Weight Percentage Research Articles

A New Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Selective Determination of Chromium(III) in Pharmaceutical Drugs and Food Samples

Background and Objective: This study presents a novel potentiometric method for the precise, accurate, selective, and rapid determination of Cr(III) ion concentration in different samples. Methods: A new ionophore, namely macrocyclic tetramide ionophore (MCTA), was synthesized through an inexpensive and straightforward approach, yielding a high-quality product. The (MCTA) ionophore was utilized as the active center in the preparation of modified carbon paste electrodes (MCPEs) to quantify the Cr(III) ion. The paste was made by adding graphite, MCTA, and plasticizer and mixing them in varying weight percent ratios. Results: The proposed electrodes, I and II, exhibited a trivalent Nernstian response of 20.029 ±0.57 and 20.3±0.56 mV decade-1 , respectively, with linearity of 1.0x10-7 – 1.0x10-2 and 1.0x10-5 – 1.0x10- 2 mol L-1 . Electrodes I and II were examined for their pH, response time, and thermal stability. In comparison to other mono-, bi-, and trivalent cations, starch, and sugars, the electrodes demonstrated a high degree of selectivity for Cr(III). The modified electrodes were used to determine the concentration of Cr(III) in various real samples, including drug tablets, juice extractions, and tap water, with acceptable recovery values. Conclusion: The results were compared with those obtained using the previously reported method, with no significant difference observed between them, as indicated by the F and t-test values. The data showed good accuracy and precision, as well as a high percentage of recovery. The adsorption capacity of the MCTA ionophore towards Cr(III) ions was also examined.

Multi‐response optimization of characteristics for graphite reinforced biodegradable PVA‐fumaric acid cross‐linked composite: A gray‐fuzzy logic‐based hybrid approach

AbstractIn the current investigation, enhancement in the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and decrement in the moisture absorption capabilities of polyvinyl alcohol was observed by cross‐linking it with different weight percentages (wt. %) of fumaric acid and reinforcing them along with sulfuric acid‐modified graphite particles. The effects of altering the cross‐linking duration and fumaric acid wt. % were investigated in the resulting composite using the Taguchi L16 experimental design method. As in this contemporary era of rapid industrial expansion and fierce competition, the primary goals of manufacturers revolve around the production of high‐quality goods at optimal costs within a specified timeframe. Therefore, to save both cost and time, the authors have utilized a technique known as “gray‐fuzzy optimization” to balance competing goals between mechanical (toughness, elongation and strength) and physical (water intake capacity) attributes. The present approach aimed to reduce the experimentation expenses and increase the effectiveness of composite manufacturing by considerably reducing the intricacy of practical multi‐response optimization issues. Response graphs and analysis of variance tests were also utilized to calculate the percentage contribution of the input variables and provide model significance.Highlights Polyvinyl alcohol is cross‐linked with different weight percentages (wt. %) of fumaric acid, and reinforced them with sulfuric acid‐modified graphite particles. Enhancement in mechanical properties, thermal stability, and decrease in moisture absorption capabilities were perceived for the fabricated composite. Effects of altering the cross‐linking duration and fumaric acid wt. % were investigated in the resulting composite using the Taguchi L16 experimental design. Gray‐fuzzy optimization technique was utilized to balance competing goals between water intake and mechanical attributes like toughness, elongation and strength. Response graphs and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were also utilized to evaluate the percentage contribution of input variables and provide model significance.

Optimization, Production, and characterization of cottonseed methyl ester based on Box-Behnken in response surface design and gas Chromatography-Mass spectrum analysis

