited-length wires through high-weight nanotube association. [iv] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a tube-shaped nanostructure. Nanotubes have been developed with length-to-distance across proportion of up to 132,000,000:1, fundamentally bigger than for any other material. These round and hollow carbon atoms have abnormal properties, which are invaluable for nanotechnology, gadgets, optics and different fields of materials science and innovation. Specifically, owing to their unprecedented thermal conductivity and mechanical and electrical properties, carbon nanotubes find applications as added substances to various structural materials. For example, nanotubes form a tiny bit of the material(s) in a few (basically carbon fibre), golf clubs, or auto parts. [v] Nanotubes are classified as single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs). Singular nanotubes normally adjust themselves into ropes held together by van der Waals strengths, more particularly, pi-stacking. The theoretical concentration of carbon nanotubes required to reach the electrical percolation threshold for a CNT/Polymer composite can be obtained, as a first step, using the power law: where à Ã†â€™ is the electrical conductivity, à Ã¢â‚¬   is the MWCNT volume concentration in the nanocomposite, is the critical MWCNT volume concentration at electrical percolation, and ÃŽÂ ± is a critical exponent. [vi] The aim of this project is to investigate the use of carbon-nanotubes (CVTs) as a reinforcement in the extruded polymer filaments used in FDM. The intention is to create a new polymer nanocomposite blends that will enable parts produced by FDM to have wider ranges of properties. CNTs have the potential to significantly enhance mechanical properties without significantly increasing the viscosity of the polymer melt and the ease of production of filament and its performance in FDM. Objectives: The primary objective is to find the MFI (Melt Flow Index), the rheological properties of different CNT compositions. The MFI and Rheology tests should show the melt flow index, viscosity and shear rate. With the help of the these tests the viscoelastic properties can determine the mechanical performance of the final products. The results will show how adding carbon Nano-tubes in thermoplastics can change its mechanical properties like tensile strength, yield strength and youngs modulus. 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is any of different processes for making a three-dimensional object of any shape from a 3D display or other electronic information source fundamentally through additive processes in which progressive layers of material are set down under PC control. Early AM hardware and materials were created in the 1980s. In 1984, a procedure created known as stereo lithography employing UV lasers to cure photopolymers by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corp. Hull created the STL file format, which is widely acknowledged by 3D printing programming. Metal sintering types of Additive Manufacturing were being created, (for example, specific laser sintering and coordinate metal laser sintering), although they were not yet called 3D printing during 1980s. In 1990, the plastic extrusion innovation most broadly connected with the expression 3D printing was marketed by Stratasys under the name Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). [vii] Originally created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993. 3D printing innovation frames the basis of Z Corporations prototyping procedure. 3D physical models are created by 3DP technology by setting layers of powder deposition utilizing a fluid binder. 3DP technology is versatile and fast processing geometry of extreme complexities in numerous applications, which support different types of material. Z Corp. pioneered the 3DP innovation creating 3D printers that manufacturers use to introduce early concept models and prototypes. Using 3DP innovation, Z Corp. has created 3D printers that work at extraordinary rates, amazingly low expenses, and inside an expansive scope of uses. Additive Manufacturing innovations discovered applications beginning in the 1980s in product improvement, information representation, manufacturing and rapid prototyping Their expansion into generation (job production, large scale manufacturing, and manufacturing) has been being worked on in the decades since. Modern production roles within the metalworking businesses accomplished noteworthy scale without precedent for the early 2010s. [viii] Besides all the advantages of Additive Manufacturing, it has also some disadvantages which includes its slow building rates as printers lay down material at speed of one to five cubic metre per second, parts can only be printed one at a time which can prevent economics of scale and higher production costs. [ix] Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a technology which is based on layers of strands of semi molten thermoplastics placed on top of each other in a 3-dimentional shape. FDM is a developing technology which is currently used in rapid prototyping and manufacturing. FDM is commonly known as an additive process, which is made by expelling material into layers which are controlled by a PC to form the final shape. Some FDM machines permit the client to control different parts of the layering procedure, for example, layer thickness, air hole between extrusions, angles of contour, and extrusion width. These straightforwardly affect the last shapes mass, thickness, quality, solidness and penetrability. [x] AM is creating to meet the demands for sturdy new parts, which need to comply with specific mechanical and design requirement. Along thermal properties, new printing materials must have appropriate rheological and thermal properties to be ready to be extruded and solidify while keeping up the exactness of successive layers. The utilization of polymers in additive manufacturing are represented by the transition of glass temperature, malt viscosity, heat capacity and the shear stress of the material. Understanding the relationship between the basic properties will help in the improvement of advanced printing materials and filaments. