Addition Of Amount Research Articles

Purple rice starch in wheat: Effect on retrogradation dependent on addition amount

While individual starch types may not possess the ideal gelatinization and retrogradation properties for specific applications, the amalgamation of multiple starch varieties might bestow desirable physicochemical properties upon resulting starch-based products. This study explored the impact of incorporating purple rice starch (PRS), as a novel starch variant (up to 15 % PRS), on the gelatinization and retrogradation (within 14 days) of regular wheat starch (WS). Rheological and texture assessments demonstrated that the introduction of PRS diminished the viscoelasticity and hardness of fresh WS paste. Additionally, in the case of retrograded WS pastes stored at 4 °C for 1–14 days, the incorporation of 10 % or 15 % PRS effectively retarded the reduction in transparency and significantly reduced hardness, retrogradation degree, the ratio of absorbance at 1047/1017 cm−1, and relative crystallinity. Notably, 10 % PRS results in a more pronounced effect. Conversely, 5 % PRS induced an opposing impact on retrograded WS post-storage. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy revealed that as the proportion of PRS increased, the microstructure of gelatinized WS-PRS closely resembled that of pure PRS. In conclusion, the diverse effects of varying PRS proportions on WS alter the texture and characteristics of starch-based foods, underscoring the potential of starch blending for improved applications.

Extraction, Identification, and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Feruloylated Oligosaccharides from Baijiu Distillers' Grains.

The structure and function of phenoyl oligosaccharides in baijiu distillers' grains (BDGs) have not been identified and investigated yet. This study aimed to elucidate the major phenolic oligosaccharides present in BDGs, optimize their extraction process via a central composite design, and assess their anti-inflammatory properties utilizing the LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammation model. The main results are as follows: feruloylated oligosaccharides (FOs) were identified as the main phenoyl oligosaccharides in BDGs with a structure of ferulic acid esterified on arabinooligosaccharide xylose. Then, the preparation process of FOs was optimized using the following conditions: pH 5, temperature 55 °C, time 12 h, xylanase addition amount 7 g/L, BDG concentration 120 g/L. Furthermore, the acquired FOs demonstrated notable scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals, with Trolox equivalent values of 366.8 ± 10.38 and 0.35 ± 0.01 mM Trolox/mg sample, respectively. However, their efficacy was comparatively lower than that of ferulic acid. Finally, the obtained FOs could effectively inhibit the LPS-induced secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and promote the secretion of IL-10 in RAW264.7 cells. Based on the above results, FOs from BDGs were determined to have certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals the mechanisms by which dietary quercetin regulates growth and immunity in Penaeus vannamei

As a potent antioxidant, the flavonoid compound quercetin (QUE) has been widely used in the farming of aquatic animals. However, there are fewer reports of the beneficial effects, especially in improving immunity of Penaeus vannamei by QUE. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary QUE on growth, apoptosis, antioxidant and immunity of P. vannamei. It also explored the potential mechanisms of QUE in improving the growth and immunity of P. vannamei. P. vannamei were fed diets with QUE for 60 days. The results revealed that QUE (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg) ameliorated the growth, and the expressions of genes related to apoptosis, antioxidant, and immunity. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential metabolites (DMs) obtained through transcriptomics and metabolomics, respectively, enriched in pathways related to nutritional metabolism such as lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. After QUE addition, especially at 0.5 g/kg, DEGs were enriched into the functions of response to stimulus and antioxidant activity, and the pathways of HIF-1 signaling pathway, C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and FoxO signaling pathway. In conclusion, dietary QUE can ameliorate growth, apoptosis, antioxidant and immunity of P. vannamei, the appropriate addition amount was 0.5 g/kg rather than 1.0 g/kg. Regulations of QUE on nutrient metabolism and immune-related pathways, and bioactive metabolites, were important factors for improving the aforementioned abilities in P. vannamei.

