Rheological Tests Research Articles

Synergistic effects of cellulose nanocrystal on the mechanical and shape memory properties of TPU composites

Cellulose nanocrystal is a nanomaterial that has a large specific surface area, high surface energy, and high strength. As well, it is biocompatible, environmentally friendly, nontoxic, and can be extracted from biomass resources. Because of these features, cellulose nanocrystals can be used to improve the mechanical properties of polymer matrices with a shape memory effect and as a shape memory switch. In this study, a polytrimethylene ether glycol-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composite was prepared via an in-situ polymerization process to create a self-healing polymer matrix. Also, the effect of CNC doses in low concentrations (≤2 wt%) on the different properties of the resulting bio-nanocomposite was investigated. The results showed that the introduction of CNCs affects the hydrogen bonding within the polymer matrix and provides better thermal stability in the high temperature range than pure TPU. Furthermore, the samples with 0 wt%, 0.75 wt%, 1 wt%, and 2 wt% of CNC exhibited an increasing trend in tensile strength with values of 11.71 MPa, 18.95 MPa, 17.88 MPa, and 26.18 MPa, respectively, which indicates a remarkable improvement in mechanical strength. The shape memory behavior was also notably prominent in this polymer composite, where the composite containing 2 wt% of CNC showed the fastest recovery time (240 s) at 75 °C with the highest shape retention. Moreover, their flow behavior and deformation capacity were examined through rheology tests. Besides, docking simulations were conducted in silico to assess the interaction of the TPU/CNC composite with the DNA gyrase enzyme. The interaction between CNC/TPU composite and DNA gyrase was meticulously analyzed across 10 distinct conformations, yielding docking scores ranging from −6.5 Kcal/mol to −5.3 Kcal/mol. Overall, the physico-mechanical properties of the TPU/CNC composites were substantially enhanced with the incorporation of nanofillers.

3D-printed MOF/MoS2 aerogel for dye adsorption and photocatalytic degradation

The escalating challenge of water resources contamination, attributed to toxic pollutants, requires urgent attention from both governments and society. Furthermore, the inefficacy of conventional water treatment methods emphasizes the critical necessity for exploring the development of affordable, renewable, and high-performance materials, which should, for instance, enable the mutual adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Here we employed the 3D printing technique to manufacture an aerogel based on alginate, gelatin, and carboxymethylcellulose incorporated with 5 and 7.5 wt % of MOF/MoS2. FTIR spectra and EDS analysis evidenced the presence of MOF/MoS2 in the structure of the aerogels, while Helium pycnometer analysis and SEM micrographs demonstrated that the aerogels presented low density and a porous structure with porosity above 80 %. The swelling test showed that the aerogels displayed a high water absorption capacity (1400 %) after 70 h of immersion. The rheology test demonstrated that elastic behavior prevails over viscous behavior (G' > G″) and the incorporation of 7.5 wt % MOF/MoS2 favored shear thinning and viscosity recovery in the hydrogel. Adsorption tests to methylene blue (employed as a model) showed that the aerogel (HD) without the presence of MOF/MoS2 and the aerogels HD/MOF/MoS2 5 % and MOF/MoS2 7.5 % showed removal efficiencies of 16.77 %, 28.66 %, and 95.86 %, respectively. Conversely, the photodegradation test showed that HD/MOF/MoS2 5 % and HD/MOF/MoS2 7.5 % had an efficiency of 89 % and HD of 80 %. Therefore, our results demonstrate that the developed aerogels are promising candidates for the adsorption and photodegradation of dye while being low-cost, environmentally friendly, and easy to manufacture.

