Introduction Of Liquid Research Articles

The Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles and the Liquid-Phase Therapy on the Resistance of the Interphase Lithium/Polymer Electrolyte with the Introduction of Ionic Liquid

The Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles and the Liquid-Phase Therapy on the Resistance of the Interphase Lithium/Polymer Electrolyte with the Introduction of Ionic Liquid

Introduction of amino acid ionic liquid into the gelatin matrix enhances the performance of immobilized laccase in degrading 2,4-dichlorophenol

The utilization of immobilized laccase to degrade and remove phenolic pollutants in water has promising application prospects. However, maintaining the activity and stability of the immobilized laccase remains a significant challenge. In this work, an amino acid-based ionic liquid (IL) modified magnetic composite material (IL-Magnetic gelatin) was prepared as a support for laccase immobilization. We conducted a detailed characterization of the nanocomposite and it exhibited excellent magnetic responses and dispersion. The catalytic performance of the immobilized enzyme was also investigated. Compared to free laccase, the immobilized laccase (Lac-IL-Magnetic gelatin) exhibited higher catalytic activity and better thermal stability. The various interactions (hydrogen bonds, ionic interaction) between enzyme molecule and ionic liquid can cause conformational rearrangement of laccase. Lac-IL-Magnetic could degrade 98.6 % of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) within 20 h and maintained 55.2 % activity after 10 cycles. Moreover, the biocatalyst is easy to recycle using magnet. The results indicated that Lac-IL-Magnetic gelatin holds significant potential for the degradation of phenolic substances in environmental wastewater.

Synergistically Utilizing a Liquid Bridge and Interconnected Porous Superhydrophilic Structures to Achieve a One-Step Fog Collection Mode.

Conventional fog collection efficiency is subject to the inherent inefficiencies of its three constituent steps: fog capture, coalescence, and transportation. This study presents a liquid bridge synergistic fog collection system (LSFCS) by synergistically utilizing a liquid bridge and interconnected porous superhydrophilic structures (IPHS). The results indicate that the introduction of liquid bridge not only greatly accelerates water droplet transportation, but also facilitates the IPHS in maintaining rough structures that realize stable and efficient fog capture. During fog collection, the lower section of the IPHS is covered by a water layer, however due to the effect of the liquid bridge, the upper section protrudes out, while covered by a connective thin water film that does not obscure the microstructures of the upper section. Under these conditions, a one-step fog collection mode is realized. Once captured by the IPHS, fog droplets immediately coalesce with the water film, and are simultaneously transported into a container under the effect of the liquid bridge. The LSFCS achieves a collection efficiency of 6.5kg m-2 h-1, 2.3 times that of a system without a liquid bridge. This study offers insight on improving fog collection efficiency, and holds promise for condensation water collection or droplet manipulation.

Experimental and numerical studies of the processes of spraying coal-water slurries with pneumatic nozzle

The article presents the results of spraying tests of highly viscous coal-water slurries with a pneumatic nozzle and numerical studies of the structure of the gas-drop jet. An increase in the viscosity of coal-water slurries was ensured by introducing a third component into its composition – industrial waste (pyrogenetic liquid). The moderate effect of the slurry viscosity on the average droplet size of coal-water slurries in the jet is due to the high efficiency of the aerodynamic characteristics of the pneumatic nozzle. Introduction of pyrogenetic liquid in the amount of 20 % by weight into the composition of coal-water slurry significantly increases its viscosity. The value of the surface tension of such a slurry is more than doubled. The increase in the average droplet size was no more than 25 % when pyrogenetic liquid content in the composition of coal-water slurry was over 10 % by weight. The average droplet size of coal-water slurries varied in the range from 180 to 210 microns in the study area of gas droplet jet. The results of experimental and numerical studies have shown good convergence. High air velocities at short distances from the nozzle ensure high crushing efficiency of the jet of coal-water slurry. The breakdown of the boundary layer of the liquid from the periphery of the droplets of coal-water slurries and its subsequent destruction was observed at short distances from the nozzle. The values of the Weber number were 100<We<350. At considerable distances from the nozzle (more than 0.5 m), droplets of coal-water slurries were subjected to vibrational crushing (We<50).

Fabrication of Poly(ionic liquid) Hydrogels Incorporating Liquid Metal Microgels for Enhanced Synergistic Antifouling Applications.

