Chemical Composition Analysis Research Articles

Characterization of Bio-Retted Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Bast Fibre

The bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibres offer significant advantages over synthetic fibre regarding their being lightweight, environmentally friendly, and cheap. During the characterization procedure, the chemical composition as well as the physical, thermal, mechanical, crystallinity, and morphological properties of bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibre were assessed. The chemical composition analysis of the bioretted bast fibre of kenaf (H. cannabinus L.) revealed that it contained a significantly high proportion of cellulose (58.72%). While, in the tensile test, the bast fibre of bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) exhibited an average tensile strength of 3876 ± 1122 MPa and modulus of elasticity of 577 ± 177 GPa. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibre revealed its crystalline size to be 19.65 nm and crystallinity index to be 68.62%. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) performed on the bast fibre of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) revealed that it maintains a thermal stability of 240°C. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to examine the fibre’s morphology. The fibre exhibited flaws and a smoothed surface, as determined by the morphological evaluation. The utilisation of bio-retted bast fibre derived from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as a reinforcing agent in applications involving elevated temperatures exhibited encouraging outcomes.

GC-MS analysis and nutra-pharmaceutical potential of Mentha piperita essential oil extracted by supercritical fluid extraction and hydro-distillation

This study reports the comparative evaluation of yield, physico-chemical composition and biological attributes (antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, biofilm inhibition and hemolytic activity) of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oil (EO) obtained by hydro-distillation (HD) and supercritical fluid (CO2) extraction (SCFE) methods. The yield (%) of EO obtained by HD (0.20 %) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of SCFE (0.13 %) while the variation in the physical parameters like solubility, color, density (at 25 °C) and refractive index (at 25 °C) was not significant between the tested oils. The data of chemical compositional analysis revealed that menthol was the key component in the EO obtained by HD (52.85 %) and SCFE (45.51 %), followed by menthone [HD (25.93 %) and SCFE (27.3 %)] and eucalyptol [HD (8.59 %); SCFE (8.92 %)]. The EO extracted with supercritical fluid (SCFE-EO) exhibited superior (p < 0.05) DPPH free radical inhibition potential (52 %) with an IC50 value of 15.65 μg/mL and reducing power compared to that of HD-EO. The highest antimicrobial activity was exhibited by SCFE-EO against Pasturella multocida with an inhibition zone of 18.00 mm (MIC value of 86 μg/mL). The results of biofilm inhibition and hemolytic activity revealed that the SCFE method was superior to recover high quality EO in comparison to the HD method. The peppermint EO obtained by SCFE, owing to potent bioactive components, can be a potential candidate to develop nutra-pharmaceuticals.

