Magnesium Acetate Research Articles

Utilization of reverse osmosis concentrated brine to produce novel excellent deicers: Critical assessment of deicing performance and environmental impact

Reverse osmosis has been widely applied to seawater desalination while producing high-salt reverse osmosis concentrate wastewater (ROC), which is in great demand to seek an eco-friendly and economical method for the resource utilization of ROC. Herein, a novel deicer prepared from the ROC (ROC-D) was developed by spray-drying technology, in which the optimal spray-drying parameters for the preparation of excellent ROC-D were confirmed as 140 °C (gas inlet temperature) and 1200 mL/h (feed rate). Through orthogonal corrosion inhibition experiments, NaH2PO3, CH4N2S and C6H11NaO7 were determined to be the optimum ternary corrosion inhibitors in the best ratio of 1:2:6. Based on the above delicate preparation process, the ROC-D exhibited comparable deicing performance to conventional deicers (NaCl and CaCl2 deicers), which was 2-fold higher than that of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) deicer. Furthermore, the ROC-D had a slight corrosion effect on carbon steel, noticeably lower than that of NaCl deicer, CaCl2 deicer and CMA deicer. More importantly, the ROC-D was demonstrated as an eco-friendly deicer, which was favorable for the growth of plants. Overall, this study offers new insights for the reuse of ROC wastewater, and advances the preparation of environmentally friendly deicers with excellent performance.

Multifunctional Template Prepares N-, O-, and S-Codoped Mesoporous 3D Hollow Nanocage Biochar with a Multilayer Wall Structure for Aqueous High-Performance Supercapacitors

To recycle wastes and develop renewable energy, much effort has been focused on converting biowastes into porous carbon for supercapacitors. Porous nanocage-like carbons have excellent capacitive properties, but generally their preparation methods are costly or complex. Herein, a “one-step” strategy of synchronous activation and support through the thermal decomposition of a multifunctional template (magnesium acetate, Mg(Ac)2) is designed to prepare N-, O-, and S-codoped mesoporous hollow biochar nanocages (BNC-700). The BNC-700 prepared displays an interconnected porous structure and a two-dimensional (2D) multilayer wall/three-dimensional (3D) hollow nanocage structure with abundant active heteroatoms and edge defects. Due to their specific structures, high surface areas (1369 m2 g–1), and large pore volumes (1.81 cm3 g–1), the assembled supercapacitor delivers a considerable energy density of 37.4 Wh kg–1 at 212 W kg–1 and cycling stability of 99.5% after 15,000 cycles. The unique structure and N, O, and S codoping characteristics ensure a potential application for BNC-700 in supercapacitors. In summary, a strategy is designed for the green, simple, and cost-effective preparation of high-performance biochar for advanced energy storage devices.

Magnesium Compounds Increase Aquaporin‐3 in Human Epidermal Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells

Several studies have shown that magnesium can be a useful tool in preventing various skin disorders. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism by which magnesium improves skin function, focusing on the water channel aquaporin‐3 (AQP3), which is a cutaneous functional molecule. Magnesium compounds (magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium lactate) were added to human epidermal keratinocyte HaCaT cells, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP3 were analyzed. We also investigated the mechanism by which magnesium acetate regulates AQP3 expression. Several magnesium compounds were individually added to HaCaT cells, and 6 hours later, the AQP3 mRNA expression level in the treated cells was significantly increased compared to that in the control cells. Among the magnesium compounds, magnesium acetate had a strong effect and markedly increased the AQP3 mRNA expression level by approximately 3.5 times and the protein expression level by approximately 3 times. Magnesium acetate also enhanced the phosphorylation of cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), which is involved in AQP3 transcription. Furthermore, the increase in AQP3 expression levels induced by magnesium acetate was suppressed by treatment with the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H‐89. Magnesium compounds increased the expression level of AQP3 in epidermal keratinocytes and may have a skin‐moisturizing effect. The magnesium‐induced phosphorylation of CREB may be associated with the activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway. Overall, magnesium compounds may be useful for the prevention and treatment of age‐associated xeroderma.

