Negative Electric Charge Research Articles

Electrochemical Oxidation of Glyphosate Using Graphite Rod Electrodes: Impact of Acetic Acid Pretreatment on Degradation Efficiency

The uncontrolled use of herbicides such as glyphosate (GLY) (N-phosphonomethylglycine) in agricultural production has resulted in its presence in water bodies and in negative impacts on the environment and public health. On the frame of understanding the interaction between GLY and graphite rod surfaces, this contribution relies on the study of electrochemical responses of different GLY concentrations by cyclic voltammetry under both open and closed-circuit conditions. Furthermore, the effect of the electrodes’ electrochemical pretreatment with acetic acid on the double-layer capacitance and the subsequent surface functionalization of the graphite rod materials were evaluated. The increment in GLY concentration showed a decrease in the electrochemical oxidation response associated with the adsorption of the contaminant on the surface of the graphite rod electrode and the concomitant blockage of the active sites. Electrochemical pretreatment of the electrodes with acetic acid and GLY concentration play crucial roles in electric double-layer formation due to their ability to interact with both positive and negative electrical charges. By means of optical microscope observations and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis, it was possible to detect the formation of oxygenated functional groups on the electrode surfaces after the electrochemical pretreatment. Through a 23 factorial design analysis in repetition, the factors significant in the degradation of GLY were identified. The high degradation of GLY with the pretreated electrodes can be attributed to the preferential adsorption of the zwitterionic molecule at the interface, which allowed great direct oxidation of the contaminant on the anode’s surface.

Glutamate, Gangliosides, and the Synapse: Electrostatics at Work in the Brain.

The synapse is a piece of information transfer machinery replacing the electrical conduction of nerve impulses at the end of the neuron. Like many biological mechanisms, its functioning is heavily affected by time constraints. The solution selected by evolution is based on chemical communication that, in theory, cannot compete with the speed of nerve conduction. Nevertheless, biochemical and biophysical compensation mechanisms mitigate this intrinsic weakness: (i) through the high concentrations of neurotransmitters inside the synaptic vesicles; (ii) through the concentration of neurotransmitter receptors in lipid rafts, which are signaling platforms; indeed, the presence of raft lipids, such as gangliosides and cholesterol, allows a fine tuning of synaptic receptors by these lipids; (iii) through the negative electrical charges of the gangliosides, which generate an attractive (for cationic neurotransmitters, such as serotonin) or repulsive (for anionic neurotransmitters, such as glutamate) electric field. This electric field controls the flow of glutamate in the tripartite synapse involving pre- and post-synaptic neurons and the astrocyte. Changes in the expression of brain gangliosides can disrupt the functioning of the glutamatergic synapse, causing fatal diseases, such as Rett syndrome. In this review, we propose an in-depth analysis of the role of gangliosides in the glutamatergic synapse, highlighting the primordial and generally overlooked role played by the electric field of synaptic gangliosides.

Polarization-Accelerated Seawater Splash Simulation for Rapid Evaluation of Protection Performance of an Epoxy Coating on Carbon Steel.

The application of organic coatings is the most cost-effective and common method for metallic equipment toward corrosion, whose anti-corrosion property needs to be improved and evaluated in a short time. To rapidly and rationally assess the anti-corrosion property of organic coatings in the ocean splash zone, a new accelerated test was proposed. In the study, the corrosion protection property of the coating samples was measured by an improved AC-DC-AC test in a simulated seawater of 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, a simulated ocean splash zone test and a new accelerated test combining the above two tests. The results showed that the corrosion rate of the coating samples was high in the improved AC-DC-AC test, which lost its anti-corrosion property after 24 cycles equal to 96 h. The main rapid failure reason was that the time of the water and corrosive media arriving at the carbon steel substrate under the alternating cathodic and anodic polarization with symmetrical positive and negative electric charges was shortened. The entire impedance of the coating samples was improved by about 1.6 times more than that in the initial early time in the simulated ocean splash zone test, which was caused by the damage effect from the salt spraying, drying, humidifying, salt immersion, high temperature and UVA irradiation being weaker than the enhancement effect from the post-curing process by the UVA irradiation. In the new accelerated test, the samples lost their corrosion resistance after 12 cycles equal to 288 h with the fastest failure rate. On account of the coupling process of the salt spraying, drying, humidifying, salt immersion, high temperature combined with the cathodic and anodic polarization and the UVA irradiation, the penetration and transmission rate of water and corrosive media in the coating were further accelerated, the corrosion rate on the carbon steel substrate was reinforced even larger and the destruction of the top polymer molecules was more serious. The new accelerated test showed the strongest damage-acceleration effect than that in the other two tests.

Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on electroactive substrates

This study investigates the effect of electroactivity and electrical charge distribution on the biological response of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) cultured in monolayer on flat poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, substrates. Differences in cell behaviour, including proliferation, expression of multipotency markers CD90, CD105 and CD73, and expression of genes characteristic of different mesenchymal lineages, were observed both during expansion in basal medium before reaching confluence and in confluent cultures in osteogenic induction medium. The crystallisation of PVDF in the electrically neutral α-phase or in the electroactive phase β, both unpoled and poled, has been found to have an important influence on the biological response. In addition, the presence of a permanent positive or negative surface electrical charge distribution in phase β substrates has also shown a significant effect on cell behaviour.

Mitochondria Play Essential Roles in Intracellular Protection against Oxidative Stress-Which Molecules among the ROS Generated in the Mitochondria Can Escape the Mitochondria and Contribute to Signal Activation in Cytosol?

Questions about which reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can escape from the mitochondria and activate signals must be addressed. In this study, two parameters, the calculated dipole moment (debye, D) and permeability coefficient (Pm) (cm s-1), are listed for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide (O2•-), hydroperoxyl radical (HO2•), nitric oxide (•NO), nitrogen dioxide (•NO2), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) in comparison to those for water (H2O). O2•- is generated from the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), and several other ROS and RNS can be generated subsequently. The candidates which pass through the mitochondrial membrane include ROS with a small number of dipoles, i.e., H2O2, HO2•, ONOOH, •OH, and •NO. The results show that the dipole moment of •NO2 is 0.35 D, indicating permeability; however, •NO2 can be eliminated quickly. The dipole moments of •OH (1.67 D) and ONOOH (1.77 D) indicate that they might be permeable. This study also suggests that the mitochondria play a central role in protecting against further oxidative stress in cells. The amounts, the long half-life, the diffusion distance, the Pm, the one-electron reduction potential, the pKa, and the rate constants for the reaction with ascorbate and glutathione are listed for various ROS/RNS, •OH, singlet oxygen (1O2), H2O2, O2•-, HO2•, •NO, •NO2, ONOO-, and ONOOH, and compared with those for H2O and oxygen (O2). Molecules with negative electrical charges cannot directly diffuse through the phospholipid bilayer of the mitochondrial membranes. Short-lived molecules, such as •OH, would be difficult to contribute to intracellular signaling. Finally, HO2• and ONOOH were selected as candidates for the ROS/RNS that pass through the mitochondrial membrane.

Mean Electric Field of Dielectric Nanoparticle

The nanoscale effect of the formation of an electric field near the surface of a dielectric nanoparticle is discussed within the framework of the proposed model based on the reconstruction of the crystal surface, including the splitting of the surface atomic layer into two parallel sublayers consisting of atoms with only positive or only negative effective static electric charges, respectively. The mean electric field potential and strength are obtained depending on the distance from the surface and the numerical values of their parameters for hexagonal boron nitride are estimated.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles and Stressors Generate Synergistic Growth Inhibition in Candida Species through Cell Wall Damage, Osmotic Stress, and Oxidative Stress.

