Stability Properties Research Articles

Establishing a novel covalent complex of wheat gluten with tea polyphenols: Structure, digestion, and action mechanism

Plant-based proteins represent a more sustainable alternative, the approaches to modify and enhance their functionality and application are focused on. Covalent interaction could significantly modify the structure and function properties of protein. This study investigated the effects of covalent interaction between wheat gluten and tea polyphenols on the structure, aggregation, stability, and digestive properties of their covalent complex, as well as the possible action mechanism. The results showed that tea polyphenols could interact with gluten via covalent bonds (CN and/or CS), while tea polyphenols also acted as a bridge connecting gluten molecules, thus making covalent complex to show the larger particle sizes. This covalent interaction significantly changed the secondary structure, tertiary structure, and surface hydrophobicity of gluten. Moreover, covalent complex exhibited the high polyphenols bioaccessibility during in vitro digestion. The peptide bonds of covalent complex were mainly broken in gastric digestion, while the covalent bonds between tea polyphenols and gluten were completely destroyed in intestinal digestion. In addition, their digestates exhibited excellent antioxidant capability. All results suggest that wheat gluten have potential to prepare functional carrier for transporting active compounds and protecting them during digestion.

Effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the emulsion stability and rheological properties of microalgal Pickering emulsions

This study investigates the effect of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to Pickering emulsions prepared with microalgal particles (Spirulina sp. (SPI), Chlorella sp. HS2 (CLO)). The microalgae particles show a weak interfacial localization and Pickering behavior on the O/W emulsion depending on the size (avg. drop size ∼5.39 μm with SPI and 22.15 μm with CLO), resulting in a different stabilization effect. When CNC is additionally mixed with the Pickering emulsions including large microalgae particles (CLO), CNC replaces microalgae particles and localizes at the interface, enhancing strong emulsion stabilization. For the Pickering emulsions including small microalgae (SPI), CNC localizes at the continuous phase, forming a network structure regardless of the concentration. This interfacial localization behavior of CNC against microalgae particles is reflected in the rheological behavior of the Pickering emulsion. Depending on the location of CNC, the emulsions exhibit the two-step yielding behavior, mainly attributed to the CNC network in the continuous phase. The complex role of particles in the emulsion system is more sensitively reflected in the large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) region, characterized using the sequence of physical process (SPP) rheological analysis. The maximum elasticity (Emax) in SPP analysis, which indicates the recovery of the deformed structure, exhibits a significant difference, discriminating structural characteristics of CNC dispersion incorporated with microalgae particles. Emulsion with CLO-CNC has lower Emax than the SPI-CNC case because CNC particles disperse at the interface and the continuous phase. Then the distance between CNC particles is longer, resulting in a weak network structure throughout the emulsion. Due to a weak network of CNC, the emulsion is more vulnerable to coalescence compared to the SPI-CNC system. Therefore, this study suggests that CNC particles added to the Pickering emulsion with microalgae compete to localize at the interface and give coalescence suppression effects to the emulsion. Also, for the Pickering emulsion system composed of multi-particles, rheological analysis including SPP analysis successfully indicates structural characteristics and flow-induced stabilization of Pickering emulsions with multi-particles that microscopic characterization could not detect.

