Blend Components Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review on Advancements in Modification Strategies of Polymer Blends for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Capture and Reuse

ABSTRACTCarbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels and various industrial processes, and it is presently regarded as a significant factor in global warming. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) stands out as a prominent strategy put forward to address CO2 emissions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in CO2‐based polymers, focusing on sustainable biopolymers, including copolymers and polymer blends. A thorough analysis of CO2 co‐polymers as components in polymer blends is conducted, focusing on the capture of CO2. In recent years, carbon capture technology has attracted considerable focus as a strategy to mitigate the negative effects of increasing CO2 levels in the environment. The process of developing polymer blends entails merging two or more polymeric substances to harness their distinct advantages. This investigation assessed polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyether sulfone (PES), polyurethane (PU), and polyimide (PI) based on their chemical properties as promising polymer blends for the efficient separation of CO2. Advances in polymer blend modifications for improved CO2 capture and reuse are highlighted in this review, with a focus on strategies such as chemical functionalization (e.g., amine or hydroxyl groups), the utilization of porous materials, and the integration of hybrid systems, delving into CO2 adsorption efficiency, selectivity, and reusability. The paper also examines novel materials' potential for CO2‐to‐product conversion, such as bio‐based polymers and nano‐engineered blends. The main obstacles and potential paths for applications that are sustainable and scalable are described.

OPTIMIZATION OF R744 CONTENT IN MIXTURES WITH R290, R600, R600A, R170 TO INCREASE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

This paper presents a general theoretical analysis of binary refrigerant blends based on R744 (carbon dioxide) in combination with certain hydrocarbons, including R290 (propane), R600 (butane), R600a (isobutane), and R170 (ethane). The main goal of the study was to determine the optimal molar ratios for each of the mixtures that maximize the coefficient of performance (COP), an indicator that characterizes the energy efficiency of the cooling system. In addition, the volumetric cooling capacity (qν) was analyzed, which is an important criterion for assessing the overall efficiency of refrigeration systems. The study analyzed the operation of refrigeration systems, taking into account both subcritical and supercritical conditions. As initial parameters for building a mathematical model, the boiling and condensation/heat removal temperatures were used, which were determined as the average values of the process temperatures in heat exchangers. This approach ensured accurate maintenance of the set temperature in the refrigerating chamber. The best results were obtained for R744/R600 and R744/R600a blends. R744/R600 in the proportion of 58.5/41.5 % has a COP 36.6 % higher than that of pure R600, and the volumetric cooling capacity increased by 10.2 times. Similarly successful results were demonstrated by the R744/R600a blend with an optimal ratio of 93/7 %, which showed a 39.2 % increase in COP and a 16.8-fold increase in volumetric cooling capacity compared to pure R600a. However, the study showed that the use of a R744/R290 blend was less efficient due to relatively lower COP and volumetric cooling capacity compared to pure R744. Similar conclusions were drawn for the R744/R170 blend, which also demonstrated lower efficiency compared to pure R744. At the same time, it is noted that in most component ratios, the mixture operates in a supercritical mode. This indicates that it is inexpedient to use such refrigerant blends at the given initial parameters to improve energy efficiency. This result emphasizes the importance of careful selection of blend components to achieve optimal performance. Overall, the study results demonstrate that the use of R744 blends with R600 and R600a can be a promising alternative to improve the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems. Optimization of the molar fractions can achieve a significant improvement in COP and a significant increase in volumetric cooling capacity, making such blends promising candidates for practical use. However, further development of an in-depth mathematical model that will be close to real operating conditions, as well as experimental studies to verify the actual performance of these blends and identify possible limitations of their use, are required to confirm these conclusions.

Alginate Heterografted Copolymer Thermo-Induced Hydrogel Reinforced by PAA-g-P(boc-L-Lysine): Effects on Hydrogel Thermoresponsiveness.

