Content Of Inorganic Material Research Articles

Lignin Valorization for Added-Value Chemicals: Kraft Lignin versus Lignin Fractions

Lignin is a raw material that can potentially be converted into valuable compounds through depolymerization reactions in addition to its use as a polymer or material. However, the chemical recalcitrance and the heterogeneous composition and structure of lignin make it challenging to establish processes that add value to this complex aromatic biopolymer. In this work, solvent fractionation was applied to obtain lignin fractions with a narrowed molecular weight and specific structural characteristics, improving its homogeneity and purity. A kraft lignin was submitted to fractionation using different ratios of acetone, ranging from 60 to 15% v/v, in aqueous mixtures. The composition, structure, and molecular weight of each fraction were studied and their potential applications were evaluated. The most water-soluble fraction has more phenolic OH, less aliphatic OH groups, and shows the lowest content of aryl-ether linkages, which is in accordance with its highest degree of condensation. On the other hand, the insoluble fraction from the mixture with 60% of acetone has the lowest molecular weight and the highest content of inorganic material. Radar plots were applied for lignin fractions evaluation and the fraction with the highest potential (IF 30:70) was submitted to alkaline oxidation with O2. The results were compared with the products yielded from kraft lignin. An increase of about 13 and 19% was found for vanillin and syringaldehyde, respectively, when the fraction IF 30:70 was submitted to oxidation. In conclusion, the proposed fractionation process showed to be an effective method to obtain lignin fractions with specific composition and structural characteristics that could improve its potential as a source of high added-value monomeric phenolic compounds.

Natural and synthetic clay-filled coatings for insulation barrier applications

Hybrid organic/inorganic coatings provide effective barriers to gas transmission and therefore find utility in a variety of application areas, including surface treatment of foams for thermal insulation purposes. Blends of aqueous latexes with select smectite clays are particularly attractive, in that the efficient formation of layered interconnecting networks occurs upon drying. The plate-like structure of clays enables this behavior at relatively low volumetric content of inorganic material. A variety of both natural and synthetically derived high purity clays are evaluated for their ability to form low permeability films, with effects of loading, aspect ratio, and refinement technique described.

Characterization of recycled styrene butadiene rubber ground tire rubber: Combining X‐ray fluorescence, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamical thermal analysis for quality control

ABSTRACTAppraisal of the main rubber characterization techniques for styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) was performed on standard SBR samples as well as recycled ground tire rubber (GTR) from an industrial tire recycling facility, containing a blend of SBR and natural rubber. The aim of the work was to provide additional information relevant to quality control in the field of rubber recycling. Benchmark characterization of industrial samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, solid‐state proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental (CHNS) analysis are reported. X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry is shown to be rapid and quantitative for determining the zinc content in an industrial context. Thermogravimetric analysis, already used to determine carbon black and inorganic material content in rubbers and GTR, is recommended for determination of monomer weight ratios of SBR sources not containing other rubbers, but not for GTR. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the glass‐transition show that changes in monomer ratio affect glass‐transition temperature values, and therefore, DSC can be used to detect changes in rubber composition from batch to batch. These results show that DSC and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy characterization techniques can be used for GTR and may lead to more thorough and rapid quality control procedures of these complex samples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42692.

Analysis, pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of different fractions of Scots pine

BackgroundForestry residues consisting of softwood are a major lignocellulosic resource for production of liquid biofuels. Scots pine, a commercially important forest tree, was fractionated into seven fractions of chips: juvenile heartwood, mature heartwood, juvenile sapwood, mature sapwood, bark, top parts, and knotwood. The different fractions were characterized analytically with regard to chemical composition and susceptibility to dilute-acid pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification.ResultsAll fractions were characterized by a high glucan content (38-43%) and a high content of other carbohydrates (11-14% mannan, 2-4% galactan) that generate easily convertible hexose sugars, and by a low content of inorganic material (0.2-0.9% ash). The lignin content was relatively uniform (27-32%) and the syringyl-guaiacyl ratio of the different fractions were within the range 0.021-0.025. The knotwood had a high content of extractives (9%) compared to the other fractions. The effects of pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification were relatively similar, but without pretreatment the bark fraction was considerably more susceptible to enzymatic saccharification.ConclusionsSince sawn timber is a main product from softwood species such as Scots pine, it is an important issue whether different parts of the tree are equally suitable for bioconversion processes. The investigation shows that bioconversion of Scots pine is facilitated by that most of the different fractions exhibit relatively similar properties with regard to chemical composition and susceptibility to techniques used for bioconversion of woody biomass.

