Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Results Research Articles

Hybrids from silazane and allyl‐containing benzoxazine for low‐curing temperature and high‐flame retardance

AbstractSilicon hybrid benzoxazine has good flame retardance, but generally these hybrid polymer' curing temperature is higher than 220°C, limiting its application in the field of electronics. In this study, under Nickel acetylacetonate catalyzed, a new hybrid benzoxazine was synthesized using the copolymerization of polysilazane and allyl containing benzoxazine. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studied the curing behavior of this hybrid benzoxazine. The results of DSC and FTIR indicated that the curing temperature of this hybrid benzoxazine can decrease from 269 to 182°C, the main reaction with this hybrid benzoxazine is amine‐catalyzed oxazine ring‐ opening and the hydrosilylation reaction. The thermal stability of hybrid benzoxazine after cured was studied by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results of thermogravimetric experiments demonstrated that this hybrid benzoxazine's char yield can increase from 25.57% to 66.11% (159% increase). The flame retardancy of glass fiber reinforced hybrid benzoxazine was studied by the UL‐94 flame test. The glass fiber reinforced hybrid benzoxazine composite show a V‐0 result in the UL‐94 test. This work provides a new hybrid benzoxazine with low‐curing temperature, ultrahigh char yield, and great flame retardance.

PH Effect on epoxy-anhydride water aging

Hydrothermal aging of an epoxy-anhydride network was investigated to elucidate the degradation effects of the external medium pH. For that reason, gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) were carried out. For each studied pH, degraded materials showed two values of glass transition temperature suggesting a homogeneous process. Both FTIR and GPC results exhibited signals related to the presence of hydrolyzed network fragments at long times for pH 4 and 7 and at very short times for pH 13. Indicating that at pH 13 both bulk and surface degradation coexist.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarriers for Oral Delivery of Felodipine: Formulation, Characterization and Ex-Vivo Evaluation

Purpose: Felodipine, is a calcium-channel antagonist used for hypertension and angina pectoris. It is practically insoluble in aqueous media and shows low oral bioavailability (15%-20%). This investigation aims to prepare and characterize oral felodipine lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers (LPHNs) to increase solubility and control delivery for increasing bioavailability and enhance patient compliance. Methods: The newly microwave-based method was prepared with felodipine LPHNs (H1-H35) successfully. The (H1-H35) were subjected to thermodynamic stability experiments. After that, select nine felodipine LPHNs (F1-F9) that have smart physical stability for further optimization of different characterization processes. Results: The felodipine LPHNs (F4) are considered the most optimized formula. It was characterized by lower particle size (33.3 nm), lower PDI (0.314), high zeta potential (13.6 mV), entrapment efficiency is (81.645% w/w), drug loading is (16.329% w/w), the pH value is 4, excellent percent of light transmittance (95.5%), pseudoplastic rheogram, significantly high (P < 0.05) dissolution rate with sustained drug delivery and success ex-vivo intestinal permeation attributes. The (F4) subject for further investigations of Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of FTIR, AFM, and TEM indicate there is no interaction between the felodipine and excipients and that the particulate system in the nanoscale dispersion system confirms the high stability. Conclusion: The optimized felodipine LPHNs (F1-F9) formulations were smart formulations for sustained oral delivery of felodipine and that F4 was the most optimized formula according to its characterization processes.

Effect of Graphene Concentration on the Electrochemical Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposite Materials.

A two-step process was applied to synthesize the cobalt ferrite-graphene composite materials in a one-pot hydrothermal reaction process. Graphene Oxide (GO) was synthesized by a modified Hummer’s method. The synthesized composite materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD and FTIR results were in good agreement with the TGA/DTG observations. SEM and TEM disclosed the spherical shape of the nanoparticles in 4–10 nm. The optimized CoFe2O4-G (1–5 wt.%) composite materials samples were tried for their conductivity, supercapacity, and corrosion properties. The CV results demonstrated a distinctive behavior of the supercapacitor, while the modified CoFe2O4-G (5 wt.%) electrode demonstrated a strong reduction in the Rct value (~94 Ω). The highest corrosion current density valves and corrosion rates were attained in the CoFe2O4-G (5 wt.%) composite materials as 5.53 and 0.20, respectively. The high conductivity of graphene that initiated the poor corrosion rate of the CoFe2O4-graphene composite materials could be accredited to the high conductivity and reactivity.