Injectable, reversibly thermoresponsive captopril-laden hydrogel for the local treatment of sensory loss in diabetic neuropathy

A major and irreversible complication of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which can lead to significant disability and decreased quality of life. Prior work demonstrates the peptide hormone Angiotensin II (Ang II) is released locally in neuropathy and drives inflammation and impaired endoneurial blood flow. Therefore, we proposed that by utilizing a local thermoresponsive hydrogel injection, we could deliver inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) to suppress Ang II production and reduce nerve dysfunction in DPN through local drug release. The ACE inhibitor captopril was encapsulated into a micelle, which was then embedded into a reversibly thermoresponsive pluronics-based hydrogel matrix. Drug-free and captopril-loaded hydrogels demonstrated excellent product stability and sterility. Rheology testing confirmed sol properties with low viscosity at ambient temperature and increased viscosity and gelation at 37 °C. Captopril-loaded hydrogels significantly inhibited Ang II production in comparison to drug-free hydrogels. DPN mice treated with captopril-loaded hydrogels displayed normalized mechanical sensitivity and reduced inflammation, without side-effects associated with systemic exposure. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of repurposing ACE inhibitors as locally delivered anti-inflammatories for the treatment of sensory deficits in DPN. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a locally delivered ACE inhibitor for the treatment of DPN.

Fortification of wheat bread with an alternative source of bean proteins using raw and roasted Phaseolus coccineus flours: Impact on physicochemical, nutritional and quality attributes

Wheat flour substitution with flours from raw and roasted beans of Phaseolus coccineus at 20 and 30% (flour basis) was studied in breadmaking. The rheological behavior of starch-proteins networks in the composite flour doughs, composition and quality attributes of breads, bread staling events, in vitro starch digestibility of bread crumbs, and volatiles profile, were evaluated using a multi-instrumental analytical approach. According to oscillatory rheological tests, wheat flour substitution with bean flour enhanced the dough's firmness (G′, η*), implying a greater dough resistance to flow and deformation. Nevertheless, the specific volume of breads with roasted beans flour improved, compared to those fortified with raw bean flour, and was comparable to control wheat bread. The texture profile analysis of breads with raw bean flour indicated a greater degree of crumb hardening at the end of storage, despite the lower extent of amylopectin retrogradation, as determined calorimetrically (DSC). FTIR spectroscopy for breads containing bean flour showed little differentiations in the secondary protein structures between fresh and stored crumbs; generally, the β-type structures (β-sheet, aggregates and β-turn) prevailed in all samples at the expense of other secondary conformational elements in the crumb protein networks. The in vitro starch digestibility of fortified bread crumb showed reduced glucose release responses compared to wheat flour bread. The typical "beany" flavor notes of fortified breads were masked using the roasted bean flour; this was corroborated by a modified profile of bread volatiles, resulting in a pleasant sensory appeal for the 20%-substituted product and a more favourable consumer acceptability.

Analysis of viscoelastic rheological properties and storage stability of solvent cold patching asphalt

Solvent cold patching asphalt (CPA) is commonly mixed with aggregate for rapid pavement pothole repairing in cold and wet seasons, as its ordinary temperature fluidity and gradually increased viscosity. Currently, the evaluation criteria and expectations for the CPA are often related to the modified asphalt without considering the metastable viscoelastic properties of CPA required to ensure the preparation and storage effectiveness. This paper selects diesel oil, kerosene, aromatics solvent oil and isomeric hexadecane four solvents to prepare CPAs, and investigates the viscoelastic properties and storage stability of CPAs with considering the storage time, temperature and solvents incorporation proportion based on penetration test, viscosity test and dynamic shear rheological test. The experimental results show that the optimal dosage of the four diluents is 20%, among which IH-CPA has better storage stability at 30℃, and its 30d viscosity change is the smallest, which is 19.2%. Moreover, the interaction mechanism between solvent and asphalt is explored through molecular simulation model. The research outcome shows that findings from this research can contribute to a better understanding of the metastable structure of CPA, and furnish the high-performance CPA production and storage strategies.

Low-calorie functional dairy dessert enriched by prebiotic fibers and high antioxidant herbal extracts: A study of optimization and rheological properties.

