Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Characterization and effectiveness analysis of ternary organic eutectic mixture/hybrid-nanoparticles based phase change material for cold storage applications

Abstract A novel organic ternary mixture composed of Lauric acid, Myristic acid, and Dodecanol (referred to as LMD) has been synthesized as a Phase Change Material (PCM), specifically designed for cold storage applications. Although organic PCMs are highly effective, their low thermal conductivity frequently restricts their heat transfer performance. To address this issue, a hybrid Nano-enhanced PCM (HNe-PCMs) has been developed in this study. This involved dispersing two types of nanoparticles, Graphene nanoparticles (GNP)-Al2O3 and GNP-CuO, each at a 1% weight fraction, within the LMD matrix. The thermal and chemical characteristics of developed pure LMD and HNe-PCMs were studied using Electron microscope scanning (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Thermal conductivity analyser (TC), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and Thermo gravimetric analyser (TGA) and explored their potential in cold storage application. Chemical and thermal characterization revealed that the freezing and melting temperatures of LMD are 8.4 ± 0.1 °C and 15.6 ± 0.1 °C, respectively, with corresponding latent heats (LH) of freezing/melting of 125.4 ± 1.8 J g−1 and 131.5 ± 1.8 J g−1. Upon incorporation of the nanoparticles, the thermal conductivities of LMD/GNP-Al2O3 and LMD/GNP-CuO were notably enhanced by 57.4% and 49.8%, respectively, compared to pure LMD. However, a slight deviation in the melting/freezing LH of 2.9% and 1.9%, and in phase change temperature of 12.1% and 7.1%, respectively, was observed for the LMD/GNP-Al2O3 HNe-PCMs compared to the pure LMD. Through effectiveness analysis, it was depicted that the LMD/GNP combined with Al2O3 exhibits a reduction of 13.94% and 12.4% in charging-discharge time compared to pure LMD. In contrast, the LMD/GNP with CuO showed a 12.73% and 10.87% reduction in these times respectively. Overall, LMD/GNP-Al2O3 emerges as a promising material for passive cold storage applications, improving thermal conductivity while preserving similar phase change characteristics to pure LMD performance.

A Comparative Study between Legally Imported and Smuggled Brands of Atenolol and Atorvastatin Drugs Marketed in Aden, Yemen

The purpose of this project was to compare the quality control parameters of both legally imported and smuggled products of Atenolol (Tenormin®) and Atorvastatin (Ateroz®) drugs marketed in Aden, Yemen. Hundred tablets from each studied product were taken from the market and were determined by the quality control parameters including weight variation, hardness, diameter, thickness, disintegration, leakage and assay tests as well as identification of drugs by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrophotometer. The result of this study showed that both legally imported and smuggled tested tablets of Atenolol (Tenormin®) in accordance with quality control specifications except the assay test of smuggled Tenormin where the result shows a value of 81% only and thickness test of smuggled Tenormin that show the values outside of the acceptable range. On the other hand, legally imported and smuggled tablet of Atorvastatin (Ateroz®) complied quality control specifications for the tested parameters. We concluded that the tested drugs complied most of quality control specifications with presence of a variation in some quality control tests between legally imported and smuggled products.

Unleashing of cytotoxic effects of thymoquinone-bovine serum albumin nanoparticles on A549 lung cancer cells.

This research examines the cytotoxic consequences of thymoquinone-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (TQ-BSA NPs) on the A549 lung cancer cell line. UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were employed to verify the biogenic TQ-BSA NPs' size, shape, and distribution. UV-Vis spectrophotometry indicated peaks at 200-300 nm, 500-600 nm, and a prominent peak at 700-800 nm, confirming the presence of TQ-BSA NPs. The polydispersity index, as confirmed by DLS, indicated a solvent distribution in water, accompanied by a zeta potential value of 126.2 ± 46.8 mV. The average size of TQ-BSA NPs was confirmed to be 187 ± 8 nm by SEM. TQ-BSA NPs reduce colony formation in the A549 lung cancer cell line in a dose-dependent manner relative to the control group. Protein expression analysis indicated that TQ-BSA NPs promoted programmed cell death by increasing pro-apoptotic levels and decreasing anti-apoptotic levels. TQ-BSA NPs demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis and exhibited significant efficacy against cancer cells at low concentrations. As a result, they have the makings of a promising chemotherapeutic agent for low-dose, long-term administration.

