Water Absorption Capacity Research Articles

Production and characterization of sustainable biocompatible PLA/walnut shell composite materials

AbstractVarious treatments, such as alkaline and silane treatments, are commonly applied to natural fillers before production to enhance their quality, thermal stability, and water absorption capacity and improve the fiber–matrix interface properties. However, these processes are not environmentally friendly and may escalate the production cost of composites due to the need for additional processing steps in mass production. This study delves into the impact of untreated walnut shell (WS) filler material, employed in varying ratios (ranging from 10 to 40%) as a filler, on the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and physical properties of environmentally friendly polylactic acid (PLA) matrix composites. The experimental results highlight a significant decrease in tensile modulus by 28%, tensile strength ranging from 32 to 65%, a decrease in flexural modulus by 22%, and flexural strength ranging from 24 to 58% with varying WS filler ratios. Time-dependent water absorption and increased density were observed. FT-IR analysis indicates structural similarities, while DSC results show minimal effects on glass transition temperature and crystallinity. TGA results reveal reduced thermal stability with increasing WS content. SEM microstructure imaging demonstrates homogeneous WS particle distribution, but higher WS content leads to increased brittleness and diminished resistance properties. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of balancing sustainability through WS filler ratios while preserving mechanical performance.

Investigating the physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties of low‐fat mayonnaise prepared with amaranth protein as an egg yolk replacer

AbstractThis study investigated the possibility of using amaranth protein isolate (API) as a plant‐based substitute for egg yolk (EY) in the preparation of low‐fat mayonnaise (LFM). The alkali extraction/acidic precipitation method was used to isolate amaranth protein; its functional properties were then studied. The results showed that besides its great water and oil absorption capacities, API had better emulsifying capacity and significantly higher (p < .05) emulsion stability at pH 2.0 than alkali pH values. Five mayonnaise samples with different API/EY combination ratios (%) (i.e., 0/0.75, 0.25/0.5, 0.375/0.375, 0.5/0.25, and 0.75/0) were prepared. The color, emulsion stability (ES), freeze–thaw stability (FTS), droplet size, structure, rheology, and sensory properties of samples were examined. API replacement showed no adverse effects on the L* value, ES, and sensory attributes (p > .05). Low API concentrations (0.25% and 0.375%) significantly (p < .05) increased the droplet size and decreased the FTS of LFM emulsion. High API concentrations (0.5% and 0.75%) had no significant effect (p > .05) on droplet size and formed emulsions with more tightly packed oil droplets. The Cross model was chosen best to describe the flow behavior of LFM samples (R2 = 0.99). The sample with 0.75% API had significantly (p < .05) the highest values of ηo (zero‐shear viscosity) and λ (relaxation time), indicating greater interaction between the emulsion particles. All samples showed a weak gel structure (G' > G"). In conclusion, API can be considered an appropriate substitute for EY in LFM production, which can benefit human health and offer a new strategy for preparing vegan products.

Study of the high-energy alpha particles influence on the styrene accumulation kinetics and functional groups during the synthesis of proton-exchange membranes based on PVDF.

The study investigates the effect of alpha irradiation on the graft copolymerization of styrene with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Using methods of radiation-chemical modification, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) with a uniform distribution of functional sulfate groups throughout the entire volume was developed. Grafting of styrene was carried out at different temperatures and solution concentrations. Functional sulfo-groups were added to the graft polymer by sulfonation, with the addition of solvents. The degree of grafting (DG), water absorption (W) and exchange capacity (IEC) correlate well with the absorbed dose and alpha particle fluence. Research into this method will allow us to develop an affordable industrial technology for widespread implementation.

