Hydrophobic Properties Research Articles

Fluorinated Polyethylenimine and Fluorinated Choline Phosphate Lipids Complex System for Efficient mRNA Delivery to Deep-Seated Tumor Tissues.

Efficiently delivering mRNA to the deep-seated cells of diseased tissues for therapeutic purposes remains a significant challenge. To address this, we leveraged the dual hydrophobic properties of fluorine atoms to conjugate fluorinated polyethylenimine (FPEI) with fluorinated choline phosphate (FCP) lipids. When one adjusted the ratio of N/F atoms to 2/1 and a 15% FCP content, the mRNA@FPEI-FCP carrier was optimized, achieving significant circulation and accumulation in deep tumor regions. Compared to control carriers lacking FCP or FPEI, mRNA@FPEI-FCP exhibited a 3.94-fold increase in tumor targeting and a 3.0-fold increase in deep delivery. Delivery of IL-2 mRNA to 4T1 breast tumors resulted in a tumor inhibition rate of 91.9%, with IL-2 levels reaching 149.2 pg/mL and 12.1% of CD4+ cells throughout the tumor, with no abnormal blood indexes. This FPEI and FCP composite delivery system demonstrates potent targeting of mRNA delivery to deep tumor tissues.

Synthesis of phosphorus fluorine containing polymers for flame-retardant, low surface energy and good dielectric performance epoxy resin electronic packaging materials

In order to satisfy the application of epoxy resin (EP) in high-end electronic packaging, phosphorus fluorine containing polymers were synthesized to simultaneously enhance the flame retardant, dielectric, and hydrophobic properties of EP. Through the reaction of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO), a monomer named HEMA-P was synthesized. By copolymerizing (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate and 1H, 1H, 7H-dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate) with HEMA-P through the typical reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, two phosphorus fluorine containing polymer modifiers named 3FOP and 12FOP with different lengths of fluorine side chain were obtained. The flame-retardant level of FOP/EP composites reached V-1 level. The limited oxygen index (LOI) values of 3FOP/EP and 12FOP/EP composites (10 wt% additive amount) increased to 33.6 ± 0.5 % and 32.8 ± 0.3 %, respectively, with corresponding peak heat release rates (pHRR) decreased by 37.8 % and 33.2 % compared with neat EP, suggesting the FOP modified EP composites have good flame retardant and smoke suppression effects. The mechanical properties of the FOP/EP composites can also be improved. Notably, with the 10 wt% addition of 12FOPs, the water contact angle of 12FOP/EP composite reached 116.5°, which was 40.7 % higher than that of EP. Moreover, the dielectric constant decreased with the increasing fluorine content. The thermal stability and possible thermal degradation pathways of 3FOP and 12FOP were characterized by TG-IR, Py-GC/MS, and Raman spectroscopy. Based on experimental results, we innovatively revealed a phosphorus fluorine synergistic flame retardancy mechanism.

Mechanistic insight into the effects of interaction between biochar and soil with different properties on phenanthrene sorption

Soil composition varies considerably in nature, so it is vital to investigate the mechanism of the effect of various soil parameters on biochar sorption capacity. In this study, two biochars (W4 and W7) were derived from wheat straw at temperatures of 400 and 700 °C and were incubated with three different soils. Changes in biochar surface features by aging in the soils and the consequent impact on phenanthrene sorption were examined. The results showed that the effect of adding biochar on phenanthrene sorption capacity (Koc) varied by soil. When biochar was freshly mixed with soil, the Koc value in soil with higher clay content was more dramatically altered by biochar, which is due to clay particles adhering to the biochar surface. Moreover, the Koc value was significantly decreased by the addition of W4 but increased by the addition of W7 in general. After aging, most of the Koc value decreased. The greatest decrease in Koc value was observed in biochar and soil composed with the highest clay content for W4 (24–63%), as well as soil composed with the highest organic matter content for W7 (46–64%). This is because the surface polarity and micropores of biochar dropped the most rapidly in these mixes, resulting in a significant decrease in hydrophobic and pore-filling properties. The results revealed that the impact of biochar-soil interactions on phenanthrene sorption is related to not only biochar properties but also soil clay particles, soil organic matter content and pH. The findings of the study can be utilized to assess the efficacy of biochar application in soil remediation for various features.

