Maleic Anhydride Content Research Articles

Novel vapor phase furfurylation for enhancing the dimensional stability of bamboo

Bamboo holds great promise as a versatile material in construction and engineering. However, its inherent hydrophilic nature, particularly within its cell walls, presents challenges for dimensional stability, limiting its widespread use. Addressing this challenge, vapor phase furfurylation (VPF) has emerged as a promising technique for bamboo modification. In this study, we applied VPF to bamboo for the first time, resulting in a significant transition towards hydrophobicity and a remarkable enhancement in dimensional stability (ASE > 50 %). Employing a multifaceted approach, we investigated the distribution gradient and penetration depth of FA resin within furfurylated bamboo using advanced methodologies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanoindentation, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), and imaging FT-IR microscopy, demonstrating the improvement in dimensional stability is attributed to cell wall bulking from FA resin infiltration. Through meticulous parameter refinement, we identified an optimized protocol comprising 40 h of VPF exposure, a VPF temperature of 115 °C, and a 4.5 % concentration of maleic anhydride (MA). This tailored VPF methodology holds promise for enhancing the dimensional stability of bamboo while minimizing FA consumption, thus expanding its potential applications in construction and furniture industries.

Optimization of malic anhydrate concentration in manufacturing PP-g-MA compatibilizer on test percent of grafting degree

The difference in polarity means that two or more materials cannot react, a connecting material such as a compatibilizer is needed to react between polar and non-polar materials. This research aims to determine the effect of maleic anhydride (MA) concentration on the process of grafting MA onto polypropylene (PP) chains with the help of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. The method used to mix these two materials uses the blending method using an internal mixer instrument and testing the percent degree of grafting using the titration method with three repetitions of the test.The research results showed that the highest percent grafting degree occurred at a concentration of 86% PP, 11% MA, and 3% BPO, with a value of 10.28%. The Spectroscopy Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis of Polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) showed the presence of new peaks at wavenumbers 1707cm-1 and 1162 cm-1.Increasing the concentration of maleic anhydride had no effect on increasing the percent degree of grafting.

Quantifying Chemical Reactions and Interfacial Properties at Buried Polymer/Polymer Interfaces.

Maleic anhydride (MAH)-modified polymers are used as tie layers for binding dissimilar polymers in multilayer polymer films. The MAH chemistry which promotes adhesion is well characterized in the bulk; however, only recently has the interfacial chemistry been studied. Sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG) is an interfacial spectroscopy technique which provides detailed information on interfacial chemical reactions, species, and molecular orientations and has been essential for characterizing the MAH chemistry in both nylon and ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) model systems and coextruded multilayer films. Here, we further characterize the interfacial chemistry between MAH-modified polyethylene tie layers and both EVOH and nylon by investigating the model systems over a range of MAH concentrations. We can detect the interfacial chemical reaction products between MAH and the barrier layer at MAH concentrations of ≥0.022 wt % for nylon and ≥0.077 wt % for EVOH. Additionally, from the concentration-dependent reaction reactant/product SFG peak positions and the product imide or ester/acid C═O group tilt angles extracted from the polarization-dependent SFG spectra, we quantitatively observe concentration-dependent changes to both the interfacial chemistry and interfacial structure. The interfacial chemistry and molecular orientation as a function of MAH concentration are well correlated with the adhesion strength, providing important quantitative information for the future design of MAH-modified tie layers for a variety of important applications.

Fused Filament Fabrication of WC-10Co Hardmetals: A Study on Binder Formulations and Printing Variables

This research explores the utilization of powder fused filament fabrication (PFFF) for producing tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-10Co) hardmetals, focusing on binder formulations and their impact on extrusion force as well as the influence of printing variables on the green and sintered density of samples. By examining the interplay between various binder compositions and backbone contents, this study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of the sintered parts while reducing defects inherent in the printing process. Evidence suggests that formulated feedstocks affect the hardness of the sintered hardmetal—not due to microstructural changes but macrostructural responses such as macro defects introduced during printing, debinding, and sintering of samples. The results demonstrate the critical role of polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-MA) content in improving part density and sintered hardness, indicating the need for tailored thermal debinding protocols tailored to each feedstock. This study provides insights into feedstock formulation for hardmetal PFFF, proposing a path toward refining manufacturing processes to achieve better quality and performance of 3D printed hardmetal components.

Evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of poly(lactic acid) and maleic anhydride in the thermoshrinkage of films from thermoplastic starch

AbstractStudies on the property of shape memory in thermoplastic starch (TPS) have shown good results, making such starch a suitable candidate for use in shrink packaging. It is however necessary to evaluate blending it with other bioplastics that would improve its properties while maintaining heat shrinkage. This article thus shows the evaluation of the incorporation of different concentrations of polylactic acid (PLA) and maleic anhydride (MA) as coupling agent and their effect on shrinkage and the changes in structure of the films obtained by blown film extrusion. In most of the blends, the incorporation of PLA and MA was found to favor film shrinkage, obtaining values of up to 55% due to the fact that the interaction between TPS and PLA increased with the incorporation of MA. This was corroborated by the % of MA grafted, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheological and structural tests. This allowed generating a greater molecular orientation of the films, thereby obtaining greater shrinkage. It was determined that the incorporation of PLA and % MA grafted generated good shrinkage results due to the physical and chemical crosslinking achieved in the processing of the blends in the presence of MA, enhancing their application as packaging.

Sustainable and biodegradable poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(propylene carbonate) blown films with enhanced compatibility, mechanical, and barrier properties

AbstractIn this study, a novel environment‐friendly PBST/PPC‐based blown film was prepared using maleic anhydride (MA) as a reactive compatibilizer to enhance the compatibility between poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBST) and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC). Results of rheological testing and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated that MA reacted with PBST/PPC during melt‐blending extrusion. Morphological analysis of the cryo‐fractured surfaces of PBST/PPC blend showed significantly improved compatibility between PBST and PPC with the addition of MA. Moreover, the Young's modulus, tensile strength, breaking strain, and tear strength of PBST/PPC/MA blown films increased with an increase in MA content. In comparison to PBST/MA blown film without PPC, the barrier property of PBST/PPC/MA blown films was improved. In addition, in vitro cell experiments showed that the PBST/PPC/MA blown film was suitable for the growth of mouse fibroblast (L929) cells. In vitro ecotoxicity testing on mung bean plant showed that the extracts from the PBST/PPC/MA blown film had no negative effects on the development of mung bean plant. Furthermore, degradability testing in soil also proved that the PBST/PPC/MA blown film had good biodegradability. Thus, the PBST/PPC/MA blown film can be used in fields, such as food packaging and agricultural mulch film.

Effect of Rice Husk and Wood Flour on the Structural, Mechanical, and Fire-Retardant Characteristics of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene.

Given the rising consumption of plastic products, it is becoming imperative to prioritize the recycling of plastic items as a solution to reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution. In this context, this research focuses on assessing the impact of incorporating rice husk and wood flour into recycled high-density polyethylene (rec-HDPE) to analyze its mechanical properties, flammability, and thermal stability. The combined rec-HDPE content of wood flour and rice husk varied between 0% and 20%. The rec-HDPE content of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) was fixed at 3%. Mechanical characteristics such as flexural, tensile, and impact strengths were assessed. Cone calorimetry (CC) tests, limited oxygen index (LOI) tests, and horizontal and vertical burning tests were performed to determine the flammability or fire retardancy of these composites. On the other hand, to characterize the thermal characteristics of these composites, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used. To further characterize the fluctuation in these characteristics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were carried out. The mechanical characteristics were found to be increased in response to adding rice husk or wood flour. An 8% increase in tensile strength and a 20% increase in elastic modulus enhancement were recorded for a 20% rice husk-added composite. SEM revealed the reason for the variation in tensile properties, based on the extent of agglomeration and the extent of uniform distribution of fillers in rec-HDPE. Following these lines, the 20% rice husk-added composite also showed a maximum increase of around 6% in its flexural strength and a maximum increase of 50% in its flexural modulus. A decrease in impact strength was recorded for rice husk and wood flour-reinforced composites, compared with unreinforced rec-HDPE. Hybrid composites displayed a lack of mechanical strength due to changes in their nature. FTIR tests were performed for a much more elaborate analysis to confirm these results. Twenty percent of rice husk-added rec-HDPE displayed the best thermal properties that were tested, based on TGA and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis. This 20% composite also displayed the best fire-retardancy characteristics according to UL 94 tests, cone calorimetry tests, and limited oxygen index tests, due to the barrier created by the silica protective layer. These tests demonstrated that the incorporation of both fillers-rice husk and wood flour-effectively enhanced the thermal, mechanical, and fire-retardant attributes of recycled HDPE.