Electrochemical Studies on Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Based Gel-Polymer Electrolytes for Magnesium-Ion Batteries

Research and development works in the field of multi-valent metal-ion batteries are intensified these days because of the abundance of multi-valent elements such as magnesium, aluminum, calcium and so on in the Earth’s crust. Magnesium-ion batteries are particularly important, because they have high theoretical volumetric capacity (3832 mAh cm-3) compared to that of well-known lithium-ion batteries (2062 mAh cm-3). However, there are potential challenges, typically, designing suitable electrolytes with sufficient ambient temperature ionic conductivities is a major challenge. In this work, a set of gel-polymer electrolytes based on poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) host polymer and magnesium acetate (Mg(CH3COO)2) ionic salt have been synthesized and characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), DC polarization and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) techniques. Among the compositions studied in this work, the optimized PEO-Mg(CH3COO)2-EC-PC electrolyte (6:14:40:40 wt.%) showed an ambient temperature ionic conductivity of 6.1x10-5 S cm-1. Ionic conductivity vs inverse temperature showed Arrhenius behavior with almost same activation energies (0.15 - 0.18 eV) for all the compositions. DC polarization studies performed with stainless steel blocking electrodes under an externally applied voltage of 1V showed that the highest conducting composition is dominantly an ionic conductor with an ionic transference number of 0.99. The electronic contribution to conductivity was found to be almost negligible, which is desirable to avoid short circuits within the cell. The LSV test on highest conducting composition revealed that the electrochemical stability window of these electrolytes is about 2.2 volts.

Synthesis, Structure, and Spectral-Luminescent Properties of Peripherally Fluorinated Mg(II) and Zn(II) Octaphenyltetraazaporphyrins

The cyclization of di-(2,6-difluorophenyl)maleindinitrile with magnesium(II) and zinc(II) acetates in boiling ethylene glycol is applied to synthesize Mg(II) and Zn(II) complexes of the octa-(2,6-difluorophenyl)tetraazaporphyrin. The compounds are identified by UV-Vis, 1H NMR, and mass spectrometry methods. A comparative analysis is performed of the spectral-luminescent properties of magnesium and zinc octaaryltetraazaporphyrinates and their dependence on the number and position of the fluorine atoms in the macrocycle phenyl fragments. The DFT method is used to optimize the geometry of the synthesized complexes. Machine learning methods and QSPR are applied to predict the Soret band wavelength in the UV-V is spectra of the complexes described.

Optimization of the Self-Healing Efficiency of Bacterial Concrete Using Impregnation of Three Different Precursors into Lightweight Aggregate

Implementation of self-healing concrete technologies is a promising approach to enhance the durability of the transportation infrastructure. Among these technologies, bacterial concrete has the potential to seal microcracks through microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP). To ensure the viability of this technology, bacterial protection is essential given concrete’s harsh environment. Additionally, the success of this technology depends on the presence of an adequate mineral precursor compound and nutrient for the bacteria. As such, the main objective of this study was to optimize the healing efficiency of bacterial concrete in subtropical climates through the vacuum impregnation of bacteria into a lightweight aggregate (LWA). To achieve this objective, mortar samples were prepared while incorporating different combinations of precursors (magnesium acetate, calcium lactate, and sodium lactate) and alkali-resistant healing agent Bacillus pseudofirmus bacteria (with and without). In addition, a control sample was prepared without bacteria or precursors for comparative purposes. For each sample, three mortar cubes and three mortar beams were cast and used to evaluate the compressive strength, crack healing efficiency, and flexural strength recovery. Additionally, the morphology of healing products was observed in bacteria-containing samples under scanning electron microscopy with energy x-ray dispersive spectroscopy using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDAX Pegasus energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed that self-healing bacterial concrete could be optimized (without significant reduction in mechanical properties) if Bacillus pseudofirmus bacteria at a concentration of 108 cells/ml and sodium lactate precursor at a concentration of 75 mM/l were impregnated into lightweight aggregate.