Construction and performance study of interface layer of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by electrostatic adsorption

AbstractElectrostatic adsorption was used to self‐assemble layers of polymers and nanoparticles with varying charges onto the carbon fiber (CF) surface. This process created two distinct ionic crosslinked network layers: (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐phytic acid‐polyethyleneimine (APTES‐PA‐PEI) and (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐phytic acid‐nano‐silica (APTES‐PA‐SiO2). Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to confirm the presence of ionic interactions. The modified carbon fibers (CFs) exhibited increased surface roughness, higher concentration of functional groups, and improved wettability. Compared to untreated CF composites, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the transverse tensile strength test (TFBT) of CF‐APTES‐PA‐PEI/epoxy composites increased by 67.8% and 62%, respectively. In contrast, the IFSS and TFBT of CF‐APTES‐PA‐SiO2/epoxy composites increased by 63.3% and 52.8%, respectively. The observed strengthening is attributed to the combined effects of ionic crosslinked networks, covalent and hydrogen bonding interactions, enhanced wettability, and the relatively roughened fiber surface. The interfacial layer design approach proposed in this study is both straightforward and effective, demonstrating significant potential for functionalizing CFs. This method is expected to be adaptable for other high‐performance fibers.Highlights The ionic cross‐linked network interface layers were designed. IFSS and TFBT were significantly improved. The enhancement mechanism was elaborated.

Structural, Dielectric, and Electrical Properties of Chitosan Composites Doped with Silver for Electrochemical Applications

AbstractIn this study, chitosan‐silver (Chs‐Ag) composites containing Ag in different concentrations (0.01–0.08 M) were prepared. The characterization and structure studies of the composites containing 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 M Ag were carried out, and then the dielectric properties of these composites were examined. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dielectric and electrical properties of these composites were investigated depending on the frequency at room temperature, and these properties were determined using an impedance analyzer. Spectroscopy revealed that the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε′′), and real (Z′) and imaginary (Z″) components of impedance are found to decrease with increased frequency for both Chs and Chs‐Ag (0.01M–0.08 M) composites. On the contrary, the AC conductivity (σac) of samples increased with increasing frequency. ε′ and ε′′ values of Chs were lower than when the Ag was added. The AC conductivity was improved by the addition of silver particles. The results show that the dielectric and electrical properties of Chs‐Ag samples were improved by using Ag as filler.

Extraction of carbon and preparation of activated carbon from waste dry cell battery

The goal of this research was to synthesize activated carbon (AC) from discarded batteries, and the crystallographic characterization of the final product (AC), intermediate product, and raw sources were explored. The formation of activated carbon was confirmed by utilizing an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) that revealed the structure of activated carbon was hexagonal. The crystallite size of activated carbon was computed by applying several model equations (Linear straight-line method of Scherrer's equation, Monshi-Scherrer method, Sahadat-Scherrer method, Size-Strain plot method, Halder-Wagner method, Williamson-Hall method), and the range of calculated crystallite size was 5–28 nm. The weight loss occurred in the two stages those was explored by a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) confirmed that there was no significant change in the peak position between intermediate product and activated carbon except for the intensity and peak separation difference. Field Emission Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) revealed several types of shapes of the waste source, intermediate product, and main product (AC).

