Synthetic Binders Research Articles

Bone Glue Modified Fuel Resistant Asphalt Binder

Abstract Fuel resistant asphalt (FRA) is the binder that can delay hydrocarbon fuel damage by resisting the cut-back properties of hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, etc. The high solubility of asphalt binder in hydrocarbon fuels results in pavement damage that is due to fuel/oil spills at airports, parking lots, drive ways, and roads. FRA can effectively be used to minimize the damage caused by hydrocarbon fuels and improve overall performance of the pavement structure. The additives/composition used in the past to develop FRA were not fully disclosed by the inventors. This research study focused on developing FRA for commercial use using a biopolymer as an additive. Fuel resistance testing, along with mechanical performance testing, was used to evaluate the fuel resistance capabilities and performance of modified binder. Furthermore, a conventional styrene butadiene styrene modified binder was used to compare the fuel damage resistance capabilities and performance characteristics of bio versus synthetic polymer-modified binders. The biopolymer not only significantly enhanced the fuel damage resistance of the neat binder but also improved mechanical properties of the neat binder. Biopolymer-modified asphalt binder showed improvement in rut resistance, elastic response, and performance grade at intermediate and high temperatures.

Rational Design of a Multifunctional Binder for High-Capacity Silicon-Based Anodes

Although several principles have been recognized to fabricate a nominal “better” binder, there continues to be a lack of a rational design and synthesis approach that would meet the robust criteria required for silicon (Si) anodes. Herein, we report a synthetic polymer binder, i.e., catechol-functionalized chitosan cross-linked by glutaraldehyde (CS-CG+GA), that serves dual functionalities: (a) wetness-resistant adhesion capability via catechol grafting and (b) mechanical robustness via in situ formation of a three-dimensional (3D) network. A SiNP-based anode with a designed functional polymer network (CS-CG10%+6%GA) exhibits a capacity retention of 91.5% after 100 cycles (2144 ± 14 mAh/g). Properties that are traditionally considered to be advantageous, including stronger adhesion strength and higher mechanical robustness, do not always improve the binder performance. A clear relationship between these properties and ultimate electrochemical performance is established by assessing the rheological behavio...

STUDY OF BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM) SEED POWDER AS A TABLET BINDER

The aim the study was to expand the area of tablet binders from gums and extracted polysaccharides to whole seed powders so as to reduce processing cost involved with other synthetic binders and involvement of whole seed benefits to single dosage form. In the present study, buckwheat seed powder was used in the concentrations of 1%, 2%, 4%, 6% and it was compared with binding capacity of 2.5% acacia in tablet formulation as direct compressible agent. Valsartan was used as a model drug. It was found out that 2% w/w concentration of buckwheat seed powder performed well and all the parameters were in good range.

Properties of particleboards made of agricultural by-products with a classical binder or self-bound

In order to replace wood in particleboard manufacturing, two agricultural by-products were studied: the flax shives and the sunflower bark, which are abundant, renewable and little valorized raw materials. Sunflower bark in particular is very few studied. This study will demonstrate the possibility of using sunflower bark in particleboards and how to modulate the manufacturing process to take the benefits of both studied agroresources. These plant based particles present interesting porous structures for using as materials for building insulation or as furniture. To obtain totally biosourced materials, the plant based particles were self-bound by a thermocompression process with water. The properties of these materials were compared with particleboards made of the same plant based particles with a classical urea-formaldehyde binder. Particleboards of two target densities are compared: 350 and 500 kg m−3. Both agroresource materials do not present the same behavior to self-binding or classical binding. Flax shives are more adapted to self-binding process thanks to their biochemical composition and their morphological structure. These different boards were characterized according to mechanical and thermal properties, resistance to water and to fire. The type of agroresource or of binder does not influence the thermal conductivity. The denser binderless boards show better resistance to fire. The main defect of binderless boards is their too low resistance to water compared to boards made with a synthetic binder.

