Onset Temperature Of Thermal Degradation Research Articles

Sustainable preparation and characterization of thermally stable and functional cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils via formic acid hydrolysis

In this work, a sustainable method to prepare functional cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) using formic acid (FA) (a recoverable organic acid) was established. After FA hydrolysis, the obtained CNCs could be well dispersed in DMAC. Thus, the CNC products and fibrous cellulosic solid residue (FCSR) in DMAC could be easily separated by a conventional centrifugal process, and the collected FCSR could be further fibrillated to CNFs with relatively low-intensity mechanical fibrillation process. The isolated CNC products showed high crystallinity index (about 75%) and excellent thermal stability (with onset thermal degradation temperature of 325 oC). Both the resultant CNCs and CNFs showed better dispersibility in DMSO, DMF and DMAC respectively because of the introduction of ester groups on the surface of the products. The presence of surface ester groups could increase the interface compatibility of nanocelluloses with polymeric matrices and enable their application in reinforcing polymeric matrix materials (e.g. the composite films like PHVB+CNFs).

Preparation and application of polysulfone microcapsules containing tung oil in self-healing and self-lubricating epoxy coating

Polysulfone microcapsules containing tung oil were synthesized by a solvent evaporation method. The mean diameter and wall thickness of the synthesized microcapsules were approximately 130μm and 9μm, respectively. High thermal stability of the microcapsules with a thermal degradation onset temperature of 350°C was obtained. The multi-functional coating was fabricated by incorporating the microcapsules containing tung oil into an epoxy matrix. The self-healing and self-lubricating functions were evaluated by corrosion and tribology test. 10wt% microcapsules embedded in epoxy coating offered optimum results. The microcapsules showed excellent anticorrosion performance in scratched coatings, which was attributed to the formation of a cross-linked polymer film after tung oil was released from the damaged microcapsules. The frictional coefficient and wear rate of the self-lubricating coating decreased significantly as compared to the neat epoxy. The formation of a transfer film from releasing tung oil and the entrapment of wear particles in the cavities left by the ruptured microcapsules were the major antifriction mechanism.

Cassava starch‐based nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers extracted from sisal

ABSTRACTCellulose nanofibers were extracted from sisal and incorporated at different concentrations (0–5%) into cassava starch to produce nanocomposites. Films' morphology, thickness, transparency, swelling degree in water, water vapor permeability (WVP) as well as thermal and mechanical properties were studied. Cellulose nanofiber addition affected neither thickness (56.637 ± 2.939 µm) nor transparency (2.97 ± 1.07 mm−1). WVP was reduced until a cellulose nanofiber content of 3.44%. Tensile force was increased up to a nanocellulose concentration of 3.25%. Elongation was decreased linearly upon cellulose nanofiber addition. Among all films, the greatest Young's modulus was 2.2 GPa. Cellulose nanofibers were found to reduce the onset temperature of thermal degradation, although melting temperature and enthalpy were higher for the nanocomposites. Because cellulose nanofibers were able to improve key properties of the films, the results obtained here can pave the route for the development and large‐scale production of novel biodegradable packaging materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44637.

Synthesis and properties of bulk-biodegradable phase change materials based on polyethylene glycol for thermal energy storage

The bulk-biodegradable solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) based on phase change polyethylene glycol (PEG) were synthesized by solvent-free polyaddition. On the basis of the fact that the water absorption is up to 800 mass% and that the poly(ethylene oxide) molecular chains can be degraded by microorganisms, the bulk-biodegradable mechanism of SSPCMs was put forward and studied. The X-ray diffraction patterns and the polarizing optical microscopy images show the SSPCMs possess the defective crystal and small grain compared with PEG. The differential scanning calorimetry data demonstrate the melting temperature and enthalpy of the synthesized SSPCMs are, respectively, 41 °C and 128 J g−1. The bulk-biodegradable SSPCMs have the preeminent thermal reliability and the high thermal stability due to the onset thermal degradation temperature above 302 °C, which will give a good insight into bulk-biodegradable PCM system.

