Hydrophilic Groups Research Articles

Interfacial chemical mechanisms of brine salinity affecting the CO2 foam stability and its effect on the sequestration capacity of CO2 in deep saline aquifer

CO2 foam flooding is an important method to expand the sweep scope of CO2 and significantly improve the ability of sequestrate CO2 in saline aquifer. Salinity is an important factor affecting the CO2 foam stability. In this study, it was found that the stability of CO2 foam prepared by alkyl polyglycoside APG-0810 was effectively improved by increasing the salinity. Molecular dynamics studies showed that increasing salinity promoted the adsorption of APG-0810 molecules at the CO2-water interface and enhanced the degree of inter-entanglement between alkyl chain segments, which dramatically increasing the CO2-water interfacial activity and liquid film strength. The enrichment degree of metal ions around the APG-0810 hydrophilic group also enhanced with the increase of salinity, which improves the disjoining pressure of the bubble liquid film. The binding ability of the hydrophobic groups of APG-0810 on CO2 molecules was enhanced, which inhibited the diffusion process of CO2 molecules inside the bubble. Subsequently, the influence rules of salinity on the CO2 foam rheology in the core were studied, and finds that increasing salinity increase the transition foam quality and the corresponding maximum viscosity. The improvement of liquid film strength reduces the probability of bubble aggregation inside the core, allowing a sufficient number of small-sized bubbles to be trapped by the pores, strengthening the superposition of Jamin effect and expanding the CO2 sweep scope in saline aquifer. In addition, we found that the zero-shear viscosity and yield stress of CO2 foam are positively correlated with salinity, which means that CO2 foam has a higher blocking ability for preferential channel for high-salinity saline aquifer, and the bubble cluster trapped by the capillary force will have a higher starting-pressure, improving the safety of CO2 sequestration in saline aquifer.

Molecular dynamics simulations of adsorption behavior of mixtures of surfactant and polymer at C3A/water and Ettringite/water interfaces

In cementitious system, surfactant is used as air-entraining agents, which is often incompatible with other chemical admixtures, such as superplasticizers. The adsorption of surfactants at solid–liquid interface is critical for the bubble stability. The measurement of adsorption properties of surfactant in fresh cement or concrete is very difficult. In this study, classical molecular dynamics simulations is used to analysis the influence of two polymers (call as HPMC and PCA, respectively) on the adsorption behaviors of the two anionic surfactants (call as HSO4 and HPO4, respectively) at the C3A/water and ettringite/water interfaces. At solid/water interface, both of HSO4 and HPO4 molecules form a monolayer with hydrophilic head groups adsorbed on the solid surfaces. After adding polymers, the adsorption conformations are changed to spherical micelle or multilayer. The electrostatic interaction between oxygen atoms of hydrophilic head groups and calcium atoms of solid surface plays a decisive role. Therefore, the value of adsorption energy of HPO4 with more negatively charged hydrophilic head groups is greater than that of HSO4. The adsorption energies of the two surfactants are weakened by the two polymers, but the adsorption energy value of HPO4 is always greater. The influence mechanism of HPMC and PCA is different. The negatively charged PCA has a strongly competitive adsorption with the surfactants. The neutral HPMC has a weak adsorption capacity but it carries many hydroxyl groups to interact with the hydrophilic head groups of surfactants.

Experimental and theoretical insight into the effect of a novel composite dispersant on the properties of coal pitch water slurry

To optimize the utilization efficiency of coal pitch (CP), an innovative composite dispersant was designed and employed in the preparation of coal pitch water slurry (CPWS) by effectively combining modified sodium lignosulfonate (MLS) and amphoteric polycarboxylate (AAD) based on the principle of complementary advantages. The effects of the proportion of MLS to AAD on the characteristics of CPWS were systematically analyzed and assessed by various technical methods, including apparent viscosity, rheological behavior, static stability, adsorption behavior, etc. Results indicated that the CPWSs utilizing distinct composite dispersants belonged to the category of yield pseudoplastic fluids and had a good correlation with the Herschel-Bulkley model. Among them, the CD-2, composite dispersant with a mass ratio of MLS:AAD = 1:1, exhibited superior performance in terms of viscosity reduction and stabilization properties. It demonstrated the maximum adsorption capacity (5.23 mg/g) and adsorption layer thickness (7.22 nm) compared to other dispersants. Meanwhile, it could significantly increase the wettability (with a contact angle of 74.5°) and the absolute Zeta potential value (32.5 mV) of CP. The density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and extended Derjaguin-Landua-Verwey-Overbeek (eDLVO) theory were carried out to investigate the interaction mechanism of composite dispersant with CP and the interaction energy among CP particles. The differences in energy levels between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HUMO) of MLS and AAD were significantly smaller than that of H2O. The hydrophobic groups of composite dispersants were efficiently adsorbed onto CP, while the hydrophilic groups adsorbed water molecules, with an adsorption energy reaching −169.36 kcal/mol. The steric hindrance of composite dispersant exerted a crucial influence on the dispersion of CPWS, enabling CP particles to be stabilized in water. The present study offers a novel approach to enhance the characteristics of CPWS and establishes a theoretical foundation for the design of efficient composite dispersants.