Fuel Chemical Composition Analysis Based on Additives

Introduction: Based on the chemical composition of the extra gasoline fuel compared to four octane booster additives, this study aims to analyze the existing variation in determining a possible solution to the current problem of commercialized fuels. Methodology: In the testing phase, with the help of a gas analyzer, tests were carried out on each mixture used in the vehicle. With the results obtained, the Faires Virgil equation was balanced in order to determine the chemical composition of the fuel with each mixture of octane booster. The additive that obtained a closer approximation to the ideal chemical composition was subjected to an elemental analysis in a laboratory test. Results: The chemical composition calculations determined that the mixture of Extra and Liqui Moly fuel obtained a result of C14.9 – H28.81; thus, approximating the ideal chemical composition of C12.8 – H26.6 established by Faires Virgil. Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of an octane booster additive in Extra gasoline is not a feasible option to equal or exceed a higher quality fuel such as Super gasoline in this case, and that the changes produced in the chemical composition are almost imperceptible. However, in a laboratory test, a better appreciation of the variation in chemical composition is obtained. Keywords: additive, carbon, hydrogen, polluting emissions, fuel. Resumen Introducción Estudio en base a la composición química del combustible de la gasolina extra en comparación con cuatro aditivos elevadores de octanaje con el objetivo de analizar la variación existente en un vehículo comercial, con el fin de determinar una posible solución a la problemática actual de los combustibles comercializados. Metodología En la fase de pruebas con la ayuda de un analizador de gases, se realizaron pruebas a cada mezcla empleada en el vehículo y con los resultados obtenidos se balanceó la ecuación de Faires Virgil con el propósito de determinar la composición química de combustible con cada mezcla de elevador de octanajey el aditivo que obtuvo una mayor aproximación a la composición química ideal, fue sometido a un análisis elemental en una prueba de laboratorio. Resultados Con los cálculos de composición química realizados, se determinó que la mezcla de combustible Extra y Liqui Moly obtuvo un resultado de C14,9 – H28,81, siendo así una aproximación a la composición química ideal de C12,8 – H26,6 establecida por Faires Virgil. Conclusión: Se concluye que el uso de un aditivo elevador de octanaje en la gasolina Extra, no es una opción factible para igualar o superar un combustible de mayor calidad como lo es en este caso la gasolina Super y además que los cambios producidos en la composición química son casi imperceptibles, sin embargo en una prueba de laboratorio se obtiene una mejor apreciación en la variación de la composición química. Palabras Clave: Aditivo, Carbono, Hidrógeno, Emisiones contaminantes, Combustible.

Experimental investigation on microstructure, mechanical and optical properties of RB-SiC ablated by nanosecond pulsed laser in nitrogen atmosphere

Reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB-SiC) has gained significant attention owing to its exceptional physical and chemical properties. Improving the photovoltaic efficiency and mechanical properties of RB-SiC is conducive to further enhancing its applicability. Laser gas nitriding is an effective strategy to simultaneously reduce the surface reflectivity and enhance the surface hardness of materials. Accordingly, the evolution of microstructure, mechanical and optical properties of RB-SiC composite ablated by nanosecond pulsed laser in nitrogen atmosphere was comprehensively investigated. After laser gas nitriding, the surface hardness of RB-SiC composite was increased by 10.6–44.6 %. The chemical composition analysis indicated that Si-based nitride was formed on the laser-ablated surface, which was mainly responsible for the hardness enhancement. Additionally, the reflectivity of the laser-ablated surface was reduced by up to 95.2 % compared to the original RB-SiC composite. This study provides a straightforward and effective method to simultaneously improve the mechanical and optical properties of RB-SiC composites.

Technology verification of Portland cement clinker production driven by concentrated solar energy directly

Fuel substitution is an important measure for heat substitution and carbon emissions reduction in cement production by using low-carbon fuels such as solid waste, natural gas, biomass energy and solar energy. In this study, a technology that uses concentrated solar energy to directly drive solar cement clinker production is proposed and its feasibility is experimental demonstrated. The results showed that cement clinker could be burned using concentrated solar energy. Because the sintering rate is rapid, rapid burning and/or under-burning also occurs during the sintering process, which causes the clinker structure exhibit a sheet structure. The chemical composition analysis showed that the total mass fraction of dicalcium silicate (C2S) and tricalcium silicate (C3S) exceeded 70 %, the mass fraction of f-CaO was higher than the standard value (≤1.5 %). Controlling the sintering temperature and time, and increasing the cooling rate are significant factors in ensuring the quality of the cement clinker.

Exploration of a new AlCoCrNiNb high-entropy alloy: in situ alloying of a CoCrMo, M247, and Nb powder mixture via laser powder bed fusion