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature beneath which the polymer gets to be weak and hard like glass. The glass transition temperature is not the melting point, that is characterized by the temperature at which crystalline or semi-crystalline polymers transform from its crystal structure to its liquid state. Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and low toxicity thermoplastic which is made up of lactide or lactic acid monomers. Poly (vinyl acetate) PVA is also a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer which is synthesized by the hydrolysis poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) because of tits instability of vinyl alcohol monomer. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is polymerized from caprolactone monomer. PCL is hydrophobic in nature and is soluble in chloroform, which biodegrades in the presence of microorganisms. [xi] Figure 1: PLA, PVA and PCL [xii] 3DXTech is a company that provides filaments containing carbon nanotubes. Their 3DXNano  ESD ABS filaments (containing MWCNTs) are available with diameters of 1.75 mm and  2.85 mm. The filament is tailored toward applications that require electrostatic discharge  (ESD). The filament is produced using MG-94 Premium ABS and mixed with MWCNTs, and  process/dispersion modifiers. Nanocyl are one of the worldwide leading experts in CNT based materials, producing research  and industry grade carbon nanotubes. One of their product lines, PLASTICYLà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢, is a collection  of carbon nanotubes, thermoplastic concentrates for applications requiring electrical conductivity  with good mechanical properties. Current Progress of their Polymer Composites and are available in a diverse range of thermoplastic resins, including PC, PP, PA, PET, HDPE, and others. Although these enhanced thermoplastics were not specifically aimed at the FDM sector, they have a formulation that makes them applicable, subject to the temperature range of the extruder. PLASTICYLà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ can be used in many applications and a surface resistivity range of 1-1012 ÃŽÂ ©, and the typical loading for static dissipative applications are around 2-3% of CNTs in the final compound. [xiii] A table shows some of the commercially available carbon nanotube based materials. Table 1: Companies that provide filaments and pellets containing carbon nanotubes. Company Product 3DXTech 3DXNanoà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ ESD ABS + Carbon Nanotube Filament 3DXNanoà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ ESD PETG + Carbon Nanotube Filament Functionalize F-Electric Functionalize F-Electric filament (PLA Carbon Nanotube) Filabot MWCNT1 Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube Pellets Cheap Tubes Inc. Carbon Nanotube Masterbatches CNT-ABS-10 Nanocyl PLASTICYLà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ ABS 1501* PLASTICYLà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ HIPS 1001 PLASTICYLà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ PC 1501 PLASTICYLà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ PP 2001 Design of Experiment: As it can be understood, the strength of polymer composites is improved due to the amount of carbon nanotubes added in with PLA. For this research, different compositions of CNT polymer are tested at two temperatures i.e. 190 °C and 195 °C. The set of experiments decided for this research were MFI (Melt Flow Index), Rheology and Microscopy. MFI (Melt Flow Index): ISO 1133-1:2011 governs the procedure for the measurement of the melt flow rate. [xiv]] MFI (Melt Flow Index) is a measure of the ease of the melt flow of thermoplastic polymers. It is defined as mass of polymer, in grams, which is flowing through a tube of specific diameter and length by a pressure applied via specific weight. (A.V. Shenoy D, R. Saini 1986). It is an indirect method of measuring molecular weight, with respect to melt flow. MFI is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the melted polymer, [xv]] as the viscosity depends on the specific weight applied. In this test granules of the specimens are packed into a barrel at the bottom of which there is a 2.0955mm diameter 8mm long die. The polymer is heated for a specific period and then the amount, which flows through the die during a specifies time and under a specific mass, is measured. Melt Flow rate used for PLA and CNT are measured at 190 °C and 195 °C. MFI test is a single point test, which only show s a single value on shear rate vs. Viscosity graph. Rheology: The study of polymer rheology testing is to investigate how the stresses in polymers or the applied force is related to the deformation of polymer and its flow. The science of rheology itself is quite complex, however, the rheograms produced by this technique are useful in determining the effect on melt viscosity of temperature. Capillary rheometer consists of a barrel which is temperature controlled incorporating two bores of different diameters. During the polymer melt, the pressure applied through the dies is recorded. [xvi]] The understanding of polymer rheology through laboratory testing can help see the presence of liquid-like behaviour which depends on the applies load. The information collected through rheology can help optimise the material for FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling). As the melt flow depends on the viscosity of the material. The tests are performed when the