Effect of foaming and drying temperature on the physical, chemical, and functional properties of egg white powders produced using refractance window drying

This study investigated the effect of drying form (natural and foamed) and temperature (50–100 °C) on the physical, chemical, and functional properties of egg white powder produced using refractance window drying. The egg whites were dried in 4-55 min, depending on the drying conditions. On the one hand, the drying form was effective on the color properties, densities (bulk, tapped, or particle), Carr index, Hausner ratio, porosity, hygroscopicity, solubility, and foaming capacity of egg white powders. On the other hand, the drying temperature was effective for all analyzed properties except hygroscopicity, moisture content, and water activity of samples. The study demonstrated that foaming before refractance window drying enhances the color of the egg white powders and provides better solubility and foaming capacity. However, it has a detrimental effect on the flow properties of the powders evaluated according to the Carr index and Hausner ratio. Increasing the drying temperature until a certain extent (80 °C) generally provided better color, protein content, surface hydrophobicity, and functional properties. The study shows that egg powders suitable for different purposes (better foaming, low protein denaturation, better gelling, etc.) can be obtained if the drying form and temperature conditions are fine-tuned.

Investigation of physical, thermal and morphological properties of CuCl2 modified polyurethane sponges

There are many types of polyurethane sponge (PUS), depending on properties such as hardness, flexibility and surface texture. The fact that it can be produced in any shape and size has given it very wide range of applications. Surface modification is one of the most commonly used methods to improve the performance of PUS. Here, inspired by metal coordination polymers, a simpler and faster method for surface modification of PUS with metal ions compared to bulk modification was proposed. In the case of copper, which is often used for PUS modification, the change in the basic properties sought in different applications as a function of the concentration of the modifier was investigated. Samples prepared by immersing sponges in solutions of copper chloride salt were subjected to physical, thermal and morphological analyses. Due to the modification, the coordination bonds between CuCl2 and polyurethane were revealed by XPS and FTIR. SEM and EDS studies of the PUS revealed both closed and open cells. DSC and TGA analysis showed that the obtained product had better thermal stability than the unmodified product. When the PUS was modified with 0.5 Cu, the water contact angle increased from 101.32° to 135.01° and hydrophobic properties were imparted to all pore surfaces, and the desired properties such as porosity, density could be adjusted. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the surface, mechanical and thermal properties will make it suitable for use in a range of practical applications such as medical and environmental.

Structure, Functional Properties, and Applications of Foxtail Millet Prolamin: A Review.

Foxtail millet prolamin, one of the major protein constituents of foxtail millet, has garnered attention due to its unique amino acid composition and function. Foxtail millet prolamin exhibits specific physicochemical and functional characteristics, such as solubility, surface hydrophobicity, emulsifying, and foaming properties. These characteristics have been exploited in the preparation and development of products, including plant-based alternative products, nutritional supplements, and gluten-free foods. Additionally, because of the favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability, foxtail millet prolamin is frequently used as a carrier for encapsulation and targeted delivery of bioactive substances. Moreover, studies have shown that foxtail millet prolamin is highly nutritious and displays various biological activities like antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-diabetic potential, making it a valuable ingredient in medicinal products and contributing to its potential role in therapeutic diets. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the amino acid composition and structural characteristics of foxtail millet prolamin, as well as the functional properties, biological activities, and applications in functional food formulation and drug delivery strategy. Challenges and future perspectives for the utilization of foxtail millet prolamin are also pointed out. This review aims to provide novel ideas and broad prospects for the effective use of foxtail millet prolamin.

