Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis Research Articles

Utilization of Advanced Microscopy Techniques and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy to Characterize Three Piper Species Related to Kava.

Macro- and microscopic techniques have long been used to describe plant materials and establish plant structural profiles. These techniques are commonly used in botanical authentication to identify the genuine and closely allied species used in botanical research. Advanced microscopic techniques were used in this study to differentiate three different Piper species used as kava or kava-kava. The genuine species is Piper methysticum and the other two species commonly called false-kava or kava-kava, are Piper auritum and Piper excelsum. Macroscopic characteristics, including a black-spotted stem and fibrous root, are characteristic of P. methysticum, whereas the stem of P. auritum is greenish with no spots, and the P. excelsum stem is purple-pink. Microscopic attributes include the characteristic collenchyma of stems and the pattern of arrangement of peripheral and medullary vascular bundles. The starch grains are smaller in P. excelsum than in the other two species. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the crystals indicates the expected calcium, magnesium, and silica, along with lesser amounts of sodium, and potassium. The crystals present in the Piper species vary in shape, size, and elemental composition. Combining macro- and microscopical techniques and resulting characteristics are instrumental in differentiating the three Piper species.

Chemical characterization of hibiscus rosa-sinensis plant fibers facilitated through design of experiments and artificial neural network hybrid approach

The integration of natural fibers into Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable and high-performance composite materials. Natural fibers, derived from plants, offer notable advantages such as renewability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Among these natural fibers, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis (HRS) plant fibers have gained significant attention owing to their widespread availability and unique mechanical properties. In this study, HRS fibers were chemically treated using Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), and Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) at different weight percentages (3, 4, 5 Wt.%) and solutionizing times (1, 2, 3 h) based on Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array. The fibers, extracted from epidermis of the stems, underwent cleaning and chemical treatment after water retting. The crystallinity index, determined via X-ray Diffraction (XRD), indicated a maximum value of 65.77%. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited a degradation temperature of 365.24 °C and a material loss of 63.11%. Potassium Permanganate treatment at 4 Wt.% and 3 h of solutionizing time has yielded the best results. Multi-Layer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network (MLP-ANN) has been successfully applied to accurately predict the output physical characteristics of chemically treated HRS fibers using experimental data. The results are in close alignment with the literature. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses have provided valuable insights into the microstructure and constituents of the chemically treated HRS fibers. This research emphasises on the effectiveness of the chemical treatment process in enhancing the properties of HRS plant fibers for potential composite applications.

Physical characterization of agar-based biodegradable films derived from nonhazardous laboratory waste

Globally, approximately 2.12 billion tons of waste are annually disposed of, with laboratories significantly contributing across diverse waste streams. Effective waste management strategies are crucial to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability within scientific communities. This study addresses the challenges by introducing a novel method that transforms laboratory media waste into a valuable biopolymer named “Agastic.” The process involves repurposing agar extracted from bulk laboratory waste, blending it with bio-based plasticizers to produce Agastic sheets exhibiting mechanical properties comparable to traditional bioplastics. Using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD), optimal concentrations of agar (1.5–2.5% w/v), glycerol (0.25–1% v/v), and ethanolamine (0.5–1.5% v/v) were determined. Predictions from Design Expert software indicated impressive tensile strength up to 14.31 MPa for AGA-1 and elongation at break up to 52% for AGA-2. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed agarose structural features in AGA-1 and AGA-2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed polysaccharide-related breakdown between 38°C and 280°C in AGA-1, peaking at 299.36°C; AGA-2 exhibited diverse thermal decomposition up to 765°C, suggesting their biodegradable potential in packaging applications. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis confirmed nontoxic nature of Agastic and preserved morphological integrity in both samples. Soil degradation studies revealed AGA-1 and AGA-2 losing 71.31% and 70.88% of weight, respectively, over 15 days. This innovation provides a sustainable pathway to repurpose laboratory waste into eco-friendly bioplastics, particularly suitable for moisture-sensitive packaging such as nursery applications. These findings underscore Agastic films’ promise as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, supporting circular bioeconomy principles and significantly reducing ecological impacts associated with plastic waste.