Enhance the fire safety of epoxy resin using ammonium polyphosphate flame retardant with the sandwich structure containing catalytic carbon formation function

AbstractAmmonium polyphosphate (APP) is often used to construct intumescent flame retardant systems together, but it is faced with the problem of adding too much flame retardant. This paper envisions the construction of a modified APP flame retardant (TR@ZIFAPP) with a sandwich structure by the method of covering, which, in order to endow APP flame retardant with better flame retardant effect. By constructing a metal catalytic layer and a triazine carbon formation layer, the modified APP flame retardant has both catalytic carbon formation and phosphorus–nitrogen synergistic flame retardant functions. TR@ZIFAPP is expected to be used in flame‐retardant polymer composites with low addition requirements, adding it to epoxy resin (EP) reveals that the TR@ZIFAPP flame retardant could achieve the optimal flame retardant effect when the addition amount was only 3 wt%. The UL‐94 rating reached V‐0 grade, and the two off‐fire auto‐ignition time levels were only 0.7 s. The analysis of its flame retardant mechanism showed that the flame retardant in EP was mainly through the rapid formation of carbon to isolate oxygen and dilute the flammable gas to reach a strong flame retardant effect.

Application of ultrasonic-enhanced active seed crystals in the removal of sodium oxalate from alumina refinery waste liquor

When organic matter, especially sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4), accumulates to a certain extent, it will seriously affect the alumina production process in the refinery and therefore urgently needs to be removed. This work attempts to illuminate the benefits of ultrasonic intensification of the crystallization process of Na2C2O4, taking the alumina refinery waste liquor, i.e., flat plate washing liquor, as a case study. The effects of different operating parameters (seed crystal addition amount, caustic soda concentration, reaction time, ultrasonic power) on the crystallization behavior and yield are discussed, and it is found that ultrasonic can increase the Na2C2O4 removal rate to 70.4%. The addition of ultrasonic promotes the morphological evolution of Na2C2O4 and is of great significance to the optimization of the components of the precipitated Na2C2O4. Specifically, the proportion of Na2C2O4 in the crystallized product reaches 64% with conventional conditions, while it reaches 77% with ultrasonic conditions. Therefore, ultrasonic can greatly reduce the alkali loss caused by the crystallization process of Na2C2O4 in flat plate washing liquor, which has great economic benefits.

Response strategies of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) to cadmium stress and the gain effects of inoculation with Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 in alleviating phytotoxicity and enhancing accumulation of cadmium.

Phytoremediation using fast-growing woody plants assisted by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on cadmium (Cd)-contaminated sites is considered a promising technique; however, its remediation efficiency is still affected by multiple factors. In this study, the mining areas' soil conditions were simulated with different Cd addition levels (0, 3, 6, 9mgkg-1) in order to investigate the response strategy to Cd stress of fast-growing economic tree species, slash pine (Pinus elliottii), and the effects of inoculation with the PGPB strain Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 on the physiological activity and Cd accumulation of plants. The main results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in contents of chlorophyll and nutrient elements (P, K, Ca, and Mg) at low Cd addition level (3mgkg-1) compared to non-Cd addition treatment. When the additive amount of Cd increased, the growth of plants was severely inhibited and the content of proline was increased, as well as Cd in plants. Besides, the ratios of K:P, Ca:P, and Mg:P in plants were negatively correlated with the contents of Cd in plants and soils. Inoculation of P. elliottii with the PGPB strain Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 improved the physiological functions of the plants under Cd stress and activated the antioxidant system, reduced the accumulation of proline, and decreased the ratios of K:P, Ca:P, and Mg:P in plant. More importantly, planting P. elliottii in Cd-contaminated soil could significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the Cd content in the rhizosphere soil, and furthermore, inoculation treatment could promote the reduction of soil Cd content and increased the accumulation of Cd by root. The results of the present study emphasized the Cd response mechanism of P. elliottii based on multifaceted regulation, as well as the feasibility of strain Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 assisted P. elliottii for the remediation on Cd-contaminated sites.

Potential of cassava by-product and lychee pulp in the production of reduced-fat ice cream

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize reduced-fat ice cream formulations with the addition of dehydrated cassava bagasse (CB) and lychee pulp (LP). The ice cream formulations were prepared with different proportions of palm fat (0 to 5%), CB (0 to 5%) and LP (1 to 8%) and were evaluated in terms of chemical and microbiological composition, and in relation to the technological, antioxidant and sensory properties. The use of higher levels of CB (5%) and LP (8%) allowed obtaining a higher fiber content and lower fat content, and all formulations were safe for consumption, and it was noted adequate values for overrun, melting rate and color. The ice creams showed adequate sensory acceptance, with emphasis on the formulations containing different amounts of CB addition (2 to 5%) and 2% LP. The higher LP content the higher total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity were found in ice cream formulations. These results showed the viability of applying CB and LP in ice cream formulations, promoting the sustainability by using a natural source of antioxidants and a fiber-rich agro-industrial by-product.