The formulations of functional low-calorie dairy dessert, enriched with inulin/polydextrose (as a starch substitute), and ginger/cinnamon extract (as a flavor component and natural antioxidants), were developed and optimized by the D-optimal mixed design method. In the first stage, using the hedonic sensory evaluation and syneresis data, the optimal concentrations of inulin and polydextrose were obtained as 2.49% inulin and 1.51% polydextrose, respectively. The steady shear rheological test showed that the replacement of starch with inulin and polydextrose caused a decrease in apparent viscosity in all dessert samples. This decrease was higher in the samples containing polydextrose than those containing inulin. The replacement of starch with inulin and polydextrose also reduced the hysteresis loop area and thixotropic behavior. In the second stage, 0-0.4% of ginger and cinnamon extracts were added to the optimum sample and then the antioxidant and color properties of dessert samples were evaluated. The lightness (L*) Hunter parameter decreased by adding extracts and the samples containing cinnamon extract showed a higher a* parameter than the control and ginger-incorporated samples. The result of the 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay showed that the antioxidant capacity of ginger extract was significantly higher than that of cinnamon extract. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of dessert samples decreased by adding 0.4% cinnamon and ginger extracts from 88.30 mg/mL to 77.04 and 31.94 mg/mL, respectively.

Influence of Particle Size and Content of Agglomerated Polybutadiene on Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Terpolymer

The particle size of polybutadiene (PB) particles can be effectively controlled through polymer agglomeration. However, up to now, the impact of the particle size and concentration of agglomerated PB on the mechanical properties and rheological behavior of ABS terpolymer remains unclear. Our research described here studied the effect of the particle size and content of agglomerated PB on the mechanical and rheological properties of ABS. It was found that the impact strength of ABS with a bimodal size distribution of PB (67/452 nm) exceeded that of ABS with a unimodal PB size distribution within the PB content range studied. Furthermore, the impact strength of the ABS containing 319 nm PB above the brittle-toughness transition point was greater than that of other ABS containing unimodal PB at the same PB content. For ABS with a unimodal PB distribution, the PB contents of ABS containing 220, 319, and 415 nm PB at the brittle ductile transition point were 14%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. The tensile strength and melting index of the ABS containing different particle sizes of agglomerated PB decreased linearly with the increase of PB content. Rheological tests showed the viscosity and dynamic viscoelastic properties of the ABS blends. All ABS exhibited shear-thinning behavior, and the addition of PB content resulted in more elastic than viscous behavior in the ABS blends. At the same angular frequency (ω), higher PB content corresponded to greater complex viscosity in the ABS blends. In addition, as the PB content in ABS was increased, it exhibited more solid-like behavior. This study, we suggest, provides a good insight into the effect of agglomerated PB on the ABS/PB blend properties and explores practical applications for the polymer agglomeration of polybutadiene latex (PBL).

Integrative experimental and computational analysis of the impact of KGM's polymerization degree on wheat starch's pasting and retrogradation characteristics

This study investigated the influence of Konjac Glucomannan (KGM) with varying degrees of polymerization (DKGMx) on the gelatinization and retrogradation characteristics of wheat starch, providing new insights into starch-polysaccharide interactions. This research uniquely focuses on the effects of DKGMx, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches including Rapid Visco Analysis (RVA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheological testing, Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR), and molecular simulations to assess the effects of DKGMx on gelatinization temperature, viscosity, structural changes post-retrogradation, and molecular interactions. Our findings revealed that higher degrees of polymerization (DP) of DKGMx significantly enhanced starch's pasting viscosity and stability, whereas lower DP reduced viscosity and interfered with retrogradation. High DP DKGMx promoted retrogradation by modifying moisture distribution. Molecular simulations revealed the interplay between low DP DKGMx and starch molecules. These interactions, characterized by increased hydrogen bonds and tighter binding to more starch chains, inhibited starch molecular rearrangement. Specifically, low DP DKGMx established a dense hydrogen bond network with starch, significantly restricting molecular mobility and rearrangement. This study provides new insights into the role of the DP of DKGMx in modulating wheat starch's properties, offering valuable implications for the functional improvement of starch-based foods and advancing starch science.

An Exosome-Laden Hydrogel Wound Dressing That Can Be Point-of-Need Manufactured in Austere and Operational Environments.