polymer is going through melt phase. Microscopy: Microscopy is a field of using microscope which helps in viewing objects and areas which cannot be seen through naked eye. The analysis of microscopy provides a mean to study and characterize the micro and Nano-structural features of polymers. [xvii]] In this experiment, an optical microscope is used to observe the structure and chemical composition of CNT with PLA. Microscopy of CNT compositions are compared with simple PLA material. Because of the microscopy, the porosities and blending of polymers can be seen. The technique can be helpful in determination of the causes of failure. Methodology: Figure2: Twin Screw Haake Extruder [xviii] MFI (Melt Flow Index): After turning on the Kayeness Galaxy Melt Flow Indexer a die of 2.0955mm was dropped into the bottom of the barrel. A melt time was set up at 360 seconds and number of cuts as well. In this experiment the number of cuts were 3. Temperature was first set at 190 °C. Once the barrel reached the temperature, the granules of 0.1% CNT + PLA were poured into the barrel periodically packing with the tamping tool to remove the trapped air. Piston was placed into the barrel and a weight of 2160g was placed. In accordance with ASTM D1238-95. Note: Piston rod weighs 100g and this was taken into the account. After the program started the piston starts to drop. High polymers are required a plug to prevent run-out of the polymer during polymer melt period. After melting time was over, Run button was pressed and the extrudate was cut simultaneously across the orifice face. A timer counts the test time on the front panel; it will bleep when it is nearing the end of the melt time. As the number of cuts were 3, step 6 was repeated two more times. The extrudates obtained were then weighed and recorded for finding the value of MFI (Melt Flow Index). Once all the material was purged from the barrel, it was then cleaned with cotton swatches and bronze brush. To get the MFI value of 0.2%,0.5%,1% and 100% PLA, the procedure was repeated for every composition. Another set of values were also obtained at 195 °C by repeating the experiment. The MFI machine used for the experiment is shown below. Results: Table 1: Results from MFI (Melt Flow Index) at 190 °C Compositions Temperature ( °C) Specific Weight (g) Reading 1 (g) Reading 2 (g) Reading 3 (g) Average (g) MFI (g/10 min) [average*10] 100% PLA 190 2160 0.1163 0.1169 0.1185 0.1172 1.172 0.1% CNT+PLA 190 2160 0.1222 0.122 0.1219 0.122 1.22 0.2% CNT+PLA 190 2160 0.1196 0.123 0.1213 0.1213 1.21 0.5% CNT+PLA 190 2160 0.1181 0.1193 0.1161 0.1178 1.16 1% CNT+PLA 190 2160 0.1082 0.1082 0.109 0.1085 1.09 Table 2: Results from MFI (Melt Flow Index) at 195 °C Compositions Temperature ( °C) Specific Weight (g) Reading 1 (g) Reading 2 (g) Reading 3 (g) Average (g) MFI (g/10 min) [average*10] 0.1% CNT+PLA 195 2160 0.158 0.1622 0.1636 0.1612 1.613 0.2% CNT+PLA 195 2160 0.1708 0.167 0.1641 0.1673 1.673 0.5% CNT+PLA 195 2160 0.1534 0.1507 0.1628 0.1556 1.556 1% CNT+PLA 195 2160 0.132 0.1304 0.1322 0.1315 1.315 [i] Standard Terminology for Additive Manufacturing Technologies, 2010, ASTM International West Conshohocken,PA., Available at: (Accessed: 09/11/2016) [ii] Crane, N.B., Wilkes, J., Sachs, E. and Allen, S.M., Improving accuracy of powder-based SFF processes by metaldeposition from a nanoparticle dispersion, Rapid Prototyping J., 12, 266-274 , Available at: (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [iii] Athreya, S.R., Kalaitzidou, K. and Das, S., Processing and characterization of a carbon black-filled electricallyconductive nylon-12 nanocomposites produced by selective laser sintering. Material Science Engng. A, 527, 2637-2642, Available at: (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [iv] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube, Available at: www.wikipedia.org(Accessed: 09/11/2016). [v] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube, Available at: www.wikipedia.org(Accessed: 09/11/2016). [vi] http://www.intechopen.com/books/carbon-nanotubes-current-progress-of-their-polymer-composites, Available at: www.intechopen.com (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [vii] http://www.slideshare.net/arjunrtvm/seminar-fair-report?qid=309c4d95-7e77-4f42-bb10-b747514d9a15v=b=from_search=1, Available at: www.slideshare.net(Accessed: 09/11/2016). [viii] http://www.slideshare.net/arjunrtvm/seminar-fair-report?qid=309c4d95-7e77-4f42-bb10-b747514d9a15v=b=from_search=1, Available at: www.slideshare.net(Accessed: 09/11/2016). [ix] http://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/2014/10/pros-cons-additive-manufacturing/2/, Available at: (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [x] httpsetd.ohiolink.edu!etd.send_fileaccession=osu1396441215disposition=inline,Available at: (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [xi] http://www.intechopen.com/books/carbon-nanotubes-currentprogress- of-their-polymer-composites, Available at: www.intechopen.com (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [xii] http://www.google.com/patents/US20130210959 (Acessed: 09/10/2016). [xiii] http://www.intechopen.com/books/carbon-nanotubes-currentprogress- of-their-polymer-composites, Available at: www.intechopen.com (Accessed: 09/11/2016). [xiv] ISO Standard, Available at: https://www.iso.org/standard/44273.html (Accessed: 20/02/2017). [xv] MFI (Melt Flow Index), Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melt_flow_index (Accessed: 20/02/2017) [xvi] Rheology, Available at: http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2795 (Accessed: 20/02/2017). [xvii] Microscopy, Available at: http://www.intertek.com/polymers/microscopy/ (Accessed: 20/02/2017). [xviii] Extruder, Available at: http://www.rheologysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ts_polylab_extruder_twin1.jpg (Accessed: 20/02/2017).