Liquid crystal based on hybrid zinc oxide nanoparticles

Here we report the synthesis of a novel liquid crystal based on zinc oxide nanoparticles. Due to the presence of fluxional ligands, the hybridized material presents mesomorphic behavior even for a high content of inorganic material. In combination with promising luminescent properties, it may well be exploited for electro-optical applications.

Conducting Polymer-Based Electrode with Magnetic Behavior: Electrochemical Synthesis of Poly(3-thiophene-acetic-acid)/Magnetite Nanocomposite Thin Layers

Polythiophene−magnetite composite layers have been prepared through the electropolymerization of 3-thiophene-acetic-acid in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in nitrobenzene. Stabilization of magnetite in this organic medium could be achieved by the reaction between surface −OH groups of the nanoparticles and the −COOH function of the monomers. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) measurements evidenced the chemisorption of the monomer on the surface of the nanoparticles. By modifying the amount of iron-oxide in the polymerization solution, the inorganic material content of the layer could be increased up to 80 m/m%. Electrochemical results, including data obtained by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), proved that the presence of Fe3O4 did not influence the redox properties of the polymeric film. In the presence of magnetite, an extraordinary microstructure can be detected, where the self-assembling magnetic component strongly determines the morphology of the composite, le...

Study of the Architecture of Inorganic-Organic Matrix in the Ventral Segmental Concretion of Porcellius Chilensis Nicolet, 1849 (Crustacea, Isopoda)

ABSTRACTMineralized biological concretions have attracted increasing interest because of their outstanding properties. The mineralized concretion of terrestrial isopods is an excellent model for acellular natural composite material. Before the molt terrestrial isopods resorb calcium from the posterior cuticle and store it in concretion within the cranial (head) and caudal (tail) ventral segments. This paper present for the first time an analysis of ultrastructural changes occurring in the caudal ventral segmental (CaVS) concretion of a terrestrial isopod Porcellius chilensis during their formation and degradation. The CaVS concretion of the woodlice Porcellius chilensis was analyzed with respect to their content of inorganic material. It was found that the concretion consists of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), besides small amounts of water and an organic matrix. The CaVS concretion consists of structurally distinct stratum due to inhomogeneous solubility of ACC within the organic matrix that consists of calcareous knob with reticules elements. The organic matrix plays a role in the structural organization of the concretion and in the stabilization of ACC, which is unstable in vitro. We present an analysis of the distribution of minerals, elements, and organic matrix with in the CaVS concretion by using SEM, XRD, IR and EDS. The decalcification experiments exactly imitated the natural demineralization of the CaVS concretion of the Porcellius chilensis and it is thought that an inhomogeneous solubility of ACC and ACP within the CaVS concretion probably caused by variations in the stabilizing properties of matrix components.

The mineral phase in the cuticles of two species of Crustacea consists of magnesium calcite, amorphous calcium carbonate, and amorphous calcium phosphate

The cuticules (shells) of the woodlice Porcellio scaber and Armadillidium vulgare were analysed with respect to their content of inorganic material. It was found that the cuticles consist of crystalline magnesium calcite, amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), besides small amounts of water and an organic matrix. It is concluded that the cuticle, which constitutes a mineralized protective organ, is chemically adapted to the biological requirements by this combination of different materials.

Eolian Dust Deposition in the Last Glacial Stage (43-12 ka) in Tanigumi Moor, Gifu Prefecture, Central Japan.

