X-ray Diffraction Experiments Research Articles

Guest-selective shape-memory effect in a switchable metal-organic framework DUT-8(Zn).

Crystal size engineering allows tailoring of flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to achieve new properties. The gating type flexibility of the DUT-8(Zn) ([Zn2(2,6-ndc)2(dabco)]n, 2,6-ndc = 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate, dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane) compound is known to be extremely particle size sensitive. Here, the physisorption of ethanol vapor gives rise to so-called shape-memory effect, leading to rigidification and flexibility suppression. According to powder X-ray diffraction and nitrogen physisorption experiments, the open pore phase is retained selectively after desorption of alcohols, which could be attributed to the nano-structuring and surface deformation of the crystals as a result of exposure to alcohols.

Evolution of copper ions in nanostructured Cu[formula omitted]O according to X-ray absorption spectroscopy data

Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (Cu L and O K spectra ) was applied to identify changes in the charge states of copper ions in quasi-statically loaded (torsion under pressure) Cu2O. As was found from our X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption experiments, an increase in the degree of deformation lead to a decrease in the areas of coherent scattering (sizes of nanograines), to partial amorphization of oxides, and to a slight increase in the concentration of Cu2+ ions on the surface of the Cu2O samples. No new phases were detected using X-ray diffraction measurements. The repeated measurements of the Cu L and O K spectra of the nanostructured Cu2O samples after two years showed significantly more intense signals at high photon energies, indicating the appearance of Cu2+ ions on the surface of nanostructured Cu2O, corresponding to the CuO phase. It was shown that two types of Cu2+ ions on the surface of Cu2O samples with different binding energies of Cu 2p electrons could be formed.

PYROLYSIS OF FOLIC ACID: IDENTIFICATION OF GASEOUS/VOLATILE PRODUCTS AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF N-DOPED GRAPHITIC CARBON

Folic acid (FA) is a low-cost and suitable source for producing different N-doped carbon materials by pyrolysis. However, the pyrolytic steps of FA are not entirely understood, particularly above 350°C, which hampers the intelligent design of tailor-made carbon materials by a one-pot route. In this work, the pyrolytic decomposition steps of FA were investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC). The released gaseous/volatile products were probed by coupling TGA to infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (TGA-FTIR-MS). Considering the thermal analysis data, FA was pyrolysed in a furnace at 350, 430, 570, 800, and 1000°C, and the products were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) experiments were also conducted under the nitrogen atmosphere. According to the data set, insights about FA decomposition steps could be proposed, including gaseous/volatile products released during the process and the structural evolution of N-doped graphitic carbon. The formation of carbonaceous material initiated between 200-350°C through polymerisation/condensation reactions, and this step was marked by the release of 2-pyrrolidone and aniline. The graphitisation was enhanced above 350°C, increasing graphitic nitrogen while the amide groups vanished. The process was accompanied by deoxygenation (i.e., CO and CO2 release) and denitrogenation (e.g., NH3, HNCO, and HCN) reactions. In the 570-800°C range, the N-enrichment of carbon material (N-pyridine, N-pyrrole/Csp2-N in 5,7-membered rings, and nitrile) could occur by the reaction of released NH3 over the char surface. Graphitic-like structures containing mainly N-graphite and N-pyridine were obtained above 800°C. The original data about the thermal decomposition steps of FA allow for optimising the synthesis of N-doped carbon materials suitable for applications in adsorption, sensing, catalysis, and energy storage.

Hybrid Metal Oxide (Ag-ZnO) Impregnated Biocomposite in the Development of an Eco-Friendly Sustainable Film.

