Oleoyl Chloride Research Articles

In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil extracts from underutilized Zanthoxylum ovalifolium tutcher fruits: Prospective applications in the food industry

Zanthoxylum ovalifolium fruits and its oils are being used in traditional foods as flavoring agent. So, the present investigation was taken to evaluate the potential of essential oils extracted from fruits activity against food borne spoilage microbes. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and phytosterols. GC-MS results showed the presence of a total of 20 compounds, including Oleoyl chloride in the oil extracted from young fruit and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in both oils. The LC-MS results revealed a total of 48 compounds, highlighting variations in composition between ZEY and ZEM, likely due to the fruit's maturity stage. DPPH free radical scavenging potential of young fruit essential oils extract showed highest percentage of scavenging activity and IC50 values. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were evaluated against bacterial and fungal strains by well diffusion method. S. aureus showed highest zone of inhibition and all fungal strains showed excellent inhibition compared to standard. These essential oils have appreciated capability of suppressing growth of wide variety of food borne microbes in turn scavenging the free radicals released by them. Derived from natural sources, this essential oil offers a promising alternative for extending the shelf life of food products.

Hydrophobized MFC as Reinforcing Additive in Industrial Silica/SBR Tire Tread Compound.

Silica is used as reinforcing filler in the tire industry. Owing to the intensive process of silica production and its high density, substitution with lightweight bio-based micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is expected to provide lightweight, sustainable, and highly reinforced tire composite. MFC was modified with oleoyl chloride, and the degree of substitution (DS) was maintained between 0.2 and 0.9. Subsequently, the morphology and crystallinity of the modified MFC were studied and found to be significantly dependent on the DS. The advantages associated with the use of the modified MFC in synergy with silica for the reinforcement of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite was investigated in comparison with silica/SBR compound. The structural changes occasioned by the DS values influenced the processability, curing kinetics, modulus-rolling resistance tradeoff, and tensile properties of the resultant rubber compounds. We found that the compound made with modified MFC at a DS of 0.67 (MFC16) resulted to the highest reinforcement, with a 350% increase in storage modulus, 180% increase in Young`s modulus, and 15% increase in tensile strength compared to the referenced silica-filled compounds. Our studies show that MFC in combination with silica can be used to reinforce SBR compound for tire tread applications.

Study on Water Absorption Characteristics, Various Chemical Treatments, and Applications of Biological Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

This study presents an extensive survey of the many surface treatments that may be given to natural fibers for use in advanced composites. When put into reality, the primary disadvantages of working through biological fibers are the increased level of moisture intake that natural fibers possess as well as their low dimensional stability. The fundamental purpose of applying surface treatments to natural fibers is to optimize the bonding strength as well as the pressure transferability in composites made of biological natural fibers. Natural fiber-strengthened polymer composites (NFPC) have overall mechanical qualities that are strongly dependent on the morphological, aspect ratio, hydrophilic propensity, and high stiffness of the natural fibers that are employed in the composite. Cellulosic fibers are being studied for their effects both before and after being used as reinforcements for thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. Some of the chemicals utilized in treatments include alkalis, silane, acetyl, benzoylation, acrylation and polyamide grafting, maleated linking agents, ammonium nitrate, peroxide, phenoxy, stearic acid, potassium chalcopyrite, triazine, synthetic derivatives of fatty acids (oleoyl chloride), and fungi. After chemical treatment, composites made from organic fibers are stronger and more dimensionally stable than the untreated sample.

An efficient weighted network centrality approach for exploring mechanisms of action of the Ruellia herbal formula for treating rheumatoid arthritis