Room temperature nanoimprint aided by electron beam irradiation for polysilsesquioxane

Recently, the application of inorganic nano-periodic structures has become an active area of research. Polysilsesquioxane (PSQ) is known as a hydrolytically stable organic-inorganic hybrid material and this study proposes RT nanoimprint using methylated poly silsesquioxane (Me-PSQ) dissolved in a high-boiling solvent. PSQ electron beam cross-linked by a high electron beam irradiation maintained the shape of nanopatterns and enhanced the heat resistance. As a result of the analysis of the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), a siloxane linkage (Si-O-Si bridging) constitutes a core element of PSQ. The peak wavenumber of Si-O-Si bridging at cross-linked PSQ by electron beam irradiation shifted from 1115 to 1135 cm−1. The peaks shifted towards the high wavenumber side and approached the second peak (1170 cm−1) of the Si-O-Si stretching vibration of quartz. This result suggests that the physical properties of electron-beam irradiated PSQ approach those of quartz.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO–NiO binary nanocomposites by hydrothermal technique for gas sensing and photocatalytic applications

Inorganic photocatalytic materials exhibiting a highly efficient response to ultraviolet-visible light spectrum have become a subject of widespread global interest. Nanocomposite metal oxides, particularly Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO), have gained attention for their diverse applications in gas sensing and photocatalytic processes. In this work, ZnO-NiO (ZnO0.6NiO0.4 and ZnO0.4NiO0.6) binary nanocomposites were synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The binary nanocomposites were analyzed by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD pattern revealed that the nanocomposites, the peaks of both ZnO and NiO are present indicating the presence of both crystal structures hexagonal wurtzite and cubic. The miller indices, crystallite size, microstrain and dislocation density were determined from the XRD plot. FESEM and TEM analyses showed the spherical morphology of the synthesized composites with an approximate size of 10[Formula: see text]nm. The detailed analysis of ZnO–NiO binary nanocomposite sensor characteristics in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, response and recovery time were carried out and the nanocomposites were found to be highly sensitive to CO2 100 ppm at 350∘C and Cl2 at 200∘C. The photocatalytic degradation outcome showed 52% degradation of methylene blue at 10 ppm and 90[Formula: see text]w/m2. These results suggest the potential utility of these binary nanocomposites in photocatalytic applications for the degradation of organic pollutants.

THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS ON THE DEACETYLATION PROCESS OF CHITOSAN CHARACTERISTICS FROM MUD CRAB (SCYLLA SERRATA) SHELL WASTE

Aim and objective: The aim of this study was to determine the yield value, moisturization, ash, and degree of deacetylation by the variations in deacetylation temperature effect on the quality of chitosan. Methods: In the synthesis process of chitosan, the first step was demineralization, followed by deproteinization. Afterward, the deacetylation process synthesized the material with temperature variations of 80, 100, and 120ºC. Furthermore, it was characterized by moisture, ash content, and degree of deacetylation. The last step was the Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FT-IR) to determine the complete chitosan synthesis. Results: The results of this study showed that the chitosan yield and water content met the requirements of the quality standards of chitosan. The values obtained were high, which was affected by the temperature. However, the ash content and degree of deacetylation did not meet the requirements of chitosan quality standards. FTIR data showed that the -OH functional group, a -NH group, and no -C=O group from the amide group were found to have characteristics of chitosan formation. Conclusion: Mud crab shell waste is a potent raw material for making chitosan. The study also reported that the production of chitosan from mud crab shell waste is affected by temperature. Peer Review History: Received 19 May 2024; Reviewed 24 July 2024; Accepted 27 August; Available online 15 September 2024 Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hüsniye Kayalar, Ege University, Turkey, husniyekayalar@gmail.com Prof. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf, Sana'a university, Yemen, alialkaf21@gmail.com

In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds of Vallisneria spiralis L. against Candida albicans