Photoinduced Nonadiabatic Dynamics of a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Porphyrin Complex.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have gained a lot of attention in the past few decades due to their promising optoelectronic properties. In addition, SWCNTs can form complexes that have good chemical stability and transport properties with other optical functional materials through noncovalent interactions. Elucidating the detailed mechanism of these complexes is of great significance for improving their optoelectronic properties. Nevertheless, simulating the photoinduced dynamics of these complexes accurately is rather challenging since they usually contain hundreds of atoms. To save computational efforts, most of the previous works have ignored the excitonic effects by employing nonadiabatic carrier (electron and hole) dynamics simulations. To properly consider the influence of excitonic effects on the photoinduced ultrafast processes of the SWCNT-tetraphenyl porphyrin (H2TPP) complex and to further improve the computational efficiency, we developed the nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) method based on the extended tight binding-based simplified Tamm-Dancoff approximation (sTDA-xTB), which is applied to study the ultrafast photoinduced dynamics of the noncovalent SWCNT-porphyrin complex. In combination with statically electronic structure calculations, the present work successfully reveals the detailed microscopic mechanism of the ultrafast excitation energy transfer process of the complex. Upon local excitation on the H2TPP molecule, an ultrafast energy transfer process occurs from H2TPP (SWCNT-H2TPP*) to SWCNT (SWCNT*-H2TPP) within 10 fs. Then, two slower processes corresponding to the energy transfer from H2TPP to SWCNT and hole transfer from H2TPP to SWCNT take place in the 1 ps time scale. The sTDA-xTB-based electronic structure calculation and NAMD simulation results not only match the previous experimental observations from static and transient spectra but also provide more insights into the detailed information on the complex's photoinduced dynamics. Therefore, the sTDA-xTB-based NAMD method is a powerful theoretical tool for studying the ultrafast photoinduced dynamics in large extended systems with a large number of electronically excited states, which could be helpful for the subsequent design of SWCNT-based functional materials.

Fusion of Wavelet Features and Gabor Features for SVM-based Iris Verification

Iris verification now become increasingly prominent in biometric-based person verification systems. It has gained a significant role in biometric systems due to its stability, high uniqueness, contactless and non-invasive properties. Iris has more inherent distinctive features than other biometrics. Feature extraction of iris plays a crucial role in this system for accurate person verification. Using the feature extraction process, unique iris features like textural patterns, crypts, and furrows of iris are extracted. In our study, we did a fusion of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) features with multiple wavelet bases (db4, haar, coif3, and sym4) and Gabor features, which contain a good amount of textural and localized information. Fusion here indicates the concatenation of the extracted features using the above techniques. In this work, we studied this method on the full iris only so that a maximum number of features can be extracted. This combined approach yielded a significant 112 number of features. The extracted features are then verified using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier based on radial basis function (RBF) kernel with training vs testing split ratios of 8:2, 6:4, 4:6 and 2:8. In this study, we achieved the highest overall verification accuracy of 95.9% with training vs testing split ratio of 8:2. For other training vs testing split ratios of 6:4, 4:6 and 2:8 we achieved overall verification accuracies of 91.4%, 93.2% and 91.2% respectively. We got an overall verification accuracy of 92.9%, considering training vs testing ratios of 8:2, 6:4, 4:6 and 2:8.

Binding properties of synthesized CS glasses activated by alkaline components

The paper presents the synthesis and evaluation of hydration and binding properties of individual minerals with glass-like structures in silicate systems, most often found in technogenic materials based on phosphorus and blast furnace slags. This work aims to determine the optimum composition of CS glasses to obtain binders with given properties, the hydration of glasses of different silicate and aluminosilicate compositions in the presence of solutions of soda, sodium hydroxide, and sodium metasilicate was investigated. The results of X-ray phase and differential-thermal analysis, and infrared spectrum are given, and the hydration structure of the calcium oxide-silicon oxide-alkali component system has been studied. The analysis of hydrate neoplasms of the studied binding systems shows that the most optimal conditions for the synthesis of stone strength with stable physical and mechanical properties are created in the presence of gel-like phase reinforced by hydrosilicates and hydroaluminosilicates of alkaline and alkaline-alkaline-earth composition, characterized by fiber-like structure and possessing the ability to epitaxial fusion with each other, as well as gel-like phase, which they reinforce.

Effect of the Autoclaving-Cooling Cycle on the Chemical, Morphological, Color, and Pasting Properties of Foxtail Millet Starch.

This study investigated the effect of the autoclaving-cooling (AC) cycle and the starch-to-water ratio on the chemical, morphological, color, and pasting properties of foxtail millet starch to improve its utilization in the food industry. Starch suspensions were prepared using different starch-to-water ratios (i.e., 1:1 and 1:4), with one to three AC cycles for each ratio. Subsequently, the chemical, morphological, color, and pasting properties of native and autoclaved-cooled foxtail millet starch (ACFS) were determined. The results showed that ACFS had higher overall resistant starch (RS) content than native starch. AC treatment reduced the lightness and whiteness index, gelatinization time, and pasting temperature while increasing particle sizes with irregular shapes and surfaces. Starch treated with distilled water at a 1:1 ratio with two AC cycles (1:1-2C) exhibited the highest amylose, starch, and RS contents with stable pasting properties compared with that in other AC treatments. Pasting stability was indicated by the low breakdown viscosity and high trough and final viscosity. The findings suggest that ACFS treated with 1:1-2C could be a stabilizer and functional food.