Renewable energy sources have a significant approach to eco-friendly systems with economically cost-effective and efficient use of biodiesel. The creation of innovative catalysts is attracting the attention and concern of the chemical and manufacturing sectors to be used in the production of biodiesel. The main objective of this work is to produce the optimum biodiesel yield using BBD design and the base-catalyzed method. The production of biodiesel was achieved through experimental investigation (alkali-catalyzed transesterification) and optimized using the BBD design method.The most important parameters such as methanol to oil ratios, KOH as catalysts, and reaction times were provided with variable conditions. The variation of methanol to oil ratios has significant relationships and is highly correlated in findings. The physicochemical properties of cottonseed biodiesel were carried out according to ASTM and EN standards. The maximum yield was achieved at 96.708 at a molar ratio of 6:1, reaction time of 60 min, and catalyst concentration of 1 wt%. The strong correlation between actual and predicted values of COSME was analyzed using ANOVA variances. The F-value and P-value validated the outcomes of produced biodiesel having a model value of 43.68 and 0.00, respectively. The coefficient of determinations and adjusted R2 of CSOME were achieved at 98.7% and 98.6%, respectively. The gas chromatogram mass spectrum analysis was also obtained to identify the acid profile present in COSME. The major percentage of ester available in COSME has been determined using GC–MS analysis and presented by its weight percentages. The main esters have been including myristic acid methyl ester (1.7%), palmitic acid methyl ester (26.65%), methyl 9-cis,11-trans-octadecadienoate(44.05%), ethyl 9. Cis.11.trans octadecadienoate(9.67%), methyl 20-methyl-heneicosanoate(6.83%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester(1.93%), and Pentacosanoic acid, methyl ester(7.14%).

Influence of stacking sequence and nano-silica fortification on the physical properties of veli karuvelam – peepal hybrid natural composites

Abstract A hybrid composite incorporating veli karuvelam and peepal fibers was fabricated, with the addition of nanosilica as a filler to enhance composite performance. The impact of nanosilica and layering sequence on the physical properties of the composites was investigated. Initially, two types of hybrid composites i.e. peepal/veli karuvelam/peepal (PVP) and veli karuvelam/peepal/veli karuvelam (VPV) were developed by means of hand layup method, varying the layering sequence of veli karuvelam and peepal fibers. The PVP composite was identified as the most promising based on tensile strength (71 MPa), attributed to the optimal packing of high-strength peepal fibers. Subsequently, nanosilica was incorporated into the PVP composite at different weight percentages (1, 2 and 3), and its influence on composite performance was analyzed. The PVP composite containing 2 wt% SiO2 showed impressive mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 76 MPa, a flexural strength of 104 MPa, an impact strength of 4.5 kJ/m2, and a hardness of 89 on the Shore D scale. The findings indicate that a PVP composite containing 2 wt% SiO2 has potential for use in engineering applications.

Effects of core geometry, silica nanoparticles, and polyurethane foam on the mechanical properties of a novel circular-shaped core sandwich panels under compression test: Experimental study

For the first time in this paper, a composite sandwich panel with a novel circular-shaped core reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) is designed and fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method. Carbon fibers and epoxy resin are utilized to construct the composite sandwich panels, followed by polyurethane foam injection. After fabrication, the sandwich panels undergo uniform compression testing to examine their mechanical behavior and properties. In this study, the effects of various parameters, such as core length, core height, weight percentage (wt.%) of SNPs, and polyurethane foam, on the compressive strength of the structure are evaluated. To validate the results, a finite element simulation of the sandwich panel compression test is performed using ABAQUS software, and the results obtained are compared with experimental data, showing good agreement. The results of this research demonstrate that adding SNPs within a specific range results in a considerable enhancement of the structural strength. Adding SNPs up to 3% leads to approximately a 19% increase in the compressive strength of the structure. However, adding 4 wt.% SNPs results in a decrease of about 12% in the strength of the sandwich panel. Additionally, the core’s geometry significantly influences the control of compressive strength and rigidity of the sandwich panel. In other words, by increasing the core length, the compressive strength increases by 38%, while increasing the core height decreases compressive strength by about 30%. Also, it is found that adding polyurethane foam to the sandwich panel, despite a slight increase in weight, leads to a significant increase in compressive strength by about 32% and postpones its ultimate failure. Eventually, the hybrid specimen exhibits a strength approximately 57% greater than that of the pure foamless sandwich panel.

Performance evaluation of advanced machine learning methodologies in simulating hydrogen chloride (HCl) absorption by deep eutectic solvents

