Castor Oil Research Articles

Efficacy of Essential Oils against Purple Blotch of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Caused by Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif

A research trial was carried out during Rabi season, 2023-24 at the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different essential oils on purple blotch of garlic caused by Alternaria porri on disease intensity and yield. The trial was conducted using seven treatments viz. T1- neem oil (5%), T2- eucalyptus oil (5%), T3- clove oil (5%), T4- castor oil (5%), T5- mustard oil (5%), T6- mancozeb 75 WP (0.2%) and T0- control with each treatment replicating three times to manage the disease and also to evaluate the effect of treatments on the disease intensity and yield. . Results showed that all treatments significantly increased yield of garlic and reduced the intensity of disease. From the study of results, it was concluded that among all the treatments, the most effective in managing the disease was T6- Mancozeb (27.85%) followed by T1- Neem oil (34.76%), T3- Clove oil (37.66%), T2- Eucalyptus oil (37.83%), T4- Castor oil (39.49%) and T5- Mustard oil (40.25%) as compared to T0- Control (49.24%) and for influencing the yield was yield (t/ha.) was T6- Mancozeb (5.41) followed by T1- Neem oil (4.05), T3- Clove oil (3.83), T2- Eucalyptus oil (3.73), T4- Castor oil (3.56) and T5- Mustard oil (3.31) as compared to T0- Control (2.61).

Paclitaxel-induced Hypersensitivity Reaction

Abstract An immunological response that results in an adverse reaction due to a certain drug is known as a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR). Such type of reactions is seen with antineoplastic agents. HSR is commonly seen with one of the chemotherapeutic agents, namely, paclitaxel. Occurrence of such reactions can be suppressed with the administration of premedications (dexamethasone 20 mg intravenous [IV], diphenhydramine 50 mg IV, and famotidine 20 mg IV). Mainly, the paclitaxel consists of paclitaxel IP, polyoxyl 35, castor oil IP (Cremophor ELP), and dehydrated alcohol IP. The mechanism of this reaction is not known exactly, but it is believed that the reaction may be occurring due to paclitaxel itself or its vehicle castor oil IP (Cremophor ELP). Molecules present in Cremophor ELP are found to be similar in structure to certain nonionic block copolymers that activate complement proteins (the proteins involved in various immune processes).

Development and validation of a novel HPLC-UV method for quantifying vitamin D forms and precursors in vegetable oils after exposure to sunlight and UV radiation

AbstractThis study presents the development and validation of a robust HPLC-UV method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, ergosterol, and 7-dehydrocholesterol in a single analytical run, adhering to ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. Application of the HPLC-UV method to six vegetable oils demonstrated inherent vitamin D content and its enhancement under different radiation conditions. Oils were exposed to direct sunlight, UVA, and UVB radiation, with UVB showing the most significant impact on vitamin D levels. Notably, UVB exposure increased vitamin D3 in castor oil from 2.82 μg mL−1 to 4.29 μg mL−1 and vitamin D2 in mustard oil from 0.73 μg mL−1 to 1.89 μg mL−1. The findings highlight the potential of UVB radiation to convert vitamin D precursors to active forms more effectively than other radiation sources. This study provides a novel approach for naturally enriching vitamin D in vegetable oils, offering a promising strategy to mitigate vitamin D deficiencies in populations with limited sun exposure or dietary restrictions. The developed HPLC-UV method and resultant insights into the radiation-induced enhancement of vitamin D content in oils contribute valuable knowledge to nutritional science.