Background This study focused on the extraction, isolation, characterization, and molecular docking of phytochemicals from Vallisneria spiralis L. to determine its antifungal activity. Natural products and structural analogs have always played an important role in pharmacotherapy, particularly in the treatment of infections and malignancies. Methods Vallisneria spiralis L. leaves were pulverized into a fine powder and extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, and the crude chloroform extract was separated by flash column chromatography. Thin-layer chromatography was used to assess the obtained fractions. Infrared spectra were obtained using a Perkin Elmer spectrometer. NMR spectra were collected using a Bruker spectrometer. Qualitative phytochemical investigations were performed to identify compounds in the extracts. The susceptibility of the test compound to Candida albicans was assessed using disk diffusion. A docking study was conducted to dock the three-dimensional structures of the extracted phytocompounds of Vallisneria spiralis L. into the receptor site of the target proteins using Autodock software. MD simulations were used to study the dynamic behavior, conformational changes, and stability of the proteins using the top three hit chemicals. Results These results suggest that Vallisneria spiralis L. extract contains various phytoconstituents, including carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. The distinctive functional groups of the extract were identified using a Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to determine the structures of the isolated and purified extracts. The antifungal activity of Vallisneria spiralis L. extract against Candida albicans was found to be significantly stronger at a concentration of 200 mg/mL. Conclusion The findings of the study were obtained using in vitro and in silico methods to investigate the antifungal effect of Vallisneria spiralis L., which highlighted it as a potential natural antifungal treatment for Candida infection, which could be further investigated.

Synthesis and Characterization of Biodiesel from Non-Edible Seed Oils Extracted from Cameroon Bioresources

This work aimed at valorizing non-edible seed oils from some plants found in Cameroon videlicet Acacia hockii (AH), Garcinia livingstonei (GL) and Moringa oleifera (MO), through production of biodiesel. Two extraction methods used were; the Soxhlet extraction and surfactant assisted extraction with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as surfactant. The extracted oils were characterized using physicochemical parameters. The characterized oils were used to synthesize biodiesels via acid and base catalyzed transesterification reactions. The purification of the biodiesels was done using chromatographic columns. The biodiesels obtained were also characterized using physicochemical analysis in a manner similar to the oils with additional parameters like cold f low properties, f lammability, ignition qualities and cetane number determinations. Qualitative analysis was realized using the Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR). The Soxhlet extraction method gave higher yields for all the plants with MO being the highest, compared to the surfactant assisted extractions. The results from the physicochemical properties of the oils were as follows: specific gravity, 0.876 g/mL, 0.843 g/mL and 0.865 g/mL for AH, GL, and MO. The free fatty acid contents of the oils were 0.436% FFA, 0.547% FFA and 1.60% FFA for AH, GL, and MO respectively. The saponification values gave 143.03 mgKOH/g, 72.93 mgKOH/g, 126.22 mgKOH/g for AH, GL and MO in that order. Iodine values for the oils were 46.54 mgI2/g, 22.41 mgI2/g, 68.10 mgI2/g for AH, GL, and MO, respectively. The peroxide values gave 10.05 meq/kg, 8.50 meq/kg, 8.0 meq/kg for AH, GL, and MO, respectively. The kinematic viscosities were 21.0 mm2/s, 22.0 mm2/s and 43.0 mm2/s for AH, GL, and MO, respectively. The acid catalyzed reaction gave greater crude yields of 90.00% for all three plants while the base catalyzed reaction gave, 87.00% (AH), 84.00% (GL) and 74.00% (MO). The purified biodiesel samples had the following acid numbers: 0.028% FFA for BAH, 0.022% FFA for BGL, and 0.028% FFA for BMO. The kinematic viscosities values for biodiesel were 4.00 mm2/s, 4.23 mm2/s, and 5.22 mm2/s for BAH, BGL, and BMO, respectively. The cetane numbers of the synthesized biodiesel samples were 142.73 (BAH), 167.29 (BGL), and 82.40 (BMO). The IR spectra of the biodiesels corroborated the chemical make-up of biodiesel. Hence non-edible seed oils from the Cameroon rich bioresources can be valorized in biodiesel synthesis and other forms of green energy production in Cameroon and beyond.