This work aims to construct the physical-based machine learning (ML) approach for estimating the hydrogen chloride (HCl) solubility in eleven different deep eutectic solvents (DESs). All DES-HCl equilibrium records versus temperatures and pressures are gathered from the literature to ensure ML universality. Then, a well-known feature selection technique was applied to identify the physically meaningful descriptors for the hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors (HBD). Afterward, temperature, pressure, selected meaningful physical descriptors, and HBA/HBD molar concentrations are utilized to design ML tools to compute HCl solubility in DESs. Diverse MLs, including extreme learning machines, convolutional neural networks, long short-term memory, cascade neural networks, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), are tested, and their accuracy is compared to select the best candidate. The XGBoost model predictions for HCl solubility in DESs are in acceptable agreement with the literature records. This model precisely simulates 417 DES-HCl equilibrium records in the temperature range of 293–348 K and pressures of up to 127 kPa with a correlation coefficient of 0.99621, mean absolute percentage deviation of 3.04, mean absolute error of 0.448, and root mean square error of 0.729. Results of the designed XGBoost model prove that acetamide-ethylene glycol (1:1), which can averagely dissolve up to 32.47 wt% (weight percent) of HCl, is the best DES for the HCl capture and recovery. After approving the XGBoost model reliability with different visual and numerical inspections, the Leverage method also justified its validity domain by more than 97.6%.

Curcumin’s effects on growth indices, histological scores, blood metabolites, redox state, immunity, and antioxidant-related genes of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

AbstractCurcumin, a polyphenol, targets multiple signaling molecules and shows activity at the cellular level, supporting its various health benefits. Thereafter, the present study examines the effects of different doses of dietary curcumin on growth indices, feed efficiency, serum metabolites, redox (oxidation) status, immunity, histological assessment, and antioxidant-related genes in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp, Oreochromis aureus x O. mossambicus). A total of 1200 red tilapia with an average weight of 19.1±0.03 g were distributed in 12 cement ponds (3×3.5×1m). Each treatment was assigned three pounds (n=100 replicates). For 60 days, fish were fed baseline diets containing 0, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g of curcumin/kg of diet. The treated fish showed increased body weight and SGR (specific growth rate) compared to the T0 group (P<0.05). Curcumin in the diet significantly improved weight gain, percentages, and FCR (feed conversion ratio), with a dose-dependent effect (P < 0.05). Curcumin supplementation showed no influence on feed intake, fish mortality, or survival rate (P >0.05). The curcumin-treated fish groups improved tissue structure in hepatocytes, pancreatic lumens, hepatic blood sinusoids, and intestine tissue layers, particularly the mucosal layer. The T0.8 group had reduced liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and greater total protein and albumin levels (P<0.05). The T0.6 and T0.8 groups showed significantly lower MDA levels than the other groups (P < 0.05). Curcumin groups demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant indices (CAT, GPx, and SOD) compared to the basal diet (P<0.05). Curcumin administration resulted in significant improvements in IgM and lysosome levels (P<0.05). All supplemented groups had considerably (P<0.05) higher levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx mRNA than the control group. Consequently, administering 0.6–0.8 g/kg of curcumin to red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) diets may improve the fish’s growth, health, tissue composition, and antioxidant response.

Study of gamma, neutron, and proton interaction parameters of some immunotherapy drugs using EpiXs, NGCal, and PSTAR software

Abstract In proton therapy, the protons are used to destroy the cancer cells efficiently at the Bragg peak without much damage to normal cells. The protons can also produce neutrons, protons, and high-energy gamma rays through nuclear reactions with cancerous and healthy tissues as well as with beamline components. The effective observed dose in the therapy is enhanced due to the interaction of nuclear particles with cancerous tissues. Such nuclear particles can have several effects on drugs used in immunotherapy, such as immunotherapy in combination with proton therapy, which has been used to treat cancer. In the present investigations, the gamma, neutron, and protons interaction parameters of some immunotherapy drugs, such as dostarlimab, atezolizumab, ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab, are determined by using EpiXs, NGCal, and PSTAR software. It is found that the EBF and EABF for all selected immunotherapy drugs increase with increasing penetration depth, peaking at 100 keV. The peaking is more symmetric at a higher penetration depth of 40 mfp than at a lower one of 1 mfp. At lower energies of gamma photons, the EBF values increase exponentially, and at higher energies, they increase linearly with increasing penetration depth for all selected drugs. Mass attenuation factors are slightly higher for thermal neutrons than for fast neutrons for selected immunotherapeutic drugs, indicating that thermal neutrons more actively participate in these drugs than fast neutrons. The mass attenuation factor for both fast and thermal neutrons increases with increasing weight percentages of hydrogen and is found to be higher for thermal neutrons. This is the first study in the literature to investigate the radiation interaction parameters for immunotherapy drugs, and it is helpful in radiation therapy and dosimetry.

