Trimethoxy Silane Research Articles

Wormhole Mesoporous Silica Framework with Enhanced Thiol Loading for Improved Hg2+ Sequestration.

Thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica and materials potentially dedicated to diverse applications of composite materials, metal colloids, and metal catalysts, etc. Here, we developed a new synthesis route for 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (MPTMS) functionalized mesoporous silica (KIT-6), achieving a 71.5 % enhancement in thiol functionalization on KIT-6 surfaces. Characterization using XRD, TEM, BET, FTIR, Raman, 29Si NMR, XPS, and ICP-OES revealed structural and morphological features. XRD, TEM, and BET confirmed the three-dimensional structural stabilization of mesoporous silica with ~4 nm pore diameter and a surface area of 1451 m2 g-1. FTIR, Raman, and 29Si NMR studies established the mechanism of thiol functionalization, the formation of a new wormhole chain structural framework (WCSF), and stabilization through hydrogen bonding within the mesopores. The 29Si NMR spectra showed characteristic peaks (T3, T2, Q4, Q3) indicating self-condensed functionalized thiols with siloxane networks. XPS analysis validated enhanced thiol functionalization, indicating a structurally homogeneous WCSF suitable for mercury adsorption. ICP-OES measured a mercury adsorption capacity of 3199.6 mg g-1 for KIT-6, with an Hg2+/S ratio of 1.8, corroborated by molecular structure and mechanism analysis. This innovative thiol functionalization approach enhances the efficacy of applications such as extracting Hg2+ from contaminated sources.

High-Performance Composite Membranes: Embedding Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia in Polyphenylene Sulfide Fabric for Enhanced Alkaline Water Electrolysis Efficiency.

Due to their excellent alkali resistance and chemical stability, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fabric membranes are widely used in alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) for hydrogen production. However, traditional PPS membranes suffer from poor hydrophilicity, low airtightness, and high area resistance, resulting in high energy consumption and reduced safety in industrial applications. This study addresses the aforementioned issues by coupling 3-(2,3-epoxy propoxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (KH560) via self-condensation to the PPS membrane and blending it with self-synthesized yttrium-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles (YSZNPs). The YSZNPs are loaded onto the modified PPS fiber surface through dip-coating and hot-pressing processes, forming a micro-mechanical interlocking structure that enhances the overall performance of the membrane in practical hydrogen production applications. The findings indicate that the developed composite membrane demonstrate outstanding hydrophilicity, minimal area resistance (0.21 Ω cm2), and elevated bubble point pressure (2.93224bar). Significantly, tests on gas purity indicate that the produced hydrogen and oxygen attain purities of 99.90% and 99.75%, respectively, when evaluated at a current density of 1.5 A cm-2. Moreover, after 500h of electrolysis testing in a simulated industrial environment, minimal decline in membrane performance is observed, highlighting the competitive edge of this composite membrane in the current AWE market.

Development of Titanium Dioxide Coating for Self-Cleaning Photovoltaic Panels

Amid escalating global energy demands and environmental concerns, the transition to renewable sources like solar power is imperative. Despite the advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology promising increased efficiency, soiling on PV panels—composed of dust, bird droppings, and contaminants—poses a significant challenge, obstructing sunlight and reducing energy conversion efficiency. Building upon existing research on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle coatings, our study investigates their super-hydrophilic and anti-soiling characteristics to enhance self-cleaning capabilities in solar applications. Furthermore, our research investigates the application of (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane as an interlayer to reinforce the adherence of the TiO2 coating to PV panel glass, thereby enhancing its durability. Preliminary results highlight the coating’s exceptional super-hydrophilic properties, with water contact angle measurements less than 10°, indicative of TiO2’s strong water affinity. Spectrophotometer measurements show that the developed coating maintains high optical transmittances for the wavelength range from 350 to 800 nm, which is the most crucial factor for energy conversion in solar panels. Our contributions aim to advance solar energy technologies and support the shift towards more sustainable energy solutions, highlighting the role of innovative materials science in addressing solar power’s operational challenges.

