Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Test Research Articles

Quantitative detection of polymer content in styrene‐butadiene‐styrene modified asphalt after aging

AbstractThe identification of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) content is crucial in engineering applications since the key to assessing the performance of aged‐modified asphalt is the SBS content. Six types of modified asphalts with various SBS contents were prepared, and physical, rheological, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were conducted. The fitting relationship between aged‐modified asphalt indexes and SBS content was established, and the three methods' accuracy, simplicity, and efficiency were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the fitting relationship between SBS content and viscosity could exceed 0.83 after aging. However, the linear and quadratic fittings deviated from the measured values, and the softening point had no apparent law with the SBS content. The rheological index method significantly correlated with SBS content and is highly automated. However, FTIR was established based on the direct detection of SBS characteristic peaks compared with the physical and rheological indexes methods. It could directly reflect the SBS content and was not easily disturbed by SBS substitutes. In addition, after long‐term aging, the linear relationship between SBS characteristic peak index, A966/A811, and SBS content could exceed 0.97. The FTIR test exhibited high accuracy and fast detection speed and is the best detection method for SBS content.

Polarization and Conduction Characteristics of Mineral Oil and Natural Ester Mixed with Nanoparticles

Mineral oil (MO) has been widely used in transformers because of its reasonable price and acceptable properties. Currently, alternative liquid insulations have been proposed with some excellent properties. Therefore, the mineral oil characteristics need to be enhanced for high performance to compete with such alternative liquid insulations. This paper aims to study the power frequency dielectric dissipation factor (tanδ) along with polarization and depolarization current (PDC) characteristics of the mineral oil-based nanofluid and natural ester (NE)-based nanofluid. Besides, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurement of the test specimen was performed. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) with 0.01% and also 0.03% volume concentration were used to mix with the unmodified liquid to create liquid insulation-based nanofluid. Then, unmodified mineral oil, unmodified natural ester, mineral oil-based nanofluid, and natural ester-based nanofluid were comparatively investigated. Tanδ at power frequency and the PDC characteristics of such liquids were examined. For PDC measurement, TiO2 clearly affected the polarization current and conduction loss factor, whereas ZnO evidently impacted the depolarization current and polarization loss factor. In the case of FT-IR test results, there was no significant change when the modified insulating liquid was compared with those of the unmodified insulating liquid.

Preparation of stable enteric folic acid-loaded microfiber using the electrospinning method.

Objective(s):Folic acid is an essential vitamin, labile to hydrolysis in the acidic environment of the stomach with low water solubility and bioavailability. In order to solve these problems, enteric oral folic acid-loaded microfibers with a pH-sensitive polymer by electrospinning method were prepared.Materials and Methods:Electrospinning was performed at different folic acid ratios and voltages. Fibers were evaluated in terms of mechanical strength, acidic resistance, and drug release. Additionally, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analyses were performed on the optimal formulation. Results:Drug ratio and voltage had a considerable effect on fibers’ entrapment efficiency, acid resistance, and mechanical strength. Based on the obtained results, the optimum formulation containing 1.25% of the drug/polymer was prepared at 18 kV. The entrapment efficiency of the optimal sample was above 90% with an acid resistance of higher than 70%. The tensile test confirmed the high mechanical properties of the optimum microfiber. DSC and XRD tests indicated that folic acid was converted to an amorphous form in the fiber structure and the FTIR test confirmed the formation of a chemical bond between the drug and the polymer. The release of the drug from the optimal fiber was about 90% in 60 min.Conclusion:In conclusion, the optimal formulation of folic acid with proper mechanical properties can be used as a candidate dosage form for further bioavailability investigations.

