Incorporation Of Clay Research Articles

Synthesis of low-cost refractory cordierite for solar thermal storage: Characterization of mechanical, thermal and physical stability during thermal shock cycles

To guarantee the efficiency of solar thermal energy production, the thermal storage material must have exceptional resistance to thermal shock to withstand prolonged thermal cycles. In addition, it must have specific properties tailored to the requirements of this field. In this study, we developed a refractory cordierite for solar thermal storage, characterized by very high thermophysical properties, from an initial formulation containing 20 % of abundant clays. The properties of materials sintered at 900 °C, 1000 °C, 1100 °C, 1200 °C and 1250 °C were assessed by a series of analyses including X-ray diffraction (XRD), mass loss, volumetric shrinkage, bulk density, and porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal storage capacity, chemical resistance, and mechanical testing. The incorporation of natural clays, rich in sintering aid elements, facilitated the formation of 74 % α-cordierite at 1200 °C and 92 % at 1250 °C, significantly enhancing the material's densification. Materials sintered at 1250 °C and containing 92 % refractory cordierite were subjected to 50 thermal shock cycles from 500 °C to 0 °C. The obtained materials showed excellent mechanical properties, including compressive strength of 398 MPa, low porosity of 0.21 %, density of 2.52 g/cm3, zero mass loss in acidic and basic environments for 30 days, and very high values of heat capacity (3429.80 J/(kg·K)), thermal conductivity (2.08 W/(m·K)) and thermal diffusivity (0.84 mm2/s) at room temperature.

Development of low-cost clayey ceramic filtering membrane with controllable porosity and high mechanical strength

The conventional approach to generate pores in ceramic membranes involves the incorporation of a pore-forming element. However, this method tends to diminish the mechanical properties of the membranes and poses challenges in effectively regulating both pore size and membrane porosity. In this work, low-cost ceramic filtering membranes with enhanced mechanical strength have been successfully prepared mainly from abundant clays and without the need for pore-forming agents. The Porosity and pore size were controlled by adding a finely-grained clay (d90 = 22 μm) by-product to coarse clay (d90 = 50 μm) within a specified range of 33–66 wt%. The microstructure evolution of prepared membranes was examined by XRF, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and DTA-TGA analysis, while the technological properties were evaluated by permeability, porosity, density, and mechanical measurements. The findings indicated that the increase in the amount of finely grained clay mixed with coarse clay and the sintering temperature had a synergistic effect on the porosity and pore size of the obtained membranes. The incorporation of finely-grained clays, accompanied by an elevation in sintering temperature, led to a reduction in porosity from 31.3 ± 0.7 % to 6.2 ± 0.5 % and pore size, along with the crystallization of the α-mullite (12 %) and anorthite (30 %) phase with a quartz phase and an improvement in mechanical strength reaching up to 251 ± 3 MPa. A formulation comprising 33 wt% of finely-grained clay by-products and 67 wt% of coarse clay, sintered at 1000 °C, emerged as a promising ultrafiltering membrane with enhanced mechanical strength reaching 120 ± 1 MPa, and a permeability of 1000 L/h.m2 at 1 bar.

Rapid in situ formation of κ-carrageenan-carboxymethyl chitosan-kaolin clay hydrogel films enriched with arbutin for enhanced preservation of cherry tomatoes

Food waste resulting from perishable fruits and vegetables, coupled with the utilization of non-renewable petroleum-based packaging materials, presents pressing challenges demanding resolution. This study addresses these critical issues through the innovative development of a biodegradable functional plastic wrap. Specifically, the proposed solution involves the creation of a κ-carrageenan/carboxymethyl chitosan/arbutin/kaolin clay composite film. This film, capable of rapid in-situ formation on the surfaces of perishable fruits, adeptly conforms to their distinct shapes. The incorporation of kaolin clay in the composite film plays a pivotal role in mitigating water vapor and oxygen permeability, concurrently bolstering water resistance. Accordingly, tensile strength of the composite film experiences a remarkable enhancement, escalating from 20.60 MPa to 34.71 MPa with the incorporation of kaolin clay. The composite film proves its efficacy by preserving cherry tomatoes for an extended period of 9 days at 28 °C through the deliberate delay of fruit ripening, respiration, dehydration and microbial invasion. Crucially, the economic viability of the raw materials utilized in the film, coupled with the expeditious and straightforward preparation method, underscores the practicality of this innovative approach. This study thus introduces an easy and sustainable method for preserving perishable fruits, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials.