Skin wounds often form scar tissue during healing. Early intervention with tissue-engineered materials and cell therapies may promote scar-free healing. Exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are believed to have high regenerative capacity. EV bioactivity is preserved after lyophilization and storage to enable use in remote and typically resource-constrained environments. We developed a bioprinted bandage containing reconstituted EVs that can be fabricated at the point-of-need. An alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) biomaterial ink was prepared, and printability and mechanical properties were assessed with rheology and compression testing. Three-dimensional printed constructs were evaluated for Young's modulus relative to infill density and crosslinking to yield material with stiffness suitable for use as a wound dressing. We purified EVs from human MSC-conditioned media and characterized them with nanoparticle tracking analysis and mass spectroscopy, which gave a peak size of 118 nm and identification of known EV proteins. Fluorescently labeled EVs were mixed to form bio-ink and bioprinted to characterize EV release. EV bandages were bioprinted on both a commercial laboratory bioprinter and a custom ruggedized 3D printer with bioprinting capabilities, and lyophilized EVs, biomaterial ink, and thermoplastic filament were deployed to an austere Arctic environment and bioprinted. This work demonstrates that EVs can be bioprinted with an alginate/CMC hydrogel and released over time when in contact with a skin-like substitute. The technology is suitable for operational medical applications, notably in resource-limited locations, including large-scale natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and combat zones.

Degradation performance and mechanism of VOCs in asphalt by alkali metal-doped La2Ce2O7-based fluorite through pyroelectric and photocatalytic synergy

Under high-temperature construction conditions, the use of asphalt can release a large amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which has adverse effect on the environment and human health. Part of fluorite oxides show potential application in VOCs conversion due to their excellent photoresponse and chemical stability in addition to ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity properties. In this paper, La2Ce2O7-based fluorite was modified with alkali metal doping and its photo-thermal coupling catalytic effects on the degradation performance of VOCs in asphalt were investigated. The results show that the fluorite catalysts La1.85A0.15Ce2O7 (A=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) have efficient electron-hole pair separation ability. Among them, the Rb+ doped La2Ce2O7 sample not only has stronger pyroelectric effect due to increased lattice distortion and oxygen vacancies, but also has the best photogenerated charge transport property and more favorable valence band position for oxidation reaction. Under the photo-thermal synergistic effect, the catalytic degradation performance of VOCs in asphalt by Rb+ doped La2Ce2O7 catalyst can reach 82.61 % at 50 min. Additionally, dynamic shear rheological tests indicate that the addition of catalysts at this blending ratio can enhance the rutting resistance of the asphalt material. This study introduces an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of multi-field coupled degradation processes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in asphalt.

Nanocomposite Coatings of Pectin and Oxide Zinc Nanoparticles to Increase Papaya Shelf Life

Nanocomposite coatings functionalized with antimicrobial nanoparticles could be a promising alternative for the postharvest preservation of fruits. This study aimed to develop nanocomposite coatings based on pectin incorporated with zinc oxide (NPZ) nanoparticles to preserve the postharvest quality of papaya fruits. The coatings were prepared using pectin (3%) and NPZ (0%–0.4%). The materials were characterized for water-related properties (water solubility and water vapor permeability) as well as physical, mechanical, morphological, rheological, and structural properties. The coatings were applied to papaya fruits, which were analyzed for weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids over nine days of storage. Incorporating NPZ (0%–0.4%) did not affect the films’ water solubility and vapor permeability. However, films with NPZ exhibited lower mechanical properties than pure pectin films. Rheological behavior testing indicated that the pectin solution was a Newtonian fluid, whereas pectin solutions with zinc nanoparticles were non-Newtonian fluids. The pectin coating with 0.2% NPZ was the most effective in preserving the postharvest quality of papaya by reducing fruit weight loss and acidity content. Therefore, the developed coatings incorporated with NPZ showed promise for the postharvest preservation of papaya fruits.

Comparison of reinforcement fibers in 3D printing mortars using multi-criteria analysis