Performance evaluation of hot-applied sealant for asphalt pavement with consideration of the ash content

The hot-applied sealant is widely applied for sealing the cracks of asphalt pavement, in which the filling equipment is always blocked during the installation. The high proportion of ash particles generating the high segregation and low liquidity of sealant is a critical reason for equipment blockage. Therefore, this study aims to explore the influences of ash content on the stability and fluidity of sealant. Six commonly used sealants following the specification requirements were selected in this study. The methodologies involve proposing an ash content test to enhance the calcination efficiency of sealant samples, conducting the segregation and rheological tests including amplitude sweep (AS), temperature sweep (TS) and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests to evaluate the stability and fluidity of sealants, and utilizing the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests to acquire the specific chemical properties of sealants. The results indicate that the modified ash content test protocol proposed, calcining the sealant by mixing with the steel balls, is effective for fully calcining. The sealants with high ash content values always exhibit severe segregation and low thermal stability. The complex modulus curves, phase angle curves, black space diagrams, Han curves, and non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) values derived from the rheological tests present that the ash particles lead to poor stability and high elasticity of sealants. Furthermore, the FTIR tests imply that the S1 sealant was modified with most additives among six sealants, while the GPC tests point that the ash particles are not related to the molecular size of sealants. Moreover, it is recommended that the ash content index should be included in the existing evaluation system after the weak correlations with other indexes were discovered.

Towards Induction of Angiogenesis in Dental Pulp Stem Cells Using Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Releasing Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor.

Introduction Chitosan is a natural biopolymer that attracted enormous attention in biomedical fields. The main components of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs), as well as tissue engineering, are scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factors. As one of the basic factors in the REPs is maintaining vascularization, this study was aimed at developing basic fibroblast growth factor- (bFGF-) loaded scaffolds and investigating their effects on the angiogenic induction in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Methods Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/chitosan- (CS-) based highly porous scaffold (PCL/CS) was prepared and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The adhesion and survival potency of seeded cells were assessed by SEM and MTT assays, respectively. The amount of angiogenic markers was investigated in gene and protein levels by real-time PCR and western blotting assays, respectively. Results Based on our findings, the SEM and FTIR tests confirmed the appropriate structure of synthesized scaffolds. Besides, the adhesion and survival rate of cells and the levels of VEGFR-2, Tie2, and Angiopoietin-1 genes were increased significantly in the PCL/CS/bFGF group. Also, the western blotting results showed the upregulation of these markers at protein levels, which were considerably higher at the PCL/CS/bFGF group (P < 0.05). Conclusions On a more general note, this study demonstrates that the bFGF-loaded PCL/CS scaffolds have the potential to promote angiogenesis of hDPSCs, which could provide vitality of dentin-pulp complex as the initial required factor for regenerative endodontic procedures.

Effect of Indium Addition on the Low-Temperature Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO x by NH3 over MnCeO x Catalysts: The Promotion Effect and Mechanism.

A MnCeInOx catalyst was prepared by a coprecipitation method for denitrification of NH3-SCR (selective catalytic reduction). The catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, H2 temperature-programmed reduction, and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption. The NH3-SCR activity and H2O and SO2 resistance of the catalysts were evaluated. The test results showed that the SCR and water resistance and sulfur resistance were good in the range of 125–225 °C. The calcination temperature of the Mn6Ce0.3In0.7Ox catalyst preparation was studied. The crystallization of the Mn6Ce0.3In0.7Ox catalyst was poor when calcined at 300 °C; however, the crystallization is excessive at a 500 °C calcination temperature. The influence of space velocity on the performance of the catalyst is great at 100–225 °C. FTIR test results showed that indium distribution on the surface of the catalyst reduced the content of sulfate on the surface, protected the acidic site of MnCe, and improved the sulfur resistance of the catalyst. The excellent performance of the Mn6Ce0.3In0.7Ox catalyst may be due to its high content of Mn4+, surface adsorbed oxygen species, high specific surface area, redox sites and acid sites on the surface, high turnover frequency, and low apparent activation energy.

The Mechanism of the Effect of Pre-Magnetized Butyl Xanthate on Chalcopyrite Flotation

In this work, we applied the technology of magnetic treatment to the flotation of chalcopyrite. The mechanism of the effect of pre-magnetized butyl xanthate on chalcopyrite flotation was studied using monomineral flotation tests, adsorption tests, conductivity tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), etc. The monomineral flotation test results showed that, after the magnetization pretreatment of butyl xanthate solution, the chalcopyrite flotation recovery was increased by nearly two percentage points, and the dosage was reduced by 4–10 mg/L at the same recovery. The adsorption, FTIR, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity test results all showed that the magnetization pretreatment increased the dissolved oxygen content and promoted the oxidation of butyl xanthate to double xanthate with better selectivity to chalcopyrite. An electrochemical analysis showed that the magnetization pretreatment of butyl xanthate reduced the corrosion potential and corrosion current density of chalcopyrite surface and inhibited the self-corrosion process of chalcopyrite surface. The flotation test results of actual copper sulfide ore showed that pre-magnetized butyl xanthate could increase the copper recovery of copper concentrate by 3.06 percentage points and the sulfur recovery of sulfur concentrate by nearly 3 percentage points, and effectively reduce the mutual content of copper and sulfur concentrates.