Impact of Gd doping on structural and magnetic characteristics of SrFeO3 perovskite nanomaterial

The SrFeO3nanoparticles doped with 5% and 10% Gd were synthesized using the solution combustion method. The phase formation of the synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction analysis. Field emission scanning electron microscope and HRTEM were employed to examine the morphology of the samples, revealing well-ordered, agglomerated nanoparticles. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis was conducted on all samples, confirming the presence of the desired elements. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of mixed oxidation states of Fe3+and Fe4+. Magnetization studies, performed using a SQUID magnetometer, showed ferromagnetic behaviour in all samples, with a significant increase in magnetic moment observed with higher Gd doping. The enhanced magnetic moments and reduced coercivity in Gd-doped SrFeO3suggest that these materials could be suitable for spintronic applications.

Hydroxyapatite synthesis and characterization from marine sources: A comparative study

BackgroundHydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible material widely used in biomedical applications. Recent studies have explored various marine sources for HAP synthesis, demonstrating its potential for diverse applications. ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the characteristics of hydroxyapatite synthesized from sea shells and fish bones, specifically from the shells of Scylla olivacea (orange mud crab) and bones of Eleutheronema tetradactylum (fourfinger threadfin). Materials & methodsHAP was synthesized from Scylla olivacea shells and Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. The synthesized HAP underwent comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis, hemocompatibility testing, antibacterial assays, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. ResultsSEM revealed a complex structure of HAP with a clustered arrangement and biofilm-like features. HAP derived from crab shells exhibited superior structural properties compared to that from fish bones. Both sources demonstrated good hemocompatibility, essential for biomedical applications. The antibacterial assays indicated effective antibacterial properties for both HAP sources, with crab shell-derived HAP showing slightly better performance. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of key elements necessary for HAP, with a consistent composition in both sources. ConclusionOur study concludes that hydroxyapatite derived from Scylla olivacea shells exhibits superior properties compared to that from Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. This research establishes a precedent for future investigations into other marine species, thereby broadening the scope and potential of hydroxyapatite synthesis from natural sources.

Assessing the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of coconut coir composites with varying iron particle concentrations

This study investigates the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of Coconut Coir-based Porous Carbon (CCPC) composites with varying iron (Fe) particle concentrations, specifically focusing on four different weight ratios of CCPC/Fe-80, CCPC/Fe-60, CCPC/Fe-40, and CCPC/Fe-20. The novelty of this work lies in the use of sustainable coconut coir as a base material, emphasizing its eco-friendly and cost-effective attributes for Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. The significance of varying iron particle concentrations is highlighted to optimize electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on these composites. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline Fe particles and amorphous carbon, with crystalline sizes determined via Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot, Scherrer Equation, and Strain Size Plot (SSP) ranging from 17.33 nm to 18.01 nm for the former. Raman spectroscopy revealed distinctive D and G bands, with intensity ratios indicating a slight increase in structural disorder with higher Fe content. UV-Visualization spectroscopy demonstrated distinct absorption peaks, with higher Fe content resulting in more pronounced absorbance and lower band gap energies. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses provided detailed insights into the material's microstructure and elemental composition, confirming the successful integration of Fe particles within the porous carbon matrix. Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) testing measured the reflection loss (RL), showing values in the range of −26.4 dB to −20.2 dB, for 2 mm thick samples, corresponding to electromagnetic wave attenuation of over 99%. These results underscore the potential of CCPC/Fe composites, particularly in applications requiring effective Electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation. This research offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution, contributing significantly to the field of materials science by enhancing electromagnetic compatibility in various technological applications.