Electrochemical Sensors Based on Self-Assembling Peptide/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Sensitive Detection of Bisphenol A.

In this study, a cationic amphiphilic self-assembling peptide (SAP) Z23 was designed, and a simple bisphenol a (BPA) sensor, based on SAP Z23/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Z23/MWCNTs) composite, was successfully fabricated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The composite material was formed by π-π stacking interaction between the aromatic group on the hydrophobic side of Z23 and the side-wall of MWCNTs, with the charged hydrophilic group of Z23 exposed. During the electrocatalytic process of BPA, a synergistic effect was observed between Z23 and MWCNTs. The current response of the sensor based on composite material was 3.24 times that of the MWCNTs-modified electrode, which was much higher than that of the peptide-based electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to optimize the experimental conditions affecting the analytical performance of the modified electrode. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the sensor was from 10 nM to 100 μM by amperometric measurement with sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) at 6.569 μAμM-1cm-2 and 1.28 nM (S/N = 3), respectively. Consequently, the sensor has excellent electrochemical performance and is easy to fabricate, making it a good prospect in the field of electrochemical detection in the future.

Performance investigation on a self-powered microbial pollutant adsorption cell with N-LAC/PVDF cation exchange membrane

A high-efficiency, self-powered microbial pollutant adsorption cell with an N-LAC/PVDF cation exchange membrane was proposed to remove metal ions and organic dyes in high-salt wastewater. Nitrogen-doped alkali lignin (N-LAC) was synthesized using chitosan nanoparticles (CS) and alkali lignin (AL) using a blending method. The N-LAC/PVDF cation exchange membrane was prepared by chemically grafting polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). With modification, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, and other hydrophilicity groups were introduced into the cation exchange membrane. The addition of N-LAC improved the membrane's hydrophilicity and adsorption capacity. FITR and SEM, respectively, characterized the surface morphology of the exchange membrane. The result showed that the contact angle reached 74.89° when the amount of N-LAC was 1 wt.%, and the desalination efficiency was 93.5 %, which increased by 70 %. The adsorption capacity of organic dye Pb and metal ion MB was 91 % and 94 %, respectively, showing an increase of 31.9 % and 43.5 %.

High solid content waterborne polyurethane with high foaming rate to artificial leather: Synthesis and characterization

A type of high solid content waterborne polyurethane (HSWPU) dispersions applied to foamed artificial leathers were designed and prepared by prepolymer method. The solid content of the waterborne polyurethane dispersions could reach 53 %, and the foaming ratio could reach an astonishing 2.50 by adjusting the parameters. The influence of synthesis parameters, including R value (molar ratio of -NCO/-OH), D value (hydrophilic group content), trimethylol propane (TMP) content (degree of crosslinking) and ethylenediamine (EDA) content (it was chain extender) on foaming ratio were investigated. Meanwhile, a series of properties of HSWPU dispersions, films and foamed artificial leathers were introduced in detail. The results demonstrated that R value, TMP content, D value and EDA content synergistically decided the foaming properties of HSWPU dispersions in three aspects: three-dimensional structure, surface tension and polarity, respectively. With optimized parameters of R = 2.0, TMP = 0.4 wt%, DMPA = 3.0 wt% and EDA = 60 wt%, the HSWPU dispersions had good appearance and stability, and the latex particles exhibited excellent water, acid and alkali resistance after films formation. The HSWPU dispersions with high foaming rate without collapsing in the foam-forming process and created uniformly bubble pores. In terms of application properties, the prepared foamed artificial leathers showed admirable air permeability and water vapor transmissions. All results distinctly demonstrate a feasible yet promising paradigm for applying the HSWPU on foamed artificial leathers had great potential applications.

Hierarchical Composite Scaffold with Deferoxamine Delivery System to Promote Bone Regeneration via Optimizing Angiogenesis.

