3-methacryloxypropyl Trimethoxysilane Research Articles

Corrosion Behaviour of Commonly Used Epoxy Resin Coated Agro Based Industrial Reinforcements

bstract: In this integrated study, the project aims to develop a novel hybrid green metal matrix composite using stir casting, reinforcing aluminum alloy with Waste materials such as Waste Carbonized Eggshells (WCE), Cow Dung Ash (CDA), Snail Shell Ash (SSA), and Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) The experiment incorporates various organic-inorganic mixed coatings, including vinyltrimethoxysilane (VMS), [3-(methacryloxy)propyl] trimethoxy silane (MPMS), and (3-glycidoxyproyl) trimethoxy silane (GPMS), combined with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), to enhance corrosion resistance. Potentiodynamic polarization curves, SEM images, and salt spray tests are employed to assess coating durability against corrosion. Results indicate significant reductions in corrosion flow with VMS and MPMS coatings, particularly with a 15-20% TEOS ratio, showcasing optimal corrosion resistance against salt spray. This innovative approach combines material recycling and advanced coating techniques to produce a sustainable composite with improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Crosslinkable latex-based acrylic adhesives containing functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (fCNCs)

In this study, crosslinkable acrylic adhesives with functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (fCNCs) were prepared via in situ emulsion polymerization at 80 °C for 3h. The neat acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) without any nanoparticles were prepared using butyl acrylate (BA), 65 wt%, and methyl methacrylate (MMA), 35 wt%, and various amounts of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 1, 3, 5, 7 wt% based on total BA and MMA monomers. For preparing fCNCs reinforced adhesives, the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were functionalized using various concentrations of 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (MPS), 5, 20, 40 mM. The cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (fCNCs), and the prepared adhesives were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Adhesion performance of the adhesives was evaluated by lap shear and 180° peel tests. The results showed that increasing the HEMA content as crosslinking agent in the adhesive structure, enhanced its gel content, glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal stability, and adhesive performance, i.e. lap shear and peel strength. Finally, the adhesive containing 5 wt% HEMA was selected as the appropriate sample. Thereafter, the adhesives containing 5 wt% HEMA were synthesized in the presence of various amounts of fCNCs, i.e. 0.5, 1, 1.5 wt%. The Adhesion performance of the neat and reinforced adhesives indicated that increasing the fCNCs to the adhesive enhanced thermal stability, gel content, lap shear and peel strength. Additionally, the fCNCs prepared using higher concentration of MPS (40 mM) was more effective on the adhesion performance than the fCNCs prepared with the lower MPS contents, 5, 20 mM. The results showed that the adhesives prepared using 1 wt% and 1.5 wt% of fCNC40 (containing 40 mM MPS) exhibited better adhesion performance.

Antimicrobial Peptide Assembly on Zwitterionic Polymer Films to Slow Down Biofilm Formation.

Formation of biofilms on equipment used in various fields, such as medicine, domestic sanitation, and marine transportation, can cause serious problems. The use of antibiofouling and bactericidal modifications is a promising strategy for inhibiting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. To further enhance the antibiofilm properties of a surface, various combinations of bactericidal modifications alongside antibiofouling modifications have been developed. Optimization of the arrangements of antimicrobial peptides on the antibiofouling surface would allow us to design longer-life antibiofilm surface modifications. In this study, a postmodification was conducted with different design using the antimicrobial peptide KR12 on an antibiofouling copolymer film consisting of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, and 3-(methacryloyloxy) propyl-tris(trimethylsilyloxy) silane. The distance of KR12 from the film was adjusted by combining different lengths of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacers (molecular weights are 2000 and 5000). The density of KR12 was ranged from 0.06 to 0.22 nm-2. When these modified surfaces were exposed to a nutrient-rich TSB suspension, the bacterial area formed by E. coli covered 5-127% of the original copolymer film. We found that a significant distance between the bactericidal and antibiofouling modifications, along with a higher density of bactericidal modifications, slows down the biofilm formation.

Production Methods Effect on Nanosilica Properties

This study explored nanosilica synthesis using colloidal silica, silica sand, and TEOS, utilizing rotary evaporator drying, sol-gel, and titration methods. It examined the influence of these techniques on silica’s functionalization and mechanical properties. Methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane was employed for silanation, with silica characterized using various analytical methods. Particle sizes from SEM images were 19 nm and 14 nm for rotary and sol-gel samples, respectively, while titration samples showed an irregular structure. Zetasizer analysis revealed larger particle sizes. The purity of silica powders ranged from 90% to 99%, and titration samples demonstrated the highest silanability. When used in dental composites, rotary-evaporated silica displayed promising suitability based on its mechanical and physical properties.