Eco-friendly, high-toughness gypsum prepared using hemihydrate phosphogypsum, fly ash, and glass fibers: Characterization and environmental impacts

Hemihydrate phosphogypsum (HPG), obtained as a cementitious material from the dewatering of phosphogypsum, can be widely used in the preparation of construction materials owing to its low cost and environmental friendliness. However, current reports on HPG mainly focus on hydration behavior, mechanical properties, and durability, and there are few studies focusing on the enhancement of HPG toughness. In this work, glass fibers (GF) and fly ash (FA), as composite reinforcement, were mixed with HPG during its preparation to obtain eco-friendly, high-toughness gypsum. The workability, mechanical, microstructural, financial and environmental properties of the HPG-based composites with different GF volume dosages (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 vol%) and FA weight percentages (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were comparatively investigated. The results show that the addition of an appropriate amount of FA can improve the interface transition zone between GF and the matrix and effectively increase the flexural strength and toughness of the composites. For the optimal mixture containing 1.5 vol% GF and 20 wt% FA, the flexural strength and toughness were 50.7% and 82.2% higher, respectively, than those of the mixture without FA and 99.2% and 675.3% higher, respectively, than those of the control sample (without GF and FA). Cost-benefit and environmental impact analyses also indicated that this composite was the most economical and environmentally friendly. Thus, this work provides an effective approach to achieve the high-value utilization of two major industrial by-products.

The effect of the number of sulfonic acids in polysiloxanes as fillers for polymer electrolyte membranes in energy storage applications

A series of sulfonic acid-functionalized polysiloxanes (MASFPs) that can be used to reduce the cost and improve the properties of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) by acting as fillers have been synthesized. In this paper, we describe the synthesis of MASFPs with varying numbers of sulfonic acid groups with the aid of mercaptoethanol. An array of analytical techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized MASFPs. The broad peak observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern of MASFPs between 2θ = 15–25° signifies their amorphous characteristics. Analyses by infrared spectroscopy also identify MASFPs that contain stretching vibrations for –SO3H, –CH2, and Si–O– group. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates the thermal stability of these MASFPs. The surface morphology analysis of the MASFPs using FESEM and HRTEM revealed the presence of spherical particles that exhibited significant aggregation and distortion. By employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the atomic weight percentage of sulfur present in the MASFPs, the number of sulfonic acids contained within was verified. The sulfur content of MASFPs is determined by XPS to be as follows: MASFP-4 > MASFP-3 > MASFP-2 > MASFP-1. The presence of Q4, Q3, T3, and T2 signals, as determined by 29Si MAS NMR analysis, confirms the polysiloxane formation. Preliminary studies of the composite membrane prepared using the MASFPs with perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA:MASFP in 75:25 ratio) exhibited superior ionic conductivity (0.102 S/cm) and ion-exchange capacity (1.16 meq/g) in comparison to the commercial Nafion membrane. Overall, using a mercaptoethanol-assisted process to synthesize sulfonic acid functionalized polysiloxanes is an excellent way to increase the incorporation of sulfonic acids and it can be applied to the synthesis of various other inorganic nanofillers.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) leaf extract incorporated methylcellulose active films: A sustainable strategy for browning inhibition in apple slice packaging

Methylcellulose, a prominent polysaccharide prevalent in the food sector, was considered to fabricate the active films with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Leaf Extract (NLE) as an active agent. FTIR analysis confirms the intermolecular -OH bonding, and SEM micrograms demonstrate methylcellulose active films' homogeneous, dense morphologic appearance. Due to the crosslinking effect of glutaraldehyde and noni leaf extract, tensile strength (41.83 ± 0.134 MPa) and crystallinity (62.91 %) of methylcellulose films were improved. Methylcellulose active films suppress water and moisture uptake at various relative humidities. The inhibition capability against foodborne pathogens and the excellent antioxidant activity [DPPH (93.191 ± 1.384 %) and ABTS (90.523 ± 1.412 %)] of NLE incorporation suggested that food packed in methylcellulose active films were effective against pathogenic and oxidative attacks. During preservation, to ensure the apple slices' nutritional values, they are covered with physiochemically enhanced methylcellulose active films for up to 120 h. The minimum reduction in vitamin C, reducing sugar content, percentage weight loss, pH, and total phenolic content of apple slices preserved in MGN active films at room temperature suggests it is an affordable and efficient replacement to traditional single-use plastic packaging in the cut fruit industry.

