FTIR Tests Research Articles

Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposites Reinforced with CuO Nanoparticles Extracted by Ocimum sanctum: Evaluation of Wound-Healing Applications

This study focused on the synthesis of plant-mediated copper-oxide nanoparticles (OsCuONPs) via the sol–gel technique and the fabrication of OsCuONP-infused PVA composite films (POsCuONPs) utilizing the solvent casting method for wound-healing applications. The prepared OsCuONPs and nanocomposite films were characterized using UV–visible spectra, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, water contact-angle (WCA) measurements, and a Universal testing machine (UTM) for mechanical property measurements. The UV and FTIR tests showed that OsCuONPs were formed and were present in the PVA composite film. Moreover, the mechanical study confirmed that there is an increase in the tensile strength (TS) and Young’s modulus (Ym) with 21.75 MPa to 32.50 MPa for TS and 24.80 MPa to 1128.36 MPa for Ym, and a decrease in the % elongation at break (Eb) (394.32 to 75.6). The TGA and WCA study results demonstrated that PVA films containing OsCuONPs are more stable when subjected to high temperatures and demonstrate a decreased hydrophilicity (60.89° to 89.62°). The cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests showed that the CuONPs-3 containing composite films (PVA/OsCuONPs with a wt. ratio of 1.94/0.06) are safe to use, have a good level of cell viability, and do not break down blood. This is true even at high concentrations. The study also discovered that cells moved considerably in 12 and 24 h (13.12 to 19.26 for OsCuONPs and 312.53 to 20.60 for POsCuONPs), suggesting that 60% of the gaps were filled. Therefore, the fabricated POsCuONP nanocomposites may serve as a promising option for applications in wound healing.

Quantitative determination for rubber powder dosage in rubber powder modified bitumen: A comparative study of the QCT and FTIR tests

Quantitative determination for rubber powder dosage in rubber powder modified bitumen: A comparative study of the QCT and FTIR tests

Nanofibers of PMMA/TiO2 Produced by Electrospinning

The method of electrospinning with a rotating cylinder collector was used to prepare PMM/TiO2 nanofibers. The effect of the collector rotation speed on the diameters, morphology, and structural properties of the prepared PMM/TiO2 nanofibers was studied, with the remaining parameters of the electrospinning system held constant. relied on the FE-SEM to study the diameters and regularity of the prepared nanofibers, which showed that the obtained nanofibers with diameters of 366 nm decreased to 127 nm and their regularity increased as the collector speed increased. The X-ray diffraction spectra showed that the prepared PMM/TiO2 nanofibers have an amorphous structure and begin to transform into a polycrystalline structure with increasing collector speed. Functional groups identified through FTIR tests have been shown to not be affected by the increase in rotation speed, regularity, or decrease in the diameter of the prepared PMM/TiO2 nanofibers.

Production, characterization and life cycle analysis of ZnO doped LDPE films

AbstractIn this study, virgin and recycled polymer films doped with ZnO in different proportions were prepared by extrusion. ZnO was first incorporated into LLDPE to produce masterbatches, which were then added to LDPE at a 10% ratio to fabricate the composite films. The produced films were analyzed using FTIR, SEM, TGA, DSC and tensile tests to evaluate their optical, thermal and mechanical properties. In addition, a life cycle assessment was carried out for each film and the environmental impacts were compared. A functional unit of 1 kg of film was selected and the process from raw material extraction to film production was analyzed in detail using the cradle‐to‐gate model. The findings indicate that the recycled film produced with 1% ZnO addition exhibits superior optical and thermal properties, high tensile and break strength, and offers positive environmental benefits. Therefore, recycled film produced with 1% ZnO additive was considered the most sustainable and suitable option for bag production.Highlights Virgin and recycled polymer films were doped with ZnO and produced. Films' optical, thermal, and mechanical properties were studied. The 1% ZnO doped recycled film exhibited high optical and thermal properties. LCA show 1% ZnO doped recycled film is the optimal sustainable product.