High-toughness natural polymer nonwoven preforms inspired by silkworm cocoon structure

As the interest in environmentally friendly materials and concerns regarding depletion of petroleum resources has increased, the research on natural polymers is being actively pursued. Among the various materials based on natural polymeric resources, the interest in using natural fibers in bio-composites has grown due to their lightweight, non-toxicity, low cost, and abundance. However, the lack of interfacial adhesion between filaments and poor water resistance make the use of natural fiber-based polymer composites less attractive. To overcome these drawbacks, formaldehyde-based synthetic binders have been used. However, this requires an additional synthesis of the binder, and potential toxicity problems exist. In this work, robust and rigid natural polymer nonwoven preforms were prepared by mixing jute fibers with silk sericin (SS). SS was employed as a natural facile binder and the strong binding between jute fibers and SS resulted in remarkable enhancements in tensile strength, elongation, and toughness, which increased up to 539.1, 385.7, and 1943.8%, respectively, compared with the pristine jute nonwoven. In addition, the dense and rigid structure obtained through SS coating ensured the structural stability of the nonwoven preforms in moisture environments. Silkworm cocoon-structured natural polymer nonwoven preforms with excellent mechanical strength and higher physical stability may have more potential utilization in the composite material fields.

Production of Composite Materials from Peat and Wood by Explosive Autohydrolysis

Technology for obtaining peat and peat-wood composite materials by the explosive autohydrolysis method without using synthetic binders was developed. The optimal conditions of an explosive autohydrolysis of peat and peat in the presence of wood were found: pressure 1.62 MPa, temperature 210°C, treatment duration of 10 min in an explosive autohydrolysis reactor. Peat and peat-wood composite materials were obtained. In their strength characteristics (bending strength up to 14.68 MPa) and heat conductivity these materials compare well with the conventional heat-insulating materials and can be used as construction materials.

Small molecule binders recognize DNA microstructural variations via an induced fit mechanism.

Regulation of gene-expression by specific targeting of protein-nucleic acid interactions has been a long-standing goal in medicinal chemistry. Transcription factors are considered "undruggable" because they lack binding sites well suited for binding small-molecules. In order to overcome this obstacle, we are interested in designing small molecules that bind to the corresponding promoter sequences and either prevent or modulate transcription factor association via an allosteric mechanism. To achieve this, we must design small molecules that are both sequence-specific and able to target G/C base pair sites. A thorough understanding of the relationship between binding affinity and the structural aspects of the small molecule-DNA complex would greatly aid in rational design of such compounds. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of sequence-specific DNA association of a synthetic minor groove binder using long timescale molecular dynamics. We show how binding selectivity arises from a combination of structural factors. Our results provide a framework for the rational design and optimization of synthetic small molecules in order to improve site-specific targeting of DNA for therapeutic uses in the design of selective DNA binders targeting transcription regulation.

Application of Jackfruit Latex Gum as an Eco-friendly Binder to Pigment Printing

Jackfruit latex gum was applied to pigment printing of cotton fabrics as a binder and their printing properties were compared with those of conventional pigment printing. The printing performances were influenced by the content of Jackfruit latex gum in the binder and the curing conditions. Based on a series of experiments, the pigment printing paste recipe and the process were optimized, considering color fastness, color strength, and fabric handle properties compared with those of the synthetic binder. The use of combined binder containing Jackfruit latex gum for pigment printing showed reasonable printing performances and offers an option for replacing synthetic binders, which cause adverse effect on human health and environments.

BIFUNCTIONAL SYNTHETIC BINDINGS AS ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BEZFORMALDEHYDE PRODUCTION OF WOOD PLATE MATERIALS

