Water Absorption Properties Research Articles

Effect of low carbon marble dust powder, silica fume, and rice husk ash as tertiary cementitious material on the mechanical properties and embodied carbon of concrete

The recent decade has seen a surge in study towards cost-effective, ecologically benign, as well as socially advantageous cement replacements. Alternatives include industrial and agricultural waste, which can be recycled, repurposed, as well as renewed. However, using these wastes as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) saves energy as well as reduces cement use, which helps reduce CO2 emission. Therefore, this research investigation is to use the silica fume (SF), rice husk ash (RHA), as well as marble dust powder (MDP) individually as SCM and combine as tertiary cementitious materials (TCM) for determining the fresh (workability), hardened (dry density, splitting tensile and compressive strength) and durability (carbonation depth, and water absorption) properties of concrete. In this regard, 345 concrete samples were made with 1:1.5:3 mix ratio and cured for 28 days. The outcome has been demonstrated that the workability, dry density, water absorption and carbonation depth of concrete is getting reduced with growing the SF, RHA and MDP as SCM and TCM in concrete. Besides, the compressive and split tensile strength are increased by 10.44% and 9.544% respectively at 9% of SF, RHA and MDP as TCM for 28 days. Besides, the embodied carbon of concrete is decreasing while amount of SF, RHA and MDP as SCM and TCM is increasing. It has been observed that the use of 9% TCM is offering good results for construction sector and reduce the consumption of cement in concrete which helps to decrease the carbon emission in the environment.

Cell wall polysaccharides determine cooking quality in cassava roots

Social Impact StatementCassava is a vital food source for millions worldwide, crucial for food security and economic stability. This study analyzed cell wall polysaccharides in cassava roots to understand their impact on cooking properties. We found these polysaccharides influence the textural attributes of cassava roots, essential for both cooking and consumption. The research highlights the need to further identify and analyze cassava cell wall components. By improving our understanding of these components, we can improve food security, affordability, and resilience in diverse regions, ultimately contributing to global food security and better aligning with consumer preferences.Summary The textural attributes of cassava roots significantly influence preferences in cooking and consumption as a food source, yet the specific components dictating these properties remain unclear. We aimed to identify the factors shaping the cooking properties of cassava roots. We conducted a compositional analysis of 22 traits in a diverse F1 biparental population derived from soft‐ and hard‐boiling progenitors. The traits encompassed cooking qualities, starch properties, and cell wall composition. Specific cell wall components including cellulose, xylan, un‐esterified, and methyl‐esterified homogalacturonan (HG) demonstrated a correlation with cooking quality attributes: sensory assessments related to texture (SAT) and water absorption during boiling (WAB). Correlation and regression analyses revealed that these wall components collectively contribute to 20% of SAT variability and 14% of WAB variability. SAT appeared to be influenced by methyl‐esterified and un‐esterified HGs, xylan, and cellulose, impacting the tensile strength of the cell wall. Conversely, WAB appeared to be associated with methyl‐esterified HG, potentially altering water absorption properties. Although genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) were unable to identify significant SNPs for SAT and WAB, notable associations emerged for cellulose, xylan, and un‐esterified‐ and methyl‐esterified HG. Candidate genes associated with these SNPs point towards diverse cell wall‐related proteins, transcription factors, sugar metabolism‐related genes, and glycosyl hydrolases. This study provides insights into the relationship between cassava root compositions and cooking characteristics and the role of wall components in determining the cooking quality of edible cassava. This information represents a substantial contribution towards the development of protocols for selecting varieties with texture preferences.

Exploring the strength and durability of hemp fiber reinforced moringa bioresin composites for skateboard applications

The study aimed to develop and analyze bio-based composites, incorporating moringa bioresin and hemp fibers as reinforcing elements. The composites were fabricated using four weight percentage combinations of epoxy, moringa bioresin, and hemp fiber. The fabricated composites were characterized by their mechanical, thermal, water absorption, biodegradability, and morphological properties. The study revealed that the composite with the highest proportion of moringa bioresin (30 wt. %) exhibited better mechanical properties. Moreover, the flexural strength and Shore D hardness were impacted by both the matrix and reinforcing materials’ weight percentages. Thermal analysis showed that the composites had good thermal stability, while water absorption analysis indicated that the composites had good water resistance. Biodegradability analysis showed that the composites had a high rate of biodegradation, making them environmentally friendly. The distribution of reinforcing fibers within the matrix material was found to be uniform through the use of scanning electron microscope based morphological analysis. The results indicate that moringa bioresin and hemp fiber composites have the potential to be used as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based composites in various applications.