Investigation of low-cost magnesium stannate transparent conductive oxide layer: optical, structural and electrical properties and photovoltaic applications

In this research investigation we reveal the development of Magnesium Tin Oxide (MTO) as Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) material. It is the best replacement for the existing TCO materials. In the present work, Tin (II) Chloride and Magnesium Acetate are (MA: SC) taken in different ratios (0.1M: 0.1 M- S1C, 0.1M: 0.2M- S2C, 0.1M: 0.3M-S3C, 0.1M: 0.4M-S4C, 0.1M: 0.5M-S5C) and the prepared solution is coated at the deposition temperature of 400° C by NSP technique. The deposited thin films are then annealed at a very high temperature of 500°C for three hours. A structural study explains that the prepared films exhibiting a strong diffraction peak, corresponding to the plane (105) magnesium tin oxide of rhombohedral structure. It is noted that the value of thickness is varied from 210nm to 480 nm when the molar concentration of Tin (II) chloride increases from 0.1M to 0.5M. The maximum transmittance obtained is more than 80% with a wider band gap of 3.89eV. FE-SEM shows improved crystallinity, development of grain size and the attainment of uniformity in grain distribution after annealing. From EDAX analysis, it is noted that when the concentration of Tin (II) Chloride as well as annealing temperature increases, the presence of unwanted elements is reduced and hence the purity is improved. FTIR result shows the presence of functional groups present in the prepared MTO thin films. From the studies of Hall Effect measurements, the value of the resistivity is measured and it is in the order of 10−3(Ω cm). Photo-anodes and counter electrodes of DSSC are prepared with MTO as TCO substrate, and the cell efficiency is measured. The discussions explain that DSSC constructed with platinum coated on MTO (S5C) as counter electrode and TiO2 coated on MTO (S5C) as photo anode shows a better power conversion efficiency of 3.28% than the rest of the other cells.

One-pot fabrication of petroleum pitch derived hierarchical porous carbon via a recyclable MgO-templating strategy for p-nitrophenol removal

Large-scale application of p-nitrophenol (PNP) will inevitably cause environmental issue, while adsorption treatment using carbon-based adsorbents is an effective way to remove PNP from water. Herein we report a recyclable MgO-templating one step strategy to synthesize N/O co-doped hierarchical porous carbons derived from inexpensive petroleum pitch (PP) with low-dose melamine. The MgO-template precursor could be removed and recycled by acetic acid leaching, almost without template consumption and saline wastewater generation during the whole synthetic process, and the porous carbons prepared from the recycled magnesium acetate exhibited consistent hierarchical pore structures. The obtained porous carbons possess tunable specific surface area with the varying ratio of MgO template to PP. The sample of MPHPC-1.25 with high specific surface area of 1010.73 m2/g and volume of 1.68 cm3/g exhibits remarkable PNP adsorption capacity of 626.02 mg/g in batch and of 427.15 mg/g in dynamic fixed-bed adsorption test. In addition, the MPHPC-1.25 shows outstanding tolerance for PNP adsorption under various ionic backgrounds and excellent adsorption stability and reusability in continuous adsorption-regeneration cycles, suggesting its high potential in practical application. Furthermore, the enhanced PNP adsorption mechanism based on hierarchical pore structure and strong electrostatic interaction between PNP and N, O species dominated by pyridinic-N and carboxyl groups was elucidated by a combination of material characterization, adsorption thermodynamic-kinetic evaluation and DFT calculations.

Maternal Acetate Supplementation Reverses Blood Pressure Increase in Male Offspring Induced by Exposure to Minocycline during Pregnancy and Lactation.