Optimization of Brilliant Blue R photocatalytic degradation by silver nanoparticles synthesized using Chlorella vulgaris

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using microalgae is gaining recognition for its environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature while maintaining high activity of NPs. In the present study, Ag NPs were synthesized using a methanolic extract of Chlorella vulgaris and subjected to calcination. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed a crystalline nature of the products with Ag2O and Ag phases with an average crystalline size of 16.07 nm before calcination and an Ag phase with 24.61 nm crystalline size after calcination. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the capping functional groups on Ag NPs, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed their irregular morphology and agglomeration after calcination. The organic coating was examined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses, confirming the involvement of the metabolites. The UV–Vis analysis showed a difference in optical properties due to calcination. Synthesized Ag NPs were applied for the photodegradation of hazardous dye Brilliant Blue R in visible light. Different values of light intensity, catalyst dose, initial dye concentration, and pH were tested to identify the optimal set of operating conditions. The highest degradation efficiency of 90.6% with an apparent rate constant of 0.04402 min−1 was achieved after 90 min of irradiation in the highest tested catalyst dosage.

Investigation of the spatial distribution of sodium in bread microstructure using X-ray, light and electron microscopy

The sodium consumption in many countries is too high, which results in increased risk for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and premature death. Inhomogeneous sodium distribution using layering is a viable way to reduce sodium in bread that normally contains a lot of sodium. Prevention of sodium migration during production and storage is important for the function of this approach. Furthermore, the distribution of sodium between starch and gluten influences their properties. The spatial distribution of sodium was investigated at high resolution using combinations of X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM), scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and image analysis. Reference breads and layered bread samples were baked with one salt-free layer and one layer containing 3.6 wt% sodium chloride salt. The obtained results showed that the concentration of sodium is higher in the starch phase than in the gluten phase and that sodium migrates across the layer interface from the salt-containing to the salt-free layer. The ratios between the sodium concentration in the starch and gluten phases were dependent on the sodium concentration across the interfaces. Furthermore, magnesium and phosphor signals in bread yeast cells were observed using XFM.

Navigation through high-dimensional chemical space: discovery of Ba5Y13[SiO4]8O8.5 and Ba3Y2[Si2O7]2.

Two compounds were discovered in the well-studied BaO-Y2O3-SiO2 phase field. Two different experimental routines were used for the exploration of this system due to the differences of synthetic conditions and competition with a glass field. The first phase Ba5Y13[SiO4]8O8.5 was isolated through a combination of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis and diffraction techniques which guided the exploration. The second phase Ba3Y2[Si2O7]2 was located using iterative algorithmic identification of target compositions. The structure solution of the new compounds was aided by continuous rotation electron diffraction, and the structures were refined against combined synchrotron and neutron time-of-flight powder diffraction. Ba5Y13[SiO4]8O8.5 crystallizes in I4̄2m, a = 18.92732(1), c = 5.357307(6) Å and represents its own structure type which combines elements of structures of known silicates embedded in columns of interconnected yttrium-centred polyhedra characteristic of high-pressure phases. Ba3Y2[Si2O7]2 has P21 symmetry with a pseudo-tetragonal cell (a = 16.47640(4), b = 9.04150(5), c = 9.04114(7) Å, β = 90.0122(9)°) and is a direct superstructure of the Ca3BaBi[P2O7]2 structure. Despite the lower symmetry, the structure of Ba3Y2[Si2O7]2 retains disorder in both Ba/Y sites and disilicate network, thus presenting a superposition of possible locally-ordered fragments. Ba5Y13[SiO4]8O8.5 has low thermal conductivity of 1.04(5) W m-1 K-1 at room temperature. The two discovered phases provide a rich structural platform for further functional material design. The interplay of automated unknown phase composition identification with multiple diffraction methods offers acceleration of the time-consuming exploration of high-dimensional chemical spaces for new structures.

A Novel Method for the Enhancement of Sunflower Growth from Animal Bones and Chicken Feathers.