Characterisation of resistant starch from Vigna unguiculata for the development of an oral‐colon delivery agent

SummaryThere is a significant concern associated with the delivery of chemotherapeutics to the colon due to limited drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Starch has received great interest as a delivery agent owing to its cost efficacy and high availability. In this study, native resistant starch and acid‐modified resistant starch from Vigna unguiculata were used to produce microcapsules containing camptothecin as an oral‐colon‐specific drug delivery agent. Functional characteristics such as solubility, swelling power, amylose content, emulsifying, foaming together with water and oil absorption capacity of native resistant starch and acid‐modified resistant starch were established. The prepared microcapsules were characterised and subjected to simulated digestion with the obtained residue evaluated for cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. It was observed that acid‐modified resistant starch had the best functional properties (water absorption capacity: 2.76 g g−1, oil absorption capacity: 3.13 g g−1, amylose: 35%, foaming capacity: 17.73%, and emulsifying activity: 33.33%) as compared to its native resistant starch (water absorption capacity: 2.03 g g−1, oil absorption capacity: 2.81 g g−1, amylose: 32%, foaming capacity: 4% and emulsifying activity: 23.56%). The microcapsules had a particle size of 0.25–0.35 μm, moisture content between 1.12% and 3.41% and a high encapsulation efficiency of 96.40 and 98.96% for native resistant starch and acid‐modified resistant starch capsules respectively. Results for MTT assay showed cancerous cells to be inhibited by microcapsules with noncancerous cells less affected.

Effect of different shapes of steel fibers and palygorskite-nanofibers on performance of ultra-high-performance concrete

Herein, a practical ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) was created by adding two different shapes of steel fibers and curing them at ambient temperature using palygorskite-nanofiber (PN) as the modifier. The compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption capacity, and porosity were analyzed to determine the effects of the steel fibers and PNs on the UHPC mechanical and physical properties. The steel fibers and PNs were found to improve these properties. The UHPC mechanical properties were outstanding at 1.5% fiber dosage, while physical properties were excellent at 1.0% fiber dosage. The mechanical and physical characteristics of UHPC were preferably at a PN dosage of 0.2% and the fiber dosage of 1.0%. The compressive and flexural strengths of straight-steel-fiber UHPC were 145.57 and 19.67 MPa, respectively, i.e., 42.0 and 109.4% higher than those of the reference specimens (i.e., those without fibers or PNs); the water absorption capacity and porosity decreased by 50.1 and 60.7%, respectively. The compressive and flexural strengths of hooked-end-steel-fiber UHPC were 18.3 and 96.0% higher than those of the reference specimens, respectively, and the water absorption capacity and porosity decreased by 43.2 and 29.8%, respectively. These results could provide vital information for the promotion and practical application of UHPC.

Nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties of Hawaiian taro (Colocasia esculenta) flours: A comparative study.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) flour is a viable carbohydrate alternative and a functional additive for food formulation; however, different taro varieties may possess distinct characteristics that may influence their suitability for food production. This study evaluated the nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties of flours from five Hawaiian taro varieties: Bun-Long, Mana Ulu, Moi, Kaua'i Lehua, and Tahitian. Tahitian, Bun-long, and Moi had high total starch contents of 40.8, 38.9, and 34.1g/100g, respectively. Additionally, Moi had the highest neutral detergent fiber (25.5g/100g), lignin (1.39g/100g), and cellulose (5.31g/100g). In terms of physicochemical properties, Tahitian showed the highest water solubility index (33.3g/100g), while Tahitian and Moi exhibited the two highest water absorption indices (5.81g/g and 5.68g/g, respectively). Regarding functional properties, Tahitian had the highest water absorption capacity (3.48g/g), and Tahitian and Moi had the two highest oil absorption capacities (3.15g/g and 2.68g/g, respectively). Therefore, the flours from these Hawaiian taro varieties possess promising characteristics that could enhance food quality when used as alternative additives in food processing.

Variety-based physical characterization and pre-gelatinization-induced functional-rheological changes in kidney beans

In the present study, three varieties of kidney beans (Red Rajma (RR), Rajma Chitra (RC), and Rajma Sharmili (RS)) were physically characterized and the effect of pre-gelatinization by microwave and hot water on functional and pasting properties of flour were studied. A significant difference was observed in the physical properties of all the kidney beans, indicating that they can be easily characterized and identified based on physical properties. Pre-gelatinization treatment led to variation in color, functional and pasting properties of flours. Color parameters L*, b*, chroma, and hue values reduced with the treatment, whereas a* and total color difference (Δ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Delta$$\\end{document} E) values increased. Water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) varied in the range of 1.15–1.91% and 1.25–1.75% for microwave and hot water treatment, respectively. The highest value of WAC and OAC was observed for microwave-treated RC and hot water-treated RR, respectively. WAC increases with both treatments, whereas OAC increases only with water bath cooking. Functional group analysis (FTIR) showed no major peaks shifting in water bath treatment, whereas a slight deflation of certain peaks was observed in the case of microwave treatment. Pasting curves showed a significant reduction in peak and final viscosity after pre-gelatinization treatment; however, none of the samples showed any breakdown during cooking.Graphical

