Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer Analysis Research Articles

Performance of the silica adsorbent from snake fruit peel for removing heavy metals of Ag, Cu, Mn, and Cr in SCW

Silver crafts wastewater (SCW) typically contains environmentally harmful heavy metals, including Ag, Cu, Mn, and Cr, necessitating treatment before disposal. This study explores a promising solution using silica (SiO2) adsorbents derived from snake fruit peel through acidic activation with HCl concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 M. Qualitative analysis of the adsorbent involved Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. XRF analysis revealed major compositions of Si (26%) and Cl (71.46%), with minor elements such as Ca (0.91%), P (0.42%), K (0.37%), Fe (0.12%), and others. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of siloxane (Si-O-Si) and silanol (Si-OH) on the adsorbent. The SiO2 adsorbent demonstrated effectiveness in removing heavy metals (Ag, Cu, Mn, and Cr) from SCW, achieving removal percentages of approximately 16.96%, 24.38%, 19.34%, and 9.82%, respectively. This research contributes to the development of an environmentally friendly approach for SCW treatment using silica adsorbents derived from agricultural waste.

Flotation separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite and sphalerite using a novel collector: An experimental and mechanism investigation

In this paper, a new collector, named O-isobutyl-N-allyl thionocarbamate (IBATC), was synthesized, and the structure was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and 1H NMR, 13C NMR analysis. The collection performance of IBATC was evaluated by flotation tests and interaction mechanism was investigated by means of adsorption amount, zeta potential measurements, FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The flotation tests results proved that IBATC was inclined to collect chalcopyrite compared with pyrite and sphalerite. Especially in the pH range of 9.5–10 and IBATC concentrate of 30–40 mg/L, the recovery of chalcopyrite exhibited more than 80 %. The adsorption amount and zeta potential measurements showed that IBATC had a greater orientation to chalcopyrite. FTIR and XPS analysis demonstrated IBATC chemically adsorbed on chalcopyrite surface, whereas physically adsorbed on pyrite and sphalerite. Further, DFT calculation of the interaction between IBATC and chalcopyrite proved that S atom of IBATC donated electrons to Cu sites on chalcopyrite surface and the adsorption energy was −19.45 kcal/mol, referring to an exothermic reaction. As a result, IBATC showed great capacity for the separation flotation of chalcopyrite, pyrite and sphalerite.

Novel Hydroxyl-Containing Quaternary Ammonium Salt N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-N, N-Dimethyl-3-[(1-Oxododecyl)amino]-1-Propanaminium: Its Synthesis and Flotation Performance to Quartz

In this paper, a novel hydroxyl-containing quaternary ammonium surfactant N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-N, N-dimethyl-3-[(1-oxododecyl)amino]-1-propanaminium (LPDC) was synthesized and introduced as a collector for the reverse cationic flotation separation of apatite from quartz; the adsorption mechanisms between LPDC and two mineral surfaces were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The micro-flotation tests showed that LPDC exhibited excellent flotation performance. When the pulp was at natural pH and LPDC concentration was 25 mg/L, the apatite concentrate with a P2O5 recovery of 95.45% and P2O5 grade of 38.94% could be obtained from artificially mixed minerals. FTIR, zeta potential, and XPS analysis indicated that the adsorption of LPDC onto quartz surface is stronger than that onto apatite surface; meanwhile, the adsorption of LPDC onto quartz surface is mainly provided by electrostatic force and hydrogen bonding.

A hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/hydroxypropyl starch nanocomposite film reinforced with chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating cinnamon essential oil: Preparation and characterization

Active packaging derived from polysaccharides plays an important role in prolonging the shelf life of food. In this study, cinnamon essential oil (CEO)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) were prepared and embedded in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) blends to enhance the physicochemical and biofunctional properties of the formed films. Different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 μL/mL) of CEOs were encapsulated with CNs to form CEO-CNs, as confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The prepared CEO-CNs were incorporated into the HPMC/HPS film-forming matrix to prepare reinforced nanocomposite films. SEM images showed that the CEO-CNs were dispersed in the HPMC/HPS matrix, thus filling the void space in the composite matrix and significantly improving the mechanical and barrier properties of the bio-nanocomposite films. The elongation at break of the reinforced films improved from 8.54 ± 0.53 MPa to 24.81 ± 0.47 MPa, and the water vapor permeability was reduced by nearly 30 %. FTIR and XRD analyses indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between CEO-CNs and HPMC/HPS polymer molecules. Release studies showed that the nanocomposite film was capable of sustained release of CEO, which imparted antioxidant (radical scavenging activity of 27.66–42.19 %) and antimicrobial properties (inhibition of Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus growth). Therefore, these HPMC/HPS nanocomposite films with enhanced properties may have great potential for food preservation.

Structural Elucidation of Anti-Pseudomonas Component from <i>Eucalyptus Tereticornis</i>

Eucalyptus species is a well-known medicinal plant from ancient times with diverse biological functions, antimicrobial activity being one of them. This study attempts to isolate a secondary metabolite with antibacterial properties from ethanol extracts of Eucalyptus tereticornis leaf by antibacterial - against Pseudomonas aeruginosa - activity-guided procedure. Ethanol extract of the leaf powder was obtained by soxhlation and subjected to liquid-liquid extraction with organic solvents – ethyl acetate, n-hexane, n-butane, and chloroform. The active n-hexane and chloroform extracts were purified by column chromatography, and the components of the active eluant fraction were separated by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The purity of the antibacterial compound was checked by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the molecular weight determined by Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and the structure elucidated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). TLC of n-hexane extract of liquid-liquid extraction showed a single spot with antibacterial activity. A single major peak was observed on HPLC, and LC-MS revealed that the compound is a formylated phloroglucinol component (FPC) with a molecular weight of 471.3. The NMR and FTIR analysis identified that the isolated compound is Macrocarpal A. This study reveals that the isolated relatively pure anti-Pseudomonas compound from the leaf extracts of E. tereticornis is Macrocarpal A, a flavanoid from FPC.

The anisotropic adsorption of potassium cetyl phosphate on molybdenite surface and its implication for improving the flotation of molybdenite fines

The flotation of molybdenite fines is a challenging task during mineral processing worldwide. In this work, potassium cetyl phosphate (PCP) was explored as a novel collector to enhance the flotation of molybdenite fines. The flotation performances were assessed by micro-flotation tests. The adsorption mechanisms were uncovered through Zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Tafel curves, cyclic voltammetry, contact angle and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The flotation tests demonstrated that PCP could efficiently collect molybdenite fines. Zeta potential and contact angle results suggested that the adsorption of PCP significantly improved the hydrophobicity of molybdenite surfaces. AFM, Tafel curves and adsorption energy revealed that PCP had a preferential affinity to edges (Eads = -735.14 kJ/mol) than faces (Eads = 33.5 kJ/mol). FTIR, XPS, cyclic voltammetry and DFT analysis manifested that PCP chemisorbed on the edges via the hybridization of the O 2p orbital of P-O radical within phosphate groups with the Mo 4d orbital, forming two high ionicity bonds, which could replace kerosene to improve the flotation of molybdenite fines.

Geochemical and Spectroscopic Features of Beryl (Aquamarine) from Renli No. 5 Pegmatite in Hunan, Central China