Recycling Waste Agricultural Nets as Cement Composites.

The advancement of agricultural mesh technology has contributed to its improved properties. As a result, agricultural nets are widely adopted in large-scale farming applications, for example, in cereal crop farming. However, a consequence of this increased use of agricultural nets is the accumulation of large amounts of waste. The current paper focuses on the recycling of agricultural nets used in wrapping straw bales to develop additives and fillers in cement composites. The research details an analysis of the use of waste agricultural meshes as an ingredient in cement composites. Six test series of different mixtures were conducted. In the first four series, agricultural waste was utilised as an additive in a composite comprising aggregate and cement slurry (the amounts of wasted nets were 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg/m3). In the last test series, the recyclate utilised comprised a mixture of cement slurry and waste only. The composites were subjected to standard tests and thermal resistance tests. The results showcased that that the addition of a net worsened the workability of the concrete mixture, and with increasing amounts of addition, the consistency of the mixture could change from liquid to dense plastic. The flexural strength of the composite decreased with increasing amounts of recyclate. In subsequent test series, the flexural strength value was lower than that of the control (3.93 MPa), from 7.38% (3.64 MPa) for the composite with 20 kg/m3 of recyclate to 37.66% (2.45 MPa) for the composite with of 80 kg/m3 recyclate. The flexural strength value of the net-filled composite without aggregate was very high (10.44 MPa), where the value obtained for the control composite was 62.36% lower. The results of the compressive strength test showed a decrease in this parameter with increasing amounts of additive. The value assessed for the control composite was 27.99 MPa. As expected, the composite that had no aggregate and consisted of only recycled filler had the lowest compressive strength. The value of this parameter was 13.07 MPa, and it was 53.31% lower than that of the control composite. The results of the tests of resistance to temperatures were similar to those recorded for the composites with polypropylene fibres. All composites demonstrated a significant decrease in their compressive and flexural strength after annealing. SEM imaging showed that the net fibres were closely bonded to the cement stone. Finally, it was concluded that recyclates performed best as fillers in lightweight composites with a low density, low absorption, high flexural strength, and satisfactory compressive strength.

A high-throughput approach for assessing antiscaling performance during mineral precipitation from seawater and hard water

The undesired precipitation of minerals from solution poses challenges in various industrial and domestic applications, including water treatment, desalination, dishwashers and boilers. To mitigate this, threshold inhibitors - small quantities of water-soluble additives—are commonly employed to inhibit the precipitation of inorganic phases. However, concerns about the persistence of traditional additives like phosph(on)ates) in natural environments and stricter regulations warrant the development of more sustainable alternatives. We present a high-throughput approach using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and automated data analysis to assess the scale inhibiting potential of numerous candidates and their combinations. The robustness and versatility of this method were validated by measuring the kinetics of alkaline-earth metal carbonates precipitating from simulated hard waters and seawaters across an extended range of experimental parameters. This approach allows for straightforward evaluation and quantification of each antiscaling additive’s effectiveness and operational range, enabling direct comparison of different additives and blends of additives. Moreover, it facilitates the study of scaling processes in both bulk solutions and at liquid/solid interfaces. By providing a rapid and reliable means of screening potential additives and formulations, our versatile toolbox will expedite the identification of effective scale inhibitors, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in various industries reliant on water treatment and mineral precipitation control.

The synergistic effects of incorporating bi-sulfonated covalent-organic frameworks nanosheets and surface modification on the durability of thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes

Improving the membrane durability without sacrificing perm-selectivity is an essential challenge in membrane technology. To address this challenge, a combination of incorporating bi-sulfonated covalent-organic frameworks nanosheets (TpPa-(SO3H)2 CONs) and surface modification was used to modify thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes. The nanofiltration experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that nanosheets dispersed in n-hexane could significantly modulate the piperazine diffusion. At the optimal nanosheet addition amount of 0.004 g/100 ml n-hexane, the pure water permeance (PWP) and Na2SO4 rejection of the thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes increased to 9.35 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 and 99.26 %. Meanwhile the corresponding values of the pristine TFC membranes were only 5.45 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 and 96.99 %, respectively. Membrane surface modification was performed on the optimal TFN surface. When the surface was modified with Tp at a concentration of 0.004 g/100 ml n-hexane for 9 s, the PWP further increased to 11.42 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1, which was almost 2.10 folds higher than the original TFC membranes. In contrast, the Na2SO4 rejection slightly increased to 99.36 %. Moreover, the static immersion experiments results indicated that the surface modification enhanced the membrane durability. This study proved that the association of these two methods provides a simple and effective strategy to design nanofiltration membranes with excellent separation performance and durability simultaneously.