Tailoring the structural, optical, hydrophobicity and electrical properties of ZnO thin films by copper doping for self-clean optoelectronic application

Optoelectronic devices such as solar panels, cameras, screens, and sensors frequently suffer reduced performance due to dust accumulation. Incorporating self-cleaning features not only sustains their efficiency but also minimizes maintenance expenses, especially for large or challenging-to-access setups. In this study, copper doped-zinc oxide (CZO) thin films with varying copper (Cu) concentrations were created using the reactive co-sputtering process. These films underwent a comprehensive analysis, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to examine their structure, morphology, and elemental composition. Optical properties were investigated through UV–Vis spectroscopy, while hydrophobicity and electrical characteristics were assessed with contact angle and I–V measurements. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was employed to analyse surface attributes. The results confirmed that as Cu concentrations increased, the crystallite and grain size of ZnO in the films also increased. A red shift in the band gap was observed in UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Cu doping effectively reduced the electrical resistivity of the ZnO thin film. The CZO thin film, with a 60 nm thickness, low roughness (1.49 nm), high optical transmittance (around 80.20 %), a wide band gap (3.22 eV), a substantial contact angle (113°), and low electrical resistivity (5.9 × 105 Ω cm), holds great promise for use in transparent, conductive, and self-cleaning optoelectronic devices.

Heracleum sosnowskyi pyrolysis – Energy and environmental aspects of biochar utilization

The Heracleum sosnowskyi is a highly invasive plant species known for its rapid spread and the significant threat it poses to the ecosystem and human health, primarily due to its furanocoumarin content. In the present study, for the first time the pyrolysis process (200–600 °C) of Heracleum was conducted, demonstrating its efficacy in utilizing the material as feedstock and generating valuable solid by-products. It was found that biochar produced at temperatures of 200–300 °C is suitable for solid fuel production (HHV 20.2–24.1 MJ·kg−1) and has strong hydrophobic properties, while pyrolysis over 400 °C promotes the improvement of fertilizing properties by increasing the content of micro and macronutrients (K=112.4 g·kg−1 at 600 °C). The mass and energy analysis proved that in specific conditions (for dry > 300 °C; for wet > 400 °C), pyrolysis can be an effective way for Heracleum biomass conversion into valuable biochar without the need for external energy.

Boosted device performance of perovskite solar cells via KI processing additives

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted great attention in both academic and industrial sectors in the past years. Studies demonstrated that processing additive engineering was a facile way to improve the crystallinity and minimize the defect of metal halide perovskites (MHPs). In this study, we report efficient and stable PSCs, where the MHPs thin film is processed with KI additives. It is found that the KI processing additives could not only enhance the crystallization and suppress the defects of MHP thin film, but also boost charge transport, suppress non-radiative recombination, and enhance the hydrophobic properties of MHP thin film. As a result, the PSCs based on the MHPs thin film processed with KI additives exhibit more than 10% enhancement in efficiency and dramatically boosted stability compared to that based on pristine MHPs thin film. Our results indicated that the MHPs processed with processing additives are a simple engineering technique to boost the device performance of PSCs.

Characterization of Composite Film Containing Polyvinyl Alcohol Cross‐Linked With Dialdehyde Cellulose Using Citric Acid as a Catalyst for Sustainable Packaging

ABSTRACTThis study is aimed at fabricating composite films by cross‐linking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) in varying ratios using citric acid as a catalyst. The acetal formation between the two components was studied using FTIR. Characterizations of the physiochemical properties revealed that increasing the DAC ratio of the composite film improved the hydrophobicity, tensile strength and barrier properties (water vapour, UV and oxygen) of the films while reducing elongation at break (flexibility), swelling and solubility of the film in water. When the DAC ratio was elevated to 50%, the tensile strength was enhanced to 98 MPa. In comparison, flexibility diminished to 29%, the solubility of the film reduced to 10% and water vapour permeability was lower by two orders of magnitude than that of the control PVA film. The peroxide value of linoleic acid decreased from 21.2% ± 7.6 (packed with PVA film) to 9.9% ± 0.9 (packed with 50% DAC composite film) after 15 days. Furthermore, the composite films demonstrated effective absorption of UV radiation, with the order of effectiveness being UV‐C > UV‐B > UV‐A radiation. No significant difference in biodegradability was detected in the composite films with an increase in DAC ratio during indoor soil burial tests for 30 days. This study implies that the composite film could serve as an alternative sustainable packaging option, especially when transparency and high oxygen barrier properties are desired.