In this article, we report on the alginate heterografted by Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-N-tert-butyl acrylamide) and Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (ALG-g-P(NIPAM86-co-NtBAM14)-g-PNIPAM) copolymer thermoresponsive hydrogel, reinforced by substituting part of the 5 wt% aqueous formulation by small amounts of Poly(acrylic acid)-g-P(boc-L-Lysine) (PAA-g-P(b-LL)) graft copolymer (up to 1 wt%). The resulting complex hydrogels were explored by oscillatory and steady-state shear rheology. The thermoresponsive profile of the formulations were affected remarkably by increasing the PAA-g-P(b-LL) component of the polymer blend. Especially, the sol-gel behavior altered to soft gel-strong gel behavior due to the formation of a semi-interpenetrating network based on the hydrophobic self-organization of the PAA-g-P(b-LL). In addition, the critical characteristics, namely Tc,thermothickening (temperature above which the viscosity increases steeply) and ΔT (transition temperature window), shifted and broadened to lower temperatures, respectively, due to the influence of the hydrophobic side chains P(b-LL) on the LCST of the PNIPAM-based grafted chains of the alginate. The effect of ionic strength was also examined, showing that this is another important factor affecting the thermoresponsiveness of the hydrogel. Again, the thermoresponsive profile of the hydrogel was changed significantly by the presence of salt. All the formulations showed self-healing capability and tolerance injectability, suitable for potential bioapplications in living bodies.

Waste plastic pyrolysis oils as diesel fuel blending components: detailed analysis of combustion and emissions sensitivity to engine control parameters

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure energy security have led to increased interest in renewable energy technologies, particularly pyrolysis for converting waste into fuel. This study examines the use of polypropylene (PPO) and polystyrene (PSO) pyrolysis oils as diesel fuel (DF) blending components. Single-cylinder engine tests were conducted on PPO and PSO, each blended with DF in mass proportions of 20%, 40% and 60%. The engine featured a state-of-the-art compression ignition combustion system, including an 8-hole high-pressure injector and precisely controlled air and exhaust gas recirculation paths. Results proved that both PPO and PSO could be efficiently combusted in modern compression ignition systems, provided their admixture with reference DF did not exceed 60%. For optimal performance, the engine control map needed to be re-calibrated to prevent over-homogenization of the pilot spray, caused by higher volatility and reduced fuel reactivity. When maximising waste-derived components, PPO provided optimal emission results (1.37 g/kWh NOX and 0.04 g/kWh PM) when combined with heavy EGR and advanced injection timing. In this case, the total emissions overlimit value was 3.7, compared to 7.3 in the best-case DF scenario (a 50% reduction in cumulative emissions). For minimizing emissions, small additions (20%) of highly volatile PSO were found to offer the greatest potential for co-optimization. Compared to the optimal DF configuration, a cumulative emissions reduction of 81% was achieved in the same calibration map region as for PPO.

Diversity and role of volatile terpene and terpenoid pheromones in insects.

Insect pheromones are critical chemical signals that regulate intraspecific behavior and play a key role in the dynamic monitoring and control of pest populations. Historically, research on insect pheromones has primarily focused on lipid-based compounds. However, terpenes and terpenoids, which are widely occurring classes of bioactive compounds, also play significant roles in insect pheromone blends. Over 50 terpene and terpenoid-based pheromones have been identified in over 52 insect species, spanning various orders such as Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Blattodea, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera. These compounds are associated with several types of pheromones, including female or male sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, alarm pheromones, and aphrodisiac pheromones. Terpenes and terpenoids may act as either primary or secondary components of pheromone blends and influence a wide range of critical insect behaviors. They play essential roles in the physiological and ecological adaptation of insects to their environment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on terpene and terpenoid-based pheromones in insects, examining their structures, types, and physiological and ecological functions. Additionally, we propose future research directions to guide the application of these pheromones in insect behavioral regulation and pest management, while advocating for their broader use in insect pest monitoring and control.