Binary and Ternary Nanocomposite Membranes for Gas Separation Incorporating Finely Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes in a Polyether Block Amide Matrix

This work addressed the fine dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a polymer matrix to obtain Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) suited for gas separation. Not-purified MWCNTs were effectively loaded within a polyether block amide (Pebax®2533) matrix, up to 24 wt%, using ultrasonication as well as a third component (polysorbate) in the dope solution. The obtained flexible thin films were investigated in terms of morphology, thermal properties, characterized by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, and gas permeation tests. The response to temperature variations of gas permeation through these nanocomposite specimens was also investigated in the temperature range of 25–55 °C. Defect-free samples were successfully obtained even at a significantly high loading of CNTs (up to 18 wt%), without a pre-treatment of the fillers. A remarkable enhancement of gas permeability upon the nanocarbons loading was reached, with a threshold value at a loading of ca. 7 wt%. The addition of polysorbates in the ternary MMMs further improves the dispersion of the filler, enhancing also the permselectivity of the membrane.

Facile synthesis of olive oil-incorporated oleofilms via high-power ultrasonic emulsification: A sustainable packaging model.

This study aimed to construct oleofilms containing a binary mixture of proteins (soy protein hydrolysate and gelatin) and lipids (olive oil, stearic acid, and lecithin) using various ultrasonic emulsification processes. Initially, oleogels (OG20, OG40, OG60, OG80, and OG100) were fabricated with different sonication powers (20%-100%), along with control (OG) without sonication. Macrostructure, FTIR, DSC, stability coefficient (57.27%-79.52%), oil-binding capacity (68.38%-97.47%), and particle size (1364-3532nm) tests were performed on the oleogels. Oleofilms (OF, OF20, OF40, OF60, OF80, and OF100) were then formulated using the respective oleogels. Their visual, surface, and cross-sectional images were evaluated. The thickness (0.18-0.25mm) and water content (7.32%-11.73%) of oleofilms were investigated. Alterations in color and opacity (3.50-5.49) of the oleofilms were apparent. OF80 exhibited lower water (0.44g.mm/m2.h.kPa)/oxygen permeability (peroxide value: 2.31-14.30meq O2/kg), along with improved mechanical properties (tensile strength: 3.25MPa; elongation at break: 128.23%). OF80-coated pineapples demonstrated the highest resistance to spoilage.

Study on the performance and mechanism of graphene oxide / polyurethane composite modified asphalt

In order to enhance the aging resistance, high temperature stability and low temperature crack resistance of asphalt pavement materials, 0.06% oxidized graphene (GO) and 12% polyurethane (PU) were used as composite modifiers to modify the base asphalt. The RTFOT test was conducted to evaluate the anti-aging performance of the modified asphalt. The rheological properties of GO/PU composite modified asphalt were evaluated. SEM and FTIR tests were used to analyze the microstructure of GO/PU modified asphalt. The results show that the basic performance of composite modified asphalt meets the requirements and the anti-aging performance is improved. The improvement of rutting factor and frequency scanning master curve shows its better anti-rutting deformation ability. The strain recovery R-value for the composite modified bitumen increased by 20.7% at a stress level of 0.1 kPa, and the unrecoverable creep compliance Jnr decreased by 76.0%, showing excellent viscoelastic properties. The creep stiffness S of composite modified asphalt decreased by 31.2% at−12 °C, indicating that it had good low temperature rheological properties. The surface of the modified composite asphalt is relatively smooth, exhibiting a stable network structure, thus solving the PU segregation problem in the matrix asphalt.The change of infrared spectrum absorption peak shows that reaction between isocyanate groups in polyurethane and aromatic esters in bitumen, GO oxidizes with the-CH functional group in asphalt, and the content of C = C double bond changes during the modification process, indicating that the modification of asphalt by GO and PU is a composite modification based on chemical modification and supplemented by physical modification.