A bone defect refers to the loss of bone tissue caused by trauma or lesion. Bone defects result in high morbidity and deformity rates worldwide. Autologous bone grafting has been widely applied in clinics as the gold standard of treatment; however, it has limitations. Hence, bone tissue engineering has been proposed and developed as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating bone defects. Rapid and effective vascularization is essential for bone regeneration. In this study, a hierarchical composite scaffold with deferoxamine (DFO) delivery system, DFO@GMs-pDA/PCL-HNTs (DGPN), is developed, focusing on vascularized bone regeneration. The hierarchical structure of DGPN imitates the microstructure of natural bone and interacts with the local extracellular matrix, facilitating cell adhesion and proliferation. The addition of 1 wt% of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) improves the material properties. Hydrophilic and functional groups conferred by polydopamine (pDA) modifications strengthen the scaffold bioactivity. Gelatin microspheres (GMs) protect the pharmacological activity of DFO, achieving local application and sustained release for 7 days. DFO effectively promotes angiogenesis by activating the signaling pathway of hypoxia inducible factor-1 α. In addition, DFO synergizes with HNTs to promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization. These results indicate that DGPN promotes bone regeneration and accelerates cranial defect healing.

A high-efficiency, salt-resistant, MXene/diatomite-modified coconut husk-based evaporator for solar steam generation

Solar-driven desalination has received considerable attention as a promising approach to alleviate water scarcity due to its environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. In this study, an efficient biomass-based evaporator was developed through coordinating diatomite and titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx) on delignified coconut husk. Owing to the numerous hydroxyl and carboxyl groups present on the surfaces of diatomite, MXene, and the cellulose in coconut husks, the introduction of these additional hydrophilic groups stimulated water activation, thereby increasing the proportion of intermediate water. The excellent structural design and constituent materials of the evaporator contributed to reducing the evaporation enthalpy of water by approximately 18%. In addition, the obtained evaporator was light weight, remarkably strong, and exhibited an excellent light absorption capacity (∼91.48%), low thermal conductivity (0.04716 W m−1 K−1), and low evaporation enthalpy (∼1854 J g−1). The resultant evaporator delivered a water evaporation rate of 2.1 kg m−2 h−1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 90.64% under 1 sun exposure. The evaporator exhibited remarkable durability, salt resistance, metal ion adsorption, and dye removal properties. Therefore, this study provides a novel approach to realize the high-value utilization of waste coconut husks that is promising for solar steam generation applications.

Effect of sec-butyl alcohol on CO2 hydrate equilibrium conditions

Thermodynamic inhibitors may be used to inhibit hydrate formation in industry. Alcohol substances, due to their hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in their molecular structure, are prone to form hydrogen bond with water molecules to inhibit hydrate formation. In this work, sec-butyl alcohol is chosen to study the effects on CO2 hydrate dissociation equilibrium conditions, where the step-heating method is utilized to obtain hydrate equilibrium conditions. The equilibrium curve of carbon dioxide hydrate dissociation moves to the region of lower temperatures or higher pressures. The higher mass fraction of sec-butyl alcohol, the better effect of inhibiting hydrate formation. Sec-butyl alcohol can be used as a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous hydrophilic implants placement: A retrospective study of 2-5 years.

To investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a chemically modified sandblasted large-grit acid-etched implant (hydrophilic) in lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE), compared with a conventional one (hydrophobic). A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients who received LSFE with simultaneous implant placement were recruited. According to different types of implant surfaces, patients were divided into two groups (the hydrophilic group and the hydrophobic group). Implant survival rate (SR), endo-sinus bone stability on the radiographs, mean probing depths, percentage of bleeding on probing, marginal bone loss, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. A total of 106 patients with 180 implants (hydrophilic:101, hydrophobic:79) in 119 maxillary sinuses were included. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 5 years. Three hydrophobic implants and one hydrophilic implant in four different patients failed. The SR of the hydrophilic group was higher than that of the hydrophobic group but without a significant difference (p > .05). The change and change rate of endo-sinus bone height (ΔESBH and RΔESBH) and bone volume (ΔESBV and RΔESBV) in the hydrophilic group were less than those in the hydrophobic group, with a significant difference at 6 months after implantation. No other significant difference was found between the two groups. Within the limitations of this study, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic implants were suitable for LSFE with predictable clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, hydrophilic implants could contribute to the grafted endo-sinus bone stability during healing time.

Enhancing Essential Oil Extraction from Lavandin Grosso Flowers via Plasma Treatment.

