Strong Interaction Research Articles

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in HRQoL and Associated Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: With a Focus on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).

This study aimed to understand how health-related quality of life (HRQoL) differs by race/ethnicity in colorectal (CRC) survivors. We aimed to 1) examine racial/ethnic disparities in HRQoL, and 2) explore the roles of social determinants of health (SDOH) risk factors for HRQoL differ by racial/ethnic groups. In 2,492 adult CRC survivors using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data (from 2014 to 2021, excluding 2015 due to the absence of CRC data), we used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HRQoL measure, categorized into "better" and "poor." Multivariate logistic regressions with prevalence risk (PR) were employed for our primary analyses. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) (PR = 0.61, p = .045) and Hispanics (PR = 0.32, p < .001) reported worse HRQoL in adjusted models. In adjusted models, unemployed/retired and low-income levels were common risk factors for worse HRQoL across all comparison groups (NHW, NHB, non-Hispanic other races, and Hispanics). Other SDOH associated with worse HRQoL include divorced/widowed/never married marital status (non-Hispanic other races and Hispanics), living in rural areas (NHW and NHB), and low education levels (NHB and Hispanics). Marital status, education, and employment status significantly interacted with race/ethnicity, with the strongest interaction between Hispanics and education (PR = 2.45, p = .045) in adjusted models. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions targeting modifiable factors (e.g., social and financial supports, health literacy), specifically for socially vulnerable CRC survivors, to address the disparities in HRQoL among different racial/ethnic groups.

Adjusting the phase transition time node of a solid–liquid biphasic solvent based on 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol for efficient CO2 capture: Insight into the regulatory effect of aminoethylethanolamine

Solid-liquid biphasic solvents (SLBSs) hold promise as energy-efficient candidates for CO2 capture. Nevertheless, the premature phase transition of current SLBSs leads to inopportune solid precipitation, posing operational challenges for the CO2 capture system. This study proposed a promising strategy that using aminoethylethanolamine (AEEA) as a regulator to fine-tune the phase transition time node of the 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP)/N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) SLBS, enabling the phase transition to occur precisely as desired. Experimental results showed that the AEEA/AMP/NMP (A/A/N) SLBS exhibited tunable phase transition time nodes, modulated by the concentration of AEEA. Specifically, with the addition of 0.2 mol·L−1 AEEA, the CO2 loading associated with the phase transition increased significantly, from 0.19 to 0.54 mol·mol−1, approaching the saturation loading of 0.57 mol·mol−1. The delayed phase transition would facilitate the CO2 absorption operation. The regulatory mechanism of AEEA on the phase transition were thoroughly studied via 13C NMR and quantum calculations. AMP reacted with CO2 to produce AMPCOO− and AMPH+, which had a significantly stronger affinity for each other than for the solvent NMP, mediated by strong hydrogen bond interactions. Consequently, the continuous and fast aggregation of AMPCOO− and AMPH+ caused their swift precipitation from NMP. With the introduction of AEEA, the derived product AEEAH+(S)COO–(P) acted as a bridge-builder, connecting AMPCOO− or AMPH+ and NMP via hydrogen bonds, increasing the solubility of the AMP-derived products in NMP, thus effectively delaying the phase transition. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the A/A/N SLBS exhibited a total regeneration energy consumption of 1.94 GJ·ton−1 CO2, representing a significant reduction of 48.9 % compared to that of 30 wt% MEA. This study provided a novel idea for designing SLBSs with controllable phase transition behavior, and offered a promising A/A/N SLBS for energy-efficient CO2 capture.

High-capacity bismuth phosphate anode with reversible conversion reaction for acid batteries