The paper presents the results of experiments on the production of wood board materials without the use of formaldehyde-containing resins. As the initial samples used sawdust of pine wood without and using cavitation pretreatment in a neutral medium. Bifunctional synthetic substances were selected as binders: phthalic and maleic acids and their anhydrides, glycols-ethylene glycol and butanediol-1,4, as well as equimolar two-component mixtures based on them with a concentration of 5-15%. The resulting presses were hot-formed at a temperature of 160 °C and a pressure of 10 MPa. As a result of the experiment, wood-based board materials of medium density with bending strength 11.0–46.0 MPa, water absorption for 24 hours – 1–115% and swelling in thickness over 24 hours – 3–100% are obtained. The most beneficial is the use of a 5% concentration of binders satisfying the standard. Cavitated pre-treatment of plant raw materials allows to increase the strength characteristics by 1.3 times. Samples with the best physicomechanical indexes are obtained when maleic acid and its anhydride are used as a binder and their mixtures with glycols. In IR spectroscopy it was determined that the main bonds forming the mesh structure of plate materials are ester ones.Thus, under the selected molding conditions, plate-free plate materials based on bifunctional synthetic binders with high environmental and physico-mechanical properties are obtained.

Application of micro-indentation tests to assess the consolidation procedure of historic wall paintings

Abstract The article defines one of the basic conservation procedures, i.e. the fixation of wall paintings, also known as paint layer consolidation. In Polish post-war conservation practice, this has been carried out almost routinely using various binding agents; at the same time, nearly ¾ of the cases recorded during search query involved synthetic resins in the form of weak solutions or dispersions. Extensive research was conducted with the aim of determining/estimating/measuring the actual impact of synthetic binders on paint layer properties. The article discusses the results from only one group of tests associated with micromechanical properties: hardness, Young's modulus performed using the indentation method and scratch resistance. According to our knowledge, they have been used for similar purposes in the area of cultural heritage research for the first time. Three painting techniques were selected for the study, representing a variety of techniques, which are common in historic paintings in Poland: lime, lime casein and animal glue, as well as five commercial products predominantly employed for painting consolidation by the Polish conservation community.

All-lignocellulosic Fiberboard from Steam Exploded Arundo Donax L.

This paper explores the possibility of producing all-lignocellulosic fiberboards from Arundo donax L. as a source of lignocellulosic fibers with no synthetic binders. This raw material was steam exploded with a thermomechanical aqueous vapor process in a batch reactor. The Arundo donax raw material and its obtained pulp were characterized in terms of chemical composition and the results were compared to other lignocellulosic materials. The chemical composition of steam exploded Arundo fibers showed high cellulose and a moderate lignin content suggesting it was a good raw material for fiberboard production. The all-lignocellulosic fiberboards were produced on laboratory scale; using the steam exploded Arundo donax by means of a wet process. The effects of pressing pressure on physical and mechanical properties were evaluated and the conditions that optimize the responses were found. The analyzed properties were density (d); water absorption (WA); thickness swelling (TS); modulus of elasticity (MOE); modulus of rupture (MOR); and internal bond strength (IB). The tested levels of the pressing pressure range from 0.35 to 15 MPa. The optimum IB; MOE; MOR; WA and TS were 1.28 MPa, 7439 MPa, 40.4 MPa, 17.6% and 13.3%, respectively. The obtained fiberboards were of very good quality and more than satisfy the requirements of the relevant standard specifications.

Photoluminescent spray-coated paper sheet: Write-in-the-dark

A simple formulation of an organic-inorganic composite for spray-coating was adopted toward photoluminescent paper sheets. The coating composite layer was composed of a synthetic organic adhesive binder mixed with an inorganic lanthanide-doped strontium aluminate pigment. Such pigment-binder formula was applied effectively onto paper sheets via spray-coating followed by thermal fixation. The applied transparent photoluminescent coated layer exhibited optimal excitation wavelength at 365 nm and emission band at 517 nm resulting in phosphorescence of the paper surface with a substantial development of green-yellow, bright white, turquoise, and off-white colors as indicated by CIE Lab color coordinates under ultraviolet irradiation. The mechanical, decay and lifetime properties of the composite photoluminescent coated layer were described. The standard techniques of morphological properties and elemental analysis were explored by scanning electron microscope (SEM), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis (EDX). The spray-coated paper sheets demonstrated good fastness to light and reversible phosphorescence without fatigue.