The Effect of Pore Sealing in a Multilayer Si–O–Zr/Al2O3 Coating Designed to Protect Aluminium from Corrosion

This study deals with the combination of two corrosion protection strategies for aluminium: barrier protection (provided by a 3.8 μm thick hybrid sol–gel coating) and aluminium pore sealing via the use of a 100 nm thick layer of aluminium oxide. A Si–O–Zr hybrid sol–gel coating (TMZ) was synthesised by combining two separately prepared sols (i) tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane and (ii) zirconium(IV) n-propoxide chelated with methacrylic acid. The synthesis of the Si–O–Zr hybrid sol–gel was evaluated at various stages using real-time infrared spectroscopy. A 100 nm thick Al2O3 film was prepared via thermal atomic layer deposition at 160 °C using trimethyl aluminium and water as precursors. The coating and film properties were assessed via focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Sealing with the Al2O3 film did not affect the microstructure and composition of the underlying sol–gel coating. The coating’s corrosion performance in 0.1 M NaCl solution was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared to individual coatings, the multilayer TMZ/Al2O3 coating ensured prolonged (more than three weeks) durable corrosion protection for the aluminium. The impedance magnitude increased by two orders compared to the uncoated substrate (|Z|10 mHz from 16 kΩ cm2 to almost 830 MΩ cm2). Thus, the pore sealing of the sol–gel coating using an ALD alumina film produced a protective multilayer coating system, with |Z|10 mHz remaining above 5 MΩ cm2 after four weeks in NaCl solution.

Eco-friendly UV-curable graphene oxide/fluorinated polyurethane acrylate nanocomposite coating with outstanding anticorrosive performance

This study presents a novel method to create a UV-curable nanocomposite coating composed of fluorinated polyurethane acrylate (FPUA) and modified graphene oxide (MGO) with exceptional corrosion resistance. The graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were chemically modified with methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane to improve their dispersibility and interactions with the FPUA resin, which was used as the matrix of the prepared coatings. The modification was verified by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Different amounts of MGO were added to the FPUA resin to prepare the UV-curable coatings. The physicochemical interactions between the MGO and the binder were investigated by measuring the gel contents, adhesion strength, and thermal stability of the coatings. The corrosion resistance of the nanocomposite was assessed by different methods, and the results showed that adding 2 wt% MGO reduced the film porosity by more than six orders of magnitude. The results also indicated a significant improvement in the resistance to ionic current and charge transfer due to the good dispersion, barrier properties, and strong bonding of the MGO with the polymer matrix. Nevertheless, the excessive loading of MGO could potentially harm the anticorrosion properties of the coating by forming aggregates and corrosive elements diffusion routes. The obtained results revealed that the prepared UV-curable nanocomposite coatings could open up a new avenue for designing anticorrosive nanocomposite coatings based on graphite derivatives.

Achieving superior anti-corrosion properties of vinyl ester resin coatings via compositing with 3-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane functionalized MXene nanosheets

Exposure of steel to harsh marine environment can cause serious corrosion, which significantly affects its durability. In this study, a novel two-dimensional MXene nanosheets were functionalized with 3-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPS@MXene) followed by introducing into the vinyl ester resin (VER) through solution blending method to enhance the anti-corrosion properties of the coatings. The effects of γ-MPS@MXene incorporation on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, dynamic thermo-mechanical properties, UV aging resistance, anti-corrosion properties of the VER nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The optimum tensile strength, elastic modulus, hardness, thermal stability and UV aging resistance of γ-MPS@MXene VER nanocomposites can be achieved when composited with 0.08 wt% γ-MPS@MXene. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) results demonstrate the introduction of γ-MPS@MXene nanosheets into the VER enhanced the anti-corrosion properties of the composites coating remarkablely and the anti-corrosion mechanism was also revealed. The favourable interfacial interaction between γ-MPS@MXene and VER matrix through covalent cross-linking diminished interfacial defects of the composite coating and was also beneficial to enhancement of the compatibility, the well-dispersed γ-MPS@MXene in VER created a “labyrinth effect”, which prolonged the diffusion path of corrosive medium to the carbon steel substrate. This research provides a promising strategy for the fabrication of heavy anti-corrosion nanocomposite resin coatings, which can realize long-term corrosion protection of metal substrates.