The present study aimed at converting meat industry waste, particularly waste bones and chicken feathers, into biochar to recycle valuable nutrients present in it, which ultimately become part of the municipal waste. The bone biochar (BB) and feathers biochar (FB) were prepared at 550 °C, and their potential was evaluated as an organic amendment for the growth of sunflower. The ash content (AC) and fixed carbon (FC) improved significantly in prepared biochars as compared to raw feedstock. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses signaled the occurrence of various functional groups viz. amide group and hydroxyapatite, porosity, and multiple nutrients. Application of BB and FB in potted soil alone as well as in composites (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) at 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w) and synthetic fertilizer significantly increased soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), organic matter (OM) and water holding capacity (WHC), while reducing the bulk density (BD). The growth of plants grown in soil treated with a 2:1 composite of feathers and bone biochar at 5% application rate showed significantly greater differences in plant height, total chlorophyll content, and plant dry weight than the control but was comparable to growth with chemical fertilizer, rendering it a potential alternative to chemical-based synthetic fertilizer.

Effect of glass content on the phase assemblage and processing requirements of zirconolite glass-ceramics for actinide immobilisation

Zirconolite is a candidate wasteform for actinides (U/Pu/Th), and glass incorporation to form glass-ceramics provides flexibility to accommodate heterogeneous wastes while simplifying processing requirements; however, the glass content required to optimise these benefits remains unestablished. This systematic study investigated the effect of glass content on zirconolite crystallisation, phase assemblage, phase composition, cerium valence states and partitioning. Cerium-bearing zirconolite glass-ceramics were fabricated by targeting zirconolite (Ca0.8Ce0.2ZrTi1.6Al0.4O7; Ce as actinide surrogate) with varying amounts (0–100 vol%) of glass addition (NaAl1.5B0.5Ca0.7Ti0.2Si2O8.6). Differential scanning calorimetry data revealed that glass addition lowered the zirconolite crystallisation temperature (1283°C to 1200°C). X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses showed that glass addition lowered the temperature (1320°C to 1270°C) required to fabricate phase-pure zirconolite glass-ceramics and minimise CeO2/ZrO2 phases, with > 90 % of cerium preferentially partitioned into zirconolite. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy data showed predominantly Ce4+ within zirconolite as targeted.

Effective move of Polypyrrole/TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites on removal of methylene blue dye by photocatalytic activity

Polypyrrole (PPy) was synthesized effectively by chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole. Organic-inorganic hybrid materials PPy-TiO2 with different PPy weight percents were prepared by mechanical mixing, by using titanium oxide nanoparticles. The characterizations of PPy-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites were analyzed by FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, TGA & DSC and SEM & EDAX. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to distinguish the structure of the attained PPy-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites. UV–vis techniques are proved the polymerization of pyrrole monomer and the strong interaction between PPy and TiO2 nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA-DSC) curves revealed that TiO2 can decrease the weight loss of nanocomposite and increase the thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposites. The residual mass of the pure Pyy-36.51 %, PPy-TiO2 (25 %)-64.82 %, PPy-TiO2 (50 %)-60.82 %, PPy-TiO2 (75 %)-70.50 % and pure TiO2- 96.69 % nanocomposites at the residual temperature 497.80 °C. The morphology and molecular structure of the hybrid nanocomposite were characterized by scanning electron microscope & Energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy (SEM & EDAX). These characterization results confirmed the polymerization of pyrrole and the strong interaction between PPy and TiO2. The material with outstanding absorption capability that meet in optical application is the challenging way, thus the photocatalytic analysis of PPy-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites is merely a admissible results. It is notably the favorable degradation efficiency of pure PPy, the PPy+TiO2 (25 % 50 % & 75 %) nanocomposites are 82 %, 66 %, 67 % and 53 % respectively.