An intensive exploration of plasticization, tensile, flexural and ecotoxicity of styrene-grafted thermoplastic starch (TPS) composite material

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is a potential alternative to non-biodegradable plastics. Nevertheless, nice hydrophilicity, poor mechanical property and processability restrain use. Herein, pure corn starch was modified by styrene grafting, then, plasticized by glycerol to prepare TPS composite material. Later, plasticizing behavior, thermal-stability, mechanical property, ecotoxicity, etc. were explored. Main results reveal that styrene was successfully grafted to starch achieving a grafting yield (GY) as 45.58 wt% and grafting converted starch crystalline shape transformation from A to V. Glycerol plasticization furtherly altered crystalline structure and surface wettability. To native species, plasticization induced amorphization; to grafted species, it induced crystalline perfection. Compared to native species grafted starch displayed easier plasticization characteristic and better processability, elevated hydrophobicity and mechanical property. Herein, a glycerol content as 20 wt% is proper. From native to grafted TPS composite material tensile, flexural strengths and modulus were elevated from 8.9, 20.9 and 777–24.2, 56.5 and 1924 MPa. A more important issue is that styrene grafted TPS composite material composting products displayed no-visible ecotoxicity. Where, wheat and mung seeds germination rates and plant fresh and dry masses in systems containing 10 wt% previous TPS composting products are all higher than 90 % those of blank compositing systems, which is in line with EN 13432–2000 standard, non-toxic to environment. It seems via some level styrene grafting possessing nice mechanical property and non-visible ecotoxicity starch material can be prepared, possibly having a potential use in plastic industry in real, which is of great significance and attractive.

Chemical and UV Durability of Hydrophobic and Icephobic Surface Layers on Femtosecond Laser Structured Stainless Steel

Femtosecond laser processing significantly alters the surface structure and chemical composition, impacting its wetting properties. Post-treatments such as immersion in a hydrocarbon liquid (petrol) or storage in a vacuum can significantly reduce ice adhesion, making the surfaces interesting for anti-ice applications. This study investigates their durability against acetone, ethylene glycol, and UV radiation. The laser-structured surfaces were immersed in the respective liquids for up to 48 h. The results indicate limited durability of the superhydrophobic and icephobic layers when submerged in acetone and ethylene glycol, with more favorable results for petrol treatment than vacuum treatment. Similar results were obtained after 100 h of UV exposure, showing a decrease in superhydrophobic properties and an increase in ice adhesion. However, repeated vacuum treatments conducted after the chemical durability tests revealed the potential for partial recovery of the hydrophobic and icephobic properties. XPS analysis was performed throughout the experiments to evaluate changes in surface chemistry resulting from the post-laser treatments and the durability tests.

Enhancing chloride/fluoride selectivity with hydrophobic side-chain anion exchange membranes in electrodialysis

The selective separation of chloride ions (Cl−) from fluoride ions (F−) is a critical concern in various industries due to the potential risks of F− on public health and industrial operations. However, Cl−/F− separation is known to be technologically challenging, considering they have the same charge and valency. This study explores the design of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) in electrodialysis to achieve Cl−/F− separation based on the difference in their hydration energy. Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) polymers brominated at varying reaction temperatures were employed as the basic AEM material, enabling fine-tuning of the hydrophobic properties of the resulting membranes through selective bromination at the benzyl or aryl positions and the subsequent quaternization with tertiary amines of different chain lengths, ultimately enhancing their selectivity. The developed AEMs are tested in electrodialysis involving a binary Cl−/F− mixture. The obtained membranes exhibited remarkable selectivity, reaching as high as 12.5 ± 1.0, surpassing the performance of commercial monovalent selective AEMs. The results demonstrate the potential of Cl−/F− separation by electrodialysis and highlight the significance of tailored membrane design in achieving the separation of ions with the same valency.

