Fourier Transform Research Articles

Efficient removal of tetracycline from water using copper MOFs/bismuth molybdate composite nano adsorbent

A composite nanomaterial comprising of bismuth molybdate and copper-based MOFs (BCuM) was obtained by a facile hydrothermal technique and applied as a nano-adsorbent for the decontamination of wastewater with tetracycline (TC). The nanosorbents' internal elemental constitution, surface morphologic features and internal crystallite structure were analysed using EDS, SEM and XRD techniques. As can be seen from the kinetics of adsorption, the dominating forces of adsorption are chemisorption. At 323 K, the total sorption was in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm reaching 354.610 mg/g. The results of the thermodynamic analysis of the desorption reaction indicate that TC through BCuM occurs spontaneously and is related to an intrinsic heat absorption process. The findings indicated that the BCuM adsorbent showed excellent adsorption over the pH range of 3 ∼ 8 with good reusability. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy shows that this adsorption is mainly a function of the π-π bonds present in the reaction system of the sorbent and polluting substance. Composite bismuth molybdate nano-adsorbent BCuM of Copper based MOF demonstrated superior adsorption properties and wider application prospects for treating TC from sewage in comparison to single bismuth molybdate nanomaterials.

Catalytic ozonation promoted by Mn-doped sludge-based catalyst treating refractory industrial wastewater

Attributed to the refractory characteristic of industrial wastewater, it usually needs advanced treatment. Moreover, massive hazardous activated waste sludge generated from wastewater treatment introduces additional ecological risks. In this study, sludge-based catalysts were prepared by doping Mn to treat typical refractory wastewater of petrochemical secondary wastewater. Results showed that the Mn-doped catalyst (PS-M700) prepared by pyrolysis at 700 °C was optimal for the catalytic ozonation of petrochemical secondary wastewater. The optimal ozone and catalyst dosage were 216 mg/L and 1.0 g/L, respectively. Catalytic ozonation of petrochemical secondary wastewater using PS-M700 showed an excellent TOC removal efficiency of 56.6 %. In addition, hydroxyl radicals (OH) played a major role in the catalytic ozonation of the petrochemical secondary wastewater. Results of excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy showed that catalytic ozonation can further enhance the removal efficiency of not readily biodegradable compounds compared to ozone alone. Moreover, the catalytic ozonation process mainly targeted substances within the molecular weight (MW) < 1 kDa range in petrochemical secondary wastewater. In addition, transformation processes occurred between pollutants of different MW. Fourier Transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry showed that oxygen (CHO), nitrogen (CHONO) and sulfur (CHOS) containing contaminants were decreased by 6.0 % (2359 vs 2216), 34.9 % (2505 vs 1631) and 62.8 % (1227 vs 456). The present study shows the satisfactory prospect of a sustainable “wastes-treating-wastes” process for wastewater treatment.

Achromatic CMOS-Integrated Four-Bit Orbital Angular Momentum Mode Detector at Three Wavelengths.

The simultaneous detection of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) and wavelength offers new opportunities for optical multiplexing. However, because of the dispersion of lens functions for Fourier transformation, the mode conversions at distinct wavelengths cannot be achieved in the same plane. Here we propose an ultracompact achromatic complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-integrated OAM mode detector. Specifically, a spatial multiplexed scheme, randomly interleaving the phase distributions for distributing the superposed OAM modes into preset positions at distinct wavelengths, is presented. In addition, such a nanoprinted achromatic OAM detector featuring a microscale size and a short focal length can be integrated onto a CMOS chip. Consequently, the four-bit incident light beams at three discrete wavelengths (633, 532, and 488 nm) can be distinguished with a high degree of accuracy evaluated by the average standardized Euclidean distance of ∼0.75 between the analytical and target results. Our results showcase a miniaturized platform for achieving high-capacity information processing.