Computational explorations to gain insight into the structural features of TNF-α receptor I inhibitors

TNF-α is a crucial cytokine in the process of inflammatory diseases. The adverse effect of TNF-α is mostly mediated by interaction of TNF-α with TNF-α receptor type I (TNFR1); therefore, discovery of molecules which can bind to TNFR1 preventing TNF-α-receptor complex formation would be of great interest. In the current study, using GRID/GOLPE program, a 3D-QSAR study was conducted on a series of synthetic TNFR1 binders, which resulted in a 3D-QSAR model with appropriate power of predictivity in internal (r2 = 0.94 and q2LOO = 0.74) and external (r2 = 0.66 and SDEP = 0.42) validations. The structural features of TNFR1 inhibitors essential for exerting activity were explored by analyzing the contour maps of the 3D-QSAR model showing that steric interactions and hydrogen bonds are responsible for exerting TNFR1 inhibitory activity. To propose potential chemical entities for TNFR1 inhibition, PubChem database was searched and the selected compounds were virtually tested for anti-TNFR1 activity using the generated model, resulting in two potential anti-TNFR1 compounds. Finally, the possible interactions of the compounds with TNFR1 were investigated using docking studies. The findings in the current work can pave the way for designing more potent anti-TNFR1 inhibitors.

Synthesis of itaconic acid from agricultural waste using novel Aspergillus niveus

Filamentous fungi from the genus Aspergillus are of high importance for the production of organic acids. Itaconic acid (IA) is considered as an important component for the production of synthetic fibers, resin, plastics, rubber, paints, coatings, adhesives, thickeners and binders. Aspergillus niveus MG183809 was isolated from the soil sample (wastewater unit) which was collected from Avadi, Chennai, India. In the present study, itaconic acid was successfully produced by isolated A. niveus by submerged batch fermentation. In the fermentation process, various low-cost substrates like corn starch, wheat flour and sweet potato were used for itaconic acid production. Further, the factor influencing parameters such as substrate concentration and incubation period were optimized. Maximum yield of itaconic acid (15.65 ± 1.75 g/L) was achieved by using A. niveus from corn starch at a concentration of 120 g/L after 168 hr (pH 3.0). And also extraction of itaconic acid from the fermentation was performed with 91.96 ± 1.57 degree of extraction.

An overview of recent advances in duplex DNA recognition by small molecules.

As the carrier of genetic information, the DNA double helix interacts with many natural ligands during the cell cycle, and is amenable to such intervention in diseases such as cancer biogenesis. Proteins bind DNA in a site-specific manner, not only distinguishing between the geometry of the major and minor grooves, but also by making close contacts with individual bases within the local helix architecture. Over the last four decades, much research has been reported on the development of small non-natural ligands as therapeutics to either block, or in some cases, mimic a DNA–protein interaction of interest. This review presents the latest findings in the pursuit of novel synthetic DNA binders. This article provides recent coverage of major strategies (such as groove recognition, intercalation and cross-linking) adopted in the duplex DNA recognition by small molecules, with an emphasis on major works of the past few years.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL POLYMERS AS PROTECTIVE LAYER ON HIGHLY SOLUBLE AND HIGH DOSE DRUG METOPROLOL SUCCINATEFOR MANUFACTURING OF CONTROL RELEASE MULTI UNIT PELLETS TABLETS

Objective: Evaluation of different natural and synthetic polymers as protective layer (PL) in the manufacturing of control release (CR) multi-unit pellets (MUPS) tablets, highly soluble and high dose drug metoprolol succinate (MS) was selected as model drug. The function of PL is to protect CR functional coating layer of pellets from damage during compression of MUPS tablets. Methods: MS is highly soluble biopharmaceutics classification system(BCS) Class–I molecule, hence selected aqueous solution layering method for drug loading in fluid bed processor (FBP), optimized formulation was manufactured by using seal coating on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) pellets followed by drug loading (DL) and CR coating, applied by using the solution layering method in FBP. Given coating on these functional coated pellets with different natural and synthetic polymers like hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel LF), polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), hypromellose 5 cps (HPMC 5cps), guar gum (GG) and xanthan gum (XM). Evaluated these pellet's for physical characterization and chemical characterization.Results: Drug release profiles of CR MUPS tablets containing PL coating were compared to those CR pellets and f2 values observed was 81.83, 49.92, 89.35, 66.44, and 85.25 with Klucel LF, PEG 6000, HPMC 5 cps, GG and XM coated MUPS tablets respectively. The dissolution data indicated that, there was no significant change were observed with MUPS containing Klucel LF, HPMC 5 cps, GG and XG PLs whereas faster release profiles were observed with PEG 6000PL MUPS tablets.Conclusion: Based on these dissolution profiles it was concluded that by applying low viscous natural or synthetic binders like Klucel LF, HPMC 5 cps, GG and XG on functional coating pellets given good protection to functional coating pellets from damage during compression. It is a very effective and potent strategy for manufacturing of MUPS tablets. Whereas PEG 6000 polymer not able to give protection to functional coating pellets from damage during compression, it may be due to its very low viscosity of PEG 6000.