Emerging evidence supports that hypertension can be programmed or reprogrammed by maternal nutrition. Maternal exposures during pregnancy, such as maternal nutrition or antibiotic use, could alter the offspring’s gut microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Acetate, the most dominant SCFA, has shown its antihypertensive effect. Limited information exists regarding whether maternal acetate supplementation can prevent maternal minocycline-induced hypertension in adult offspring. We exposed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats to normal diet (ND), minocycline (MI, 50 mg/kg/day), magnesium acetate (AC, 200 mmol/L in drinking water), and MI + AC from gestation to lactation period. At 12 weeks of age, four groups (n = 8/group) of male progeny were sacrificed. Maternal acetate supplementation protected adult offspring against minocycline-induced hypertension. Minocycline administration reduced plasma acetic acid level, which maternal acetate supplementation prevented. Additionally, acetate supplementation increased the protein level of SCFA receptor G protein-coupled receptor 41 in the offspring kidneys. Further, minocycline administration and acetate supplementation significantly altered gut microbiota composition. Maternal acetate supplementation protected minocycline-induced hypertension accompanying by the increases in genera Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, and Coprococcus. In sum, our results cast new light on targeting gut microbial metabolites as early interventions to prevent the development of hypertension, which could help alleviate the global burden of hypertension.

Solvent free sol-gel based synthesis of soft magnesium silicate

In this study, soft magnesium silicates were prepared via sol-gel method starting from diethylphosphatoethyltriethoxysilane (SiP), magnesium ethoxide and magnesium acetate. The thermal reaction of the different systems without any solvent was studied by a thermogravimetric analysis coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy in order to identify the volatile by-products and then suggest a reaction mechanism. The identification of several by-products formed during the reactions evidenced a non-hydrolytic sol-gel based route between the ethoxy and acetoxy groups of magnesium ethoxide and magnesium acetate respectively with the ethoxy groups of SiP. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses highlighted the creation of Mg–O–Si bonds. The viscoelastic behavior of the reactive systems allowed to confirm the formation of the network but also the determination of the gelation time. It corresponded respectively to 2150 and 1020 s for the reaction between magnesium ethoxide and SiP and magnesium acetate and SiP carried out at 170 °C. All these data confirm the formation of a “soft” inorganic network in that range of temperature. The graphical abstract represents first a schematic view of the studied reactions. The graph on the bottom-left corner shows the deconvolution of high resolution XPS spectra in the Mg (1s) region of MgOEt + SiP system treated at 450 °C. On the bottom-right corner, the evolution of tan (δ) at 170 °C under air during time sweeps at 1, 2, 3, and 5 rad/s for MgOEt + SiP system is presented.

The alkaline sites integrated into biomass-carbon reinforce selective adsorption of acetic acid: In situ implanting MgO during activation operation

The adsorption separation of volatile organic compounds affords an efficient potential solution to address VOC emission. In this work, we reported alkaline sites-modified biomass-carbon adsorbents through in situ implanting MgO for reinforcing the adsorption abatement of polar VOCs. We revealed that the dispersed MgO alkaline sites in situ formed over the activated carbon during the KOH activation process by placing the magnesium acetate and KOH into grapefruit peel-based biochar together, which avoids the repeated postmodification. By tuning the mass proportion of Mg precursor and KOH activator, the optimized loading of magnesium oxide in AC was explored and compared with the MgO post-modified AC using a two-step procedure. The physicochemical properties of MgO-modified AC were characterized by various techniques. Impressively, MgO occupied a higher surface formation ratio (82.6%) in whole Mg species of the in-situ synthesized 10MgO/C compared to that (51.4%) in postimpregnated 10MgO/C-P. The adsorption properties of polar acetic acid and nonpolar benzene over the above comparative adsorbents were systematically studied by the gas-static adsorption method. The results revealed that the optimal sample of 10MgO/C afforded excellent structural properties (SBET = 2646 m2 g−1, Vtotal = 1.59 cm3 g−1) and a large adsorption capacity of polar acetic acid reaching 16.64 mmol g−1 at 30 °C. More importantly, compared to unmodified and nitrogen-doped AC, 10MgO/C showed improved acetic acid adsorption capacity, reversible desorption behavior, and lower adsorption heat. The calculation of Ideal Adsorption Solution Theory (IAST) for selective adsorption separation of the CH3COOH/C6H6 binary mixture(50/50) over 10MgO/C showed the highest selectivity (3.42). This work offers new insight into the in-situ modification of AC and polar VOCs selective adsorption separation.