The need to combat and reduce the incidence, virulence, and drug resistance of species belonging to Candida genus, has led to the development of new strategies. Nanotechnology, through the implementation of nanomaterials, has emerged as an infallible tool to treat various diseases caused by pathogens, where its mechanisms of action prevent the development of undesirable pharmacological resistance. The antifungal activity and adjuvant properties of biogenic silver nanoparticles in different Candida species (C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. albicans) are evaluated. The biogenic metallic nanoparticles were developed by quercetin-mediated biological synthesis. The physicochemical properties were studied by light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, UV-vis and infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The elucidation of mechanisms of antifungal action was carried out under stress conditions in Candida species at the cell wall and response to oxidative stress. Small silver nanoparticles (≈ 16.18 nm) with irregular morphology, and negative surface electrical charge (≈ -48.99 mV), were obtained through quercetin-mediated biosynthesis. Infrared spectra showed that the surface of silver nanoparticles is functionalized with the quercetin molecule. The antifungal activity of biogenic nanoparticles had efficacy in the following trend C. glabrata ≥ C. parapsilosis > C. albicans. Biogenic nanoparticles and stressors showed synergistic and potentiated antifungal effects through cell damage, osmotic stress, cell wall damage, and oxidative stress. Silver nanoparticles synthesized by quercetin-mediated biosynthesis could be implemented as a powerful adjuvant agent to enhance the inhibition effects of diverse compounds over different Candida species.

On the structural, optical and polarization properties of the incipient ferroelectric CaTiO3 compound

Perovskites have been pointed out as promising candidates for several technologic areas, especially for photovoltaic applications. In this work, CaTiO3 compounds were synthesized by using the Pechini method and their structural, optical, and electrical properties were investigated. Tilted octahedral oxygen arrangements with a single center of symmetry for positive and negative electric charges are observed, forming a nonpolar perovskite structure. The origin of the observed structural distortions is directly linked to the strongest chemical bond between the O1 −2 and Ti+4 ions. Direct (2.9 eV) and indirect (3.8 eV) optical band gaps are also observed.

Asymptotically locally flat and AdS higher-dimensional black holes of Einstein–Horndeski–Maxwell gravity in the light of EHT observations: shadow behavior and deflection angle

Unification of gravity with other interactions, achieving the ultimate framework of quantum gravity, and fundamental problems in particle physics and cosmology motivate to consider extra spatial dimensions. The impact of these extra dimensions on the modified theories of gravity has attracted a lot of attention. One way to examine how extra dimensions affect the modified gravitational theories is to analytically investigate astrophysical phenomena, such as black hole shadows. In this study, we aim to investigate the behavior of the shadow shapes of higher-dimensional charged black hole solutions including asymptotically locally flat (ALF) and asymptotically locally AdS (ALAdS) in Einstein–Horndeski–Maxwell (EHM) gravitational theory. We utilize the Hamilton–Jacobi method to find photon orbits around these black holes as well as the Carter approach to formulate the geodesic equations. We examine how extra dimensions, negative cosmological constant, electric charge, and coupling constants of the EHM gravity affect the shadow size of the black hole. Then, we constrain these parameters by comparing the shadow radius of these black holes with the shadow size of M87* supermassive black hole captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaborations. We discover that generally the presence of extra dimensions within the EHM gravity results in reducing the shadow size of higher-dimensional ALF and ALAdS charged black holes, whereas the impact of electric charge on the shadow of these black holes is suppressible. Interestingly, we observe that decreasing the negative cosmological constant, i.e., increasing its absolute value, leads to increase the shadow size of the ALAdS charged higher-dimensional black hole in the EHM gravity. Surprisingly, based on the constraints from EHT observations, we discover that only the shadow size of the four dimensional ALF charged black hole lies in the confidence levels of EHT data, whereas owing to the presence of the negative cosmological constant, the shadow radius of the four, five, and seven dimensional ALAdS charged black holes lie within the EHT data confidence levels.

Trace SO2 Gas Capture in Stable 3D Viologen Ionic Porous Organic Framework Microsphere.