Effect of hydrogen on oxidative dissolution of epsilon particles-doped UO2 pellets under carbonate condition with hydrogen peroxide

The epsilon particles that result from nuclear fission of UO2 fuel possess both advantages and disadvantages from a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management perspective. In this study, the effect of epsilon particles, namely Ru, Mo, and Pd, inherent in simulated UO2 pellets is examined. Various analytical methods have been used to explore the changes in the structural, surface, and electrochemical properties of which contain epsilon particles. A notable finding is that the epsilon particles are not evenly distributed and tend to clump together, transforming into a metallic state after sintering, as detailed in the X-ray diffraction analyses. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses highlight interesting aspects of the distribution of elements, especially the disappearance of Pd during sintering, which is likely due to its high vapor pressure. Although the lattice structure of UO2 remains unchanged, the sizes of the grains and pores visibly change, which may influence the tendency of UO2 pellet-cracking. Despite the addition of the epsilon particles, the electrical conductivity analyses show no significant changes, suggesting that they act as minor impurities without affecting the structural lattice. However, their possible role as catalysts in electrochemical reactions opens new and interesting areas that require thorough investigation. Moreover, examining the anodic dissolution under various conditions provides detailed insights into UO2 dissolution and oxidation, revealing how epsilon particles subtly influence the oxidative dissolution process. This study clarifies the basic interactions and effects of epsilon particles in UO2 pellets and broadens the path for a deeper understanding and improvement of nuclear fuel matrices and steering advancements in the safe and effective use of nuclear energy.

Biocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of silver-doped borosilicate bioactive glass for tissue engineering application

Borate bioactive glasses are an auspicious material for tissue engineering applications due to their enhanced dissolution rate, bioactivity, and capacity to integrate therapeutic ions. In this study, borate-based S49B4 bioactive glass doped with silver at mass fraction of 0.5, 1, and 3 wt% were studied for bioactivity, degradation, antibacterial, and cytocompatibility. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the bioactive glasses were thermally stable between 600 and 700 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful synthesis of an amorphous phase of the doped borosilicate bioactive glasses and the incorporation of silver ion crystals within the structure, as well as associated contributions from borate and silicate network formers in the borosilicate bioactive glass. Morphological evaluation revealed that the borosilicate bioactive glasses exhibit a uniform and spherical shape across all formulations, with the mean particle size varying from 65 to 76 nm. An in-vitro acellular bioactivity in simulated body fluid medium showed that increasing the silver content increased the degradation rate and pH. Besides, scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed an upsurge in apatite production on the BBGs' surfaces as well as incremental Calcium-Phosphate ratio values of 1.50, 1.65 and 1.70 as the silver content increases. The antibacterial effect was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while cytocompatibility was tested against human gingival epithelial cells. Silver integration at 1 wt percent yielded the most promising outcomes, which were particularly bactericidal at 79.8 % for Escherichia coli and 93.41 % for Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, its Lactate Dehydrogenase percentage is significantly similar to the negative control employed in the study, indicating its biocompatibility. In contrast, 3 wt% silver exhibited the maximum bactericidal activity while also exhibiting mild cytotoxicity. In summary, our research indicates that elevated silver concentration enhances the bioactivity and antimicrobial characteristics of borosilicate bioactive glasses; nevertheless, a higher silver weight percent in this study also increases the possibility of cytotoxicity. It is therefore essential to carefully regulate the amount of silver doping at lower concentrations in order to maximize antibacterial action and minimize toxicity to human cells. The results presented here contribute to our understanding of the prospective use of silver doped borosilicate bioactive glasses as a possible material for tissue engineering applications.