Research on stability for blended-wing-body aircraft

The primary goal of this research is to research the stability properties of a blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft. This section examines the assessment and selection of aircraft design parameters, planform design, and reflex wing and conducts a complete aircraft stability analysis. A BWB aircraft conceptual design has been completed and the design. To attain static stability, it was examined and refined. The BWB aircraft's study was performed at three distinct values. The analytical findings were used to calculate the angle-of-attack (AOA) and the stall AOA. We determined the estimated initial departure angle of attack and departure region by assessing the results of the trials and a set of stability criteria.

Tunable Luminescent Properties and Multifunctional Imaging Applications of (Gd1-xRx)2O2S:Tb3+ (R = Y, La) Phosphor and Screen.

Gd2O2S:Tb3+ phosphor screens are widely used in image intensifiers, computed tomography, and neutron imaging. To improve the luminescent properties and thermal stability, (Gd1-xRx)2O2S:yTb3+ (R = Y, La) (x = 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.35; y = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10) phosphors were successfully prepared by the carbothermal reduction method. The luminescent spectra showed that the optimum concentrations of Tb3+ ions were 6 and 4 mol % when excited by 292 nm UV light and cathode ray, respectively. The emission wavelengths mainly peaked at 489 and 544 nm. It was found that the introduction of Y3+ ions could improve the luminescent intensity, and the luminescent intensity of (Gd1-xYx)2O2S:0.06Tb3+ was the highest at x = 0.25, while La3+ ions played the opposite role. Then, the thermal stability also improved, and the emission intensities of Gd2O2S:0.06Tb3+, (Gd0.75Y0.25)2O2S:0.06Tb3+, and (Gd0.75La0.25)2O2S:0.06Tb3+ phosphors at 423 K decreased to 66.22%, 68.23%, and 76.10% of the emission intensities at 303 K, respectively. Finally, the (Gd0.75Y0.25)2O2S:0.06Tb3+ phosphor screen was successfully prepared by the gravity deposition method and could be well imaged under UV light and cathode ray excitation with a CMOS camera. In summary, this study demonstrates that (Gd1-xRx)2O2S:Tb3+ (R = Y, La) is a phosphor with excellent luminescent and thermal stability properties and has great potential for application in the field of low-level-light night vision, nondestructive testing, and medical imaging.

Reinforcement of Polylactic acid (PLA) with Rice Straw Fibers for the Production of Bioplastics and their Characterization

T he conventional use and disposal of fossil-based plastics has long been a major environmental problem, as they are not biodegradable and their production consumes a lot of energy. Polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable polymer derived from natural materials, has emerged as a promising alternative as it has comparable properties to conventional plastics and has minimal environmental impact. Rice straw, which is produced in abundance, contains valuable components that could be used effectively in this context. The objective of this research was to investigate the mechanical, characterization, and water stability properties of these synthesized bioplastics. Rice straw fibers (RS) were added in PLA based green bioplastic at different PLA/RS ratios of 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 1:0 wt/wt with 5% plasticizer based on the total solid. The compositions were mixed in an internal mixer and molded in a compression molding process to produce bioplastics. The samples were analyzed for tensile strength, elongation at break, water solubility, water absorption, contact angle, SEM and TGA. The optimum condition for the production of the bioplastic was a 2:1 ratio of PLA/RS with 5% triacetin, resulting in a tensile strength of 58.1 MPa, a water absorption of 1.55% and a water contact angle of 102.8°. SEM analysis showed that the RS exhibited robust adhesion of the RS in the PLA matrix. The biodegradability of the bioplastic was dependent on the RS content and the degradation time. The bioplastic can be reinforced with rice straw material and is potentially suitable for packaging applications at temperatures below 270°C.