AbstractHigh-entropy alloys (HEAs) have compelling advantages, such as high strength and corrosion resistance, but they remain underexplored owing to the limited availability of certain prealloyed and elemental powders. In this study, an AlCoCrNiNb HEA was fabricated in situ via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) using a powder mixture of commercial CoCrMo, Mar M247, and Nb elemental powders. The powder mixture was blended for 24 h using a horizontal blending machine, to obtain similar chemical compositions in the middle and top layers of the blended powder. However, local Nb aggregation was observed in the bottom layer owing to the particle-size effect. X-ray diffraction and chemical composition analyses revealed that the in situ alloyed AlCoCrNiNb HEA specimen obtained via LPBF was a homogeneous solid solution with a face-centered cubic structure. HEA exhibits a fine-grained morphology, and its maximum microhardness is approximately 970 HV. These characteristics are typical of rapid solidification and sluggish diffusion. These results underscore the effectiveness of using commercial prealloyed and elemental powders for fabricating AlCoCrNiNb HEAs through LPBF-based in situ alloying, thus advancing the development of HEAs. Thermodynamic calculations were performed to support these outcomes.

A Comparative Analysis of the Anti-Tumor Activity of Sixteen Polysaccharide Fractions from Three Large Brown Seaweed, Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida.

Searching for natural products with anti-tumor activity is an important aspect of cancer research. Seaweed polysaccharides from brown seaweed have shown promising anti-tumor activity; however, their structure, composition, and biological activity vary considerably, depending on many factors. In this study, 16 polysaccharide fractions were extracted and purified from three large brown seaweed species (Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida). The chemical composition analysis revealed that the polysaccharide fractions have varying molecular weights ranging from 8.889 to 729.67 kDa, and sulfate contents ranging from 0.50% to 10.77%. Additionally, they exhibit different monosaccharide compositions and secondary structures. Subsequently, their anti-tumor activity was compared against five tumor cell lines (A549, B16, HeLa, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y). The results showed that different fractions exhibited distinct anti-tumor properties against tumor cells. Flow cytometry and cytoplasmic fluorescence staining (Hoechst/AO staining) further confirmed that these effective fractions significantly induce tumor cell apoptosis without cytotoxicity. qRT-RCR results demonstrated that the polysaccharide fractions up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax while down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK-2. This study comprehensively compared the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharide fractions from large brown seaweed, providing valuable insights into the potent combinations of brown seaweed polysaccharides as anti-tumor agents.

Imaging-based terahertz pixelated metamaterials for molecular fingerprint sensing.

With the rapid development of terahertz-enabled devices, the study of miniaturized and integrated systems has attracted significant attention. We experimentally demonstrate an imaging-based pixelated metamaterial for detecting terahertz molecular fingerprints related to intermolecular vibrations and large-amplitude intramolecular modes, including chemical identification and compositional analysis. The compact THz sensor consists of a 4 × 4 pixelated filter-detector array with transmission resonances tuned to discrete frequencies. The absorption spectra of analytes are computationally reconstructed from different spectral responses of meta-pixels, and the resulting information is characterized via near-field imaging. Due to the spectrometer-less operation principle, such imaging-based approaches provide an alternative method for developing sensitive, versatile, and miniaturized THz biosensors, especially for practical field deployment applications.

Laminin 332 functionalized surface improve implant roughness and oral keratinocyte bioactivity

ObjectiveThe biological seal (BS) at the implant-tissue interface is essential for the success of dental implants (DIs), and the absence of a proper BS can lead to peri-implantitis. The basement membrane (BM) and junctional epithelium are critical for sealing the peri-implant mucosa, and laminin 332 is an important protein in binding the epithelium to the implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of oral keratinocytes to titanium dental implant surfaces biofunctionalized with laminin 332. DesignThe dental implant surface was treated with a piranha solution to create hydroxyl (OH) groups, facilitating biofunctionalization with laminin 332. The modified surface underwent scanning electron microscopy, surface roughness evaluation, and chemical composition analysis. Human keratinocytes from the Cal-27 line were then cultured on the modified implants for 24 and 48 h to assess viability, morphology, cytokine secretion, and mRNA expression of tissue repair-associated genes. ResultsThe results showed that laminin 332 biofunctionalization of the implant surface resulted in lower values of Ra, Rq and positive surface roughness parameters Rsk, Rku and Rv. The elemental composition showed an increase in nitrogen and carbon content corresponding to protein binding. The biofunctionalized surfaces did not affect cell viability and promoted cytokine secretion (IL-1a and IL-8) and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in MCP-1, EGF, FGF, TGF and VEGF gene expression compared to the control. ConclusionIn conclusion, laminin 332 coating Ti implants was shown to be effective in promoting keratinocyte adhesion, spreading, and viability. This approach could be an alternative way to improve biocompatibility.