Gamma-ray shielding features of Co1-xCuxFe2O4 ferrite: A combined experimental, theoretical and simulation investigation

This study describes a rapid synthesis of Co1-xCuxFe2O4 nanoparticles using sol–gel auto-ignition and the produced materials were examined using different techniques such as XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), UV–Vis (Ultraviolet–visible), (FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), FE-SEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), and EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) to explore their structural, optical, and functional group morphological properties, and elemental analysis. Additionally, utilizing several gamma-ray sources and a NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, we studied the gamma-ray shielding characteristics for the prepared materials. Experimental results were validated by the results of XCOM program and the Geant4 simulations. For four chosen ferrites, the gamma ray energy absorption build-up factor is investigated at 0.01–15 MeV incident photon energy and penetration depths of 1–40 mean free path, mfp, using the geometric progression fitting technique. Ferrite samples can be employed as radiation attenuators across a range of nuclear domains, as per the findings of this study. In comparison to the other spinel ferrites, the Co1-xCuxFe2O4 (x = 0.75) ferrite demonstrated superior shielding capabilities. Important details regarding the physio-chemical properties of spinel ferrites and their ability to shield against gamma radiation are provided in the present study.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ketotifen Fumarate Intercalated Zn–Al Layered Double Hydroxides as Sustained-release Carriers

The present study seeks to synthesize, characterize, and sustain the release of properties of Ketotifen Fumarate Intercalated Zn–Al Layered Double Hydroxides (Zn-Al-KF-LDHs) by the chemical co-precipitation method. A variety of techniques were used to analyze the synthesized products, including Elemental Analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Thermogravimetry Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA). The XRD patterns successfully highlighted the remarkable crystallinity of the typical hydrotalcite-like materials, Zn-Al-KF-LDHs. While the FT-IR analysis indicates the chemical functional groups and interlayer anions of Zn-Al-KF-LDHs, the elemental analysis determines the content of Zn, Al, S, C, H, and N. The TG-DTA results show that Zn-Al-KF-LDHs possess improved thermal stability. These findings provide an empirical understanding of the supramolecular structure of Zn-Al-KF-LDHs, enabling its comprehensive structural analysis. Additionally, the sustained-release properties of simulated gastric juice and intestinal juice, which followed the theoretical models of Higuchi and Riger-Peppas, indicated that the layered double hydroxides have potential applications as sustained-release carriers for ketotifen fumarate.

Photon shielding properties of oxyfluoride aluminophosphate glass added with Sb2O3 by using PHITS Monte Carlo simulation and experimental methods

The glass formula (65-x)P2O5-5CaF2-10NaF-10KF-10AlF3-xSb2O3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 mol%) were produced by melt quenching technique for photon shielding application. The present glasses were investigated for the physical, structural, optical, gamma ray and x-ray shielding properties. The results revealed that the density increased when concentrations of Sb2O3 increased, the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results illustrated the functional groups of vibrations, and confirmed the amorphous behavior, respectively. The transmission spectra of present glasses showed higher transparency than x-ray windows. The comparative studies of gamma-ray between experiment and theoretical, the mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron density (Neff) were increased with increasing concentration of Sb2O3. On the other hand, the half value layer (HVL) was decreased. The energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) of dopant Sb2O3 in present glass were calculated and discussed in terms of energy and concentration of Sb2O3. As a result of using the X-ray source, the HVL was decreased with a rise in Sb2O3 contents. HVL value at 15 mol% of Sb2O3 concentration is higher than the standard materials at 120 kVp. The Sb2O3 glass systems can be a candidate for radiation shielding material.

Application of two dimensional correlation Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (2D-COS-FTIR) to the quantification of carbohydrates in milk powder

The importance of milk and its products accelerated their adulteration as well as their characterization in term of techniques used, composition determination and adulteration quantification. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is one of the most widely used and increasingly developed methods to identify chemical contaminations and determine their concentrations. This study employs FTIR and two dimensional correlation (2D-COS) spectroscopies to detect milk powder adulteration with sucrose, lactose and starch in the concentrations range from 0.0 % to 6.0 % w/w. With the help of synchronous 2D-COS-FTIR spectra, the FTIR regions from 830 to 930 and 930–1200 cm−1 were determined as the qualified regions for the detection and carrying out quantitative analysis of milk adultered carbohydrates. Based on the area beneath the corresponding region or the height of a specific band limits of detection were determined as 0.25, 1.2 and 1.5 % for sucrose, starch and lactose respectively. The method was applied on commercial milk powder samples and one sample was assigned to have been adultered with 4 % sucrose. FTIR spectroscopy combined with 2D-COS offers an advanced tool for rapid screening and quantification of milk adulteration.