AimThis study outlines an efficient weighted network centrality measure approach and its application in network pharmacology for exploring mechanisms of action of the Ruellia prostrata (RP) and Ruellia bignoniiflora (RB) herbal formula for treating rheumatoid arthritis.MethodIn our proposed method we first calculated interconnectivity scores all the network targets then computed weighted centrality score for all targets to identify of major network targets based on centrality score. We apply our technology to network pharmacology by constructing herb-compound-putative target network; compound-putative targets-RA target network; and imbalance multi-level herb-compound-putative target-RA target-PPI network. We then identify the major targets in the network based on our centrality measure approach. Finally we validated the major identified network targets using the enrichment analysis and a molecular docking simulation.ResultThe results reveled our proposed weighted network centrality approach outperform classical centrality measure in identification of influential nodes in four real complex networks based on SI model simulation. Application of our approach to network pharmacology shows that 57 major targets of which 33 targets including 8 compositive compounds, 15 putative target and 10 therapeutic targets played an important role in the network and directly linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Enrichment analysis confirmed that putative targets were frequently involved in TNF, CCR5, IL-17 and G-protein coupled receptors signaling pathways which are critical in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. The molecular docking simulation indicated four targets had significant binding affinity to major protein targets. Glyceryl diacetate-2-Oleate and Oleoyl chloride showed the best binding affinity to all targets proteins and were within Lipinski limits. ADMET prediction also confirm both compounds had no toxic effect on human hence potential lead drug compounds for treating rheumatoid arthritis.ConclusionThis study developed an efficient weighted network centrality approach as tool for identification of major network targets. Network pharmacology findings provides promising results that could lead us to design and discover of alternative drug compounds. Though our approach is a purely in silico method, clinical experiments are required to test and validate the hypotheses of our computational methods.

Papain-Decorated Mucopenetrating SEDDS: A Tentative Approach to Combat Absorption Issues of Acyclovir via the Oral Route.

The aim of the current study was to enhance the oral bioavailability of Acyclovir (ACV) based on the papain-functionalized self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). The optimum control SEDDS formulation comprised of kolliphore (40%), transcutol (30%), propylene glycol (20%) and oleoyl chloride (10%). However, in the targeted SEDDS formulation, oleoyl chloride was replaced with oleoyl chloride-papain (OC-PAP) conjugate that was synthesized via an amide bond formation between the acyl halide groups of oleoyl chloride and the amino group of papain. Prior to adding in the SEDDS formulation, the newly synthesized conjugate was evaluated quantitatively by a Bradford assay that demonstrated 45 µg of papain contents per mg of the conjugate. Moreover, the conjugate formation was qualitatively confirmed through FTIR analysis and thin layer chromatography. ACV (a BCS class III drug) was incorporated into the SEDDS formulations after being hydrophobically ion paired with sodium deoxycholate, thereby making it lipophilic. The drug-loaded formulations were emulsified in the 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and evaluated in vitro with respect to drug release and rabbit mucosal permeation studies. Both the formulations illustrated a very comparable drug release over a period of 4 h, afterwards, the OC-PAP-based formulation demonstrated a more sustaining effect. The extent of mucus diffusion evaluated via the silicon tube method demonstrated a 4.92-fold and a 1.46-fold higher penetration of the drug, a 3.21-fold and a 1.56-fold higher permeation through the rabbit intestinal mucus layer, and a 22.94-fold and a 2.27-fold higher retention of the drug over the intact mucosa of rabbit intestine, illustrated by OC-PAP-based nanoemulsions compared to the drug-free solution and controlled nanoemulsion, respectively. According to these in vitro results, papain-functionalized SEDDS is a promising approach for the oral delivery of ACV and many other drugs with oral bioavailability issues, however, in vivo studies in this respect have to be employed before making a comprehensive conclusion.

Highly efficient synthesis of chlorogenic oleate using acyl chloride method

In this study, chlorogenic oleate (CGO) was efficiently synthesized through acylation of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and oleoyl chloride. The effects of substrate molar ratio, adding method of oleoyl chloride, reaction time, reaction temperature, and molar ratio of CGA to triethylamine on the CGA conversion were investigated. The results indicated that the optimal conditions were as follows: molar ratio of CGA to oleoyl chloride 1:1.5, adding method of oleoyl chloride 4 aliquots, reaction time 20 min, reaction temperature 25 °C, molar ratio of CGA to triethylamine 1:1.5. Under the conditions, the CGA conversion was up to 76.62%. The crude product was then purified by solvent extraction, and the purity of CGO was 94.96%. The structure of CGO was identified by FTIR, HPLC-MS and NMR.

Leaves and barks of Albizia shade trees in tea plantation shows both insect attractant and pesticidal properties: a GC-MS based investigation