Good Earth Olan Essay -- Essays Papers

Good Earth Olan Throughout The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, O-lan showed herself as a very humble woman. O-lan was a slave in the House of Hwang before her marriage was arranged by the Old Mistress of the House of Hwang. O-lan was faithful throughout the book to Wang Lung through harvest, famine, and even when Wang Lung brought home another woman. O-lan was a hard worker and worked even when no one told her to. She had wisdom that only a slave and a hardworking woman could acquire. Pearl S. Buck reveals many things that all show O-lan to be the humble woman she was. O-lan's physical appearance showed her as a very modest woman. When Wang Lung sees her, he stares at O-lan seeing that, "plain though her face was and rough the skin upon her hands the flesh of her big body was soft and untouched . . . her body was beautiful, spare, and big boned yet rounded and soft" (26). From her physical qualities, it is clear that O-lan isn't a spoiled woman who sits around all day, but a hard worker. She is described as an ugly, flat-footed, stolid-faced woman. Many times, Wang Lung secretly wishes that O-lan didn't have such big feet. During the time of this book, women's feet were bound so they would be smaller. O-lan had big feet because they were never bound. This was another aspect of Chinese life that seemed designed to make women suffer was the practice of altering the feet of girls so they could barely walk. The Chinese custom of foot binding was meant to please men esthetically and to enhance a man's status by showing he was wealthy enough for his wife or concubine not to work. O-lan said many significant things that showed her to be the modest woman she was. She was a very quiet woman. Though she spoke very few words, they meant so much. In the first part of the book, when the Ancient One asked O-lan if she was ready to head into the world with this stranger, answering in her "not loud, not soft, plain, and not ill-tempered" voice, she says, "ready" (17). Many times, O-lan is fearful of speaking. When it is the first time taking hot water to the old man, she tells Wang Lung fearfully, "'I took no tea to the Old One-I did as you said-but to you I . . .'" (27). O-lan listens well to Wang Lung, but fears that she is not doing her jobs correctly. O-lan's timidity when she first gets married is only natural for her situation. At the b... ...d" (36). Other characters in the novel said things about O-lan that showed her to be the modest woman she was. When Wang Lung was talking to his father, he said a lot shouldn't be expected of O-lan's appearance. He said, "We are farmers. Moreover, who has heard of a pretty slave who was a virgin in a wealthy house? All the young lords have had their fill of her." (18) O-lan was obviously a very bold and important woman in this novel yet never knew it. She would do what she was raised to do and try her best to make her husband happy. Through all her marriage, she helped Wang Lung to be one of the wealthiest men in his city. While O-lan endured many difficulties, she continued with her duties as wife through thick and thin. Whether it was her begging on the streets for food and money, or putting up with Lotus, her husband's concubine, O-lan remained a strong woman with good qualities until the day she died. While she usually had little to say, O-lan's impact on the Lung family is one that wont be forgotton. She accomplished all of her goals in life and fulfilled her marital duty in making Wang Lung very happy. Even after all this, O-lan still was a very modest woman.

Hamlet :: essays papers

Hamlet Compare and contrast between Hamlet and Laertes William Shakespeare’s â€Å"Hamlet† is known as the best tragedy play of all times. Each one of the characters has their own unique personality, but some of them are very alike. Hamlet, the main character, and Laertes, one of the other leading roles, are very much alike but at the same time slightly different. Their experiences collide and they both make some decisions, which change their lives forever. Hamlet and Laertes both display impulsive reactions when angered. Both Hamlet’s and Laertes’ fathers were killed. When Laertes discovered that his father’s been murdered he immediately assumes that Claudius is the killer. As a result of his speculation he moves to avenge Polonius’ death. Laertes lines in Act IV Scene 5 provide insight into his mind displaying his desire for revenge at any cost. â€Å"To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this point I stand, that both worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged most thoroughly for my father.† (Act IV Scene 5 lines 136-141) In contrast to Laertes speculation of his father’s killer, Hamlet assumes the individual spying on his conversation with Gertrude is Claudius. â€Å"Nay, I know not. Is it the King?† (Act III Scene 4 line 28). Without thinking, Hamlet automatically thrusts out attempting to kill who he believed was Claudius and actually kills Polonius. Fury and frustration instigate Hamlet’s and Laertes’ indiscreet actions and causes them not to think of the consequences that may follow. Hamlet and Laertes share a different but deep love and concern for Ophelia. Laertes advises her to retain from seeing and being involved with Hamlet because of his social status. He didn’t want her to get her heart broken by Hamlet, since he believed that his marriage would be arranged to someone of his social status, and that he would only use and hurt Ophelia. Hamlet on the other hand, was madly in love with Ophelia but it languishes after she rejects him. Ophelia’s death caused distress in both Hamlet and Laertes and it also made Laertes more hostile towards Hamlet. Association with their families makes Hamlet and Laertes even more similar. The love and respect that they have for their fathers bring them to life threatening situations. Hamlet compares his father to a sun god â€Å"Hyperion† and similarly Laertes highly respects and loves his father Polonius.