X-ray characterization, structural analysis, antibacterial activity, and self-cleaning property of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite prepared by sonochemical process

TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites with different copper (Cu) precursor loadings were prepared by a one-step sonochemical process. The mole ratio of Cu precursor in TiO2-SiO2 composite was varied at 0.004, 0.008, 0.020, and 0.040, respectively. The specific X-ray characterization techniques on crystalline structure, chemical composition, and chemical states of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite were carried out by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Surface morphology and chemical bonding of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite were monitored by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). For antibacterial properties, the inhibition zone of antimicrobial activity was investigated by varying amounts of Cu precursors in the TiO2-SiO2 composite. After that, Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite powder with different Cu precursor ratios was mixed in PMMA solution and deposited on glass slides to study the optical property and hydrophilicity by UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer and contact angle method. XRD patterns of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites show the formation of the main TiO2 anatase phase with the ultrafine particles observed by FE-SEM images. FT-IR spectra of the composites are assigned to the prominent peaks of the Ti-O-Ti and Ti-O-Si bond relating to the TiO2-SiO2 host matrix. Meanwhile, TiO2-SiO2 composites with Cu precursor at 0.004 mol ratio can significantly enhance the antibacterial activity with a large inhibition zone. The contact angle value of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite film at 0.040 Cu precursor mole ratio in the TiO2-SiO2 matrix resulted in the optimized composite ratio for achieving a hydrophilic surface on the substrate.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid and putrescine triggers physiological and biochemical changes in plants to improve growth and bioactive constituents of Ammi majus L

Ammi majus L. is a rich source of coumarins in addition to various flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Medicinal products of Ammi majus seed, with sunlight exposure, are worldwide used for the treatment of vitiligo (pale-white patches on the skin). To increase the content of seed-coumarins and to investigate the physiological reasons in this respect, two net-house experiments were conducted using foliar-spray treatments (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg L−1) of salicylic acid (SA) (Experiment 1) and putrescine (PUT) (Experiment 2). All studied parameters were improved due to the foliar application of both growth elicitors (SA and PUT). The best outcomes for SA and PUT were obtained at 50 mg L−1 which maximally increased the growth characteristics, physiological and biochemical attributes, and seed quality parameters. In comparison to the control, 50 mg L−1 of SA and PUT increased the chlorophyll content by 26.3% and 25.5%, carotenoid content by 31.4% and 18.5%. In addition 50 mg L−1 of both SA and PUT gives the best results of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer) & XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis. In GC–MS analysis, 50 mg L−1 of SA and PUT increases the Methoxsalen content (17.44 and 16.81%) and 7H-Furo[3,2-g]. Bown (1995) [1] Benzopyran-7-one, 4,9-dimethoxy content(14.92 and 13.93%) and p-camphorene content (13.11 and 12.27%) in contrast to the control. Other important constituents were Pimpinellin (6.31 and 4.08%), Bergapten (8.72 and 6.220, Isospathulenol (7.80 and 2.47), Octadecenoic acid (5.78 and 3.59) and Vitamin E (1.48 and 0.16).

Innovative approach against cancer: Thymoquinone-loaded PHEMA-based magnetic nanoparticles and their effects on MCF-7 breast cancer

Breast cancer is most common cancer among women in the World. Thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits a wide range of biological activities such as anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effectiveness in cancer treatment is hindered by its poor bioavailability, attributed to its limited solubility in water. Hence, novel strategies are required to enhance the bioavailability of TQ, which possesses remarkable anticancer characteristics. The aim of this study is to prepare pHEMA-based magnetic nanoparticles carrying TQ (TQ-MNPs) to improve bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy against breast cancer. For this purpose, TQ-MNPs were synthesized and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), magnetic field using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The loading capabilities of synthesized magentic nanostructures were evaluated, and release investigations were conducted under experimental conditions that mimic the cellular environment. The findings of the studies indicated that the TQ carrying capacity of MNPs was deemed satisfactory, and the release efficiency was adequate. MNPs and TQ-MNPs showed biocompatibility against HDFa cells. TQ-MNPs showed stronger anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells compared to free TQ (p < 0.05). TQ-MNPs induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Occurrence of Microplastics in the Tissues of Nile Tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) from Zobe Dam, Katsina State, Nigeria