Abstract. Ghosh A, Majumder S, Saha S, Chakraborty S, Bhattacharya M. 2021. Leaves and bark of Albizia shade trees in tea plantation show both insect attractant and pesticidal properties: a GC-MS based investigation. Asian J Agric 5: 84-89. Tea is the major plantation crop of sub-Himalayan region. The bushes are grown under a partial canopy cover of leguminous plants to protect them from scorching sun rays. The shade plants are primarily beneficial but attract several pests. Metabolites present in four Albizia trees were detected by GC-MS, and insect attracting and/or repelling phytochemicals were pointed out. A total of thirty-two compounds exhibiting semiochemical properties were detected. 15.84%, 2.52%, 2.61% of semiochemicals are exclusively present in leaves of Albizia odoratissima, Albizia chinensis, and Albizia procera. While in bark 10.73% and 13.35% semiochemicals were exclusively present in Albizia odoratissima and Albizia lebbeck. A total of nine semiochemicals are exclusively present in AO, out of which seven semiochemicals viz., caryophyllene, epoxide; longiborneol; longifolene; methyl linolenate; methyl linoleate; methyl cis-jasmonate; tonalid are present in leaf and five semiochemicals viz. longiborneol; methyl cis-jasmonate; camphor; isopropyl myristate; tonalid are present in bark. A total of five semiochemicals viz. alpha-santalol; bisabolol oxide A; gamma-Sitosterol; glycidyl oleate (as oleic acid); oleoyl chloride (as oleic acid) are found exclusively in the bark of Albizia lebbeck. There were only three semiochemicals that were exclusively found in the leaf of AC, these were 2-decen-1-ol; cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methyl ethyl); acetophenone. In the leaf of AP, a total of five semiochemicals were found to be exclusive, these being dehydro-beta-ionone; oleamide; beta-amyrin; isopropyl linoleate; stigmasterol. GC-MS analysis explored metabolites from shade trees like caryophyllene, epoxide; beta-amyrin; 1, 8-cineol etc. which serve as both attractant and pesticidal components while compounds like longiborneol; longifolene; linalyl acetate, etc. are exclusively pest attractants and compounds like isopropyl myristate are exclusive pest repellants. This cumulative property of shade trees can be utilized to trap insect pests and destroy them with pesticidal activity. Isolation of these metabolites from shade trees, and their utilization as semiochemical/pheromone trap and green pesticides, will control pests by eco-friendly measures along with reducing the production cost.

Enhancing Mechanical and Combustion Performance of Boron/Polymer Composites via Boron Particle Functionalization.

High-speed air-breathing propulsion systems, such as solid fuel ramjets (SFRJ), are important for space exploration and national security. The development of SFRJ requires high-performance solid fuels with excellent mechanical and combustion properties. One of the current solid fuel candidates is composed of high-energy particles (e.g., boron (B)) and polymeric binder (e.g., hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)). However, the opposite polarities of the boron surface and HTPB lead to poor B particle dispersion and distribution within HTPB. Herein, we demonstrate that the surface functionalization of B particles with nonpolar oleoyl chloride greatly improves the dispersion and distribution of B particles within HTPB. The improved particle dispersion is quantitatively visualized through X-ray computed tomography imaging, and the particle/matrix interaction is evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis. The surface-functionalized B particles can be uniformly dispersed up to 40 wt % in HTPB, the highest mass loading reported to date. The surface-functionalized B (40 wt %)/HTPB composite exhibits a 63.3% higher Young's modulus, 87.5% higher tensile strength, 16.2% higher toughness, and 16.8% higher heat of combustion than pristine B (40 wt %)/HTPB. The surface functionalization of B particles provides an effective strategy for improving the efficacy and safety of B/HTPB solid fuels for future high-speed air-breathing vehicles.

Thin Layer Chromatography and GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Molecules of the Acacia ferruginea DC. Thorn Extract

The aim of the current study is to investigate thethin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis (GC-MS) of methanolic extract of Acacia ferruginea thorns. The bioactive molecules were determined by qualitative TLC and GC-MS method. In TLC exhibited maximum 0.6 retention factor (RF) value of the plant extract in F254 wavelength in dark blue colour, F366 wave length and in visible light not shown any peaks and RF values. In the GC-MS analysis, 37 bioactive molecules were exhibited and in that 10 are in higher concentration by the retention time and their % of peak and area covered in the analysis compared to other chromatograms of the fractions. Important compounds identified as Methyl mannose (57.14), Phenol, 2-methoxy-3-(2-propenyl)- (4.85), stigmasterol (4.65), 1-Hexacosanol (3.83), Lupeol (3.60), gamma Sitosterol (3.52), Phenol, 4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-(3.17), Ergost-5-en- 3-ol, (3.beta.)- (2.53), Oleic acid (2.44), Oleoyl chloride (1.53), Sucrose (1.82). The presence of these bioactive molecules in the plant extract may provide the scientific evidences for the cytotoxic effect, insecticidal and other biological properties.