The Effect of Addition Amount of Chromium Iron on the Bonding Strength between Alloy Steel Surfacing Layer and Steel Base Metal

Fe-C-Cr-Nb alloy steel surfacing layers with different contents of C and Cr were prepared on 45 steel base metal by selfshielded flux-cored wires with distinct amounts of high carbon chromium iron addition and melt arc surfacing. The composition and microstructure changes of the surfacing layer were tested and analyzed. The surfacing test plate was processed into a pulling specimen, and the bonding strength between the surfacing layer and the 45 steel base metal was tested with a self-designed pulling test method. The fracture location of the pulling specimen and fracture characteristics were observed by a metallurgical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The result shows that with the increase of the amount of high carbon chromium iron added to flux-cored welding wire, the content of C and Cr in the surfacing layer increases, and the NbC hard phase disperses. The microstructure of the steel matrix changes from mixed martensite + residual austenite to high carbon martensite + residual austenite, and then independent austenite appears. The hardness of the surfacing layer first increases and then decreases. The bonding strength between the surfacing alloy and the 45 steel base metal first decreases and then increases, and the fracture location is at the bottom of the surfacing layer or the fusion zone with mostly quasi-cleavage characteristics. When the additional amount of high carbon chromium iron reaches 13%, thee pulling specimen exhibits significant deformation with the highest bonding strength, and the fracture is close to the fusion line, where there are numerous tearing edges and shallow dimples.

Microstructural, Electrical and Mechanical Properties of the Al-Zn-Mg-Mn Alloy with Strontium Addition

This study investigated the improvement in the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties obtained by adjusting the amount of the Sr addition to the Al-Zn-Mg-Mn alloy. The addition of Sr formed an intermetallic compounds, and the volume fraction of the intermetallic compounds increased with increasing Sr content. As the amount of Sr added increased from 0 to 1.0 wt%, the electrical conductivity of the extruded alloy decreased to 48.9, 45.2 and 42.5% IACS. As the addition amount of Sr increased, the average grain size of the rolled alloy decreased to 55.5, 53.1 and 42.3 μm. And, the ultimate tensile strength increased to 195, 212 and 216 MPa.

Near Room Temperature Production of Segregated Network Composites of Carbon Nanotubes and Regolith as Multifunctional, Extra-Terrestrial Building Materials.

Constructing a semi-permanent base on the moon or Mars will require maximal use of materials found in situ and minimization of materials and equipment transported from Earth. This will mean a heavy reliance on regolith (Lunar or Marian soil) and water, supplemented by small quantities of additives fabricated on Earth. Here it is shown that SiO2-based powders, as well as Lunar and Martian regolith simulants, can be fabricated into building materials at near-ambient temperatures using only a few weight-percent of carbon nanotubes as a binder. These composites have compressive strength and toughness up to 100 MPa and 3 MPa respectively, higher than the best terrestrial concretes. They are electrically conductive (>20Sm-1) and display an extremely large piezoresistive response (gauge factor >600), allowing these composites to be used as internal sensors to monitor the structural health of extra-terrestrial buildings.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf powder modified the processing of meat alternatives: Principal component analysis from apparent properties to chemical bonds

For texture control in plant-meat alternatives, the interrelationship between apparent characteristics and chemical bonds in high-fiber formulations remains unclear. The influence of mulberry leaf powder on apparent characteristics and chemical bonds of raw materials, block and strip products at addition amounts of 0.5–25% was analyzed. The results showed that 8% addition significantly increased the chewiness of the block by 98.12%. The strips' texture shows a downward trend, and the processing produced more redness and color difference. Additives promoted the formation of voids, lamellar and filamentous structures, and the strip produced more striped structures. Disulfide bonds significantly increased in the block, and the β-turn in the secondary structure enhanced by 12.20%. The β-turn transformed into a β-sheet in strips. Principal component analysis revealed that the texture improvement was associated with producing disulfide bonds and β-turn, providing a basis for high-fiber components to improve products' apparent characteristics by chemical bonds.