Acid batteries have emerged as a promising technology in electrochemical energy storage owing to their fast kinetics, cost-effectiveness, and exceptional safety. Most reported acid battery electrodes achieve the electrochemical processes via insertion reactions. However, the strong electrostatic interaction between the proton and the host lattices, as well as the limitations imposed by the crystal structure, leads to most reported electrode materials exhibiting a low specific capacity. Herein, we proposed a reversible conversion-type BiPO4 electrode to avoid strong electrostatic interactions between ions and host lattices and to achieve high specific capacity via high valence-state conversion of Bi3+/Bi in acid batteries. Unlike traditional intercalation-type acid electrode materials, the conversion-type BiPO4 electrode presents potential as a high-capacity electrode material. Due to the high valence-state conversion of Bi3+/Bi, it showcases a high specific capacity of 246 mAh g−1, surpassing most reported electrode materials for acid batteries. Also, the BiPO4 electrode demonstrates excellent reversibility due to the insolubility of BiPO4 and the concentrated PO43- promoting the conversion of Bi3+ in the phosphate electrolyte. Based on the above, the full battery maintained over 600 cycles, displaying the adaptability in acid batteries. This work provides new inspiration for the development of novel electrode materials with high capacity and stability in acid batteries

II-Scheme Heterojunction Frameworks Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks and HKUST-1 for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are one type of promising polymer semiconductors in solar-driven hydrogen production, but majority of COFs-based photocatalytic systems show low photocatalytic efficiency owing to lack of metal active sites. Herein, we reported II-Scheme heterojunction frameworks based on COF (TpPa-1) and metal-organic framework (HKUST-1) for highly efficient hydrogen production. The coordination bonding directed self-assembly of HKUST-1 on the surface of TpPa-1 endows the heterojunction frameworks (HKUST-1/TpPa-1) with strong interface interaction, optimized electronic structures and abundant redox active sites, thus remarkably boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The hydrogen evolution rate for optimal HKUST-1/TpPa-1 is as high as 10.50 mmol g-1 h-1, which is significantly enhanced when compared with that of their physical mixture (4.13 mmol g-1 h-1), TpPa-1 (0.013 mmol g-1 h-1) and Pt-based counterpart (6.70mmol g-1 h-1). This work offers a facile approach to the construction of noble-metal-free II-Scheme heterojunctions based on framework materials for efficient solar energy conversion.

A new approach towards highly sensitive detection of endogenous N-acetylaspartic acid, N-acetylglutamic acid, and N-acetylaspartylglutamic acid in brain tissues based on strong anion exchange monolith microextraction coupled with UHPLC-MS/MS.

Anovel in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled withan ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method has been established for simultaneous quantification of three crucial brain biomarkers N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), N-acetylglutamic acid (NAG), and N-acetylaspartylglutamic acid (NAAG). A polymer monolith with quaternary ammonium as the functional group was designed and exhibited efficient enrichment of target analytes through strong anion exchange interaction. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method displayed wide linear ranges (0.1-80 nM for NAA and NAG, 0.2-160 nM for NAAG) with good precision (RSDs were lower than 15%) and low limits of detection (0.019-0.052 nM), which is by far the most sensitive approach for NAA, NAG, and NAAG determination. Furthermore, this approach has been applied to measure the target analytes in mouse brain samples, and endogenous NAA, NAG, and NAAG were successfully detected and quantified from only around 5mg of cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. Compared with existing methods, the newly developed method in the current study provides highest sensitivity and lowest sample consumption for NAA, NAG, and NAAG measurements, which would potentially be utilized in determining and tracking these meaningful brain biomarkers in diseases or treatment processes, benefiting the investigations of pathophysiology and treatment of brain disorders.

Chemical mechanical polishing for copper films in integrated circuit wiring layers using an advanced slurry

In the chemical mechanical polishing process of integrated circuits (IC) copper (Cu) wiring layer, it is difficult to balance between material removal rate (RR) and surface quality. To solve this problem, a novel slurry composed of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-ABI) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was proposed. The Cu surface roughness of 0.63 nm with RR of 5290 Å/min had been achieved. Polishing, electrochemical experiments and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that when DBSA: 2-ABI= 1: 4, the strongest inhibition effect was obtained. Quantum chemical calculations showed that the strong interaction force of hydrogen bonding between 2-ABI and DBSA greatly enhanced the inhibition efficiency. Surface morphology testing showed that the addition of MWCNTs could effectively reduce scratches.

Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Identifying Small Molecule Inhibitors for Sars-Cov-2 Variants' Main Protease (MPRO) Through Molecular Docking Analysis

Even with existing emergency drugs, the development of safer and more effective drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 still needs to continue. Virtual screening through a molecular docking approach is a powerful way to discover potential compounds for new drug discovery. In this study, we targeted SARS-CoV-2 wild-type major protease (MPro), beta, lambda and omicron variants, to conduct a virtual screening with a selection of 100 ligands from the PubChem database using AutoDock Vina software. Among the inhibitors that have been identified are ten compounds consisting of ergotamine, 2,5-Dibenzyloxy-3-hydroxyligand-hexanedioic acid bis-[(2-hydroxy-indan-1-YL)-amide], remetinostat, benzamidine, argifin, irinotecan, dihydroergotamine, telmisartan, bromocriptine, and cilengitide, which exhibited the highest binding affinity. Interaction analysis through BIOVIA Discovery Studio showed the binding and interaction modes between these inhibitors and MPro residues of the variant. This mainly refers to 2,5-Dibenzyloxy-3-hydroxyligand-hexanedioic acid bis-[(2-hydroxy-indan-1-YL)-amide] and remetinostat which consistently exhibit strong interactions with MPro variants. This research provides promising leads for the development of potential COVID-19 therapeutics. In summary, targeting conserved MPro with small molecule inhibitors provides a solid foundation for combating SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, holding promise for effective COVID-19 mitigation.

Analyzing the impact of sinusoidal wavy rib geometric parameters on turbine blade thermal and fluid dynamics

The wavy rib is a spoiler structure designed to improve flow and heat transfer within turbine blade cooling channels, offering valuable insights for efficient cooling design in aerospace applications. This study employs a blend of experimental validation and detailed numerical simulations to investigate how rib height, amplitude, and discontinuity size collectively impact heat transfer enhancement and flow resistance in wavy ribs. By integrating TSP temperature field measurements with SST k-ω numerical calculations across 8 rib heights, 7 amplitudes, and 9 discontinuities at Reynolds numbers ranging from 10000 to 40000, the research reveals intricate relationships between these parameters. Studies have shown that there is a strong interaction between amplitude and rib height, as well as amplitude and discontinuity. Under small amplitude, Nu/Nu0 increases monotonously with the increase of rib height, but increases first and then decreases under large amplitude. When the discontinuity is small, the dimensionless Nusselt number (Nu/Nu0) of the ribbed wall increases first and then decreases with the increase of rib height, while it increases monotonously when the discontinuity is large. In contrast, the interaction between amplitude and discontinuity is weak. The ribbed wall with the greatest heat transfer improvement has Nu/Nu0 nearly 80 % higher than the reference wavy rib scheme, but it also has the highest corresponding pressure loss. The best overall thermal performance is 20 % higher than the reference structure, and the ribbed wall Nu/Nu0 is also increased by 24 %. The change of Reynolds number at the inlet of the channel has little effect on the wall Nu/Nu0 and pressure loss of the wavy rib channel.

Evaluating the drug delivery potential of graphene, BC3, and NC3 nanosheets for cyclophosphamide: A computational study analyzing static electric field and solvent effects through DFT, TD-DFT, and NLO techniques

This study explores the interaction between cyclophosphamide (CP) and graphene (G), BC3 nanosheets (B), and NC3 nanosheets (N) under static electric fields (SEFz + 0.01 to SEFz + 0.04 a.u) using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Negative adsorption energy (Eads) and enthalpy (ΔH) values indicate favorable complex formation in gas and water environments for CP-drug&G, CP-drug&BC3, and CP-drug&NC3. Highlighted Eads values in models B1 (−29.61 kcal/mol) and B3 (−27.18 kcal/mol) suggest strong CP-drug and BC3 nanosheet interaction. AIM, RDG, and ELF analyses confirm noncovalent interactions. Increased total polarizability (αtot) and first hyperpolarizability (βtot) indicate potential traceability of CP-drug&nanosheet complexes. SEF fields enhance dipole moment and reactivity, highlighting BC3 nanosheets as promising candidates for designing carriers and sensors for targeted CP-drug delivery. The future outline includes further investigations into the dynamics of CP-drug&nanosheet complexes and their applications in drug delivery and sensing technologies.