Nanotechnology offers an innovative application as an eco-friendly food packaging film fabricated along with a degradable active mixture (AM). The AM is an assortment of alloyed metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag-ZnO), citron powder (AA), and Curcuma peel powder (CPP). Alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) were observed to exhibit a hexagonal structure from the experimental X-ray diffraction. Compositional and morphological study of the NPs (22.69 nm) and AM (32 nm) was done using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ζ- potential was observed to be -14.7 mV, indicating the stability of NPs. The prepared film was observed to be more effective with antibacterial analysis against Escherichia coli, exhibiting 72% of inhibition and antioxidant activity with IC50: 51.56% using the 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Film 1, Film 2, Film 3, and Film 4 were fabricated with the AM and observed to be perfectly encapsulated by PVA using XRD. FESEM images of the film exhibit the aggregation of NPs with biocomposites in perfect distribution. The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, elongation at break, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS- 5.37 MPa) were experimented for the films. The degradation rate was observed to be 6.12% for film 1 using the soil burial method. The study emphasizes that NPs along with biocomposite upgrade the sustainability of the packaging film with improved mechanical and physicochemical properties. The synthesized film with biomaterials could be used as a "green" food package to store fruits, vegetables, and sweets in the food industry.

Crystallization experiments of the wheel-and-axle host compound, 1,4-phenylene-bis(di-p-tolylmethanol), from pyridine and methylpyridine mixtures

Abstract1,4-Phenylene-bis(di-p-tolylmethanol) (H), a host compound with the wheel-and-axle design, formed complexes with organic guest solvents pyridine (PYR) and 2-, 3- and 4-methylpyridine (2MP, 3MP and 4MP). The host: guest (H: G) ratios were 1:3, 1:2, 1:2 and 1:1, respectively. Host crystallization experiments from mixed guests demonstrated H to prefer both PYR and 4MP; however, it was established that these difficult-to-separate (by fractional distillations) guest mixtures cannot be purified/separated by means of H through supramolecular chemistry strategies owing to these selectivities for PYR and 4MP being less than optimal. Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments showed that each guest compound was held in its complex by means of a classical hydrogen bond with H, and that one of the preferred guests, PYR, experienced a significantly shorter contact of this type than the other guests. Hirshfeld surface analyses demonstrated that PYR was also involved in a greater percentage of (guest)N···H(host) interactions compared with the other guest molecules. Thermal analyses, on the other hand, revealed that 4MP (also a favoured guest species) formed the most stable complex of the four in this investigation. These results with H were compared to those obtained when employing a closely related host compound from a previous report, 1,4-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)benzene: while both host species preferred the same guests (PYR and 4MP), the extent of the selectivity of that host compound compared with H in the present work was significantly more enhanced. Thus, minor modifications may deleteriously affect the selectivity behaviour of closely related host compounds.

Intrinsic mechanisms of shale hydration-induced structural changes

The interaction between a water-based working fluid and shale causes a change in shale structure, resulting in wellbore instability and greatly increasing drilling costs. On the basis of the black rock samples of the Longmaxi Formation, the structural change characteristics and internal mechanisms of shale hydration are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, fixed-point observation experiments, X-ray diffraction experiments, ion analysis, and energy spectroscopy analysis. In this study, the changes in the microscopic elements during the propagation of macroscopic cracks to hydration were studied and the ion exchange of brine and mineral hydration was analyzed. The results indicate that the interaction between water and shale leads to shale fracture along the bedding plane, the expansion of primary fractures, the generation of new fractures, and the occurrence of a high number of dissolution phenomena. The ion exchange cation precipitation of shale and the fluid is dominated by Ca2+, and the anion precipitated is mainly SO42−. Through the energy spectrum analysis of the whole-rock mineral composition changes and shale structural changes, it is believed that shale dissolution is mainly from carbonatite minerals, such as calcite. While the oxidation of pyrite in the aqueous environment provides a large amount of SO42− and H+ and fracture propagation mainly occurs in areas where non quartz inorganic minerals are distributed on the bedding plane. The intrinsic mechanism of shale hydration structural changes is revealed through the structural changes, mineral composition changes, and chemical reactions present during the water–shale interaction, which is significant for ensuring the wellbore stability of drilling.

