Plasticizing Effect Research Articles

Elucidating the mechanism of phthalates induced osteoporosis through network toxicology and molecular docking.

This study investigated the effects of plasticizers (phthalates) on the pathogenesis of osteoporosis (OP) and the associated molecular mechanisms, especially the interaction of plasticizers with key pathways. We performed differential expression analysis of different datasets by machine learning to identify target genes associated with OP. And, we also investigated the binding of plasticizers to target proteins using network toxicology and molecular docking techniques. A total of 29 genes are potential targets associated with plasticizer-induced OP. Subsequently, machine learning analysis identified six core target genes as key genes for plasticizer-induced OP. Among them, the up-regulated genes were CKM and SOAT2, and the down-regulated genes were TACR3, SGK1, ERAP2, and MMP12 (P＜0.05). Molecular docking revealed the specific binding effect between plasticizers and target proteins. This study demonstrates that plasticizers may influence the pathogenesis of OP by targeting specific genes and pathways. And the molecular docking simulations indicate a distinct binding specificity between plasticizers and target proteins. These results provide a foundation for further investigation into the mechanisms by which plasticizers affect bone health. Future research should focus on the dose-response relationship between plasticizer exposure and the risk of OP, and explore potential intervention measures to mitigate the adverse effects of plasticizers on bone health.

Enhanced water‐induced shape memory and swelling characteristics of graphene oxide‐cellulose nanofiber reinforced polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites

AbstractAn efficient water‐induced shape memory polymer (SMP) has been developed by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The resulting PVA/GO‐CNF hybrid nanocomposite films at 1 wt% exhibit synergistic effect with superior water‐induced shape memory performance, with 100% shape recovery within 37 sec. Moreover, these hybrid nanocomposite films at 1 wt% demonstrate superior mechanical strength of 77.9 MPa and an improved glass transition temperature (Tg) of 61.4°C in dry conditions. The synergetic effect of GO and CNF in PVA overcomes the limitations of other PVA‐based SMPs in terms of mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to excessive swelling. Exposure to water significantly reduces Tg to 24.2°C, as confirmed by DSC analysis, which is attributed to the decrease in hydrogen bonding between PVA and 1 wt% GO‐CNF caused by the swelling and plasticizing effect of water. Consequently, the shape recovery of the PVA/1 wt% GO‐CNF occurs with a switching temperature activation due to the polymer chains' released strain energy. These findings suggest that these hybrid films hold the potential for expanding the applications of SMPs in biomedical and moisture‐responsive application such as soft robotics and smart textiles, where water serves as the primary stimulus.Highlights PVA/1 wt% GO‐CNF hybrid film demonstrates 100% shape recovery in 37 sec. Water immersed PVA/1 wt% GO‐CNF nanocomposites show a reduction in Tg to 24.2°C. PVA/1 wt% GO‐CNF nanocomposite shows superior mechanical strength in dry conditions. Shape memory behavior is due to reduction in hydrogen bonding and plasticizing effect.

Intrinsic High-Strain-Rate Softening in a High-Strength Quenching and Partitioning Steel

Abstract An anomalous high-strain-rate softening phenomenon was demonstrated in a high-strength quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel. It was found that the high-strain-rate softening in the Q&P steel is caused by the intrinsic carbon-dislocation interaction, rather than transformation induced plasticity effect, dislocation density difference, or adiabatic heating. The key mechanism is ascribed to the disappeared Cottrell drag force during high-strain-rate deformation, which originates from carbon-dislocation interaction and is present during quasi-static deformation.