Platinum-nickel nanocrystals anchored on heteroatom-functionalized Ti3-xC2Ty MXene 3D porous architecture for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution in alkaline electrolytes

BackgroundRational design and construction of efficient electrocatalysts are crucial for enhancing the activity and stability of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolytes. MethodsHerein, heteroatom (phosphorus and sulfur)-functionalized and self-adapting Ti3+ species defect decorated Ti3-xC2Ty MXene (PS-TCT) with 3D porous architecture for anchoring platinum-nickel (PtNi) bimetallic nanocrystals for alkaline electrocatalytic HER. Experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the heteroatoms delicately modulated the electronic configuration of MXene to optimize the adsorption capacity of the reaction intermediates. The 3D porous spatial configuration of PS-TCT with abundant Ti3+ species defect endowed an efficient channel for charge transfer and sufficient catalytically active sites, thus facilitating fast dynamics and long-term stability. Additionally, the strong bimetal-substrate interfacial interaction (Pt-S bonding) between PtNi and PS-TCT established an electron directional transport channel, thus achieving valid and stable interfacial electron transport. Significant findingsConsequently, the optimized PtNi@PS-TCT nanohybrids showed remarkable catalytic activity with low overpotentials of 56.1 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and impressive Tafel slope of 81 mV dec−1 for HER in alkaline electrolytes (1.0 M KOH), while exhibiting outstanding electrochemical stability. This work offers a constructive route for precisely constructing high-performance multifunctional composite electrocatalysts.

Modulation of polyaniline memristive device switching voltage by nucleotide-free analogue of vitamin B12

Memristive devices offer essential properties to become a part of the next-generation computing systems based on neuromorphic principles. Organic memristive devices exhibit a unique set of properties which makes them an indispensable choice for specific applications, such as interfacing with biological systems. While the switching rate of organic devices can be easily adjusted over a wide range through various methods, controlling the switching potential is often more challenging, as this parameter is intricately tied to the materials used. Given the limited options in the selection conductive polymers and the complexity of polymer chemical engineering, the most straightforward and accessible approach to modulate switching potentials is by introducing specific molecules into the electrolyte solution. In our study, we show polyaniline (PANI)-based device switching potential control by adding nucleotide-free analogue of vitamin B12, aquacyanocobinamide, to the electrolyte solution. The employed concentrations of this molecule, ranging from 0.2 to 2 mM, enabled organic memristive devices to achieve switching potential decrease for up to 100 mV, thus providing a way to control device properties. This effect is attributed to strong aromatic interactions between PANI phenyl groups and corrin macrocycle of the aquacyanocobinamide molecule, which was supported by ultraviolet-visible spectra analysis.

Exceptional atmospheric conditions in June 2023 generated a northwest European marine heatwave which contributed to breaking land temperature records

The Northwest European shelf experienced unprecedented surface temperature anomalies in June 2023 (anomalies up to 5 °C locally, north of Ireland). Here, we show the shelf average underwent its longest recorded category II marine heatwave (16 days). With state-of-the-art observation and modelling capabilities, we show the marine heatwave developed quickly due to strong atmospheric forcing (high level of sunshine, weak winds, tropical air) and weak wave activity under anticyclonic weather regimes. Once formed, this shallow marine heatwave fed back on the weather: over the sea it reduced cloud cover and over land it contributed to breaking June mean temperature records and to enhanced convective rainfall through stronger, warmer and moister sea breezes. This marine heatwave was intensified by the last 20-year warming trend in sea surface temperatures. Such sea surface temperatures are projected to become commonplace by the middle of the century under a high greenhouse gas emission scenario.

UFL1 regulates cellular homeostasis by targeting endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in NEFA-stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells via the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway

Elevated levels of NEFA caused by negative energy balance in transition cows induce cellular dyshomeostasis. Ubiquitin-like modifier 1 ligating enzyme 1 (UFL1) can maintain cellular homeostasis and act as a critical regulator of stress responses besides functioning in the ubiquitin-like system. The objective of this study was to elucidate the UFL1 working mechanism on promoting cellular adaptations in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) in response to NEFA challenge, with an emphasis on the ER and mitochondrial function. The results showed that exogenous NEFA and UFL1 depletion resulted in the disorder of ER and mitochondrial homeostasis and the damage of BMEC integrity, overexpression of UFL1 effectively alleviated the NEFA-induced cellular dyshomeostasis. Mechanistically, our study found that UFL1 had a strong interaction with IRE1α and could modulate the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway of unfolded protein response in NEFA-stimulated BMECs, thereby contributing to the modulation of cellular homeostasis. These findings imply that targeting UFL1 may be a therapeutic alternative to relieve NEB-induced metabolic changes in perinatal dairy cows.