Catalytic disproportionation of trimethoxysilane to monosilane: Studies on catalyst, kinetics and reactor modeling

Monosilane is an indispensable special gas used in semiconductor, photovoltaic, LED, TFT, and lithium-ion battery industries. In this work, a chlorine-free route for monosilane by the disproportionation of trimethoxysilane (TMS) was investigated with a novel efficient and stable solid alkaline catalytic system composed of γ-Al2O3 supported K2CO3. TMS conversion of 71.6 % and silane selectivity of 97.6 % were obtained on the 15K2CO3/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with a high WHSV of 8 h−1, which could be operated stably over 300 h. Furthermore, the reaction kinetic model was established based on the E-R mechanism and a catalytic pathway was proposed according to kinetic results and DFT calculation. A novel reactive distillation reactor with cascaded condensers for silane production was simulated by using Aspen Plus. The results showed that the energy consumption of TMS disproportionation is much lower than that in TCS disproportionation.

Robust and Flexible Rubber Composite with High Photothermal Properties Achieved by In Situ ZDMA Assisted Dispersion of Eumelanin and its Hydrophobic Photothermal Application.

Eumelanin, a natural, biocompatible, and biodegradable photothermal agent derived from biomass, has attracted increasingly considerable attention due to its outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency. Unfortunately, its tendency to aggregate in flexible non-polar polymers, owing to its abundant polar groups on the surface, severely restricted the application of eumelanin in photothermal composite field. Herein, a feasible strategy is proposed to disperse eumelanin in non-polar rubber matrix via in situ generation of Zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA). The graft-polymerization of ZDMA promotes the interfacial compatibility between styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and eumelanin, achieving a uniform dispersion of eumelanin in SBR. The rubber composite exhibits a considerable tensile strength of 11.4MPa, acceptable elongation at break of 146%, and outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 75.2% with only 1wt% of eumelanin. Furthermore, based on the easy-processing of SBR matrix, the composite is treated with a sandpaper template technique and sprayed with trimethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl)silane (PFDTMS) to endow the material with near superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 147.9°) capacity. Hydrophobicity provides excellent icing resistance, with droplet surfaces extending more than twice as long to freeze. Moreover, this hydrophobic photothermal material exhibits remarkable anti-frosting, de-frosting, and de-icing capabilities.

Methoxydioxasilepane: A Versatile and Stable Synthetic Precursor of Trimethoxysilane

AbstractThis study introduces aryl(methoxy)dioxasilepane as a versatile and stable precursor for aryl(trimethoxy)silanes. We conducted a quantitative assessment of the stability of this silicon moiety under acidic and basic conditions, demonstrating its superior stability compared to triethoxysilane, and methyl- or (trifluoroethoxy)dioxasilepanes. The synthetic utility of the methoxydioxasilepane unit was further elucidated through an examination of its orthogonality and selective functionalization capabilities. Notably, we developed an efficient method for the conversion of methoxydioxasilepane into trimethoxysilane. This method underscores the potential of a methoxydioxasilepane as a surrogate in multistep syntheses of silanetriols, which offer advantages in the development of silicon-based bioisosteres for medicinal chemistry applications.

Preparation and Properties of Lightweight Amphiphobic Proppant for Hydraulic Fracturing.

The wettability of the proppant is crucial in optimizing the flowback of fracturing fluids and improving the recovery of the produced hydrocarbons. Neutral wet proppants have been proven to improve the fluid flow by reducing the interaction between the fluid and the proppant surface. In this study, a lightweight amphiphobic proppant (LWAP) was prepared by coating a lightweight ceramic proppant (LWCP) with phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and trimethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H-heptadecafluorodecyl)silane (TMHFS) using a layer-by-layer method. The results indicated that the LWAP exhibited a breakage ratio of 2% under 52 MPa (7.5 K) closure stress, with an apparent density of 2.12 g/cm3 and a bulk density of 1.21 g/cm3. The contact angles of water and olive oil were 125° and 104°, respectively, changing to 124° and 96° after displacement by water and diesel oil. A comparison showed that the LWAP could transport over a significantly longer distance than the LWCP, with the length increasing by more than 80%. Meanwhile, the LWAP displayed notable resistance to scale deposition on the proppant surface compared to the LWCP. Furthermore, the maintained conductivity of the LWAP was higher than that of the LWCP after displacement by water and oil phases alternately. The modified proppant could minimize production declines during hydrocarbon extraction in unconventional reservoirs.