Effects of liquid lubricants on the surface characteristics of 3D-printed polylactic acid

In this study, 3D-printed Polylactic acid (PLA) specimens were manufactured and polished using various lubricants to assess their surface, friction, and wear characteristics. After polishing, the surface roughness decreased by approximately 80% compared with that before polishing, except when acetone was used as the lubricant. In particular, under deionized (DI) water and acetone lubrication conditions, the friction coefficient decreased by 63% and 70%, respectively, whereas the specific wear rate decreased by 88% and 83%, respectively, compared with the unpolished specimens. In the case of dry polishing, adhesion, friction, and wear increase owing to surface damage. Ethanol and IPA polishing resulted in hydrolysis and increased friction, but slightly decreased wear rates. The surface of the specimen polished with acetone dissolved and became very rough. Only the surface polished with DI water exhibited hydrophobic properties. When acetone and DI water were used as lubricants, the surface adhesion force, adhesion energy, friction coefficient, and wear rate were lowest. The finite element analysis results showed that the polished surface exhibited stable contact pressure and friction force, while the unpolished surface showed large fluctuations in contact pressure and friction force owing to the laminated pattern. These results suggest that the polishing process is crucial for improving the surface characteristics and mechanical performance of 3D-printed PLA parts.

Wear and corrosion resistance behavior of hydrophobic surface on Ti-6Al-4V prepared by nitrogen gas-assisted EDM

Despite the widespread use of titanium alloys in various fields, surface defects that arise during the processing of Ti-6Al-4V can significantly reduce their service life. Therefore, developing a new approach to enhance the performance of TC4 alloys, particularly in challenging environments such as high-wear and wet conditions is crucial. This study proposes a novel method to create a hardened surface enriched with TiN using nitrogen gas-assisted electrical discharge machining (NA-EDM). The aim was to assess the impact of surface modification via NA-EDM on anti-wear and anti-corrosion performance across different peak currents and to explore the mechanism behind the surface's hydrophobic properties. The findings show that the NA-EDM process produces fewer surface defects compared to traditional EDM. Moreover, NA-EDM treatment significantly improves surface hydrophobicity, as evidenced by a 21.25 % increase in the contact angle (CA). Furthermore, the NA-EDM-treated surface exhibits enhanced resistance to wear and corrosion, with a notable 14.9 % reduction in wear rate and average friction coefficient.

Hydrophobic, oil‐repellent, and antimicrobial guar gum‐chitosan composite paper coating for sustainable food packaging

AbstractChallenges in sustainable food packaging include ensuring effective moisture and oil barriers, antimicrobial protection, and developing cost‐effective, scalable production methods. This study introduces a hydrophobic, oil‐repelling, antimicrobial coating of a guar gum (GG)‐chitosan (CS) blend applied via a dip coating approach on blotting paper. By incorporating sodium tri‐polyphosphate (STPP) as a cross‐linker, the optimized formulation (1.5% guar gum, 0.09% STPP, 1% chitosan, and 1.5% glycerol) achieved notable hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 136.1 ± 2.2°. This study is significant as it offers a sustainable, eco‐friendly food packaging solution with enhanced hydrophobic, oil‐repellent, and antimicrobial properties.

PH-responsive collagen nanocomposite films reinforced by curcumin-loaded Laponite nanoplatelets for dynamic visualization of shrimp freshness

Sustainable and intelligent packaging systems, utilizing biomass-derived matrix and bioactive indicators represent promising approaches for real-time detection and monitoring of freshness of food, as well as prolonging the shelf-life and improving the quality and safety of food products. Herein, we reported pH-responsive collagen nanocomposite films reinforced by curcumin-loaded Laponite nanoplatelets which could act as smart indicators for monitoring the freshness of shrimps. Caffeic acid, as a bio-based modifier, was covalently grafted onto the surfaces of the nanoplatelets loaded with curcumin. The collagen nanocomposite films were fabricated by the incorporation of functionalized nanoplatelets through all-aqueous casting-evaporation approach. The triple-helical structure of collagen molecules was stabilized by the functionalized nanoplatelets mainly through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions with uniform distribution into the film matrix. Moreover, the resultant nanocomposite films not only demonstrated favorable hydrophobicity and water vapor barrier properties, but also exhibited effective antioxidant activity and anticipated color responsiveness to pH changes and NH3 presence. The consistent changes in color of the nanocomposite film with the shrimps following days of storage supported its feasibility and potential for monitoring the freshness of shrimps. Therefore, we envision that the developed collagen-based nanocomposite films showcase great potential in the application of sustainable and intelligent packaging system for dynamic visualization of seafood freshness.