Physicochemical properties of MgO-silica fume cementitious materials exposed to high temperatures

In this paper, MgO and silica fume (SF) are used to prepare MgO-SF cementitious materials, physicochemical properties of MgO-SF materials at room temperature (RT), 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C are studied. By means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS-NMR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy-energy spectrometer (SEM-EDS), the changes of cementitious phase are explored to support the strength change results. The research results show that after a high temperature of 800 °C, the residual compressive strength of MgO-SF mortars is between 43.19% and 66.18%, showing excellent high-temperature resistance. XRD, FT-IR and SEM-EDS test results show that M-S-H gel has stronger thermal stability than brucite. The 29Si MAS-NMR results show that the M-S-H gels at the Q1 and Q2 sites turned to the Q3 site under the action of high-temperature, showing stronger stability. Under the action of high temperature, the presence of MgO-SF undergoes rehydration and M-S-H gel partially decomposes. When the temperature exceeds 400 °C, the brucite loses water and decomposes, the M-S-H gel dehydration and reorganization, and the unhydrated SF particles appear. The gel-like structure, SiO2 and MgO particles are loosely arranged, forming rough and uneven cluster morphology. This study provides an experimental and theoretical basis for the spreading and using MgO-SF materials under high-temperature conditions.

Experimental investigation of high replacement of cement by pumice in cement mortar: A mechanical, durability and microstructural study

Pozzolanic materials have long been used to enhance the mechanical and durability properties of mortar and concrete. It also helps in economizing mortar and concrete construction along with the reuse of certain waste materials. This study aimed to utilize pumice in cement mortar at high contents and evaluate its influence on the mechanical and durability properties, as well as microstructure of mortar specimens. For this purpose, different percentages of cement up to 40% were replaced with pumice. A series of tests such as compression strength, flexure strength, porosity, acid attack resistance, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and SEM-EDX analyses were conducted. The results show that the sample C80–P20 (80% cement and 20% pumice) had 9.8% higher compressive strength and 36% lower porosity than the control group after 90 days curing period. The inclusion of pumice led to a higher resistance against acid attack as the control sample severely deteriorated and lost about 30% mass, while the sample C60–P40 lost only 10% mass. The FTIR, TGA and SEM-EDX tests also confirmed the pozzolanic reactivity of pumice thereby, justifying the improved mechanical and durability performance of the samples incorporating pumice.

The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis for the clay mineralogy studies in a clastic reservoir

The complete characteristics knowledge of clay minerals is necessary in the evaluation studies of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Ten samples taken from two wells in a heterogeneous clastic gas reservoir formation in NE Iran were selected to conduct the transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests for the clay mineralogy studies. The FTIR analysis showed that there were clear signs of clay minerals in all samples. The wavenumber region of the clay minerals in FTIR tests was detected to be 3621, 3432, 1034, and 515 cm−1 for illite, 3567, 3432, 1613, 1088, 990, 687, 651, and 515 cm−1 for magnesium-rich chlorite, 3700, 3621, 3432, 1034, 687, and 463 cm−1 for kaolinite, and 3567, 1088, 990, and 463 cm−1 for glauconite. After screening of samples by the FTIR method, the samples were then analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PXRD and SEM result showed illite was by far the most common clay present. Kaolinite, magnesium-rich chlorite, and traces of smectite and the mixed-layer clays of both the illite–smectite and chlorite-smectite types were also recognized. The combination of PXRD and WDXRF results could quantify the clay abundances in the each well too. It was concluded that the FTIR analysis successfully could show the absorption bonds of all constituent clays. However, the infrared absorption spectra of mixed-layer clays overlapped those of the respective constituents of each mixed-layer minerals. This can be considered as the evidence of the usefulness of FTIR technique in the screening of the samples for the clay mineralogy studies.