Development of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/silver nanoparticle electrospun nanofibre mats for energy harvesting

Energy harvesting using piezoelectric materials finds attention of researchers due to miniaturisation. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is one such polymeric material with high piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties and hence is used for sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and biomedical devices. This study reports electrospinning of PVDF/Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) nanofibre mats for energy harvesting. Nanofibre mats were prepared by adopting voltage (20 kV), flow rate (1.5 mL/hour) and tip to collector distance (19 cm). The fibre mats were characterised using Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR and XRD results showed 11.84% and 36.36% increase in β-phase and crystallinity, respectively, due to the addition of 1.5 wt. % AgNP to PVDF. SEM micrographs showed decrease in bead formation and increase in fibre diameter from 40 nm to 355 nm due to the addition of AgNP. Sensitivity and voltage output were studied. The fibre mats were used for development of a miniature burglar alarm system, and its response to the applied pressure was tested.

Novel β-cyclodextrin based copolymers: fabrication, characterization and in vitro release behavior

A novel cyclodextrin-contained copolymer poly(AAc-co-SA-AC-co-allyl-β-CD) was synthesized based on the method of redox radical polymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra were used to study the structure of the obtained copolymer. The molecular weight of the copolymer was studied by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated by a solvent evaporation method. The morphology and particle size distribution of the cargo-free NPs were investigated with transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and laser particle analyzer, respectively. Curcumin (Cur) was selected as a model drug and encapsulated into the above NPs. The distribution of Cur in the drug-loaded NPs was analyzed by the method of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the release profiles of Cur from Cur-loaded NPs were studied in pH 6.8 and 7.4 buffers. The results of FTIR and 1H NMR spectra confirmed the successful synthesis of poly(AAc-co-SA-AC-co-allyl-β-CD). GPC curve proved that the molecular weight of the copolymer was more than 60 kDa. TEM and AFM images illustrated that the cargo-free NPs were in spherical shape with a diameter about 40 nm. XRD patterns and DSC curves indicated that most of Cur distributed in the Cur-loaded NPs with amorphous state. Importantly, the medicated NPs showed sustained release characteristics toward Cur.

Identification of Coatings on Persian Lacquer Papier Mache Penboxes by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Luminescence Imaging

In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and luminescence imaging were used to identify the coatings of seven Persian lacquer papier mache penboxes, of which two were contemporary, one was from the Pahlavi era, and four belonged to the Qajar era. First, FTIR was used to identify the nature of the coating. Then, UV-induced visible luminescence imaging at the spectral ranges of 420–680 nm (UVL), 425–495 nm (UVIBL), and 615–645 nm (UVIRL) was performed for further examination. The FTIR results showed that the coatings were made of alkyd resin, oil-resin varnish (Kaman oil), and shellac. In UV-induced visible luminescence images, synthetic alkyd resin showed no fluorescence, which made it distinguishable from the natural organic coatings. While it is slightly challenging to differentiate Kaman oil from shellac based on FTIR results, these two coatings can be easily distinguished by their fluorescence in UVL and UVIBL images. The results suggest that the combined use of spectroscopy and spectral imaging methods can provide substantial information about the organic coatings of historical objects.

The utilization of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA) as a novel sphalerite depressant in the selective flotation of galena from sphalerite

In this work, 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA) was explored as a novel sphalerite depressant in the selective flotation of galena from sphalerite. The separation performances were investigated by single and synthetic flotation tests. The depression mechanism was examined by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The flotation test results showed that PBTCA was an effective sphalerite depressant with good selectivity at broad pH range, which could achieve satisfactory separation results. Zeta potential and FTIR results indicated that PBTCA was more prone to adsorb on sphalerite surface than that of galena. In addition, SIBX could replace adsorbed PBTCA on the galena surface while it was impossible to substitute that on the sphalerite surface, which rendered sphalerite surface hydrophilic and enlarged the floatability difference. XPS analysis manifested that PBTCA was adsorbed on sphalerite surface through the strong complexation between carboxyl, phosphonic acid groups and Zn sites on sphalerite surface, forming C-O-Zn or P-O-Zn bond.

Synthesis and properties of phosphate cancrinite (PO4‐CAN) a synthetic counterpart of depmeierite

AbstractPhosphate cancrinite (PO4‐CAN) has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions at 473 K using kaolin, sodium orthophosphate‐dodecahydrate and strong alkaline conditions (8 M NaOH solution). Cancrinite crystals of rod‐like habit and maximum lengths up to 2 μm were observed and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR) of the nucleus 31P, thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and heating experiments under open conditions in a furnace were additionally performed. The empirical formula Na8[SiAlO4]6(PO4)0.58(CO3)0.13(H2O)4.6 was calculated from EDXS analyses and TG data under consideration of a minor carbonate content, detected by FTIR spectroscopy. PO4‐CAN is stable up to 800 °C before thermal destruction rapidly occurs at 825 °C. The final product of TG analyses at 1000 °C is a mixture of a nepheline‐like phase and the phosphate content of the initial cancrinite sample. XRD and FTIR results of the synthesis product are in good agreement with literature data of the rare mineral depmeierite.