Acute oral and dermal toxicity parameters of a drug based on D-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen and piperonyl butoxide in laboratory animals

The purpose of the research is to study acute oral and dermal toxicity parameters of a drug based on D-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen and piperonyl butoxide in laboratory animals.Materials and methods. The study insectoacaricidal drug contains D-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen, piperonyl butoxide, hydrogenated castor oil and isopropyl alcohol. The acute toxicity parameters of the drug in 5% solution formulation were studied on 50 white outbred male mice when administered intragastrically, and on 42 outbred male rats when administered orally and on skin. The acute toxicity parameters were calculated using the Litchfield and Wilcoxon method as modified by Z. Rotha, and the drug exposure value on the body was evaluated as per the established classification (GOST 12.1.007). Results and discussion. The following toxicological characteristics were obtained: LD50 of the study drug administered orally to the white mice was 2,656 (2,207.8÷3,187.2) mg/kg, and the white rats, 5,063 (4482÷5818.3) mg/kg. The maximum tolerated dose of the drug was 830 mg/kg for the mice, and 2,075 mg/kg for the rats. Based on the obtained LD50 values, the three-component insectoacaricide can be classified as hazard category 3 (moderately hazardous substances) in experiments on mice, and hazard category 4 (marginally hazardous substances) on rats pursuant to the established hygienic classification. At the same time, different species sensitivity to the drug can be observed in mice and rats. LD50 was more than 30,710 mg/kg in the study of dermal toxicity on the white rats, therefore the drug can be classified as hazard category 4.

Diesel Production by Catalytic Cracking of Castor Oil Using Aluminas and Silicas

Diesel Production by Catalytic Cracking of Castor Oil Using Aluminas and Silicas

Composite electrospun membranes from cellulose nanocrystals, castor oil, and poly(ethylene terephthalate): Air permeability, thermal stability, and other relevant properties.

The study examined the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/castor oil (CO) electrospun membranes, focusing on how CNCs influenced membrane properties for aerosol filtration applications. PET membranes were fabricated using 5 wt% and 10 wt% of CNCs and 2.5 wt% CO to assess its effectiveness as a compatibilizing agent, under a solution flow rate of 25.5 μL/min, a voltage of 25 kV, and a needle-collector distance of 8 cm. Nonaligned fiber membranes featured a network of ultrafine and nanofibers, while aligned fibers had an average diameter of over 300 nm (ultrafine fibers). The PET membranes permeability parameters were applied to Forchheimer's equation. All membranes presented values of Darcian (k1)/non-Darcian (k2) permeability coefficients in the order of 10-13 m2/10-8 m, respectively, near the range reported for commercial high-efficiency particulate air filters. CNCs acted as reinforcing agents, while CO was a compatibilizing agent, improving the material's mechanical behavior. Nonaligned PET/CO/10 wt% CNC presented a storage modulus (E') 2-fold higher/tensile strength 3-fold higher than pristine PET. Aligned PET/CO/5 wt% CNC, characterized in the preferential direction of fiber alignment, had approximately an E' 42-fold higher/tensile strength 6-fold higher than the same membrane, but tested in the perpendicular alignment direction. The glass transition temperature (Tg) values of PET (90-110 °C) did not exhibit any significant impact from membrane composition or fiber alignment. This study demonstrated the promising capability of PET-CNC bio-based electrospun membranes to be used in aerosol filtration or gas-solid and liquid-solid separations.

Modified castor oil-based UV/thermal dual-curing polyurethane acrylate coatings with outstanding comprehensive properties

Due to the fact that single UV-cured coatings frequently fail to fulfill the requirements in terms of depth and chroma, and do not reach the ideal state in terms of comprehensive performance. In order to solve these pain-points more effectively, the sulfhydryl-modified castor oil (COME) was successfully synthesized by introducing β-mercaptoethanol onto the plant-based material castor oil (CO) through the thiol-ene clink reaction. Subsequently, the synthesized polyurethane acrylate prepolymer (COPUA), monomer, photoinitiator and thermocuring agent were used as A component, and COME was used as B component. The two were mixed evenly according to a certain proportion, and the modified castor oil based polyurethane acrylate (COMEPUA) coatings were fabricated by UV/thermal dual-curing technology. Based on a series of performance test outcomes, the coating demonstrates excellent comprehensive properties, encompassing mechanical properties (where the shear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness can respectively reach 5.26MPa, 9.92MPa, 132.55%, and 47.77 Shore D), coating properties (where the absorption rates after 72h immersion in water, ethanol, 10wt% HCl, and 10wt% NaOH solvents are respectively 0.66, 17.98, 1.89, and 0.71%, and the volume resistivity and breakdown voltage are respectively 1.74×1016 Ω·cm and 10 KV) and curing properties (where the curing depth can reach 9.82mm, which is significantly higher than 3.51mm of single UV curing, and the colored curing is complete). It can exert protective functions such as anti-corrosion, anti-fouling, and insulation on circuit boards, electronic packaging, and device surfaces, and holds great potential in the application of coating materials.