Fluorinated boron nitride nanosheets for high thermal conductivity and low dielectric constant silicone rubber composites

AbstractIncreasing miniaturization and integration of microelectronic devices have led to an unprecedented attention on heat dissipation and signal transmission of electronic equipment. However, the mostly used method to enhance the thermal conductivity of polymers by adding thermally conductive fillers usually results in the increase of dielectric constant (Dk). It was still challenging to synergistically achieve low Dk and high thermal conductivity of polymer‐matrix composites. Herein, hydroxylated boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS‐OH) with a high yield of 35.67% was prepared by the liquid ultrasonic exfoliation under the assistance of sodium cholate (SC), and grafted with (1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl) trimethoxy silane to prepare fluorinated boron nitride nanosheets (F‐BNNS), which can uniformly disperse in liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and reduce the Dk of LSR composites. The thermal conductivity of LSR composites with 20 wt% F‐BNNS reached 0.489 W·m−1·K−1, showing an increase of 307.35% in comparison with pure LSR (0.12 W·m−1·K−1). Meantime, the Dk of as‐obtained LSR/F‐BNNS (20 wt%) composites is reduced from 3.4 to 2.6, and the dielectric loss (Df) is less than 0.012. The facile and rational design of fluorinated BNNS offers a new insight for the high‐end electronic packaging materials.Highlights A new method of exfoliation and fluorinated treatment of h‐BN was proposed. The LSR composites achieved an ultralow Dk of 2.63 via fluorinated BNNS. Thermal conductivity of LSR composites increased by 307.35% than pure LSR.

Superhydrophobic and Highly Flexible Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase Inspired by Lotus Effect Toward Highly Stable Zn Anode

AbstractDue to their cost‐effectiveness, high safety, and environmental friendliness, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are among the most promising technologies for next‐generation energy storage systems. Nonetheless, dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion at zinc (Zn) anode severely hinder their practical application. In this study, a combination of molecular self‐assembly engineering, squeegee coating, and air spraying process is employed to create a superhydrophobic and highly flexible artificial solid‐electrolyte‐interface layer on Zn anode (denoted as SFM/Zn). Self‐assembled monolayer of triethoxy‐3‐aminopropylsilane optimizes Zn2+ migration kinetics. The superhydrophobic interface, formed by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and trimethoxy(octadecyl)silane (OTS)‐modified nanosilicon dioxide particles, inhibits water‐related side reactions. Furthermore, the highly flexible PDMS serves as a dynamic adaptive interface for Zn anode, effectively alleviating the “tip effect”. Consequently, the SFM/Zn||SFM/Zn symmetrical cells enable reversible and stable Zn plating/stripping at both ultralow current density (0.2 mA cm−2) and ultrahigh current density (45 mA cm−2). The assembled Zn‐vanadium (SFM/Zn||NH4V4O10) cell deliver stable average Coulombic efficiency (nearly 100%) and ultralong cycling stability (135.5 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 5 A g−1 and 173.2 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1). This innovative superhydrophobic three‐layered strategy sheds new light on designing highly durable Zn anode for high‐performance AZIBs.