The effect of plasticizers on rheological, physical and mechanical properties of low cement high alumina gunning refractories

In this research, the effect of different plasticizers with different amounts on the properties of monolithic alumina-based refractories has been investigated. All samples were fired at 1100 °C and 1550 °C. In order to evaluate the desired properties, first the rheological properties of the samples were examined, and then for further investigations, loss on ignition (LOI), percentage of permanent linear changes (PLC), apparent porosity (AP), bulk density (BD) and cold crushing strength (CCS) tests were used. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) were used to characterize the samples. 1 and 2 wt% of CMC, H19, bentonite and ballclay were added to the mixtures as plasticizers. The results of this research showed that the sample containing 1 wt% of ball clay can be the most appropriate one due to its highest strength, highest density and lowest apparent porosity. Moreover, the sample containing 2 wt% of H19 (a commercially available binder) has the optimum properties because of its highest strength for the samples fired at 1100 °C. For the mixtures fired at 1550 °C, the more amount of silica has caused higher cold crushing strength due to the presence of the low melting point phases which are not desired and therefore, the mixtures with less silica can be used.

Adverse multigeneration combined effects of nano-sized plastics and mercury on growth and reproduction in a planktonic copepod Pseudodiaptomus annandalei.

Nano-plastics (NPs) and heavy metals have attracted growing scientific attention because of both pollutants' wide distribution and ecotoxicity. However, the long-term combined toxicity of NPs and mercury (Hg) on planktonic copepods, a crucial presence in marine environments, is unknown. Here, our study aimed to investigate the multigenerational phenotypic responses of the planktonic copepod Pseudodiaptomus annandalei to polystyrene NPs (about 50 nm) and Hg (alone or combined) at environmentally realistic concentrations (23 μg/L for NPs and 1 μg/L for Hg), and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored. Despite the insignificant effect on survival, NPs could threaten the development and reproduction of P. annandalei, being ascribed to down-regulated genes in ingestive and reproductive functions. Hg exposure revealed inhibition of reproduction probably as an energy trade-off strategy. Importantly, in combined NPs and Hg, development and reproduction were further negatively impacted, even relative to NPs or Hg alone. Correspondingly, combined NPs and Hg presented the most pronounced transcriptomic response with a series of changes in cell functions and down-regulation of key genes in the DNA replication pathway and reproductive function as compared to NPs or Hg alone. The findings indicated adverse combined effects of NPs and Hg on P. annandalei under multigenerational scenarios, being a greater ecological risk for planktonic copepod than NPs or Hg alone. This study provides molecular insights into the long-term toxicity of combined NPs and Hg to planktonic copepods, underlining the increased risk in the population sustainability of marine zooplankton facing co-existing plastics and Hg pollution.

Human Activity as a Growing Threat to Marine Ecosystems: Plastic and Temperature Effects on the Sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus.

Human activities increasingly threaten marine ecosystems through rising waste and temperatures. This study investigated the role of plastics as vectors for Vibrio bacteria and the effects of temperature on the marine sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus. Samples of plastics and sponges were collected during July, August (high-temperature period), and November (lower-temperature period). Bacterial growth and sponge responses were analysed using biochemical biomarkers. The results revealed a peak in colony-forming units (CFU), particularly of Vibrio alginolyticus, on plastics and sponges in August, followed by a decrease in November. In August, CFU counts of Vibrio spp. were significantly higher in sponges with poor external appearance (characterized by dull coloration and heavy epiphytic growth) but returned to levels observed in healthy sponges by November. Microplastics were detected in the tissues of both sponge groups, with higher concentrations found in affected specimens. Biomarker analyses revealed increased lysozyme, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities in healthy sponges during August, while malondialdehyde levels, indicating oxidative damage, were higher in affected sponges. In conclusion, affected sponges exhibited elevated CFU counts of Vibrio spp. and reduced antioxidant and detoxification responses under elevated temperatures. These findings suggest that combined impacts of plastics and warming may pose significant risks to S. spinosulus in the context of global climate change.

Astrocytes Mediate Psychostimulant-Induced Alterations ofSpike-Timing Dependent Synaptic Plasticity.