Condensation and hydrophobicity of the surface hydroxyl groups between organosilane modified water glass and microsilica

As one of the novel green foundry binders, the bonding strength of two-component inorganic binder system (water glass-microsilica) under wet conditions needs to be further improved. In this work, γ-(methacryloxypropyl) trimethoxy silane (MPS) was added to water glass. The effect of MPS on the storage stability of sand core was studied, based on which the mechanisms of condensation and hydrophobicity of water glass-microsilica were discussed. The results showed that the maximum bonding strength of 1.0 wt% MPS modified sand core was increased by 15.5% at 80–85% RH. MPS promoted the dehydration condensation between water glass and microsilica, which will make its three-dimensional network more complex. Moreover, it formed a hydrophobic organosilane layer on the surface of the bonding bridge, which can play a role in shielding hydrophilic Na+ and prevent the destruction of bonding film by forming Si–O–R bonds, preventing the external water from damaging.

Synthesis of inorganic/organic raspberry-like composite particles for superhydrophobic and superlipophilic coatings

A facile synthetic route to composite particles with raspberry-like structure was reported, and further led to superhydrophobic and superlipophilic surface by the usage of these composite particles. In this approach, the poly(styrene-co-3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane) (P(St-MPS)) particles were fabricated by one-step dispersion polymerization. Then, the P(St-MPS)@SiO2 composite particles with raspberry-like structure were obtained by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with (P(St-MPS)) particles under alkaline conditions. The morphology of the (P(St-MPS))@SiO2 composite particles could be controlled by adjusting the ratio of the initial reactants 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) and styrene (St). A possible mechanism of the morphology changes was also discussed, the reactive siloxane groups of the (P(St-MPS)) particles induce the growth of silica generated by the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) on its surface to form raspberry-like structure. In addition, the water contact angle (WCA) of the coating was 152° ± 2°, and the oil contact angle (OCA) of the coating was close to 0°, which demonstrated a superhydrophobic and superlipophilic properties by a rational surface modification of this P(St-MPS)@SiO2 composite particles with raspberry-like structure. Hydrophobic properties could be adjusted by varying the surface morphology of the P(St-MPS)@SiO2 composite particles. The coatings could be used in applications such as self-cleaning and oil-water separation and whole process was carried out under mild conditions and did not involve complex steps.

Polyethylene reinforced by biomimetic (polydopamine, tannic acid) modified magnesium oxysulfate whisker: Mechanical properties, thermal properties and flame retardancy

Two-dimensional magnesium oxysulfate whisker (MOSw) was modified by polydopamine (PDA) and tannic acid (TA) instead of the traditional inorganic flame retardants activated by silane coupling agent ( γ -methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane, KH570) such as Mg(OH) 2 and Al(OH) 3 . Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results showed that MOSw could act as heterogeneous nucleation for crystallization of HDPE, and further increased the initial crystallization temperatures of composites treated with PDA and TA. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed that both the storage modules and loss modules of the composites with modified MOSw were significantly increased, which suggested the improved compatibility and dispersion between the modified MOSw and matrix. The tensile strengths of HDPE/MOSw@PDA composite and HDPE/MOSw@TA composite could be 118.0% and 121.2% higher than that of HDPE/MOSw@KH570 composite, and the corresponding impact strengths could be 124.0% and 111.2% higher, respectively. Compared to HDPE, the synergistic effect of PDA- MOSw and TA- MOSw (combustion heat through the dehydration of MOSw, gas-phase flame-retarded effect of MOSw, scavenging of active free radicals) increased the limit oxygen index (LOI) of composites from 19.4% to 23.4% and 23.8%, respectively, which were higher than 20.6% of traditional HDPE/Al(OH) 3 @KH570 composite with the same 30 wt.% filler. Schematic of self-polymerization of dopamine, and chelation of tannic acid with metal ions • MOSw covered with PDA and TA substituted for the traditional inorganic flame retardants activated by silane coupling agent. • Different from traditional inorganic flame retardants such as Mg (OH) 2 and Al (OH) 3 , MOSw modified by PDA and TA could not only improved the flame retardancy of HDPE, but also improved the tensile strength to a certain extent. • The composites with MOSw modified by PDA and TA showed good thermal stability.