(Invited) Blended Positive Electrode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries: Electrode Dynamics and Operando XRD

Transport electrification has resulted in an expansion of the Li-ion battery application from Wh to kWh storage. This has brought up additional requirements to improve performance (e.g. power, cycle life) enhance of sustainability and decrease of cost. Blending different active materials at the same cell electrode, an empirical approach commonly used for primary cells, has been readily applied to commercial EV Li-ion batteries mostly on the positive side. The global aim is to promote positive synergetic effects between the different electrode components, which have unfortunately received limited attention at the fundamental research level.Materials with fast reaction kinetics, such as LiMn2O4 (LMO) can sustain significantly higher effective rates than the nominal rate applied to the electrode. This has motivated the widespread commercial use of NMC:LMO blends as LiNixMnyCozO2 (x+y+z=1, NMC) despite having slow kinetics, exhibits high capacity (especially for large amounts of Ni) and the addition of LMO lowers overall costs while enhancing power performance. Olivine LiMPO4 (M=Fe, Mn) based blends have a lower presence in commercial cells to date but they have also deserved attention at the laboratory scale as they can as well exhibit fast kinetics and are based on low cost abundant transition metals.Results will be presented related to different blends, consisting of combinations of LMO, NMC, LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiFe0.35Mn0.65PO4 (LFMP). Electrochemical experiments coupled to time-resolved synchrotron operando X-ray diffraction experiments enable to capture charge transfer events between blend components which are dependent on both voltage profile and kinetics of individual blend components. The results demonstrate the significant impact of the voltage profiles of individual materials on the current distribution, with the effective C-rate of each component varying throughout the state of charge (SoC).Finally, systematic operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction and absorption experiments will be presented for NMC and LFP with diverse experimental conditions (cell type, radiation energy etc.) to illustrate the existence of beam-induced effects which may bias interpretation of results. These range from total reaction inhibition to partial hindrance and negligible deviations from the expected mechanism, and have been consistently observed across various experimental conditions, photon energies, photon fluxes and exposure times. The total radiation dose per cycle seems to be a useful predictor of the magnitude of beam-induced electrochemical delay and could serve as a guideline to define reliable measurement protocols.

(Invited) Electrode Blending Simulations Using the Mechanistic Degradation Modes Modeling Approach

Blended electrodes are becoming increasingly more popular in lithium-ion batteries, yet most modeling approaches are still lacking the ability to separate the blend components. This is problematic because the different components are not likely to degrade at the same pace. In this work, we investigated a new approach towards the simulation of blended electrodes by replicating the complex current distributions within the electrodes using a paralleling model rather than the traditional constant current method.We first investigated the impact of using a paralleling model within the mechanistic degradation modes modeling approach to replicate the current distribution more accurately within blended electrodes. Using three exemplary chemistries with electrochemical response that covers all the possible scenarios (separated, overlapping, or only partially overlapping), we demonstrated that, although the paralleling approach enhances accuracy and better replicates experimentally observed current distributions, the actual effect on the voltage response of the full cell, whether pristine or aged, was close to negligible at low rates while the computational cost was increased by two orders of magnitude and resulted in noisier results. While it might be better to use the paralleling model for simulation at higher rates or when the loss of active material on the PE is significant, the computational limitations could hinder the application of the paralleling approach in scenarios where simulation speed is crucial because of the two order of magnitude increase.Recognizing that the constant current approach is accurate enough to provide data representative of the behavior of the individual components within a blend, we generated three publicly available synthetic datasets covering more than 260,000 different degradations to enable the development of new diagnosis techniques for blended electrodes. Such techniques must enable component specific diagnosis since we showcased a significant impact of the composition of the loss of active material on the positive electrode on the cell electrochemical response. Because these variations could be confused with the one induced by other degradation modes, overlooking them could lead to false diagnosis, potentially compromising the safety of deployed systems.