Highly efficient synthesis of 4,4-dimethylsterol oleates using acyl chloride method through esterification

In this study, the 4,4-dimethylsterol oleates were efficiently synthesized through esterification of 4,4-dimethylsterols and oleoyl chloride. The impact of reaction parameters on the 4,4-dimethylsterol conversion were investigated. The 4,4-dimethylsterol conversion increased with pyridine dosage, molar ratio of oleoyl chloride to 4,4-dimethylsterols, and temperature. The highest conversion of 99.27% was obtained with molar ratio of 1.1:1 at 313 K for 60 min. A second-order kinetic model describing acyl chloride esterification featuring high correlation coefficients was established. Arrhenius-Van't Hoff plot suggested activation energy and pre-exponential factor were 15.54 kJ mol−1 and 1.78 × 103 L mol−1 min−1, respectively. The molecular structure of 4,4-dimethylsterol oleates were finally identified by attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ultra-performance liquid chromatography system coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

Environmental impact and effect of chemical treatment on bio fiber based polymer composites

In recent years, bio fibers (such as jute, hemp, flax, nettle, etc) are gaining more attention due their light weight, high specific strength, biodegradability, etc in various applications. Along with this, environmental issue is also an important aspect for maintaining sustainability of the bio fiber based composites. Failure occurs in bio fiber based polymer composites when they are applied to severe loading conditions and the material start degrading. To sustain the lifetime of the bio fiber composites, chemical treatment of the bio fiber is done to enhance the mechanical strength between the bonds so that the amount of stress transferability in the composites is equalized. The most important chemicals sources for the treatments are alkaline, silane, acetylation, benzoylation, acrylation, maleated coupling agents, permanganate, peroxide, isocyanate, stearic acid, sodium chlorite, triazine, derivatives of fatty acids (oleoyl chloride). The present study summarises the studies carried out on the environmental impact and various chemical treatments that were applied to bio fibers for enhancing their properties.

Microwave-assisted Degradation of Poultry Feather to Synthesize Protein-based Surfactant

Poultry feather is hydrolyzed into peptides and amino acids in sub-critical water without any acid or alkali as catalyst under microwave-assisted heating to produce protein-based surfactant. The optimal hydrolysis condition is as follows: temperature 200 °C, time 60 min, and the yield of peptides and amino acids 84.31%. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and surface tension of the product of peptides and amino acids are 2.6 g/L and 48.2 mN/m. In order to increase lipophilicity, subsequently anionic protein-based surfactant was synthesized by acylation reaction between the hydrolysis product of peptides and amino acidsand oleoyl chloride. The CMC and surface tension decreased greatly with linkage with oleoyl. The synthesized anionic surfactant with weight ratios of 10% (wt.%) hydrolysis liquid/oleoyl chloride of 3:1, 4.5:1 and 6:1 are 0.5, 0.7 and 0.8 g/L and corresponding surface tension are 30.1, 34.0 and 35.7mN/m.

Effect of Acylation of Rapeseed Proteins with Lauroyl and Oleoyl Chloride on Solubility and Film-Forming Properties

Rapeseed proteins show good film-forming properties, giving them a promising potential as bio-based ingredients for the technical industry, e. g. for films and coatings. However, their hydrophilicity often poses problems in regard to water-stability of coatings. Protein modification using fatty acids is known to reduce hydrophilicity, however, it has not been tested to improve film-forming properties of rapeseed proteins before. In the present study, a rapeseed protein concentrate (RPC) was acylated at low and high modification degree using lauroyl chloride and oleyol chloride. The protein solubility was determined and the modified RPCs were used for the preparation of cast-films to measure the changes of mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break), surface energy, oxygen permeability and light transmission. The protein solubility in water was lowered from 100% for the non-modified RPC to < 15% for highly modified RPCs at pH 7. The tensile strength of films increased by factors of 3.5 and 4 for highly modified samples, respectively. Surface energy and oxygen permeability revealed an increase of hydrophobicity that correlated with the modification degree. The light transmission was reduced by modification. The results confirm the increased hydrophobicity of acylated RPCs and demonstrate the potential of modified rapeseed proteins as an ingredient for technical products, such as packaging layers, coatings and adhesives.Graphic

In situ self-assembled biosupramolecular porphyrin nanofibers for enhancing photodynamic therapy in tumors.