Photoresponsive silver nanowire nanoplatform for real-time drug delivery in non-small cell lung cancer therapy

In this study, we first successfully synthesized three different sizes and shapes of Ag nanowires (Ag NWs) using a polyol synthesis method. The size and morphology of the Ag NWs were controlled by the types of inorganic control agents in the reaction system (NaCl for 1, CuCl2 for 2, and FeCl3 for 3). The synthesized Ag NWs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) experiments. Subsequently, due to the favorable width of 1, we utilized it as an effective photosensitizer to construct a novel drug-loaded nanomaterial platform, namely 1-PLC@DOX (PLC stands for poly(ε-caprolactone), and DOX stands for Doxorubicin), to achieve on-demand drug release triggered by near-infrared (NIR) laser. The results indicate that the drug delivery system can achieve minimally invasive treatment of complex geometric defects. Under near-infrared irradiation, 1-PLC@DOX can heat up to 53.6°C within 15 minutes, showing a unique heating platform on the heating curve, with ideal photothermal stability and heating effect compared to other groups. By toggling near-infrared irradiation on or off, 1-PLC@DOX can exhibit a stair-step drug release curve, suggesting that on-demand control of drug release using near-infrared laser as a trigger is feasible. In vitro biological evaluations demonstrate that 1-PLC@DOX exhibits good biocompatibility and anti-tumor ability, significantly reducing the invasive ability of A549 cells on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and at the same time inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells by regulating the p53 signaling pathway to cause apoptosis.

Influence of Ni on the Organization and Properties of AlCoCrFeMn High-Entropy Alloys by Laser-Sintering Technique

In order to investigate the effect of the Ni element on the properties of AlCoCrFeMn HEAs, this experiment prepared AlCoCrFeMn and AlCoCrFeNiMn HEAs by using a laser-ignition self-propagation sintering technique with an equal molar ratio. And analyzed the effect of the Ni element on the microstructure of AlCoCrFeMn HEAs by using a metallurgical optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy spectroscopic analysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and other experiments. Characterization equipment was used to analyze the effect of the Ni element on the microstructure, physical phase structure, wear resistance, compressive properties, and corrosion resistance of AlCoCrFeMn HEA materials. The results show that after the addition of the Ni element, the AlCoCrFeNiMn HEA changes from a single BCC phase to one consisting of BCC and a small amount of an FCC phase, with an equiaxial organization, and the yield strength reaches 780 MPa and the compressive strength is 3920 MPa. The corrosion rate is 2.08 × 10−3 mm/a, and the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties are greatly increased.

Development of a laser-driven shock compression platform for time-resolved XRD experiments at the ID09 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility

ABSTRACT We present a newly developed laser-driven shock compression platform at the ID09 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). This platform combines a custom high-power EKSPLA laser with ESRF's high-energy X-ray pulses to perform in situ, time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements in materials under well characterized, moderate pressure (up to 1 Mbar) and short-duration shock waves. Its purpose is to serve as a shock driver to study materials under dynamic pressure, focusing on phase transitions in condensed matter. We provide a detailed description of this platform's design and functionalities, along with preliminary experimental results obtained from iron and tin samples subjected to shock compression. These results not only demonstrate the platform's ability to acquire high-quality X-ray diffraction data but also highlight its potential for advancing research in material science and high-energy-density physics.

Enhancement of synergistic effects of Cu2O@MnO2@NiO Using Sarcophrynium Brachystachys leaf extract for supercapacitor electrode application

In recent times, the global population explosion and growing depletion of fossil fuels have compelled academics and scientists to do extensive research on alternate energy sources and energy storage techniques. A hydrothermal approach was used to create Copper (II) oxide (Cu2O), Manganese oxide (MnO2), Nickel oxide (NiO), and Copper@Manganese@Nickel (Cu2O@MnO2@NiO) oxide composite electrodes. Sarcophrynium Brachystachys leaves extract was used equally as a bolstering mediator. According to the Debye-Scherer equation, the crystallites size of different nanoparticles (NPs) were established to be 29.45, 24.22, 26.33 and 20.24 nm for Cu2O, MnO2, NiO, and Cu2O@MnO2@NiO, respectively, based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. According to electrochemical examinations, assessed specific capacitances for Cu2O, MnO2, NiO, and Cu2O@MnO2@NiO obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV) using 1.00 mV/s scan rates are 785, 955, 825 and 1092 F/g, respectively. The obtained results clearly showed that separate metallic oxides specific capacitances compared with composites specific capacitance using Sarcophrynium Brachystachys leaves extract, a biological and natural constituent stands superior. Sarcophrynium Brachystachys leaves extract enhanced the synergistic impact between constituents’ ions via lowering electrode resistances, raising electrode conductivity and improving electrode characteristics.