무수 말레이산 함량에 따른 말레인산 천연고무의 열적 기계적 물성 연구

무수 말레이산 함량에 따른 말레인산 천연고무의 열적 기계적 물성 연구

Functionalization of Poly (1‐hexene) with Maleic Anhydride: The Effect of Reaction Parameters

AbstractThe functionalization of poly (1‐hexene) with maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as initiator was investigated and the effect of reaction parameters such as initiator content, maleic anhydride concentrations, reaction temperature and reaction time were studied. Furthermore, changing the catalyst system from a commercial Ziegler‐Natta (TiCl4/MgCl2/Internal donor) to α‐diimine Nickel catalyst led to a higher degree of functionalization (DOF) thanks to higher unsaturation content of polymer chains made by the Nickel catalyst system. The obtained polymer moreover was contacted with polyethylene glycol methyl ether to ensure the attachment of the functionalizing agent on the poly (1‐hexene) chains. Different analyses were used to support the observations. For instance, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited no weight loss at 210 °C for the sample confirming, the complete reaction of maleic anhydride, or FTIR analysis, where the presence of ester group bands was evidence for the reaction.

Maleic anhydride promotes humus formation via inducing functional enzymes response in composting

The purpose of this paper was to explore the promotion of maleic anhydride on the polymerization of precursors into humus in composting, and analyze the changes of key functional enzymes. The results showed that the content of humus in the treatment group added maleic anhydride (MAH) was higher than that in the control check (CK). The decrease rate of humus precursor concentration of MAH was also higher than that of CK. In MAH, the activities of laccase and tyrosinase were improved, thus enhanced the catalytic conversion of humus precursors. The analysis of bacterial community showed that maleic anhydride optimized the community structure of humification functional enzymes producing bacteria, with the most obvious increase of Firmicutes. In conclusion, this study provided theoretical supports for the introduction of maleic anhydride into the compost system to promote the polymerization of precursors to form humus.

Preparation of Polyethylene/α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposites via a Well-Controlled Polyethylene-Grafted Interface.

It is a daunting task to prepare polyolefin nanocomposites that contain well-exfoliated nanoplatelets due to the nonpolar and high crystallinity nature of polyolefins. In this research, a robust approach was developed to prepare polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites by grafting maleated polyethylene (MPE) onto pre-exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets via a simple amine-anhydride reaction to form ZrP-g-MPE. Several variables, including maleic anhydride (MA) content, MPE graft density, MPE molecular weight, and PE matrix crystallinity, were investigated to determine how they influence ZrP-g-MPE dispersion in PE. It was found that grafted PE has a different morphology and that the long PE brushes with medium graft density on ZrP can achieve sufficient chain entanglement and cocrystallization with PE matrix to stabilize and maintain ZrP-g-MPE dispersion after solution or melt mixing. This leads to enhanced Young's modulus, yield stress, and ductility. The structure-property relationship of PE/ZrP-g-MPE nanocomposites and usefulness of this study for the preparation of high-performance polyolefin nanocomposites are discussed.

Fabrication of ecofriendly composites using low-density polyethylene and sugarcane bagasse: Characteristics’ degradation

In recent years, research into replacing synthetic fibers with natural fibers as reinforcements in thermoplastic composites has developed rapidly. The main objective of this work is to produce eco-friendly and cost-effective composite material. This material consists of natural fiber of sugarcane bagasse as the reinforcing component and thermoplastic polymer of low-density polyethylene as a matrix. The injection molding technique was used to produce the test samples. The fabricated composite contained 30 wt.% sugarcane bagasse. The effects of natural fiber sugarcane bagasse content, chemical treatment, and the addition of maleic anhydride as coupling agent on the composite degradation were studied. The degradation of sugarcane bagasse/low-density polyethylene composite under ultraviolet radiation and the thermal degradation were investigated. In addition, the amount of absorbance ultraviolet radiation by the fabricated composites was studied using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy in the range from 200–800 nm. The effect of carbon black particles added to the fabricated composite on the degradation by ultraviolet exposure was also investigated. The results showed that the compatibilized sugarcane bagasse/low-density polyethylene composites at 3 wt.% maleic anhydride concentration revealed a higher decomposition temperature (466°C) than that of the uncompatibilized composites (460°C). This ensures that the thermal degradation temperature was improved by using the maleic anhydride coupling agent. Moreover, using the coupling agent showed significant resistance to degradation by ultraviolet exposure. Furthermore, the addition of 2.5 wt.% carbon black enabled more resistance to degradation by ultraviolet exposure.