Bio-based waterborne polyurethanes from castor oil, sorbitan monooleate and sodium lignosulfonate with ultraviolet resistance, photothermal effect, corrosion protection and degradation properties

The advancement of bio-based materials derived from renewable resources provides a pivotal strategic approach to address the problems of environmental pollution and scarce fossil resources. In this study, a series of bio-based waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) with enhanced UV resistance, photothermal effect and corrosion resistance were prepared by using sorbitan monooleate (SP) and castor oil (CO) as vegetable polyols together with the introduction of sodium lignosulfonate modified of diethanolamine (DML). The WPU coatings of only 100 μm thickness, exhibited UV blocking rate > 99 % between 200 and 320 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized WPUs had superior adhesion to aluminum, tinplate, and PVC surface, with adhesion to tinplate of up to 5B and hardness of up to 3H. Additionally, the WPU coatings showed favorable photothermal effect when exposed to 1.05 W/cm2 of near-infrared light irradiation, with maximum surface temperature of 93 °C. The WPU coatings demonstrated noteworthy corrosion protection, with high corrosion protection efficiency of 96.97 % on tinplate. This study presents a new strategy for the synthesis of bio-based WPUs with excellent ultraviolet resistance, favorable photothermal effect, corrosion protection, and degradability. The unique properties lay the foundation for the applications of bio-based WPUs in the field of industrial coatings.

Sustainable polyurethane biocomposite foams by improved microstructure, acoustic characteristics, thermoregulation performance and reduced CO2 emission through phase change material integration

In this research, phase change material (PCM) comprised of energy storage biocomposite materials were improved with raw materials obtained from renewable resources. Modified raw material was synthesized by epoxy castor oil (ECO). After mixing the obtained modified castor oil (MCO) and polyether polyol, PCM of capric acid (CA) was supplemented. To initiate the chemical reaction, a certain amount of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) was added to the mixture to provide cross-linking. The physical and chemical properties of the resulting biocomposite foams (BCF) were characterized. According to the results obtained, mixing MCO into polyether raw material increased the number of closed pores in BCF resulting in more CA stored in BCF cells produced. The use of MCO in BCF materials increased the CA integration ratio to 68 wt%. The melting enthalpy value of the novel BCF-PCM composites has been determined as 121.43 J/g. In a warm environment, the PCM additive creates a temperature difference exceeding 6 °C, while in a cold environment, it provides a cooling effect close to 6 °C. A more than 50 % improvement in thermal conductivity was achieved with 68 wt% PCM addition compared to pure BCF. The addition of PCM caused a reduction in tensile stress and strain values to an acceptable level. BCFs with PCM additives exhibit a sound absorption coefficient of 0.9 in narrow frequency ranges, whereas, in broad frequency ranges, this value was more than 0.7. In cold weather conditions, employing BCF-PCM material instead of traditional EPS material with a thickness of 0.1 m has led to at least a 30 % drop in CO2 emissions, no matter the type of fuel used for heating. When opting for BCF-PCM materials, the necessary heat demand was approximately 33 % less compared to using the same thickness of EPS in cold climates.