3D concrete printing (3DCP) has developed rapidly in recent years, with a relatively high amount of mortars emerging apt for 3D printing. Some of these mortars include fibers to improve their strength. Despite mechanical properties having been quite well studied, there still is missing information on cost, printability, and environmental impacts. The objective of this research is to select the best mortars with fibers considering four criteria: printability, mechanical strength, and economic and environmental impact applying a multi-criteria decision-making analysis (MCDMA). Seven types of fibers with different dosages were assessed in the reinforced mortars: zylon, aramid, carbon, glass, cellulose, textile, and polypropylene. AHP method and equal weights were used as ponderation techniques of the criteria while WASPAS and TOPSIS methods were used to calculate the rankings of the MCDMA. Printability was measured through rheological tests using a rotational rheometer, mechanical strength through flexural tests at 28 days based on EN 196–1, and cost just considering the materials and environmental impact through a life cycle assessment (LCA). The results showed that 13-mm-long glass fibers with a content of 0.1% were the best alternative, closely followed by the mortar with 6 mm cellulose fibers with a content of 0.05%. For the best option (G13;0.1), the increments in the printability index, flexural strength, cost, and LCA were − 14.37%, 16.70%, 5.88%, and 2.86%, respectively. It can also be concluded that high elastic modulus fibers (zylon and aramid), although able to increase significantly the flexural strength (up to 30% in the case of zylon), prevent them from being an optimal solution due to their high cost.

Synthesis of a novel bio-based curing agent and the curing behavior of the corresponding epoxy asphalt system

Traditional epoxy asphalt is made from petroleum resources. However, petroleum-based materials may cause environmental pollution and are not renewable. In this study, a bio-based curing agent MYM was synthesized from Maleic anhydride and Myrcene. The cured epoxy EP/MYM with the weight ratio of 1:1 were prepared. When preparing the modified asphalt, carboxyl-terminated liquid nitrile butadiene rubber (CTBN) was incorporated into the EP/MYM system to obtain the EP/MYM/CTBN modified asphalt system (referred to EMC epoxy asphalt). Firstly, the chemical structure of MYM was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Secondly, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the cured EP/MYM were investigated by tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Thirdly, the novel EMC epoxy asphalt was prepared and its composition was optimized. The curing behavior of the EMC epoxy asphalt was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). And the time-temperature-transition diagrams (TTT diagrams) were plotted to determine the optimal curing process. Then the surface micro-morphology of EMC epoxy asphalt was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Finally, the high-temperature viscoelastic properties of EMC epoxy asphalt were investigated using dynamic shear rheology (DSR) tests. The results showed that EP/MYM has better mechanical strength and more excellent flexibility than those of EP/MTHPA and EP/MHHPA. The weight ratio of EP:MYM:CTBN was 10:8:1.5, and the optimal amount of diluent was 8 % of the total weight of the modifier. The semi-empirical kinetic modes of curing reaction were used to plot the TTT diagram of EMC epoxy asphalt, thus determining its curing technique as 120℃/2 h+160℃/3 h. The cured EMC epoxy asphalt showed uniform alternation of light and dark areas in the AFM images, indicating good compatibility and stability. The high-temperature deformation resistance of EMC epoxy asphalt was significantly improved compared to the base asphalt. The novel epoxy asphalt system prepared in this research provides a new route for the development of echo-friendly epoxy asphalt.

3D printing for constructing biocarriers using sodium alginate/ε-poly-l-lysine ink: Enhancing microbial enrichment for efficient nitrogen removal in wastewater

The microbial enrichment of traditional biocarriers is limited due to the inadequate consideration of spatial structure and surface charging characteristics. Here, capitalizing on the ability of 3D printing technology to fabricate high-resolution materials, we further designed a positively charged sodium alginate/ε-poly-l-lysine (SA/ε-PL) printing ink, and the 3D printed biocarriers with ideal pore structure and rich positive charge were constructed to enhance the microbial enrichment. The rheological and mechanical tests confirmed that the developed SA/ε-PL ink could simultaneously satisfy the smooth extrusion for printing process and the maintenance of 3D structure. The utilization of the ε-PL secondary cross-linking strategy reinforced the 3D mechanical structure and imparted the requisite physical properties for its application as a biocarrier. Compared with traditional sponge carriers, 3D printed biocarrier had a faster initial attachment rate and a higher biomass of 14.58 ± 1.18 VS/cm3, and the nitrogen removal efficiency increased by 53.9 %. Besides, due to the superior electrochemical properties and biocompatibility, the 3D printed biocarriers effectively enriched the electroactive denitrifying bacteria genus Trichococcus, thus supporting its excellent denitrification performance. This study provided novel insights into the development of new functional biocarriers in the wastewater treatment, thereby providing scientific guidance for practical engineering.