Effect of alkali treatment on mechanical and water absorption properties of biodegradable wheat-straw/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: A sustainable alternative for conventional materials

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are preferred over conventional materials because of their superior strength and modulus. Previously limited due to high manufacturing costs, synthetic fibers have been replaced by some natural fibers, such as waste wheat straw fibers. Here, epoxy-based polymer composites' mechanical and physical properties have been investigated, focusing on fiber weight ratios for both treated and untreated fiber. The research found that treated fibers display more effective mechanical qualities than untreated fibers, with a higher tensile strength of 54.4 MPa. The untreated Wheat Straw-Glass fiber reinforced composite has a less tensile strength of 26.3 MPa (10 wt% fiber). Pure resin-based composite has the most minor tensile strength at 1.52 MPa. The highest flexural strength obtained for hybrid composite is 88.76 MPa for treated fiber with epoxy resin and 49.6 MPa for untreated 30 wt % fiber. At the same time, the sole epoxy resin composite has the lowest value of 10.60 MPa. Untreated fiber (30 wt%) has the highest impact energy of 8J. Untreated wheat straw fiber absorbs more water due to its hydrophilic nature. In contrast, treated fiber exhibits better bonding and minimal water content, and the sole epoxy resin composite exhibits hydrophobic properties, resulting in less water absorption. The treated fiber displays better bonding than the untreated fiber throughout the SEM analysis. Wheat Straw fiber is mainly used for biodegradable plastic formation, housing construction, building materials, etc.

Exploring the potential of agricultural waste enset fibers reinforced poly lactic acid biocomposites

This study explores the environmental sustainability of composite materials by reinforcing agricultural residue enset fiber as a potential reinforcement. Initially, enset fibers underwent a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide treatment to eliminate impurities and enhance fiber-matrix adhesion in the subsequent biocomposite fabrication process. Various enset fiber-to-polylactic acid ratios were blended and opened to enset/PLA fibers mat using a fiber carding machine, and the resulting biocomposite material was prepared through the hot press. A comprehensive assessment covering mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, water absorption, and morphological properties was conducted on the enset/PLA biocomposites. The results showed increased mechanical (tensile strength of 24.12 MPa, bending stress of 33.02 MPa, flexural modulus of 2.01 GPa, the impact resistance of 12 kJ/m2) and thermomechanical properties with increased enset fiber loading, with optimum value at a 30 % weight percentage. The Differential scanning calorimetry results showed the addition of enset fiber increases the glass transition temperatures and degree of crystallinity. SEM images confirmed robust adhesion between enset fibers and PLA. This study highlights the potential applications of enset/PLA composites in automotive, furniture, packaging, and diverse industries, emphasizing their promising role in sustainable material development.

Preparation and Characterization of Paving Blocks from Polyethylene-Based Plastic Waste and Natural Fibre