Exploring the feasibility of utilizing high plastic clays as an alternative material to bentonite clay in the production of ceramic tile: Advancing towards efficient life cycle cost

The environmental challenges and high cost of raw materials (i.e., bentonite clays) for the production of ceramic tiles raise concerns for the ceramic industry to look for alternative materials. Therefore, the current research aimed at exploring the possibility of using high plastic clays as a replacement for Bentonite clay in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles. Two different types of high plastic clay in different proportions (i.e. 0–5 %) were used in the preparation of ceramic tiles. A comprehensive material characterization, shrinkage, visual index, flexural strength, water absorption, and microstructural investigation was carried out. The results revealed that the incorporation of plastic clays RC1 from 1 % to 5 % showed a decrease in the flexural strength of ceramic tiles as compared to that of ceramic tiles with bentonite clay. The water absorption of ceramic tiles using RC1 increased with the incorporation of high plastic clays for high plastic clays. However, specimens with all replacements of bentonite clay with high plastic clays showed flexural strength greater than the minimum specified limit of ISO 10545-4. Moreover, it was observed that the replacement of bentonite clay with high plastic clays exhibited higher shrinkage. Further, the visual index of all the specimens did not show any sign of the presence of black core in the ceramic tiles incorporating high plastic clays. The life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out for the possible utilization of high plastic clays in place of bentonite clay to produce ceramic tiles. The results showed that less than 5 % high plastic clay can effectively be used for manufacturing ceramic tiles leading to economical and sustainable construction products. Hence, it can be concluded that the high plastic clays can be utilized as an alternative to bentonite clay material for manufacturing sustainable ceramic tile leading to sustainable finishes in construction.

Initial Characteristics of Alkali-Silica Reaction Products in Mortar Containing Low-Purity Calcined Clay.

An alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical process that leads to the formation of an expansive gel, potentially causing durability issues in concrete structures. This article investigates the properties and behaviour of ASR products in mortar with the addition of low-purity calcined clay as an additional material. This study includes an evaluation of the expansion and microstructural characteristics of the mortar, as well as an analysis of the formation and behaviour of ASR products with different contents of calcined clay. Expansion tests of the mortar beam specimens were conducted according to ASTM C1567, and a detailed microscopic analysis of the reaction products was performed. Additionally, their mechanical properties were determined using nanoindentation. This study reveals that with an increasing calcined clay content, the amount of the crystalline form of the ASR gel decreases, while the nanohardness increases. The Young's modulus of the amorphous ASR products ranged from 5 to 12 GPa, while the nanohardness ranged from 0.41 to 0.67 GPa. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of how the incorporation of low-purity calcined clay influences the ASR in mortar, providing valuable insights into developing sustainable and durable building materials for the construction industry.

Significant augmentation of proton conductivity in low sulfonated polyether sulfone octyl sulfonamide membranes through the incorporation of hectorite clay

AbstractAn innovative methodology was employed to fabricate ion exchange membranes tailored for fuel cell applications. This approach entailed blending low sulfonated polyether sulfone octyl sulfonamide (LSPSO) with Hectorite (Hect) clay at varying weight percentages (1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 6 wt%). The resultant composite membranes underwent comprehensive characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, aiming to assess their surface morphology and thermal resilience. Remarkably, the thermal stability of the composite membrane exhibited a substantial enhancement in comparison to the pristine LSPSO membrane. Moreover, the incorporation of 6 wt% Hectorite into the composite membrane yielded a noteworthy amplification in proton conductivity, achieving a fourfold increase (141.66 mS/cm) as opposed to the LSPSO membrane in isolation (35.04 mS/cm). Consequently, the Hect/LSPSO composite membrane exhibits remarkable potential as an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells operating at temperatures surpassing 100 °C.