Microwave dielectric properties of V2O5/CeO2 doped (Mg0.95Ca0.05)TiO3‐MgO and their application to a dielectric filter

AbstractThe phase composition, microstructure, sintering characteristics, and microwave dielectric properties of nonstoichiometric MgTiO3‐CaTiO3 ceramics containing an additional 0.2 mol MgO, compositely doped with various amounts of V2O5 and CeO2 additives, were studied. The results revealed that adding an optimum amount of V2O5 and CeO2 could effectively impede second‐phase formation in Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3‐MgO. High amounts of Mg2+ can react with MgTi2O5 to reduce the content of the secondary phase. The addition facilitated the densification of the microstructure and reduction of sintering temperature. Moreover, the dielectric performances of the material were significantly influenced by V2O5 and CeO2. Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3‐MgO doped with 0.75 wt% CeO2 exhibited excellent frequency and temperature stabilities. In particular, when co‐doped with 0.5 wt% V2O5 and 0.75 wt% CeO2, Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3‐MgO exhibited optimum properties after sintering at 1300°C for 2 h; a dielectric constant εr ∼ 19.92 (7 GHz),a Q×f value ∼ 65,236 GHz, and a τf value ∼ −2.03 ppm/°C. This indicates the potential of the material for microwave communication applications. Finally, a dielectric filter with a center frequency of 11.55 GHz was successfully designed and fabricated using a Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3‐MgO sample co‐doped with 0.5 wt% V2O5 and 0.75 wt% CeO2.The filter exhibited excellent performance with a bandwidth of less than 1.5 is about 40 MHz, the loss at the center frequency point was 0.7 dB, and the 3‐dB bandwidth exceeded 200 MHz, which holds a significant practical value.

Decoding the Delights: Unraveling the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate in Comparison to White Chocolate

This review article will examine the nutritional and health disparities between dark and white chocolate. After examining the ingredients involved, dark chocolate appears as a nutritionally beneficial food, rich in cocoa solids, antioxidants, and minimal amounts of additives, in stark contrast to the sugar-laden content of white chocolate. Antioxidants (such as procyanidins), abundant in dark chocolate significantly contribute to cellular protection and overall health. Regarding cardiovascular health, studies indicate a notable correlation between dark chocolate consumption and improved cardiovascular function. This feature is typically attributed to the abundant presence of flavonoids, therefore white chocolate, which lacks these compounds, may not offer similar cardiovascular benefits. Dark chocolate is also preferred over white chocolate in terms of cognitive health. It has been shown that there is a potential relationship between dark chocolate consumption, increased cognitive performance, and improved mood. In terms of blood glucose regulation, dark chocolate displays a favorable profile, potentially contributing to improving glycemic control. However, white chocolate may not have such benefits due to its high sugar content. In summary, this literature review highlights the multifaceted health benefits of dark chocolate compared to white chocolate. From its superior nutritional profile, antioxidant richness, potential cardiovascular benefit, and possible role in cognitive enhancement, dark chocolate emerges as a scientifically supported choice for individuals seeking a confectionery option with potential health benefits. Keywords: Dark Chocolate; White Chocolate; Antioxidants; Polyphenols

Microstructure and properties of bilayered B4C-based composites prepared by hot-pressing

Bilayered B4C-based composites were prepared by hot-pressing method. One layer was a B4C ceramic layer using C and Ti powders as sintering assistants. The other layer was a B4C ductile layer named as BST layer, in which TiC, Si and Ti mixed powders were added to synthesize Ti3SiC2 phase to improve toughness of B4C. Although XRD results showed that no Ti3SiC2 was found in the BST layer, SEM and EDS analyses proved that trace amount of lamellar Ti3SiC2 structure was observed under high magnification fractographs in the BST layers with additive contents (x) equal to 30 and 40 wt%. Both the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the bilayered B4C-based composite increased with the increase in the amount of additions in the BST layer, reaching optimum values of 550 MPa and 6.6 MPa m1/2 at x = 40 wt%, respectively.

Scalable Synthesis of Cinnamylamines Via the Heck Reaction: Application in the Synthesis of Abamine, Naftifine and Reboxetine

AbstractFollowing an extensive screening of reaction parameters such as the nature and amount of bases, Pd pre‐catalysts, ligands, additives, solvents and temperature range, we succeeded in developing a Heck reaction using N‐Boc‐allylamine and commercially available aryl bromides, capable of delivering a wide range of Boc‐protected trans‐cinnamylamines with 75–85 % regio‐ and stereoselectivity over other isomers. Optimisation of the Boc‐deprotection step and its work‐up procedure allowed for all minor isomers and impurities to be purged thus isolating pure trans‐cinnamylamines typically in 55–65 % yield without need for chromatography. We have successfully performed this chemistry in up to 5 g scale and demonstrated its usefulness by applying it to the synthesis of abamine, naftifine hydrochloride and a formal synthesis reboxetine mesylate.