Detailed chemical composition analysis of the Soi crater region on Titan

The Soi crater region (0° to 60°N, 180°W to −110°W), which includes the well-preserved Soi crater in its center, spans a region from Titan's aeolian-dominated equatorial regions to fluvially-dominated high northern latitudes. This provides a rich diversity of landscapes, one that is also representative of the diversity encountered across Titan. Schoenfeld et al. (2023) mapped this region at 1:800,000 scale and produced a geomorphological map showing that the area consists of 22 types of geomorphological units. The Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) coverage of the region enabled the detailed analysis of spectra of 261 different locations using a radiative transfer technique and a mixing model, yielding compositional constraints on Titan's optical surface layer. Additional constraints on composition on the near-surface substrate were obtained from microwave emissivity. We have derived combinations of top surface materials between dark materials, tholins, water-ice, and methane suggesting that dark mobile organic material at equatorial and high latitudes indicates “young” terrains and compositions, while tholin/water-ice mixtures that dominate areas around latitude 35°N show a material that is older plains deposits that we interpret to be the end stage of aeolian and fluvial transport and deposition. We found no spectral evidence of CO2, HC3N, and NH3 ice. We use the stratigraphic relations between the various mapping units and the relation between the geomorphology and the composition of the surface layers to build hypotheses on the origin and evolution of the regional geology. We suggest that sedimentary deposits, likely aeolian, are dominant in the region with fluvial activity and leaching changing the nature of the top surfaces of the midlatitude areas of the Soi crater region.

Rosa × damascena Herrm. From Azaran region, Kashan: rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with inhibitory effect against Proteus mirabilis

BackgroundOne of the most widely used medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, Rosa × damascena Herrm. (mohammadi flower) that the people of Kashan use as a sedative and to treat nervous diseases and constipation. In this research, the yield, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of this plant were evaluated for the first time from Azaran region, Kashan.MethodsThe essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation (Clevenger), and its chemical compounds were identified and determined by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was determined by the diffusion method in agar, the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum concentration capable of killing bacterial/fungal microorganisms (MBC/MFC).ResultsThe results showed that the yield of essential oil was 0.1586 ± 0.0331% (w/w). Based on the results of the chemical composition analysis of R. x damascena essential oil, 19 different compounds (98.96%) were identified. The dominant and main components of the essential oil were oleic acid (48.08%), palmitic acid (15.44%), stearic acid (10.17%), citronellol (7.37%) and nonadecane (3.70%). Based on the results of diffusion in agar, the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) was ~ 9.5 mm. The strongest inhibitory activity of R. x damascena essential oil against Gram-negative Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 43071) was with the diameter of the inhibition zone (~ 9 mm), which was equal to the strength of rifampin (~ 9 mm).ConclusionTherefore, this essential oil is a promising natural option rich in fatty acids, which can be a potential for the production of natural antimicrobials against infectious diseases, especially urinary tract infections.

Naphthenic Acid Corrosion Mitigation: The Role of Niobium in Low-Carbon Steel.