Zingiber officinale-Mediated biosynthesis of bimetallic Gold/Silver (BAu/Ag) nanoalloys; an insight into antiviral and anticancer activities

Utilizing plant extracts in the green synthesis of bimetallic nanoalloys receives more attention due to its eco-friendly, cheap, single-step, easy-handling method, producing highly active and biocompatible nanoalloys. Therefore, the aqueous extract of ginger rhizome was used to form bimetallic gold/silver (Au/Ag) nanoalloys. There were 37.3 mg.g−1 of total soluble carbs, 0.75 mg.g−1 of proteins, and 0.03 mg.g−1 of phenolic compounds quantified in ginger rhizome. The production of BAu/Ag-NPs relies on these components. The as-formed BAu/Ag-NPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the peak surface plasmon resonance (SPR) occurred between 440 and 545 nm. The existence of several functional groups involved in the reduction and stability of the generated nanoalloys was shown by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR). The nanoalloys, with an average size of 49.1 ± 16.2 nm, were observed to be spherical using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) indicated that the synthesized nanoalloy mainly consisted of Au and Ag ions, which made up (31.2 % and 47.1 %) and (45.9 % and 28.6 %) of the sample’s atomic and weight percentages, respectively. The crystallography of the nanoalloys was confirmed using XRD analysis. When examined for their capacity to suppress viral replication, the synthesized nanoalloys showed remarkable results, with 78.2 % inhibition against HAV and 69.6 % against Cox-B4. In addition, the anticancer activity of nanoalloys against oral epithelial cells (OEC), MCF7 adenocarcinoma cells, and HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells was investigated using the MTT assay method. While the nanoalloys exhibited moderate toxicity towards normal OEC (IC50: 502.5 ± 2.8 g.mL−1), they showed substantial cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, MCF7 and HepG2, with IC50 values of 212.6 ± 4.4 and 117.9 ± 6.6 µg.mL−1, respectively. According to these data, BAu/Ag nanoalloys show potential as antiviral and anticancer drugs that selectively kill cancer cells.

Enhancement of Filtration Performance Characteristics of Glass Fiber-Based Filter Media, Part 1: Mechanical Modification with Electrospun Nanofibers.

Various modifications of standard glass fiber filtration media using electrospun PA66 nanofibers are described. PA66 were selected because they were readily available from commercial sources. Other polymers, such as PP, PET and PBT, could also be used. The first set of samples was prepared by mixing the nanofibers at two, three and five weight percent with glass fibers, and the second by laying the same proportion of the nanofibers directly onto the downstream side of the substrate. The aim of these modifications was to improve the three most basic functionalities of filter media, the separation efficiency, the differential pressure (ΔP) and the dirt holding capacity (DHC). The modified media samples were evaluated with the standard textile characterization techniques and filtration performance evaluation procedures. The results showed differences in the several tens of percentage points achieved with the two modification methods. Moreover, additional differences in performance were observed depending on the percentage of nanofibers admixed to the substrate. These differences were most apparent in the filtration efficiency and the DHC, both by several percentage points, with no apparent effect on the ∆P. The results strongly suggest that the preparation of new filter media by incorporating nanofibers directly into the matrix can result in significant improvements in filtration performance characteristics.

Effect of SiC nanoparticles on mechanical and damping properties of epoxy/polysulfide rubber blend composite

Blend polymer matrix composite material are becoming more and more popular due to their promising mechanical properties. In this research, blend polymer mixture was make from epoxy resin (EP) blended with different weight percentages of polysulfide rubber (PSR) (0, 3, 6, 10, 15, and 20%). Then tensile, impact, bending strength and damping ratio were evaluated to get the high quality of mechanical properties for the blend matrix. Due to the requirements to enhance the mechanical properties of this blend; a various weight fraction of carbide silica (SiC) nanoparticle was used as a reinforcement in the ratios of (0, 1, 3, and 5%) by weight to the best ratio of the blended matrix. Tensile, impact, bending and damping ratio tests were also conducted to get the best mechanical properties for the blend materials. Experimental results for the blend matrix showed that adding polysulfide rubber to epoxy resin resulted in a decrease in Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and bending strength; however damping ratio and the impact strength increased. It is found that the weight fraction of 6% of PSR is the Better case, which gave the better mechanical characteristics properties for mixture. Utility of this mixture; it has intermediates between flexible properties of a mixture at the highest rate of PSR and brittle mechanical properties for EP resin. Mechanical and damping properties showed an increasing when the carbide silica (SiC) with a weight fraction of 3% added, then it decreased slightly.