Fabrication of Thermally Stable Polysulfone Microcapsules Containing [EMIm][NTf2] Ionic Liquid for Enhancement of In Situ Self‐Lubrication Effect of Epoxy

Microcapsules containing an ionic liquid (IL) are potential candidate materials for preparing in situ self‐lubricating composites with excellent tribological properties. 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl]imide ([EMIm]NTf2) IL encapsulated polysulphone microcapsules are synthesized. The mean diameter and wall thickness are about 128 μm and 10 μm, respectively. Microcapsules have excellent thermal stability, with a thermal degradation onset temperature of 440 °C compared to traditional lubricants‐loaded microcapsules. In situ self‐lubricating composites are prepared by incorporating the IL‐encapsulated microcapsules into epoxy matrix. When the concentration of the IL microcapsules is 20 wt%, the frictional coefficient and specific wear rate of composites are reduced by 66.7% and 64.9% under low sliding velocity and middling applied load conditions, respectively, as compared to the neat epoxy. The tribological behavior of the self‐lubricating composites is further assessed in different applied load and sliding velocity conditions. The in situ self‐lubricating mechanism of composites is proposed.image

Evaluation of Physical, Thermal and Spectral Parameters of Biofield Energy Treated Methylsulfonylmethane

The methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound having sulfonyl functional group. It is occurred naturally in some primitive plants and used in disease related to chronic pain, inflammation, and arthritis. This study was attempted to evaluate the impact of biofield energy treatment on the physical, thermal, and spectral properties of MSM. The study was performed in two groups viz. the control group was remained as untreated, while the treated group was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment. After that, both the control and treated samples were analyzed using surface area analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysisderivative thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The surface area analysis exhibited a significant decrease in the surface area of treated sample by 22.96% as compared to the control. The XRD analysis showed the significant increase in average crystallite size by 49.20% in the treated sample with respect to the control. The DSC analysis showed the significant increase (67.20%) in latent heat of fusion of treated sample with respect to the control. The TGA analysis showed the onset temperature of thermal degradation at 170°C in the control sample that was slightly decreased to 168.05°C after biofield treatment. Moreover, the Tmax (maximum thermal degradation temperature) was also decreased slightly from 186.66°C (control) to 183.38°C (treated). This indicated the early phase of vaporization in treated sample as compared to the control. The FT-IR spectroscopic study exhibited the alteration in wavenumber of S=O group that suggests the effect of biofield treatment on force constant and bond strength of MSM molecules.

Preparation of thiourea-intercalated kaolinite and its influence on thermostability and flammability of polypropylene composite

A novel thiourea-intercalated kaolinite flame retardant (K-TU) was prepared by intercalating thiourea (TU) into kaolinite. The structure of K-TU was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction. K-TU in association with intumescent flame retardants (IFR) was then introduced into polypropylene (PP) by melt blending. The flammability and thermostability were evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94), cone calorimetry (Cone), and TGA. The results showed that the sample PP/23.5 wt% IFR/1.5 wt% K-TU passed UL-94 V-0 level, had a LOI of 35.4 %, and its peak heat release rate was reduced to 291 kW/m2 from 1474 kW/m2 of neat PP. The TGA results demonstrated that K-TU increased the thermal degradation onset temperature and enhanced the char formation of PP/IFR composites. Meanwhile, the mechanical performance of PP/IFR composite was improved by the presence of K-TU. It was proposed that the improved flame retardancy of PP composite was ascribed to both the shielding effect formed by exfoliated K-TU molecules and gas phase effect caused by inert gases mixture released from TU, which could prohibit the heat and oxygen transfer and dilute the concentration of combustible gases during burning.

Thermal Analysis of Polyamide 6 Composites Filled by Natural Fiber Blend

This study describes changes in the viscoelastic and thermal properties of composites made with various percentages (up to 20 wt.%) of a natural fiber blend (a mixture of flax, kenaf, and hemp fibers) and polyamide 6 (PA 6). According to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, the incorporation of natural fibers produced minor changes in the glass transition (Tg), melting (Tm), and crystallization temperature (Tc) of the PA 6 composites. Because of the reinforcing effect of natural fibers, the storage modulus (E’) from dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) increased as the natural fiber content increased. The E’ values at room temperature and Tg were 3960 MPa and 1800 MPa, respectively, with the incorporation 20 wt.% fiber, which were 68% and 193% higher than the E’ value of neat PA 6. As the natural fiber content increased, the thermal stability of the composites decreased, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the onset temperature of rapid thermal degradation decreased from around 440 (neat PA 6) to 420 °C (20 wt.% natural fiber blend). The addition of 20 wt.% single type fibers showed comparable DSC and TG results to the incorporation of 20 wt.% natural fiber blends.