Применение конопляного урбеча и нутовой муки в составе комбинированных творожных десертов

Purpose. Determination of the functional and technological compatibility of whipped food systems of combined curd desserts with neoprotein ingredients. Materials and Мethods. Experimental research and development of samples were carried out in the conditions of the Department of Food Production Technologies of Volgograd State Technical University and Complex Analytical Laboratory of VRIMMP (Volgograd). The object of the study was combined curd desserts with neoprotein ingredients: urbech from peeled hemp seeds in the curd part and chickpea flour in the biscuit part. All studies within the framework of this work were carried out in accordance with regulatory documents of state standards of the Russian Federation: assessment of organoleptic indicators – according to GOST R ISO 22935-2-2011 and GOST 31986-2012; whipped of the curd part was determined according to GOST R 52175-2003, mass fraction of moisture – according to GOST 3626-73, titratable acidity – titrimetrically (GOST 3624-92), mass fraction of moisture in the biscuit – according to GOST 5900-2014. Results. Sample of curd part No. 2 with the addition of 6% urbech from purified hemp kernels and sample of biscuit No. 2 using chickpea flour after frying demonstrated the best organoleptic characteristics. The results of physicochemical and rheological tests showed that the addition of urbech increases whipped of the curd part by 2 times, reduces acidity by 11.1% and increases mass fraction of moisture by 5.5%, and frying chickpea flour helps to increase the mass fraction of moisture in the biscuit, which slows down staling. The use of neoprotein components enriches the combined whipped curd product with plant protein, dietary fiber, macro- and microelements. Conclusion. Production of combined whipped curd products using neoprotein components - hemp urbech and fried chickpea flour, is advisable due to the improvement of the organoleptic, physico-chemical and rheological properties of both the curd and biscuit parts of the product, as well as increasing their nutritional and biological value.

Rheological Changes in Bio-Based Filaments Induced by Extrusion-Based 3D Printing Process.

In this work, the authors investigated the impact of extrusion-based printing process on the structural characteristics of bio-based resins through rheological measurements. Two commercially available filaments made from unfilled and wood-filled polylactide (PLA) polymers were considered. Three-dimensional specimens were prepared by printing these filaments under various operating conditions, i.e., changing the extruder temperature and printing rate, and examined using time sweep tests. Specific cycle rheological testing was conducted on pelletized filaments to simulate temperature changes in the printing process. The rheological characteristics of unprocessed materials, in terms of storage (G') and loss (G″) moduli, were found to be slightly affected by temperature changes. For a pure polymer, the G' slope at a low frequency decreased over time, showing that the polymer chains evolved from a higher to a lower molecular weight. For wood-filled materials, the G' slope rose over the testing time, emphasizing the formation of a percolated network of structured filler within the matrix. On the other side, the rheological parameters of both materials were strongly impacted by the printing extrusion and the related conditions. At lower nozzle temperatures (200 °C), by decreasing the printing speed, the G' and G″ curves became increasingly different with respect to unprocessed resin; whereas at higher nozzle temperatures (220 °C), the influence of the printing speed was insignificant, and all curves (albeit distant from those of unprocessed matrix) mainly overlapped. Considerations on degradation kinetics of both materials during the printing process were also provided by fitting experimental data of complex viscosity with linear correlation over time.

Pick the butt up! Upcycling cigarette butts in road building material for sustainable road construction.

Abstract Roads are the lifeline of any nation. They are vital in passenger and freight transportation. Over usage and heavy loads put a lot of stress and strain on the health of the roads. On the other hand, cigarette butts (CB) are discarded unsafely after smoking and persist in nature as the cellulose acetate content in them, which is a microplastic, that does not decompose easily leading to a lot of littering, pollution and toxin dispersal in the environment. This proposed research utilizes the discarded cigarette butts into road construction material increasing its strength, durability and resistance against rutting while reducing costs and thermal conductivity to maintaining better surface temperatures. The utilization of discarded cigarette butts in road construction is a sustainable solution to not only strengthen the roads, but also reduce the negative environmental impact of improper cigarette butt disposal. In contrast to conventional bitumen roads, these roads possess superior toughness along with broad level durability. Multi-pronged approach to research was implemented here that included firstly a thorough literature review, conceiving the research design, conduct of research steps, evaluation of experimental results, and finally drawing conclusions from them. These experiments included retrieval of cellulose acetate from CBs, traditional physical and rheology tests, sieve analysis by Rothfuch’s technique and Marshall stability test. This paper aims to contribute to sustainable development goals by utilizing CBs to strengthen roads and clean the environment by eliminating this litter.