Rational design and preparation of the modified polyimide copolymer with superior anti-gamma irradiation

To improve polymer-based bonded solid lubricating materials with excellent anti-gamma irradiation performance, a polyimide (BPI, Polyimide containing hexafluoropropane 2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl)diamine monomer) copolymer containing phenolic hydroxyl and trifluoromethyl groups was synthesized based on a conventional two-step method. Comparative studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on microstructure, thermal stability, mechanical and tribological properties under the different irradiation dose conditions. The results show that, compared with the pure polyimide (PI) and corresponding coatings, the modified BPI copolymer and coatings have better gamma-ray irradiation resistance duo to the copolymer contains lots of the activated phenolic hydroxyl groups and fluorine, which could be effectively inhibit the active destruction of parts of chain structure of copolymer, resulted in the BPI copolymer and BPI based coatings possess good comprehensive mechanical and tribological properties after 1000 kGy gamma irradiation. This study provides a novel approach for the design and preparation of lubricating coatings for nuclear energy systems.

Construction of biopolymer-based hydrogel beads for encapsulation, retention, and colonic delivery of tributyrin: Development of functional beverages (fortified bubble tea)

Tributyrin (TB) can be hydrolyzed into short chain fatty acids (butyric acid) in the gastrointestinal tract, which are claimed to exhibit beneficial health effects in the colon. However, digestion of tributyrin in the stomach and small intestine may promote its absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing its potential colonic health benefits. In this study, we therefore developed a novel method of encapsulating emulsified tributyrin within biopolymer-based hydrogel beads (≈ 800 μm) that were then encapsulated inside the boba beads (≈ 8–10 mm) found in bubble tea. The hydrogel beads were designed to retain and protect the tributyrin under upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions, but then release it within the colon. The concentration of tributyrin within the boba beads was 33.3 mg/g, which is above the value reported to exhibit health benefits. The morphology, encapsulation properties, water holding capacity, stability, and swelling properties of the tributyrin-loaded boba beads were characterized. Tapioca-based beads exhibited a larger degree of swelling when incubated in water for 12h (>95 %), whereas agar-based beads did not (< 20 %). In addition, the potential gastrointestinal fate of both free and encapsulated tributyrin oil droplets was assessed using an in vitro digestion model. The free tributyrin oil droplets were almost completely hydrolyzed (103.2 %) by the end of the small intestine phase, whereas the tributyrin oil droplets encapsulated within the agar-based (29.4 %) or tapioca-based (40.3 %) boba beads were much more resistant to digestion. The tapioca-based beads were partially broken down as they passed through the simulated GIT, while the agar-based beads maintained their structural integrity. The tapioca-based beads were gradually broken down as they passed through the simulated GIT, while the agar-based ones maintained their structural integrity. Agar beads were also harder, more resilient, and chewier than the tapioca ones. Both types of boba beads tended to swell and disintegrate when heated to high temperatures (90 °C), with the effect being more pronounced for the agar beads. Overall, our results suggest that the agar-based boba beads had greater potential for the delivery of tributyrin to the colon than the tapioca-based ones. The recent popularity of bubble tea means that it may be a suitable vehicle for delivering bioactive food components, like functional lipids, vitamins, nutraceuticals, or probiotics.

Encapsulation of linear carbon chains in single-walled carbon nanotubes: Towards 1D van der Waals heterostructures for high-efficiency excitonic solar cells

One-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (1D vdW HTs) based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) encapsulating linear carbon chains (LCCs) with tunable optoelectronic properties provide a fresh ground for efficient excitonic solar cells (XSCs) alternative to those based on 2D monolayer materials. As an effort to identify for the first time 1D vdW HTs for efficient XSCs application, we perform here a systematic theoretical investigation on the energetic and structural stability, optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of 1D vdW HTs based on SWCNTs encapsulating 50 symmetrical LCCs of different lengths, and capped with different conjugated endgroups through comprehensive first-principles calculations. We showed the fundamental role of the length and the endgroups effects in modulating the optoelectronic properties of LCCs. Through exploration of the energetic stability of the 1D vdW HTs of LCCs@SWCNTs from the universal force field (UFF) including vdW interactions, we determined the optimal SWCNTs diameters for which the resulting 1D vdW HTs are stable. Then, the band alignment in the 50 stable 1D vdW HTs of LCCs@SWCNTs is examined. Intriguingly, stable LCCs@SWCNTs are identified as type-II 1D vdW HTs complying the prerequisite of XSCs with strong optical absorption in the UV–visible-NIR spectral regions, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaching well over 21 %. These findings unravel the enormous potential of the 1D vdW HTs in designing next-generation XSCs devices competitive with state-of-the-art solar cells.