Hexagonal rod-like Eu3+ doped CaMoO4 phosphors: Structural, photoluminescence and photometric properties for display device applications

A multicolored LED illumination device is a compact, durable, easy to obtain color-adjustable output illumination source. It is frequently utilized in the domains of room illumination and exterior displays. However, the advancement of multicolor LEDs has been hampered by the rise in price and the fall in luminous efficacy while changing illumination colors. In the present investigation we have prepared intense red emitting Eu3+ doped CaMoO4 phosphor nanopowders via simple solid-state reaction technique. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies reveal the crystalline nature of the samples with scheelite–type mono phase tetragonal structure with I41/a space group. The band gap (Eg) energy values were estimated and found to range between 4.63-5.32 eV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies reveled the hexagonal rod-like structures with different Aloe Vera gel concentrations. The particle size was found to be around 40 nm. The vibrational modes of the prepared powders were evaluated by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. It was observed from the results that, there were 26 vibrational modes of CaMoO4 (Γ=3Ag + 5Au + 5Bg + 3Bu + 5Eg + 5Eu) 8 of which (4Au and 4Eu) were infrared active and 13 (Ag, Bg, and Eg) are Raman active. Photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity increases up to 5 mol% of Eu3+ ions load and subsequently it declines due to the concentration quenching phenomenon and effective energy transfer from Mo-O charge transfer band (CTB) to 5D0 levels of Eu3+. It was noticed from PL emission spectra that, four intense peaks located at 5D0 → 7F1 (590 nm), 5D0 → 7F2 (613 nm), 5D0 → 7F3 (654 nm), 5D0 → 7F4 (702 nm) of Eu3+ respectively. The Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) diagram indicates the red color emission and average correlated color temperature (CCT) value was found to be 2050 K. Further, the external quantum efficiency (QE) and color purity (CP) were calculated to check the phosphor efficiency and found to be 92% and 72% respectively. The present investigation opens up a new avenue in the fabrication of low-cost display devices with high color purity and luminous efficacy.

Investigating the impact of ultrasound-assisted treatment on the crafting of mulberry leaf protein and whey isolate complex: A comprehensive analysis of structure and functionality

Mulberry leaf protein (MLP) is a nutrient-rich protein, but its applicability is limited because of its poor solubility. To address this issue, this study combines MLP with whey protein isolates (WPI), known for the high nutritional value, and subsequently forms composite protein nanoparticles using the ultrasound-assisted pH shifting method. Microscopic observation and SDS-PAGE confirmed the binding between these two proteins. Fluorescence spectra and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis supported the involvement of electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic attractions, and hydrogen bonding in the formation of stable complex nanoparticles. The interactions between the proteins became stronger after ultrasound-assisted pH-shifting treatment. Solubility, emulsification capacity, foaming, and antioxidant activity, among other indicators, demonstrate that the prepared composite nanoparticles exhibit favorable functional properties. The study successfully illustrates the creation of protein-based complex nanoparticles through the ultrasound-assisted pH shifting method, with potential applications in the delivery of bioactive compounds.

Synthesis of nano calcium silicates from waste calcite and aragonite phases for efficient adsorptive removal of industrial organic pollutants

The present study focuses on the adsorption efficacy of solid-state synthesized calcium silicate for removing congo red dye. Three different sources were used as calcium precursors; one was calcium carbonate, and the other two were natural waste sources, aragonite (P. globosa) and calcite (Eggshells). Structural analysis and functional groups of the samples were carried out by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). Various well-known models/equations models such as the Liner Straight Line method of Scherrer’s equation (LSLMSE), Sahadat-Scherrer Model (SSM), Monshi-Scherrer model (MSM), Williamson-Hall model (WHM), Size-Strain plot method (SSP), and Halder-Wagner Model (HWM) were applied to compute the crystallite size of the synthesized calcium silicates; the estimated crystallite size range was 8–77 nm. The adsorption efficacy of the synthesized E-CaSiO3, S-CaSiO3, and C-CaSiO3 was assessed under various provisos for eradicating Congo red dye from wastewater. Computed results revealed that the dye removal percentages were approximately 100 % at 120 min and 200 rpm for 0.2 g E-CaSiO3. The point of zero charge evaluation showed that the pH of the adsorbents during maximum dye removal was 7 and was less than the value of pHpzc. Thermodynamics studies confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous. The method of adsorption of dye by the adsorbent was more clearly comprehended by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherm. 151.28 mg/g was the maximum adsorption capacity for S- CaSiO3 depending on the Langmuir isotherm model’s linear form (R2 = 0.924).