At cellular and circuit levels, drug addiction is considered a dysregulation of synaptic plasticity. In addition, dysfunction of the glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has also been proposed as a mechanism underlying drug addiction. However, the cellular and synaptic impact of GLT-1 alterations in the NAc remain unclear. Here we show in the NAc that 10 days withdraw after 5 days treatment with cocaine or amphetamine decreases GLT-1 expression in astrocytes, which results in the prolongation of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) decay kinetics in D1 receptor-containing medium spiny neurons (D1R-MSNs). Using the spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) paradigm, we found that enlargement of EPSP duration results in switching the LTP elicited in control animals to LTD in psychostimulant-treated mice. In contrast to D1-MSNs, D2-MSNs did not display changes in EPSP kinetics and synaptic plasticity. Notably, the psychostimulant-induced synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity effects were absent in IP3R2-/- mice, which lack astrocyte calcium signal, but were mimicked by the selective astrocytes stimulation with DREADDs. Finally, ceftriaxone, which upregulates GLT-1, restored normal GLT-1 function, EPSP kinetics, and synaptic plasticity in psychostimulant-treated mice. Therefore, we propose that cocaine and amphetamine increase dopaminergic levels in the NAc, which stimulates astrocytes and downregulates the GLT-1. The decreased GLT-1 function prolonged the EPSP kinetics, leading to the modulation of the STDP, transforming the LTP observed in control animals into LTD in psychostimulant-treated mice. Present work reveals a novel mechanism underlying the synaptic plasticity changes induced by these drugs of abuse.

Water: Impacts of plastic pollution on human health and biological systems

Current spare of human development consisting of advancements in science and technology that led to the synthesis of plastics, polymers with diverse benefits in human endeavours; and on the other hand, the need for quality water is more intensified nowadays. Plastics pollution is rising due to mismanagement, and inturn causing contamination of water bodies and ultimately affecting biological systems. A review of literatures pertaining water, plastics and water pollution was done to fulfill the objective of this study. This study examines the harmful effects of plastics in water on human health and biological systems. Plastics, widely used in daily life, contaminate water sources, posing significant health risks. This review explores the role of water in biological systems, types of plastics, sources of plastic pollution, harmful chemicals conveyed by plastics, and management strategies.This paper concludes that behavior change, effective waste management, effective water supply and treatment, awareness creation may contribute greatly in controlling water pollution caused by plastic pollution.

Comparative analysis of Biodentine and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate repair High Plasticity in reinforcing roots with perforation: An in vitro study

Abstract Context: Root perforation increases the fracture risk, and bioceramic materials can be used for repair. Evaluating the fracture resistance (FR) of these cements in teeth with simulated perforations is crucial for assessing their effectiveness. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Biodentine (Septodont, France) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate High Plasticity (MTA Repair HP, Angelus, Brazil), on the FR of teeth with simulated root perforations. Design and Settings: An in vitro experimental design was conducted to compare and determine the most reliable repair and obturating material for root perforation. Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted mandibular premolars were randomly assigned to one control group (n = 10) and four test groups (n = 10) based on the repair and backfilling materials used: Biodentine + gutta percha (GP) (Dentsply Maillefer, Germany) and AH Plus sealer (Dentsply, Germany), Biodentine + Biodentine, MTA HP + GP and sealer, and MTA HP + MTA HP. FR was assessed using a universal testing machine. Statistical Analysis: The variance among the five groups was tested using Analysis of Variance and pairwise post hoc Tukey’s test for intergroup comparisons. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The highest mean FR value was observed in the MTA HP + MTA HP group. ANOVA test revealed statistically significant differences between the groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bioceramic cements with a MOE similar to dentin enhance FR by forming a monoblock for uniform stress distribution. Perforation repair and backfilling with these cement reinforce the tooth.

Influence of nano-polystyrene on cyfluthrin toxicity in honeybee Apis cerana cerana Fabricius.