Serotype-Specific Regulation of Dengue Virus NS5 Protein Subcellular Localization.

Dengue virus (DENV) nonstructural protein 5 (NS5), consisting of methyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains, is critical for viral RNA synthesis within endoplasmic reticulum-derived replication complexes in the cytoplasm. However, a significant proportion of NS5 is localized to the nucleus of infected cells for DENV2, 3, and 4, whereas DENV1 NS5 is localized diffusely in the cytoplasm. We still have an incomplete understanding of how the DENV NS5 subcellular localization is regulated. Within NS5, two putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences have been identified: NLSCentral residing in the palm of the RdRp domain as well as the recently discovered NLSC-term residing in the flexible region at the C-terminal of the RdRp domain. We have previously shown that DENV2 NS5 nuclear localization can be significantly reduced by single-point mutations to the NLSC-term. Here, we present biochemical, virological, and structural data demonstrating that the relative importance of either NLS in NS5 nuclear localization is unique to each of the four DENV serotypes. DENV1 NS5's cytoplasmic localization appears to be due to a functionally weak interaction between its NLSCentral and importin-α (IMPα), while DENV2 NS5 is almost exclusively nuclear through its NLSC-term's strong interaction with IMPα. Both NLSs of DENV3 NS5 appear to contribute to directing its nuclear localization. Lastly, in the case of DENV4, the regulation of its NS5 nuclear localization remains an enigma but appears to be associated with its NLSC-term.

Crude extract of Ruellia tuberosa L. flower induces intracellular ROS, promotes DNA damage and apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRuellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) is a weed plant traditionally used in folklore medicine as a diuretic, anti-hypertensive, anti-pyretic, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, analgesic, and gastroprotective agent. It has been previously reported that R. tuberosa L. is enriched with various flavonoids, exhibiting significant cytotoxic potential in various cancer models but a detailed study concerning its molecular mechanism is yet to be explored. Aim of the studyExploring and validating R. tuberosa L. flower methanolic extract (RTME) as an anti-cancerous agent as per traditional usage with special emphasis on multi-drug resistant human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and investigating the possible signaling networks and regulatory pathways involved in it. Materials and methodsIn this study, RTME was prepared using methanol, and phytochemical analysis was performed through GC-MS. Then, the extract was tested for its anti-cancer potential through in-vitro cytotoxicity assay, clonogenic assay, wound healing assay, ROS generation assay, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic nuclear morphology study, cellular apoptosis study, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) alteration study, protein, and gene expressions alteration study. In addition, toxicological status was evaluated in female Balb/C mice, and to check the receptor-ligand interactions, in-silico molecular docking was also conducted. ResultsSeveral phytochemicals were found within RTME through GC-MS, which have been already reported to act as ROS inductive, DNA damaging, cell cycle arresting, and apoptotic agents against cancer cells. Moreover, RTME was found to exhibit significant in-vitro cytotoxicity along with a reduction in colony formation, and inhibition of cell migratory potential. It also induced intracellular ROS, promoted G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, caused mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) alteration, and promoted cell death. The Western blot and qRT-PCR data revealed that RTME promoted the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Furthermore, blood parameters and organ histology on female Balb/C mice disclosed the non-toxic nature of RTME. Finally, an in-silico molecular docking study displayed that the three identified lead phytochemicals in RTME show strong receptor-ligand interactions with the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and give a clue to the possible molecular mechanism of the RTME extract. ConclusionsRTME is a potential source of several phytochemicals that have promising therapeutic potential against TNBC cells, and thus could further be utilized for anti-cancer drug development.

Investigating competition of strong interfacial interaction and chain scission in PBAT/EVOH/GO composite by rheological measurements

Investigating competition of strong interfacial interaction and chain scission in PBAT/EVOH/GO composite by rheological measurements

Waveguide-integrated van der Waals heterostructure photodetector on a lithium niobate on insulator platform.