The No. 5 pegmatite vein is the most evolved and well mineralized vein in the Renli deposit, with beryl being the most important beryllium mineral. The vein represents one of the most important gem-quality aquamarine mines at Renli. In this study, beryl crystals from the No. 5 pegmatite vein were examined by EMPA (electron microprobe analysis), ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry), XRD (diffraction of X-rays), FTIR (fourier transform infrared spectrometer), and Raman analyses. Field and petrographic observations showed that most beryl crystals are euhedral to subhedral with light to medium blue color. EMPA analyses indicated that the main chemical compositions of beryl are close to the ideal values, with relatively low Fe (0.222–0.690 wt%) and alkali metal (0.280–0.820 wt%) contents. Geochemical and spectroscopic analyses indicated that cations replacement in beryl is relatively simple. The substituting cations of beryl in the octahedral Al site include mainly: Mg2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Cr3+, Ti4+, and the excess Si. The tetrahedral Be site is mainly replaced by Li. Alkali metals in channel (esp. Na) serve as a charge compensator. According to the Fe-Mg-alkali and Li-Cs contents, the beryls from No. 5 pegmatite belong to the low Li-Cs and low Fe-Mg-medium alkali beryl groups. Field and geochemical data indicated that the No. 5 pegmatite vein formed by the multistage Mufushan granitic pluton emplacement and the magma source was less evolved.

Effect of xanthohumol-loaded anti-inflammatory scaffolds on cartilage regeneration in goats

To develop an anti-inflammatory poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold by loading xanthohumol, and investigate its anti-inflammatory and cartilage regeneration effects in goats. The PLGA porous scaffolds were prepared by pore-causing agent leaching method, and then placed in xanthohumol solution for 24 hours to prepare xanthohumol-PLGA scaffolds (hereinafter referred to as drug-loaded scaffolds). The PLGA scaffolds and drug-loaded scaffolds were taken for general observation, the pore diameter of the scaffolds was measured by scanning electron microscope, the porosity was calculated by the drainage method, and the loading of xanthohumol on the scaffolds was verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Then the two scaffolds were co-cultured with RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours, and the expressions of inflammatory factors [interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)] were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro of two scaffolds. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was obtained from bone marrow of a 6-month-old female healthy goat, cultured by adherent method, and passaged in vitro. The second passage cells were seeded on two scaffolds to construct BMSCs-scaffolds, and the cytocompatibility of scaffolds was observed by live/dead cell staining and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. The BMSCs-scaffolds were cultured in vitro for 6 weeks, aiming to verify its feasibility of generating cartilage in vitro by gross observation, histological staining, collagen type Ⅱ immunohistochemical staining, and biochemical analysis. Finally, the two kinds of BMSCs-scaffolds cultured in vitro for 6 weeks were implanted into the goat subcutaneously, respectively. After 4 weeks, gross observation, histological staining, collagen type Ⅱ immunohistochemical staining, biochemical analysis, and RT-PCR were performed to comprehensively evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect in vivo and promotion of cartilage regeneration of the drug-loaded scaffolds. The prepared drug-loaded scaffold had a white porous structure with abundant, continuous, and uniform pore structures. Compared with the PLGA scaffold, there was no significant difference in pore size and porosity ( P>0.05). FTIR spectrometer analysis showed that xanthohumol was successfully loaded to PLGA scaffolds. The in vitro results demonstrated that the gene and protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in drug-loaded scaffold significantly decreased than those in PLGA scaffold ( P<0.05). With the prolongation of culture, the number of live cells increased significantly, and there was no significant difference between the two scaffolds ( P>0.05). The in vitro cartilage regeneration test indicated that the BMSCs-drug-loaded scaffolds displayed smooth and translucent appearance with yellow color after 6 weeks in vitro culture, and could basically maintained its original shape. The histological and immunohistochemical stainings revealed that the scaffolds displayed typical lacunar structure and cartilage-specific extracellular matrix. In addition, quantitative data revealed that the contents of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type Ⅱ were not significantly different from BMSCs-PLGA scaffolds ( P>0.05). The evaluation of cartilage regeneration in vivo showed that the BMSCs-drug-loaded scaffolds basically maintained their pre-implantation shape and size at 4 weeks after implantation in goat, while the BMSCs-PLGA scaffolds were severely deformed. The BMSCs-drug-loaded scaffolds had typical cartilage lacuna structure and cartilage specific extracellular matrix, and no obvious inflammatory cells infiltration; while the BMSCs-PLGA scaffolds had a messy fibrous structure, showing obvious inflammatory response. The contents of cartilage-specific GAG and collagen type Ⅱ in BMSCs-drug-loaded scaffolds were significantly higher than those in BMSCs-PLGA scaffolds ( P<0.05); the relative gene expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly lower than those in BMSCs-PLGA scaffolds ( P<0.05). The drug-loaded scaffolds have suitable pore size, porosity, cytocompatibility, and good anti-inflammatory properties, and can promote cartilage regeneration after implantation with BMSCs in goats.