Natural zeolite as adsorbent for metformin removal from aqueous solutions: Adsorption and regeneration properties

Drugs are being registered in water resources around the world, becoming a palpable environmental problem by altering the natural characteristics of water and, consequently, altering the environment of living organisms. Many techniques can be used to remove drugs present in contaminated waters, among them stands out the adsorption process. In this work, the adsorption of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, using a commercial natural zeolite as an adsorbent was investigated. The material was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), N2 adsorption/desorption analysis and zeta potential. The efficiency of metformin removal was evaluated under different pH conditions and adsorbent ratios. The most favorable conditions for adsorption were obtained for 1 g/L of zeolite and pH 7.0. The pseudo-second order had a better correlation with the experimental kinetic data, with equilibrium obtained after 6 h, reaching 76 % of removal and adsorption capacity of 6.8 mg/g. The Langmuir isotherm described well the equilibrium and the maximum adsorption capacity was 109 mg/g for 25 °C and 35 °C, and 130 mg/g for 45 °C. The Gibbs free energy for all temperatures studied was less than zero, which indicates a spontaneous process of metformin adsorption on the zeolite surface. NaOH solution showed the highest adsorbent regeneration efficiency, with approximately 36 % desorption in 6 h. It was possible to reuse the adsorbent for three consecutive cycles of adsorption/desorption. Afterward, there was a sudden decrease in the adsorption capacity and a collapsing effect on the material surface.

Effect of gastrointestinal resistant encapsulate matrix on spray dried microencapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG powder and its characterization

This study investigated spray drying a method for microencapsulating Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG using a gastrointestinal resistant composite matrix. An encapsulate composite matrix comprising green banana flour (GBF) blended with maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA). The morphology of resulted microcapsules revealed a near-spherical shape with slight dents and no surface cracks. Encapsulation efficiency and product yield varied significantly among the spray-dried microencapsulated probiotic powder samples (SMPPs). The formulation with the highest GBF concentration (FIV) exhibited maximum post-drying L. rhamnosus GG viability (12.57 ± 0.03 CFU/g) and best survivability during simulated gastrointestinal digestion (9.37 ± 0.05 CFU/g). Additionally, glass transition temperature (Tg) analysis indicated good thermal stability of SMPPs (69.3–––92.9 ℃), while Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the structural integrity of functional groups within microcapsules. The SMPPs characterization also revealed significant variation in moisture content, water activity, viscosity, and particle size. Moreover, SMPPs exhibited differences in total phenolic and flavonoid, along with antioxidant activity and color values across the SMPPs. These results suggested that increasing GBF concentration within the encapsulating matrix, while reducing the amount of other composite materials, may offer enhanced protection to L. rhamnosus GG during simulated gastrointestinal conditions, likely due to the gastrointestinal resistance properties of GBF.

Performance investigation of hydrothermally stressed polyamide nanocomposites for insulation applications

This paper investigates the performance of novel nano ZnO filled polyamide nanocomposites under hydrothermal conditions for cable insulation applications. Neat polyamide (PA0) and its nanocomposite with 0 wt% (PA0), 1 wt% (PA1), 3 wt% (PA3), 5 wt% (PA5), and 7 wt% (PA7) of nano ZnO were prepared and subjected to accelerated hydrothermal aging conditions in a programmable chamber at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity for 300 h. The samples were analyzed with visual inspection, hydrophobicity evaluation, optical microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, leakage current and UV–vis spectroscopy after every 100 h of aging. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and x-ray Diffraction (XRD) were employed for analyzing filler dispersion. Maximum filler dispersion was achieved in the case of 3 wt% of nanofiller. All the samples expressed surface degradation and increase in leakage current after aging. Maximum surface roughness and highest leakage current of 7 μA were noticed for PA0, however PA3 expressed lowest leakage current and surface degradation. PA0 expressed the lowest hydrophobicity class of HC-3 and lowest contact angle of 75° after aging. Among the nanocomposites, PA3 expressed the highest hydrophobicity class (HC-1) and contact angle (112°) after aging. FTIR results expressed that all the samples suffered from oxidation and the C=O peaks at ∼1728 cm−1 increased by 120%, 100% and 120% for PA1, PA3 and PA7 respectively. The peaks of –OH group at ∼3500 cm−1 increased for all the sample indicating moister absorption. However, it is observed that the addition of nanofiller enhanced the overall performance of composites and among the composites PA3 performed better.