Effect of pH and ammonia concentration on the shape and size of fluorapatite nanoparticles obtained by chemical reaction

Nanoparticles of fluorapatite (FAp Nps) were prepared by one step chemical reaction in aqueous solutions. The pH of the system was kept constant at 6 and 8. The FAp Nps were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Ca/P calculated from EDAX analysis was 1.69. The results of XRD analysis and FTIR showed the presence of FAp phases. The DRX results confirm the formation of FAp with a hexagonal structure. TEM images show semispherical and elongated nanoparticles with mean diameter of 3.78 nm, 8.63 nm and 10.46 nm, when the pH and ammonia concentrations is varied. Ammonia concentration and pH influence the morphology and size of the FAp Nps.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Thermal Investigation of Hybrid Banana/Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composite

The key focus of this work was to examine the effect of hybrid fiber reinforcement on thethermal properties of particulate based natural fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. Banana and sisal fiberswere selected as natural fiber reinforcements for the polyester matrix based composites, which wereproduced by mechanical stir mix technique. Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier-TransformInfrared Spectroscopy (FTIS) were conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing andMaterials (ASTM) standards for the characterization of the hybrid composites. The FTIS result shows thedisappearance of 1735 cm-1 peak, a notable evidence of NaOH treatment. The thermal analysis showedthat the hybridization significantly affected the high temperature stability of the composite, with 70%Sisal/30%Banana found to have the lowest high temperature mass loss at a temperature of 300–520oC, thushighest high temperature stability. Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) results shows a minor mass lossrate at a temperature range of 50–150oC as well as a major mass loss rate due to pyrolysis of key fiberconstituents such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin between 260 and 350oC. Also it was observed thatas the percentage of banana in the hybrid fiber increases the speed of high temperature mass loss reduces.

Comparison of Different Synthesis Methods to Obtain GDC as Nanoparticulated Electrolytic Material for SOFCs Operating at Intermediate Temperature (~500°C)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are a promising technology to produce electric energy from chemical energy. To achieve this, the development of new materials with enhanced properties are still needed. In this work, the synthesis of nanostructured powders to be used as components of an Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IT-SOFC) was carried out through different synthesis methods. So, co-precipitation, sol-gel combustion, and hydrothermal synthesis methods were compared in the synthesis of the Gadolinium Doped Cerium G0,2C0,8O1,9 (GDC) used as electrolytic material. Cathodic material (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3 (LSCF) cobaltite type perovskite) was obtained by coprecipitation method. The materials were characterized by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal Gravimetrical Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The synthesized materials showed to be nanostructured. The chemical composition measured by EDS was constant in the entire sample and it has the expected stoichiometry in both materials. On the other hand, X-ray patterns exhibited well-defined peaks characteristic of ordered structures and with a high degree of crystallinity, corresponding with the information reported in the literature. From FTIR results, the characteristic peaks related to the presence of perovskites can be observed in the case of LSCF when it was compared to the results found in the literature. Nanostructured LSCF cathodic material was effectively synthesized by coprecipitation method. In the case of GDC highly crystalline material was obtain by sol-gel combustion method. Based on the results, the employed method allows to obtain homogeneous materials suitable to be used in IT-SOFC.

Flotation behavior and mechanism of hydroxycitric acid as a depressant on the flotation separation of cassiterite from calcite

In this study, the flotation separation of cassiterite (SnO2) from calcite (CaCO3) was investigated using hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which could effectively depress the flotation of calcite. Under the conditions of pH 8.0, styrene phosphonic acid (SPA) 80 mg/L, and HCA 6 mg/L, the flotation recovery of cassiterite and calcite was 82.01% and 19.18%, respectively, in the flotation experiments of single mineral, and a cassiterite concentrate with Sn grade of 62.24% and recovery of 85.60% was obtained in the flotation experiments of mixed artificial binary ore. The mechanism was also investigated by zeta potential measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The results illustrated that HCA selectively adsorbed on the calcite surface and could hinder the adsorption of SPA on calcite surfaces. However, SPA could still adsorb on cassiterite surface in the presence of HCA. Moreover, the results of FT-IR and zeta potential measurement indicated that there was specific adsorption between HCA and calcite, and XPS results revealed that HCA was adsorbed on the calcite surface through the interaction between the carboxyl groups of HCA and the Ca atom on the calcite surface. HCA could be used as a potential depressant in the flotation separation of cassiterite from calcite.