Research on Mechanical Aging Behavior of Grease in Rolling Bearing

Grease is extensively used in rolling bearings due to its inherent sealing properties. However, mechanical degradation typically occurs, resulting in a significantly shorter lifespan for the grease compared to the bearing. Investigating aging mechanisms is essential. This study utilized rolling bearings to obtain mechanically aged greases. The aged samples were then subjected to do rheological test, FTIR test and friction test to examine the effects of aging time, radial load, and rotational speed. An innovative disk-ball-disk device was developed to study the friction characteristics of aged grease in rolling bearings. Additionally, a grease lubrication and friction model were proposed to further evaluate the lubrication performance of aged grease, using measured rheological parameters and the kinematic velocities of the disk-ball-disk device as inputs. The calculated friction coefficients matched well with disk-ball-disk experimental results. FTIR analysis revealed that the non-soap thickener's structure remained stable, but additives depleted at high speeds. The structure of lithium soap thickener decomposed severely, leading to oil bleeding and a shortened replenishment duration. Over aging time, both greases had lower friction and viscosity due to gradual thickener breakdown, releasing bled oil and extending replenishment. Radial load minimally affected the properties of aged grease. This study may provide valuable insights into the aging mechanisms of grease and the enhancement of rolling bearing lubrication.

Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite with Enhanced Mechanical and Biological Properties for Soft Tissue Application

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a non-toxic, thermoplastic polymer that is completely biodegradable. So it is based on many composite materials for biomedical applications. In this study, various specimens were prepared by solvent casting method and then tested by tensile, FTIR, contact angle, SEM, antibacterial and cytotoxicity test. The results obtained showed the tensile strength decreased with the addition of PEG and then tended to improve after the addition of collagen and nano-titanium oxide. The wettability test shows the prepared specimens changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic properties. The biological properties explained that the prepared composite had a better antibacterial effect and none of the samples had a toxic effect.

Investigation of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels and Polycaprolactone-Based Electrospun Fibers as Wound Dressing Materials Based on Mechanical, Physical, and Chemical Characterization.

The aim of this project is to fabricate fiber mats and hydrogel materials that constitute the two main components of a wound dressing material. The contributions of boric acid (BA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) to the physical and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) is investigated. These materials are chosen for their antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Additionally, since chitosan forms brittle hydrogels, it is reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to improve ductility and water uptake properties. For these purposes, PCL, BA, ZnO, PVA, and chitosan are used in different ratios to fabricate nanofiber mats and hydrogels. Mechanical, physical, and chemical characteristics are examined. The highest elastic modulus and tensile strength are obtained from samples with 6% BA and 10% ZnO concentrations. ZnO-decorated fibers exhibit a higher elastic modulus than those with BA, though BA-containing fibers exhibit greater elongation before breakage. All fibers exhibit hydrophobic properties, which help to prevent biofilm formation. In compression tests, CS12 demonstrates the highest strength. Increasing the PVA content enhances ductility, while a higher concentration of chitosan results in a denser structure. This outcome is confirmed by FTIR and swelling tests. These findings highlight the optimal combinations of nanofibrous mats and hydrogels, offering guidance for future wound dressing designs that balance mechanical strength, water absorption, and antimicrobial properties. By stacking these nanofibrous mats and hydrogels in different orders, it is expected to achieve a wound care material that is suitable for various applications. The authors encourage experimentation with different configurations of these nanofiber and hydrogel stackings to observe their mechanical behavior under real-life conditions in future studies.