Tracking the chemical composition of 3D printed 94% alumina during the thermal post-process

Additive manufactured (AM) 94% alumina was successfully 3D printed using the Lithography Ceramic Manufacturing (LCM) technique. Each 3D printed sample was exposed to a different stage of the thermal post-process to identify changes in chemical composition at each stage. The thermal phases studied were the as printed green state, preconditioning at 120°C, debinding at 600°C, debinding at 1100°C, and sintering at 1650°C. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) were used to evaluate the changes in composition at each stage of the thermal post-process. Cross-sectional images of 3D printed alumina samples after thermal exposure were captured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Advancing cartilage Repair: A Biomimetic approach with oxidized guar gum, chitosan, polyether ether ketone-based injectable hydrogel

Herein, we developed hydrogel (potentially injectable) composed of oxidized guar gum, chitosan, and polyether ether ketone to provide cartilage support and regeneration. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed spongy and microporous structures. The synthesized hydrogels exhibited suitable wettability and effective crosslinking (indicated via Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy). Cytocompatibility, human collagen type II release, and degradation studies highlighted the biocompatible and regenerative nature of the synthesized hydrogels. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibited an antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The thermoplastic-based approach holds promise for effective cartilage repair, offering a sustainable solution for joint support with enhanced load-bearing capabilities.

Solvothermal synthesis of Ni/Co-based metal-organic framework with nanosheets-like structure for high-performance supercapacitor

In the present investigation, we have successfully synthesized Ni/Co-based metal-organic framework thin films on stainless steel substrates via facile and low-cost solvothermal methods using 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid as an organic linker. X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and electrochemical studies have been used to characterize the Ni/Co-MOF electrode materials. The purity and crystallinity of Ni/Co-MOF thin films were studied with the help of XRD. FESEM images showed the Ni/Co-MOF thin films have a nanosheets-like morphology which is suitable for supercapacitor applications. Functional groups present in the sample were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of Ni/Co-MOF coated stainless steel was studied in 1M KOH electrolyte at various scan rates and current densities. The NiCo2-MOF material provides a specific capacitance of 1070 Fg-1 at the current density of 0.5 mAcm-2. Additionally, the NiCo2-MOF electrode exhibits an excellent energy density of 30.96Whkg-1 at a power density of 3.2kWkg-1 and outstanding cyclic stability with 85% retention after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. The results suggest that NiCo2-MOF offers excellent electrochemical performance and may be a potential candidate for supercapacitor application.

Time/frequency domain analysis of detonation wave propagation mechanism in a linear rotating detonation combustor

Controlling the rotating detonation combustor (RDC) is crucial for enhancing propulsion system safety, efficiency, and overall performance. Swift and precise identification of the operational mode of RDC is of great significance for refining the propulsion dynamics of detonation-based technologies. In this study, two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to investigate time-domain characteristics and frequency-domain characteristics of various operational modes of the RDC, hydrogen–air mixtures are used as fuel, and fast Fourier transformation (FFT) is applied to the analysis of frequency-domain. The alteration of the RDC operational mode is achieved through adjustments to the chemical equivalent ratio (ER) of the fuel, spanning from 0.52 to 3.50. Our findings reveal four distinct operational modes within this equivalent ratio range: ignition failure (ER ≤ 0.52 and ER ≥ 3.50), collision failure (ER = 0.85,1.60 and 1.65), single wave (0.53 ≤ ER ≤ 0.80 and 1.70 ≤ ER ≤ 3.40) and multiple wave mode (0.90 ≤ ER ≤ 1.50). For the ignition failure mode, the detonation waves in RDC decouple from the flame and fail after ignition. In the collision failure mode, the inability of detonation waves to propagate sustainably within the RDC is evident. Frequency-domain analysis underscores the significance of a characteristic low-frequency (0.3 kHz) in distinguishing this mode from others. For single wave mode, it represents the steady and continuous propagation of a detonation wave in the RDC. Frequency-domain analysis reveals characteristic frequencies approximately equal to integer multiples of the propagation frequency (fD), where fD ∼ 10fD serves as the primary characteristic frequencies. The multiple wave mode can be categorized into two subtypes: the forward and reverse single detonation waves appear alternately or the forward and reverse single detonation waves finally co-direction double detonation waves. In the former subtype, characteristic frequencies are integer multiples of the fD, but the amplitude distribution is different with single wave mode. In contrast, primary characteristic frequencies of the latter subtype are fD ∼ 4fD, accompanied by two adjacent characteristic frequencies near each integer multiples of fD. These findings promise advancements in the controllability of RDC and lay the foundations for the development of RDC control systems.