Percolation network and piezoresistive properties of ultraductile cementitious monitoring coating with A-POSS modified carbon-based nanoconductors

Conventional cement-based sensors are large and often embedded in cast-in-place concrete structures, resulting in poor flexibility, low sensing accuracy, and inability to be replaced after damage. This paper reports a promising health monitoring technology, namely the composite coated sensor (sensing skin) prepared by anionic waterborne polyurethane (WPU)-modified cement, in which N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-amino propyl trime thoxy silane (NAEAPTMS) silsesquioxane modified ettringite (A-POSS) acts as a core modifier. The results showed that a continuous interpenetration polymer network was formed between the WPU and the cement, which greatly improved the crack resistance and balanced the polarisation reaction field. The agglomerated GO-CNT particles self-dispersed into micron/nanometer-sized particles under the co-precipitation of Ca2+/Al3+ and the semi-cage-like POSS structure formed by NAEAPTMS, using AFt as the supporting skeleton. The toughness and bond strength of the sensing skins were improved in the presence of A-POSS and, in particular, the maximum deflection angle exceeded 110°. Meanwhile, the electrical resistivity was reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude. The effective conductivity inside and outside the interface can be precisely delineated when GO-CNT was perfectly arranged inside WPU-CEMENT. The agreement between the theoretical and experimental results of effective conductivity indicates that the sensing skin had a percolation network with imperfect and tunnel-assisted interfaces. The synergistic effect of WPU and A-POSS gave the sensing skin excellent performance of high sensitivity (80 times larger than strain gauges), low relaxation time (50 ms), and monitoring stability.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO quantum dot-functionalized mesoporous nanocarriers for controlled drug delivery

In this study, ZnO quantum dots (ZnO@QDs) were synthesized and functionalized with 2nd generation poly amido amine (2GPD) using 3-amino-propyl tri-methoxy silane as the initiator core, facilitated by tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to enhance stability against oleate coating. Concurrently, a mesoporous substrate with a unique morphology was developed as a drug reservoir for doxorubicin loading. ZnO quantum dots displayed photoluminescence radiation, with dimensions ranging from 5 to 7 nm and exhibiting spherical morphology. The cubic structure of the synthesized mesoporous nanocatalysts was also confirmed. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis indicated a multidimensional porous structure of the nanocarriers, while zeta potential analysis showed a stable system (approximately −9.6 mV). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy corroborated these findings. Drug release studies demonstrated sustained release under acidic conditions (pH 5.5), with an efficiency of approximately 94 %. These results highlight the potential applications of this nanosystem for controlled drug delivery, underscoring its practical implications in the field of nanotechnology.

A Study on the Application Performance of High-Aspect-Ratio Nano-Ettringite in Photocurable Resin Composites.

In this study, the impact of the addition of high-aspect-ratio nano-ettringite to photocurable epoxy acrylate resin was explored. The nano-ettringite samples were modified using γ-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550) and γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (KH-570). Then, 3 wt% or 6 wt% KH-550-modified, KH-570-modified, and unmodified nano-ettringite samples were dispersed into resin via ultrasonic treatment in conjunction with mechanical stirring. The grafting effects of nano-ettringite onto KH-550 or KH-570 were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The results demonstrate that KH-550 and KH-570 have been successfully grafted onto the surface of nano-ettringite. In addition, this study also focuses on the variations of composite materials in the viscosity, shrinkage, tensile strength, and elongation at break. The results indicate that increased dosages of unmodified, KH-550-modified, and KH-570-modified nano-ettringite led to increased viscosity of the composite while reducing shrinkage. At the same dosage, the photocurable resin containing KH-570-modified nano-ettringite demonstrated a lower shrinkage and a higher tensile strength. From the analysis of tensile fracture surfaces, it was observed that compared to the KH-550 modified and unmodified variants, the KH-570 modified nano-ettringite exhibits superior dispersibility in photocurable epoxy acrylate resin. Notably, when the amount of KH-570-modified nano-ettringite was 3 wt%, the highest tensile strength of the composite was 64.61 MPa, representing a 72.57% increase compared to the blank sample. Furthermore, the incorporation of KH-570-modified nano-ettringite as a filler provides a new perspective for improving the performance of photocurable epoxy acrylate resin composites.