Influence of γ-ray modified MWCNTs on the structural and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene

Abstract This study aims to investigate the influence of adding 100 kGy γ-irradiated multi wall carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs) on the structural and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The effects of further γ-irradiation in the presence of γ-MWCNTs on aforementioned properties have also been investigated. FTIR spectroscopic measurements of HDPE and HDPE/γ-MWCNTs composites reveal that modification of MWCNTs with ≤100 kGy of γ-dose reduces its efficiency as free radical quencher. This behavior is found to increase further with the increase in the concentration of γ-MWCNTs. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) data shows a decrease in percent crystallinity and shifting of crystalline peaks toward lower values of 2θ angles. This behavior is mainly attributed to the oxidation induced due to residual free radicals. Thermal analysis reveals that addition of γ-MWCNTs decreases the thermal stability as far as onset thermal degradation temperature, percent crystallinity, and melting temperature of UHMWPE/γ-MWCNTs. In addition to this, gel content measurements show that insoluble percentage of UHMWPE is higher with the incorporation γ-MWCNTs and further irradiation. The gel contents are found to improve up to 29% and 60%, respectively with the incorporation of γ-MWCNTs and further irradiation.

Preparation and hygrothermal properties of composite phase change humidity control materials

A novel phase change humidity control material (PCHCM) was prepared by using PCM microcapsules and different hygroscopic porous materials. The PCHCM composite can regulate the indoor hygrothermal environment by absorbing or releasing both heat and moisture. The PCM microcapsules were synthesized with methyl triethoxysilane by the sol–gel method. The vesuvianite, sepiolite and zeolite were used as hygroscopic materials. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to measure the morphology profiles of the microcapsules and PCHCM. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the thermal properties and thermal stability. Both the moisture transfer coefficient and moisture buffer value (MBV) of different PCHCMs were measured by the improved cup method. The DSC results showed that the SiO2 shell can reduce the super-cooling degree of PCM. The super-cooling degrees of microcapsules and PCHCM are lower than that of the pure PCM. The onset temperature of thermal degradation of the microcapsules and PCHCMs is higher than that of pure PCM. Both the moisture transfer coefficient and MBV of PCHCMs are higher than that of the pure hygroscopic materials. The results indicated the PCHCMs have better thermal properties and moisture buffer ability.

Synthesis of iron oxides intercalated montmorillonite and α‐zirconium phosphate particles and their applications in polystyrene composites

ABSTRACTThree kinds of particles of organically modified montmorillonite (OMT) intercalated with iron oxides (Fe‐OMT), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethylamine (EA)‐modified zirconium phosphate (ZrP) intercalated with iron oxides, named as Fe‐ZrP(CTAB) and Fe‐ZrP(EA), respectively, were synthesized through a simple route. Characterization of these particles showed that they had a mesoporous lamellar structure with high specific surface area and mesoporous volume. The influence of these particles on the thermal properties and combustion effluents of polystyrene (PS) were comparatively studied with the widely used OMT. The results suggested that the presence of Fe‐OMT, Fe‐ZrP(CTAB), and Fe‐ZrP(EA) imparted PS with an increased thermal degradation onset temperature and a higher glass transition temperature, but they could not increase the thermo‐oxidative stability remarkably as OMT did. Meanwhile, Fe‐ZrP(CTAB) and Fe‐ZrP(EA) exhibited stronger acidity and higher efficiency in preventing the condensed phase oxidation than either OMT or Fe‐OMT, since they imparted the PS composites with a higher ratio of CO/CO2 in the combustion effluents. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42737.

Processing and Characterization of Wood Plastic Composites from Bio-Based Polyamide 11 and Chemically Modified Beech Fibers

In this study, the reinforcement of bio-based Polyamide 11 (PA 11) with physico-chemically modified Beech Fibers was investigated. In a first step, an improvement of the thermal stability of the fibers was achieved by a two-step alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. This effect was attributed to the removal of the hemicellulose from the fiber surface, as verified by Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Consequently, the onset-temperature of thermal degradation as measured by Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) increased from 285 °C to 337 °C. Given this, the compounding of the modified fibers with the low melting bio-based Polyamide 11 was done in a lab-scale co-kneader and followed by subsequent injection molding of test specimens. Analysis of the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the processed Wood Plastic Composites showed a beneficial effect of the chemical fiber treatment on composite stiffness, and allowed for suggestions to improve the up scaling of the processing.