The current methods of managing plastic waste especially in developing countries have become an issue of environmental and public health concern globally. This has led environmentalists and scientists to work on finding day-to-day activities that can help to reduce the plastic waste disposal problem. Recycling and reuse of plastic waste into construction materials is a valid way to reduce the effect of this improper disposal of plastic waste. This will help to reduce the negative impact of the high cost of cement in the construction industry. In this research, polyethylene waste (table water sachet) was used as a replacement for cement in the construction of paving blocks. The sample with a 1:4 mixing ratio was found to have the highest compressive strength among the different mix ratio examined. Paving blocks were then produced with this mixing ratio from plastic-aggregates and plastic-aggregate-fibre and compared with the standard cement-aggregate paving blocks for their compressive and tensile strengths, water absorption, thickness swelling, density, and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and horizontal burning rate). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) was also conducted on the paving blocks to determine the distribution of the particles of the blocks, the compatibility of the matrix, and their elemental composition. The results of the compressive strength test showed 18.1667 Nmm<sup>-2</sup> for plastic-aggregate block, though lower when compared with the cement-aggregate block with a compressive strength of 21.6667 Nmm<sup>-2</sup>. The plastic-aggregate block has the least water absorption value among the three samples. The 0.1350% and 1.8861% water absorption values obtained for the plastic-aggregate and plastic-aggregate-fibre bricks respectively showed an impressive water absorption which falls within the maximum of 5% water absorption for quality paving blocks. The plastic-aggregate and plastic-aggregate-fibre both also recorded lower density when compared with the cement-aggregate block, which gives them a logistic advantage over the cement-aggregate block in the case of transporting them from one location to another. The blocks were found to be stable at low temperatures. The SEM images of the plastic-aggregate and plastic-fibre-aggregate paving blocks clearly showed a consistent dispersion of the plastic waste particles within the aggregate matrix over that of the cement-aggregate paving block. Therefore, plastic-aggregate brick can be recommended for use as paving bricks for low-traffic roads, walkways, parks, and gardens, although there is need to carry out further studies on other material properties of the plastic-based paving block.

Tree-inspired fabric-based of carbon fiber photothermal evaporator for highly efficient water-evaporation desalination

Recently, researchers have increasingly focused on interfacial solar evaporation technology due to its potential in addressing freshwater scarcity through its cleanliness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, developing salt-resistant evaporation devices with high performance using simple processing methods remains challenging. This study presents a novel core-spun composite yarn, utilizing Tencel as the core for its water absorption properties and wrapping it with carbon fiber bundles known for their excellent light absorption capabilities. A photothermal composite yarn fabric evaporation device with a bridge-like structure, utilizing carbon fiber and crafted through three-dimensional braiding technology, was developed. The inclusion of polystyrene foam ensures stable floating and excellent thermal insulation, enhancing thermal management efficiency of the evaporator. Results indicate a stable evaporation rate of 1.71 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 sun illumination and effectively prevents salt crystallization during prolonged simulated seawater evaporation, specifically with a 10 wt% NaCl solution. This research lays a valuable foundation for designing uncomplicated, efficient, and scalable solar water evaporation devices.

Mechanical characterization and study on morphological properties: Natural and agro waste utilization of reinforced polyester hybrid composites

Eco-conscious products are currently garnering significant attention due to their abundant availability and versatile applications in various engineering contexts. The distinctive properties of natural fibers make them readily substitutable for synthetic fibers. A substantial one million tonnes of fiber waste, primarily composed of paddy straw fiber, is generated globally. The research emphasis revolves around the adoption of the Waste to Wealth technique, a highly efficient process aimed at repurposing waste materials. This approach plays a pivotal role in curbing air pollution, specifically by preventing the incineration of the residual portion of paddy straw fiber on agricultural lands. The study involves the collection of paddy straw fiber from agricultural fields, with subsequent extraction facilitated by an extracting machine. Employing a chemical treatment process enhances the adhesion properties between the fiber and matrix. Consequently, comprehensive fiber tests, including the single fiber test, fiber tenacity, and fiber fineness, were meticulously examined for both treated and untreated fibers. The reinforcements and matrix were taken by the weight percentage of 50:50 with different fiber length (25, 50, 75, 100 mm) using the compression moulding machine with 300 mm × 300 mm × 3 mm dimensions. After making the laminates, the samples were cut as per the ASTM standard. The mechanical and morphological behavior of the hybrid fiber-reinforced polyester composites were evaluated, and the water absorption property in the concerned laminates was studied.

Development of crosslinked gelatin films through Maillard reaction and reinforced with poly(vinyl alcohol) for active food packaging