Zeolites – tabletting ibuprofen with and without zeolites as an excipient

Abstract Introduction Drug delivery via the oral route is a patient and industry-preferred approach. However, maintaining plasma concentrations of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) within the therapeutic window can be challenging with immediate-release (IR) tablets. To avoid the plasma peaks and troughs associated with IR tablets, sustained release (SR) formulations have been investigated. Zeolites are microporous aluminosilicate minerals that represent a novel tabletting material with the potential for modifying drug release due to their unique adsorption and ion exchange properties1. Aim This study will investigate the potential for inclusion of zeolites within orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and assessment of their ability to modify API release. Methods In-house, 50%w/w ibuprofen (IBU)-loaded ODTs (IHODTs) were prepared from Pearlitol® Flash, magnesium (Mg) stearate and 2 different zeolites (CP814C and CP814E), incorporated at 5%w/w each, using a manual tablet press. Formulations were prepared and mixed for 10 minutes in a cube mixer prior to direct compression (DC) into tablets. Physical characteristics of the tablets were assessed by hardness and friability measurements. Tablet quality was assessed by disintegration and dissolution analysis to British Pharmacopeia (BP) standards2. Release profiles were assessed against various models to determine the effect of zeolites on the release of IBU. Formulations were further examined and characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. An ethics evaluation was completed, and the study was identified as not having any ethical considerations by the University of South Wales. Results The mean weight of blank ODTs was found to be 225.3mg, with a mean thickness of 3.65mm, diameter of 8.10mm, hardness of 43.9±9.2N (mean±SD, n=5) and friability of 0.2±0.2% (mean±SD, n=3). The hardness of IHODTs was found to be 59.98±1.6N, reducing to 54.9±4.3N and 43.4±0.7N (mean±SD, n=3) with the inclusion of CP814C and CP814E, respectively. The friability of IHODTs containing zeolites was 1.76±0.4% and 1.91±0.9N (mean±SD, n=3), for CP814C and CP814E, respectively; conforming to BP specification2. The disintegration time for all in-house tablets, both with and without a zeolite included, was found to be an order of magnitude greater than commercial ODTs (CT) controls, but all remained within the BP specification2. The release of IBU from IHODTs and CTs showed good correlation to the first-order release model (R2 = 0.96 and 0.98, respectively), indicating IR behaviour. Similarly, the release of IBU from IHODTs containing zeolites was shown to correlate best with the first-order release model, R2 = 0.91 for CP814C and R2 = 0.90 for CP814E, respectively. SEM analysis suggested a homogeneous blend of components within IHODTs, whilst EDX analysis indicated the presence of silicon and aluminium from zeolites, and Mg and carbon from Mg stearate and IBU, respectively. Discussion / Conclusion This study investigated the effect of zeolite inclusion on the release properties of ODTs containing IBU. Although the quality of ODTs containing zeolites was not compromised, this study suggests that inclusion of a zeolite by DC only, does not significantly modify the release profile. Future studies are required to ascertain whether zeolites can achieve SR from ODTs using alternative API loading approaches, such as solvent loading1.

Effect of the Compounding Method on the Development of High-Performance Binary and Ternary Blends Based on PPE

The polymer blends are an effective strategy for materials design with new properties in the plastic industry; such features may depend on the blend components and the processing method. This study aimed to understand the effect of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) content and its architecture on blends based on polyphenylene ether (PPE), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and SBS. In addition, this research compared and analyzed the blends formulated by different processing methods: twin-screw extrusion (TSE) and internal mixing (IM). Furthermore, three SBS copolymers, two radial and one linear (with different molecular weights), were used to produce PPE/HIPS/SBS blends, analyzing which SBS copolymer feature provides excellent viscoelasticity, thermomechanical properties, and impact resistance. The findings revealed that the melt processing method played a crucial role in Izod impact resistance of the PPE/HIPS/SBS blends, as well as the molecular architecture, molecular weight, and SBS content. The findings also demonstrated that the TSE process is more effective than the IM. Since the PPE/HIPS/SBS blends displayed higher Izod impact resistance than the PPE/HIPS or PPE/SBS binary blends, a synergistic effect of SBS and HIPS is suggested.