Biodegradation behaviour of green composite sandwich made of flax and agglomerated cork

Material experts are striving to use natural resources as skin and core in composite sandwiches to achieve light weight, biodegradability, and cost benefits. This paper reports one such newly developed green composite sandwich and its biodegradable behavior. The skin and core of newly developed sandwich are flax fiber and agglomerated cork respectively. This composite sandwich is manufactured by vacuum bagging technique in order to get higher volume fraction of fiber. The biodegradability testing of the composite sandwich has been executed by soil burial test. The verification of the same has been done using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and Thermoanalytical test. The test results portray the percentage of weight loss in the specimens and that, it increases with burial time. It also depicts that the newly developed Green Composite Sandwich (GCS) has 82% higher degradation than the Synthetic Composite Sandwich (SCS) taken for the comparison. SEM images show that the green composite sandwiches have lost their fibrous structure and cell wall surface due to the degradation. FTIR and Thermoanalytical tests also confirm the biodegradability of the developed green composite sandwich.

Resin transfer molding process and performance of paraffin based energy storage composites framed on polyurethane foam

With the continuous exploration and development in the field of energy storage, phase Change Material (PCM) are good energy storage materials. Paraffin wax is a good low-temperature phase change material because of its high enthalpy of phase change, stable chemical properties, no subcooling and low cost. However, it has disadvantages such as easy leakage of phase change and low thermal conductivity in practical applications. In this paper, octadecane with a melting point of 22 °C and 52# paraffin wax with a melting point of 54 °C were used as raw materials, and paraffin wax with a melting point of 35 °C was prepared by blending with a mass ratio of 1: 1.5 (52# paraffin wax: octadecane), and then the blended paraffin wax was compounded with polyurethane frame structure by resin transfer molding (RTM) method, and finally aluminum foil was used to encapsulate the composite phase change material and enhance its thermal conductivity. The properties of the composite phase change material were investigated by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter), FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy), TG (glass transition temperature), and tensile tests. The results show that the tensile strength decreases with the increase of RTM infusion pressure, and the minimum is 6.5 kPa, at which time the elongation at break is 55.2%, and the thermal conductivity of the composite material after aluminum foil encapsulation is 1.83 W/(m·K), and the thermal conductivity is found to be stable after residual analysis. This paper provides a technical reference for the rapid batch preparation of PCM composite system by RTM molding method with polymer material as the frame structure.

Utilisation of Carp Skin Post-Production Waste in Binary Films Based on Furcellaran and Chitosan to Obtain Packaging Materials for Storing Blueberries.

The aim of the study was to develop and characterise an innovative three-component biopolymer film based on chitosan (CHIT), furcellaran (FUR) and a gelatin hydrolysate from carp skins (Cyprinus carpio) (HGEL). The structure and morphology were characterised using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The FT-IR test showed no changes in the matrix after the addition of HGEL, which indicates that the film components were compatible. Based on the obtained AFM results, it was found that the addition of HGEL caused the formation of grooves and cracks on the surface of the film (reduction by ~21%). The addition of HGEL improved the antioxidant activity of the film (improvement by up to 2.318% and 444% of DPPH and FRAP power, respectively). Due to their properties, the tested films were used as active materials in the preservation of American blueberries. In the active films, the blueberries lost mass quickly compared to the synthetic film and were characterised by higher phenol content. The results obtained in this study create the opportunity to use the designed CHIT–FUR films in developing biodegradable packaging materials for food protection, but it is necessary to test their effectiveness on other food products.

Flotation separation mechanism for secondary copper sulfide minerals and pyrite using novel collector ethyl isobutyl xanthogenic acetate

Ethyl isobutyl xanthogenic acetate (EIBXAC) was used as a novel collector in the flotation of secondary copper sulfide minerals owing to its ability to separate copper and sulfur. The collectivity and selectivity mechanisms of this novel collector were investigated using single-mineral and artificial mixed-mineral tests, combined with adsorption tests, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results of the flotation indicated that EIBXAC had a better collecting effect than ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (ADD) on covellite and digenite, which had an insignificant effect on pyrite. The artificial mixed-mineral experiment indicated that EIBXAC could improve the grade of the copper concentrate while maintaining the same recovery, it had higher efficiency and selectivity. Based on the results of the adsorption and FTIR tests, the adsorption capacities of EIBXAC on the surfaces of covellite, digenite, and pyrite were quite different: Cu-S bonds were formed on covellite and digenite, and Fe-O bonds were formed on pyrite, which was also verified that EIBXAC was chemically adsorbed on the mineral surface. DFT calculations indicated that the adsorption capacity of EIBXAC for covellite and digenite was stronger than that of ADD, which had a weaker adsorption capacity for pyrite. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the application of EIBXAC.