In order to improve the functionality of natural gelatin films for active food packaging applications, a combined strategy of crosslinking via Maillard reaction and blending enhancement incorporated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was explored. In this study, when the mass ratio of gelatin to glucose was 10:1, Maillard reaction of crosslinked gelatin films was the highest, UV absorption and browning index reached the maximum. Infrared analysis showed that PVA could form strong interfacial interactions with gelatin matrix. The presence of PVA could significantly improve the toughness, water absorption, transparency, and oxygen barrier properties of crosslinked gelatin films. When the amount of PVA reached 5 %, elongation at break and oxygen barrier properties of crosslinked gelatin films were improved by 76.7 % and 47.9 % compared with pure crosslinked gelatin film. Even when the amount of PVA reached 10 %, UV absorption (at 315 nm) of crosslinked gelatin films still exceeded 98.7 %. The addition of PVA could accelerate the dissolution and swelling of crosslinked gelatin films, promoting the migration and release of active substances (Maillard reaction products (MRPs)). The two antioxidant activities tests (DPPH and ABTS method) achieved the highest radical scavenging rates of 71.6 % and 91.2 %, respectively, with corresponding PVA addition of 5 % and 7.5 %. After continuing to add PVA, antioxidant activities began to significantly decrease, which was directly related to the decrease in the generation of MRPs. Therefore, crosslinked gelatin films reinforced with appropriate amount of PVA can be considerable potential as active films for renewable food packaging applications.

Zearalenone removal using inactivated yeast embedded in porous modified yam starch aerogels and its application in corn silk tea

Zearalenone contaminates food and poses a threat to human health. It is vital to develop cost-effective and environmentally-friendly adsorbents for its removal. By screening Sporobolomyces pararoseus (SZ4) and modified yam starch (adsorption capacity (qe) of 1.33 and 0.94 mg/g, respectively), this study prepared a novel composite aerogel adsorbent (P-YSA@SZ410). The compressive strength of P-YSA@SZ410 was 1.35-fold higher than unloaded yeast. It contained several functional groups and three-dimensional interconnected channels, achieving a 0° contact angle within 0.18 s, thereby demonstrating excellent water-absorbent properties. With a qe of 2.96 mg/g at 308 K, the adsorption process of P-YSA@SZ410 was spontaneous, endothermic, and matched pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. The composite adsorbed zearalenone via electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, maintaining a qe of 2.24 mg/g after five cycles. P-YSA@SZ410 was found to remove zearalenone effectively under various conditions and could be applied to corn silk tea, indicating its great potential as an adsorbent material.

Pyridazine‐Promoted Construction of Vinylene‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks with Exceptional Capability of Stepwise Water Harvesting

AbstractIn this study, we successfully developed two novel vinylene‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) using 2‐connected 3,6‐dimethylpyridazine through Knoevenagel condensation. These COFs featured finely tailored micro‐/nano‐scale pore sizes, high surface areas and stable non‐polar vinylene linkages. Finely resolved powder X‐ray diffraction patterns demonstrated highly crystalline structures with a hexagonal lattice in the AA layer stacking. The resulting one‐dimensional channels possess strong hydrogen‐bond accepting sites arising from the decorated cis‐azo/azine units with two pairs of fully exposed lone pair electrons, endowing the as‐prepared COFs with exceptional water absorption properties. The g‐DZPH‐COF exhibited successive steep water uptake steps starting from low relative pressures (P/PSTA=0.1), with the remarkable water uptake capacity of 0.26 g/g at P/PSTA=0.2 (25 °C), which is the optimal value recorded among the reported COFs. Dynamic vapour sorption measurements revealed the fast kinetics of these COFs, even in the cluster formation process. Water uptake and release cycling tests demonstrated their outstanding hydrolytic stability, durability, and adsorption–desorption retention ability.

Pyridazine-Promoted Construction of Vinylene-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks with Exceptional Capability of Stepwise Water Harvesting.

In this study, we successfully developed two novel vinylene-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) using 2-connected 3,6-dimethylpyridazine through Knoevenagel condensation. These COFs featured finely tailored micro-/nano-scale pore sizes, high surface areas and stable non-polar vinylene linkages. Finely resolved powder X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated highly crystalline structures with a hexagonal lattice in the AA layer stacking. The resulting one-dimensional channels possess strong hydrogen-bond accepting sites arising from the decorated cis-azo/azine units with two pairs of fully exposed lone pair electrons, endowing the as-prepared COFs with exceptional water absorption properties. The g-DZPH-COF exhibited successive steep water uptake steps starting from low relative pressures (P/PSTA=0.1), with the remarkable water uptake capacity of 0.26 g/g at P/PSTA=0.2 (25 °C), which is the optimal value recorded among the reported COFs. Dynamic vapour sorption measurements revealed the fast kinetics of these COFs, even in the cluster formation process. Water uptake and release cycling tests demonstrated their outstanding hydrolytic stability, durability, and adsorption-desorption retention ability.