A study of the detection of microplastics on Oreochromis niloticus in Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria was carried out. Three fish sampling sites were used; the upstream (Tsawatsawa), midstream (Makera), and downstream (Garhi) were selected based on variation of anthropogenic activities. A total number of one hundred and forty-four (144) fish samples with a total weight (MTW) and total length (MTL) varied between 134.1 ±1.50 to 154.2± 3.41g and 17.5 ± 0.10– 22.1± 0.54 cm respectively, were collected and analysed for the presence of microplastics using standard protocols. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used for the chemical characterization of microplastic composition examined in the fish species. The examination of microplastic occurrence in different sampled fish gills, liver, and kidney revealed the presence of Polystyrene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene terephthalate, Nylon, Polyester, and Polyvinyl chloride. Fish from all sampling sites revealed varying histopathological alterations ranging from lifting of epithelium thickening, distortion of the primary lamellae, and degeneration of secondary lamellae, blood congestion, and massive lamellae degeneration in the gill tissues. Liver tissues had hepatocyte hypertrophy, sinusoidal dilatation and cytoplasmic vacuolation, presence of lipid granules, cellular infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and haemorrhage. The kidney tissues were presented with Bowman’s capsules hyperplasia, tubular elongation, renal tubular epithelium shrinkage, hyperplasia, and cytoplasmic vacuolization of renal cells. The severity of the damage varies from site to site indicating that the water body is experiencing pollution at varying locations. Our findings provide important insights into the prevalence and distribution of microplastics in this particular environment.

Daylight photocatalytic activity of SnO2@Al2O3 core-shell: An experimental & first principles study

Two core-shell composite nanosystems of SnO2/Al2O3 have been synthesized using a simple sol-gel technique. Then, one composite is heated under oxygen-sufficient conditions and the other under vacuum conditions, respectively. The structural properties of the SnO2/Al2O3 composites are studied with an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), surface pore size analyser (BET), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). We have studied the optical properties of both composite systems using UV–visible spectrophotometers and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometers. Using DFT (VASP), we calculate the first principle calculations for both models representing the above experimental composite systems. From both experimental and theoretical analysis, we observe that the band gap of the systems changes depending on drying conditions. Further, electronic structure investigation through DFT and all the studies conducted through experiments more or less show the same trend. The photocatalysis application of the prepared core-shell composite systems for the degradation of methyl orange is also observed under sunlight.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Stability Optimization of Ibuprofen Cocrystals eEploying Various Hydrophilic Polymers.

Cocrystals are an efficient way for the delivery of low soluble drugs but when dissolved they rapidly disproportionate. To formulate the cocrystals in tablets, cocrystals must be stabilized. In this study ibuprofen-nicotinamide (IBU-NIC) cocrystals were synthesized initially by slow solvent evaporation and for bulk production by fast solvent evaporation techniques. The cocrystals were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and optical microscopy. The ibuprofen cocrystals showed greater solubility compared to the parent drug. Intrinsic dissolution data was utilized for efficacious screening of tablet formulations. Using hydrophilic polymers at a ratio of 6:1 (polymer to IBU-NIC cocrystal ratio), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (F1), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K-30 (F2) and PVP K-90 (F3), three tablet formulations were prepared that stabilized cocrystals during dissolution. The drug release profiles after 60 minutes from formulations F1 (92.30), F2 (98.54), F3 (99.88) were all higher compared to the marketed brand BRUFEN® F, (79.61%) in a simulated intestinal media (p<0.001). Significant increase in the dissolution rate of cocrystal was observed with no phase change in all formulations.