A Synthetic Binder of Breast Cancer Stem Cells.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence of cancer. A synthetic binder of CSCs can provide a valuable tool to study the biology of CSCs and a lead to develop imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic agents targeting CSCs. Herein, a synthetic ligand (1) that specifically binds to CSCs over non-CSCs of breast cancer cells was identified for the first time via a cell-binding screening of a chemical library. The ligand 1 showed specific binding to CD24- /CD44+ /ALDH+ CSC population of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. We have demonstrated that 1-immobilized beads can be used as matrices for affinity isolation of 1-binding CSC population from breast cancer cells. The 1-binding population showed significantly increased expressions of stemness-associated transcription factors. Importantly, the 1-binding population demonstrated accelerated tumor growth in vivo, and the resulting tumor displayed an increased migratory activity and high expressions of CSC markers.

Effect of Binder Architecture on the Performance of Silicon/Graphite Composite Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries.

Although significant progress has been made in improving cycling performance of silicon-based electrodes, few studies have been performed on the architecture effect on polymer binder performance for lithium-ion batteries. A systematic study on the relationship between polymer architectures and binder performance is especially useful in designing synthetic polymer binders. Herein, a graft block copolymer with readily tunable architecture parameters is synthesized and tested as the polymer binder for the high-mass loading silicon (15 wt %)/graphite (73 wt %) composite electrode (active materials >2.5 mg/cm2). With the same chemical composition and functional group ratio, the graft block copolymer reveals improved cycling performance in both capacity retention (495 mAh/g vs 356 mAh/g at 100th cycle) and Coulombic efficiency (90.3% vs 88.1% at first cycle) than the physical mixing of glycol chitosan (GC) and lithium polyacrylate (LiPAA). Galvanostatic results also demonstrate the significant impacts of different architecture parameters of graft copolymers, including grafting density and side chain length, on their ultimate binder performance. By simply changing the side chain length of GC-g-LiPAA, the retaining delithiation capacity after 100 cycles varies from 347 mAh/g to 495 mAh/g.

Effect of Samanea Saman Pod Pulp on Sisal/Coir Fiber Hybrid Composites

In this paper, the effect of adding pulp of Samanea Saman Pod (SSP) on mechanical and water absorption properties of sisal/coir fiber reinforced epoxy resin hybrid composites is reported. Pulp of SSP which is a natural adhesive binder was used as matrix material in order to reduce the consumption of synthetic adhesive binder to form a hybrid bio-composite. Hydraulic pressing machine was used to fabricate the composites. Mechanical and water absorption properties of hybrid composites are evaluated. The tensile and flexural strength increases with increase in the amount of pulp of SSP up to 10 wt.% loading andwith the further increase in pulp of SSP loading, tensile and flexural strength decreases.

Supramolecular recognition of A-tracts DNA by calix[4]carbazole

Naturally occurring biomolecules such as transcription factors recognize specific sequences of DNA by binding to its major groove whereas the synthetic sequence-specific major-groove binders are rare. We herein report that a synthetic calix[4]carbazole could serve as the optical ligand of A-tracts (B*-form DNA) by binding to its major-groove, elucidated by UV-vis, fluorescence, CD and NMR titrations.