Strength Training Protects High-Fat-Fed Ovariectomized Mice against Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis.

Menopause is characterized by a reduction in sex hormones in women and is associated with metabolic changes, including fatty liver and insulin resistance. Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and physical exercise, are necessary to prevent these undesirable changes. Strength training (ST) has been widely used because of the muscle and metabolic benefits it provides. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of ST on hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in ovariectomized mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) divided into four groups as follows: simulated sedentary surgery (SHAM-SED), trained simulated surgery (SHAM-EXE), sedentary ovariectomy (OVX-SED), and trained ovariectomy (OVX-EXE). They were fed an HFD for 9 weeks. ST was performed thrice a week. ST efficiently reduced body weight and fat percentage and increased lean mass in OVX mice. Furthermore, ST reduced the accumulation of ectopic hepatic lipids, increased AMPK phosphorylation, and inhibited the de novo lipogenesis pathway. OVX-EXE mice also showed a better glycemic profile, associated with greater insulin sensitivity identified by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, and reduced markers of hepatic oxidative stress compared with sedentary animals. Our data support the idea that ST can be indicated as a non-pharmacological treatment approach to mitigate metabolic changes resulting from menopause.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY OF METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF BAMBUSA VULGARIS ON MALE WISTAR RATS

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the potential toxicity of methanolic extract of leaves of Bambusa vulgaris in male Wistar rats. Methods: The methanolic extract was prepared for acute and sub-acute toxicity to determine the lethal dose. During the acute toxicity study, male rats were orally administered with leaf extracts at single doses of 100, 500,800, and 2000 mg/kg according to OECD Guidelines 425 for 14 days. Sub-acute toxicity dose at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg was studied by daily dosing on male rats for 30 days. Results: The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects and behavioral signs of toxicity at the tested doses indicating that LD50 is <2000 mg/kg. In a sub-acute study, non-significant changes in the body weight (p<0.05), body weight gain percentage (p<0.05) food intake (p<0.05), and relative organ weight percentage (p<0.05), and hematological parameters (p<0.05) of the rats were observed. A significant (p<0.05) increase in ALT level was observed dose at 800 mg/kg. Histopathological analysis showed mild cell distortion in the liver and kidney in male rats treated at 800 mg/kg of extract. Conclusion: Our study suggests that oral administration of methanolic leaf extract Bambusa vulgais is safe. However, a dose of 800 mg/kg may be toxic for the liver and kidney.

Material characterization of graphene and boron nitride for composites reinforcement

In this research work, the characterization studies and property evaluation of graphene and boron nitride were performed through various devices/techniques like Particle Size Analyzer, Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). This experimental work is focused on validating the suitability of graphene and boron nitride for use as reinforcement materials for fabricating ceramic matrix composites. The parameters influencing the properties of graphene and boron nitride such as phase change, particle size, number of layers, defects, and the presence of oxygen groups were analyzed and presented. This work is also presented through TGA to ascertain the effect of various factors on graphene and boron nitride such as degradation of carbon and nitride region and also maximum mass change rate (Tmax) due to temperature. It also provides an insight into the graphene’s behaviour in a zero-air environment, showing that the breakdown begins at temperatures below 250 °C and peaks at 850 °C. In which a lower quantity of weight loss occurs therefore in a nitrogen atmosphere at 250 °C. Graphene decomposes at a rate of 69.94 wt% in a zero-air environment, but just 8.78 wt% and also In nitrogen, the breakdown weight percentage of boron nitride is 3.54%, while in a zero-air environment, it is 11.99%.