Efficient fabrication of conductive sponges for wearable flexible sensors

In recent years, flexible and wearable sensors, particularly piezoresistive sensors, have been widely used in various fields such as human–computer interface, soft robotics, and artificial electronic skin. Three-dimensional (3D) conductive sponges have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent sensor performance, ease of manufacture, and seamless integration into circuits. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used as an ideal substrate for these 3D conductive sponges due to its excellent chemical stability, good biocompatibility, and ideal mechanical properties. In this study, we synthesize a series of conductive silicone sponges (PCSs) by the one-pot thiol oxidative coupling reaction using commercially available multi-walled carbon nanotubes and poly((thiopropyl)methyl dimethylsiloxane). The PCSs possess controllable density and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the PCS-a sponge exhibits a wide pressure sensing range from 0.5 to 230 kPa with high-pressure sensitivity along with excellent mechanical and sensing stability. Pressure sensors fabricated using PCSs can be utilized in speech recognition systems and human activity monitoring such as arm/finger bending or walking while attached to joint positions. Additionally, they can also function as compressible switching devices for pressure alarms and LEDs.

Development of low oil emulsion gels by solidification of oil droplets and determination of their rheological properties

This study aims to develop low-fat emulsion gels by physically solidifying oil droplets using a combination of pectin, soy protein, and bovine gelatin, and to investigate the rheological properties of these emulsion gels. The emulsion gels were formulated with different combinations of these biopolymers [PSG30 (pectin + soy protein + gelatin + 30% oil), PS30 (pectin + soy protein + 30% oil), P30 (pectin + 30% oil), G30 (gelatin + 30% oil)] and compared with commercially available low-fat mayonnaise (DYM40, 40% oil), mayonnaise (TM80, 80% oil), and spreadable fat (SY59, 59% oil) samples. The consistency index (K, Pa.sn) of the emulsion gels ranged from 1.903 to 150.739 Pa.sn, with PSG30 and PS30 formulations exhibiting higher K values than the commercial samples. The highest structural recovery percentage was observed in the SY59 sample at 114.91%. Thermal stability tests demonstrated that PSG30 and PS30 maintained their viscosity and storage modulus (G') values over a wide temperature range. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed significant hydrogen bonding and cross-linking interactions between pectin, soy protein, and gelatin. Microstructural imaging showed that PSG30 had the most homogeneous structure, consistent with its superior rheological performance. Molecular docking analysis determined the binding energy between gelatin and pectin to be -6.40 kcal/mol. Interaction between pectin (Arg-522 residue) and soy protein (11S globulin TGT) was facilitated by salt bridge formation. The developed formulations of pectin, soy protein, and gelatin demonstrate potential for producing low-fat emulsion gels with acceptable texture and stability properties for various food applications.

A comprehensive numerical investigation on structural stability, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of HfxSi1‑xO2 tetragonal compounds from the hafnon Family

This numerical research explores the structural stability, phonons, electronic, and optical properties of tetragonal HfxSi1-xO2 solid solutions for the rates x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75, respectively. During this numerical investigation, the Full-Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave method (FP-LAPW) based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) was employed. Total energy calculations and structure relaxations were carried out using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof Generalized Gradient Approximation (PBE-GGA). For electronic properties, we adopted the Tran-Blaha-modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) function. According to phonon properties, cohesiveness, and formation energy, these alloys have strong thermodynamic stability and could be produced and synthesized experimentally in a laboratory. The structural parameters are in good agreement with the available results for all compounds. From the electronic properties, HfSi3O8 has a small direct band gap in the ΓV-ΓC direction via GGA approximation, equal to 1.541 eV, indicating that the HfSi3O8 material is one of the future-efficient materials for the solar cell fabrication process. However, HfSiO4 and Hf3SiO8 exhibit a large indirect band gap in the ΓV-MC direction, equal to 5.328 eV and 4.284 eV, using GGA approximation, respectively. Motivated by the prospect of using its interesting electronic structure for optoelectronic semiconductor applications, the optical properties of HfSi3O8, HfSiO4, and Hf3SiO8 were studied. This numerical research highlights this material as the first of its kind in terms of optical properties. Given the scarcity of theoretical and experimental data, the current study may be useful for future research on these compounds. Our findings can thus pave the way for further research into the potential use of these oxide compounds in a variety of chemical, physical, and electrical applications aimed at meeting socioeconomic requirements.