Tuning Biodegradation of Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) at Mild Temperature by Blending with Poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) or Polycaprolactone (PCL).

Biobased plastics are fully or partially made from biological resources but are not necessarily biodegradable or compostable. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA), one of the most diffused bioplastics, is compostable in industrial environments, but improving degradation in home composting conditions, in soil and in seawater could be beneficial for improving its end of life and general degradability. Blends obtained by the extrusion of PLA with different amounts of poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) or poly (caprolactone) (PCL) were characterized in terms of their home composting, soil, marine and freshwater biodegradation. The blending strategy was found to be successful in improving the home compostability and soil compostability of PLA. Thanks to the correlations with morphological characterization as determined by electron microscopy, it was possible to show that attaining an almost co-continuous phase distribution, depending on the composition and melt viscosity of the blend components, can enhance PLA degradation in home composting conditions. Tests in marine and freshwater were also performed, and the obtained results showed that in marine conditions, pure PLA is degradable. A comparison of different tests evidenced that salt dissolved in marine water plays an important role in favoring PLA's degradability.

Deterrence and behavioral mode of coconut oil-derived free fatty acids on Zeugodacus cucurbitae oviposition.

Previous studies have shown oviposition deterring properties of 8 coconut free fatty acid (CFFA) compounds on fruit flies with different key deterrent components for different species. Here we evaluated oviposition deterrence of CFFA using laboratory 2-choice bioassays against Zeugodacus cucurbitae, determined key-bioactive deterrent compounds, and evaluated their behavioral mode. Unlike other reported fruit fly species, CFFA mixture increased Z. cucurbitae oviposition when directly applied on an oviposition substrate. When tested individually in subsequent tests, 4 compounds (caprylic, capric, oleic, and linoleic acids) significantly reduced the oviposition ("negative-compounds"), 1 compound (stearic acid) had no effect ("neutral-compound"), and 3 compounds (lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids) stimulated the oviposition ("positive-compounds"). The 4-component negative-compound blend was effective at reducing oviposition. However, adding stearic acid to the 4-component blend (5-component blend, 5c) further reduced oviposition. Adding any of the positive-compounds to the 5c resulted in loss of oviposition deterrence, suggesting the 5c as the key deterrent component blend. The blend was also effective in no-choice assays and when applied on cucumbers, a preferred host of Z. cucurbitae. When given a choice, Z. cucurbitae made 48.5% fewer visits, spent 39% less time, and oviposited 88.2% fewer eggs per min on 5c treated pumpkin agar than on control agar, suggesting that the 5c blend has both spatial repellency and contact deterrence. Given that all compounds are registered food additives and generally regarded as safe, this blend has potential application in behavioral control strategies, such as push-pull, to protect host fruit against Z. cucurbitae.

Repurposing trityl-substituted triphenylamine-based polyimides for gas separation membranes by blending with a fluorinated polyimide

In the attempt to develop gas separation membranes by reusing polymers with no film-forming ability but with great potential for this purpose, blending has been approached as a simple, time- and cost-effective strategy. Herein, blends of trityl-substituted triphenylamine (TTA)-based polyimides and a fluorinated polyimide (6F-PI) were involved to prepare dense membranes by drop-casting technique. The two blend components involved in variable amounts led to different film morphologies with a strong impact on most blends' properties and gas separation performance. According to optical microscopy, SEM, AFM, and FTIR investigations, the blend series containing hexafluoroisopropylidene (6F) groups in both polyimide components proved to be fully miscible at the molecular levels. When a single 6F-based component was integrated into the blend, the polymers proved to be compatible, but only partially miscible, with a two-phase structure, in which 6F-PI wrapped around the TTA-PI growth fibrillar domains. However, all blends displayed a single glass transition and FTIR bands which do not sum the ones of the polymer components, as well as a high thermal stability, close to that of 6F-PI. Regardless of their miscibility level, all blends behaved as classical polyimide films, with good mechanical properties and chemical resistance to corrosive media like acid vapors or basic solutions. The blend composition and diimide structure of TTA-PI little affected the dielectric behavior, unlike the gas separation performance that strongly depended on these characteristics. The higher amount of 6F groups in the miscible blends endowed the membranes with superior permeability and selectivity, allowing in some cases to surpass the trade-off rule. Generally, the gas permeability decreased with the increase of TTA-PI content, with some exceptions. The low intermolecular interfacial interactions promoted by TTA-PI were found to be beneficial in preserving a good selectivity of gas molecules with a small kinetic diameter (He, CO2) though their permeability is lost. The gas permeability changes as a function of the blend composition and structure were mostly due to changes in the solubility coefficient and less from gas diffusion capability, at least for CO2 and N2.