Nafion/ZrO2 Modified NiTi Orthodontic Wire: Preparation, Material Characterization, and Corrosion Studies

Background: Nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires are widely used in dental corrective procedures due to their high mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. However, they are prone to oral corrosion, leading to mechanical deterioration, aesthetic issues, and potential health concerns. Objective: This study aims to improve the corrosion resistance and durability of NiTi orthodontic wires by employing zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and Nafion coating with the goal of enhancing wire performance. Methods: Two types of NiTi wires were evaluated: a standard, unmodified wire as a control and another wire treated with electrodeposited ZrO2 film and Nafion (Naf) coating. Surface analysis was conducted using various techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Results: The uncoated NiTi wire exhibited a corrosion rate of 4.436× 10-1 mm/year, whereas the Naf/ZrO2-coated NiTi wire showed a corrosion rate of 4.068× 10-1 mm/year, indicating that the Naf/ZrO2 coating acted as a protective layer. Additionally, the ZrO2 layer provided poor electrical conductivity, resulting in slightly higher impedance compared to bare NiTi. The coating served as a barrier, which significantly enhanced corrosion resistance and improved the wire lifespan. Conclusion: Electro-modification through ZrO2 deposition and Nafion coating significantly improved the corrosion resistance and overall durability of NiTi orthodontic wires, offering a promising advancement for their use in dental orthodontics. This study underscores the potential of ZrO2 and Nafion coating to enhance the corrosion resistance and longevity of NiTi orthodontic wires.

Preparation of hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane and nano-SiO2 hydrophobic polyurethane coated urea and investigation of controlled nitrogen release

In the present study, we successfully developed hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDHT) and nano-SiO2 hydrophobic polyurethane-coated urea by applying the optimal conditions for hydrophobic polyurethane preparation. The hydrophobic polyurethane membrane material undergoes a comprehensive characterization. Infrared analysis confirmed the successful grafting of PDHT onto the polyurethane membrane material. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis verify the even distribution of silicon on the surface of the membrane material. By Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) comparison, we elucidate the micro-structural disparity between the unmodified and modified castor oil-based polyurethane, accounting for the micro-level performance enhancement. The resulting modified membrane exhibited a water contact angle of 133.6°, indicative of its hydrophobic nature. The optimal ratios for PDHT and nano-SiO2 were determined to be 16 % and 2 %, respectively. Notably, hydrophobic polyurethane-coated urea demonstrated an extended-release period of 98 days (5 % coating amount), a 40 % improvement over its unmodified counterpart. In addition, the silicone-modified coated urea reduced the amount of ammonia volatilization by about 76.32 %, which plays a significant role in enhancing fertilizer utilization efficiency and is important for ecological environment protection. This research provides a straightforward and efficient way to fabricate slow-release fertilizers, with significant implications for the advancement of coated slow-release fertilizer technology.

Production of natural cellulose-based microfibres, from oil palm mesocarp fibres and pineapple leaf wastes, as porous supports for further applications

Natural cellulose-based microfibers were obtained through an economical and environmentally sustainable process called alkaline-peroxide purification, from the waste products of oil palm mesocarp fibres (OPMF) and pineapple leaves (PL), with the intention of creating porous, biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic solid supports for use in future processes. The extracted microfibres were then taken through microscopic, spectroscopic and thermal characterisation to establish their cellulosic nature. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of the bleached microfibres (B-OPMF and B-PLF) were cleaner, smoother and porous as compared with that of the unrefined fibres (Ur-OPMF and Ur-PLF). The bleached fibres (B-OPMF and B-PLF) exhibited peaks of C and O, which are indicative of pure cellulose, in the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The FTIR spectral analysis of the extracted cellulose-based fibres (B-OPMF and B-PLF) exhibited peaks that were similar in composition to the reference cellulose (P-GB). For the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis, the maximum weight degradation in the reference cellulose (P-GB), occurred at 363.11 °C, in the bleached palm fibres (B-OPMF) at 334.55 °C and in the bleached pineapple leaf fibres (B-PLF) at 375.68 °C which, corresponds to cellulose decomposition. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test verified the microfibers' thermally induced transitions. Therefore, these cellulose-based microfibres could be applied as functionalised microfibre supports for future applications.