The effects of hydroxyl on selective separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite: A mechanism study

The separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite is usually carried out under high alkaline conditions. However, the separation mechanism of chalcopyrite from pyrite under high alkaline conditions was still unclear. In this work, the effects of hydroxyl on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite were systematically investigated by flotation tests, Zeta potential measurements, adsorption studies, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Micro-flotation results showed that chalcopyrite could be separated from pyrite in high alkaline pulp. Furthermore, Zeta potential indicated that the adsorption of xanthate on the surface of pyrite was obviously weakened at pH = 12, while its on chalcopyrite surface had little change. Such results were confirmed by adsorption tests. The adsorption amount of sodium butyl xanthate (SBX) on chalcopyrite was much higher than pyrite at pH = 12. Besides, FTIR analysis demonstrated that the characteristic peaks (C=S, C–O–C) of SBX were observed for chalcopyrite, while no characteristic peak of SBX was found for pyrite. DFT calculation further confirmed that the competitiveness of xanthate on the surface Cu sites of chalcopyrite was stronger than on the surface Fe sites of pyrite. Hydroxyl ion can be effectively adsorbed on pyrite rather than chalcopyrite, owing to its stronger affinity with pyrite.

Application of a new depressant dithiocarbamate chitosan in separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite

The application of a new depressant called dithiocarbamate chitosan (DTC-CTS) in flotation separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite was firstly tested in present work, and the depression mechanism of DTC-CTS was investigated by contact angle measurement, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The flotation test result showed that chalcopyrite could be depressed well by DTC-CTS in the Cu-Mo mixed system. Under the optimum condition of DTC-CTS dosage 0.8 mg/L, kerosene 20 mg/L, methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) 20 mg/L and pH = 6, a Mo concentrate with Mo grade 54.86% and recovery 88.84% can be obtained from the Cu-Mo mixture, and this concentrate had a very low Cu grade of 3.37% with 9.65% recovery. Contact angle measurement results showed that the contact angle of chalcopyrite surface significantly decreased from 80.2° to 62.36°, while that of molybdenite decreased slightly from 71.63° to 67.82°. FTIR analysis showed that the peak of -NCSS shifted from 1446.18 cm−1 to 1459.52 cm−1 in the IR spectra of chalcopyrite after DTC-CTS treatment. It was indicated that DTC-CTS is easier to adsorb on chalcopyrite than molybdenite, and such a result is consistent with Tof-SIMS test. All these details have established that DTC-CTS strongly adsorbs onto the chalcopyrite surface mainly via the head group –NCSS bonding with the metal atoms on chalcopyrite surface. Then, the hydrophilic of chalcopyrite could be increased, which further results in the separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite.