Synthesis, crystal structures and urease inhibition of nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and molybdenum(VI) complexes derived from N,n’-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine

Three new trinuclear complexes containing either nickel(II), copper(II) or zinc(II), [Ni3L2(NO3)2(CH3OH)2]·2CH3OH (1), [Cu3Br2L2] (2), [Zn3L2(NCS)2(CH3OH)2]·0.5CH3OH·0.5H2O (3), and a new dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex, [MoO2L] (4), have been prepared from the bis-Schiff base N,N’-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L) with various metal salts in methanol. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectra. Molecular structures were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The Ni ions in 1 adopt an octahedral coordination environment, bridged by phenolate oxygen and nitrate ligands. The Cu ions in 2 are square pyramidal and square planar, and the Zn ions in 3 are square pyramidal and octahedral. The metal atoms in 2 and 3 are bridged by phenolate oxygen donors. The Mo ion in 4 is octahedral. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the metal atoms through two phenolate O and two imino N donors. Biological assays revealed that the nickel and copper complexes have effective urease inhibition.

Optimizing the Sintering Conditions of (Fe,Co)1.95(P,Si) Compounds for Permanent Magnet Applications.

(Fe,Co)2(P,Si) quaternary compounds combine large uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy, significant saturation magnetization and tunable Curie temperature, making them attractive for permanent magnet applications. Single crystals or conventionally prepared bulk polycrystalline (Fe,Co)2(P,Si) samples do not, however, show a significant coercivity. Here, after a ball-milling stage of elemental precursors, we optimize the sintering temperature and duration during the solid-state synthesis of bulk Fe1.85Co0.1P0.8Si0.2 compounds so as to obtain coercivity in bulk samples. We pay special attention to shortening the heat treatment in order to limit grain growth. Powder X-ray diffraction experiments demonstrate that a sintering of a few minutes is sufficient to form the desired Fe2P-type hexagonal structure with limited secondary-phase content (~5 wt.%). Coercivity is achieved in bulk Fe1.85Co0.1P0.8Si0.2 quaternary compounds by shortening the heat treatment. Surprisingly, the largest coercivities are observed in the samples presenting large amounts of secondary-phase content (>5 wt.%). In addition to the shape of the virgin magnetization curve, this may indicate a dominant wall-pining coercivity mechanism. Despite a tenfold improvement of the coercive fields for bulk samples, the achieved performances remain modest (HC ≈ 0.6 kOe at room temperature). These results nonetheless establish a benchmark for future developments of (Fe,Co)2(P,Si) compounds as permanent magnets.

Mo6+ bifunctional substitution of P2-type manganese oxide for high performance sodium-ion batteries

Due to its cost-effectiveness and high specific capacity, P2-type manganese (Mn) oxide is considered a highly promising cathode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, the practical application of this material is hindered by poor cyclic stability caused by the phase transition of P2-P’2 due to the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+ at low voltage and significant volume changes at high voltage. In this study, we utilized Mo6+ dual-function P2-Na0.67Mn0.99Mo0.01O1.997(PO4)0.0008 (NMMPO-1) to achieve exceptional magnification performance and cycle stability. Advanced electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that Mo6+ acts as a pillar in replacing interlayer Na+ sites within the P2 phase, resulting in extended layer spacing and a stable crystal structure. Additionally, Mo6+ substitution for Mn3+ weakens the Jahn-Teller distortion effect of Mn3+. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction experiments demonstrated that NMMPO-1 effectively inhibits the P2-P’2 phase transition at low voltage while minimizing volume changes during charge–discharge cycles. Overall, our modified NMMPO-1 exhibits excellent cycle stability with 144.55 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.5C, retaining 83 % capacity retention rate, along with impressive rate performance achieving capacity of 100.57 mA h g−1 at 5C. Furthermore, NMMPO-1 demonstrates superior air stability compared to unmodified samples when exposed to air over multiple cycles. Moreover, through detailed analysis using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) curves; it is observed that NMMPO-1 possesses enhanced Na+ diffusion capacity and kinetic properties compared to other materials. This research provides novel insights into the role of substituting high valence cations in layered Mn oxide materials which can contribute towards designing improved performance for future sodium ion battery applications.