Recyclable polyurethane from castor oil based on dynamic disulfide bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds as adhesive and photothermal conversion materials

As an important polymer material, polyurethane brings convenience to daily life but also causes environmental problems, and the manufacturing of bio-based repairable, re-processable and sturdy materials can effectively reduce environmental pressure. Herein a low temperature recyclable polyurethane (PU) was developed with castor oil (CO) by combining isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), dynamic disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds. The castor oil-based PU showed impressive tensile strength (16.1MPa) remarkable elongation at break (1055.8%), and high bonding power (up to ~6MPa) with bonding wood chips. The dynamic disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds imparted the bio-based PU with outstanding elastic recovery, impressive self-healing capability (up to ~90%), short relaxation time (5~6min at 180°C), favorable shape memory behavior, and multiple recyclability. By mixing different proportions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), recyclable and stretchable conductive composites are realized. In addition, an integrated system of high-efficiency bio-based solar photovoltaic generator is demonstrated for simulating the ambient sunlight-heat-electricity conversion, which provides some guidance for the efficient use of solar energy.

Первые 100 лет из жизни Донской опытной станции

Based on the studied archival sources, there is presented the data about scientists (breeders, agricultural technicians, geneticists, soil scientists) who worked at the Don Experimental Station from the moment of its foundation in 1924 to the present time. The main task set by the Soviet government for breeders was the development and introduction of new high-yielding, early-maturing, disease- and pest-resistant varieties of oil crops. The historically significant contribution of scientists of the Don Experimental Station in the development of the agro-industrial sphere of the south of the Russian Federation, the creation of new methods, technological techniques and regulations used in breeding and primary seed production of various oil crops (sunflower, oil flax, mustard, castor oil, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, and soybean) is stated. The development of the Don Experimental Station over the course of a century is traced. There was developed a completely new base of the initial breeding material of oil crops in the conditions of the Rostov region. In the context of the reforming the agricultural and industrial complex, the main tasks were: the development of competitive varieties and hybrids of oil crops that meet international standards and the needs of rural producers; the development of effective environmentally protected and resource-saving agricultural practices and the improvement of primary and industrial seed production; the introduction of completed scientific developments into agricultural practice. During the existence of the station, more than 130 varieties, hybrids and lines of sunflower, castor oil, brown and white mustard, oil flax and other oil crops have been developed and introduced into production. More than 100 patents for breeding achievements have been obtained. The varieties and hybrids of the Don Experimental Station are used in the fields of various soil and climatic zones of the Rostov region, as well as in other regions of Russia, in Ukraine, Moldova, and Bulgaria.

Control of Cucumber Powdery Mildew Using Resistant Cultivars and Organic Agricultural Materials.

This study evaluated the efficacy of various inorganic materials, biological control agents, organic agricultural materials (OAMs), and essential oils for controlling cucumber powdery mildew (CPM) under greenhouse conditions. Treatments included silicate, bicarbonate, copper sulfate, sulfurbased compounds, Bacillus subtilis KB-401, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M27, Bordeaux mixtures, chitosan combined with oxidated copper salt, chitooligosaccharides, and essential oils such as castor and rapeseed oil with lecithin. Results demonstrated that Bordeaux mixtures, particularly Bordeaux Mixture I, and sulfur-based compounds provided the most reliable CPM control among inorganic materials. Bacillus strains KB-401 and M27 achieved sustained disease suppression, suggesting their value in integrated pest management (IPM). Chitosan combined with oxidated copper salt showed high efficacy, making it a promising candidate for long-term control. Among OAMs, loess-sulfur mixtures proved especially effective in preventive applications, achieving comparable results to resistant cultivar 'Saronsamcheok'. Essential oils, including castor and rapeseed oil, also exhibited significant CPM suppression potential, although repeated applications may be necessary for sustained control. These findings highlight the potential of these environmentally friendly treatments as viable components of an IPM strategy for managing CPM in cucumber crops. Further studies are recommended to optimize combinations and application timing for enhanced efficacy.