Enhanced Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Antimicrobial Peptides Modified Silver Nanoparticles.

BackgroundThe biofilms could protect bacteria from antibiotics and promote the production of drug-resistant strains, making the bacteria more difficult to be eradicated. Thus, we developed an AMP@PDA@AgNPs nanocomposite, which is formed by modifying silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with antimicrobial peptides (AMP) modified nanocomposite to destroy biofilm in this study.MethodsThe AMP@PDA@AgNPs nanocomposite was prepared with polymerization method and characterized by using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial effects of the nanocomposite were investigated by using agar diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The quantitative analysis of the biofilm formation by the nanocomposite was conducted using crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).ResultsThe DLS and TEM analysis showed it was a spherical nanocomposite with 200 nm size and well dispersed . The results of UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the presence of AMP and AgNPs. The nanocomposite had an excellent biocompatibility at 100 μg/mL. And the AMP@PDA@AgNPs nanocomposite showed superior antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria than AgNPs or AMP. Importantly, the mRNA expression of biofilm-related genes were decreased under the action of the nanocomposites.ConclusionAn AMP@PDA@AgNPs nanocomposite with good biocompatibility was successfully prepared. The nanocomposite could destruct bacterial biofilms by inhibiting the expression of biofilm-related genes. The synergistic strategy of AMPs and AgNPs could provide a new perspective for the treatment of bacterial infection.

Investigation of the effect of waterborne epoxy resins on the hydration kinetics and performance of cement blends

The hydration process and products of polymer-modified cement determine its pore structure and mechanical properties. However, relatively few studies have systematically studied the hydration behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of waterborne epoxy resin (WER)-modified cement blends. This study aims to investigate the influence of the WER content and curing temperature on the early hydration process and hydration product evolution of cement paste. Moreover, the retardation effect of WER during cement hydration on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cement mortar was also studied. In this investigation, three WER contents in the emulsion (i.e., 3%, 6% and 9%) and two curing temperatures (i.e., 20 °C and 40 °C) were employed. The hydration behavior of WER-modified cement over 72 h was characterized by means of the hydration heat, and the hydration kinetics were calculated by using a model proposed by Krstulović and Dabić. The hydration process of the modified cement paste was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microstructure, pore structure, compressive strength and flexural strength of the modified cement mortar were also investigated. The results showed that the WER-modified cements exhibited a lower hydration rate in the acceleration period and released less hydration heat than the plain cement. The retardation effect of WER was mainly related to the prolonged interactions at phase boundaries (I process). The higher the WER content was, the more significant the retardation effect. As the WER content increased, a decreasing content of CH at various curing ages in the modified cement paste was observed according to the FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and TG analysis results. However, when the curing temperature was increased from 20 °C to 40 °C, the hydration rate during the acceleration period notably increased, and the CH content also increased, suggesting an increase in the hydration degree. The compressive strength of WER-modified cement mortar decreased as the WER content increased, which may be related to the cement having a lower hydration degree. The use of an optimum WER content (3%) refined the pore structure in the cement mortar, which resulted in an increase in its flexural strength.

Ultrasound-enhanced biosynthesis of uniform ZnO nanorice using Swietenia macrophylla seed extract and its in vitro anticancer activity

Abstract In this study, ultrasonically driven biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Swietenia macrophylla seed ethyl acetate fraction (SMEAF) has been reported. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the presence of a pure hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. Field emission scanning electron microscope images revealed the formation of uniquely identifiable uniform rice-shaped biologically synthesized ZnOSMEAF particles. The particle sizes of the biosynthesized NPs ranged from 262 to 311 nm. The underlying mechanisms for the biosynthesis of ZnOSMEAF under ultrasound have been proposed based on FTIR and XRD results. The anticancer activity of the as-prepared ZnOSMEAF was investigated against HCT-116 human colon cancer cell lines via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. ZnOSMEAF exhibited significant anticancer activity against colon cancer cells with higher potency than ZnO particles prepared using the chemical method and SMEAF alone. Exposure of HCT-116 colon cancer cells to ZnOSMEAF promoted a remarkable reduction in cell viability in all the tested concentrations. This study suggests that green sonochemically induced ZnO NPs using medicinal plant extract could be a potential anticancer agent for biomedical applications.