Due to the complicated environment and high tissue hydraulic pressure in tumors that easily pumps the nanomedicines back to the systemic circulation, the concentration of released photosensitizers (PSs) retained in a tumor by a traditional nano-delivery system is very low, causing an unsatisfactory photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. Therefore, we prepared a pH/H2O2-responsive nano-system (ZnP-OC-M) through modified porphyrin PS units with a long-unsaturated oleoyl chloride chain, and by the further introduction of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and MnO2 through a cis-addition reaction between the unsaturated double bonds of oleoyl chloride and dilute KMnO4 solution. Making use of the sensitivity of MnO2 to the H2O2 in the acid environment of tumor cells, ZnP-OC-M selectively realized responsive disintegration and O2 generation. More importantly, the rich amphiphilic PS units were shedded simultaneously and spontaneously completed the self-assembly into nanofibers in situ by helical stacking, which displayed a 1.85-fold higher retention effect of PSs in vivo compared with free PS groups and showed a great tumor inhibition effect in enhancing PDT. This nanosystem effectively solves the problem of the low retention abilities leading to a poor PS concentration in a tumor, prolonging the treatment time window efficiently after only a single administration and achieving the purpose of PDT enhancement.

Proximate Analysis and Phytochemical Profile of Brachystegia eurycoma Leaves

Aim: This study investigated the proximate and phytochemical composition of Brachystegia eurycoma leaves.&#x0D; Methods: Crude ethanol extract of B. eurycoma leaves was obtained by cold extraction method. AOAC method was used for proximate analysis. Phytochemical profiling was done with qualitative phytochemical evaluation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analytical method. Matching and interpretation of the spectral was done with the National Institute standard and Technology (NIST05) library.&#x0D; Results: The proximate analysis result showed B. eurycoma leaves to be abundant in param­eters evaluated in the order of 31.47±0.43% Carbohydrate &gt; 15.15±0.04% Ash &gt; 14.45±0.15 crude fibre &gt; 13.83±0.32 protein &gt; 13.14±0.22 moisture &gt; 1.97±0.01 fat. Qualitative phytochemical analysis detected alkaloid, saponin, tannin, diterpenes, phenol, quinine, flavonoid, protein, xanthoprotein and cardiac glycoside in the leaves of B. eurycoma. GC/MS data showed that the prevailing volatile bioactive compounds in ethanol leaf extract of B. eurycoma were 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose (13.23%), cis-9-Hexadecenal (10.40%), Desulphosinigrin (10.34%), Phytol (7.58%), Hydroquinone (7.23%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (6.61%), Oleoyl chloride (6.10%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (5.89%), Hexadecanoic acid, (2.97%), Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-(1.94%), Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) (1.92%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The result of this preliminary investigation reveals the potentials of B. eurycoma leaves as candidate for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries.

Synthesis, Characterization, Pharmacokinetics and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity for Docetaxel-Oleate Conjugate Targeting MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

The present work envisages synthesis of an ester conjugate of anticancer drug docetaxel with oleoyl chloride, with the aim to selectively target the breast cancer cells MCF-7 so as to minimize non-specific hemolytic side effects. The synthesized docetaxel-oleate conjugate was characterized and confirmed by physicochemical and spectral methods. Solubility and partition coefficient determination indicated increased solubility and lipophilicity, while protein binding studies revealed low protein binding capacity of the conjugated drug. Subsequently, the conjugate was evaluated for its in vitro cytotoxicity, drug release, and hemolysis effects. The results indicated a lesser RBC lysis at a more significant anticancer activity of the parent drug and a selective diffusion at pH of cancer cells (compared to the pH of normal cells), thereby increasing specificity and decreasing adverse effects. In addition, an analytical HPLC method was developed for hydrolytic study of the conjugated drug. The proposed method showed good separation of the target compounds with high accuracy and precision. Hydrolysis study indicated a minimum hydrolysis of the conjugate at various pH that simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Thus, the synthesized conjugate proves to be a useful prodrug in reducing systemic toxicity of docetaxel as well as selectively targeting cancerous cells.

Solvent Extraction and GC-MS Analysis of Sesame Seeds for Determination of Bioactive Antioxidant Fatty Acid/Fatty Oil Components.