The Evolution of Frankenstein :: Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

The Evolution of Frankenstein Not so long ago, relative to the world at large, in picturesque Geneva not so far from Lake Leman, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley took part in a not so commonplace "contest". The contest was to write a ghost story. The outcome was Frankenstein; what is considered today to be a classic, one of the first science fiction tales, and a story immortalized many times over in film. And what at its inception was considered little more than the disturbed and ill conceived writings of a woman by some, and a noble if misplaced effort by others. Critical readings of the novel have grown over time to encompass more aspects of the critical range and to allow for a broader reading and understanding of the work which accounts for more than merely face value formal, rhetorical, mimetic or expressive theories alone. In March of 1818, the same year Frankenstein was published, The Belle Assemblee magazine reviewed Frankenstein. In its opening paragraph states "..that the presumptive works of man must be frightful, vile, and horrible; ending only in discomfort and misery to himself. But will all our readers understand this?". Clearly this reviewer is, in some part, taking into account rhetorical theories. The analysis given is in the interests of the reader, so that they might better be able to appreciate the work. As well, credit is given to formal aspects of the work, the "excellence of its style and language" as well as "its originality, excellence of language, and peculiar interest". Though this review was brief, and did little more than summarize the book for interested readers of the time, it did what many others did not, in that it focused on Frankenstein as an original work that offered something new to readers of the time. Further reviews, from sources such as Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine allowed the author, whose identity was not known for certain at the time, some small leeway in their criticisms. Though they too agreed that the formal style of Frankenstein was unique and praiseworthy, strictly mimetic theories are taken into account in matters they consider inconsistent within the novel, particularly as they pertain to the nature of the monster. It is looked upon as non-reflective of the way of the real world, that a The Evolution of Frankenstein :: Frankenstein, Mary Shelley The Evolution of Frankenstein Not so long ago, relative to the world at large, in picturesque Geneva not so far from Lake Leman, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley took part in a not so commonplace "contest". The contest was to write a ghost story. The outcome was Frankenstein; what is considered today to be a classic, one of the first science fiction tales, and a story immortalized many times over in film. And what at its inception was considered little more than the disturbed and ill conceived writings of a woman by some, and a noble if misplaced effort by others. Critical readings of the novel have grown over time to encompass more aspects of the critical range and to allow for a broader reading and understanding of the work which accounts for more than merely face value formal, rhetorical, mimetic or expressive theories alone. In March of 1818, the same year Frankenstein was published, The Belle Assemblee magazine reviewed Frankenstein. In its opening paragraph states "..that the presumptive works of man must be frightful, vile, and horrible; ending only in discomfort and misery to himself. But will all our readers understand this?". Clearly this reviewer is, in some part, taking into account rhetorical theories. The analysis given is in the interests of the reader, so that they might better be able to appreciate the work. As well, credit is given to formal aspects of the work, the "excellence of its style and language" as well as "its originality, excellence of language, and peculiar interest". Though this review was brief, and did little more than summarize the book for interested readers of the time, it did what many others did not, in that it focused on Frankenstein as an original work that offered something new to readers of the time. Further reviews, from sources such as Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine allowed the author, whose identity was not known for certain at the time, some small leeway in their criticisms. Though they too agreed that the formal style of Frankenstein was unique and praiseworthy, strictly mimetic theories are taken into account in matters they consider inconsistent within the novel, particularly as they pertain to the nature of the monster. It is looked upon as non-reflective of the way of the real world, that a

What dreams and visions motivate the characters of “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck?

No matter how well we plan the future, things often go wrong. ‘Of Mice and Men', a novella by John Steinbeck, highlights the despair and misfortune of the American citizens in the 1930s. Following the collapse of the New York Wall Street stock market, the US entered a prolonged period of economic depression. During this period of failed business, harsh poverty and long-term unemployment, thousands of migrant workers came to California in search for work. In attempts to escape the ‘dust bowl' (a series of droughts and failed crops) workers migrated west, but to find themselves in no better state; slaving in ranches from day to day, poorly paid, poorly fed with nothing to loose but their hopes of pursuing â€Å"The American Dream† and indeed, as Steinbeck illustrates, these hopes can be lost. Having lived and experienced this lifestyle, Steinbeck presents his views of society in the 1930s in the form of the characters of this book. He shows that the simplest elements of identity can be the reason of the shattering of one's dream. The luxuries of â€Å"The Promised Land†, the dream of being rescued of fear and loneliness and the desire to live a happy life are but visions of a supernatural future for the characters of this novel. Loneliness is a common quality that a ranch- hand would possess, however, weather or not it is an advantage can be argued. In the 1930s, Workers were never in one place long enough to even make friends; these men would grow impassive and often set aside their ambitions. Characters like Carlson and Wit have no emotional depth; they are not touched or motivated by anything. Steinbeck doesn't describe Carlson's feelings, but instead just the way he is ‘thick-bodied'. Carlson's first conversation in this book is one where he plots to kill Candy's dog. Here we immediately recognise Carlson's indifferent nature. He is one of the best survivors at the ranch because of this; he wastes no time in planning out ‘dreams' for himself. Steinbeck uses Carlson's character to model a typical ranch- hand, loneliness a key for his survival. However, in contrast to Carlson, Lennie and George are the main pursuers of the â€Å"American dream†. Their vision of their future motivates them every day; and has become the reason and main influence of their decisions. Together, George and Lennie carefully plan their dream and work hard on the ranch to earn money for their future. George has repeated their plan to Lennie so many times that Lennie has actually learnt the dream off by heart. George tells Lennie of how they are each going to get what they want; George freedom and Lennie â€Å"gets to tend the rabbits†. The two characters believe that each cannot seek their dream alone. Evidently, George says, â€Å"We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us†¦ ecause I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you,† and for Lennie especially, it has been the main reason for their survival. The recollection of this dream is met several times throughout the novel. This shows that even the weakest of people can be stimulated by the image of their â€Å"perfect life†. Even