Ultrathin Nanosheets of Organic-Modified β-Ni(OH)2 with Excellent Thermal Stability: Fabrication and Its Reinforcement Application in Polymers.

β-Nickel hydroxide (β-Ni(OH)2), which combines two-dimensional (2D) structure and the catalytic property of nickel-containing compounds, has shown great potential for the application in polymer nanocomposites. However, conventional β-Ni(OH)2 exhibits large thickness, poor thermal stability, and irreversible aggregation in polymer matrices, which limits its application. Here, we use a novel phosphorus-containing organosilane to modify the β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheet, obtaining a new β-Ni(OH)2 ultrathin nanosheet with excellent thermal stability. When compared to pristine β-Ni(OH)2, the organic-modified β-Ni(OH)2 (M-Ni(OH)2) maintains nanosheet-like structure, and also presents a small thickness of around 4.6 nm and an increased maximum degradation temperature by 41 °C. Owing to surface organic-modification, the interfacial property of M-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets is enhanced, which results in the exfoliation and good distribution of the nanosheets in a PMMA matrix. The addition of M-Ni(OH)2 significantly improves the mechanical performance, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of PMMA/M-Ni(OH)2 nanocomposites, including increased storage modulus by 38.6%, onset thermal degradation temperature by 42 °C, half thermal degradation temperature by 65 °C, and decreased peak heat release rate (PHRR) by 25.3%. Moreover, it is found that M-Ni(OH)2 alone can catalyze the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) during the PMMA/M-Ni(OH)2 nanocomposite combustion, which is a very helpful factor for the flame retardancy enhancement and has not been reported before. This work not only provides a new 2D ultrathin nanomaterial with good thermal stability for polymer nanocomposites, but also will trigger more scientific interest in the development and application of new types of 2D ultrathin nanomaterials.

On the use of tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite as a chain extender in melt‐blended poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate)/clay nanocomposites: Morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical properties

ABSTRACTThe influence of the incorporation of tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite (TNPP) as a chain extender on the morphology and thermal stability of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/clay nanocomposites obtained by melt mixing has been studied. Two different clays have been used: a laminar organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite® 30B) and a tubular unmodified halloysite (HNT). The morphology of the so‐obtained nanocomposites has been assessed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction, showing a partially exfoliated structure for PHBV/Cloisite® 30B nanocomposites, as well as a good dispersion of the HNT in the PHBV matrix. The crystallinity of the resulting nanocomposites, determined by DSC, does not change when clays or TNPP are added. An increase in the onset temperature of thermal degradation of PHBV has been obtained with the addition of TNPP, as determined by TGA. With regard to the effect of the nanoclays on the thermal stability of PHBV, the onset temperature of the PHBV/HNT nanocomposites is higher than that of the pure PHBV, while this trend is not observed for the nanocomposites containing Cloisite® 30B. The addition of TNPP to the PHBV/Cloisite® 30B nanocomposites resulted in an improved thermal stability; however, for the HNT nanocomposites, the TNPP does not seem to have a significant effect. For all studied systems, it was shown that the variation of mechanical properties of the nanocomposites is due to the reinforcing effect of the nanoclays on the PHBV matrix. In the case of TNPP, it is due to the increased molecular weight and formation of a long‐chain branching structure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42390.