Inverse Vulcanization of Activated Norbornenyl Esters – A Versatile Platform for Functional Sulfur Polymers

Elemental sulfur has shown to be a promising alternative feedstock for development of novel polymeric materials with high sulfur content. However, the utilization of inverse vulcanized polymers is restricted by the limitation of functional comonomers suitable for an inverse vulcanization. Control over properties and structure of inverse vulcanized polymers still poses a challenge to current research due to the dynamic nature of sulfur‐sulfur bonds and high temperature of inverse vulcanization reactions. In here, we report for the first time the inverse vulcanization of norbornenyl pentafluorophenyl ester (NB‐PFPE), allowing for post‐modification of inverse vulcanized polymers via amidation of reactive PFP esters to yield high sulfur content polymers under mild conditions. Amidation of the precursor material with three functional primary amines (α‐amino‐ω‐methoxy polyethylene glycol, aminopropyl trimethoxy silane, allylamine) was investigated. The resulting materials were applicable as sulfur containing poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles in aqueous environment. Cross‐linked mercury adsorbents, sulfur surface coatings, and high‐sulfur content networks with predictable thermal properties were achievable using aminopropyl trimethoxy silane and allylamine for post‐polymerization modification, respectively. With the broad range of different amines available and applicable for post‐polymerization modification, the versatility of poly(sulfur‐random‐NB‐PFPE) as a platform precursor polymer for novel specialized sulfur containing materials was showcased.

Inverse Vulcanization of Activated Norbornenyl Esters-A Versatile Platform for Functional Sulfur Polymers.

Elemental sulfur has shown to be a promising alternative feedstock for development of novel polymeric materials with high sulfur content. However, the utilization of inverse vulcanized polymers is restricted by the limitation of functional comonomers suitable for an inverse vulcanization. Control over properties and structure of inverse vulcanized polymers still poses a challenge to current research due to the dynamic nature of sulfur-sulfur bonds and high temperature of inverse vulcanization reactions. In here, we report for the first time the inverse vulcanization of norbornenyl pentafluorophenyl ester (NB-PFPE), allowing for post-modification of inverse vulcanized polymers via amidation of reactive PFP esters to yield high sulfur content polymers under mild conditions. Amidation of the precursor material with three functional primary amines (α-amino-ω-methoxy polyethylene glycol, aminopropyl trimethoxy silane, allylamine) was investigated. The resulting materials were applicable as sulfur containing poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles in aqueous environment. Cross-linked mercury adsorbents, sulfur surface coatings, and high-sulfur content networks with predictable thermal properties were achievable using aminopropyl trimethoxy silane and allylamine for post-polymerization modification, respectively. With the broad range of different amines available and applicable for post-polymerization modification, the versatility of poly(sulfur-random-NB-PFPE) as a platform precursor polymer for novel specialized sulfur containing materials was showcased.

An efficient method to prepare high grafting montmorillonite with silane coupling agent and its improvements for styrene butadiene rubber composites

AbstractThe quantity of silane chemically bonded to the organoclay's surface significantly influences its dispersion within the polymer matrix, as well as the interfacial interaction. This research presents a groundbreaking method for enhancing the surface properties of montmorillonite (Mt) through the use of γ‐(methacryloxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) coupled with acid treatment, leading to increased grafting efficiency. Confirmed by FT‐IR, TGA, and XRD, the process effectively bonds organo‐silanes to Mt and achieves a high grafting level of 1.59 mequiv/g. Utilizing a latex compounding method, Mt/rubber nanocomposites are synthesized with thoroughly modified clay for peak performance. Dispersion and interfacial properties are evaluated through XRD, TEM, AFM, and DMTA. The findings reveal that the well‐modified Mt is an exceptional filler, ensuring a high level of dispersion and robust interaction with the rubber matrix. This synergy translates to a marked improvement in the mechanical properties of the composite, with notable enhancements observed in both tensile strength and elongation at break of 9.7 MPa and 1141%, respectively. This innovative approach to the graft modification of clays presents a potent method, offering the potential for the industrial‐scale manufacture of high‐performance clay‐based composites.Highlights A processing method for preparing high grafting clay with a silane coupling agent. Functionalized clay presents better nano‐dispersion in the polymeric matrix. Strong covalent interfacial interaction is constructed between clay and rubber. Tensile Strength and elongation at break of the composites are obliviously improved.