Nylon fiber waste as a prominent adsorbent for Congo red dye removal

In this research nylon fibers wastes (NF) were fabricated into porous sheet using a phase inversion technique to be utilized as an adsorbent materials for Congo red dye (CR). The fabricated sheet denoted as NS was characterized using FTIR and XRD. The surface studies of the adsorbent materials using SEM and BET analysis reveals a highly pores structure with an average pore volume 0.61 cc/g and BET surface area of 767 m2/g. The adsorption studies of fabricated NS were employed into CR at different parameters as pH, effect of time and dye concentration. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were more fit to Langmuir and pseudo second order models. The maximum adsorption capacity qmax reached 188 mg/g with removal percentage of 95 for CR concentration of 400 mg/L at pH 6 and 0.025 g NS dose for 10 ml CR solution. The regeneration study reveals a prominent adsorption behavior of NS with removal % of 88.6 for CR (300 mg/L) after four adsorption desorption cycles. Effect of incorporation of NaonFil Clay to NS was studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) modeling and reveals that 98.4% removal of CR could be achieved by using 19.35% wt. of fiber with 8.2 g/L dose and zero clay, thus at a predetermined parameters studies of NanoFil clay embedded into NS, there are no significant effect for %R for CR.

Polypropylene nanocomposites produced by in‐situ grafting of maleic anhydride using different mixing procedures

AbstractNanocomposites (NC) of polypropylene (PP) and organophilic montmorillonite (oMt) are produced by reactive mixing with simultaneous grafting of maleic anhydride (MA) onto PP using organic peroxide as initiator. Five different strategies of incorporating reactants and clay into a laboratory mixer are used. The structure of composites is examined by FT‐IR spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Rotational rheometry, thermogravimetry and oxygen permeability are used to evaluate properties. The preparation method has a remarkable influence on NC's structure. Simultaneous addition of peroxide and MA to molten PP followed by incorporation of clay 20 minutes later produces the best degree of clay exfoliation/disaggregation. The NCs obtained using this procedure are highly transparent and have very thin tactoids with interlayer spacing more than 50% larger than the original oMt. The incorporation of just 2 wt% of clay gives place to more than 30% reduction in PP oxygen permeability. Additionally, the temperature at the maximum thermal degradation rate in nitrogen reduces in about 60°C while the temperature at which the thermal degradation process begins is not affected.Highlights Highly intercalated/exfoliated PP/oMt nanocomposites are synthesized Reactive mixing procedure affects the quality of nanocomposite's structure A initial period of grafting before clay addition is the most effective method Highly transparent materials with small tactoids of d001>4 nm is generated PP oxygen permeability is highly reduced by the use of just 2 wt% of nanoclay

Synergistic effect of combining metallic and mineral nanoparticles on the improvement of the performance of active poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) packaging films