Eliminating trace sulfur dioxide (SO2) using nanoporous adsorbents is industrially preferred yet of great challenge due to the competitive adsorption of CO2. Herein, we reported a highly stable 3D viologen porous organic framework (Viologen-POF) microsphere via one pot polymerization reaction of 4,4'-bipyridine and tetrakis(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)methane. Compared to the previously reported irregular POF particles, viologen-POF microsphere shows better mass transfer uniformity. Owing to the intrinsic separated positive and negative electric charges center in viologen-POF microspheres, it exhibits excellent SO2 selective capture performance, which can be collaboratively confirmed by static single-component gas adsorption, time-dependent adsorption rate, and multicomponent dynamic breakthrough experiments. Viologen-POF exhibits high SO2 absorption capacity (1.45 mmol g-1) at ultralow pressure of 0.002 bar and high SO2/CO2 selectivity of 467 at 298 K and 100 kPa (SO2/CO2, 10/90, v/v). The theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and DMol3 modules in Material Studio (MS) were also performed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of viologen-POF toward SO2 at the molecular level. This study represents a new type of viologen porous framework microsphere for trace SO2 capture, which will pave the way on the applications of ionic POF for toxic gas adsorption and separation.

Exploring the piezoelectric porous polymers for energy harvesting: a review

Abstract In addition to traditional piezoelectric polymers, mono-crystals and ceramics, piezoelectrets or charged voided polymers have shown an interesting piezoelectric response by converting the mechanical energy into electrical and vice versa, therefore being incorporated in a number of advanced electromechanical transducers. This article is a review on the different phases for the elaboration of pseudo piezoelectric films based on passive polymers. First, several methods for the elaboration of the cellular structure of these materials are explained in the main text, with the morphological representation of the reached porosity. The porosity represents a cell to embed the positive and negative electrical charges created by the most common electrical charging processes, which are subsequently mentioned. Different theoretical models are emphasized as well to predict the piezoelectric behavior of this porous polymers. Finally, some of the latest harvesting energy applications based on porous polymers are collected. All the considerations cited above make Piezoelectric porous polymers open access materials that can be developed and optimized by the control of the porosity then used in energy harvesting applications.

First principle modeling of a silicene-aluminum composite anode for lithium ion batteries

The creation of new environmentally friendly and portable energy sources requires the development of technology used to produce lithium-ion batteries, especially their anodes. The aim of this study was to show the possibilities of the state-of-the-art ab initio approach for modeling battery anode materials. A quantum-mechanical study of the limiting filling of a silicene/aluminum anode with lithium has been performed. In this case, the changes in the structure, energy, and electronic properties of silicene that occur upon filling the anode have been studied. Lithium atoms are deposited both inside and on top of the channel formed by two parallel silicene sheets. The ratio of lithium to silicon varies in the range of 0.1–1.5. The gap in the silicene channel increases as the channel is filled with lithium. The filling of the silicene channel with lithium is associated with an increase in the Si–Si bond length in both silicene sheets without destruction of the channel. The infiltration of lithium into the space between the aluminum substrate and silicene sheet has been determined. Our calculation of the band structure has shown that, regardless of filling with lithium, the silicene-aluminum system exhibits metallic conductivity. The storage capacity of the combined anode (729 mAh g−1) significantly exceeds the capacity of graphite anodes. It was found that the top sheet of silicene acquires a negative electric charge upon significant lithium filling of the anode, exceeding the absolute value of the negative charge of the bottom sheet in contact with the aluminum substrate. Therefore, our model study has elucidated that the new silicene-aluminum anode is a promising material for the creation of a new generation of lithium-ion batteries.