Effect of Heat Moisture Treatment, Annealing, and Gelatinization‐Retrogradation Modifications on Physico‐Chemical, Functional, and Structural Properties of Starch from Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

AbstractRoots and tuberous plants are vital food crops used as food supplements in many parts of the tropics. Being a major food item, starch is used in food products as thickeners, adsorbent, film forming agent. Starch, naturally, possess certain limitations & starch modifications can overcome the limitations, thereby increasing its versatility and meeting the needs of consumer. Current study focuses on comparative analysis between modified Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) starch using physical methods (heat treatment method, annealing and gelatinization‐retrogradation) and to study the effect of modification on physico‐chemical, functional, structural and thermal properties. Results reveal that all physically modified starches positively altered the functional and physiological characteristics of native yam starch. However, maximum restriction in swelling power (2.54 %), solubility (2.47 %), moisture content (1.96 %), water absorption capacity (1.41 g/mL) is observed in heat moisture treated (HMT) starch. These HMT modified starches can be used in the manufacturing of baked and dairy products having reduced glycemic index, can be used as a packaging material for coating of fruits and vegetables. Henceforth, suitable and relevant application of modified starches of desired physical and functional features may be produced for industrial utilisation, or as additives fulfilling specific purposes in foods.

Physicochemical and Morphological Properties of Litchi Seed Starch Oxidized by Different Levels of Sodium Hypochlorite

AbstractNon‐conventional starch sources have emerged as an interest due to their inherent physicochemical properties similar to conventional starches. This study aimed to enhance the value of non‐conventional litchi seed starch by employing anoxidizing process using different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)(0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5%). The carbonyl and carboxyl content of oxidized starch was in the range of (0.019 – 0.323%) and (0.044 – 0.425%) showing an increase with the increasing concentration of NaOCl. The native and oxidized starches were further characterized for their functional and structural properties. The amylose content of native starch was 21.52% which was reduced to (19.34 – 13.43%) upon oxidation. The water and oil absorption capacities increased with theoxidation level. The swelling power(g/g) and solubility (g/100g) for native starch were 16.17 and 16.20 and 9.5 and 31.40 for modified starch. The oxidized starch produced clearer pastes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed surface erosion and cavities in oxidized starch granulesat higher concentrations. The oxidized starch showed higher relative crystallinity. FTIR was further used to assess structural changes in starches. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxidation significantly altered the characteristics of litchi seed starch, expanding its potential applications in various industries.

Encapsulation of beetroot extract (Beta vulgaris L.) obtained by internal and external ionic gelation: a comparative study

Natural pigments, like betalains found in beets, are sensitive to environmental conditions, which may impact their reactivity and shelf-life. Microencapsulation is an attractive alternative for delivering these compounds, offering protection through polymeric microcapsules. The aim of this study was to compare two ionic gelation methodologies, external (EG) and internal gelation (IG), in the microencapsulation of beet aqueous extract. Particles were obtained by mixing sodium alginate with the aqueous extract of beetroot and crosslinking with calcium chloride solution using the extrusion method. Encapsulation characteristics and physical, morphological features were evaluated. The particles showed 10.72 and 89.90% encapsulation efficiency for EG and IG, respectively. Loading capacity was 18.90% for EG and 25.60% for IG. Those IG particles showed superior water absorption capacity during rehydration. Texture analysis indicated that EG particles showed greater hardness. Release kinetics indicated that EG particles followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, while IG particles followed the Higuchi model. Thus, the appropriate encapsulation technique should be selected depending on the food matrix to be used and the specific objective of delivering the active encapsulated molecules.