Influence of weather conditions on the durability of acrylic-polyurethane car coatings in an industrial area

The influence of weather conditions on the durability of acrylic-polyurethane car coatings during their exposure to industrial plants (Grupa Azoty, Zakłady Chemiczne "Police" SA) was investigated. The surface structure and the general appearance of the paint coatings (after 16 months of the test) were examined using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope, an optical profilometer and a gloss meter. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the composition and chemical structure of the coatings. Convex spots of various sizes were observed on the surface of the tested coatings. Quantitative profilometric analysis showed a clear increase in surface roughness. However, the results of the XPS and FTIR tests did not confirm the chemical degradation of the tested samples. It was shown that the convexities observed on the surfaces of the aged coatings were atmospheric deposits consisting mainly of oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, iron, silicon and carbon. Thorough cleaning of the surfaces resulted in their complete removal.

Chemical, Physical, and Rheological Evaluation of Aging Behaviors of Terminal Blend Rubberized Asphalt Binder

Terminal blend rubberized asphalt (TBRA) is widely used as binder of asphalt mixtures due to its technical characteristics of storage stability. However, its road performance deteriorates due to the aging process of TBRA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the aging characteristics of TBRA binders containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% content of crumb rubber (CR) by weight of the neat binder. All the binders were treated with rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV), respectively. The chemical compositional changes were monitored by attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and physical and rheological properties were tested on neat asphalt and TBRA binders. FTIR test results show that TBRA binders offer greater long-term aging resistance than the neat asphalt binder, and E10TB (10% by weight CR) exhibits the highest long-term aging resistance. With the increase of CR, the temperature sensitivity property of the TBRA binders increases, whereas their high-temperature stability decreases. After PAV aging, blending CRs into neat asphalt causes a higher phase angle aging index and Jnr aging index, and lower critical temperature aging index, complex modulus aging index, softening point increment, and rutting factor aging index, indicating their superior long-term aging resistance. Moreover, based on the correlation analysis, the critical temperature aging index (CTAI) has a good linear relationship with the physical aging index (SPI) and chemical aging index (ΔICA).

Preparation and characterization of an electromagnetic composite polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile

In this paper, firstly, polypyrrole was prepared by in situ polymerization using pyrrole as the monomer, hexahydrate ferric chloride as the oxidizer and dopant, and polyethylene geotextile as the substrate to prepare a polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile composite; secondly, the electromagnetic microwave absorption property and shielding property of the polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile composite were investigated; finally, the chemical structure of the polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman test methods. The results show that the reflection loss value is up to the minimum value of –17.53 dB in the frequency range of 0–3 GHz and the best absorbing performance is obtained at the frequency of 1.12 GHz. In the frequency range of 0.95–1.25 GHz, the reflection loss value is less than –10 dB, and the electromagnetic wave is effectively absorbed. The shielding effectiveness value is up to the maximum value of 16.07 dB at the frequency of 1.19 GHz, that is, the shielding ability becomes strongest at the frequency of 1.19 GHz; otherwise, the shielding effectiveness is higher than 14 dB in the frequency range of 0.17–3.0 GHz. The FTIR, Raman, XRD, and DSC tests result show that polypyrrole has been successfully loaded on the polyethylene geotextile, improving the crystallinity and thermal stability property of the composite.