Computational and experimental insights into glycyrrhizin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: docking, dynamics, design optimization, and anticancer efficacy in lung cancer cells

BackgroundLung cancer (LC) remains a predominant global health concern, especially with escalating tobacco-smoking rates. Present study provides computational screening, molecular dynamics, DFT and simulation analysis of phytoconstituents on EGFR receptors (2ITY and W2O), followed by selection of highest docking score phytoconstituents among 45 for further analysis. The formulation was optimized by Central composite design. Nanostructured-lipid carriers were prepared by high-speed homogenization, combining a 1:1 ratio of liquid lipid (Castor oil) and melted solid lipid (glyceryl monostearate) with 4% surfactant (tween 80) in a water phase containing Glycyrrhizin. The resulting mixture underwent high-speed homogenization at 8000 rpm for 40 min, followed by sonication for 15 min to achieve formulation development of GNLC. The anticancer potential of GNLC have been proved by experimental analysis through MTT assay using A549 Cell lines.ResultsGlycyrrhizin was found to possess maximum docking score − 8.863 and − 8.837 on both 2ITY and W2O respectively. The study unveils Glycyrrhizin’s interactions with EGFR pivotal in cancer progression and treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted the structural and dynamic interactions within a protein–ligand complex, indicating both stability and flexibility characteristics. DFT analysis of Glycyrrhizin revealed its molecular properties, suggesting stability and potential reactivity. Glycyrrhizin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (GNLC) have been developed and analysed by various parameters like particle size and drug release zeta potential, SEM analysis, and solubility analysis reveals critical insights into their optimization for effective drug delivery. Both GNLC and Doxorubicin (0.78–50 µg/ml) were used for the activity. The anticancer potential at 12.50, 25 and 50 µg/ml pf GNLC was found to be statistically significant and was comparable with that of standard group Doxorubicin. The observed structural transformations in Glycyrrhizin into a lipid matrix indicate potential enhancements in its drug release.ConclusionsGNLC shows promising anti-cancer potential in lung cancer, further pre-clinical and clinical studies, is crucial to validate its efficacy, safety, and integration into standard therapeutic regimens.Graphical abstract

A dual-band microwave sensor for liquid permittivity characterization based on multiple complementary split-ring resonators

Abstract This article presents a dual-band planar microwave sensor to characterize the permittivity of liquid samples. The sensor utilizes a splitter–combiner microstrip segment loaded with two pairs of triangular-shaped complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs). By integrating a meander slot into the CSRRs and incorporating inter-resonator coupling between the CSRRs, the proposed sensor achieves enhanced frequency shifts, resulting in improved sensitivity. An adulteration detection experiment is conducted to validate the sensor’s performance by mixing mineral oil into castor oil with a polydimethylsiloxane container placed on the sensing area. The variations in resonant frequency and peak attenuation are employed to extract the permittivity of the loaded liquid sample. The peak sensitivities in determining the real permittivity are measured to be 6.34% and 5.7% for the first and second frequency bands, respectively. The measured errors for extracting the real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity are approximately 3.95% and 7.47% for the first frequency band and 3.67% and 6.28% for the second frequency band, respectively. The proposed dual-band microwave sensor, with its high sensitivity, compact size, small sample volume, and low cost, demonstrates great potential for applications in the quality monitoring of agricultural and industrial products.

Kinetics and Optimization Studies of Controlled 5-Fluorouracil Release from Graphene Oxide Incorporated Vegetable Oil-Based Polyurethane Composite Film.

The current study focuses on investigating the potential of produced graphene oxide (GO)/oil-based polyurethane composite films as a drug carrier for 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Polyurethane was synthesized starting from blends of castor oil and sunflower oil-based glyceride, followed by GO and 5-FU anticancer drug bearing film production by solution casting. GO/PU composite film samples were characterized by FTIR, TGA and SEM analysis, confirming the PU production and distribution of 5-FU drug at a homogeneous level in GO/PU films. Experimental design studies were carried out to provide insight into the influence of GO incorporation, the amount of loaded drug, and the release medium pH value on 5-FU release behavior. The amount of 5-FU delivered from GO/PU composites displayed a tendency to increase at high GO ratios and high pH values, with the obtained maximum ratio of 91.4%. From release kinetics studies, the pH-sensitive behavior of GO/PU composites was observed following a Higuchi or zero-order kinetic model depending on the GO ratio, indicating a sustained release of the drug. The in vitro cytotoxicity effect of GO/PU film through 5-FU drug release was confirmed against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, while good biocompatibility of the drug-free GO/PU film against the L-929 mouse fibroblast cell line was confirmed via MTT assay test. Overall, the findings support that produced GO/PU composites hold potential for clinical drug delivery applications as a 5-FU drug carrier.