Plastics and pesticides are commonly used and often coexist in the environment. As pollinating insects, honeybees are simultaneously exposed to both these toxins. However, there has been no study on the toxic effects of nano-polystyrene plastics (nanoPS) and cyfluthrin (Cy) on the Apis cerana cerana Fabricius until now. This study found that nanoPS did not significantly impact the mortality of Apis cerana cerana but could reduce cyfluthrin-induced mortality. Additionally, nanoPS caused damage to the honeybee gut and hindered the development of the hypopharyngeal glands, whereas cyfluthrin did not produce these pathological changes. Concerning the detoxification-related genes, the two toxins alone and in combination significantly promoted the expression of P450 9E2 and Cyp9Q3 genes, and the upregulation trend was found more significant for the combination. Regarding immune gene expression, exposure to a single toxin or both toxins significantly down-regulated the abaecin gene, but only exposure to nanoPS significantly decreased apidaecin expression. The changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in honeybees after ingesting nanoPS were also studied. This study highlights the toxicity of nano-microplastics and Cy alone and in combination to Apis cerana cerana Fabricius and provides new insights into the potential ecological risks of nanoPS.

Assessing the chemical interactions and biological effects of a petrochemical and bio-based plastic with a common plastic flame retardant and solvent.

Microplastic pollution remains a persistent environmental challenge for aquatic environments. Yet, health impact assessments of microplastics focus largely on the polymers themselves. It is important to understand the chemical behaviour and biological effects of both plastics and chemicals associated with their production, such as additives and solvents. Here, the individual and interactive chemical behaviour and biological impacts of two microplastics and two associated chemicals are assessed: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a traditional petroleum-based plastic; polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) a novel bio-based plastic; triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), a common plastic flame retardant; and a widely use solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Thermogravimetric analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance revealed no significant polymer chemical adsorption and desorption of TPhP or DMSO nor any evidence of reaction products between TPhP and DMSO. Biological assays on a freshwater fish host-parasite system, assessed fish growth, feeding, disease resistance and parasite survival. Both microplastics, the TPhP and solvent DMSO individually and interactively had no significant impact on fish growth. However, PVC alone and PHA+TPhP + DMSO significantly inhibited feeding behaviour of fish and increased mortality. Fish exposed to the solvent DMSO alone experienced the highest disease burdens. Interestingly, off-host survival of parasitic worms exposed to DMSO or TPhP + DMSO was higher than unexposed control worms. This study highlights the complex effects of microplastics and plastic associated chemicals on biological systems, and that novel bio-based plastics are not necessarily 'better' especially when associated with the same chemicals. Industry must be required to declare which chemicals are used in the manufacture of plastic products.

Coupling different strengthening mechanisms with transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect in advanced high-entropy alloys: a comprehensive review

Coupling different strengthening mechanisms with transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect in advanced high-entropy alloys: a comprehensive review

Precipitation and TRIP enhanced spallation resistance of additive manufactured M350 steel

This work investigates the spall damage and microstructural deformation behaviors of a heat-treated, hierarchical structured 18 wt% Ni-350 maraging steel (M350) produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) under shock loading. The samples were shock-loaded along different orientations with peak shock stresses ranging from 7.0 GPa to 10.5 GPa. Experimental results demonstrate that the M350 exhibits ultra-high spall strength of 5.01–5.89 GPa and 4.53–4.99 GPa when loading perpendicularly and parallel to the building direction, respectively. Spall damage is characterized as a typical transgranular brittle fracture with {100} cleavage planes within the block. The observed superior mechanical performance is attributed to the precipitation strengthening and the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. Dislocation slip cuts through the Ni3Ti precipitates, causing them to fracture, simultaneously, high density precipitates impede dislocation movement according to the Orowan mechanism, preventing the formation of microcracks. The residual austenite undergoes martensitic transformation with the formation of new secondary laths with widths of 20–60 nm to accommodate localized plastic deformations, which creates a large number of grain boundaries and leads to grain refinement.

Plastic pollution and marine mussels: Unravelling disparities in research efforts, biological effects and influences of global warming.