Silver supported-Ag@PMOS onto thumb structured porous organosilica materials with efficient hetero-junction active sites for photo-degradation of methyl orange dye

Azo dyes are extensively used in textile industry but their discharge with industrial effluents pollutes water resources which harms flora and fauna in the environment. Nanomaterials and composites have competent photo-catalytic efficiencies to reduce organic pollutants and inactivate micro-organisms. However, these photocatalysts suffer from structural leaching and instability, which makes their applications limited. The aim of present study is to overcome these limitations and to degrade methyl orange (MO) azo dye by providing organic-inorganic hetero-junction active sites under UV-visible light irradiation. Tween-80 templates were used to prepare porous methyacryl organo silicates (PMOS) by co-condensation of sodium silicate and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. The fabrication of porous methyacryl organo silicate materials (Ag@PMOS) was carried out by reducing the silver moieties on and in the surfaces of PMOS. The resulting Ag@PMOS scaffolds were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which showed conformational vibrations of organic and silver moieties in fingerprint region. UV/visible spectroscopy was used to monitor photocatalytic efficiencies while thermogravimetric analysis displayed heat resistance competency of synthesized materials. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated spherical particle shape of PMOS and well-ordered hexagonal patterns in Ag@PMOS, which were also enlightened by X-ray powder diffraction method. While, photoluminescence (PL) study examined the excessive formation of hydroxyl free radicals by Ag@PMOS during photocatalysis of MO. The synthesized material exhibited well-ordered crystalline networks of Ag@PMOS with good surface area, which made it effective for degradation of MO. The results showed 26% and 56% absorption reduction under visible and UV-conditions, respectively. Moreover, the reduction efficiency was increased remarkably after using hydrogen peroxide and found to be 53% and 85% under visible and UV-irradiation, respectively. The promising recycled results showed 24%, 21%, 17% (without using H2O2) and 54%, 51%, 48% (using H2O2) absorption decline under visible light irradiation. Moreover, 53%, 50%, 49% (without using H2O2) and 83%, 80%, 78% (using H2O2) absorption reductions were examined under UV-light irradiation without and with H2O2. Which pointed toward high reduction capabilities and better stability of Ag@PMOS. The synthesis of highly porous PMOS, efficient photo-degradation of MO under UV-light by fabricated Ag@PMOS and reproducibility of the degradation results made the present work more innovative for degradation of MO for water decontamination.

Organically modified montmorillonite as pH versatile carriers for delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid

This paper is aimed at developing innovative hybrid nanocomposites, further used as controlled release systems suited for the therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs). To this purpose, a layered silicate, i.e. montmorillonite (MMT), was investigated in terms of its potential to act as carrier in the drug delivery, whereas 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was used as model pharmaceutical drug. Prior to the encapsulation step, MMT was thermally treated and afterwards chemically modified with γ- methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTES) to endow it with organic moieties. Hence, an organophilization process was performed to strengthen the interactions between MMT and 5-ASA. Finally, the pursued formulations were developed by encapsulating 5-ASA within the MAPTES-modified MMT. In order to prove that both organophilization and encapsulation were carried out successfully, FTIR spectra, XRD patterns and TEM images were recorded. The encapsulation efficiencies and the release profiles of 5-ASA were investigated by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy in simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (pH = 6.8). It was found that calcined MMT followed by silylation yielded the most promising results in terms of 5-ASA encapsulation efficiency, low burst release and constancy of release rates at both pH studied values.

Low-Temperature and UV Irradiation Effect on Transformation of Zirconia -MPS nBBs-Based Gels into Hybrid Transparent Dielectric Thin Films.

Bottom-up approaches in solutions enable the low-temperature preparation of hybrid thin films suitable for printable transparent and flexible electronic devices. We report the obtainment of new transparent PMMA/ZrO2 nanostructured -building blocks (nBBs) hybrid thin films (61–75 nm) by a modified sol-gel method using zirconium ethoxide, Zr(OEt)4, and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) as a coupling agent and methylmethacrylate monomer (MMA). The effect of low-temperature and UV irradiation on the nBBs gel films is discussed. The thermal behaviors of the hybrid sols and as-deposed gel films were investigated by modulated thermogravimetric (mTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The chemical structure of the resulted films was elucidated by X-ray photoelectron (XPS), infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies. Their morphology and crystalline structure were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. The cured films show zirconia nanocrystallites of 2–4 nm in the hybrid matrix and different self-assembled structures for 160 °C or UV treatment; excellent dielectric behavior, with dielectric constant values within 6.7–17.9, depending on the Zr(OEt)4:MMA molar ratio, were obtained.