Hydrogels are ideal for antifouling materials due to their high hydrophilicity and low adhesion properties. Herein, poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels integrated with zwitterionic copolymer-functionalized gallium-based liquid metal (PMPC-GLM) microgels were successfully prepared by a one-pot reaction. Poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels (IL-Gel) were obtained by chemical cross-linking the copolymer of ionic liquid, acrylic acid, and acrylamide, and the introduction of ionic liquid (IL) significantly increased the cross-linking density; this approach consequently enhanced the mechanical and antiswelling properties of the hydrogels. The swelling ratio of IL-Gel decreased eight times compared to the original hydrogels. PMPC-GLM microgels were prepared through grafting the zwitterionic polymer PMPC onto the GLM nanodroplet surface, which exhibited efficient antifouling performance attributed to the bactericidal effect of Ga3+ and the antibacterial effect of the zwitterionic polymer layer PMPC. Based on the synergistic effect of PMPC-GLM microgels and IL, the composite hydrogels PMPC-GLM@IL-Gel not only exhibited excellent mechanical and antiswelling properties but also showed outstanding antibacterial and antifouling properties. Consequently, PMPC-GLM@IL-Gel hydrogels achieved inhibition rates of over 90% against bacteria and more than 85% against microalgae.

Preparation of N, S doped Co-Fe/C catalyst derived from ZIF-67/ionic liquid and its catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline electrolyte

ZIF-67(CoFe) was synthesized using the solvothermal method, and the precursor of ZIF-67(CoFe)/xC-yIL was obtained by grinding the mixture of ZIF-67(CoFe), [BMIM][NTf2] ionic liquid (IL), and carbon black. A series of ZIF-67(CoFe)/xC-yIL-T catalysts were prepared by calcining the precursor at different temperatures. The structure of the catalysts was examined using XRD, TEM, BET and XPS analysis. The results show that the high-temperature treatment of the precursor contributes to the formation of the structure of the N, S-co-doped carbon-coated nanoparticles. The introduction of ionic liquid increases the specific surface area of the catalysts and exposes more active sites. At the same time, as a sulfur source, ionic liquid forms a C-S bond, which is conducive to improving ORR activity. The optimal ORR half-wave potential and limited current density of ZIF-67(CoFe)/1.5 C-45IL-600 are 0.87 V vs. RHE and 4.64 mA cm-2, respectively, in 0.1 mol L−1 KOH.

SYNTHESIS OF POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROGELS WITH PORPHYRIN FRAGMENTS IN THE SIDE CHAIN IN THE PRESENCE OF IMIDAZOLIUM IONIC LIQUIDS

The acrylamide hydrogels containing the porphyrin fragments have been obtained by radical polymerization in a solution. The synthesis has been carried out in the presence of imidazolium ionic liquids with length of the alkyl substituent in the imidazolium ring from C4 to C8. The influence of the used ionic liquids on the structure and some properties of the resulting porphyrin-containing acrylamide hydrogels has been established. The addition of an ionic liquid with a different length of the alkyl substituent into the reaction system can influence the structural changes that occur with the porphyrin comonomer during copolymerization with acrylamide. The formation of bacteriochlorin-like structures is inhibited in the presence of an ionic liquid in the reaction medium. This effect is most noticeable when using an imidazolium ionic liquid with a C8 alkyl substituent length. Hydrogels synthesized in the presence of ionic liquids have lower specific surface area compared to ones obtained without the use of ionic liquids. The lowest specific surface area values were shown by hydrogels synthesized using 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. It was also found that the introduction of ionic liquid into the reaction mixture can contribute to both increase and decrease in the numerical values of the sorption characteristics of the resulting hydrogels, depending on the length of the alkyl substituent in the imidazolium ring and a porphyrin : acrylamide ratio. Hydrogels synthesized using 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide at an initial porphyrin : acrylamide ratio of 1:20 have the highest degree of swelling. Varying the ratio of the initial monomers and the structure of the imidazolium ionic liquid during the copolymerization process allows to control the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting porphyrin-containing hydrogels, which can be useful for solving various applied problems. For citation: Pechnikova N.L., Smirnov A.S., Lyubimtsev A.V., Aleksandriiskiy V.V., Ageeva T.A. Synthesis of polyacrylamide hydrogels with porphyrin fragments in the side chain in the presence of imidazolium ionic liquids. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2024. V. 67. N 6. P. 73-79. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20246706.7053.