Tropical Agricultural Waste Management: Exploring the Utilization of Cassava Husk for Extracting Cellulose and Starch as Sustainable Biomass Resources

Abstract Cassava is one of the most popular food crops in the world, as proven by its high production. Indonesia produced 17.75 million tons of cassava in 2021. Meanwhile, about 15-20% of the production will generate cassava husk waste. However, cassava husk has valuable components, including cellulose and starch, that can be used in various industry applications. Cellulose is generally used as a filler to manufacture an item or compound, while starch can be applied as an adhesive. This study aimed to investigate cellulose and starch extracts from cassava husk waste for sustainable biomass resources. Yield of cellulose from cassava husk was ranged from 24 to 26%. The cellulose content of delignified cassava husk was obtained at 44.97%, which was increased up to 14.24% compared to the non-delignified (30.73%). Meanwhile, yield of starch from cassava husk extraction was obtained at 3-4%. Physical appearance has shown that the extracted starch can experience the gelatinization process after mixing with warm water, which is one of the proven characteristics. This gelatinization process then made the starch powder become a sticky gel-like glue for adhesives. Based on the FTIR test, some functional groups showed the presence of cellulose and starch bonds from the cassava husk extracts. In cellulose extract, the C=C aromatic group at the peak of 1623 cm−1 was obtained, which showed that the lignin remained. In starch extract, the O-H bond on 3301 cm−1 was found, showing one of the main identified functional groups of starch. These findings showed that cassava husk can be utilized as sustainable biomass resources for cellulose and starch provision, with future continuous improvement in application.

Nickel Remediation by Adsorption Technique Achieving the Concept of Zero Residue Level

Nickel is a major threat to the wastewater discharged from industries, where it is used, because it is classified as a carcinogenic heavy metal. Due to the need to treat polluted water with the highest efficiency and lowest cost, the promising adsorption technology using agricultural waste has proven to be an effective solution for treating water pollution with various pollutants. This study is concerned with determining the ability of a household waste to remove nickel from contaminated aqueous solutions by the adsorption method at different operating conditions. Waste tea leaves (WTL), which are discarded in huge quantities annually, showed noticeable nickel removal efficiency at more than 74% at acidity, shaking, concentration, time, temperature, and adsorption dose of 6, 350 rpm, 42 ppm, 120 min, 20°C, and 5.5 g, respectively. Although the adsorbent used had a low surface area of 12.251 m2/g, FTIR test before and after adsorption confirmed the presence of various functional groups capable of efficiently performing the adsorption function. Furthermore, FESEM test showed that the adsorption medium suffered significant changes compared to what it was before treatment with contaminated solutions. The use of toxic adsorption residues in a beneficial way was tested by adding them to concrete mixtures and studying the compressibility performance. The results showed that the additives increased the compressive strength of the concrete by more than double before it reached the failure point. Thus, this investigation confirmed the possibility of achieving the concept of zero residue level through waste management in an eco-friendly manner. Keywords: Adsorption, Concrete additives, Nickel, Waste tea leaves, Zero residue level.

An intelligent thymol/alizarin-loaded polycaprolactone/gelatin/zein nanofibrous film with pH-responsive and antibacterial properties for shrimp freshness monitoring and preservation.

Improper storage methods cause food resources to be wasted, and the development of multifunctional intelligent packaging can realize freshness monitoring and extend the shelf life. In this study, an intelligent alizarin/thymol-loaded polycaprolactone/gelatin/zein nanofibrous film was prepared and achieved the dual functions of pH-responsive and antibacterial properties. The film was fabricated using electrospun technology and characterized by SEM, FT-IR, WCA, TGA, DSC, and mechanical property tests, which had good antioxidant properties (81.40±0.74% free radical scavenging). The film could effectively inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shewanella putrefaciens within 12h and exhibited light yellow-light purple-dark purple color change at pH2-12, with good color stability and color responsiveness to ammonia in the environment. In the shrimp application, shelf life was extended by 2days and freshness could be monitored by the color change. This scientific research opens up new possibilities for realizing multifunctional food packaging alternatives.