Facile synthesis and characterization studies of Mn Co-doped ceria nanoparticles: A promising electrode material for supercapacitors

In this study we report a facile, cost effective one step preparation method for the synthesis of Mn doped cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) through co-precipitation technique. The synthesis was performed at relatively low temperature using a green reagent oxalic acid as reducing agent. The structural and optical attributes of the samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy). The XRD and FTIR results show the formation of Mn doped ceria NPs having a cubic fluorite structure. The morphology and chemical composition of the prepared sample was realized using SEM and EDX spectrum. The synthesized Mn doped ceria NPs shows greater absorption in the visible region and reduced particle size compared to pure ceria NPs.

Pyrolysis of Solid Waste for Bio-Oil and Char Production in Refugees’ Camp: A Case Study

The current research focuses on assessing the potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) conversion into biofuel using pyrolysis process. The MSW samples were taken from Zaatari Syrian Refugee Camp. The physical and chemical characteristics of MSW were studied using proximate and elemental analysis. The results showed that moisture content of MSW is 32.3%, volatile matter (VM) is 67.99%, fixed carbon (FC) content is 5.46%, and ash content is 24.33%. The chemical analysis was conducted using CHNS analyzer and found that the percentage of elements contents: 46% Carbon (C) content, 12% Hydrogen (H2), 2% Nitrogen (N2), 44% Oxygen (O2), and higher heat value (HHV) is 26.14 MJ/kg. The MSW pyrolysis was conducted using tubular fluidized bed reactor (FBR) under inert gas (Nitrogen) at 500 °C with 20 °C/min heating rate and using average particles size 5–10 mm. The products of MSW pyrolysis reaction were: pyrolytic liquid, solid char, and gaseous mixture. The pyrolytic oil and residual char were analyzed using Elemental Analyzer and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of FTIR showed that oil product has considerable amounts of alkenes, alkanes, and carbonyl groups due to high organic compounds contents in MSW. The elemental analysis results showed that oil product content consists of 55% C, 37% O2, and the HHV is 20.8 MJ/kg. The elemental analysis of biochar showed that biochar content consists of 47% C, 49% O2, and HHV is 11.5 MJ/kg. Further research is recommended to study the effects of parameters as reactor types and operating conditions to assess the feasibility of MSW pyrolysis, in addition to the environmental impact study which is necessary to identify and predict the relevant environmental effects of this process.

Effects of hydrolysis treatment on the structure and properties of semi‐interpenetrating superabsorbent polymers

AbstractA semi‐interpenetrating polymer network superabsorbent polymer based on sodium lignosulfonate‐graft‐poly(acrylic acid‐acrylamide)/potassium dihydrogen phosphate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/SL‐g‐P[AA‐AM]/KDP) was synthesized by using solution polymerization. The PVA/SL‐g‐P(AA‐AM)/KDP was further hydrolyzed in NaOH solution. The structure, thermal stability, and morphologies of samples were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of FTIR, TGA, and DSC showed that PVA interpenetration through SL‐g‐P(AA‐AM)/KDP network has occurred, and PVA/SL‐g‐P(AA‐AM)/KDP was successfully alkaline hydrolyzed. From the SEM images, the high porous and loose surface structure of polymers was formed after hydrolysis, which greatly increased the specific surface area. Samples after hydrolysis exhibited higher equilibrium swelling capacity (1963 g/g) compared to the nonhydrolyzed samples (866 g/g). The swelling kinetics of all samples well complied with the pseudo‐second order swelling kinetics model. Simple hydrolysis treatment not only improved the swelling capacity of PVA/SL‐g‐P(AA‐AM)/KDP but also induced an enhancement on its water retention performance, which made it potentially useful as a water retention agent in the revegetation of abandoned mines or slope wasteland.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Particleboard: Investigation of the Environmental Parameters

Particleboard is not entirely a wood replacement but a particular material with its properties, making it more effective at different times than heavy or solid wood. The world’s biggest concern is environmental problems with formaldehyde as a particulate board binder that can lead to human carcinogenic agents. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of particleboard production was performed using openLCA software. The impact assessment was carried out according to the software’s features. This preliminary investigation aims to analyze the chemical composition of particleboard and identify its environmental impact. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) system was used to track the functional group of aliphatic hydrocarbons, inorganic phosphates, and main aliphatic alcohols found in particleboards made in Malaysia. Based on the FTIR results, aliphatic groups were found in numerous aggravates that the spectroscopic infrared was likely to experience. The most important vibrational modes were C–H, at approximately 3000 cm−1, and –CH deformations around 1460 cm−1 and 1380 cm−1. Eight effect groups demonstrated that 100% of the input and all analyses produced the same relative outcome. The life cycle of a product is determined by pollution of the air, water, and soil. Thus, particleboard has a minimal impact on the environment, except for global warming.