Naphthenic acid corrosion is a well-recognized factor contributing to corrosion in the construction of offshore industry pipelines. To mitigate the corrosive effects, minor quantities of alloying elements are introduced into the steel. This research specifically explores the corrosion effects arising from immersing low-carbon steel, specifically A333 Grade 6, in a naphthenic acid solution. Various weight percentages of niobium were incorporated, and the resulting properties were observed. It was noted that the addition of 2% niobium in low-carbon steel exhibited the least mass loss and a lower corrosion rate after a 12 h immersion in naphthenic acid. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed small white particles, indicating the presence of oil sediment residue, along with corrosion pits. Following the addition of 2% niobium, the occurrence of corrosion pits markedly decreased, and only minor voids were observed. Additionally, the chemical composition analysis using energy-dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) showed that the black spot exhibited the highest percentage of carbon, resembling high corrosion attack. Meanwhile, the whitish regions with low carbon content indicated the lowest corrosion attack. The results demonstrated that the addition of 2% niobium yielded optimal properties for justifying corrosion effects. Therefore, low-carbon steel with a 2% niobium addition can be regarded as a superior corrosion-resistant material for offshore platform pipeline applications.

Effect of Microstructure on Oxidation and Micro-mechanical Behavior of Arc Consolidated Mo-Ti-Si-(B) Alloys

AbstractThe present study deals with the development and characterization of Mo-35Ti-10Si and Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B (wt.%) alloy for ultra-high temperature applications beyond the temperature limit of existing super alloys. The microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), x-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy was consisted of three phases, namely, (Mo, Ti)ss, (Mo, Ti)5SiB2 and (Ti, Mo)5Si3; whereas, Mo-35Ti-10Si alloy was found to be consisting of (Mo, Ti)ss, and (Mo,Ti)3Si phases. Since quantification of boron is difficult by EDS, Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE), a nuclear reaction analysis technique was used for chemical composition analysis of boron. The oxidation behavior of the Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy in the temperature regime of 825-1250 °C was studied in detail and compared with boron-free Mo-35Ti-10Si alloy. Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy exhibited superior oxidation behavior at intermediate temperatures of 825 °C, and excellent oxidation resistance at higher temperatures between 1000 and 1250 °C due to the formation of the protective borosilica and double oxide layers (TiO2 and duplex borosilica-TiO2), respectively. High-temperature oxidation mechanisms were discussed using detailed microstructural cross section analysis of the oxidized alloy samples. The micro-mechanical behavior of constitutive phases of the Mo-35Ti-10Si-2B alloy were studied by microhardness, nano-indentation and micropillar compression testing. The micropillar compression of (Mo, Ti)ss phase showed fairly ductile behavior with the evidence of activation of dislocation in the form of slip lines revealed through the post-deformation fractography. Deformation studies of (Mo, Ti)5SiB2 and (Ti, Mo)5Si3 phases were also carried out which showed large strain bursts indicating possibility of activation of dislocation activities even at room temperatures imparting low level of ductility.

Research Progress on Quality Control Methods of Donkey-hide Gelatin Preparations

Donkey-hide Gelatin is a solid gum made by decoction and concentration of the dried skin or fresh skin of an equine donkey, which was first published in the The Holy Husbandman s Classic on Roots and Herbs, and listed as the top product. It has the effect of nourishing blood and nourishing yin, moisturizing and stopping bleeding. Through literature search, it was found that Donkey-hide Gelatin mainly used thermogravimetric analysis, gel electrophoresis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichromatography [9], liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, DNA extraction and amplification in authenticity, chemical composition and content analysis. The foundation of the quality control method of Donkey-hide Gelatin preparation is relatively weak, therefore, by combing the quality control methods of Donkey-hide Gelatin preparation in the past ten years, the advantages and disadvantages of the quality control method are discussed and evaluated, which provides reference value for the establishment of a comprehensive multi-faceted quality control system for Donkey-hide Gelatin preparation.

Effects of Heat Input and Intertrack Overlap on the Microstructure and Properties of Inconel 686 Weld Overlays.