This study explores the impact of plasma treatment on Lavandin Grosso flowers and its influence on the extraction of essential oils (EOs) via hydrodistillation. Short plasma treatment times enhance the yield of EO extraction from 3.19% in untreated samples to 3.44%, corresponding to 1 min of plasma treatment, while longer treatment times (10 min) show diminishing returns to 3.07% of yield extraction. Chemical characterization (GC/MS and ATR-FTIR) indicates that plasma treatments do not significantly alter the chemical composition of the extracted EOs, preserving their aromatic qualities. Investigations into plasma-surface interactions reveal changes at the nanometer level, with XPS confirming alterations in the surface chemistry of Lavandin Grosso flowers by reducing surface carbon and increasing oxygen content, ultimately resulting in an increased presence of hydrophilic groups. The presence of hydrophilic groups enhances the interaction between the surface membrane of the glandular trichomes on Lavandin Grosso flowers and water vapor, consequently increasing the extraction of EOs. Furthermore, microscopic SEM examinations demonstrate that plasma treatments do not affect the morphology of glandular trichomes, emphasizing that surface modifications primarily occur at the nanoscale. This study underscores the potential of plasma technology as a tool to enhance EO yields from botanical sources while maintaining their chemical integrity.

Green superabsorbent hydrogel derived from activated charcoal and glycerol with maleic acid as a cross-linker

Superabsorbent hydrogels characterize a set of polymeric materials with three-dimensional structures capable of absorbing large amounts of water due to their hydrophilic functional groups on their surface. Their application in industries, agriculture, and the environment is of primary significance. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of green superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated charcoal. The process involved a polymerization reaction between activated charcoal (AC) with glycerol (G) using sodium hydroxide as an initiator in the absence and presence of maleic acid as a crosslinker to synthesize HCG-1 and HCG-2 superabsorbent hydrogel respectively. Characterization of the hydrogels was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optimization conditions were done by synthesizing hydrogel with varying dosages of both activated carbon and maleic acid as well as swelling time. The FT-IR results showed the appearance of strong sharp peaks at 1591.34 cm-1 and 1400.28 cm-1 in HCG-1 associated with -COO¯ symmetric stretching and asymmetric bending vibrations, indicating interlink between reacting monomers. A new absorption band at 1639.48 cm-1 associated with -COO¯ bending in non-conjugated ester indicates ester-crosslink in HCG-2 hydrogel. XRD analysis showed a phase shift from semi-crystalline to crystalline structure upon crosslinking. SEM analysis showed a crystalline intact, rigid structure without voids and pores on its surface in HCG-1 compared to the smooth irregular pores and lamina structure observed in HCG-2 hydrogel. The dosage ratio of AC: G: maleic acid of 8:5:1 produced hydrogel with an optimal water absorption capacity of 1255.80±0.70%. Maleic acid was found to improve the water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent. The study is an eye opener towards the application of biodegradable hydrogels in agriculture, especially in semi and arid regions.

L-Cysteine and barium titanate co-modified enteromorpha biochar as effective peroxymonosulfate activator for atrazine treatment

In this study, pyrolysis and hydrothermal methods were used for Enteromorpha biochar that was co-modified with l-cysteine and barium titanate (LBCBa). It has great environmental tolerance and can remove 93.0 % of atrazine (ATZ, 10 mg·L−1) within 60 mins of ultrasonic treatment. The enhanced hydrophilicity, electron-donating capability, and piezoelectricity of LBCBa are considered to induce excellent performance. The apparent reaction rate of the LBCBa-2/PMS/ATZ system with ultrasonic was 2.87 times that without ultrasonic. The density functional theory points out that, introducing l-cysteine to carbon edges improves the adsorption of ATZ and peroxymonosulfate (PMS), making PMS easier to activate. This work offered unique insights for fabricating effective catalysts and demonstrated the combination of hydrophilic functional groups and piezoelectricity in improving catalytic performance and stability.