Polycaprolactone strengthening keratin/bioactive glass composite scaffolds with double cross-linking networks for potential application in bone repair

In this study, we aimed at constructing polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced keratin/bioactive glass composite scaffolds with a double cross-linking network structure for potential bone repair application. Thus, the PCL-keratin-BG composite scaffold was prepared by using keratin extracted from wool as main organic component and bioactive glass (BG) as main inorganic component, through both cross-linking systems, such as the thiol-ene click reaction between abundant sulfhydryl groups of keratin and the unsaturated double bond of 3-methacryloxy propyltrimethoxy silane (MPTS), and the amino-epoxy reaction between amino groups of keratin and the epoxy group in (3-glycidoxymethyl) methyldiethoxysilane (GPTMS) molecule, along with introduction of PCL as a reinforcing agent. The success of the thiol-ene reaction was verified by the FTIR and 1H-NMR analyses. And the structure of keratin-BG and PCL-keratin-BG composite scaffolds were studied and compared by the FTIR and XRD characterization, which indicated the successful preparation of the PCL-keratin-BG composite scaffold. In addition, the SEM observation, and contact angle and water absorption rate measurements demonstrated that the PCL-keratin-BG composite scaffold has interconnected porous structure, appropriate pore size and good hydrophilicity, which is helpful to cell adhesion, differentiation and proliferation. Importantly, compression experiments showed that, when compared with the keratin-BG composite scaffold, the PCL-keratin-BG composite scaffold increased greatly from 0.91 ± 0.06 MPa and 7.25 ± 1.7 MPa to 1.58 ± 0.21 MPa and 14.14 ± 1.95 MPa, respectively, which suggesting the strong reinforcement of polycaprolactone. In addition, the biomineralization experiment and MTT assay indicated that the PCL-keratin-BG scaffold has good mineralization ability and no-cytotoxicity, which can promote cell adhesion, proliferation and growth. Therefore, the results suggested that the PCL-keratin-BG composite scaffold has the potential as a candidate for application in bone regeneration field.Graphical

Cross-linked composite proton conductive membranes

Using UV-curing technique the proton conductive polymer materials based on acrylic monomers: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylic acid (AA) and acrylonitrile (AN), cross-linked by varying amounts of N,N'-methylene(bis)acrylamide (MBA), and the hybrid polymer/inorganic membrane of the same content with addition of sol-gel system (SGS) based on 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were synthesized. The obtained materials were characterized by analysis of thermal, mechanical and morphological properties. Proton conductivity and water uptake were found to depend on the level of cross-linking of the materials. The value of proton conductivity of the hybrid membrane was sufficiently high reaching 3.46 × 10-2 S cm-1.

Delamination-Free In-Air and Underwater Oil-Repellent Filters for Oil-Water Separation: Gravity-Driven and Cross-Flow Operations

Separating oil-water mixtures is critical in a variety of practical applications, including the treatment of industrial wastewater, oil spill cleanups, as well as the purification of petroleum products. Among various methodologies that have been utilized, membranes are the most attractive technology for separating oil-water emulsions. In recent years, selective wettability membranes have attracted particular attention for oil-water separations. The membrane surfaces with hydrophilic and in-air oleophobic wettability have demonstrated enhanced effectiveness for oil-water separations in comparison with underwater oleophobic membranes. However, developing a hydrophilic and in-air oleophobic surface for a membrane is not a trivial task. The coating delamination process is a critical challenge when applying these membranes for separations. Inspired by the above, in this study we utilize poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate (PEGDA) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate (F-acrylate) to fabricate a hydrophilic and in-air oleophobic coating on a filter. We utilize methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MEMO) as an adhesion promoter to enhance the adhesion of the coating to the filter. The filter demonstrates robust oil repellency preventing oil adhesion and oil fouling. Utilizing the filter, gravity-driven and continuous separations of surfactant-stabilized oil-water emulsions are demonstrated. Finally, we demonstrate that the filter can be reused multiple times upon rinsing for further oil-water separations.

Preparation and properties of aflatoxins imprinted polymer grafted onto the surface of mesoporous silica SBA-15 functionalized with double bonds.