Polyester-enhanced poly (cyclic carbonate-fluoride)-based polymer electrolyte for stable circulating solid lithium batteries

Polymer solid-state electrolytes have become one of the promising materials for constructing solid-state lithium batteries due to their excellent processability and good compatibility with electrode interfaces. However, their limited electrochemical performance and mechanical strength have hindered their widespread application. Through the adoption of an in-situ thermal curing method, we successfully prepared a poly(carbonate-fluoride) solid-state electrolyte, utilizing a polyester separator with abundant polar groups as a reinforcing framework. The introduction of ionic liquid into the solid polymer electrolyte not only enhances the mobility of polymer chain segments to improve ionic conductivity but also, in synergy with trifluoromethyl, promotes lithium salt dissociation while restricting the migration of lithium salt anions. Additionally, their reaction with the lithium metal anode generates the LiF-rich SEI, regulating the deposition of lithium dendrites. The resulting 31VPIF/OZ exhibited outstanding ionic conductivity (3.58 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C), Li-ion migration number (0.52), and electrochemical window (5.4 V). Li | 31VPIF/OZ | Li battery cycled for 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 without short-circuiting. Importantly, Li | | LiFePO4 battery demonstrated a high capacity retention rate of 91.5 % after 600 cycles at 0.5C (25 °C). Thus, through the synergistic interplay of polymer structure design and fillers, we have successfully achieved stable cycling in solid-state lithium batteries, providing robust support for their application in rechargeable lithium battery technology.

Introduction of a DABCO-Based Ionic Liquid for the Promotion of the Synthesis of Two Important (Thio)barbituric Acid Derivatives

Introduction of a DABCO-Based Ionic Liquid for the Promotion of the Synthesis of Two Important (Thio)barbituric Acid Derivatives

Introduction of a new dicationic ionic liquid deployed on cross-linked chitosan as a sustainable catalyst for the synthesis of some spiro-oxindoles and spiro-quinazolines

In this study 1,4-bis(4-chlorobutyl)piperazine-1,4-diium hydrogen sulfate deployed on Chitosan (Ch-IL-HSO4−) was prepared through a simple approach and different demonstrative techniques including FT-IR, TGA, EDS, XRD, FESEM, 1HNMR and 13CNMR were used for its identification. Bio-polymer structure of Chitosan and its basic and hydrophilic parts make it to be an attractive support for immobilization of the candidate IL to increase its catalytic activity. After these studies, the promoting ability of this catalyst was investigated in the highly efficient synthesis of spiro-oxindoles and spiro-quinazolines as two important organic compounds with high biological activities which need novel and robust catalyst to accelerate their synthesis. Ease of the preparation, separation and reuse of Ch-IL-HSO4−, short reaction times and excellent yields of the obtained compounds are among the prominent features of the presented protocol.

Influence of cavitation treatment on the properties of coal-water slurries with pyrogenetic liquid and characteristics of their atomization by a pneumatic nozzle

Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the rheological properties and atomization characteristics of coal-water slurries sprayed by a pneumatic nozzle with addition of pyrogenetic liquid. The research object was coal-water slurries prepared on the basis of long-flame coal using a rotary hydrodynamic cavitation generator. The dynamic viscosity of samples was investigated using a Reotest-2 rotary viscometer. The droplet size of atomized slurries was determined by the interferometric particle imaging method. A pneumatic nozzle designed for spraying of coal-water slurry fuels was used. The calorific value of coal-water slurry compositions was estimated by a theoretical method using Mendeleev's equation for calculating the lower heating value of combustion of organic substances with a certain elemental composition. It was found that cavitation treatment of a two-component coal-water fuel for 90 s leads to a 48% decrease in its viscosity. It was shown that substitution of water with a similar amount of pyrogenic liquid (5 to 20%) leads to an increase in the viscosity of coal-water fuels. The cavitation treatment of such slurries reduces the viscosity of the respective three-component coal-water fuels by 27–45%. According to the results of static sedimentation studies, coal particles start to precipitate 24 h after the onset of cavitation treatment. The treatment of the slurries under consideration for 27 and 90 s in a rotary hydrodynamic cavitation generator was established to reduce the average droplet size in the jet after spraying with a pneumatic nozzle by 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively. The introduction of pyrogenetic liquid into the composition of coal-water fuels increases their calorific value by 6.9%. It can be concluded that the use of pyrogenetic liquid in the composition of coal-water slurry fuels followed by their treatment in a rotary hydrodynamic cavitation generator can solve the problem of low reactivity of coal-water slurries.