Review on Investigating Soil Stabilized Mud Blocks with Combined C&D Waste

Buildings built by ancient civilizations like the Mesopotamians and Egyptians were made of clay and other materials, and the use of stabilized soil for construction dates to those times. On the other hand, the scientific underpinnings of soil stabilization were not established until the early 1900s. In comparison to conventional building materials, the use of stabilized soil-based construction materials, such as soil stabilized mud blocks, can offer several advantages, such as improved strength and durability, less of an adverse effect on the environment, and lower costs. The world is facing an issue that calls for the disposal of inorganic solid waste to be addressed right away. This solid waste that is produced when old buildings are demolished is frequently classified as industrial waste or C&D waste. In India alone, enormous amounts of waste are produced, very little of which is recycled. When modifying the properties of stabilized soil, this C&D waste can be used in place of soil or quarry sand. This work explores the use of a stabilizing agent in conjunction with combined C&D waste for soil sampling. The studies use combined C&D waste and soil stabilized mud blocks to test the hollow blocks' water absorption capacity and strength for various replacements. The materials needed for the study came from nearby structures that had been demolished. Using mortar, cylindrical samples for 32 different ratios of mixed construction and demolition waste with a 9% cement content were cast for various compositions. To determine whether the stabilized samples were suitable for use in construction, tests were conducted on their compressive strength and water absorption properties. Based on the least compressive values found in cylindrical samples, the C&D waste was used in ratios ranging from 0% to 100% in place of soil. Mud blocks stabilized by soil were poured and examined for durability, strength, and mechanical qualities. In this study, an effort was made to use C&D waste—that is, brick and concrete waste—in varying amounts to create cylindrical samples that could be used to create concrete and stabilized mud blocks. In order to create cylindrical samples, different ratios of brick waste, concrete waste, and brick-concrete waste were used for 23 mix proportions. Cylindrical samples were manufactured using a cement content of 9 and 12%. These samples' mechanical and physical characteristics, such as their compressive strength, water absorption capacity, and initial rate of absorption, were investigated.

Influence of type and particle size of superabsorbent polymer on early water distribution and internal curing zone properties of cement paste

The types of commercial superabsorbent polymer (SAP) mainly include ionic-SAP acrylic acid (AA) and nonionic-SAP acrylamide-acrylic acid copolymer (AM), which have different particle sizes due to the limited preparation methods. This study used 1H low-field NMR to clarify the influence of type and particle size of SAP on the water distribution of cement paste. Backscattering electrons and nanoindentation were used to quantitatively analyze the area, porosity, and micromechanical properties of internal curing zone. Finally, void system analysis, compressive strength, and autogenous shrinking were systematically studied. The results indicate that the water absorption and retention capacity of AM in cement paste increase with the increase of particle size, and the area of internal curing zone also increased. As the area of internal curing area increases, the autogenous shrinkage of cement paste significantly decreases. The internal curing effect reduces the unhydrated cement content and increases the high-density C–S–H content of internal curing zone, thereby improving the micromechanical properties and to some extent offsetting the decrease in mechanical properties caused by voids. However, larger particle size AM forms larger void and higher air content, leading to a further decrease in strength. Ionic-SAP AA releases a large amount of water before final setting, weakening internal curing effect and reducing the area of internal curing zone. In addition, the early release of water leads to an increase in the local water-cement ratio, which increases the porosity and low-density C–S–H content of internal curing zone, thereby reducing the micromechanical properties.

A super hydrophilic and high strength chitosan hemostatic sponge prepared by freeze-drying and alkali treatment for rapid hemostasis

Excessive blood loss caused by natural accidents or major surgical procedures can be life-threatening and requires rapid hemorrhage management. Developing hemostatic materials with high water absorption capacity and high strength properties is still challenging. Super hydrophilic/high-strength chitosan hemostatic sponges (SHHS-CHS) were prepared by freeze-drying and alkali treatment. The freeze-drying technology formed a porous three-dimensional structure of sponges, and alkali treatment increased the hydrophilicity of sponges and the rigidity of the chitosan molecular chain, improving the hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of chitosan sponges. Characterization experiments revealed that SHHS-CHS had high water absorption capacity, rich pore structure, and excellent mechanical properties. The cytotoxicity and hemolysis experiments showed that SHHS-CHS had good biocompatibility. Compared to the commercial hemostatic gelatin sponges and chitosan hemostatic material, SHHS-CHS had better blood coagulation and red blood cell and platelet adhesion ability. Moreover, SHHS-CHS showed better hemostatic ability than gelatin sponges in rat-liver injury and rat leg vein rupture models, significantly reducing the hemostasis time and bleeding volume. In conclusion, SHHS-CHS has broad prospects for clinical application as a hemostatic material.