Foaming and structural properties of egg yolk components microgel particles and their adsorption characteristics at the air-water interface

In this study, microgel particles of egg yolk and its components were constructed by inducing and modifying their structure via the high-pressure homogenization (HPH). In order to compare their structural characterization and reveal their adsorption mechanism at the air-water interface, yolk components were also combined with egg white protein (EWP) to achieve their microgels for investigation. Results suggested that after HPH, foam stabilities of egg yolk protein microgel (EYM) and egg yolk plasma microgel (EPM) were significantly improved, whereas no significance occurred on egg yolk granules microgel (EGM). Interestingly, after HPH, the adsorption capacity of the microgels from combination of yolk components and EWP exhibited a significant increasing trend. However, their interfacial adsorption stability was poor. Fluorescence spectrum and surface tension revealed that more hydrophilic groups and lower surface tension would occur on EY and EP after HPH, whilst no significant effects would happen on EG, which was consistent with the results of foaming characteristics. SDS-PAGE exhibited that there was no obvious change in the protein bands of egg yolk and its components, indicating that egg yolk and component proteins did not undergo covalent crosslinking or degradation with HPH treatment. In summary, our study prepares for the first time of the microgel particles from egg yolk components for stabilizing the air-water interface. In addition, we have revealed the relationship between the physicochemical properties, microstructures and interfacial adsorption properties of the microgel particles from egg yolk components, and have explored their mechanisms in depth.

Fabrication of Electrode Material for Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Research of the Relationship between Output Performance and Dielectric Material Strain.

In this work, a textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) device was developed through electroless plating technology to prepare electrode material. Hydrophilic groups on the fiber surface are able to absorb Ag+, which could play a role in the center of a catalyst to reduce Cu2+ to fabricate Cu-coated cotton toward the fabrication of TENG electrode material. The TENG device established admirable performance and good stabilization, and a maximum voltage at 9.6 V was detected when the stress and strain on the polydimethylsiloxane layer are 82.6 kPa and 5.8%, respectively. In addition, the relationships among device properties and strain/thickness of dielectric materials have been explored in depth as well. The output voltage of the device increases gradually with the enhancement of dielectric strain and stress. As expected, the TENG as-fabricated device was installed to various physical behaviors to illustrate the harvesting of power of knee-jerk movements.

Constructing multiple hydrogen bonds in adsorbent for selective adsorption of acteoside

The efficient adsorption of acteoside (ACT) was essential for the development and utilization of the active ingredients of Cistanche tubulosa. In this study, the adsorbent of hydrophilic imidazole polyionic liquids P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) was synthesized based on a double emulsion interfacial polymerization method to adsorb hydrophilic ACT. The as-prepared P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) showed an excellent adsorption performance, and the adsorption capacity and selectivity were 114.31 mg/g and 4.31, respectively. This was mainly attributed to as follows: firstly, P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) possessed multiple hydrogen bond receptors due to the introduction of functional monomer [C4vim][BF4]. The multiple hydrogen bond receptors provided the F atoms and N atoms to form multiple hydrogen bonds with the ACT, realizing the efficient adsorption of ACT. Secondly, the hierarchical porous structure had plenty of micro-mesopores and macropores. The micropores prefer screened small molecules, enhancing the selective adsorption of ACT, the mesoporous pores greatly improved the diffusion ability of ACT in the pores of P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]), and the macropores reduced transportation restrictions and facilitated the entry of ACT. Finally, the P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) contained hydrophilic imidazole group, enhancing the affinity between P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) and ACT. Thus, P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) can effectively adsorb ACT. The multiple hydrogen bonds were suggested as the major driving forces for adsorbing P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) and ACT. In addition, P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) was conveniently regenerated up to 6 times. Therefore, the P(StDVB-[C4vim][BF4]) had potential application for adsorbing active ingredients of natural products.

Ultralight, Robust, Thermal Insulating Silica Nanolace Aerogels Derived from Pickering Emulsion Templates.

Synthesis of silica aerogel insulators with ultralight weight and strong mechanical properties using a simplified technique remains challenging for functional soft materials. This study introduces a promising method for the fabrication of mechanically reinforced ultralight silica aerogels by employing attractive silica nanolace (ASNLs)-armored Pickering emulsion templates. For this, silica nanolaces (SiNLs) are fabricated by surrounding a cellulose nanofiber with necklace-shaped silica nanospheres. In order to achieve amphiphilicity, which is crucial for the stabilization of oil-in-water Pickering emulsions, hydrophobic alkyl chains and hydrophilic amine groups are grafted onto the surface of SiNLs by silica coupling reactions. Freeze-drying of ASNLs-armored Pickering emulsions has established a new type of aerogel system. The ASNLs-supported mesoporous aerogel shows 3-fold greater compressive strength, 4-fold reduced heat transfer, and a swift heat dissipation profile compared to that of the bare ASNL aerogel. Additionally, the ASNL aerogel achieves an ultralow density of 8 mg cm-3, attributed to the pore architecture generated from closely jammed emulsion drops. These results show the potential of the ASNL aerogel system, which is ultralight, mechanically stable, and thermally insulating and could be used in building services, energy-saving technologies, and the aerospace industry.