Temperature-responsive liquid-liquid extraction of Li+ from high Mg/Li ratio brine

Exploring a facile method to recover Li+ is crucial for liquid-liquid extraction from high Mg/Li ratio brine for energy conversion and storage. A simple and effective approach herein that involves the lithium recovery from high Mg/Li ratio brine at a controlled temperature is proposed. Liquid-liquid extraction of Li+ from high Mg/Li ratio brine was carried out using tributyl phosphate (TBP) diluted in temperature-responsive ionic liquid as the extraction organic phase. The introduction of this ionic liquid allows for the solid-liquid conversion of the extraction phase by adjusting the temperature, and then achieves effective phase separation after liquid-liquid extraction. The parameters such as pH value, the dosage of IL, and phase ratio were optimized by experiments to achieve more than 80% of lithium recovery from a high Mg/Li ratio solution. The loaded organic phase was regenerated by HCl stripping, and the stripped organic phase can be recovered with no crud or emulsification during the process. In this work, a novel and green method was developed for lithium selectivity recovery by using a switchable temperature-responsive TBP-IL system.

Feeding practices of preterm low birthweight infants up to six onths: a comparison between Kangaroo and Conventional care.

To compare feeding practices of low birthweight(LBW) infants, according to type of care received during and after hospital discharge: Kangaroo Care(KC) and Conventional Care(CC). Prospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital (Brazil) between 2019 and 2021. The sample consisted of 65 LBW infants (weight≤1,800grams)-46 in KC and 19 in CC. KC includes breastfeeding(BF) guidance and support to parents at hospital and after discharge. Data collection was performed at hospital discharge, and at the 4 th and 6 th month of corrected gestational age(CGA). Consumption of twenty-seven foods was analyzed in the last two periods of the follow-up and expressed in relative frequency. Three indicators were analyzed: exclusive breastfeeding(EBF); mixed BF; and introduction of liquid and solid foods. Groups had similar health characteristics, except for the weight at hospital discharge and SNAPPE II score, that were lower in KC group. We found higher frequency of EBF among KC at hospital discharge (CC=5.3% vs KC=47.8%; p=0.001). The higher frequency of mixed BF was observed in KC at 4 months of CGA (CC=5.6%vsKC=35.0%; p=0.023), and at 6 months of CGA (CC=0.0%vsKC=24.4%; p=0.048). Consumption of solid foods (4 th month of CGA=25.9%, 6 th month of CGA=91.2%) and liquids (4 th month of CGA=77.6%;6 th month of CGA=89.5%) were similar between groups. In KC, SNAPPE II scores were lower and frequency of EBF was higher at hospital discharge and frequency of mixed BF was higher over six months. Early supply of infant formula, liquid and solid foods were similar in both groups.

Clay-supported acidic ionic liquid as an efficient catalyst for conversion of carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Halloysite nanoclay has been used as a natural support for the immobilization of an acidic ionic liquid with multiple acidic sites. To graft the ionic liquid on the halloysite, amino-functionalized halloysite was reacted with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and 2-aminopyrimidine successively to form heterocyclic ligand on halloysite, which was then converted to acidic ionic liquids through reaction with chlorosulfuric acid. The resultant catalyst was then characterized via SEM, EDS, and elemental mapping analysis, FTIR, XRD and TGA. Noteworthy, acid-base titration method confirmed that introduction of acidic ionic liquid significantly improved the Brønsted acidity of halloysite. The catalytic activity of the catalyst was investigated for conversion of various carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Gratifyingly, the results showed that the catalyst could promote the reaction of fructose, sucrose, glucose and galactose under mild reaction conditions (catalyst (0.03 g), at 85 °C in 70 min) to give the product in high to excellent yields. Computational DFT studies unveiled the reaction mechanism, pointing out the limiting steps kinetically, and in addition how important are the non-covalent interactions. Furthermore, the recycling tests confirmed high recyclability of the catalyst up to six runs.