First-principles study of CoMn2O4-Cr2O3 coherent interface analysis

The CoMn2O4 coating can effectively protect the metallic interconnect of solid oxide fuel cells, which come into direct contact with the naturally occurring Cr2O3 on the matrix surface. However, the properties of CoMn2O4-Cr2O3 interface remain unclear. In this study, the first-principles calculations are utilized to investigate the atom staking, stability, and electronic properties of the CoMn2O4(101)-Cr2O3(001) interface, along with examining the diffusion behavior of Cr atom at the interface. By comparing the adhesion work, the most stable model is determined. Based on the most stable model, the results of electronic structure analysis show that Mn atoms providing vacant orbitals near the conduction band minimum, enhancing the overall conductivity of the interface. The projected density of states metal atoms validates the formation priority of Cr-O bonds. The climbing image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method is used to simulate the interstitial diffusion properties of Cr atom at the interface, revealing that the energy barrier is about 3.05 eV. The diffusion coefficients of Cr atom are calculated accordingly. The obtained results can provide theoretical support for relevant experiments and deepen the understanding of the protective effects of spinel coatings on metallic interconnects of solid oxide fuel cells.

Molecular Dynamics Insights into Mechanical Stability, Elastic Properties, and Fracture Behavior of PHOTH-Graphene.

PHOTH-graphene is a newly predicted 2D carbon material with a low-energy structure. However, its mechanical stability and fracture properties are still elusive. The mechanical stability, elastic, and fracture properties of PHOTH-graphene were investigated using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations equipped with REBO potential in this study. The influence of orientation and temperature on mechanical properties was evaluated. Specifically, the Young's modulus, toughness, and ultimate stress and strain varied by -26.14%, 36.46%, 29.04%, and 25.12%, respectively, when comparing the armchair direction to the zigzag direction. The percentage reduction in ultimate stress, ultimate strain, and toughness of the material in both directions after a temperature increase of 1000 K (from 200 K to 1200 K) ranged from 56.69% to 91.80%, and the Young's modulus was reduced by 13.63% and 7.25% in both directions, respectively, with Young's modulus showing lower sensitivity. Defects usually weaken the material's strength, but adding random point defects in the range of 3% to 5% significantly increases the ultimate strain of the material. Furthermore, hydrogen atom adsorption induces crack expansion to occur earlier, and the crack tip without hydrogen atom adsorption just began to expand when the strain was 0.135, while the crack tip with hydrogen atom adsorption had already undergone significant expansion. This study provides a reference for the possible future practical application of PHOTH-graphene in terms of mechanical properties and fracture failure.

The effect of anionic emulsifiers’ diversity and manufacturing processes on the stability and mechanical properties of the water-based epoxy-emulsified asphalt