The Tanigumi core records the content, grain size of inorganic material, and ESR intensity of fine quartz between 43ka and 12ka and reveals changes in the deposition and trajectory of eolian dust from the Asian continent. The inorganic material content during isotope stage 3 was 0.1 to 1.35g/cm3, and fluctuated more widely than that of isotope stage 2. Fine inorganic material (≤20μm) from 43ka to 25ka, consists of eolian dust derived from the North Asian continent as a result of the NW winter monsoon. The median diameter of inorganic material consisting of eolian dust range from 3 to 6μm. Between 25ka and 19ka, the inorganic material content was 0.1 to 0.9g/cm3, and eolian dust was transported from the Chinese mid-latitude arid zone by summer westerlies. After 19ka, the inorganic material content was 0.1 to 0.35g/cm3, and the median diameter of inorganic material, which consists of a local fluvial material, increased gradually.

Composition of ibotenic acid-induced calcifications in rat substantia nigra

Agonists of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate have neurotoxic properties and are, therefore, frequently used to place locally circumscript brain lesions. In certain vulnerable brain areas, especially the substantia nigra and globus pallidus, the ensuing neurodegeneration is accompanied by the formation of calcium deposits. In the present study, we investigated the structure and chemical composition of calcium deposits formed in rat substantia nigra upon local application of ibotenic acid. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy in combination with X-ray analysis and analysis of the electron diffraction patterns, we demonstrate that the inorganic components of the calcifications consist of calcium and phosphate. The calcium phosphate is deposited in a polycrystalline manner in degenerating neurons and in a matrix surrounding the degenerated complexes. New matrix is continuously added around the enlarging calcium deposits. Content of inorganic material is always higher in the center of the deposits than in the margin, but in every case the diffraction pattern reveals that the calcium phosphates are present in the form of hydroxyapatite. Thus, organic and inorganic components of the calcifications are subject to a continuous process of growth and maturation. The ibotenic acid-induced calcium deposits in rat substantia nigra provide a reliable model system to study the pathogenesis of non-arteriosclerotic calcifications.

The influence of disinfection processes on biofilm formation in water distribution systems

Results of a 20 months pilot plant study of microbial regrowth after the action on humic water of three oxidative disinfection processes (chlorination, u.v. irradiation and ozonation) are reported. Regrowth was detected as biofilm produced in 2.6 m lengths of PEH pipes. No biofilm was formed from the chlorinated water containing a residual of 0.04–0.05 mg/l free chlorine. The greatest production was found from the ozonated water, closely followed by the control (microstrained) water. The u.v. irradiated water showed considerably less production of biofilm. This may be the effect of a residual disinfectant, the presence of which was also demonstrated by reduced biological oxygen demand compared to the control. A higher oxygen demand in ozonated water indicated an increase in the content of easily degradable organic molecules, which was confirmed by high performance size exclusion chromatography. The chromatograms showed a rise in low molecular fractions in the ozonated but not the u.v. irradiated water. Examination by a scanning electron microscope of biofilm on pieces of mica inserted in the pipe systems, revealed a higher content and variety of bacteria in the ozonated than in the control system, indicating a lower microbial activity in the latter, which also showed the highest content of inorganic material. The rate of biofilm formation was closely related to the seasonal fluctuations in water temperature. The bactericidal effect of the u.v. irradiated water was less pronounced during the last part of the experimental period. The residual free chlorine in the chlorinated water was, however, sufficient to prevent biofilm formation during the whole experimental period.

Catalytic effects of metals on peat combustion

A comparison was made of the effects of Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co, Zn, Al, Mg and Ca on slow and rapid peat combustion. The concentrations used were 100–200 mmol kg −1 and lower and higher concentrations were also used for Fe. The order of the catalytic effects of the metals on the combustion of peat particles (100–125 μm diameter) in an entrained flow reactor (particle heating rate 15000 ± 5000 °Cs −1) was: Cr > Mn, Fe > Co, Ni > Ca > Zn, Mg > Al. In the presence of 100 mmol kg −1 Cr, the combustion time decreased by 26% compared with acid-washed peat having a low content of inorganic material. The decrease was only 4% with Al. Thermogravimetric experiments predicted the order: Fe, Cr > Mn, Ni > Co > Ca > Mg > Zn > Al (heating rate 0.17 °Cs −1). Experiments with Fe in the entrained flow reactor showed an increase in concentration from 105 to 330 mmol kg −1 to have little effect, but a decrease from 105 to 42mmol kg −1 weakened the catalytic effect markedly. The thermogravimetric experiments predicted that concentrations between 105 mmol kg −1 and 330 mmol kg −1 would strengthen the catalytic effect. Catalytic effects of metals on combustion can be predicted on the basis of atomic structure. Transition metals are good catalysts and the best of them have five or six electrons in d orbitals, whereas metals with only one stable oxidation state and completely occupied or empty s, p and d orbitals are poor catalysts. These effects probably prevail in the combustion of coals. In the case of dried Finnish bog peat, the catalytic effects of cations are mainly due to Fe, because the contents of other strong catalysts (Cr and Mn) are very low relative to Fe; Ca causes some additional effects.