Effect EMIMCl on electrochemical properties based PMMA-PLA hybrid gel polymer electrolyte

The formulation of a hybrid gel polymer electrolyte (HGPE) system comprising of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polylactic acid (PLA) as a hybrid host polymer doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) has been successfully prepared in this study with the introduction of an ionic liquid, namely 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the structural features of HGPEs. The FTIR analysis revealed that the complexation changes the peak intensity at region C = O stretching, CH2 bending, and C-O stretching. Meanwhile, XRD showed that the addition of EMIMCl altered the HGPE properties and formed an amorphous structure. The prepared HGPE sample was examined for ionic conduction properties through electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It shows that by adding an EMIMCl to the PMMA-PLA-LiTFSI HGPE has decreased the activation energy (Ea ) and increased the ionic conductivity. The sample containing 15 wt.% has the lowest Ea value of 0.057 eV and the highest ionic conductivity at room temperature of 3.20 10−3 S cm−1. The itemperature dependence was studied in the temperature range from 303 K to 393 K, the HGPE systems were found to follow Arrhenius behavior. The effect of EMIMCl content had decreased the viscosity of HGPEs which led to the gel-like type behavior. The potential windows stability analysis revealed that the highest conducting sample was electrochemically stable up to 3.3 V versus Li/Li+, thus showing that the present electrolytes are promising to be applied as in Li-ions battery.

A Paper-Based Iontronic Capacitive Pressure Sensor for Human Muscle Motion Monitoring

In this study, a flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on filter paper substrate is proposed. The electric double layer (EDL) structure was constructed through the introduction of ionic liquid (IL), and the pressure-sensing was realized by using the change of ion-electron interface contact. The paper-based iontronic pressure sensor possesses a high sensitivity of 221.9 kPa−1, which is hundreds of times higher than that of the capacitive pressure sensors with conventional parallel plate structure, as well as an ultra-low detection limit of 2 Pa. The sensor exhibits an enormous application potential in healthcare wearable electronics and human-machine interface equipment.

COMBINED METHOD OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OF A SMALL-CAPACITY BREWERY

With the help of the proposed circuit of EMT, the method of simultaneous measurements of the static characteristics of the magnetic fluid: specific electrical conductivity χt, magnetic susceptibility kt and temperature t of the magnetic fluid, which is recommended to be used for wastewater treatment of breweries, was investigated. A combined method of cleaning has been developed and the appropriate technological scheme has been improved, which provides, together with the use of mechanical cleaning devices, the use of an additional filter for magnetizing wastewater samples, which includes a special zone for the introduction of a pre-calculated magnetic liquid. Thus, in the process of wastewater treatment, mini-breweries using the proposed combined method, after applying methods of pre mechanical cleaning, use the wastewater interaction and the magnetic fluid: after intensive stirring of the mixture, the droplets of magnetic fluid dissolve in impurities and a weakly magnetic fluid is formed, which enters the magnetic separator for further cleaning. A rational ratio of wastewater: magnetic fluid (WW:MF), WW:MF = 8,7‧10-3: 1 was found. A comparison of the data obtained using informative methods with the data given in the regulatory documents witness the effectiveness of the proposed combined method of beer wastewater treatment in relation to the norms of water discharge into the city sewer, namely, the hydrogen pH indicator decreases as a result of the treatment by 34.6%, COD by 7.14 times, BOD5 by 1.52 times, suspended substances by 1.52 times, calcium cations Ca2+ by 1.53 times, magnesium cations Mg2+ by 1.51 times, total hardness dH by 1.64 times, carbonate hardness KH by 1, 86 times.

PO16: Commissioning of the Varian Universal Interstitial Cylinder (UIC) System for HDR Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer

<h3>Purpose</h3> Varian Medical Systems (VMS) has recently released the Universal Interstitial Cylinder (UIC) for use with Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy. We commissioned one cylinder with a plastic Universal Cervix Probe (UPC) and plastic interstitial needles using CT and MR images. A phantom specifically designed to avoid the introduction of water or water-like materials into the needle guide tracks was used and various marker strands were investigated to accurately reconstruct source positions. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> CT and MR scan were taken for the UIC set: one cylinder (30 mm diameter) with plastic UCP (80 mm, 30 degrees) and eight interstitial needles (channel #2-#9). To compare three different methods for channel identification, CT images (Siemens Biograph mCT, Siemens AG) with slice thickness of 0.6 mm were taken with either no radio opaque markers, VMS-numbered markers, or nylon coated stainless steel leader wires ("fish wire") which aid in channel identification and image registration. The MR images were taken on a 3T Magnetom Skyra Siemens MRI scanner using 3D T1 and 2D T2 weighted clinical HDR gynecological MRI protocols. An HDR MRI Lumen Marker (C4 Imaging, LLC) was placed in the channel #9 to check for any applicator rotation. The needle guide track openings at the distal end of the UIC cylinder causes liquid to be introduced into the tracks which results in unintended MR and CT signal. A gynecological phantom was constructed by placing the applicator set into three different phantom materials: wet towels, gelatin, or ground beef. Image quality of the CT and MRI scans for these phantoms were compared for treatment planning. The applicator dimensions were verified on CT and kV planar images. Dimensions from the vendor solid applicator models, which are based on the computer-aided design model files of the specific applicator were compared to those on CT and kV images. <h3>Results</h3> The phantoms made of wet towels or gelatin allowed significant amounts of liquid to enter the needle guide tracks from the holes in the distal end of the cylinder. This can mislead as to the actual source positions in the applicator. Specifically, it resulted in channels with unintended MR and CT signal (Figure 1a). The ground beef phantom was developed to limit this introduction of liquid into the cylinder (Figure 1b). CT scans with no markers displayed substantially wider needle guide tracks than the plastic needles (Figure 1b). CT scans with VMS-markers showed significant artifact (Figure 1c). CT scans with fish wire provided the best visibility of the needles within the needle guide tracks (Figure 1d). This scan along with the solid applicator model was also used to confirm distance from the outer wall to the inside of the needle guide track (8 mm) and to the center of the needle (7 mm) and the 30 mm diameter of the cylinder (Figure 1d). The use of an MR marker allowed that needle (channel #9) to be identified in the T1w MR scan (Figure 1b). The dimensions of the applicators could be validated on CT (Figure 1d) and kV planar images (Figure 1e). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The UIC applicator was commissioned for CT and MR image based treatment planning for HDR brachytherapy. Planar kV images verified dimensions of applicator against vendor specs. Accurate source position reconstruction was feasible using CT scan with 0.6 mm slice thickness and radio-opaque markers. The use of a ground beef phantom rather than a liquid based phantom minimized unintended MR and CT signal by limiting introduction of fluid into the needle guide tracks.

Oily phase migration control at the interface of hydrophobic/hydrophilic polymer blends

The introduction of oily liquid in polymer blends by extrusion remains a challenge as it is limited by the affinity of the oil with the different phases of the blend. In this work, we investigate the influence of the addition of oils in a hydrophobic polyethylene-co-octene (PE)/hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer blend prepared in the molten state. Four oils with different viscosities and polarities were selected: hazelnut oil, castor oil and two silicon oils. Using surface tension measurements and microscopy observation of the morphology, we show that the phase in which the oil stays is mainly driven by surface tension; however, it appears that viscosity influences the mobility of the oil through the phases. The application of the spreading coefficient theory to this solid-liquid system is new and brings a better understanding of the phenomenon. By substituting PE by polycaprolactone (PCL), we also show that the modification of the surface tension between matrix polymers without significantly changing the viscosity and elasticity ratios helps control the localization of the oils at the interface. These results are a first step towards in-situ encapsulation of lipophilic additives in immiscible polymer blends.

Evaluation of Dynamic Viscosity in the 10 MHz Range Using a General-Purpose Quartz Crystal Microbalance

This study examined the validity of viscosity measurements in the frequency region of 10 MHz using a commercially available quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Ethylene glycol aqueous solutions were used as model samples. From the changes in the resonant frequency and dissipation parameter before and after the introduction of the sample liquid, we determined dynamic viscosity through Johannsmann's equation and compared it with literature data for zero shear viscosity. As a result, the viscosity estimated by QCM was systematically higher. Based on the analysis of the electrical equivalent circuit of the resonator, we considered that such deviation is due to the energy loss inside the quartz resonator and the non-ideal nature of the interface in contact with the sample liquid. To avoid such non-idealities, we proposed a method of applying a calibration equation to the viscosity value obtained from the Johannsmann equation. This makes it possible to easily measure viscosity in the 10 MHz regions with an accuracy of ± 3 % error.