Electro-osmotic flow in different phosphorus nanochannels

The electrokinetic transport in a neutral system consists of an aqueous NaCl solution confined in a nanochannel with two similar parallel phosphorene walls and is investigated for different black, blue, red, and green phosphorene allotropes in the presence of an external electric field in the directions x (parallel to the walls roughness axis) and y (perpendicular to the walls roughness axis). The results show that irrespective of the electric field direction, the thickness of the Stern layer increases with the increase in the magnitude of the negative electric surface charge density (ESCD) on the nanochannel walls, and it also increases with the increase in the roughness ratio for different allotropes. Moreover, three different regimes of Debye–Hückel (DH), intermediate, and flow reversal appear as the absolute value of the negative ESCD on the walls grows. With the increase in the absolute value of the negative ESCD, in the DH regime, the flow velocity grows, then in the intermediate regime, it decreases, and finally, at sufficiently high ESCD, the flow reversal occurs. When the external electric field is applied in the y direction, the dynamics of the system are slower than that of the x direction; therefore, the flow reversal occurs at the smaller absolute values of the negative ESCD.

Nanoemulsion supported microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography coupled with selected preconcentration techniques as an approach for analysis of highly hydrophobic compounds

In this paper, an oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion (NE) prepared by water cold dilution of an O/W microemulsion (ME) was introduced as a sample matrix in microemulsion electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEEKC) for the highly hydrophobic compounds analysis. Several model compounds with log PO/W values in the 4.1–10.9 range, from different chemical groups, including retinol, α-tocopherol, cholecalciferol, phylloquinone, menaquinone-7, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, ivermectin have been tested. As a proof of the concept of NE formation, a dynamic light scattering technique was employed to determine the size distribution profile of NE particles. Moreover, due to relatively low conductivity of the NE matrix (50–100 times lower in comparison to the separation buffer) and a negative electric charge provided to hydrophobic compounds through NE dispersed phase, NE matrices have been combined with preconcentration techniques based on electrokinetic dosing, namely field amplified sample injection (FASI) and pressure assisted electrokinetic injection (PAEKI). The detection limits for vitamin K1 and K2-MK7 in the NE matrix in combination with FASI (NE–MEEKC–FASI) as well as PAEKI (NE–MEEKC–PAEKI) were up to 42.9 and 12.1 ng mL−1, respectively. In comparison to standard hydrodynamic injection for microemulsion sample matrix NE–MEEKC–PAEKI grant 45-fold improvement in signal sensitivity. The study presents an innovative approach, as it enables the use of preconcentration techniques for highly hydrophobic compounds (log PO/W > 4), which was not previously possible for implementation in the electromigration techniques. Likewise, the use of organic solvents has been reduced by using ME as a solvent for stock solutions and diluting with water prior to the analysis. The application to real samples was investigated using a dietary supplement containing vitamin K2-MK7 obtained from the fermentation product of soybeans.

Anti-Adherence and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles against Serotypes C and K of Streptococcus mutans on Orthodontic Appliances.

Background and Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main microorganism associated with the presence of dental caries and specific serotypes of this bacteria have been related to several systemic diseases limiting general health. In orthodontics, white spot lesions (WSL), represent a great challenge for clinicians due to the great fluctuation of their prevalence and incidence during conventional orthodontic treatments. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been demonstrated to have great antimicrobial properties in several microorganisms, including S. mutans bacteria, there is no available information about anti adherence and antimicrobial properties of AgNP exposed to two of the most relevant serotypes of S. mutans adhered on orthodontic materials used for conventional therapeutics. The objective of this study was to determine anti-adherence and antimicrobial levels of AgNP against serotypes c and k of S. mutans on conventional orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: An AgNP solution was prepared and characterized using dispersion light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities of AgNP were determined using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bacterial adherence testing against serotypes c and k of S. mutans clinically isolated and confirmed by PCR assay. Results: The prepared AgNP had spherical shapes with a good size distribution (29.3 ± 0.7 nm) with negative and well-defined electrical charges (−36.5 ± 5.7 mV). AgNP had good bacterial growth (55.7 ± 19.3 µg/mL for serotype c, and 111.4 ± 38.6 µg/mL for serotype k) and adherence inhibitions for all bacterial strains and orthodontic wires (p < 0.05). The serotype k showed statistically the highest microbial adherence (p < 0.05). The SS wires promoted more bacterial adhesion (149.0 ± 253.6 UFC/mL × 104) than CuNiTi (3.3 ± 6.0 UFC/mL × 104) and NiTi (101.1 ± 108.5 UFC/mL × 104) arches. SEM analysis suggests CuNiTi wires demonstrated better topographical conditions for bacterial adherence while AFM evaluation determined cell wall irregularities in bacterial cells exposed to AgNP. Conclusions: This study suggests the widespread use of AgNP as a potential anti-adherent and antimicrobial agent for the prevention of WSL during conventional orthodontic therapies and, collaterally, other systemic diseases.