APPLICATION OF AGRICULTURAL WASTES FOR THE AQUEOUS REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM WASTE WATER

Heavy metals were found to have hazardous impact on man and ecosystem. The efficacy of Rice, Millet and Guinea corn husks was tested for the removal of Cu(II) and Fe(II) ions from aqueous solution. The husks were soaked in the metal ion solutions removed, dried, digested and analyzed by MP-AES. The husks were found to be effective for the removal of the targeted metal ions. The results showed the pattern of removal in the order; RH &gt;GCH &gt; MH and GCH &gt; MH &gt; RH for Cu(II) and Fe(II) respectively. The samples were also analyzed for X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The XRF result showed oxides like SiO2, MnO, MgO and Fe2O3, etc. with SiO2 having the highest percentage. The results of the FTIR analysis showed the presence of OH, C-H, NH and C=O groups, which indicates tendencies for metal binding. Moreover, the MP-AES results showed that RH had the highest removal capacity of Cu(II) with 95% (76 mg/g), followed by GCH 92.5 % (74 mg/g), and MH has the least removal capacity of 84.5 % (67.6 mg/g). The amount of Fe(II) was found to be high in GCH with 95% (76mg/g) followed by MH, 91.5 % (73.2 mg/g) and RH having the least capacity of 60 % (48 mg/g). Generally, the results indicates that all the agricultural wastes have the capacity to remove the heavy metals significantly. This showed that, the husks can be used to remove heavy metals from wastewater without polluting the environment.

THE ROLE OF N-DOPING TO THE PORE CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM VETIVER ROOT DISTILLATION WASTE

This work studied the effect of nitrogen functional group modification on activated carbon synthesized from vetiver root waste on pores development. Synthesis of activated carbon was carried out by hydrothermal carbonization of vetiver root waste at a temperature of 225 ⁰C for 18 hours followed by chemical activation using K2FeO4as activated agent in a furnace at temperature of 800 ⁰C for 2 hours with nitrogen atmosphere flowed at a rate of 100 mL/minute. Urea was used as a nitrogen source. The variation of urea concentration was 1:0 (AC0–800), 1:3 (AC3–800) and 1:5 (AC5–800). The results showed that these activated carbons have mesoporous characteristics with the largest Brunauer Emmett Teller (SBET) surface area of 552.90 m2g-1 and average pore width 3,43 nm. The presence of nitrogen functional group was observed in the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer analysis. Synthesis of activated carbon from vetiver root waste with an addition of urea is the newest method to produce mesoporous activated carbon for electrode and support catalyst purposes.

Original Article BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM SPONGE SUBERITES CARNOSUS (JOHNSTON) COLLECTED FROM WEST COAST OF MUMBAI, INDIA

Objective: Structural elucidation of bioactive compounds from marine Sponge Suberites Carnosus (Johnston) by using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) techniques with respect to its pharmacological and biomedical properties.&#x0D; Methods: The sponge Suberites carnosus (Johnston) was collected during low tides from West Coast of Mumbai. Crude extract was obtained by taking 10 gram of sponge sample in10 ml of methanol. The preparative TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) was performed by using Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Diethylamine (7:2:1) (v/v). The isolated compounds were subjected to GC-MS and FTIR analysis.&#x0D; Results: From the GC-MS and FTIR analysis, total ten compounds were identified. The GC-MS spectra correlate to the mass spectra. The structures of those compounds are 6-Fluoro 2-trifluromethylbenzoic acid,2,3-dichlorophenyl ester, Eicosane 3-cyclohexyl, Phosphine imide, P,P,P,-tris (p-chlorophenyl)-N-phenyl-, Dimethylhyl hexavinyl octasilsesquioxane, Hexanoicacid, hexadecyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid,2-hydroxy1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, 9, 19-Cyclolanostan-3-ol, acetate, (3β), Tetracosane, 3-ethyl-, 11, 14-Eicosadienoic acid, methyl ester, Triacontane, 11,20-didecyl-respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The nature and biological properties of the said compounds were determined and it was found that some of them act as a skin irritant. Some of them have fatty, metabolite, and irritant property, whereas some are act as masking and perfuming agents. Some compounds are highly toxic property, whereas others have an effect on health and environmental hazard. Some are highly corrosive in nature, whereas others are Cholesterol and chemotaxonomic significance.