AbstractActive ternary nanocomposite films based on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), and cloisite (C15A, C30B) were fabricated through solvent casting. The structural and morphological characteristics of these hybrid metal‐oxide‐clay nanocomposites were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and UV‐visible spectrophotometry. Due to the synergistic effect resulting from the combination of ZnO and cloisites, PBAT‐based nanocomposite films have demonstrated a significant improvement in their mechanical and barrier properties. Hardness recorded increase of 87.75% and 41.05%, while Young's modulus showed improvement of 218.13% and 102.68% for PBAT/ZnO/C15A and PBAT/ZnO/C30B films, respectively, compared to the pure PBAT matrix. Additionally, an enhancement in water vapor barrier properties was estimated at 81.28% for PBAT/ZnO/C15A film and 90.88% for PBAT/ZnO/C30B, in comparison with the PBAT alone. Furthermore, the incorporation of clay into the PBAT/ZnO matrix led to a notable slowdown in the release rate of Zn2+ ions, mainly attributed to the entrapment of ZnO NPs within the Cloisite galleries. As these particles dissolve into Zn2+ ions, they undergo a gradual diffusion process through the clay sheets. In addition, the simultaneous presence of both types of nanofillers exhibited a more pronounced antibacterial effect compared to that induced by ZnO NPs alone. However, it is noteworthy that antibacterial performance was closely linked to the type of clay used. Indeed, the PBAT/ZnO/C15A film demonstrated complete inhibition of in vitro bacterial growth within just 3 to 4 days, whereas the PBAT/ZnO/C30B film did not exhibit the same level of effectiveness.Highlights Development of active PBAT/ZnO/clay packaging films. ZnO NPs entrapped in clay galleries yielded slow Zn2+ ion diffusion. Synergistic combination of ZnO and Cloisite NPs exhibits strong antibacterial activity. The antibacterial performance is directly linked to the type of clay used.

Contrasting behavior of K isotopes in modern and fossil groundwater: Implications for K cycle and subsurface weathering

Chemical weathering of rocks largely determines sources of groundwater hydrochemical components, but the superposition of processes removing cations leads to a wide variability of elemental ratios. In this study, potassium (K) isotopes are used for the first time to quantify the roles of silicate dissolution, clay incorporation and clay adsorption in subsurface K cycle. We investigate the behavior of K isotopes in groundwater with contrasting ages from a sandstone aquifer in the Ordos Basin, NW China. For modern groundwater (< 50 yrs) in the recharge area with abundant CO2, the silicate-derived K has been largely removed by 10-year-scale clay incorporation, generating low [K]/[Na] ranging between 0.026 and 0.048 and extremely high δ41K varying between 0.57‰ and 0.69‰; our calculations reveal that 92% of total K released from silicate dissolution has been removed by clay incorporation, suggesting that using measured [K] alone would underestimate the degree of silicate dissolution. For fossil groundwater (∼104 yrs) in the discharge area, clay adsorption during long-time circulation leads to extremely low [K]/[Na] ranging from 0.001 to 0.011 and much lower δ41K varying from -0.32‰ to 0.37‰; as a result of the combined effect of clay incorporation and clay adsorption, up to 99.2% of silicate-derived K has been removed from the dissolved load. This study provides novel insights into the complex processes controlling the K cycle in groundwater and highlights the potential of K isotopes in understanding subsurface weathering and associated elemental cycles.

An Evaluation of Experimental Calcium Ion-Leachable Nanocomposite Glass Ionomer Cements.

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are among the main restorative dental materials used broadly in daily clinical practice. The incorporation of clay nanoparticles as reinforcing agents is one potential approach to improving GIC properties. This study aims to investigate whether the incorporation of calcium-modified clay (Ca-clay) nanoparticles in conventional GICs alters their structural characteristics, along with their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to assess the surface characterization of GIC nanocomposites, whereas a setting reaction was carried out via an attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR-FTIR). A universal testing machine was used for compression tests, while calcium ion release was quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). GIC composite groups reinforced with Ca-clay were found to release a fine amount of calcium ions (5.06-9.91 ppm), with the setting reaction being unaffected for low Ca-clay loadings. The median compressive strength of 3 wt% in the Ca-clay group (68.97 MPa) was nearly doubled compared to that of the control group (33.65 MPa). The incorporation of Ca-clay nanoparticles in GICs offers a promising alternative among dental restorative materials regarding their chemical and mechanical properties.