Effect of atmospheric nonthermal plasma on physicochemical, morphology and functional properties of sunn pest (Eurygaster integriceps)-damaged wheat flour.

To improve the quality of sunn pests (Eurygaster integriceps)‐damaged wheat flour, the effects of nonthermal plasma on physicochemical, rheological, functional, and microstructural properties were investigated. Gas type (air and oxygen), voltage (22 and 25 volts), and time (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min) were the variables of the experiments conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. The results show that with increasing voltage and time of plasma treatment, the pH decreased significantly (p ≥ .05), and brightness parameter, yellow–blue parameter, water‐solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, and swelling power increased significantly (p ≥ .05). The duration of plasma treatment, voltage, and change in input gas from air to oxygen did not significantly change the gluten index, particle size, and negative electric charge of flour particles, and the amount of zeta potential of samples. Differential calorimetric analysis showed the first and second peaks of the thermogram in the range 55–99°C and also 114–99°C. Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) showed hydroxyl group, CH bonds, C=O bonds, as well as the presence of types I and II amide bonds in the structure. Microstructural results indicated that plasma treatment reduced the particle size and increased particle sorting. By Increasing voltage and the duration of plasma treatment, peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown viscosity, pasting time and temperature significantly increased and setback viscosity decreased (p ≥ .05), which reduced retrogradation which improved the dough stability during the cooling process.

Phyto-Decoration of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori Aqueous Extract: Chemical Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation

Selenium is an important trace element as a part of the seleno-proteins, which regulate the oxidative status of the body and is required for the normal physiological reaction. Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using plant extracts is recommended over microorganisms or chemical reactions. Herein, SeNPs were synthesized using Moringa peregrina leaves extract (MPM-SeNPs). The purified nanoparticles were chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The biological activity of MPM-SeNPs was evaluated by testing their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Their anti-proliferative effect against breast cancer and normal fibroblast cell lines was also investigated. The highest absorption of biogenic MPM-SeNPs is 279 nm, and FT-IR analysis indicated peaks shifting and bending according to phenols, polysaccharides, and protein moieties. The Se-element made up 73.2 percent of the nanoparticles sample; they are agglomerated spheres with smooth surfaces and negative electric charges on their surfaces, with a diameter range of 80-150 nm. MPM-SeNPs revealed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values of 20-50 µg/mL and radical scavenging potential at IC50 23.6±0.2 µg/mL and 25.6±1.7 µg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Moreover, the nanoparticles exhibited cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 129.4±4.4 µg/mL. MPM-SeNPs might have a potential role in the green synthesis of chemotherapeutic drugs and could be used as a natural agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Ballooning in spiders using multiple silk threads

In this paper, three-dimensional numerical simulations of ballooning in spiders using multiple silk threads are performed using the discrete elastic rods method. The ballooning of spiders is hypothesized to be caused by the presence of the negative electric charge of the spider silk threads and the positive electric potential field in the Earth's atmosphere. The numerical model presented here is first validated against experimental data from the open literature. After which, two cases are examined, in the first it is assumed that the electric charge is uniformly distributed along the threads while in the second, the electric charge is located at the thread tip. It is shown that the normalized terminal ballooning velocity, i.e., the velocity at which the spiders balloon after they reach steady-state, decrease linearly with the normalized lift force, especially for the tip located charge case. For the uniform electric charge case, this velocity shows a slightly weaker dependence on the normalized lift force. Moreover, it is shown in both cases that the normalized terminal ballooning velocity has no dependence on the normalized elastic bending stiffness of the threads and on the normalized viscous forces. Finally, the multithread bending process shows a three-dimensional conical sheet. Here we show that this behavior is caused by the Coulomb repelling forces owing to the threads electric charge which leads to dispersing the threads apart and thus avoid entanglement.