Structure-property relationship in functionalized azobenzene photoswitches and their supramolecular behavior.

Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and supramolecular behavior of 30 structurally diverse photoresponsive azobenzene molecular systems. To establish structure-property relationships, azobenzenes appended with N-picolinyl and/or N-benzyl groups tethered directly through carboxamides or via triazolylmethyl carboxamide linkages were explored. We have evaluated the photoswitching characteristics and thermal stability of the Z isomers through systematic studies. All the targets were also screened for their aggregation behavior and supramolecular aspects. Among all the derivatives, a few carboxamide-based systems formed microcrystals upon aggregation, showing light responsiveness. In contrast, the derivatives tethered via triazolylmethyl carboxamide linkage exhibited hydrogel formation with excellent water-absorbing capacity. All supramolecular aspects of the morphology of the microcrystal and hydrogel states and their stimuli-responsiveness have been studied using spectroscopy and various microscopic techniques.

Production and quality evaluation of bread from blend of biofortified cassava, wheat and dry date flours

In this study, quality evaluation was carried out on bread made from a blend of wheat, biofortified cassava, and dry date flours. Bread samples, designated A through E were produced using various flour blend ratios. Cassava flour samples were subjected to functional and anti-nutritional analysis while proximate, β-carotene, mineral, and sensory contents were evaluated on the bread samples. The result of analysis showed that in the water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), bulk density, foaming capacity, and foaming stability, sample BCF (biofortified cassava flour) had values of 1.98%, 2.55%, 0.72%, 1.98%, and 92.77%, respectively, while sample OCF (Ordinary cassava flour) had values of 2.0%, 1.55%, 0.76%, 7.31%, and 88.38%, respectively. The hydrogen cyanide (1.71 mg/100 g), tannins (0.16 mg/100 g), and oxalates (0.08 mg/100 g) found in BCF were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of OCF, which were 2.04 mg/100 g, 0.12 mg/100 g, and 0.16 mg/100 g, respectively. The moisture contents ranged from 4.50-6.35%, crude protein from 10.0-11.29%, fat from 8.43-10.44%, ash from 1.77-3.65%, crude fiber from 2.0-3.48%, and carbohydrate from 67.73-70.16%. The moisture, crude protein, and carbohydrate contents decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the level of biofortified cassava flour substitution increased. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of β-carotene with increase in biofortified cassava flour substitution. The values of minerals were calcium (27.81–31.40 mg/g), potassium (43.64-52.63 mg/g), sodium (20.41–28.74 mg/g), iron (0.83–1.11 mg/g), zinc (0.60-0.91 mg/g), and copper (0.25-0.32 mg/g). Samples showed good sensory properties, although sample A was preferred.

Entrapment of Papain in Chitosan-Polyethylene Glycol Hybrid Nanohydrogels: Presenting a Model for Protein Delivery Systems.

In this study, the process of manufacturing nanohydrogels containing papain and how to release it was investigated. Chitosan nanohydrogels and chitosan-polyethylene glycol hybrid nanohydrogels were used to entrapment of papain as a protein model. In order to evaluate and confirm different properties of nanohydrogels such as size, shape, the rate of swelling and flexibility, different methods was used. The maximum amount of papain entrapment was observed in 0.75% concentration of chitosan and 1% concentration of sodium Tripolyphosphate (TPP) as linker. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that nanohydrogels containing papain on a nano scale are very porous and swollen. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms analysis showed that nanohydrogels have relatively good water absorption capacity. Also, by adding polyethylene glycol to chitosan, the melting temperature of hybrid nanohydrogels decreased and this can be a reason for the formation of flexible structures in these nanohydrogels. In chitosan nanohydrogels, the highest release rate of papain was observed at pH lower than 7 and high temperatures, but by adding polyethylene glycol to the chitosan, in addition to increasing papain release, a proper and continuous release of papain was observed at temperature and pH close to physiological conditions, especially at low ratios of polyethylene glycol. According to the present results, hybrid nanohydrogels can have a good potential in protein delivery systems in terms of structure and release.