Mechanical and thermal properties of fumed silica‐incorporated silane‐terminated urethane/epoxy‐interpenetrating polymer network nanocomposites

AbstractIn this study, it was aimed to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy materials based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A‐based. For this purpose, three different nanocomposite materials were prepared at various ratios including a fumed silica nanoparticle‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposite (FSN), an epoxy/silane‐terminated urethane (STU) hybrid interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) nanocomposite (SHIN), and a fumed silica‐reinforced epoxy/STU hybrid IPN nanocomposite (FSHIN). While synthesizing SHIN, 3‐isocyanato propyl trimethoxy silane (ICPTMS) and poly (hexamethylene carbonate) diol were used. The synthesized STU polymer chains were crosslinked by reacting them with TEOS via the sol–gel process. Therefore, hybrid networks were obtained. Moreover, fumed silica nanoparticles were incorporated into the hybrid networks via the sol–gel process for FSHINs. The three different nanocomposite materials exhibited much more improved properties than the neat epoxy. The most prominent nanocomposite was FSHIN. In comparison with the neat epoxy, Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and Izod impact resistance values increased at ratios of 53%, 50%, and 223%, respectively. Glass transition temperature values and char yield values increased substantially in all nanocomposites. However, thermal decomposition temperatures increased only for FSNs. Moreover, these values for FSHINs that were very close to those of the neat epoxy were considerably higher than those of SHINs.Highlights Fumed silica‐incorporated silane‐terminated urethane/epoxy IPN nanocomposites. Substantially improved mechanical properties and impact resistance. Improved thermal stability.

Corrosion Behaviour of Commonly Used Epoxy Resin Coated Agro Based Industrial Reinforcements

bstract: In this integrated study, the project aims to develop a novel hybrid green metal matrix composite using stir casting, reinforcing aluminum alloy with Waste materials such as Waste Carbonized Eggshells (WCE), Cow Dung Ash (CDA), Snail Shell Ash (SSA), and Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) The experiment incorporates various organic-inorganic mixed coatings, including vinyltrimethoxysilane (VMS), [3-(methacryloxy)propyl] trimethoxy silane (MPMS), and (3-glycidoxyproyl) trimethoxy silane (GPMS), combined with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), to enhance corrosion resistance. Potentiodynamic polarization curves, SEM images, and salt spray tests are employed to assess coating durability against corrosion. Results indicate significant reductions in corrosion flow with VMS and MPMS coatings, particularly with a 15-20% TEOS ratio, showcasing optimal corrosion resistance against salt spray. This innovative approach combines material recycling and advanced coating techniques to produce a sustainable composite with improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Efficient oil/water separation using a superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge fabricated by a facile dip-coating method

ABSTRACT Due to the numerous incidents of oil spills and the increase in the production of industrial effluents containing oil, the separation of oil and water has become an important global issue. This research used a simple dip-coating method to fabricate a superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge using SiO2 nanoparticles and vinyl trimethoxy silane. XRD, FESEM, EDX, elemental mapping, FT-IR, DLS, and measurement of mechanical resistance, and water contact angle were used to characterise the desired sponge. The modified polyurethane sponge exhibited a water contact angle of 151.32 ± 1.06°. The sorption capacity of the desired sponge measured for various types of oily pollutants and organic solvents were in the range of 30.50 ± 2.04to 66.80 ± 1.64 g.g−1. The separation efficiency of the polyurethane sponge was in the range of 97.14 ± 0.40 to 99.15 ± 0.30. Furthermore, the ability of the desired sponge to separate the oil in the real effluent of the casting unit of a steel production company was investigated. Also, the reusability and the ability of removing emulsified oil droplets of the modified polyurethane sponge were studied. As a result, the as prepared polyurethane sponge can be considered a sorbent with the potential to separate oily pollutants from water and treat oily industrial wastewater.