Bio-based flow improvers for waxy petroleum crude

This study investigated the efficacy of bio-based flow improvers, soybean oil (SBO) and castor oil (CAO), in mitigating the flow challenges posed by waxy crude oil, using Bonny Light crude oil as a case study. The study evaluated the impact of these additives on viscosity, gel strength, and pour point reduction. The performance of these additives was compared with a conventional flow improver, xylene. Results indicated that both SBO and CAO effectively reduced viscosity, gel strength, and pour point of the crude oil. Castor oil demonstrated superior performance in reducing gel strength, achieving a 98% reduction at 0.1 v/v concentration. Soybean oil, on the other hand, exhibited better performance in reducing pour point, with a 56.3% reduction at 1.9 v/v concentration. Xylene showed the highest viscosity reduction but had a less pronounced effect on gel strength and pour point. Optimum viscosity reduction of 85%, 83%, and 87% was achieved for SBO, CAO, and xylene, respectively, at specific process conditions. Similarly, gel strength reduction reached 94.36%, 94.89%, and 95.79% for SBO, CAO, and xylene, respectively. Pour point reduction was 56.3%, 52.7%, and 45.5% for SBO, CAO, and xylene, respectively, at the highest concentration tested. The study demonstrated the potential of bio-based additives as viable alternatives to conventional flow improvers for waxy crude oil. Further research is necessary to optimize their performance and explore their application in different crude oil systems.

Hyperbranched bio-based waterborne sizing coating for enhancing the wettability of carbon fibre and interfacial adhesion of fibre/epoxy composites

Novel castor oil-based waterborne polyurethane (CWPU) sizing coatings prepared by replacing traditional petroleum-based petrochemical products with natural renewable bio-extracts are attracting the attentions in the carbon fibre (CF) reinforced epoxy (EP) composites industries. However, CWPU coatings prepared using only castor oil (CO), diisocyanate, and carboxylate hydrophilic chain extender suffer from poor thermal stability, insufficient mechanical strength and weak adhesion. For enhancing the thermo-mechanical properties of CWPU coatings, as well as the surface wettability and interfacial adhesion to the substrates when serving as fibre sizing coatings and as interphases of the CF/EP composites, a compound cross-linker with tri-acrylate branched and tri-isocyanate chain-endings was synthesized and used to prepare hyperbranched CWPU with CO-acrylate-isocyanate interpenetrating cross-linking networks. CWPU coatings revealed favourable thermodynamic performance achieving a T5% decomposition temperature and toughness of 271.8 °C and 36.2 MJ/m3. CWPU coatings imparted excellent wettability to CF through oxygen-containing polar groups and synergy between covalent/hydrogen bonding, resulting in an increase in fibre surface energy to 61.0 mN/m. Stable and robust interphases were constructed in the CF/EP composites by CWPU coatings through "polar similarity compatibility" and multiple physico-chemical reactions. The flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength, and interfacial shear strength of CWPU-CF/EP were increased by 54.8 %, 36.6 %, and 58.9 %, respectively, compared with those of the unsized CF/EP composites. The research contributes to the development and industrial production of high-performance, eco-friendly bio-based water soluble organic coatings.