A petrochemical study of Mughal plasters of Quila-I-Ark, Aurangabad with respect to technology and repair

This paper reports the mineralogical composition of western India's 16-17th century Mughal plasters of Quila-I-Ark, Aurangabad to prepare compatible repair mortar and document ancient Indian lime technology. Analytical studies were undertaken for aggregate grain size distribution, thin section analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical composition of the plasters by x-ray fluorescence (XRF analysis). The analysis revealed the inclusion of large size basaltic aggregate grains mostly sourced from the water channel of nearby Harsullake. Some of the plaster works show prominent inclusion of small size grains pointing different periods of construction. Creamy white zeolites were found specifically added in the mortar mix to maintain a certain level of humidity during the dry season. The zeolite is highly porous and breaks easily both in dry and wet conditions. The calcite rich limestone with traces of magnesium was sourced as raw material for the plasters. Based on mineralogical composition and binder/aggregate ratio, three phases of historical constructions were documented. FTIR and thin section analysis showed the mixing of some proteinaceous adhesive juice in the lime for improvement in rheological and waterproof properties. The high quantity of large size aggregate grains ensured better carbonation of lime and the source of aggregates remained the same for all phases of historical constructions. The cementation index (C.I.) and hydraulicity index (H.I.) vary between 0.10 to 0.96 and 0.20 to 3.43, respectively showing the plaster is aerial lime with traces of magnesium. The plaster is feebly hydraulic as the hydraulic component calculated varies between 0.88 to 6.10 percent in different samples. A moderate strength plaster with a lime/silica ratio close to 0.33 was prepared for most phases of construction except a few isolated locations. The analytical data will now help to prepare compatible mortar with identical additives for a major repair.

Isolation and characterization of an Enterococcus strain from Chinese sauerkraut with potential for lead removal

Traditional fermented foods are important sources of probiotics, which attract intensive attentions because of their beneficial effects. The potential of probiotic strains to remove heavy metals have also aroused interest from researchers. In this study, the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from various fermented foods to removal lead (Pb) was tested, and strains with high removal efficiency were selected and characterized by the use of scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM–EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the mechanism of lead removal. Two selected strains, identified as Enterococcus faecium DUTYH_16120012 and Enterococcus sp. DUTYH_16120026, were found capable of removing Pb2+ efficiently from MRS broth. Results indicated that initial pH, Pb2+ concentration and growing temperature were important factors affecting lead removal, which might be attributed to the effects of these factors on bacterial growth and physiology. The cell wall played a major role, contributing 80.58 ± 1.65%, in Pb2+ removal by bacterial cells. SEM–EDS and XPS analysis implied that possible chemical compositions of the yellow–brown deposits observed on the cell pellets grown in presence of lead were PbO2 and PbO. FTIR analysis indicated that some functional groups (–OH, –C=O, –N–H, –C–N) were involved in the Pb2+ removal process. The isolated strains demonstrated a potential for lead removal, but further study was needed to reveal the detailed mechanism by which the selected strain removes lead from the growing environment.

Moringa oleifera biopolymer coagulation and bentonite clay adsorption for hazardous heavy metals removal from aqueous systems

ABSTRACT Moringa oleifera seed (MOS) biopolymers and bentonite clay separately have their own heavy metal removal efficiency. However, it is not sufficient for drinking water treatment because of the stringent standards adopted by BIS/WHO. In this study, coagulation with MOS biopolymer and adsorption through bentonite column help in effective removal of heavy metals from the aqueous systems with reduced coagulant dosage at optimum pH conditions. The maximum removal efficiencies of Cd, Cr and Pb are 98.71% at pH 7–8, 99.84% at pH 2–3 and 99.95% at pH 6–7, respectively. The scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer analysis of the sludges of Moringa oleifera and bentonite showed the presence of the metal ions.