Effect of Low-Temperature Plasma-Modified Carbon Fibers on Impact Load Damage of Low-Density Oil-Well Cement.

After large-scale exploitation of conventional oil and gas resources, most remaining resources are in highly depleted zones, where the fracture pressure of the formations is greatly reduced. Low-density oil-well cement prevents wellbore and formation fractures by reducing annular liquid column pressure and is one of the most commonly used cements in the oil and gas industry. However, cement sheaths made of low-density oil-well cement can be easily damaged due to the impact load generated during the well completion process. Incorporating carbon fibers into the cement matrix can effectively enhance the performance of cement sheaths. To ensure that carbon fibers can be closely combined with the cement matrix, low-temperature plasma modification technology was used in this study to pretreat the fibers. The mechanical properties of low-density oil-well cement incorporated with unmodified or modified carbon fibers were studied in detail under an impact load. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the content of hydrophilic groups on the surface increased from 18.3 to 60.3% after the plasma treatment. The impact test results showed that the peak strengths of the cements cured at 60 °C for 14 days with 0.3% unmodified and modified carbon fibers could reach 37.01 ± 1.7 and 62.27 ± 1.7 MPa, respectively, under the impact load, i.e., an increase of 68.25% after the carbon fibers were treated with low-temperature plasma. Similarly, the absorbed energy increased from 15.59 to 44.31 J, and the energy absorption rate increased from 25.98 to 73.85%. Low-temperature plasma modification provided hydrophilic functional groups on the surface, significantly improving the interfacial bonding between the carbon fibers and cement matrix. The strengthened interaction was beneficial to extending the bearing time under the impact load and demonstrated a positive influence on the mechanical properties related to the impact resistance.

Self-Oxidated Hydrophilic Chitosan Fibrous Mats for Fatal Hemorrhage Control.

Enriching erythrocytes and platelets in seconds and providing a fast seal in bleeding sites is vital to fatal hemorrhage control. Herein, hydrophilic chitosan fibrous mats (CECS-D mats) are fabricated by introducing hydrophilic carboxyethyl groups and subsequent catechol groups onto chitosan fibers. Due to strong hydrophilicity, CECS-D mats exhibit rapid liquid-absorption capacity, especially instantaneous absorptivity to the rabbit blood, which can achieve erythrocyte and platelet aggregations quickly by concentrating blood, thus promoting the formation of blood clots. Furthermore, the mats are self-oxidated to form quinone-amine adducts or quinone multimers by adjusting pH conditions, which not only provides tissue adhesion but also induces erythrocyte aggregation and platelet adhesion, further enhancing the seal and triggering quick closure to achieve fast hemostasis. Therefore, the mats reveal superior hemostatic performance in rabbit liver and spleen models over CECS mats and gauze. Especially in the fatal femoral artery injury model of rabbits, the mats reduce the blood loss by ∼75% and shortened the bleeding time by ∼50% compared with CECS mats, which have been reported to have the same hemostatic effect as commercialized Celox products in a swine femoral artery injury model. Besides, the mats are cytocompatible and degradable as well as antibacterial. This chitosan mat is a promising hemostatic material for fatal hemorrhage control.

Micelle formation of sodium taurolithocholate

The proportion of sodium taurolithocholate (NaTLC) is extremely low in human bile salts. NaTLC forms aggregates with other lipids in the bile and functions as an emulsifying and solubilizing agent. The molecular structure of NaTLC contains hydrophilic hydroxyl and sulfonic acid groups at both ends of the steroid ring. This molecular structure is similar to bolaform amphiphilic substance having hydrophilic groups at both ends due to the characteristics of its molecular structure. This study investigated the aggregate properties of the NaTLC using surface tension measurements, light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Surface tension measurement showed that the surface tension of the NaTLC solution decreased to 54 mN m−1. The concentration that showed the minimum surface tension corresponded to the critical micelle concentration (CMC: 0.6 mmol L−1, 308 K) determined by the change in light scattering intensity. On the other hand, the degree of counterion (sodium ions) binding to the micelles increased with increasing NaTLC concentration. SAXS and cryo-TEM measurements showed that the NaTLC formed large string-like micelles. The surface activity and large aggregates showed the potential for use as biosurfactants. However, because of the relatively low solubility of NaTLC in water, its use as a biosurfactant is limited to a narrow concentration range.