Evaluation of the Swelling Properties and Sorption Capacity of Maltodextrin-Based Cross-Linked Polymers

The development of polymers obtained from renewable sources such as polysaccharides has gained scientific and industrial attention. Cross-linked bio-derived cationic polymers were synthesized via a sustainable approach exploiting a commercial maltodextrin product, namely, Glucidex 2®, as the building block, while diglycidyl ethers and triglycidyl ethers were used as the cross-linking agents. The polymer products were characterized via FTIR-ATR, TGA, DSC, XRD, SEM, elemental analysis, and zeta-potential measurements, to investigate their composition, structure, and properties. Polydispersed amorphous granules displaying thermal stabilities higher than 250 °C, nitrogen contents ranging from 0.8 wt % and 1.1 wt %, and zeta potential values between 10 mV and 15 mV were observed. Subsequently, water absorption capacity measurements ranging from 800% to 1500%, cross-linking density determination, and rheological evaluations demonstrated the promising gel-forming properties of the studied systems. Finally, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate removal tests were performed to assess the possibility of employing the studied polymer products as suitable sorbents for water remediation. The results obtained from the ion chromatography technique showed high sorption rates, with 80% of nitrates, over 90% of sulfates, and total phosphates removal.

Enhancing solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting by a bilayer macroporous hydrogel

The adsorption-based atmospheric water harvesting technique has shown great potential in providing clean water. An ideal device for atmospheric water harvesting should enable the massive and quick release of water after it is rapidly absorbed by the moisture adsorbent. At present, however, the moisture adsorbent still experiences issues such as a slow water absorption rate, hampered adsorption–desorption kinetics, and a low total water yield. In this paper, a bilayer moisture adsorbent (BMA), which glues a hydrophilic macroporous layer for rapid water adsorption and a carbonized sunlight-absorbing layer for both water harvesting and desorption acceleration, is introduced. Further evidence suggests that it is the stable, fluffy, and rough porous structure of the BMA that helps to harvest atmospheric water efficiently. The fully carbonized BMA exhibits a water absorption capacity of up to 396% at a relative humidity of 90%, which is 20% higher than a monolayer sample. More importantly, the desorption efficiency of the half-carbonized BMA reaches 98% under 1 sun illumination. These results jointly demonstrate that the BMA can play the dual role of absorbing moisture and light, allowing for rapid atmospheric water harvesting, massive water storage, and efficient desorption under the light.

Cotton threads encapsulated by thermal contraction tube for point-of-care diagnostics

Passive microfluidic devices based on capillary force are popular choices for point-of-care diagnostics. Paper, threads and cloth have been used to fabricate these microfluidic devices. Here, we introduced a novel method for packaging microfluidic thread-based analytical devices (μTADs) by encapsulating cotton threads in thermal contraction tubes. This package method can help to increase convenience during practice. At first, we investigate the influence of this package method on the capillary flow behavior and water absorption capacity of cotton threads. Then, we show the possibility of this package method in preparing μTADs with complex shapes. Lastly, we successfully use μTADs based on this package method for applications in point-of-care diagnostics including glucose detection in urine, fibrinogen detection in blood plasma, and plasma separation from whole blood samples and hematocrit (HCT) measurement. The package method is promising in expanding the applications of μTADs in point-of-care diagnostics.

Eco-Friendly Bamboo-Based Composites

The study focuses on obtaining bamboo-based composite materials and new environmentally friendly binders with different degrees of silylation (15-35%) at different pressures and temperatures. The synthesis was carried out using silylated polystyrene (poly[trimethoxy(4-vinylphenethyl)] silane) and styrene as a binder and reinforcing agent in the presence of organic/inorganic additives, antioxidants and antipirene. Poly[trimethoxy(4-vinylphenethyl)] silane, a solid brown substance, was synthesized via an alkylation reaction of vinyltrimethoxysilane and polystyrene, in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3. This paper presents the development of composites for ecological purposes (eco-composites) using bamboo fibers and their basic mechanical properties. The surface structures of the new composites were studied by several techniques including electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, bending test, Charpy impact test, thermogravimetry study, and water absorption determination. The new composites are characterized by good mechanical properties, thermal resistance, ecological purity, and water absorption capacity much smaller than the water absorption of existing particle boards.