디메틸에테르 초임계 유체를 이용한 고분자량 폴리락티드 스테레오 콤플렉스의 제조

초임계 유체 기술을 이용한 폴리락티드 스테레오 콤플렉스 제조는 폴리락티드의 열적 및 기계적 물성을 향상시키는 좋은 방법이다. 이 연구에서는 초임계 유체인 디메틸에테르를 이용하여 고분자량 폴리락티드를 높은 수율로 100% 스테레오 콤플렉스화를 시켰다. 폴리락티드에 대한 디메틸에테르의 높은 용해성은 이 공정의 핵심요소로 250 bar, <TEX>$70^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 1.5시간에 반응이 종료되었다. 폴리락티드의 스테레오 콤플렉스 연구는 압력, 온도, 시간, 농도 및 분자량을 변화시키며 진행하였다. 스테레오 콤플렉스화는 온도와 압력이 증가할 때 높아졌다. 분자량 20만 이상인 PLLA와 PDLA는 6%의 디메틸에테르에서 100% 스테레오 콤플렉스화가 이루어졌다. 스테레오 콤플렉스화 정도는 DSC 및 XRD를 통해 이루어졌다. 또한 DSC 및 TGA 분석을 통해 융점이 <TEX>$50^{\circ}C$</TEX> 이상 높아진 폴리락티드가 얻어졌음을 확인하였다. Engineering the polylactide via stereocomplexation with supercritical fluid (SCF) technology paved way to fabricate polymers with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. We aimed to establish a SCF medium with excellent solubility for PLA without any additional solvent/co-solvent. We, therefore, employed supercritical dimethyl ether to synthesize 100% stereocomplex polylactide from high molecular weight homopolymers with an excellent yield. The remarkable solubility of the homopolymers in dimethyl ether is the key for quick conversion to s-PLA. This study proves a rapid synthesis route of dry s-PLA powder with sc-DME at 250 bar, <TEX>$70^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 1.5 h, which are reasonably achievable processing parameters compared to the conventional methods. The degree of stereocomplexation was evaluated under the effect of pressures, temperatures, times, homopolymer-concentrations and molecular weights. An increment in the degree of stereocomplexation was observed with increased temperature and pressure. Complete conversion to s-PLA was obtained for PLLA and PDLA with <TEX>$M_n{\sim}200kg{\cdot}mol^{-1}$</TEX> with a total homopolymer to total DME ratio of 6:100% w/w at prescribed reaction conditions. The degree of stereocomplexation was determined by DSC and confirmed by XRD. Considerable improvement in thermo-mechanical properties of s-PLA was observed. DSC and TGA analyses proved a <TEX>$50^{\circ}C$</TEX> enhancement in melting transition and a high onset temperature for thermal degradation of s-PLA respectively.

Control of thermal degradation of poly(lactic acid) using functional polysilsesquioxane microspheres as chain extenders

ABSTRACTTwo functional polysilsesquioxane microspheres, poly(epoxypropoxy)silsesquioxane (PESQ) and poly(epoxypropoxy/amino)silsesquioxane (PEASQ), were grafted onto commercial polylactic acid (PLA) via functional group reactions through melt processing and directly used as novel chain extenders to improve the thermal stability of PLA. During the whole reaction time of 35 min, the torques of P‐2PESQ and P‐1PEASQ were 60% higher than that of processed PLA. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the addition of PESQ or PEASQ into PLA increased the onset temperature for thermal degradation. PEASQ was found to be a potential chain extender for PLA. Compared with the processed PLA, the thermal decomposition temperatures of PEASQ modified PLA increased from 318 to 334°C at 5% weight loss. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41977.

Physicochemical and Spectroscopic Characterization of Biofield Energy Treated p-Anisidine

The p-anisidine is widely used as chemical intermediate in the production of various dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of biofield energy treatment on the physicochemical and spectroscopic properties of p-anisidine. The study was performed after dividing the sample in two groups; one was remained as untreated and another was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment. Afterward, both the control and treated samples of p-anisidine were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The XRD analysis showed the increase in unit cell volume from 683.81 → 690.18 × 10-24 cm3 and crystallite size from 83.84→84.62 nm in the treated sample with respect to the control. The surface area analysis exhibited the significant increase (25.44%) in the surface area of treated sample as compared to control. The DSC thermogram of control p-anisidine showed the latent heat of fusion and melting temperature and 146.78 J/g and 59.41°C, respectively, which were slightly increased to 148.89 J/g and 59.49°C, respectively after biofield treatment. The TGA analysis showed the onset temperature of thermal degradation at 134.68°C in the control sample that was increased to 150.02°C after biofield treatment. The result showed about 11.39% increase in onset temperature of thermal degradation of treated p-anisidine as compared to the control. Moreover, the Tmax (temperature at which maximum thermal degradation occurs) was also increased slightly from 165.99°C (control) to 168.10°C (treated). This indicated the high thermal stability of treated p-anisidine as compared to the control. However, the FT-IR and UV spectroscopic studies did not show any significant changes in the spectral properties of treated p-anisidine with respect to the control. All together, the XRD, surface area and thermal analysis suggest that Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment has the impact on physical and thermal properties of the treated p-anisidine.