Enhancing the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Cellulose Nanocomposites with Aluminum Nanoadditives.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a common hydrophilic and biodegradable polymer that can form films. This study incorporated aluminum nanoadditives as an enhancement reagent into a HPMC matrix. Mechanical properties of nanocompoistes, including the tensile strength and the elastic modulus, were analyzed with a nano-tensile tester. The incorporation of additives in HPMC films significantly enhances their mechanical and film barrier properties. Evidence of bonding between the additive and matrix was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer analysis. The additives occupy the spaces in the pores of the matrix, which increases the tendency of the pore to collapse and improves the chemical bonding between the base material and the additives. The incorporation of excess additives decreases the tensile strength due to ineffective collisions between the additives and the matrix. The wear test proves that the addition of nano-additives can improve the tribology performance of the HPMC composite while reducing the wear volume and the friction. Bonding between the nanoadditives and the matrix does not help release the nanoadditives into the wear interface as a third-body layer. The main reason to enhance the tribology performance is that the nanoadditives improve the load-capacity of the composite coating. This hybrid composite can be useful in many sustainability applications.

Degradation analysis of gear oil SAE 90 used in load haul dumper machine

Lubricant degradation is the main cause for low performance of the machine such as heavy engineering machines, mining machinery etc. Lubricants are used for smooth running of gears and they also avoid friction and noise. Its performance is affected by high temperature and shearing, due to high temperature viscosity of oil changes and due to shearing its physical property changed or degraded. This paper analyses the failure behaviour of gear oil used in Load Haul Dumper (Model No: Eimco Elecon – 811MK). Gear oil degradation was measured by oil analysis in two sections: (i) fluid properties and (ii) contamination in the oil. Fluid properties were analysed by Viscometer, Rheometer whereas contamination analysis was done by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR). All tests were performed carefully and their graphs were plotted. Results show that temperature and shearing were two of the several causes for degradation of oil. Viscosity analysis clearly presents that viscosity of oil exponentially decreases with temperature. Viscosity is also decreasing with shear rate at different temperatures. FTIR analysis confirmed that contamination is increasing with continuous use of oil. Temperature and oxidation are the main reasons for degradation. Different composition forming in used gear oil and those were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy absorption table.

Preparation and luminescent properties of Eu(Ⅲ) organic complex and novel transparent ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) films doped with complexes

In this study, a new ternary rare earth organic complex Eu(POA)3TTA was synthesized and successfully doped into the ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) resins. The transparent doped EMA (Eu-EMA) films with excellent fluorescence performance were obtained by making full use of the excellent compatibility and filling performance of EMA resins. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF MS, scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and static water contact angle measurements were used to characterize the properties of the complexes Eu(POA)3TTA and the Eu-EMA films. FT-IR analysis, elemental analysis and MALDI-TOF MS verify the ligands were successfully coordinated with the Eu3+ ions. The Eu(POA)3TTA particles are well dispersed in the EMA matrix and only a small fraction of them precipitate out to the surface of the EMA films. The relationship between fluorescence emission intensity of the Eu-EMA films and the doping ratios of Eu(POA)3TTA to EMA resins has been studied and discussed. The fluorescence intensity of the Eu-EMA films reaches the maximum when the doping ratio is 1.0 wt%. The Eu-EMA films all have high thermal stability (Td ≥ 392 °C) and the Td value enhances as the doping ratio increasing. As a result, the Eu-EMA films possess potential application for luminescent materials even at high temperatures.

Development of Amoxicillin-Loaded Electrospun Polyurethane/Chitosan/ $\beta$ -Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold for Bone Tissue Regeneration.

Biocompatible nanocomposite electrospun fibers containing Polyurethane/Chitosan/ $\beta $ -Tri calcium phosphate with diverse concentrations were designed and produced through the electrospinning process for bone tissue engineering applications. After the production process, density measurement, viscosity, electrical conductivity, and tensile strength measurement tests were carried out as physical analyses of blended solutions. The chemical structural characterization was scrutinized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphological details of developed electrospun scaffolds. Cell viability, attachment, and proliferation were performed using a L929 fibroblast cell line. Based on the physical, SEM, FTIR analysis, and cell culture studies, preferable nanofiber composition was selected for further studies. Amoxicillin (AMX) was loaded to that selected nanofiber composition for examination of the drug release. In comparison with other studies on similar AMX controlled products, higher drug loading and encapsulation efficiencies were obtained. It has been clearly found that the developed nanofiber composites have potential for bone tissue engineering applications.