The objective of this study was to investigate how weld overlays with nickel superalloys are important for the integrity, due the high temperatures and corrosive environments that can be experienced in mineral processing environments, of mining and processing equipment. The Ni-Cr-Mo superalloy Inconel 686 overlays are fabricated through automatic gas metal arc welding with variations in arc voltage and travel speed (i.e., heat input), and they have overlap between adjacent weld tracks for applications in the mining and minerals sector. The impact of variations in the process parameters and the size of the weld overlapping on the dilution, solidification morphology, microsegregation, and microhardness were investigated. Both geometric and chemical composition definitions were used to quantify the extent of the weld dilution. Subsequently, the weld geometry and dilution were correlated with the solidification microstructure and phase transformations. The maximum dilutions were measured to be 13.63% (1/2 overlap, 5.96 kJ·cm-1) and 15.39% (1/3 overlap, 4.77 kJ·cm-1), which shows that less of an overlap increases the dilution level. Scanning electron microscopy and chemical composition analysis revealed that an increase in weld heat input and dilution level led to higher levels of microsegregation for Mo and Cr, as well as the volume fraction of Mo- and Cr-rich phases in the interdendritic/intercellular regions in the overlay layer. Analysis of the weld overlays in the current study revealed strong and unprecedented connections between the weld overlay process conditions, the resultant metallurgy (i.e., dendrite arm spacing, microsegregation, and phase formation), and the hardness of the overlay. It was concluded that the optimal weld overlays in the processing window studied in this investigation were fabricated at mid-level heat inputs (i.e., 4-5 kJ·cm-1) and a 1/2 track overlap.

Fabrication and Characterization of Silicon Dioxide-Reinforced Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Coating for Corrosion Protection of Galvanized Iron

&lt;div&gt;The present work highlights the significance of nanocomposite coatings for their ease of processing and applicability in combating corrosion. Ongoing research is dedicated to the development of an effective nanocomposite hydrophobic coating. A hydrophobic nanocomposite coating was deposited on galvanized iron (GI) using a sol-gel route with polymethylsiloxane (PDMS) reinforced with nano-SiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;. Surface morphology and chemical composition analysis, conducted with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed the coating’s structural and compositional attributes. The resulting hydrophobic coating exhibits a water contact angle (WCA) of 104.1°, indicating a 30.45% increase compared to bare GI. Subsequent to these characterizations, the adhesion of the coated GI, rated as 4B per ASTM D3359, is followed by commendable resistance to corrosion, as evidenced by electrochemical tests. The corrosion rate for the coated GI sheet is notably low, at 62.78 × 10&lt;sup&gt;−3&lt;/sup&gt; mpy, underscoring its anti-corrosive efficacy.&lt;/div&gt;

Short communication: Inverse correlation between radiation damage and fission-track etching time on monazite

Abstract. In this study, we explored the impacts of radiation damage and chemical composition on the etching time of fission tracks in monazite. Despite the potential of monazite fission-track (MFT) dating as an ultralow-temperature thermochronology, the comprehensive effects of radiation damage and non-formula elements, especially on the etching rate of MFTs, remain unexplored, and established analytical procedures are lacking. We quantified the degree of radiation damage (ΔFHWM) in Cretaceous to Quaternary monazites distributed in the Japan arc through Raman spectroscopy and chemical composition analyses. Subsequently, MFT etching was performed to examine the correlation between these parameters and the etching time. Estimation of the degree of radiation damage showed an increase in radiation damage corresponding to the cooling age of each geological unit. For example, the Toya ignimbrite (ca. 0.1 Ma) and the Kurobegawa granodiorite (&lt; 0.8 Ma), both of which are types of monazite from Quaternary geological units, have ΔFHWM values of 0.27 and 0.55 cm−1, respectively. In contrast, the Muro ignimbrite (ca. 15 Ma) has a ΔFHWM value of 4.01 cm−1, while the Kibe granite and the Sagawa granite, both of which are Cretaceous granitoids, yielded 7.35 and 6.31 cm−1, respectively. MFT etching of these samples according to the existing recipe (6 M HCl at 90 °C for 60–90 min) was completed at 1200, 860, 210, 120, and 90 min for the Toya ignimbrite, Kurobegawa granodiorite, Muro ignimbrite, Sagawa granite, and Kibe granite, respectively. These outcomes highlight an inverse relationship between MFT etching time and the degree of radiation damage in monazite, while the correlation between MFT etching time and chemical composition was unclear. The results affirm earlier considerations that the etching rate of MFTs is strongly influenced by radiation damage. Conversely, young samples with lower levels of radiation damage exhibit higher chemical resistance, suggesting that existing etching recipes may not adequately etch MFTs.