Characterization of free radical-mediated Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide-EGCG conjugates for chilled minced pork preservation

To improve the functions of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP), POP-EGCG conjugates were prepared using free radical graft polymerization reactions and were characterized using UV–vis, FT-IR, SEM, XRD, DSC, TG, particle size and potential, three-phase contact angle, and rheological tests; The antioxidant and antibacterial ability in vitro were detected. Moreover, effects of POP-EGCG on the quality of refrigerated minced pork were investigated. The results showed the optimal preparation conditions of POP-EGCG were 1 % POP, 1.3 % EGCG, 0.25 % Vc, 16 % concentration of H2O2, and reaction 17 h. The POP-EGCG showed the characteristic peak of EGCG and was a mesh honeycomb with rough and porous surface; It had higher crystallinity, increased particle size, but decreased thermal stability, solubility, and viscosity, and significantly enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial ability. The POP-EGCG effectively improved the sensory quality and inhibited lipid oxidation of chilled minced pork, and extended the shelf life of minced pork up to 9 days at 4 °C. Specifically, the TVB-N and TBARS of minced pork in the POP-EGCG group were respectively 14.93 mg/100 g and 0.9 mg MDA/kg, which were lower than the spoilage thresholds in the national standard. This study provides a theoretical basis for further development of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.

Characterization, stability, and curcumin bioaccessibility of buckwheat flower polysaccharide conjugate emulsion.

In this study, buckwheat flower polysaccharide conjugates (BFPCs) were synthesized and evaluated for their emulsification properties. The stability of BFPC-stabilized emulsions was assessed through particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, microscopic observations, and rheological tests. Gum Arabic served as a control to compare BFPC's emulsifying efficacy across varying storage conditions, including exposure to metal ions, pH variations, and different heat treatment temperatures. Results showed that BFPC significantly lowered interfacial tension (16.2mN/m) and effectively stabilized emulsions containing 60wt% medium-chain triglycerides at a concentration of 1.0wt%. Over a 20-day storage period, BFPC emulsions demonstrated robust resistance to heat (60-90°C), acidic conditions (pH 2.0-9.0), and ion concentrations (Na+, Ca2+). Moreover, in a high oil phase emulsion, BFPC enhanced the bioavailability of curcumin to 27.05%, markedly higher than the 7.10% observed without emulsification, underscoring its potential in nutrient delivery applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Due to its excellent resistance, long-time emulsifying stability under different conditions, and its good effect in curcumin embedding, BFPC has a broad prospect and can be widely used under various conditions in food industry.

Sustainable production of WMA with pine gum wax modification

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) (S®-WMA) produced with Sasobit® (S®), a widely used organic admixture, shows a significant increase in softening point value and a decrease in stripping resistance. These two characteristics of S®-WMA are considered as some problems to be solved. Therefore, this study was established to evaluate possible solutions to these two problems through another modification process. In this study, it was investigated whether modifying S®-WMA using a previously unstudied product, pine gum wax (PGW), could be a solution to the problem. In this context, WMA was produced with S® at 1, 2 and 3 in percent by mass of bitumen. As PGW has not been previously used as an additive to modify S®-WMA, it was added within a limit of 1% (by bitumen mass) for initial investigation. Physical and rheological standard tests were performed on each sample to demonstrate the change in properties of S®-WMA produced with 1% PGW compared to S®-WMA. The results indicated that the addition of 1% PGW to S®-WMA resulted in a significant reduction in softening point and an improvement in stripping resistance compared to S®-WMA. Thus, it seems that the use of PGW could be a potential solution for the two mentioned problems. It can also be pointed out that modifying the S®-WMA specimen with PGW without compromising its properties can help in an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly solution. However, due to the use of PGW, more in-depth research is required.