Optimization of novel sustainable Dictyota mertensii alginate films with beeswax using a simplex centroid mixture design

The environmental risks of synthetic polymers drive the need for innovative and sustainable film and packaging solutions. This study optimized the formulation of films composed of alginate derived from the brown seaweed Dictyota mertensii (ADM), glycerol, beeswax, and tween 80, aiming to improve their properties. A simplex-centroid blend design was employed to develop and optimize the composite films. The films were characterized based on their morphological properties, moisture content (MC), contact angle (CA), solubility (S), water vapor permeability (WVP), color parameters (L∗, a∗, and b∗), opacity, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and elastic modulus (E). Contour surfaces were plotted from the studied variables, fourth-order polynomial models were predicted, the influence of the blend components was analyzed, and the response variables were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the F test with 95% confidence. The predicted conditions were experimentally validated. MC, WVP, solubility, opacity, a∗, and b∗ were minimized, whereas CA, L∗, TS, EB, and E were maximized, resulting in MC = 6.85%, WVP = 16.37 g mm/h.kPa.m2, S = 28.87%, CA = 83.86°, Opacity = 5.60 AU.nm.mm−1, L∗ = 70.31, a∗ = 4.79, b∗ = 21.00, TS = 11.76 MPa, EB = 12.70%, and E = 96.47 MPa. The overall desirability index was 0.70, resulting in an optimal biopolymer matrix of 75.00% ADM, 5.00% glycerol, 7.50% beeswax, and 12.50% Tween 80. The results highlight the potential of alginate films made from the brown seaweed Dictyota mertensii and the sustainable use of natural marine resources.

Importance of Experiments That Can Test Theories Critically.

General dynamic and thermodynamic properties of complex materials, including amorphous polymers and molecular glass-formers, have been established from the wealth of experimental data accumulated over the years. Naturally, these general properties attract researchers to construct theories and models to address and explain them. Often more than one theory with contrasting or even conflicting theoretical bases can equally explain a general property rather well. The correct explanation becomes unclear, and progress is stopped. The resolution of the problem comes when an innovative experiment is performed with insightful results that can critically test the premise and assumptions of each theory. This important role played by experimentalists is exemplified by the contributions of Mark Ediger in several general properties considered in this paper: (1) dynamics of the components in binary polymer blends; (2) breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein and the Debye-Stokes-Einstein relations; (3) enhancement of surface mobility and in relation to formation of ultrastable glasses; and (4) the Johari-Goldstein β-relaxation in ultrastable glasses. Different theories proposed to explain these properties are discussed, including the Coupling Model of the author.

Sequential Linker Installation in Metal-Organic Frameworks.

ConspectusMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a sophisticated blend of inorganic and organic components, promoting the development of coordination chemistry greatly and offering a versatile platform for tailored functionalities. By combining various metal nodes, organic linkers, and functional guests, MOFs provide numerous pathways for their design, synthesis, and customization. Among these, sequential linker installation (SLI) stands out as a novel and crucial strategy, enabling the precise integration of desired properties and functions at the atomic scale. SLI enhances structural diversity and stability while facilitating the meticulous construction of robust frameworks by leveraging open metal sites and functional organic linkers at targeted locations. Compared to the direct synthesis of MOFs, postsynthetic modification methods allow for precise regulation of their structures and corresponding properties. While unlike conventional postsynthetic modification methods, SLI requires the careful selection of linkers and framework design to ensure precise positioning for installation, which gives rise to the well-designed and ordered positions for the installed linkers, confirmed directly by X-ray diffraction technology.Recent advancements in MOF synthesis have led to the creation of increasingly tailored flexible matrix structures, particularly due to the diverse connection modes of multicore metal clusters, especially for the Zr6 cluster. The spatial hindrance of certain ligands has resulted in the formation of unsaturated metal clusters and various missing linker pockets. Examples of these advanced MOFs include PCN-606, PCN-608, PCN-609, PCN-700, and PCN-808, which feature specific open metal sites and certain framework flexibility conducive to SLI. Strategically positioned open metal sites within these frameworks serve as predetermined anchor points for desired functional molecules, while the frameworks' flexibility can accommodate molecules of varying sizes to a certain extent, enlarging the scopes of application greatly. This precise positioning of functional groups enables the creation of tailored sites for enhanced applications, such as adsorption, catalysis, and recognition.In this Account, we delve into the intricate process of designing and synthesizing MOFs with appropriate missing-linker pockets for the aforementioned applications. We discuss the meticulous selection of functional linkers and the methods used to insert them into the corresponding missing-linker pockets within the MOFs. Additionally, we explore the diverse properties and functionalities of the resulting MOFs, focusing on their adsorptive, catalytic, and recognition performance. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future trajectory of SLI methods, complemented by our recent works. This Account not only reviews the evolution of the SLI method but also underscores its practical applications across various functional domains, paving a rational pathway for the future development of advanced multifunctional MOFs through this method.

Valorization and investigation of volcanic ash as an aggregate building brick component

Abstract The devastating series of Taal volcanic eruptions from 2020 to 2022 covered several locations in the Philippines under a thick layer of ashes, destroying properties and halting business operations. In response, the Biñan City Government in Laguna, Philippines, proposed the development of eco-friendly bricks by leveraging the pervasive amounts of spewed volcanic ash as part of its solid waste management program. The materials recovery facility of the city produced several brick blends of combined Taal volcanic ash, cement mortar, and plastic waste materials. This study investigates the potential of Taal volcanic ash as an aggregate building brick component by measuring the compressive strength of the formulated bricks. With different blends of aggregate components, the bricks were tested for their durability based on the ASTM C67/C67M-20 standard after curing between 15 to 30 days. Per the ASTM C62-17 standard, all brick blends that were cured for 30 days including those with volcanic ash and plastic waste as aggregate components fall under the negligible weathering grade. This indicates that these bricks will be durable in building and structural applications where the average compressive strength requirement for bricks is at least 10.3 MPa. A regression model was also fitted with an adjusted r 2 value of 0.9413 and a p-value of < 2.2 × 10−16 using the experimental data.

Repellent Effects of Coconut Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and Their Blends with Bioactive Volatiles on Winged Myzus persicae (Sulzer) Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most important aphid crop pests, due to its direct damage and its ability to transmit viral diseases in crops. The objective is to test whether spraying nanoemulsions of botanical products repels winged individuals of M. persicae in a bioassay in culture chambers. The bioactive volatiles were applied on pepper plants at a dose of 0.2% alone or at 0.1% of each component in blends. A treated plant and a control plant were placed at each side of an entomological cage inside a growth chamber. The winged individuals were released between the plants, in a black-painted Petri dish suspended by wires in the upper half of the cage. The most repellent products were farnesol (repellency index, RI = 40.24%), (E)-anethole (RI = 30.85%) and coconut fatty acid methyl ester (coconut FAME) (RI = 28.93%), alone or in the following blends: farnesol + (E)-anethole + distilled lemon oil (RI = 36.55%) or (E)-anethole + distilled lemon oil + coconut FAME (RI = 30.63%). The observed effect of coconut FAME on aphids is the first report of this product having a repellent effect on a crop pest. Repellent substances for viral disease vectors should be further investigated to develop new strategies for plant protection.