Use of Electrospun Cellulose Acetate/Silica Composites as Multifunctional Ingredients in Eco‐Friendly Semisolid Lubricant Formulations

ABSTRACTCellulose acetate/silica (CA/SIL) nanocomposites are prepared by electrospinning and investigated as multifunctional ingredients in eco‐friendly semisolid lubricant formulations. The structuring ability of these electrospun composites in castor oil and the antifriction and antiwear properties are examined through rheological and tribological experiments. The multifunctionality of CA/SIL composites arises from a balance between the silica content and the formation of nanofiber‐dominated structures. The linear viscoelasticity functions in the oleo‐dispersions increase by several orders of magnitude with both the spinning solution concentration and the CA:SIL ratio. However, the rheological response primarily depends on the morphology of the nanofiber mat obtained, specifically nanofiber diameter and the presence of beads. In contrast, the silica content significantly impacts the tribological performance of the oleo‐dispersions regardless of nanofiber morphology. For similar nanoarchitectures and rheological responses, the friction coefficient is reduced from 0.227 to 0.108 by incorporating silica in a 10:1 CA:SIL ratio, compared with the SIL‐free electrospun CA nanofibers, while wear is completely prevented. Increasing the composite concentration from 5 to 12.5 wt. % enhances wear protection and the gel strength of oleo‐dispersions, for example, the plateau modulus rises from 800 to 42,000 Pa using a composite with a 10:1 CA:SIL ratio.

Thermal behavior of polymers and copolymers based on plant oils with differing saturated and monounsaturated content

AbstractPlant oil‐based acrylic monomers from hydrogenated sunflower (HFM), palm (PMM) and castor (CSM) oils were polymerized to investigate the effect of chemical composition on polymer phase transitions at temperatures relevant to physiological range. While HFM and PMM possess a highly differing content of saturated palmitic and stearic acids combined with unsaturated fatty acids, CSM contains primarily fragments based on monounsaturated ricinoleic hydroxy acid (up to 90%). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements indicate that polymers from PMM and HFM are both semicrystalline (with Tm = −6 and −13 °C, respectively), while poly(CSM) appears to be amorphous (Tg = −49 °C). Considering the similarity in polymers' molar mass (Mn = 16 000–20 000 g mol−1), the observed thermal transitions can be explained by the formation of ordered morphological domains due to the presence of saturated palmitic and stearic acid fractions in poly(PMM) and poly(HFM). For copolymers of CSM, PMM and HFM (80 wt% of monomer feed) with styrene, DSC data show two transitions corresponding to the mobility of long alkyl fatty acid side fragments and the macromolecular backbone. For copolymers of PMM and HFM, comparable values (−52.8 and −55.5 °C, respectively) were obtained, while the second transition for poly(CSM‐co‐styrene) appears at 35 °C. We attribute this higher value to the presence of hydroxyl groups in ricinoleic acid fragments of CSM serving as additional chain transfer sites and the formation of macromolecular fractions enriched with polystyrene fragments. We expect that the temperature transitions obtained can be relevant to the future use of these polymers for biomedical applications, including the synthesis of polymer brushes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Esterification and Transesterification Optimization Processes of Nonedible (Castor and Neem) Oils for the Production of Biodiesel

In current times, the diminishing reserves of petroleum, increased energy consumption across various sectors, and their consequential environmental impact have become apparent. Consequently, it is necessary to develop sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources to meet growing demands. The article aimed to blend castor and neem oils (in a 50:50 ratio) to rectify the drawbacks present in castor biodiesel such as elevated kinematic viscosity and density. Response surface methodology was used to study the optimization of the two-step biodiesel production process through the use of a central composite design (CCD). For the esterification step, a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7.5:1, 1.75 wt.% of H2SO4, and a temperature of 55 °C were optimal. In the transesterification step, optimized conditions included a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 9:1, 2.50 wt.% of calcium oxide, a temperature of 55 °C, and a stirring speed of 900 rpm, resulting in a 93% yield of methyl ester. Different properties of produced biodiesel were examined using the standard values provided by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The production of biodiesel from a mixture of castor and neem oils did not have any adverse impacts on food security.