Emulsified asphalt mixtures’ cold mix and paving features facilitate asphalt pavements in fulfilling dual-carbon and energy-saving demands. Anionic emulsifiers can enhance emulsion stability, ensure uniform dispersion of oil and water, possess good decompression viscosity, thickening, and lubricating properties, and maintain good stability under acidic conditions. Nevertheless, anionic emulsified asphalt is restricted in engineering applications due to problems like its storage stability. In this paper, eight anionic emulsifiers and two preparation procedures were chosen for stability tests. Through static tests, storage tests, sieve residue tests, and laser particle size tests, the impacts of emulsifiers on the storage stability and dispersion of asphalt were analyzed. Waterborne epoxy resin exhibits excellent adhesive properties, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and heat stability. A fluorescence microscope test, static and storage test, laser particle size test, and cementation test were employed to explore the effects of different preparation processes and waterborne epoxy mixing ratios on emulsified asphalt’s storage stability, dispersion stability, and structural stability. The results showed that: (1) the emulsified asphalt prepared with the BWH-02 emulsifier exhibits the best storage stability, and blending with 20% of the waterborne epoxy modifier can notably enhance the bonding properties; (2) the shear strength of the BWH-02 waterborne epoxy emulsified asphalt prepared can reach 1.543 MPa, and the tensile viscosity can reach 0.848 MPa; (3), The emulsified asphalt prepared by the process of modification has better storage stability than that prepared by the side of the emulsification process. Moreover, the storage stability of emulsified asphalt prepared by emulsification and modification is superior to that of the emulsification and modification process. This research provides theoretical and technical support for popularizing and applying cold-mixed cold-paving asphalt mixtures.

Reversible fluorescence/photochromic switching of repeated-response cellulose-based hydrogels for information encryption

The rapid development of anti-counterfeiting technology has brought new challenges to the repeatability and stability of reversible fluorescence/photochromic switching hydrogels. To address this issue, a series of chemical cross-linked cellulose-based intelligent responsive hydrogels were synthesized by free-radical graft copolymerization in a hydrothermal process. This strategy allows for the creation of a chemical cross-linked three-dimensional structure that anchors photochromic ammonium molybdate and fluorescent carbon dots together, resulting in enhanced stability and mechanical properties. Especially, the tensile and compressive strength of hydrogel reached a maximum value of 280 kPa and 560 kPa, respectively, which far exceeds that of some reported hydrogels. The resultant hydrogels exhibited desired reversible fluorescence/photochromic switching, reversible printing and erasing of patterns, and information encryption/decryption. Notably, the change of photochromism from yellow to green can be realized, and the self-fading process can be shortened to 25 min at 60 °C instead of 6 h at room temperature. More importantly, the fluorescence quenching phenomenon of the hydrogel occurs gradually after 2 min of continuous irradiation, and it can be recovered by selective treatment with ethanol. Overall, this study provides a simple strategy for the preparation of environmentally friendly reversible fluorescence/photochromic switching cellulose-based hydrogels for information encryption.

Methods for Fabrication of Self/Free Standing Nanocellulose (NC)-Nano Montmorillonite (N-MMT) Composite Films/Sheets — A Review

Plastic pollution looms large as a formidable foe to the environment. Enter cellulose nanofibers, the shining stars in the quest for innovative, eco-friendly paper-based packaging that is not just renewable, but also recyclable and biodegradable. These cellulose wonders boast impressively low oxygen permeability, but when it comes to water vapor, they fall short compared to traditional packaging plastics like LDPE. To tackle this challenge, researchers have been crafting composites by blending cellulose nanofibers with inorganic nanoparticles, such as Montmorillonite clay, which helps to curb water vapor permeability. However, this clever addition comes with a catch — it further complicates the already tricky drainage process during layer formation via vacuum filtration. This review delves into the complex world of nano cellulose-nano-MMT (Montmorillonite) composites, examining their preparation processes, unique characteristics, wide-ranging uses, and their significant contribution to promoting circular economy principles. By combining cellulose nanomaterials with MMT, a synergistic approach is taken to develop a new composite material with improved mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Various fabrication techniques are explored, including solution blending, in-situ polymerization, and electrospinning, allowing for customized design and optimization of the composite material. The review discusses how the nano cellulose-MMT composite demonstrates enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties, positioning it as a sustainable option compared to traditional materials. The review also showcases the diverse applications of these nano-composites in fields like packaging, biomedical devices, and environmental cleanup, emphasizing their alignment with circular economy principles. By examining the entire life cycle of these composites, from production to use and eventual disposal or recycling, the review underscores their role in supporting a circular economy. In light of the ongoing efforts by the scientific community and various industries to identify environmentally sustainable solutions, it is imperative to comprehend the synthesis, properties, and applications of nano cellulose-MMT composites. This understanding is essential for advancing sustainable processing for green material development.