The ever-growing contamination of the environment by plastics is a major scientific and societal concern. Specifically, the study of microplastics (1μm to 5mm), nanoplastics (< 1μm), and their leachates is a critical research area as they have the potential to cause detrimental effects, especially when they impact key ecological species. Marine mussels, as ecosystem engineers and filter feeders, are particularly vulnerable to this type of pollution. In this study, we reviewed the 106 articles that focus on the impacts of plastic pollution on marine mussels. First, we examined the research efforts in terms of plastic characteristics (size, polymer, shape, and leachates) and exposure conditions (concentration, duration, species, life stages, and internal factors), their disparities, and their environmental relevance. Then, we provided an overview of the effects of plastics on mussels at each organisational levels, from the smaller scales (molecular, cellular, tissue and organ impacts) to the organism level (functional, physiological, and behavioural impacts) as well as larger-scale implications (associated community impacts). We finally discussed the limited research available on multi-stressor studies involving plastics, particularly in relation to temperature stress. We identified temperature as an underestimated factor that could shape the impacts of plastics, and proposed a roadmap for future research to address their combined effects. This review also highlights the impact of plastic pollution on mussels at multiple levels and emphasises the strong disparities in research effort and the need for more holistic research, notably through the consideration of multiple stressors, with a specific focus on temperature which is likely to become an increasingly relevant forcing factor in an era of global warming. By identifying critical gaps in current knowledge, we advocate for more coordinated interdisciplinary and international collaborations and raise awareness of the need for environmental coherence in the choice and implementation of experimental protocols.

The synergistic effect of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and glycerol on the performance of chitosan films.

In this study, we examined the plasticizing effects of 1-butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride (BmimCl), glycerol, and their combination on chitosan (CS) films. Additionally, we examined the effect of plasticizers for chitosan films structure and physicochemical properties of CS films by FTIR, XRD, SEM and mechanism of action of plasticizers on the structure of CS films. The results indicated that the interaction between BmimCl and chitosan is mainly ionic interaction and hydrogen bonding, while the interaction between glycerol and CS is mainly hydrogen bonding. The utilization of a 1:1 mixture of BmimCl and glycerol as a plasticizer exhibits a synergistic impact on the film samples. In dry conditions, the elongation at break of the CS/BmimCl0.5/Gly0.5 film reached 17.47 %, representing a 33 % and 78 % increase compared to the CS/BmimCl and CS/Gly films, respectively. In moist environments, the mechanical strength of CS/BmimCl0.5/Gly0.5 film was significantly enhanced to 35.09 MPa compared to the CS/BmimCl and CS/Gly films. Notably, the elongation at break of the films remained at 37.05 %, without compromising their flexibility properties. Both plasticizers are well-compatible with chitosan.

Numerical modelling of mass transfer and the plasticization effect of supercritical CO2 on polypropylene during extrusion

Numerical modelling of mass transfer and the plasticization effect of supercritical CO2 on polypropylene during extrusion

Enhancing the compatibility and performance of poly (lactic acid) and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer blends through a dual compatibilization strategy.