Presentation of a new physics theory based on the HM16 model of the ether

In this paper, we present a new physics theory that offers some explanations of physical phenomena in nature, including some that have remained unexplained to date. Our New Physics Theory 2016 (NPT16) is based on a new model of the ether called HM16.The ether was eliminated from physics in 1905 by Einstein, through his Special Relativity Theory (SRT), based on experiments carried out in 1881/87 by Michelson (ME81/87). We reintroduce the ether to physics as a result of two errors that we have discovered in Michelson’s analysis of his experiments ME81/87. We initially proposed the development of NTP16 in 2016, and we now present an actualised, up-to-date form of NPT16. NPT is the result of taking into account the special properties of ETH ether, which in the HM16 model is characterized by its composition, as a deformable elastic body, without friction, so without energy consumption/loss. ETH consists of compact ether cells EC, which transmit the fundamental vibrations FVs of ECs, created by microparticles MPs, constituted as energy concentrations in their own vortices/oscillations, energy that creates even the mass m of MP. Longitudinal and transverse FVs vibrations, are transmitted between MPs and between ECs, by mechanical percussion pi, specific to the current positive or negative electric charge of an MP. And gravity is the result of the interaction forces FDC between the dipoles, so-called electric, but created by a Coulomb type force FCC, between two MPs completed with a term in lnr. And at astronomical distances, there is a ratio R = FDC/FN ≈ 1.60, which indicates the presence of an increase in the real mass of the stars, of about +60%, compared to the mass considered by gravitational Newton force FN, a result that can explain/replace the current fictitious dark matter. The NPT also gives a physical explanation of the phenomenon of increasing the mass of a material body MB, as its speed V increases. This speed V, leads to an accumulation of energy around MPs, stored in the ECs vortices of ETH around MP, created even by the V-speed motion of the MP. And the energy accumulated around the MP is added to the MP’s own energy, which is even the mass of the MP thus increased.

Molecular dynamics of the interfacial solution structure of alkali-halide electrolytes at graphene electrodes

The interactions of graphene electrodes with aqueous solutions of electrolytes play important roles in many technologies such as capacitive deionisation. Particularly important is the surface adsorption of ions due to the electric potential of the electrode. In this paper, we have studied structural changes in several prototypical aqueous solutions of electrolytes (NaCl, KCl, and LiCl) in contact with graphene induced by its either positive or negative electric charge, under ambient conditions. We have carried out molecular-dynamics simulations using the most accurate interaction models available. We have analysed the solution structure using an advanced analysis of the intermolecular bonding, and also standard properties such as density and charge density profiles, electrostatic potential, and screening functions. Our results show that the graphene charge has nearly no translational effect on water molecules, whereas it significantly changes their orientations, and the effect on ions’ distributions differ from solution to solution. Larger ions, whose hydration shells are weaker, are affected directly in an intuitive fashion, i.e., cations are attracted by negatively charged graphene and vice versa, whereas effects on smaller ions may vary and may be even counterintuitive, e.g., the number of chlorine anions in aqueous KCl in contact with negatively charged graphene is greater when compared to neutral graphene. The surplus of chlorine anions adsorbed on a positively charged electrode strengthens the structure of water and counterintuitively rotates the water molecules in the second layer pointing their electric dipoles preferentially to the electrode. The surplus of cations due to a negatively charged electrode is accompanied by a weakening of the water structure in the case of larger ions, whereas in the case of the lithium cation the structure is stronger due to the direct effects of the graphene charge on water molecules. Regardless of the graphene charge, the total number of intermolecular bonds connected with a single water molecule is nearly independent of the distance from the graphene surface and the same applies to the number of intermolecular bonds connected with a single ion, which means that whenever a particle loses an intermolecular bond it nearly always forms a new bond as a compensation.