Heavy Water Microdroplet Surface Enriches the Lighter Isotopologue Impurities.

Water microdroplets promote unusual chemical reactions at the air-water interface. However, the interfacial structure of water microdroplets and its potential influence on chemical processes are still enigmatic. Here, we present evidence of in-droplet fractionation of water isotopologues. Employing a sonic spray, we atomized the heavy water (D2O, 99.9 atom % D) solution of three classes of organic compounds (basic, acidic, and neutral). The analytes were predominantly desorbed from the resulting droplet surface in protonated form rather than deuterated form, as detected by mass spectrometry. This result remained unaltered upon adding formic acid-d2 (DCOOD) to the droplet. Monitoring Dakin oxidation of benzaldehyde at the surface of binary microdroplets composed of 1:1 (v/v) D2O/H218O revealed the preferred formation of phenolate-16O over phenolate-18O. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric analysis of the vapor composition in the sprayed aerosol revealed the preferential evaporation of lighter water isotopologue impurities from the surface of heavy water microdroplets. These results indicate the enrichment of lighter water isotopologue impurities (HOD/H2O) on the surface of heavy water microdroplets, implying possible future developments for water isotopologue fractionation using microdroplets.

Imine-bond reinforced double interface in water-in-oil-in-water emulsions and application on Lactobacillus plantarum encapsulation

Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions are kind of promising vehicles for delivering hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. In this study, the double interfaces of W/O/W emulsion was modified to improve their properties. Specifically, in situ dynamic imine chemistry was used to crosslink the interfaces in W/O/W emulsions. W/O/W emulsions were prepared that contained whey proteins in the inner and outer aqueous phases and polyglyceryl polyricinoleate (PGPR), a hydrophobic emulsifier, in the oil phase. Aldehyde oils were added to the oil phase of the emulsions to chemically react with the proteins in both the inner and outer water phases. The stability, interfacial property and permeability of W/OW emulsions were characterized using microscopy observation, tensiometer and diffusion extent determination. Then, the gastrointestinal protection and delivery of probiotics in W/O/W emulsion was determined. The results showed that the modified W/O/W emulsions possessed high storage stability. The diffusion of Rhodamine B and hydrogen ions between the internal and external aqueous phases was retarded after cinnamaldehyde interfacial modification. Atomic force microscopy images, interfacial rheology analysis and chemical composition analysis confirmed the interaction occurrence between the lipophilic aldehyde and whey protein. After the optimization of aldehyde oils, probiotics encapsulated in W/O/W emulsion exhibited enhanced cell viability during long-term storage and after going through gastric digestion site. Overall, our results provide useful information that may facilitate the design of W/O/W emulsions that can protect probiotics from harsh environments.

The study of interaction of the high energetic plasma and electron pulses with multicomponent alloy surface

This paper investigates the impact of high-energy sources, namely, high-energy plasma pulses and high-energy electron beam pulses, on materials in the form of layer through separate and combined exposures. Experimental setups utilizing a Rod Plasma Injector (RPI) and an electron gun were employed for irradiation tests. The studies involved pre- and post-treatment analysis of morphology, chemical, and phase composition using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction measurements. Surface modifications under different exposure conditions were characterized, revealing that both sources induced significant alterations in surface composition and crystal structure. These interactions result in a more uniform chemical composition, reduced surface roughness, and a shift from an amorphous phase to a nanocrystalline or amorphous-nanocrystalline state. The results underscore the potential of high-energy sources for efficient surface engineering, offering opportunities for customized material surface modifications through meticulous adjustment of these generation parameters.