George, though he seems quite tough, weakens when he visualises their future, his voice becomes â€Å"deeper† when he tells the dream and he â€Å"repeats his words rhythmically as though he had said them many times before†. Steinbeck's use of language here convey George's feelings, his rhythmic tone and deep voice suggest that he is in an almost trance- like mode, fantasising about his dream. This is very ironic however, seeing that George actually ends this vision himself. He prevents his own dream from coming or ever being able to come true. There is a strong moral-thread in this story, generally identified as the concern for the â€Å"underdog†. Steinbeck sympathises with any â€Å"out of the normal† character, weather physically or mentally disabled, racially or sexually different, â€Å"diverse† people in the 1930s were considered outcasts. Crooks for instance, both physically disabled and of a different (inferior) race, illustrates the social pressure that is cast upon those in his condition. He represents Steinbeck's thoughts and what he thinks of life for these men. Like Crooks, Steinbeck sees dreams as useless fantasies, this is shown by the fact that Crooks does not actually have existing dreams, he is well aware that dreams will never come true for men like them; disabled, poor, â€Å"black†. Through the years, Crooks has come to his senses, he has realised that his race is a huge obstacle which stands between himself and his happiness. Crooks illustrates the need of a partner in order to be able to dream. He only starts to dream when he is around other characters. Being left out and ignored has driven Crooks to separate himself from the community, disabling him from planning any dreams. â€Å"He whined,' A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. ‘† Here Steinbeck blames the social attitudes, we pity Crooks by the way he â€Å"whines† telling us how his dreams have almost been beaten out of him and which now have been reduced to memories. In contrast, George and Lennie's dream represents one's success if accompanied by a partner. This dream was the closest to becoming true as there seemed to be no faults in it. However, when Lennie dies, the dream becomes impossible to achieve. Perhaps like Crooks, this dream will become but a memory to George. Crooks' memories of his childhood mirror George, Lennie and Candy's dream, both similar in the way they were based on being free, happy and being around people; â€Å"The American Dream†. Also, both dreams similarly extinguished due to the effects of the people around them. When Lennie dies, George's dream becomes extinct, likewise, Crooks' dreams end when he is separated from his family, left with no motivation, ambition or vision to look forward to every day. This injustice, however, might be seen beneficial to some characters. For example, at the ranch, Curley has the upper hand; power, money and a wife. This is because, the prejudice society of the 1930s allowed offenders like Curley to take advantage of less valued people, enjoying some benefits of the â€Å"American Dream† at the expense of the weaker characters. Another view would be that on the contrary, Curley, though mighty and powerful demonstrates the suffering caused by prejudice. He is silenced when a weaker character, Lennie, takes a stand (when Lennie crushed Curley's hand). Steinbeck shows yet another dream shattered when justice starts to appear. At Lennie's shooting, George is more pitied because his dream is not fulfilled, and now he has to live with the same misery and solitude Crooks endures. â€Å"George's voice was almost a whisper. † Again, a dream extinguished, showing that justice has no place in this society. Steinbeck shows George's helplessness, how this was beyond his control and how this is how things should end. Obstacles in this novel are never overcome; they are barriers separating fantasy from authenticity. Lennie's obstacle in this story is clearly his mental disability. He places himself in problematic situations which in return pull him further away from his dream. An example of this is that when he kills Curley's wife, Curley becomes determined to seek revenge and kill Lennie which disables the latter from fulfilling his dream. However, Lennie is not aware of his actions, he simply lives by what George trains him to do, motivated by the vision George has built for him, looking forward to tending his beloved rabbits. He does not understand what obstacles are and does not see the ones he faces. When Curley's wife dies, Curley is only determined to seek revenge, like Carlson, Curley has become a lonely man with no ambitions. â€Å"He worked himself into a fury† this clearly shows how Curley has also become impassive and insensitive, the same way Carlson is, the same way George will be when he loses Lennie. Moreover, Lennie's death shatters Candy's dream too. Candy's hopes of a better life rebuild (as do Crooks') when he meets Lennie, he starts planning and preparing himself as if he was to relive his life again: â€Å"†He just sets in the bunk house sharpening his pencils and sharpening and figuring†Ã¢â‚¬  Candy is very enthusiastic about this dream, he has always found that his age and physical disability have prevent him from having a happy ending. He knows that, just like his old dog, he will be gotten rid of because he is of no use anymore. There is a pattern here which Steinbeck emphasises; he tells us that the strong and admirable will never have a happy ending at the ranch. Candy's brilliant sheepdog was shot because he became old and useless, Candy is going to be thrown out of the barn for the same reason and Slim is predicted to end up this way too. Your position in the community depends on how much you are accepted by society, which is based on cultural attitudes. It is ironic how Candy is helpless due to his old age whilst Curley's wife's helplessness is due to her young age. Steinbeck hints at prejudice here which is purely society's model man against the other types of people. Women, for instance were meant to be seen and not heard. They seemed to have no rights. Curley's wife is an example of this prejudiced idea. She is expected to stay at home and entertain her husband, regardless of her desires. No one cares about her ambitions to be a movie star or her longing for company. Even her mother tried to prevent her from achieving her goals because it was clear that women were weaker and less outspoken because of their sex. Curley's wife is a highly ambitious character, she says that she wants to make something of herself, she wanted to be like â€Å"in the movies†; rich, famous and glamorous. Her attempts to fulfil her wishes backfire on her every time. She was disrespected and called a â€Å"tart† when she merely tried to find company. This is ironic as the ranch hands repeatedly talk about going to the â€Å"cat house† and having â€Å"a hell of a lot of fun†. This illustrates the way women were considered property, men could think of them as they liked. They were not to have dreams but if they did their dreams were known not to have come true, simply because they are women. â€Å"Of Mice and Men† is indeed a tragic story of how prejudice, racism, sexism and intolerance of the weak prevented people from achieving their dreams. In this novella Steinbeck demonstrates the disturbing effects of rejecting those who are not seen worthy enough in the community. He blames society and, as I see it, mainly the physically and mentally strong white men for perpetuating with this concept. These men are even blamed for their own pathetic ways of life, they are the reason no one can achieve â€Å"The American Dream† because the â€Å"weaker† beings are part of this dream too. Steinbeck shows us how society is the main influence on people's lives. If one is not accepted in society, then their hopes and dreams will perish despite the injustice and immorality it may bring. He disgraces society for its prejudice ways and holds it responsible for the suffering of all of its members, weak or strong.