Influence of Chemical reaction and heat generation/absorption on Unsteady magneto Casson Nanofluid flow past a non-linear stretching Riga plate with radiation

The use of Casson fluid is of considerable importance in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, including the incorporation of china clay and biological fluids such as synovial liquids. Therefore, the primary objective of this work is to examine the characteristics of the Casson fluid flow. The Casson fluid is a non-Newtonian model often used to analyze the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) heat and mass transfer in nanofluid flow scenarios across a non-linearly stretched Riga plate. The heat and mass transfer equations include the analysis of radiation and chemical reactions, respectively. Furthermore, the process of heat transmission is intensified by the existence of an external heat source or heat sink. By applying appropriate similarity transformations, the partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These ODEs are then solved numerically by utilizing the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg-45 method, with the help of a shooting strategy. The validity of the study is determined by a comparative analysis of the present results in relation to prior research. The main objective of this research is to assess the influence of relevant flow parameters on the fluid flow, temperature, and concentration gradients, which will be visually represented and reported in tabular form. The augmentation of the Casson fluid coefficient (β) hinders the advancement of both velocity and temperature. The augmentation of the thermophoresis parameter (Nt) and magnetic factor (M) results in an elevation of θ(η) and a reduction in the curves depicting the volume fraction of nanoparticles. This study establishes a significant connection between many biological and engineering applications, particularly in the analysis of blood samples and the administration of drugs via blood circulation.

Surface-modified graphene oxide-based composites for advanced sequestration of basic blue 41 from aqueous solution

Advanced materials for the efficient treatment of textile wastewater need to be developed for the sustainable growth of the textile industry. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was modified by the incorporation of natural clay (bentonite) and mixed metal oxide (copper-cobalt oxide) to produce GO-based binary and ternary composites. Two binary composites, GO/bentonite and GO/Cu–Co Ox (oxide), and one ternary composite, GO/bentonite/Cu–Co Ox, were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The adsorption efficiency of these composites was evaluated against a cationic dye, Basic Blue 41 (BB41). The composites had several surface functional groups, and the ternary composite had tubular porous structures formed by the cross-linking of the bentonite and GO planes. The BET surface area of the ternary composite was 50% higher than that of the GO. The BB41 removals were 92, 89, 80, and 69% for GO/bentonite/Cu–Co oxide, GO/bentonite, GO and GO/Cu–Co oxide, respectively. The pseudo-2nd-order and intraparticle diffusion models best describe the kinetics results, indicating chemisorption and slow pore diffusion-controlled adsorption processes. The Langmuir isotherm-derived adsorption capacity of GO/bentonite/Cu–Co oxide was 351.1 mg/g, which was very close to the measured value. After five consecutive cycles, the ternary composite retained 90% BB41 removal efficiency compared to its 1st cycle. Electrostatic interaction and pore diffusion were predicted to be the controlling mechanisms for the adsorption of the BB41. The GO-based ternary composite can be a feasible and scalable adsorbent for BB41 in wastewater treatment.

Effect of aflatoxin on haematology, gross and histopathology of internal organs in white pekin ducks and its amelioration by dietary incorporation of bentonite clay

The present experiment was carried out to examine the effect of aflatoxin exposure through experimentally contaminated feed (48 or 98 μg/kg of feed) on hematological parameters, and gross and histopathology of liver, kidneys, thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricious in ducks, and to assess the prophylactic efficacy of bentonite clay at three different dose levels (1, 2 or 3g/kg of feed) in protecting the birds from the toxic effects of aflatoxin. The experiment was carried out on 9 weeks old white pekin ducks for a period of six weeks. The experimental ducks (n=72) were randomly divided into six equal groups. Group 1 birds served as healthy controls and were continued with basal diet without addition of toxin or bentonite clay. The birds of Group 2 were provided with a diet containing 48 μg toxin/kg of feed. The diet of the grower ducks of Group 3 to 6 were added with 96 μg of toxin/kg of feed. The birds of Group 4, 5, and 6 were provided with aflatoxin-contaminated feed and the diet was supplemented with bentonite clay @ 1, 2 or 3g/kg of feed, respectively. The hematological parameters such as Hb, PCV, TLC and Differential Leukocyte Count were estimated at 4th and 6th week post exposure. Haemoglobin, PCV and TLC reduced significantly in ducks fed with aflatoxin-contaminated feed. The birds fed with 48 μg aflatoxin/kg of feed had moderate gross lesions in different internal organs. The feed supplementation with bentonite clay in aflatoxin-exposed birds reduced the inflammation of hepatocytes.