Assessing the effect of composition on dielectric constant of sustainable aviation fuel

One of the challenges in developing 100% sustainable aviation fuels is the effect of synthetic blend components on the dielectric constant. Modern aircraft often employ capacitance-based gauging systems that rely on the dielectric constant of the fuel onboard to determine fuel quantity. Aircraft manufacturers have expressed concern over inaccuracies in fuel gauging attributable to variances in the dielectric constant between conventional jet fuels and 100% paraffinic sustainable aviation fuel. In our study, dielectric constant and density data were gathered from 172 conventional jet fuel samples to establish a baseline “experience range.” Subsequently, thirty-five individual hydrocarbon molecules from the jet fuel range and nine fuels were acquired, characterized, and reported herein according to the Clausius-Mossotti relationship. Our findings indicate that different hydrocarbon group types exert varying effects on the Clausius-Mossotti relationship. To align with the established experience range for both the dielectric constant and the Clausius-Mossotti relationship, it appears that 100% drop-in SAF will need to incorporate some aromatic compounds. Finally, we explored two blending rules for the dielectric constant of jet fuel range hydrocarbons and achieved excellent coefficients of determination (R2 values of 0.9942 and 0.9983, respectively).

The Development of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-Based Blends and Modification Strategies: Methods of Improving Key Properties towards Technical Applications-Review.

The widespread use of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) from packaging to engineering applications seems to follow the current global trend. The development of high-performance PLA-based blends has led to the commercial introduction of various PLA-based resins with excellent thermomechanical properties. The reason for this is the progress in the field of major PLA limitations such as low thermal resistance and poor impact strength. The main purpose of using biobased polymers in polymer blends is to increase the share of renewable raw materials in the final product rather than its possible biodegradation. However, in the case of engineering applications, the focus is on achieving the required properties rather than maximizing the percentage of biopolymer. The presented review article discusses the current strategies to optimize the balance of the key features such as stiffness, toughness, and heat resistance of PLA-based blends. Improving of these properties requires molecular structural changes, which together with morphology, crystallinity, and the influence of the processing conditions are the main subjects of this article. The latest research in this field clearly indicates the high potential of using PLA-based materials in highly demanding applications. In the case of impact strength modification, it is possible to obtain values close to 800 J/m, which is a value comparable to polycarbonate. Significant improvement can also be confirmed for thermal resistance results, where heat deflection temperatures for selected types of PLA blends can reach even 130 °C after modification. The modification strategies discussed in this article confirm that a properly conducted process of selecting the blend components and the conditions of the processing technique allows for revealing the potential of PLA as an engineering plastic.

Plant Design for the Production of Propylene Oxide by Isopropylbenzene 2-phenylpropane, or (1-Methylethyl) Benzene (Cumene)

Cumene is a colorless, volatile liquid with a gasoline-like odor. It’s also known as isopropylbenzene, 2-phenylpropane, or (1-methylethyl) benzene. It’s a natural component of coal tar and crude oil, and it can also be employed in gasoline as a blending component. Cumene hydroperoxide is produced by oxidizing cumene with benzene and propylene in the presence of air. As a result, the cumene hydroperoxide is changed to cumyl alcohol, which is then transformed to propylene without the use of oxygen. Propylene oxide is an organic compound produced through various methods such as the cumene process and the hydroperoxide process. The cumene method is preferred due to its low by-product production and high market value of co-products. The reactive distillation process is a feasible method for producing propylene oxide with high purity and reduced costs. Future work includes optimizing processes, developing new catalysts, and improving efficiency. Propylene oxide has practical applications in the production of polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, polyether polyols, and propylene glycols.