Improvement of Methods for Standardisation of Medicines Based on Aloe arborescens

Much interest is taken in identification of Aloe arborescens Mill. medicines by a major class of bioactive compounds (anthracene derivatives), as well as in quantitative determination of the compounds belonging to the class, with the same unified method for the entire spectrum from herbal drugs to herbal medicinal products. The aim of the study was to develop a methodological approach and select unified conditions for the identification and assay of anthracene-derived compounds in herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations and herbal medicinal products of Aloe arborescens Mill., observing the principle of holistic, end-to-end standardisation. Materials and methods : analytical conditions were unified using literature data and a comparison of reference values and requirements of the Russian and other pharmacopoeias. The subsequent practical evaluation of the selected conditions used three batches of the herbal medicinal product “Aloe Juice” by Vifitech (batches 131217, 030318 and 070618). The identification was carried out using a silica gel plate for high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC Silica Gel 60 HX85224933 1056330001 by Merck). The results were examined in daylight before and after spraying with a 2% alcohol solution of sodium hydroxide. The quantification was carried out using a Cary-100 spectrophotometer by Agilent at 512 nm and 0.5% magnesium acetate in methanol as a developing solvent. Results : the authors developed a unified approach to identification and quantification of anthracene-derived compounds in herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations and herbal medicinal products of Aloe arborescens Mill. and suggested using aloe-emodin as a reference standard. The authors established reference values for anthracene-derived compounds in herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations and herbal medicinal products of Aloe arborescens Mill. and drafted the corresponding monographs for the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. Conclusions : the developed procedures allow for comprehensive identification and quantification of anthracene-derived compounds in herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations and herbal medicinal products of Aloe arborescens Mill. by the same class of biologically active compounds.

Biomimetic Swallow Nest Structure: A Lightweight and High-Strength Thermal Insulation Material.

A common method for reducing carbon emissions and the load-bearing pressure of buildings, and while also achieving improved energy conservation is to prepare porous magnesium-based lightweight composites to reduce waste and environmental hazards. However, due to internal stress, the pores of traditional lightweight composites crack easily and collapse, resulting in composites that are brittle with poor water resistance. These materials cannot achieve both low density and high strength, which limits their application in advanced functional materials. Thus, learned from nature, inspired by swallow's nest, a solution has been proposed, which is a simple and fast chemical arrangement and assembly method. Using bamboo scraps as the supporting framework and methylcellulose (MC) molecular chains as the templates, 5-phase crystals are grown and arranged on the MC. These crystals are arranged on the bamboo scraps by chemical means with MC acting as a bridge. At the same time, using the high viscosity and flexibility of the vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) copolymer emulsion and the formation of magnesium acetate chelate from VAE and hydration products, crystals and bamboo scraps can be assembled. Through these organic-inorganic copolymers, an intercalated and integrated biomimetic swallow nest structure is formed. The biomimetic swallow nest structure composites (BSNSC) imitated the formation process of a natural swallow nest. It is a lightweight material with a thick wall, low connectivity rate, and regular shape. Its density is 0.42 g/cm3, which is still in the density class of ultralight inorganic foam materials, and its compressive strength reaches 6.5 MPa, three times that of ordinary composites. The structure has a strength-to-weight ratio 3.5 times that of ordinary composites and a thermal conductivity much lower than of other thermal insulation materials. In the future, this type of lightweight composites with high strength, high heat insulation, and low density not only functions as a good energy-saving material for buildings but also a good thermal insulation material in the aerospace field.

Methanolysis of Poly(lactic Acid) Using Catalyst Mixtures and the Kinetics of Methyl Lactate Production