Incorporation of granitic wastes and Malha Formation clays in the sewage pipes industry: insights on industrial using and environmental impact

Incorporation of granitic wastes and Malha Formation clays in the sewage pipes industry: insights on industrial using and environmental impact

Physicochemical properties of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) concrete made using Saudi clays

Using calcined clays and limestone powder for clinker substitution to make a tertiary blend, known as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), is a promising emerging technology. This study explored the viability of using local Saudi clays to prepare LC3 concrete. Two Saudi (white and yellow) and one Ukrainian (for comparison) clays were used for clinker substitution at three levels (i.e., 30%, 50% and 70%). The clay and LC3 samples were characterized using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses. Paste and concrete specimens were prepared to investigate the phase assemblage, fresh (water demand, setting time, and flowability), and hardened (compressive strength, shrinkage, and chloride ingress) properties. The results revealed that the clays contained about 53%, 30%, and 35% kaolinite, respectively. The incorporation of clays resulted in increased water demand to achieve normal consistency. The setting time of LC3 mixtures also increased, while the flowability decreased compared to the control mixture. The 28-day compressive strength was more than 28 MPa up to 50% clinker substitution. LC3 mixtures also exhibited relatively low shrinkage and high resistance to chloride ingress.

Thermal stability of NaOH modified rice husk fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites: Effect of rice husks and clay loading

This work studied the synthesis, thermal behaviour and combustion properties of clay/modified rice husk fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Raw rice husks, NaOH modified rice husks, clay and Polylactic acid (PLA) were used as raw materials. SEM analysis revealed that at 1 wt% clay and 10 wt% rice husks loadings, bonding was enhanced between filler/fiber and PLA matrix. Composites' respective tensile strengths and Young's moduli varied from 21.17 to 29.19 MPa and 1.70–2.13 GPa (raw rice husks) as well as from 21.15 to 32.44 MPa and 1.64–1.97 GPa (modified rice husks). Composites' ignition and burnout temperatures ranged from 317.56 to 364.48 °C and 380.28–415.07 °C respectively. Flammability indices, combustion characteristic indices As well as mean reactivities varied from 1.45 × 10−5 to 2.00 × 10−5%/min°C2, 0.55 × 10−8 to 0.86 × 10−8%2/min2°C3 and 4.06 × 10−3 to 6.97 × 10−3%/min/°C respectively. Adding rice husks to the PLA matrix led to an increase in the melting temperatures of the accruing composites. TGA showed that incorporation of clay and rice husks resulted into delayed weight loss by 10–20% and increased char residues to 6.38−16.96%, hence higher thermal stability than neat PLA. Addition of rice husks inhibited neat PLA's pyrolysis process. PLA composites' activation energy ranged from 112.95 to 125.87 kJ/mol, which is significantly higher than that of the neat PLA (104.80 kJ/mol). These findings revealed that thermal stability, kinetic parameters and combustion characteristics of PLA composites are better, compared to some conventional polymer products.

Incorporation of mixed-dimensional palygorskite clay into chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposite films for enhancing hemostatic activity

Clay mineral-based hemostatic materials have attracted much attention in recent years, but it is scarce to report the hemostatic nanocomposite films containing natural mixed-dimensional clay composed of natural one-dimensional and two-dimensional clay minerals. In this study, the high-performance hemostatic nanocomposite films were facilely prepared by incorporating the natural mixed-dimensional palygorskite clay leached by oxalic acid (O-MDPal) into chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone (CS/PVP) matrix. By contrast, the obtained nanocomposite films exhibited the higher tensile strength (27.92 MPa), lower water contact angel (75.40°), better degradation, thermal stability and biocompatibility after incorporation of 20 wt% of O-MDPal, suggesting that O-MDPal contributed to enhancing the mechanical performance and water holding capacity of the CS/PVP nanocomposite films. Compared with the medical gauze and CS/PVP matrix groups, the nanocomposite films also indicated excellent hemostatic performance evaluated by blood loss and hemostasis time indexes based on the mouse tail amputation model, which might be ascribed to the enriched hemostatic functional sites, and hydrophilic surface, robust physical barrier role of nanocomposite films. Therefore, the nanocomposite film exhibited a promising practical application in wound healing.

Effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and bentonite clay incorporation in selected local browse-based diets on the performance of Small East African goats.

The study evaluated how binders affected the feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of Small East African goats fed on a variety of native browse-based diets. Twenty-four growing goats with initial body weight approximately 10.5kg ± 1.3 (mean ± SE) were randomly allocated to the Acacia brevispica and Berchemia discolor with various levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bentonite clay in a factorial completely randomized design. Six treatments (T1-T6) were used with four goats per treatment. The goats were allocated to individual pens with each treatment having 3 replicates. The selected local browse leaf meal was treated with PEG at a level of 25g/kg and bentonite clay at 20g/kg. The experiment lasted for 70days, consisting of a 14-day adaptation period. Average daily feedintake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed each week. The composition of the CP, OM, EE, NDF, ADF, TEPH, and CT varied greatly, with significant (P < 0.05)changes seen between the various experimental treatments. Diets treated with binders had higher DM Intake, daily weight gains, and total dry matter intake. Goats on diets treated with bentonite clay (T2) performed much better than the one treated with PEG (T1) although there was no statistically significant difference between the two (P > 0.05). Acacia brevispica-based diets treated with binders performed better than Berchemia discolor-based diets. All nutrients' digestibility coefficients were unaffected by the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 or bentonite clay. It was concluded that bentonite clay as deactivation material can be adopted due to its low cost compared to PEG and its activity to absorb or bind anti-nutritive factors such as tannins in animal feeds. The addition of PEG and bentonite clay to A. brevispica- and B. discolor-based diet can be used to enhance feed utilization as a result of tannins deactivation.

Concurrent Dietary Incorporation of Bentonite Clay Reduces Aflatoxin Induced Health Effects In White Pekin Ducks

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy bentonite clay supplementation to the diet of white pekin ducks, experimentally fed with aflatoxin B1 contaminated diet (96 ppb) on production performance, and biochemical parameters including oxidative stress indices. The experimental birds (n=72) were provided with standard duck feed and ad libitum water. The grower white pekin ducks, aged 9 weeks, were randomly divided into six groups containing twelve birds in each group. The birds of group I served as healthy controls and was fed with basal diet without addition of toxin or bentonite clay. The birds of group II were provided with a diet with toxin level of 48 µg/kg of feed. The grower ducklings of group III to VI were fed with a diet containing 96 µg of toxin/kg of feed. The experimental feed was provided from 9th week of age (grower stage) for a period of 6 weeks. The birds of group IV, V and VI were provided with feed containing 96 µg aflatoxin /kg of feed along with bentonite clay the dose rate of 1, 2 or 3g of clay/ kg of feed, respectively. The birds fed with aflatoxin-treated diet showed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in body weight gain by 4th week of experiment in group II and III. However, the body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in bentonite clay supplemented group IV, V, and VI, as compared to toxin-exposed positive group II and III. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) increased significantly in Group II and III by 4th week. At the end of 6th week, group II and III showed significantly higher FCR. Significantly decreased serum triglyceride level and increased cholesterol level was recorded in group II and III in comparison to all other groups on 4th week. There was significant decrease in creatinine level in group IV, V, and VI, compared to group II and III on completion of 4th week of the experiment. The activity of GGT increased significantly in all aflatoxin exposed groups. The feeding of aflatoxin contaminated feed increased the erythrocytic malonaldehyde (MDA) production and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. It is concluded from the experiment that bentonite clay supplementation in the diet at the dose rate of 3g/ kg of feed reduced the toxic effects of aflatoxin on production performance and oxidative stress in white pekin ducks.