Japanese Culture and Society Essay

Japan is country having a strong economic power, and good income levels and the citizen’s standard of living are one of the highest in the world. Japan’s fruitful economy is a result of fine consumer goods exports which were developed with the latest technologies that Japan has to offer. Another factor which made Japan rise would be its well-rounded culture. One of the noticeable factors of Japan’s culture would be its education. Education is a stabilizing factor in a person’s life and a country. Education is one important factor in creating a strong country. The adult literacy rate in Japan is exceeding 99 percent which makes Japan to be one of the top nations in the whole world in terms of educational achievement. School education in Japan begins before grade one in preschool. It is free and a compulsory need for elementary and junior high school education. In Japan, more than 99 percent of elementary school-aged children are going to their respective school which is an astonishing statistic for a nation. Their high school are composed of two divisions which are junior and senior high school which is composed of three years each. An estimate of one third of the senior high school students continues their education to college. Their admission to different high schools and university are based on difficult entrance exams. There is much competition in getting a high position in the entrance exams because most of Japan’s well paying jobs admit employees of the graduates of high quality universities. Approximately, 1 percent of elementary schools and 5 percent of junior high schools are private establishments or are not owned by the government. An estimated of 25 percent of high schools are privately owned. There are no biases between public and private schools in Japan, entrances to elite universities are not based on the status of a student’s school. In the year 1998, it was evident that there were 604 four-year college universities and 588 two-year junior colleges were in Japan. Some of the elite and prominent universities in Japan include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Keio University in Tokyo. The early beginnings of education in Japan were sourced in the ideas and teachings from ancient China. In the 16th and 17th centuries, European travellers also affected the Japanese school education. From the years1640 to 1868, during Japan’s era of separation under the Tokugawa shoguns, Buddhist temple called terakoya served as the schools of the country. The temples took accountability for the country’s education and made astounding developments in raising the literacy levels among the population of the country. In the year 1867, it was assumed that there were more than 14,000 temple schools all over Japan. In the year 1872, the new Meiji regime created a ministry of education and a thorough educational code that integrated widespread primary education. During this period, Japan looked at other nations such as Europe and North America for effective educational models. As the Japanese regime expanded during the late 1930s and early 1940s, education of the country became a factor for nationalistic and militaristic needs. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the educational system of the country was refurbished because of some concerns. Changes incorporated the current grade structure that states that the elementary school is six years and junior and senior high school are composed of 3 years each; there was also the implementation of a guarantee of equal access to free, public education. The changes included a finish to the teaching of nationalistic ideology. Reforms also sought to encourage students’ self-expression and increase flexibility in curriculum and classroom procedures. Nonetheless some critics still deem that education in Japan is extensively rigorous, preferring memorization of facts at the outlay of imaginative expression, and geared to encouraging social conventionality. Education in Japan is taken seriously and is a big attribute to the development of the country. Education is shown as factor in a youth’s life, it a vital block to a Japanese citizen’s structure and identity. Japan, as of any country, has its own social problems, this includes youth deviance. In Japan, there are also youth problems such as young people smoking, drinking alcohol, reading pornographic magazines and staying out late. These activities in some other countries are now accepted as ordinary youth culture. But one of the data radically shows that youths that participate in these appalling youth culture are mostly participated by lower high school students. (Yoder) The higher high school students do not involve themselves in these said youth culture unlike the lower high school students. (Yoder) Higher high school students spend most of their time in schooling. There are more occupied with academic and non academic matters such as aiming for high grades to get to an elite university and honing their skills in different sports and talents. It is a fact that when a Japanese student gets older, he becomes more mature and focuses his priorities more in his education than in awful youth activities. Education in Japan offers a complete picture of young people and a reasonable understanding of their lives. Most of the labelled delinquents in the youth of Japan are those who do not participate much in school or are not guided by their parents and guardians. (Yoder) Japan has made schooling as guidance for its youth. The country has successfully installed the importance of education to their youth and the youth responds accordingly to it. If it weren’t for their proper education, Japan’s youth wouldn’t have anything to guide it. The effect of education to the youth in Japan is great because the country focused a great deal on education and allocated much funds for it. Even though most of Japan is comprised of public schools, the public schools still have the same quality of education as of other private schools in other countries. (Yoder) This wonderful trait makes Japan’s education a wonderful asset to a Japanese person. Another evidence on how much education affects Japan would be the effect of deaf education. Until the mid-1970s, deaf citizens of Japan receive few legal privileges and little social acknowledgment. (Nakamura) By the law, they were categorized as minors or as mentally deficient, not capable of acquiring a driver’s licenses or even sign contracts and wills. Many deaf people in the country worked at establishments that offer basic tasks or were frequently unemployed, and schools for the deaf initiate a complicated regimen of speech reading and oral speech approaches rather than signing. (Nakamura) After several decades, activism became the ears of deaf men and women which are now essentially acknowledged within mainstream of Japanese society.