Pengaruh Penambahan Gliserol dan Kaolin serta Variabel Suhu pada Pembuatan Bioplastik dari Kulit Pisang Raja

Bioplastic is a kind of plastic made from natural polymers such as starch with a mixture of plasticizers and fillers. Banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L) can be used as a source of starch because it contains high starch, which is approximately 80%. This study was aimed to determine the effect of variations in glycerol concentration, kaolin concentration, and stirring temperature on the characteristics of the bioplastic, where glycerol and kaolin act as plasticizers and fillers. The experiment was conducted by mixing raw materials in the form of banana peel powder, glycerol, and kaolin. The concentrations of glycerol and kaolin were varied at 5%; 10%; 15%; 20%; 25% v/w starch, and 5%; 10%; 15%; 20%; 25% w/w starch, respectively, until bioplastic with optimum mechanical properties was obtained. Furthermore, the experiment was continued with temperature variations of 65°C; 70°C; 75°C; 80°C; and 85°C. The quality of bioplastics was examined through the thickness, tensile strength, elongation percentage, water absorption, biodegradation, and FTIR tests. Optimum results were obtained in bioplastics with a glycerol concentration, kaolin concentration, and stirring temperature of 20%, 15%, and 75oC, respectively. The relatively best bioplastics yielded had characteristics of a thickness of 0.084 mm, tensile strength of 13.047 MPa, elongation of 13.13%, and water absorption of 3.56%. These results have met Indonesia's national standards for bioplastics.

PHYSICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CORN COB ACTIVATED CARBON COMPOSITE

Corn cobs are included in agricultural waste that is not utilized optimally. This organic waste is one of the right candidates to be used as activated carbon with various promising uses. This is the background for this research to make activated carbon from corn cobs which is activated using ZnCl2 with activator variations of 0, 8, and 16%. FTIR testing was performed to confirm the functional groups that appeared on the carbon from corn cobs before and after activation. Additionally, the activated carbon that successfully made was mixed with sago starch in a ratio of 75:25 to become a composite and to make it easier to fabricate the sample. Then SEM-EDX characterization, water content and ash content were carried out. The results of the FTIR test showed that the addition of the ZnCl2 activator caused the appearance of hydroxyl groups. In the water content, the results showed that the higher the activator concentration, the higher the water content. Meanwhile, the higher the activator used in activated carbon, the lower the ash content. SEM testing showed an enlargement of pore size and uniformity with increasing ZnCl2 concentration and EDX results showed an increase in the percentage of O elements.

Characterization and Biomedical Applications of Electrospun PHBV Scaffolds Derived from Organic Residues.

This study explores the characterization and application of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) synthesized from organic residues, specifically milk and molasses. Six PHBV samples with varying 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) content (7%, 15%, and 32%) were analyzed to assess how 3HV composition influences their properties. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including NMR, FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, and tensile-stress test, were used to evaluate the molecular structure, thermal properties, crystalline structure, and mechanical behavior. Selected PHBV samples were fabricated into nanofibrous scaffolds via electrospinning, with uniform fibers successfully produced after parameter optimization. The electrospun scaffolds were further analyzed using DSC, GPC, and SEM. Biological evaluations, including cytotoxicity, in vitro drug release, and antibacterial activity tests, were also conducted. The results indicate that the electrospun PHBV scaffolds are biocompatible and exhibit promising properties for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. This study demonstrates the potential of using organic residues to produce high-value biopolymers with tailored properties for specific applications.

Utilization of Egyptian kaolinitic sandstone rocks for production of ecofriendly green building materials

ABSTRACT Nowadays, geopolymers are considered as an environmentally friendly construction material and a substitute for Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with the aim of decreasing CO2 emissions. The present study utilizes natural kaolinitic sandstone rock and water-cooled slag as precursor components, with sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide acting as alkali activators. The different percentages of substituting natural kaolinitic sandstone with water-cooled slag are 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. Six mixes were prepared and subjected to a curing regime of 90 days under conditions of 100% relative humidity. FTIR, SEM imaging, XRD, and compressive strength testing were evaluated. The results show that increasing the slag content by up to 40% improves the mechanical properties of the prepared mixes compared to the control mix, with curing times of up to 90 days. As a result, when kaolinitic sandstone is replaced by up to 40% slag, its compressive strength values increase 266.55% compared to the control mix and can therefore be used for the production of geopolymer materials for general and special purposes with high requirements. Based on the results, it was concluded that geopolymers can be considered as a potential alternative to OPC that possesses similar or better structural and mechanical properties.