Thermally reversible emulsion gels and high internal phase emulsions based solely on pea protein for 3D printing

This work compared thermally reversible emulsion gels and high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) based on pea protein for 3D printing at different oil volume fraction (ϕ) ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. Thermally reversible emulsion gels were obtained with ϕ from 0.2 to 0.65, which melt into liquid emulsion as temperature increased, and recovered into emulsion gels upon cooling as reflected by consistent rheological measurements. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the transition between intermolecular β-sheet at 1630 cm−1 and intramolecular β-sheet at 1618 cm−1 through reversible H-bonds upon changes in temperature, which was responsible for the repeated thermo-reversibility. With ϕ increased to 0.74–0.8, HIPEs were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), yet the thermo-reversibility was not maintained. In addition, the thermally reversible emulsion gels exhibited strong shear-thinning and thixotropic recovery through the untangling and reformation of the H-bonded gel network. Whereas deformation and restructuring of the close packed droplets were responsible for such behaviors in HIPEs. 3D printing test has further demonstrated excellent performance of thermally reversible emulsion-filled gel with ϕ 0.4, comparable to HIPE with ϕ 0.74 b y enabling printed objects with high shape fidelity (printability index (Pr) of 0.95–1.08) and shape stability (prints height maintenance (Hm) of 82.2%–87.8%). This research opens up thermally reversible emulsion gels solely from sustainable protein source for 3D printing, with low oil content and no synthetic ingredients needed.

Evaluation of phytoactive contents and antibacterial activities of green synthesised cerium oxide nanoparticles using Melastoma sp. leaf extract as the capping agent

Simple and green methods of developing nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted the attention of researchers. Literature on utilising leaf extract to prepare cerium oxide (CeO2 NPs) is scarce. The present study synthesised leaf-mediated-CeO2 NPs to produce nanopowders of controllable sizes for further applications. The study is the first to report the optimised parameters (pH 7, 5 g/150 mL concentration of the leaf extract, and 3 h of reaction time) of procuring CeO2 NPs using Melastoma sp. leaf extract as the capping agent with excellent properties. The absorbance of the NPs suspension obtained in this study was recorded at approximately 252 nm with Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were also utilised to characterise and confirm the CeO2 NPs prepared. The XRD spectra documented the purity of the NPs at specific diffraction patterns, while TEM revealed the spherical form of the NPs with a particle size of 16 nm. The formation of CeO2 NPs has been confirmed from the FTIR spectra procured, which exhibited a Ce–O peak at 555 nm. Phytochemical screening test and FT-IR analysis of leaf extract revealed the existence of flavonoids, terpenoids, sugars, saponins, quinones, and glycosides. The NPs suspensions of varying concentrations (control, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 μg/mL) were prepared and employed for evaluations against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Resultantly, CeO2 NPs demonstrated antibacterial activities against both bacteria types. The highest antibacterial activities were recorded against E. coli and K. pneumonia at 1.83 ± 0.137 and 1.83 ± 0.14 mm maximum inhibition zones, respectively, at 250 mg/uL of the NPs.

Preparation of superhydrophobic polyester fabric for swimsuits using amino silicon micro-emulsion

Enhancement the hydrophobicity of polyester fabric was developed to help the swimming performance of athletes by adding buoyancy, stability and speed. Increasing the hydrophobicity was carried out by chemical treatment of pre-treated polyester fabric with different specifications using amino-silicon (AS) micro-emulsion. The pretreatment of the fabric was carried out either chemically (i.e. saponification) or physically (i.e. plasma radiation) to allow the chemical reaction between AS and polyester fabric. The effect of the treatment on some physical properties of the fabric viz., air and water permeability, wettability, contact angle and wicking were studied. The alteration in the chemical composition of the untreated and treated fabrics was monitored using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction Pattern (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) displayed the surface of the polyester fabric after treatment and the distribution of the AS over the fabric. The results showed that treatment of polyester fabric with AS increased the hydrophobicity of the fabric and that was clear from the data of wettability, contact angle and wicking test without any deterioration in the chemical or mechanical properties of the fabric.