Study on Water Resistance of Polypropylene Based Wood-Plastic Composites Used in Building

This research was aimed at studying the preparation of polypropylene based wood plastic composite material by twin-screw extrusion. The effects of the addition of the maleic anhydride (MAH) and wood flour on WPC properties were evaluated. WPC with 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 wt% of MAH contents were prepared. The mechanical properties and water resistance of WPC were studied. The result showed that with the increasing of MAH, the tensile strength of WPC increases at first and then decrease, and water absorption reduced by 39%. After immersing in water for 24 h, the tensile strength of WPC decreases but the impact strength increases, and with the increasing of MAH, the reducing extent of tensile strength increases, but the improvement extent of impact strength gradually decreases. When the MAH content exceeds 8 wt%, the impact strength of dried WPC samples (dried for 24 h) can be recovered basically. WPC with 10, 20, 30, 40 wt% of wood flour contents were prepared. The result showed that with the increasing of wood flour, the tensile strength of WPC increases at first and then decreases, the impact strength decreases, and water absorption increased by 62%. When the wood flour content exceeds 10 wt%, the impact strength of dried WPC samples can only recover partially. WPC containing different wood meal sizes was prepared. The result showed that with the decreasing of wood flour particle size, the water absorption of WPC increases obviously. The impact strength of dried WPC samples is higher than that of unsoaked WPC, when the particle size of wood flour is 60 meshes. It can be seen from the SEM photos that the distance between the wood powder fibers becomes larger after 24 h of WPC soaking in water. The finer the wood flour, the easier it is to aggregate in WPC.

Grafting of maleic anhydride on poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite composites augments their ability to support osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Implantation of bone substitutes is the treatment of choice for bone defects exceeding a critical size, when self-healing becomes impossible. The use of 3D printing techniques allows the construction of scaffolds with customized properties. However, there is a lack of suitable materials for bone replacement. In this study, maleic anhydride-grafted poly (lactic acid) (MAPLA) was investigated as a potential compatibilizer agent for 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites, in order to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds. The grafting process was performed by reactive processing in a torque rheometer, with the evaluation of the use of different concentrations of maleic anhydride (MA). The success of the grafting reaction was confirmed by titration of acid groups and spectroscopic analyses, indicating the presence of succinic anhydride groups on the PLA chain. Morphological analysis of the PLA/HA 3D scaffolds, using SEM, revealed that the use of the compatibilizer resulted in a structure free from voids and holes. The compatibilization also increased the degradation process. On the other hand, TGA and DSC analyses revealed that the use of a compatibilizer had little effect on the thermal properties of the composite. Most importantly, the samples with compatibilizer were demonstrated to have a minimal cytotoxic effect on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), promoting the osteogenic differentiation of these cells in a medium without the addition of classical osteogenic factors. Therefore, the grafting of PLA/HA composites improved their physicochemical and biological properties, especially the induction of MSC osteogenic differentiation, demonstrating the potential of these scaffolds for bone tissue replacement.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Polikaprolakton dan Kompatibiliser Asam Maleat Anhidrida Terhadap Karakteristik Komposit Bioplastik Maizena-Glukomanan