سباكة الصلب عالي السبائكية AISI321 باستخدام السباكة الرملية

In this work, sand casting was used to obtain high-strength steel AISI-321 by melting alloy AISI304 using sand casting. This is in addition to titanium using an induction furnace, which is considered one of the metal forming processes that originated from the principle of casting in sand molds. In general, Ti will oxidize quickly in the melt if it is exposed to air in typical sand/investment casting processes; Titanium element provides greater resistance to inter granular corrosion. Stainless steel alloy 321, which differs from 304 in that it contains a percentage of titanium, which has given it the property of being used at high temperatures, which has increased the need or demand for stainless steel casting in some industries and due to the difficulty and complexity of producing some pieces or parts using SS304 (wrought) forging alloy by Machines, so that it became necessary to search for a way to improve quality and reduce time and cost, using plumbing technology, although information about this technology is not available in open references. The ability to cast stainless steel is affected by a variety of factors, such as the time and degree of melting, the types of additives, and the time of total solidification. In addition, there are some other casting factors that have a direct impact on the quality of casting stainless steel, such as the sand mold materials, their type, preparation of the sand mold, and the heat treatment steps. This research includes two parts, a theoretical part that includes the steps of sand casting, and the second part related to the practical side, where the effect of some casting factors was studied, which includes the weight and quantity of addition of titanium (300 to 1000 grams), the time of addition and pouring from (3 to 15 minutes), as well as a study of heat treatment and its effect. This is due to the quality of the stainless steel alloy under study. In each experiment, 100 kilograms were used on stainless steel 321 and 304. The practical experiments were completed in several experimental stages, and in each stage, some modifications were made so that they were based on previous results. The results of the chemical analysis of the last five samples showed a gradual increase in the amount of Ti% until it reached about 0.4%. The tensile strength and yield strength were at acceptable values compared to the Wrought SS321 and cast SS (CF) alloys, an austenitic stainless steel, where the lowest value was (200 and 198) MPa and the highest value was (559 and 315) MPa, respectively. The hardness values were between (145 to 149). Key words: sandcasting, Austenitic SS321, SS304, FeTi.

A zinc-embedded multicomponent copolymer customized for polypropylene and its synergistic flame-retardant effect and outstanding mechanical properties

The poor compatibility between the common polar intumescent flame-retardant system (IFR) and the nonpolar polypropylene (PP), as well as the high additive amount, seriously impacts the mechanical properties of the composites. This study introduced collaborative flame-retardant technology to construct block copolymer flame retardants and prepared a zinc-embedded multicomponent copolymer (PM-Zn2+) customized for PP composites. In the PM-Zn2+ system, zinc oxide was embedded into the copolymer composed of piperazine phosphate oligomer and melamine phosphate. PM-Zn2+ exhibited an amorphous structure with extremely low crystallinity and demonstrated specific morphological adaptability. The PM-Zn2+ were well dispersed in the PP matrix and changed their morphology during processing. When applied to PP, excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties were obtained by using a minimal amount of flame retardants (20 %). PM-2 %Zn2+ gave PP an LOI value of 31.5 %, and achieved a UL94 V-0 rating (1.6 mm thick), exhibiting a lower heat release rate and smoke release. The flame-retardant mechanisms of PM-Zn2+ mainly involved the synergistic and aggregative effects. Transition metal zinc synergistically interacted with polyphosphate groups to create a charring barrier effect and enhance synergistic smoke suppression, leading to a significant reduction in combustion intensity. In comparison to the Mix-Zn/PP composites, the mechanical properties of PM-Zn2+/PP were significantly enhanced due to the specific morphological adaptability and improved compatibility. The elongation at break increased significantly from 15.6 % to 627.9 %, marking a remarkable improvement of 40-fold improvement, while the impact strength rose from 23.7 kJ/m2 to 54.3 kJ/m2, representing a 129 % enhancement. Finally, the zinc-embedded multicomponent block copolymer offers a promising approach to developing high-performance flame-retardant polypropylene materials.