Epithelial membrane antigen: partial purification, assay and properties.

The Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA) has until now only been described in immunological terms and has been shown immunohistochemically to be present on a variety of human non-squamous epithelial surfaces. It is a valuable marker in diagnostic tumour pathology and enables the detection of small deposits of malignant cells in organs such as liver and bone marrow. Its discovery in soluble form in human milk has enabled a purification of the antigen from this source. The antigenic activity in the milk is spread over a wide range of mol. wts and although purification causes a general reduction in size, the antigen remains heterogeneous. Carbohydrate forms the major component of the antigen with galactose and N-acetylglucosamine as the two major sugars. The protein content of EMA is low and shows considerable variation in amino acid composition from one sample to another. A high content of inorganic material has also been found in EMA but is not due to high sulphate or phosphate levels.

アセトンによるＮＳＳＣＰ廃液中の有機成分の分別と分別成分の検討

Separation and characteristics of hemicellulose, lignosulfonate, and saccharide fractions of NSSCP spent liquors has been studied. The samples of spent liquor used were obtained by cooking Japanese birch wood chips for 1-6hrs. In all cases, the temperature was raised to 170°C (highest level) in 1 hr. The resulting liquor was concentrated to a solid content of 23% for use in the experiments on separation. The results are summarized as follows : The three fractions named above can be separated by adding acetone to the concentrated liquor. The optimum amount of acetone for the separation of hemicellulose fraction is determined by both water content and inorganic material content of the concentrated liquor, whereas the optimum amount for the separation of lignosulfonate and saccharide fractions, namely an additional amount of acetone to be used after the removal of hemicelluloses, is determined only by the water content of the same liquor.In all the spent liquor samples studied, the hemicellulose fraction capable of separation by acetone amounts to about 10% of the total organic material content of the liquor. The intrinsic viscosity of this fraction is almost independent of the period of cooking at the maximum temperature, whereas the carbohydrate composition varies with cooking time. The proportion of the five component sugars, galactose, glucose, mannose, arabinose, and rhamnose decreases with increasing cooking time, whereas the proportion of xylose increases as the cooking time increases to 3 hrs. Again in every spent liquor samples (excepting the one obtained by digestion for 1 hr), the lignosulfonate fraction amounts to 65% of the total organic material content of the liquor. Its functional group contents (excepting -COOH content) and extinction coefficient (at 280 nm) are smaller than those of lignosulfonic acid from acid sulfite pulping. On the other hand, the saccharide fraction separated is composed of oligosaccharides and some acetonesoluble organic compounds, but contains no simple sugars.

Vitamin A deficiency stimulated phosphatase activity in epiphyseal chick cartilage.

This paper reports studies of the epiphyseal cartilage in normal and vitamin A deficient chicks. The organic composition and the phosphatase activity in the resting cartilage, ossifying cartilage and new bone were measured. The ossifying cartilage and new bone had a higher content of inorganic material, phosphate and collagen than the resting cartilage. Vitamin A deficiency caused increase in the phospholipid content of all three tissues. The resting cartilage from vitamin A deficient tissue had, after homogenisation and centrifugation, a supernatant with an activity of alkaline phosphatase and glycerophosphatase higher than that in control samples. It is considered that effects of vitamin A deficiency on enzymes are related to defects of the lysosomal membrane with release of phosphatases, and that normal mineralisation also involves phosphatases activity.