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a leading bioplastic of which the market share is predicted to increase in the future; its growing production capacity means its end-of-life treatment is becoming increasingly important. One beneficial disposal route for PLA is its chemical recycling via alcoholysis. The alcoholysis of PLA leads to the generation of value-added products alkyl lactates; this route also has potential for a circular economy. In this work, PLA was chemically recycled via methanolysis to generate methyl lactate (MeLa). Four commercially available catalysts were investigated: zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(OAc)2), magnesium acetate tetrahydrate (Mg(OAc)2), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), and triazabicyclodecene (TBD). Dual catalyst experiments displayed an increase in reactivity when Zn(OAc)2 was paired with TBD or DMAP, or when Mg(OAc)2 was paired with TBD. Zn(OAc)2 coupled with TBD displayed the greatest reactivity. Out of the single catalyst reactions, Zn(OAc)2 exhibited the highest activity: a higher mol% was found to increase reaction rate but plateaued at 4 mol%, and a higher equivalent of methanol was found to increase the reaction rate, but plateaued at 17 equivalents. PLA methanolysis was modelled as a two-step reversible reaction; the activation energies were estimated at: Ea1 = 25.23 kJ∙mol−1, Ea2 = 34.16 kJ∙mol−1 and Ea-2 = 47.93 kJ∙mol−1.

Microstructure and magnetic properties of FeSiCr soft magnetic powder cores with a MgO insulating layer prepared by the sol-gel method

In this study, the electromagnetic properties of FeSiCr soft magnetic powder cores (SMPCs) were optimized by providing a novel insulation process. Magnesium acetate tetrahydrate and oxalic acid dihydrate were used as raw materials for the sol-gel method. The powder was then heat-treated at 700 °C so that it was evenly coated by an insulating layer. Thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to demonstrate that the layer heat-treated at 700 °C was the ideal MgO layer and was uniformly coated on the surface of the FeSiCr powder. Additionally, the potential reactions and growth mechanism of the MgO layer were analyzed. The effects of the magnesium acetate tetrahydrate content on the soft magnetic properties of the FeSiCr@MgO SMPCs were investigated. The optimal soft magnetic performance (Pcv = 248.48 mW/cm3, measured at 2500 kHz and 10 mT) was achieved at a magnesium acetate tetrahydrate content of 0.50 wt%, yielding a direct current-bias performance of up to 92.3% at 100 Oe. In addition, the FeSiCr@MgO SMPCs effectively improved the heat dissipation performance, which is necessary to avoid high-temperature damage, thereby enhancing their applicability in high-frequency and high-current environments.

Ingenious synthesis of chitosan-based porous carbon supercapacitors with large specific area by a small amount of potassium hydroxide

Chitosan has been widely studied in the preparation of carbon-based supercapacitor electrodes due to its environment-friendly characteristic and easy processing. However, most of the chitosan-based porous carbon preparation method was complicated and required some activators such as zinc chloride and potassium hydroxide (KOH), which were all not conducive to environmental and equipment protection. Herein, we have successfully used a one-step carbonization method to prepare N-doped hierarchical porous carbon by systematically combining a small amount of KOH with magnesium acetate. The phenomenon was confirmed by observing scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. The porous carbon showed a high specific surface area of ~2737 m2 g−1, and its nitrogen content was up to 2.39%. Electrochemical data exhibited that the chitosan-based carbon electrode could achieve an outstanding gravimetric capacitance of 300.5 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. After cyclic charging and discharging 5000 times at a current density of 5 A g−1, the specific capacitance retention rate was 92.94%. As an assembled symmetrical supercapacitor, with 6 M KOH as the electrolyte, when the power density was 250–4991 W kg−1, the corresponding energy density was 7.3–6.1 Wh kg−1. Thus, these chitosan-based porous carbon electrodes exhibited excellent electrochemical properties. Particularly, the strategy to prepare porous carbon would provide successful experiences for designing bio-polymers porous carbon.

Determination of neutron moderation parameters through neutron captured gamma ray emission – A novel method

The neutron moderation properties such as relative thermal lethargy, average logarithmic energy decrement and average number of collisions for elemental and composite materials were determined experimentally by using (n, γ) reaction. The Am-Be source used in the experiment emits neutrons of energies from thermal to fast with an average energy of 4.2 MeV along with the emission of 4.43 MeV gamma radiation due to de-excitation of 12C* nucleus. The 2.2 MeV gamma radiation emitted from paraffin due to capture of thermal neutrons by hydrogen in paraffin and 4.43 MeV gamma radiations emitted due to de-excitation of 12C* nucleus were detected with 2 in. × 2 in. NaI(Tl) gamma ray scintillation spectrometer coupled to multi-channel analyzer. Using the intensity ratio of 2.2 MeV and 4.43 MeV gamma radiations, the neutron moderation parameters have been determined for elemental targets such as C, Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb and for composite materials such as Perspex, Cadmium Acetate dihydrate, Magnesium Acetate tetrahydrate, Cobalt Acetate tetrahydrate, Nickel Acetate tetrahydrate and Brass.