Lithium niobate (LN) photonics has gained significant interest for their distinct material properties. However, achieving monolithically integrated photodetectors on lithium niobate on an insulator (LNOI) platform for communication wavelengths remains a challenge due to the large bandgap and extremely low electrical conductivity of LN material. A two-dimensional (2D) material photodetector is an ideal solution for LNOI photonics with a strong light-matter interaction and simple integration technique. In this work, a van der Waals heterostructure photodiode composed of a p-type black phosphorus layer and an n-type MoS2 layer is successfully demonstrated for photodetection at communication wavelengths on a LNOI platform. The LNOI waveguide-integrated BP-MoS2 photodetector exhibits a dark current as low as 0.21 nA and an on/off ratio exceeding 200 under zero voltage bias with an incident power of 13.93 µW. A responsivity as high as 1.46 A/W is achieved at -1 V bias with a reasonable dark current around 2.33 µA. With the advantages of high responsivity, low dark current, and simple fabrication process, it is promising for the monolithically integrated photodetector application for LNOI photonic platforms at communication wavelengths.

Fast rotation of nuclei with extreme isospin in the vicinity of neutron and proton drip lines

The analysis of the present understanding of collective rotation in very neutron-rich nuclei is presented. It is shown that collective rotation can lead to the increase of stability of rotational states with increasing spin. The detailed investigation of rotational excitations in very proton-rich nuclei confirms this conclusion and indicates that experimental studies of such features are more feasible in the nuclei near proton drip line. They also show that rotational bands which are proton quasi-bound at zero or low spins can be transformed into proton bound ones at high spin by collective rotation of nuclear systems. This is due to strong Coriolis interaction which acts on high-j or strongly mixed M orbitals and drives the highest in energy occupied single-particle states into negative energy domain. These physical mechanisms lead to a substantial extension of the nuclear landscape beyond the spin zero proton drip line. In addition, a new phenomenon of the formation of giant proton halos in rotating nuclei emerges: it is triggered by the occupation of strongly mixed M intruder orbitals.

Numerical Study of the Force Characteristics and Flow Field Patterns of a Cylinder in the Internal Solitary Wave

The density of the ocean is unevenly distributed along the depth direction, showing a stratified structure. When there is an external disturbance, large-scale internal solitary waves are easily generated. The internal solitary waves are bounded by the intermediate pycnocline, and the currents in the upper and lower layers will flow in opposite directions. This generates strong shear forces that threaten the safety of marine structures. In this paper, the flow field distribution characteristics of a cylinder under the action of internal solitary waves at different scales are analyzed as a research object. The whole cylinder is discretized into 40 regions, and the horizontal force applied to each section of the cylinder is extracted. The force characteristics of the cylinder are analyzed. It is concluded that the pressure is the main factor determining the magnitude of the total combined force. In addition, the paper extracts the main flow structures from the modal decomposition point of view and explains the reasons affecting the force behavior of the cylinder.

Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cardanol Epoxy/Clay-Based Nanocomposite through Girard's Reagent.

The green and environmentally friendly cardanol epoxy resin has a bright application prospect, but its insufficient thermal/mechanical properties seriously hinder its application. Adding nanoclay to polymer matrix is an effective method to enhance the thermal/mechanical properties of material, but the dispersion and compatibility of nanoclay in epoxy resin remain to be solved. In this work, active Girard's reagent clay (PG-clay) and non-active Girard's reagent clay (NG-clay) were prepared by using acethydrazide trimethylammonium chloride (Girard's reagent) as the modifier, and cardanol epoxy resin/G-clay nanocomposites were synthesized by the "clay slurry composite method". The results showed that both PG-clay and NG-clay were dispersed in the epoxy matrix in the form of random exfoliation/intercalation, which effectively improved the thermal/mechanical properties of the composites. Tg of the cardanol epoxy resin has raised from 19.8 °C to 38.1 °C (4 wt.% PG-clay). When the mass fraction of clay is 4%, the tensile strength of the non-reactive NG-clay increases by 128%, and the elongation at break also increases by 101%. Simultaneously, the active PG-clay can participate in the curing reaction of epoxy resin due to the amino group, forming a chemical bond between the clay layer and the resin matrix and establishing a strong interfacial force. The tensile strength of the composite is increased by 970%, and the elongation at break is also increased by 428%. This research demonstrates that the cardanol epoxy resin/G-clay nanocomposite stands as a highly promising candidate for bio-based epoxy resin materials.