The seed kernels of Sesamum indicum L. (family: Pedaliaceae) were extracted with ethanol and yield of components determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The free radical scavenging activities of ethanolic extract against1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were determined by UV spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds including steroids, phenolic, terpenoids, fatty acids and different types of ester compounds. The ethanolic extract was purified and analyzed by GC MS.The prevailing compounds found in ethanolic extract were Carvacrol (0.04%),Sesamol (0.11%), 4-Allyl-2-methoxy-phenol(0.04%),Palmitic acid (1.08%), cis-9-Hexadecenal (85.40%), Lineoleoyl chloride (0.52%), Palmitic acid β-monoglyceride (0.40%), Dihydro-aplotaxene (0.61%), Oleoyl chloride (1.11%), (+)-Sesamin (4.73%), 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-[4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)tetrahydro-1 H,3 H-furo [3,4-c]furan-1-yl], [1 S-(1,3,4,6α.), (2.01%)], 6-Nitrocholest-5-en-3-yl acetate (0.22%), Ergost-5-en-3β-ol (2.35%) and 24-Propylidenecholesterol (0.16%). The presence ofsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids in ethanolicextract justifies the use of this plant to treat many ailments in folk and traditional medicine. Ethanolic extract have shown significant antioxidant activity(IC50120.38±2.8 µg/ml). The presence of phenolic (Sesamol), lignin (Sesamin) compounds and unsaturated fatty acids are reported as possible contributor for antioxidantactivity of seed extract.

Synthesis of poly(glycerol adipate)-g-oleate and its ternary phase diagram with glycerol monooleate and water

Poly(glycerol adipate) (PGA) was synthesized by enzymatic polymerization and grafted with different amounts of oleoyl chloride. A series of graft copolymers PGA-g-Ox was obtained where O represents the oleate side chains and x is the degree of grafting (mol% of the pendant OH groups of PGA esterified) ranging from 11 to 90. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data revealed nanophase separation of the oleate side chains into nanodomains in bulk and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) profiles showed a broad halo, reflecting the amorphous nature of the synthesized graft polymers. Glycerol monooleate (GMO), an amphiphilic lipid with one hydrophobic oleate tail and a glycerol hydrophilic head group, self-assembles into various liquid crystalline phases in the presence of water. Since oleate chains are integral part of both GMO and the graft copolymers, a certain degree of miscibility can be expected influencing the self-assembly behavior. Using SAXS for phase identification, systematic studies were carried out at room temperature on the ternary system of GMO/PGA-g-O22/water and the ternary phase diagram was constructed. The addition of polymer did influence the phase behavior of the GMO/water system. The water in the lamellar and cubic mesophases was partially replaced by PGA-g-O22. Furthermore, keeping the GMO/water ratio constant at 1:1, the addition of PGA-g-O22 lead to swelling of the water channels in the inverse bicontinuous Pn3m cubic phase. Preliminary investigations on the potential application of PGA-g-O22 as a stabilizer of structured nanoparticles in aqueous dispersions were carried out employing different transmission electron microscopy techniques.

Chemical modifications on linen for unsaturated polyester composites

Linen was chemically modified by oleoyl chloride(OC) and stearoyl chloride(SC) to graft fatty moieties onto fiber via ester connections. Pyridine was used as solvent. The reaction was simplified by reacting the compounds in air at 60 °C for 6 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analysis were con-ducted to characterize the treated fiber. The FTIR result confirms that the fatty portions have been successfully grafted onto the fiber after the chemical modification. The thermal stability of the SC-modified linen(SCL) was simi-lar to that of the flax modified by oleoyl chloride(OCL). SCL and OCL demonstrated a temperature of 5% mass loss, which was above 200 °C and could meet the requirements of the processing conditions for most composites. The-reafter, the SCL-reinforced unsaturated polyester(UPE) composites were prepared and characterized. The composite presented a much better impact strength of 61.1 J/m and tensile modulus of 1.69 GPa than those of UPE with appli-cable thermal stability. SCL has been shown to be a promising choice as reinforcing material for composites.

Surface modification of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and its application in LDPE‐based composites

ABSTRACTMicrocrystalline cellulose (MCC) was modified by grafting onto its surface ferulic acid, methacryloyl chloride and oleoyl chloride. The efficacy of the chemical modification was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the size distribution of the cellulosic particles was investigated by optical microscopy and laser granulometry and its hydrophobicity was evaluated using a contact angle method. Finally, to investigate the affinity of modified MCC with a nonpolar polymer and to assess its potential as a biobased reinforcing filler, the modified MCC was compounded into low‐density polyethylene. An organic peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, was added at selected formulations to see if it could further enhance mechanical bonding between the polymer and the particulates. The dispersion was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were investigated through tensile testing while the melt rheology of the composites was monitored by small angle oscillatory shear rheology. The acylation modification of the MCC improved the dispersion within LDPE and enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44348.