Characterization of Timoho Fiber as a reinforcement in green composite

Synthetic fiber is more durable than most natural fibers, yet it has non-biodegradable characteristics. Biodegradable fibers such as green composites emerge as a potential substitution for non-biodegradable synthetic fibers since they are more eco-friendly and available. The natural fibers are the engineering outcomes resulting in lightweight products and good mechanical properties. They raise challenges in reinforcing green fibers as composite structures on a massive scale. This study introduces Timoho Fiber (TF) as reinforcement in preparing green composite. TF was treated with varied sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations with equal immersion times. There was color alteration after TF was treated with NaOH; the TF color became brighter. The thermal resistance value was inversely proportional to the thickness value after the alkaline treatment. TF density and thermal endurance increased while TF thickness decreased along with the increase in NaOH concentration. The best crystallinity index and cellulose content were obtained with 9% NaOH. Likewise, untreated TF's tensile strength experienced a significant increase (555.26%) with 9% of alkaline treatment. The FTIR (Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy) test result confirmed that alkaline treatment removed hemicellulose content, impurities, and excessive water absorption. Treated TF's surface became rougher. The etched surface indicated an interlocking with the matrix as displayed in SEM images. The positive treatment effects of NaOH on the TF show the TF's potential as green composites reinforcement to reduce the use of synthetic fibers.

Digital Sublimation Printing on Knitted Polyamide 6.6 Fabric Treated with Non-Thermal Plasma.

The garment industry demands stamping processes that are increasingly more agile and less damaging to the environment. In this scenario, digital printing, with the sublimation transfer printing technique, presents itself as a viable option for synthetic textile substrates. Among the synthetic fibres, polyamide (P.A.) fibres stand out, as they are light, soft, durable, and boast moderate sweat absorption; however, before sublimation, superficial treatment is necessary in order to present good results such as withstanding washing and maintaining colour intensity. This study addresses the surface modification of the PA6.6 textile substrate by activating non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure to receive dye through the sublimation method with dispersed dye. The knitted PA6.6 fabric surface treatment was performed with plasma application at atmospheric pressure using air in the Plasmatreater AS400 equipment. The sublimation transfer effects were evaluated by wash fastness and colourimetric tests. To assess the wettability effect of the control and treated samples, a contact angle test was carried out on PA6.6 samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved the changes in chemical functional groups in the fibres. The results showed a decrease in the contact angle of the textile surface, 4–5 grayscale results for colour change and transfer for washing, and an increase in colour strength. In the FTIR tests, there is an increase in the transmittance value of aromatic, carboxylic groups (C=O, 580 cm−1), amides (N=H, 1630 cm−1), and methyl groups (CH 1369 to 1463 cm−1) as well as the presence of new functional groups in the 3064 cm−1 and 2860 cm−1 bands. These conditions allowed sublimation in the knitted PA6.6 fabric and showed increased colour strength and good wash fastness.

Physicochemical, rheological and microstructural properties of Nano-Silica modified Bio-Asphalt

For its renewability, environmentally friendly and cost-effective advantages, bio-oil is employed to partially substitute the petroleum-based asphalt. However, its usage weakens the high-temperature performance of petroleum asphalt. Therefore, hydrophobic nanosilica (NS) particles were employed as a physical modifier of crude palm oil (CPO) to improve the high-temperature performance of bio-asphalt. CPO with the addition of 0, 5, 10 and 15% (by weight) and NS with the addition of 0, 2, 4 and 6% were used to obtain the NS-modified bio-asphalts. The chemical reaction between NS and CPO was evaluated by employing the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Penetration and softening point tests were conducted to ensure the consistency, while dynamic shear viscosity, temperature sweep test, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) were employed to evaluate the high-temperature rheological performance of the bio-asphalts and NS-modified bio-asphalts. Moreover, the chemical functional groups and morphological characteristics of the selected NS-modified bio-asphalts were investigated using FTIR and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) tests. Test results show that the consistency of the NS-modified bio-asphalts was improved by reducing penetration, and increasing the softening points and dynamic viscosity. The NS particles increased the rutting parameter (G*/sinδ) and reduced the aging sensitivity of bio-asphalt, while decreased its permanent strain and non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), and improved the percentage of the recovery. FTIR analysis showed a chemical reaction that occurred due to the addition of bio-oil and NS into asphalt. Apart from that, the FESEM exhibited that NS was uniformly dispersed in the base and bio-asphalts’ matrix. Therefore, NS effectively improved the high-temperature performance, aging resistance of the bio-asphalt.