Highly oxidized guaiane 12(8),15(6)-dilactones with neuroprotective activities from the roots of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm

In our search for neuroprotective agents, six previously undescribed highly oxidized guaiane sesquiterpenes, linderaggrols A−F (1−6), together with three known sesquiterpenes, were isolated from the roots of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. Their structures including absolute configurations were established by a combination of NMR spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Compounds 1−6 represented the first instances of guaiane 12(8),15(6)-dilactones. Additionally, compound 6 possessed a rare 1,8-O-bridge. Neuroprotective effects against erastin-induced ferroptosis on HT-22 cells showed that some compounds demonstrated neuroprotective effects at 20.0 μM.

Stimulus-Induced Dynamic Behavior Regulation of Flexible Crystals through the Tuning of Module Rigidity.

Introducing dynamic behavior into periodic frameworks has borne fruit in the form of flexible porous crystals. The detailed molecular design of frameworks in order to control their collective dynamics is of particular interest, for example, to achieve stimulus-induced behavior. Herein, by varying the degree of rigidity of ditopic pillar linkers, two isostructural flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with common rigid supermolecular building bilayers were constructed. The subtle substitution of single (in bibenzyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid; H2BBDC) with double (in 4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylic acid; H2SDC) C-C bonds in pillared linkers led to markedly different flexible behavior of these two MOFs. Upon the removal of guest molecules, both frameworks clearly show reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations involving the cis-trans conformation change and a resulting swing of the corresponding pillar linkers, which gives rise to Flex-Cd-MOF-1a and Flex-Cd-MOF-2a, respectively. Strikingly, a more favorable gas-induced dynamic behavior in Flex-Cd-MOF-2a was verified in detail by stepwise C3H6/C3H8 sorption isotherms and the corresponding in situ powder X-ray diffraction experiments. These insights are strongly supported by molecular modeling studies on the sorption mechanism that explores the sorption landscape. Furthermore, a consistency between the macroscopic elasticity and microscopic flexibility of Flex-Cd-MOF-2 was observed. This work fuels a growing interest in developing MOFs with desired chemomechanical functions and presents detailed insights into the origins of flexible MOFs.

Study about the rehydration of phosphogypsum hemihydrate in tropical soil mixtures

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to verify the occurrence of phosphogypsum hemihydrate (PG-HH) rehydration and its influence on the mechanical behaviour in tropical soil mixtures. The studies were carried out in mixtures with lateritic clay, PG and Portland cement. Were carried out microstructural and mineralogical analyses with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction experiments, compaction tests at different setting times and unconfined compressive strength tests on saturated samples subjected to weathering. This study showed that PG-HH can rehydrate when it is in contact with water. This fact changes its crystals’ shape and impacts the mechanical behaviour of tropical soil mixtures. Saturated samples exposed to weathering presented strength reduction. However, the strength of mixtures with PG-HH, even when rehydrated, is superior to the strength of mixtures with PG-DH. The incorporation of PG-HH in mixtures with tropical soil and cement in geotechnical works is possible despite its rehydration.

Crystal structures of two new high-pressure oxynitrides with composition SnGe4N4O4, from single-crystal electron diffraction.

SnGe4N4O4 was synthesized at high pressure (16 and 20 GPa) and high temperature (1200 and 1500°C) in a large-volume press. Powder X-ray diffraction experiments using synchrotron radiation indicate that the derived samples are mixtures of known and unknown phases. However, the powder X-ray diffraction patterns are not sufficient for structural characterization. Transmission electron microscopy studies reveal crystals of several hundreds of nanometres in size with different chemical composition. Among them, crystals of a previously unknown phase with stoichiometry SnGe4N4O4 were detected and investigated using automated diffraction tomography (ADT), a three-dimensional electron diffraction method. Via ADT, the crystal structure could be determined from single nanocrystals in space group P63mc, exhibiting a nolanite-type structure. This was confirmed by density functional theory calculations and atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images. In one of the syntheses runs a rhombohedral 6R polytype of SnGe4N4O4 could be found together with the nolanite-type SnGe4N4O4. The structure of this polymorph was solved as well using ADT.