Green Nanoengineered Fabrics: Waste-Derived Polyphenol-Zinc@ Silica Core-Shell Reactive Janus Nanoparticles for Functional Fabrics.

Fabricating Janus nanoparticle-functionalized fabrics with UV protection, strength enhancement, self-cleaning properties, and wash durability, with a biocompatible nature, is crucial in modern functional fabrics engineering. Particularly, tailoring multifunctional nanoparticles capable of exhibiting several distinct properties, utilizing low-cost raw materials, and adhering to green chemistry principles is pivotal. A fabrication strategy for developing multifunctional reactive Janus nanoparticles, utilizing waste-derived natural polyphenol (quercetin-3-glucuronide, myricetin-3-galactoside, gossypin, phlorizin, kaempferol, myricetin-3-arabinoside)-integrated zinc-silica core-shell Janus nanoparticles with UV protection, strength enhancement, and self-cleaning properties, is proposed. Polyphenols were utilized as sustainable precursors for synthesizing zinc-polyphenol complexes, which were then encapsulated within a silica shell to form a core-shell structure. Furthermore, Janus particles were created by introducing a bifunctional layer with half amine/carboxylic acid and half methyl terminals, imparting reactive hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Janus-coated textiles and leather exhibited significant attenuation of harmful UV radiation, with water contact angle measurements confirming improved water repellency. The coexistence of natural phenols and bifunctional groups within a material bolstered textile strength, fostering superior adhesion and markedly enhancing wash durability. This eco-friendly approach, utilizing waste-derived materials, presents a promising solution for sustainable textile engineering with enhanced performance in UV protection and water resistance, thereby contributing to the advancement of green nanotechnology in textile applications.

Bioinspired starch nanofibrous films with tunable hydrophobicity and water adhesion via tannic acid-interfacial self-assembly for food packaging

To address the limitations in water resistance and functionality of existing starch-based food packaging materials, this study developed a new sustainable food packaging material—starch nanofibrous films (SNFs) enhanced with an acylated tannic acid (ATA) interfacial self-assembly coating. Inspired by the unique hydrophobicity and water adhesion properties of rose petals, which effectively control surface characteristics to maintain microenvironmental humidity during food processing and storage, this approach significantly enhanced the water resistance, stability, and mechanical strength of the material. Specifically, the obtained SNFs/ATA exhibited a maximum water contact angle of ∼ 134.1°, tensile strength of ∼ 0.86 MPa, and Young’s modulus of ∼ 43.48 MPa. Moreover, SNFs/ATA showed excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, UV-blocking capabilities, and degradability, making it an environmentally friendly choice for food packaging. In practical food preservation applications, cherry tomatoes packaged with SNFs/ATA showed a significant extension of shelf life to 15 days, with a 62.5 % reduction in spoilage rate, a 25.4 % decrease in weight loss, and good quality including pulp firmness, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids. This work demonstrates structurally regulated polyphenol assembly in the preparation of all-natural green biomimetic surface, creating new opportunities for the development of sustainable bio-based food packaging systems.

Ultraviolet encryption information storage using hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone)/carbon quantum dot composite film

Luminescent poly(ε-caprolactone)/nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (PCL/N-CQDs) film with the function of information protection and encryption was realized based on the fluorescent N-CQDs. The N-CQDs were synthesized from citric acid with urea as a dopant for the enhancement of fluorescent properties. The facilely prepared composite film retained the hydrophobic nature of PCL and achieved the enhanced mechanical property. The appropriate crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity of PCL provide the film with opaque characteristics at room temperature, rendering it an ideal carrier for carrying information. The information encryption and decryption are achieved through ionoprinting technique, exploiting the ability of Fe3+ ions to quench the fluorescence of N-CQDs, allowing for the encryption of designed information on the film’s surface. With its opaque, hydrophobic, and photoluminescent properties, the PCL/N-CQDs composite film holds significant promise for applications in information encryption.