Physical, Thermal, and Spectroscopic Characterization of Biofield Energy Treated Methyl-2-Naphthyl Ether

Methyl-2-naphthyl ether (MNE) is an organic compound and used as the primary moiety for the synthesis of several antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. This study was attempted to evaluate the impact of biofield energy treatment on the physical, thermal, and spectroscopic properties of MNE. The study was carried out in two groups i.e., control and treated. The treated group was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield treatment. Afterward, the control and treated samples of MNE were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The XRD study exhibited the decrease in average crystallite size by 30.70%. The surface area analysis showed 5.32% decrease in surface area of the treated sample with respect to the control. The DSC thermogram of treated MNE exhibited no significant change in the melting temperature; however, the latent heat of fusion was slightly increased (0.83%) after biofield treatment as compared to the control sample. The TGA analysis showed the onset temperature of thermal degradation at 158℃ in the control sample that was reduced to 124℃ after biofield treatment. The result showed about 21.52% decrease in onset temperature of thermal degradation of treated MNE as compared to the control. Similarly, the end-set temperature of thermal degradation was also reduced by 13.51% after biofield treatment with respect to the control. The FT-IR and UV spectroscopic studies did not show any changes in the wavenumber and wavelength, respectively in treated MNE with respect to the control. Overall, the XRD, surface area and thermal analysis suggest that biofield treatment has the impact on physical and thermal properties of the treated MNE as compared to the control.

Analysis of Physical, Thermal, and Structural Properties of Biofield Energy Treated Molybdenum Dioxide

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) is known for its catalytic activity toward reforming hydrocarbons. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biofield energy treatment on physical, thermal, and structural properties in MoO2. The MoO2 powder sample was divided into two parts, one part was remained as untreated, called as control, while the other part was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment and called as treated. Both control and treated samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The XRD data exhibited that the biofield treatment has altered the lattice parameters, unit cell volume, density and molecular weight of the treated sample as compared to the control. The TGA study revealed that the onset temperature of thermal degradation of MoO2 was reduced from 702.87°C to 691.92°C. Besides, the FT-IR spectra exhibited that the absorption band corresponding to Mo=O stretching vibration was shifted to lower wavenumber i.e. 975 cm-1 (control) to 970 cm-1 in treated sample. Hence, above results suggested that biofield energy treatment has altered the physical, thermal, and structural properties in MoO2 powder. Therefore, the biofield treatment could be applied to modify the catalytic properties of MoO2 in pharmaceutical industries.

Physicochemical and Spectroscopic Characterization of Yeast Extract Powder After the Biofield Energy Treatment

Yeast extract powder (YE powder) is particularly used in culture media for the cultivation of microorganisms found in milk or other dairy products. The present study was intended to explore the influence of biofield energy treatment on the physicochemical and spectral properties of YE powder. The study was accomplished in two groups; first group was remained as control, while another was subjected to Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment and termed as the treated group. Afterward, both the samples were evaluated using several analytical techniques. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) study showed the halo patterns of XRD peaks in both the samples. This indicated the amorphous nature of the samples. The particle size study revealed the 4.77% and 26.28% increase d₅₀ (in the average particle size) and d₉₉ (particle size below that 99% particles are present), respectively of treated YE powder with respect to the control. The surface area analysis showed the 14.06% increase in the specific surface area of treated sample with respect to the control. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis exhibited the 41.64% increase in the melting temperature of treated YE powder sample as compared to the control. The TGA/DTG analysis exhibited the increase in T_onset (onset temperature of thermal degradation) by 7.51% and 12.45% in first and second step of thermal degradation, respectively in the treated sample as compared to the control. Furthermore, the T_max (maximum thermal degradation temperature) was increased by 4.16% and 24.79% in first and second step of thermal degradation, respectively in the treated sample with respect to the control. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) study revealed the changes in the wavenumber of functional groups such as C-H (stretching) from 2895→2883 cm^-1 and 2815→2831 cm^-1, respectively; C-N from 1230→1242 cm^-1; and C-O stretching from 1062-1147 cm^-1→1072-1149 cm^-1 of treated YE powder sample as compared to the control. The UV-vis spectroscopy showed the similar patterns of absorbance maxima (λ_max) in both the control and treated samples. Therefore, the analytical results suggested the considerable impact of Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on physicochemical and spectral properties of YE powder. The increase in T_onset and T_max after the biofield treatment suggests that the treated YE powder might be more effective in culture medium than the control YE powder.