Moral absolutism Essay

When we speak of â€Å"Morality† we think of the difference between right and wrong, the difference between the good and the evil. We use morality to justify our actions and decisions. More often than not, people impose their morality on others and expect them to act in the way they find fit. They believe that the idea of right and wrong is universal. In her essay â€Å"On Morality†, Didion contradicts this theory and believes that everyone can have different ideas of morality based on their own perception. To make her point, Didion uses the examples of Klaus Fuchs and Alfred Rosenberg. Fuchs was a British traitor who leaked nuclear secrets to the Soviets, and Rosenberg was the Nazi administrator of Eastern Europe, where the Germans committed their most heinous and most murderous acts during World War II. Both of them claimed that what they did were morally appropriate. She then goes on to say that Jesus justifies what he did based on morality. The juxtaposition of these ideas affirms Didion’s theory that the conviction of morality is vastly based on perspective. This juxtaposition also helps prove that people use morality to justify almost anything. Osama Bin Laden believed that it was morally right to take the lives of millions of innocent civilians in the name of religion. President Snow, along with the Capitol, in The Hunger Games saw it fit to throw 24 teenagers in a battlefield and let them fight until only one remains. Morality does not seem like a tool to distinguish right from wrong, but a method to have a clean conscious, irrespective of whether one’s acts are good or bad. Didion also says, â€Å"For better or for worse, we are what we learned as children. † (158) This shows that the ideas we have of good and bad and the so-called â€Å"morality† is part of what we’ve learnt growing up. A lot of people might find it pointless to stay with a corpse on a highway. But to Didion, it is the moral thing to do. We do not leave behind our dead. Friedrich Nietzsche said, â€Å"Fear is the mother of morality. † Didion maintains that morality might differ from person to person. In my opinion, a lot of factors influence the decisions we make and then blame them on morality. â€Å"The right thing† is too abstract to be universal. Didion debates about the cannibalism acts and talks about the vestigial taboo that no one should eat their own blood kin. This might seem appalling to some while being a being of another’s culture. Didion says that morality has â€Å"the most potentially mendacious meaning. † (159) And I couldn’t agree more. There is a very thin line between right and wrong, and morality is what shows one where to draw it. But the basis of that line is so ambiguous, that people end up using morality to cover up their actions. The idea Didion presents is that humans are not equipped to distinguish between the good and the bad. We think that all actions are sound as long as they don’t hurt another person. But then we see people like Adolf Hitler. The man murdered millions of people. Yet, he had a bunch of supporters who helped him with these inhumane acts. But he did what he did in the name of morality, in the name of ‘respect for the greater race. ’ The central idea of this essay is that morality depends largely on perception. What one finds wrong may not necessarily be seen as inappropriate by another. â€Å"I followed my own conscience. † â€Å"I did what I thought was right. † Didion questions the reader how many madmen have said this and meant it? Didion doesn’t believe that these men shelter themselves under the illusion of morality but actually believe their actions are moral and justified. Maybe we ourselves have said it before and been wrong. Our conscience isn’t always the best judge of things. But the concept of morality makes it okay to just be impulsive and do what we think is correct in the moment. The relevance of our logic lacks frequency. One might not kill people on a daily basis but one might find it moral to do it someday and go ahead with it. Does this make them immoral? Is the act of killing immoral? What if the victim is a killer? The answers to questions relating to morality are not black or white. There could be various different instances where individuals might have different stands on issues. All of which they might believe to be morally correct. So the question is, who decides what is moral and what is not? What gives them the power to do so? Should the morality of one person be forced on another? Clearly, universal standards of right and wrong do not exist. The evidence Didion provided as well as instances we see around the world proves that fact. A lot of people do not agree with Didion’s idea of differing morality. The people who adhere themselves to a supposedly universal moral code can delude themselves into thinking people who do not follow that code are less humane. People need to stop fretting over moral absolutes and let morality run their life and effect every decision they make in order to ensure the future is safe from oppression and terrorism.