Precipitation of bone-like apatite on plasma electrolytic oxidized Ti-6Al-4V alloy

In this study, precipitation phenomena of bone-like apatite on plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)-treated Ti-6Al-4V alloys with various electrolyte compositions were studied by using various characterization techniques. A Ti-6Al-4V disk was used as a sample for the PEO treatment, which was performed using pulsed DC power for 3 min at 280 V in an electrolyte solution containing calcium acetate, calcium glycerophosphate, manganese(II) acetate tetrahydrate, magnesium acetate tetrahydrate, strontium acetate hemihydrate, zinc acetate dehydrate, and sodium metasilicate at 25 °C. The PEO-treated samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 24 h to investigate their bioactivity. The surface morphology, composition, and microstructure of these samples were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffractometry.The surface of the PEO-treated alloy in the electrolyte containing Ca, P, Mn, Sr, Zn, Mg, and Si ions was covered with precipitates that formed a ring pattern around the pores. Furthermore, Mn was detected in the pores rather than on the surface; this Mn played a role in MnO2 and Mn2O3 formation on the PEO-treated alloy surface. Moreover, on the surface treated in SBF solution after PEO treatment in the electrolyte containing Ca, P, Mn, Sr, Zn, Mg, and Si ions, apatite nucleation occurred in the pores, which coalesced and grew into large precipitates. Fewer number of functional elements, including Mn, were detected on the surface when apatite was precipitated, than that in the case of the non-treated surface in the SBF solution.

Ceramics Based on Powders Synthesized from Ammonium Hydrogen Phosphate, Calcium Acetate, and Magnesium Acetate

Ceramics Based on Powders Synthesized from Ammonium Hydrogen Phosphate, Calcium Acetate, and Magnesium Acetate

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Chicken Droppings for the Use of Inorganic and Biologically Active Substances

The leading place in the structure of livestock production is occupied by poultry farming. The intensive development of this industry poses a problem in maintaining the cleanliness of the environment since, in addition to the main products, there is a considerable amount of waste. The latter serves as a source of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere, which are one of the main causes of negative changes in the climatic balance of the planet. Therefore, determining the level of greenhouse gas emissions under the influence of inorganic and biologically active substances was the basis of the planned research. As a result of the conducted studies, the effectiveness of the studied substances – perlite, glauconite, saponite, vermiculite, biopreparations Kapeliukhiv Yarok and Scarabei, magnesium acetate and superphosphate – was established to reduce the level of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitric oxide (NO) release from poultry litter (in vitro). In particular, it was determined that vermiculite, which most effectively affects greenhouse gas emissions from poultry litter from natural sorbents, reduces the level of CH4 and CO2 by 10.5-14.4%, and NO – 9.6-11.2%. The biological product of Kapeliukhiv Yarok more effectively reduces the emission of CH4 and CO2 from the test substrate by 12.9-17.3%, and Scarabei – NO by 11.8-13.3%. The introduction of magnesium acetate and superphosphate into fermented poultry litter helps to reduce the level of CH4 and CO2 release by 14.8-18.7% and 14.0-17.4%, respectively, and NO – by 15.3-16.1% and 12.4-14.7%. Studied substances that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the greatest extent (in vitro) – magnesium acetate, superphosphate, biopreparations Kapeliukhiv Yarok and Scarabei, vermiculite from the studied substrate, and at the same time provide the lowest pH level – 6.55-7.15 units. Thus, the determination of the effectiveness of the studied inorganic and biologically active substances on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from poultry litter (in vitro) indicates the prospects of their use to prevent environmental pollution in the intensive management of the poultry industry