Adjustable chromatographic performance of silica-based mixed-mode stationary phase through the control of co-grafting amounts of imidazole and C18 chain

In this paper, three imidazole- and C18- bifunctional silica stationary phases (Sil-Im-C18) were prepared by adjusting introduction interval of octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODS) and 3-imidazol-1-ylpropyl(trimethoxy)silane (TMPImS), which can be used for reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and ion exchange chromatography (IEC) with adjustable performance. The successful preparation of Sil-Im-C18 were confirmed by the characterizations of elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle (CA). Chromatographic performance of Sil-Im-C18 were evaluated by the separation of Tanaka test mixture, alkylbenzenes, linear PAHs and a set of analytes with different properties (uracil, phenol, 1,2-dinitrobenzene and naphthalene), and compared with commonly used C18 column. It was found that the chromatographic performance of Sil-Im-C18 changed significantly with the difference in bonding amount of imidazole and C18. Sil-Im-C18 demonstrated the excellent separation performance towards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenylesters, phenylamines, phenols and inorganic anions, and notably, nucleobases and nucleosides can be separated using pure water as mobile phases. The van Deemter plot showed that the column efficiency of Sil-Im-C18-3 was 64,933 plate·m−1 for naphthalene, indicated that Sil-Im-C18 was reasonably chromatographic columns. The RSD values of retention time were 0.22 %-0.61 % for 10 needles alkylbenzenes injected continuously at 50 °C to investigate thermal stability and repeatability, all the fluctuations of k of naphthalene were less than 2.3 % for Sil-Im-C18-1 during flushing 24 h with the mobile phase at different pH values (pH = 3 and 8), the retention time of alkylbenzenes were almost same for Sil-Im-C18-1 at different time, the RSD values of retention time of alkylbenzenes were 0.45 %-2.28 % for two batches Sil-Im-C18-1, revealing the excellent repeatability, thermal stability, durability and reproducibility of Sil-Im-C18, and implying a commercial prospect.

Crosslinkable latex-based acrylic adhesives containing functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (fCNCs)

In this study, crosslinkable acrylic adhesives with functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (fCNCs) were prepared via in situ emulsion polymerization at 80 °C for 3h. The neat acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) without any nanoparticles were prepared using butyl acrylate (BA), 65 wt%, and methyl methacrylate (MMA), 35 wt%, and various amounts of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 1, 3, 5, 7 wt% based on total BA and MMA monomers. For preparing fCNCs reinforced adhesives, the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were functionalized using various concentrations of 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (MPS), 5, 20, 40 mM. The cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (fCNCs), and the prepared adhesives were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Adhesion performance of the adhesives was evaluated by lap shear and 180° peel tests. The results showed that increasing the HEMA content as crosslinking agent in the adhesive structure, enhanced its gel content, glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal stability, and adhesive performance, i.e. lap shear and peel strength. Finally, the adhesive containing 5 wt% HEMA was selected as the appropriate sample. Thereafter, the adhesives containing 5 wt% HEMA were synthesized in the presence of various amounts of fCNCs, i.e. 0.5, 1, 1.5 wt%. The Adhesion performance of the neat and reinforced adhesives indicated that increasing the fCNCs to the adhesive enhanced thermal stability, gel content, lap shear and peel strength. Additionally, the fCNCs prepared using higher concentration of MPS (40 mM) was more effective on the adhesion performance than the fCNCs prepared with the lower MPS contents, 5, 20 mM. The results showed that the adhesives prepared using 1 wt% and 1.5 wt% of fCNC40 (containing 40 mM MPS) exhibited better adhesion performance.