Physical Properties Studies of Magnesium Phthalocyanine (MgPc) Thin Films of Different Annealing Temperatures Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition Technique

Magnesium Phthalocyanine (MgPc) was deposited on a glass substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using Q-Switching Nd:YAG laser with wavelength 1064 nm, repetition rate 6 Hz, at room temperature (300K) and different annealing temperatures (373, 473, and 573)K under vacuum condition of 10-3 torr. All films were annealed for one hour to attain crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of MgPc powder indicated that MgPc crystallizes in polycrystalline with a monoclinic structure. While comparing the MgPc films, it was observed that the intensity of the characteristic peak increases with temperature, and the crystallization exhibited a monoclinic structure typical of the β-form. The Miller indices, hkl, values for each diffraction peak in the XRD spectrum were calculated. The characteristic peak of Phthalocyanine (MgPc) was found at 2θ value 6.9137ᵒ with the hkl value of (100) for both MgPc powder and deposited thin films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses indicated that crystallinity improved and surface morphology was enhanced with the rise in annealing temperature and showed uniform-sized grains. They also assisted in identifying the optimal parameters that yielded the best structural properties for the film. The optical properties of MgPc thin film showed two absorption bands. The MgPc thin films exhibit transport and onset direct energy gaps (Eg) for all samples. Additionally, the absorption coefficient (α) was calculated using Lambert Law, revealing a slight dependence on the annealing temperature.

Green synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Hyphaene thebaica extract and their photocatalytic activities

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) represent an interesting inorganic material widely utilized across various fields including sensing, antimicrobial applications, optical coatings, water purification, fuel additives, absorbents, and catalysis, owing to their exceptional broad energy band gap, surface affinity, and strong chemical and thermal durability. In this investigation, MgO NPs were successfully synthesized through a green approach employing fruit extract from the gingerbread tree (Hyphaene thebaica). Analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed their agglomerated quasi-spherical shape with a size range of 20–60 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern exhibited prominent peaks at planes (200) and (220), indicating the high crystallinity of MgO NPs with a crystallite size of 32.6 ± 5 nm while Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis highlighted the composition comprises 40.47% Magnesium and 48.64% Oxygen by weight. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed characteristic Mg-O bonds through peaks at 560 cm−1 and 866 cm−1, while Raman spectroscopy affirmed the cubic structure of MgO. Subsequently, the photocatalytic performance of MgO NPs under visible light irradiation was evaluated. Remarkably, the addition of 1 g/L of MgO nano-catalyst resulted in a degradation efficiency of 98% after 110 min on methylene blue dye, showcasing the high catalytic activity of MgO NPs. This remarkable photocatalytic efficiency emphasizes the potential of MgO NPs in environmental remediation.

Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Film Formation and Friction Properties of Molybdenum Phosphate Additive in Combined Condition with Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZnDTP)

This article describes experimental studies on low friction film formation of molybdenum phosphate (MoP) in combination with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZnDTP). The spinning type friction tests were conducted, and in the test procedure, the test using ZnDTP containing oil was conducted following the test using MoP oil. The results showed that after switching to ZnDTP, the friction coefficient steeply decreased and reached approximately 0.06 in 1,353 ppm of sulfur concentration, and minimum friction coefficient depended on the concentration of sulfur in the oil with ZnDTP. Moreover, it is shown that the friction coefficient gradually increased, and that the coefficient at 1 h after switching to ZnDTP corresponded to that in ZnDTP alone. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that, at 5 min after switching to ZnDTP, the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) film was formed on the contact surface. Also, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis results indicated that at 1 h after switching to ZnDTP, the film derived from ZnDTP was composed of phosphorus, oxygen, and sulfur. These results suggest the film formation mechanism of MoS2: molybdenum oxide, such as iron (II) molybdate (FeMoO4), formed in the test of MoP, was then transformed into MoS2 by sulfur or a sulfur containing compound from ZnDTP decomposition.