Empirical Assessment of African Oil Bean Husk as a Fluid-Loss Control Agent in Oil-Based Drilling Mud

Efficiency of drilling mud is partly determined by filtrate loss. In this article, research on suitability of African oil bean husk (AOBH), as a fluid loss control additive for oil-based drilling mud (OBM) is presented. Dry AOBH of particle sizes 63µm, 125µm and 250µm were used. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Phenom Prox model of the Scanning Electron Microscope energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were used to determine morphology and chemical properties of AOBH. OBM samples were prepared using the various sizes of AOBH as fluid-loss control additives and Grel Alphatex as industrial grade additives. Power Law Model and Herschel-Bulkley Models were used to model rheology of samples. Results show that AOBH contains mainly asphaltic compounds, is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Results from mud tests show close values in performances of AOBH and industrial grade. Filter cake thickness was 2.1mm – 2.8mm for AOBH-additives mud, but 2.3mm for industrial-additives mud. Filtrate loss was 2.0ml – 3.4ml for AOBH-additives mud, but 2.3ml for industrial-additives mud. Apparent viscosity for AOBH-additives mud was 77.5 -92.0cp, but 99.0cp for industrial–additives mud. Plastic viscosity for AOBH-additives mud was 73.0 - 81.0cp, but 87.0cp for industrial-additives mud. Yield point for AOBH-additives mud was 9.0 – 22.0, but 24.0 for industrial-additives mud. Both models show that efficiency of the mud containing AOBH in cleaning hole increased as grain size of AOBH reduced.

The Stabilization of Copper and Cadmium in The Hydrated CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 Composites

The stabilization of toxic metals in the stable matrices is quite well-known. Research on copper and cadmium stabilization in the CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 composites was conducted to study the characteristics of CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 composites as well as the Cu and Cd metals stabilization in the hydrated composites. The composites of CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. A stoichiometric amount of CaO, SiO2, Cu(NO3)2, and CdO were calcined at 1050°C for 4 hours. The synthesized compounds were further hydrated in a soaking time of 30, 60, and 90 days. The hydration produced calcium silicate hydrate that can stabilize metals. The Cu and Cd stability in CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2, respectively, were tested using the Toxicity Leaching Procedure (TCLP) method. The hydrated and hydrated composite characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), and Scanning Energy Mocroscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX) and the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) methods. The composites mainly consist of Ca3SiO5, Ca2SiO4, Ca(OH)2, SiO2, and metal oxide of CuO, Cu2O, and CdO. The composites were able to stabilize ~100% of the heavy metals of Cu and Cd.

Adsorptive Sequestration of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Novel Roystonea regia fruit Pericarp: Isotherm, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics

The batch adsorptive sequestration of methylene blue from an aqueous solution using unripe Roystonea regia fruit pericarp biomass was investigated in this study. The characteristic nature of the biosorbent was studied using various analytical instruments including Fourier Transform Infra-red spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffractometer, and the Brunauer-Emmett Teller. The adsorption study was perfomed at different experimental conditions including pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, temperature, agitation speed, and biosobent dose. From the results of this study, the optimum biosorption of MB was achieved at 120 min contact time, pH 10, room temperature (298 K), 150 rpm agitation speed and dosage of 100 mg/150 mL dye solution. With 132.30 mgg-1 maximum sorption capacity, the Langmuir isotherm best describes the biosorption equilibrium data. At all initial concentrations, the biosorption kinetics of methylene blue onto the biosorbent fitted best to the pseudo-second order kinetics model, with R2 values ≥ 0.999 and qcal being similar to the qexp. The kinetics study also showed the involvement of intra-particle diffusion in the rate-determining step; although not as the sole limiting step of the sorption process. The results of the thermodynamics study showed the high feasibility, spontaneity, and exothermic nature of the biosorption of methylene blue onto the biosorbent. This study concludes that Roystnea regia fruit pericarp would make an economically viable and renewable biosorbent for practical eco-friendly sequestration of MB dye from wastewaters.