The Catalytic Degradation of Waste PU and the Preparation of Recycled Materials.

In this paper, we investigated the efficient metal-free phosphorus-nitrogen (PN) catalyst and used the PN catalyst to degrade waste PU with two-component binary mixed alcohols as the alcohol solvent. We examined the effects of reaction temperature, time, and other factors on the hydroxyl value and viscosity of the degradation products; focused on the changing rules of the hydroxyl value, viscosity, and molecular weight of polyols recovered from degradation products with different dosages of the metal-free PN catalyst; and determined the optimal experimental conditions of reaction temperature 180 °C, reaction time 3 h, and PN dosage 0.08%. The optimal experimental conditions were 180 °C, 3 h reaction time, and 0.08% PN dosage, the obtained polyol viscosity was 3716 mPa·s, the hydroxyl value was 409.2 mgKOH/g, and the number average molecular weight was 2616. The FTIR, 1H, NMR, and other tests showed that the waste urethanes were degraded into oligomers successfully, the recycled polyether polyols were obtained, and a series of recycled polyurethanes with different substitution ratios were then prepared. A series of recycled polyurethane materials with different substitution rates were then prepared and characterized by FTIR, SEM, compression strength, and thermal conductivity tests, which showed that the recycled polyurethane foams had good physical properties such as compression strength and apparent density, and the SEM test at a 20% substitution rate showed that the recycled polyol helped to improve the structure of the blisters.

Mechanical, machinability and water absorption properties of novel kenaf fiber, glass fiber and graphene composites reinforced with epoxy

This paper aims to fabricate a novel kenaf fiber, glass fiber, graphene composite reinforced with epoxy, and to study its water absorption, mechanical and machining properties. Natural fiber composites seek numerous applications nowadays due to its high strength is to weight ratio, high impact resistance, thermal stability, and recyclability. The literature study on natural fiber composites indicates lack of research on Kenaf fibers reinforced with E-glass fibers in conjunction with 0.5% and 1.0% of graphene. Hence, this research focuses on Kenaf fiber with percentage composition of graphene was varied as 0.5%, and 1.0%, by weight of the holding matrix and with/without incorporation of glass fiber. Suitable surface modifications were done by treating natural fibres by 0.5% NaOH for better adhesion of fibre and epoxy resin. Sonication and Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) treatments were also done to realize the fine scattering of graphene in the epoxy matrix in order to achieve better mechanical behaviour. Moulds were prepared as per D-638 ASTM standards. The treated fibres were then arranged in the mould by the conventional hand layup technique. The main objectives of this study are to conduct tensile, flexural, Impact, water absorption, machinability, and FTIR test. Result shows that the incorporation of graphene in natural fiber composites showed an increase in tensile strength, flexural strength, and water absorption properties by 27.7%, 53%, and 15% on average, respectively. The composites used in this research find their use in potential applications such as defence, biomedical aids, automobiles, packaging, actuators, etc. These often generate great interest, whenever there is a demand for fabricating lightweight and high strength material.

Influence of salt concentration and pH value on the degradation of epoxy resin used in FRP bars under simulated marine conditions

The aim of this study is to investigate the degradation of epoxy resin used in FRP bars under marine concrete conditions with varying salt concentrations and pH values.Water absorption, mechanical properties, DMA, TG, FTIR and SEM tests are conducted to evaluate the deterioration rules and mechanisms of the resin. The results show that, with immersion time increase, the mechanical strength of the resin in the corrosion solution generally showed a decreasing trend, which is more obvious as the pH value and salt concentration increase. The tensile strength of the resin can be reduced by 35.7% after immersing in a 12.6 pH solution for 180 days. While in simulated concrete pore solution, a brief strength increase of maximum 15.8% was detected. Thermal, composition and micromorphology experiments reveal that the degradation mechanisms of resin mechanical properties are the hydrolysis and swelling of resin in solutions.