The weaknesses of cornstarch and glucomannan bioplastic composites is they are hydrophilic, as a result, these bioplastic composites have swelling values, WVTR, tensile strength, elongation at break, and young modulus that not SNI. This study was to determine the effect of the concentration of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride and their interaction on the characteristics of the cornstarch-glucomannan bioplastic composite, and to determine the concentration of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride compatibilizer which can produce the best cornstrach-glucomannan bioplastic composite. This study used a randomized block design with two factors. The concentration of polycaprolactone which consists of 3 levels (10% ; 12.5% ; 15%). Factor II is the concentration of maleic anhydride which consists of 3 levels (2.5%; 5%; 7.5%). The variables observed were tensile strength, elongation at break, young modulus, swelling, WVTR, biodegradation and FTIR. The data obtained were analyzed for diversity (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's test. The results showed that the concentration of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride and their intereaction had a significant effect on tensile strength, young modulus, WVTR, and swelling except for the elongation at break and biodegradation. Concentration of 15% polycaprolactone and 5% maleic anhydride produced the best composite bioplastic with a tensile strength of 16.16 MPa, elongation at break of 2.610%, modulus young of 627 MPa, swelling of 30.26%, WVTR 0.64g/m2.hour and degradation time for 7.33 days. Cornstarch and glucomannan bioplastic composites with concentrations of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride contain functional groups of expression -(CH2)n, alkane, hydroxyl alcohol, carboxyl, alkene, alkyne, alkanes, and carbonyl .

Effect of maleic anhydride compatibilizer addition on mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose acetate (CA) composites film

Environmental problems caused by the use of undegradable conventional plastics are still the major issue. According to the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) in 2021, plastic waste in Indonesia accumulated as much as 66 million tons per year and is expected to raise gradually. PLA and CA, derived from renewable resources, are biodegradable, thermoplastic, resistant to pressure, and are often used as raw materials for the manufacture of composite plastics. PLA is hydrophobic and CA is hydrophilic, so a compatibilizer is needed as a substance that can improve the mechanical properties, compatibility, and homogeneity of the resulting composite film. This research aims to obtain the ratio of PLA/CA and the concentration of maleic anhydride (MA) compatibilizer to produce PLA/CA composites film with good mechanical strength and according to packaging material standards. The method in this research is solvent casting by synthesizing composite films through sample preparation, modification of CA with MA, grafting of PLA/CA and MA, synthesis of composite films of PLA/CA and MA, as well as several characteristic tests. The results showed that the obtained films were identified as having PLA, CA, and MA, had a relatively smooth surface and were degraded at a temperature treatment of 543 o C. The best film was obtained from mass variations of PLA/CA and MA (6:4:1.5 gram) with a tensile strength of 7.38 MPa, and elongation at break reached 18.11% and met the packaging standard values by Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS).

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Asam Stearat dan Selulosa dari Limbah Padat Pengolahan Tapioka Terhadap Karakteristik Biokomposit Foam Tapioka dan Glukomanan

Abstract
 This study aims to determine the effect of the concentration of stearic acid and cellulose from tapioca processing solid waste on the characteristics of tapioca foam biocomposite and glucomannan and to determine the optimal concentration of stearic acid and cellulose from tapioca processing solid waste so as to produce the best characteristics of tapioca foam and glucomannan biocomposite. This study used a randomized block design with two factors. Factor I is the concentration of stearic acid which consists of 3 levels (2% ; 4% ; 6%). Factor II is the concentration of maleic anhydride which consists of 3 levels (2.5%; 5%; 7.5%). The variables observed were tensile strength/breaking stress (tensile strength), density (mass density), tear resistance, compression set, thickness, swelling, and biodegradation time. The data obtained were analyzed for diversity (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's test using Microsoft Excel 2016. The results showed that the concentration of stearic acid had a very significant effect on tensile strength, tear resistance, compressibility, swelling, biodegradation, but had no significant effect on density and thickness. The concentration of cellulose has a very significant effect on tensile strength, tear resistance, compressibility, swelling, biodegradation and has a significant effect on thickness, but has no significant effect on density. The interactions have a very significant effect on tensile strength, tear resistance, permanent compression, swelling, biodegradation, but have no significant effect on density and thickness. Concentration of 6% stearic acid and 5% cellulose produced the best foam biocomposite with tensile strength value of 0.69 N/cm2, tear resistance 0.49 N/cm2, density 0.20 g/ml, constant compression 7.61%, thickness 10 .27 mm, swelling 0.55%, and degradation time for 13.67 days.
 Keywords: Biocomposite foam, tapioca, glucomannan, stearic acid, cellulose.

Tensile Behavior of 3D Printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) Based Composites Reinforced with Natural Fiber.

Natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) filaments for 3D printing were fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with 1–5 wt% henequen flour comprising particles with sizes between 90–250 μm. The flour was obtained from natural henequen fibers. NFRCs and pristine PLA specimens were printed with a 0° raster angle for tension tests. The results showed that the NFRCs’ measured density, porosity, and degree of crystallinity increased with flour content. The tensile tests showed that the NFRC Young’s modulus was lower than that of the printed pristine PLA. For 1 wt% flour content, the NFRCs’ maximum stress and strain to failure were higher than those of the printed PLA, which was attributed to the henequen fibers acting as reinforcement and delaying crack growth. However, for 2 wt% and higher flour contents, the NFRCs’ maximum stress was lower than that of the printed PLA. Microscopic characterization after testing showed an increase in voids and defects, with the increase in flour content attributed to particle agglomeration. For 1 wt% flour content, the NFRCs were also printed with raster angles of ±45° and 90° for comparison; the highest tensile properties were obtained with a 0° raster angle. Finally, adding 3 wt% content of maleic anhydride to the NFRC with 1 wt% flour content slightly increased the maximum stress. The results presented herein warrant further research to fully understand the mechanical properties of printed NFRCs made of PLA reinforced with natural henequen fibers.

Design, synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, in-vitro antibacterial evaluation and in-silico analysis of polycaprolactone containing chitosan-quercetin microspheres

Aim of present study was to synthesize a novel chitosan-quercetin (CTS-QT) complex by making a carbodiimide linkage using maleic anhydride as cross-linker and to investigate its enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant activities as compare to pure CTS and QT. Equimolar concentration of QT and maleic anhydride were used to react with 100 mg CTS to form CTS-QT complex. For this purpose, three bacterial strains namely E. Coli, S. Aureus and P. Aeruginosa were used for in-vitro antibacterial analysis (ZOI, MIC, MBC, checker board and time kill assay). Later molecular docking studies were performed on protein structure of E. Coli to assess binding affinity of pure QT and CTS-QT complex. MD simulations with accelerated settings were used to explore the protein-ligand complex’s binding interactions and stability. Antioxidant profile was determined by performing DPPH• radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total reducing power (TRP) assays. Delivery mechanism to CTS-QT complex was improved by synthesizing polycaprolactone containing microspheres (CTS-QT-PCL-Levo-Ms) using Levofloxacin as model drug to enhance their antibacterial profile. Resulted microspheres were evaluated by particle size, charge, surface morphology, in-vitro drug release and hemolytic profile and are all were found within limits. Antibacterial assay revealed that CTS-QT-PCL-Levo-Ms showed more than two folds increased bactericidal activity against E. Coli and P. Aeruginosa, while 1.5 folds against S. Aureus. Green colored formation of phosphate molybdate complexes with highest 85 ± 1.32% TAC confirmed its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that CTS-QT was embedded nicely within the active pocket of UPPS with binding energy greater than QT with RSMD value of below 1.5. Conclusively, use of maleic acid, in-vitro and in-silico antimicrobial studies confirm the emergence of CTS-QT complex containing microspheres as novel treatment strategy for all types of bacterial infections. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Antioxidant and dissociation behavior of polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride

AbstractUnderstanding the dissociation behavior of functional polymers can help tailor materials for performance in target applications. Polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) undergoes partial hydrolysis to form polypropylene‐graft‐succinic acid (PP‐g‐SA) due to trace atmospheric moisture during extrusion. While there have been reports on the relationship between interfacial and antioxidant properties for functional polymers, PP‐g‐SA's behavior has yet to be explored despite its widespread occurrence. Here, PP‐g‐MA was compounded with isotactic polypropylene (PP) in a twin‐screw extruder and the influence of maleic anhydride (MA) content on interfacial behavior (dissociation constant and pH dependence of radical scavenging) was determined. Precise pKabulk values of the PP‐g‐SA carboxylic acids were calculated using attenuated total reflection‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) titration and found to be ~7.00–7.50 depending on MA content. The extinction coefficient ratio between the anhydride and carboxylic acids was reported for the first time, which was used to determine the increasing degree of hydrolysis with increasing alkalinity. pH‐dependent radical scavenging capacity followed closely with dissociation results, with activity reaching up to 4.02 ± 0.23 TroloxEq (nmol/cm2), supporting the proposed radical scavenging mechanisms dependent on deprotonation of the carboxylic acids. This study demonstrates how dissociative properties of functional polymers can predict radical scavenging behavior in different environments.