Application of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) is limited by its poor toughness. This research focuses on modifying PLA using thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), primarily due to their dual advantages of enhancing performance and reducing application costs. Two thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO) (NS06, Versify2300) were blended to prepare a superior elastomer TPO(NV) (NS06:Versify2300 = 80:20). This improved TPO(NV) was then used as a toughening agent to enhance the toughness of polylactic acid (PLA). To enhance the compatibility between PLA and TPO(NV), TPO(NV)-g-(GMA-co-St) graft copolymer and dibutyl itaconate (DBI) were introduced into the PLA/TPO(NV) blend system. The effects of different compatibilizers on the compatibility, crystallization behavior, rheological properties, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the PLA/TPO(NV) blends were systematically studied. The results indicated that glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and styrene (St) were successfully grafted onto the TPO(NV) molecular chains. The epoxy groups in GMA within the graft copolymer could react with the end groups of the PLA resin, while the double bonds in DBI could react with the main chains of either PLA or TPO(NV) elastomer. This effectively connected the PLA and TPO(NV) molecular chains, collectively enhancing the compatibility between TPO(NV) elastomer and PLA. The non-isothermal crystallization ability of TPO(NV) decreased after blending with PLA, and this effect was further amplified with the introduction of the TPO(NV)-g-(GMA-co-St) graft copolymer or DBI. However, the plasticizing effect of DBI increased the mobility of the polymer molecular chains, thereby enhancing the crystallization ability. Therefore, when DBI was used alone to enhance the compatibility of PLA/TPO(NV) blends, the crystallinity of the blend did not change significantly. In contrast, when the TPO(NV)-g-(GMA-co-St) graft copolymer was used alone or in combination with DBI, the crystallinity of the blend decreased significantly. Mechanical property tests indicated that the addition of either the TPO(NV)-g-(GMA-co-St) graft copolymer or DBI improved the compatibility of PLA/TPO(NV) blends, thereby enhancing their mechanical properties. However, the combined addition of both the TPO(NV)-g-(GMA-co-St) graft copolymer and DBI resulted in a more pronounced effect. The notched impact strength and elongation at break reached optimal values, which were 1.9 times and 10.4 times those of the PLA/TPO(NV) blend, respectively. At this point, the fracture surface of the blend exhibited significant plastic flow, indicating characteristics of ductile fracture.

Effects of Plastics on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Arthritis - Implication for Sport and Recreation: A Review

Background: Arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are autoimmune disorders marked by chronic inflammation. Arthritis affects the synovial membrane of joints, while IBD inflames the digestive system's walls. In this study, the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) group mainly includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, while the arthritis analysed includes rheumatoid arthritis and the joint manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent publications highlights the adverse effects of micro and nanoplastics on health, suggesting they may exacerbate these autoimmune disorders. Studies show that plastic accumulation can contribute to gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal diseases.Purpose: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on how microplastics influence the development of autoimmune disorders in the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems, based on scientific literature, and examine their impact on sports and recreation health.Methods and Materials: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with relevant keywords. An analysis of the collected data was performed.Conclusion: Ingesting micro- and nanoplastic particles disrupts immune homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract and joints. It alters gut microbiota and metabolism, exacerbates arthritis by affecting synovial membrane cell proliferation and migration, among other effects. High plastic exposure may promote autoimmune diseases, potentially restricting individuals from professional and recreational physical activities, worsening health problems, promoting other diseases, and leading to premature death.

Achieving superior strength-ductility combination in the heterogeneous microstructured Ti64 alloy via multi-eutectoid elements alloying with CoCrFeNiMn during laser powder bed fusion

ABSTRACT The formation of coarse needle-shaped α′-Ti within columnar β-Ti grains in additively manufactured titanium alloy components is nearly unavoidable, and it can lead to unforeseeable service failures. This study employs a multi-component eutectoid alloying strategy, integrating CoCrFeNiMn high-entropy alloy particles within Ti64 alloy. By varying laser parameters, the resulting microstructure transitions from β-dominated to a metastable β + nanoscale α′ microstructure. The coarse needle-shaped α′-Ti and columnar β-Ti grains are significantly refined. Concurrently, the multi-component eutectoid alloying strategy successfully suppresses the formation of detrimental intermetallic compounds by promoting the uniform distribution and solubility of the alloying elements. The Ti64-(4.5%) CoCrFeNiMn alloy demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength (1333.8 MPa), uniform elongation (9.3%), and a work-hardening capacity (>390.0 MPa). These are attributed to the continuous variation of Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Mn concentrations within the ultrafine α′ and metastable β-phase regions, providing a progressive transformation-induced plasticity effect.

Microstructural evolution during the progressive transformation-induced plasticity effect in a Fe-0.1C-5Mn medium manganese steel

Microstructural evolution during the progressive transformation-induced plasticity effect in a Fe-0.1C-5Mn medium manganese steel