Characteristic cembrane-type diterpenoids with nitric oxide inhibitory activity from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw

Five new characteristic cembrane-type diterpenoids (olibacartiols A–E, 1–5) were acquired from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. The structures of these diterpenoids were characterized by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and compounds 1–3 were unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated using LPS-induced BV2 cell model and compounds 2–5 showed moderate NO inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 8.84 ± 1.02, 9.82 ± 1.95, 9.75 ± 2.24, and 7.39 ± 1.24 μM, respectively.

Transdermal Delivery of Niacin Through Polysaccharide Films Ameliorates Cutaneous Flushing in Experimental Wistar Rats.

Niacin, an established therapeutic for dyslipidemia, is hindered by its propensity to induce significant cutaneous flushing when administered orally in its unmodified state, thereby constraining its clinical utility. This study aimed to fabricate, characterize, and assess the in-vitro and in-vivo effectiveness of niacin-loaded polymeric films (NLPFs) comprised of carboxymethyl tamarind seed polysaccharide. The primary objective was to mitigate the flushing-related side effects associated with oral niacin administration. NLPFs were synthesized using the solvent casting method and subsequently subjected to characterization, including assessments of tensile strength, moisture uptake, thickness, and folding endurance. Surface characteristics were analyzed using a surface profiler and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Potential interactions between niacin and the polysaccharide core were investigated through X-ray diffraction experiments (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The viscoelastic properties of the films were explored using a Rheometer. In-vitro assessments included drug release studies, swelling behavior assays, and antioxidant assays. In-vivo efficacy was evaluated through skin permeation assays, skin irritation assays, and histopathological analyses. NLPFs exhibited a smooth texture with favorable tensile strength and moisture absorption capabilities. Niacin demonstrated interaction with the polysaccharide core, rendering the films amorphous. The films displayed slow and sustained drug release, exceptional antioxidant properties, optimal swelling behavior, and viscoelastic characteristics. Furthermore, the films exhibited biocompatibility and non-toxicity towards skin cells. NLPFs emerged as promising carrier systems for the therapeutic transdermal delivery of niacin, effectively mitigating its flushing-associated adverse effects.

Hydration, strength, and microstructure evolution of Portland cement-calcium sulphoaluminate cement-CSH seeds ultra-early strength cementitious system

Improving the very early age strength of precast concrete components at ambient temperature and ensuring the development of later strength is of significant engineering importance. This objective was successfully achieved by incorporating a specific percentage of 0–3% CSH seeds (CSHs) and 5%-20% calcium sulphoaluminate cement (CSA) into Portland cement (PC). The hydration, strength and microstructure evolution of Portland cement-calcium sulphoaluminate cement-CSH seeds cementitious system were investigated. Hydration heat tests reveal that CSHs effectively accelerated the early hydration of the slurry within the first 12 h without affecting its later hydration. CSHs and CSA acted synergistically to enhance hydration kinetics. However, it is crucial to control the proportion of CSA within the range of 5%-10%; exceeding this ratio can severely inhibit the hydration of silicates. Strength tests indicate that the addition of CSHs and CSA can increase the compressive and flexural strengths of mortar within the first 12 h by 282% and 208%, respectively, without impacting the development of its later-age strength. Together, they synergistically provide favorable support for the strength and toughness of matrix. Based on linear regression analysis and nitrogen adsorption and desorption tests, it was concluded that CSHs enhance the hydration dependence of matrix strength, while CSA diminishes this characteristic. This is because CSHs refine the pore size distribution of the paste, increasing the proportion of micropores, whereas CSA promotes the formation of more mesopores and macropores, leading to coarser pores; however, 5% CSA is beneficial for further refining the pore structure. The microcosmic phase evolution of the early-strength cementitious system was analyzed through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer experiments. Results demonstrate that low proportions of CSA and CSHs promote the co-growth of ettringite and C-S-H gel, ensuring a more rapid formation of a dense hydration network in the early stages, thereby accelerating strength development. These findings provide a reference for the design and preparation of precast concrete.