Mesoporous silica Santa Barbara-15 was functionalized by methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. Taking this as the carrier material, a new mesoporous silica surface imprinted polymer was synthesized by using the C=C bond, functional monomer α-methacrylic acid, and crosslinker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, which was used to extract aflatoxin from grain efficiently. It is different from the preparation of surface imprinted polymers which is physically wrapping carrier materials with polymer layers. The chemical grafting method makes the coating of the polymer layer more controllable. A new method for selective separation, enrichment, and determination of trace aflatoxin in grain was established by using the polymers as the filter of the solid-phase extraction column and high-performance liquid chromatography. The linear range of the method was 0.5-100 μg/kg, R2 =0.9990-0.9993. The recovery of aflatoxin G2, G1, B2, and B1 was 98.9-119.7% and the relative standard deviation was 3.07-5.76%. By comparing the self-made column with the immunoaffinity column, it was found that the self-made column had better extraction performance for aflatoxins than the immunoaffinity column. It can be used for the analysis and detection of aflatoxins in cereal.

Removal of Humic Acid Using 3-Methacryloxypropyl Trimethoxysilane Functionalized MWCNT Loaded TiO2/PES Hybrid Membrane.

In the present work, a highly efficient mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for humic acid (HA) removal was developed. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized in the presence of 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane using the co-condensation method and were subsequently loaded with TiO2 (prepared via the sol–gel route). The as-prepared material was then incorporated into a PES polymer solution to prepare a fMWCNT-TiO2/PES hybrid membrane via non-solvent induced phase inversion. The microstructure of the membrane was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, thickness, porosity, and pore size. The fMWCNT-TiO2/PES hybrid membrane was tested for the removal of HA and antifouling performance. The results show that the surface hydrophilicity of the membranes was greatly improved upon the addition of the fMWCNT-TiO2 particles. The results show that 92% of HA was effectively removed after 1 h of filtration. In comparison with pristine membrane, the incorporation of fMWCNT-TiO2 nanoparticles led to enhanced pure water flux (99.05 L/m2 h), permeate flux (62.01 L/m2 h), higher HA rejection (92%), and antifouling improvement (RFR: 37.40%, FRR: 86.02%). Thus, the fMWCNT-TiO2/PES hybrid membrane is considered to be a great potential membrane for the improvement of ultrafiltration membranes.

Nanospheres self-assembled by hybrid oxide nanocrystal and their photoelectric properties

The hybrid nanocrystals of zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium oxide (CdO) and copper oxide (CuO) were self-assembled to the nanospheres with special structure in the process of inverse Pickering miniemulsion. The 3-(methacryloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) was used to modify the crystalline nanoparticles to obtain the partial hydrophobicity on their surfaces. The influences of the dosage ratio of MPS to the crystalline nanoparticles on the size distribution and surface hydrophobicity of modified nanoparticles were discussed. The modified ZnO, CdO and CuO nanocrystals as solid emulsifiers were self-assembled into four kind structure of nanospheres by inverse Pickering miniemulsion. The dosage usage, the three-phase contact angle and their initial dispersion positions of the modified nanocrystals codetermined the structure of hybrid oxide nanocrystals. The nanospheres of hybrid oxide nanocrystal will be successfully prepared by inverse Pickering miniemulsion; they provide the distinctively photoelectric properties.

Silanized graphene oxide as a reinforcing agent for acrylic bone cements: physicochemical, mechanical and biological characterization

Recently, different carbon-based nanomaterials have been used as reinforcing agents in acrylic bone cement formulations. Among them, graphene oxide (GO) has attracted the attention of scientific community since it could improve not only the mechanical properties but also the biocompatibility characteristics of these materials. However, using GO presents some drawbacks, such as its poor dispersion and lack of interaction with polymeric matrices, which should be prior resolved to achieve its optimal performance in acrylic bone cement. Thus, in this work, GO was treated with 3-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane at various concentrations (1, 3 and 5 wt.%) to improve the interaction between the nanofiller and the poly (methyl methacrylate) matrix. Modified GO was incorporated at different percentages (0.1, 0.5 and 0.75 wt.%) into acrylic bone cement formulations and some properties were evaluated. The silanization process of the GO was confirmed by FTIR, TGA and EDX. The improvement in the mechanical performance was monitored on the compression properties whereas those related with biological properties were evaluated by osteoblast cell viability and hemocompatibility tests. Results suggest that using a 1 wt.% of the silane coupling agent, during surface treatment of GO, yields the best mechanical performance in this type of materials. It was also found that the presence of neat GO or silanized GO does not compromise the cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of acrylic bone cement formulations.