Influence of intermetallic phase (TiFe) on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of as-cast and quenched Ti–Mo–Fe alloys

This study presents the phase analysis, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical property evaluation of the as-cast and quenched Ti–15Mo–xFe alloys with high iron content ranging from 4 to 12 weight percent. All the four alloys were produced in a vacuum-arc melting furnace. Heat treatment in the form of solution treatment was performed in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 1100 °C, with 1-h holding time and the samples were rapidly quenched in ice-brine. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used to analyses the phases present in each alloy whereas the optical microscope (OM) was employed to track the microstructural evolution and percentage porosity. The mechanical properties of the alloys were evaluated using a tensile test and compression test method while the micro-Vickers hardness measurements were conducted to evaluate hardness of the alloys. The XRD patterns of as-cast showed peaks belonging to the β and α″ phases and intermetallic B2 TiFe phases. The as quenched XRD peaks illustrated β phase only and Fe·Ti·O2 phases. The as-cast OM micrographs revealed equiaxed β grains, substructures, dendritic structure, and pores forming around the grain boundaries. The quenched OM showed only β equiaxed grains with pores throughout the grain boundaries. The tensile properties such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus (E) of as-cast TMF0 were 264 MPa and 79 GPa respectively and these properties changed upon quenching to 411 MPa and 66 GPa respectively. The elastic modulus of TMF1 in as-cast condition was 74 GPa. The UTS and E of TMF1, TMF2, and TMF3 in as-cast and quenched conditions were not recorded due to the fragility of the samples that failed prior to yielding any useful data. The compressive strength in as-cast and in quenched condition decreased with an increase in Fe content. The micro-Vickers hardness in as-cast and quenched conditions showed a similar trend with hardness increasing slightly upon quenching for TMF0, TMF1, and TMF3 alloys but slightly decreased in the case of TMF2. The fracture surfaces of all the as-cast and quenched alloys were comprised of ductile and brittle fracture.

Influence of excess sodium and phosphorus on the ionic conductivity of NASICON-structured Na3Zr2(SiO4)2PO4 ceramic solid electrolyte

NASICON-structured Na3Zr2(SiO4)2PO4 (NZSP) is regarded as one of the most promising solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for all-solid-state Na-ion batteries mainly due to its high thermal stability and wide electrochemical window. However, the existing NZSP tends to exhibit lower ionic conductivity at room temperature. Thus, in order to solve this issue, NaH2PO4 was chosen as a novel phosphate source for the synthesis of NZSP via solid-state reaction method. On top of that, excess sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P) were also added into parent NZSP SSE with different weight percentage ratios to investigate their effects on Na+ ion activation energy. Structural study reveals NZSP with either excess Na or P have the same crystal structure morphology but are dissimilar in terms of the presence of impurities and grain size. NZSP with the excess of Na shows the highest ionic conductivity (1.05 × 10−3 S cm−1) and electrode polarization contributed by the increasing of Na+ carriers and the excess Na+ ion vacancies. These results authenticate that the excess of Na can be an effective way to improve the performance of NZSP SSE for energy storage application.

Hydrogen as Potential Primary Energy Fuel for Municipal Solid Waste Incineration for a Sustainable Waste Management

The control of municipal stable waste (MSW) has lengthy offered difficulties for the community. Affecting the sustainability of the environment. The expected reasons are rising earnings and population. The maximum superior and practicable technique for coping with municipal strong waste is incineration generation. The foundation of incinerator generation is the combustion of trash with the use of fossil fuels. Not handiest are these fuels strolling out day by day, however burning them poses a chance to the environment. The modern study appears into the viability of using hydrogen as the main gas for combustion within the incineration of municipal strong waste (MSW). It is now viable to run an incinerator of the vertical shaft type on natural hydrogen. Through specially made burners, a gasoline aggregate of hydrogen and oxygen in a stoichiometric ratio has been fed. The burners are made in this kind of manner as to offer uniform heat dispersion. In order to envision how the incinerator operates at the very best accredited moisture degree, more than a few Tests were carried out on both homogeneous and heterogeneous MSWs with excessive moisture possibilities ranging from 60 to 90%. It has been mentioned that the incineration reached a most temperature of 850C. There has been a important drop in weight percentage, 86–94%, and loss on ignition (1.74%–6.41%). For homogeneous paper and meals waste (1 kg), the hydrogenbased totally incinerator executed fine, accomplishing 60% and 87% of moisture content, in that order. The weight reduction become 97.14% and 88.88%, respectively, with energy expenditure of 108 Wh and 321 Wh. The efficiency of the hydrogen-based incinerator gadget decreases as the moisture content of the rubbish will increase. Keywords: Municipal waste management (MSW), hydrogen, incineration, fuel.