Development of novel sustainable biocomposite from polycaprolactone and Sesbania rostrata fiber

AbstractAn efficient method to accelerate the use of polymer composites is to focus on their development as environmentally friendly materials that can naturally break down without causing any harm to the ecosystem. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to develop a biocomposite material through the fusion of Sesbania rostrata (SRF) bark fibers and the polycaprolactone (PCL) biopolymer. Various percentages (10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) of untreated and sodium bicarbonate‐treated SRF were incorporated into polycaprolactone to create the biocomposite samples. The composite panels were made using the compressing molding technique. Several tests were performed on the samples, such as mechanical, thermal, water absorption, wear, and morphological tests. Research has demonstrated that the strength of biocomposites composed of 20% chemically treated SRF and PCL is superior to that of other mixed materials. The thermal properties of the biocomposite remained unchanged when untreated fibers were included, but they improved when treated fibers were included. Higher water absorption properties are attributed to an increased fiber volume fraction in the biocomposites, while chemically treated fibers exhibit a notable improvement in water resistance. The wear test results indicate that the weight loss of the biocomposites is mainly influenced by the contact temperature and adhesion between the SRF surface and the PCL matrix. When examining the fractured biocomposites with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it becomes evident that the primary reasons for failure are fiber pull‐out, debonding, and agglomeration.Highlights SR Natural fiber is chemically treated by eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate. The treated SRF‐reinforced composites had best mechanical property. The treated SRF‐reinforced composites showed less water absorption. The composite mechanical and thermal properties had dropdown at 25 wt.% SRF. The addition of SRF reduced the weight loss of composites on wear test.

Structure, Property Optimization, and Adsorption Properties of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide Cross-Linked Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogels under Different Curing Conditions.

In this study, polyacrylic acid hydrogels were prepared by modulating the cross-linking agent mass ratio using UV and heat curing methods. The structures and properties of the hydrogels were characterized and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the hydrogels prepared through UV curing were better than those prepared through heat curing. The maximum mechanical tensile strength of 139 kPa was achieved at a cross-linking agent mass ratio of 3.85% with 20 min of UV curing, and the maximum mechanical compressive strength of 0.16 MPa was achieved at a cross-linking agent mass ratio of 2.91% with 20 min of UV curing. However, the hydrogels prepared by heat curing had a higher tensile strength than those prepared using the heat curing method. In addition, the thermally cured hydrogels had higher water absorption and adsorption properties. Moreover, the PAA hydrogels prepared at cross-linking agent mass ratios of 1.91 and 2.91% with 2 h of the heat curing method had the best swelling properties. Moreover, the increase in the cross-linker mass concentration led to a decrease in the pore size and porosity and to a more compact structure.

Unlocking the Potential of Palm Kernel Shell and Quarry Dust: A Cost-Driven Approach to Replacing Sand and Gravel in Concrete

This research investigates the potential of palm kernel shells (PKS) and quarry dust (QD) as sustainable and cost-effective replacements for sand and gravel in concrete production. The study explores the impact of varying PKS and QD content on workability, density, water absorption, and mechanical properties. While increasing these alternative aggregates decreases workability and density, it improves water absorption and, in some cases, mechanical strength. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) identified a combination of 5% PKS and 20% QD (-1, -1) as the optimal replacement level for achieving a balance between cost and performance. This mix offers a significant cost reduction of 18.2% relative to concrete made with conventional aggregates. The study highlights the potential of PKS and QD as sustainable alternatives for conventional aggregates. Utilizing these readily available waste materials can reduce reliance on natural resources, promote waste management practices, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly construction industry. Additionally, the research suggests that quarry dust alone might be a more suitable replacement material than PKS due to its superior influence on concrete strength. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing concrete mix design with PKS and QD, promoting cost-effective and sustainable construction practices in regions with abundant palm oil production and quarrying activities.

Toughness Evolution of Flax-Fiber-Reinforced Composites under Repeated Salt Fog-Dry Aging Cycles.

This research examined the response of flax-fiber-reinforced composites (FFRCs) to simulated outdoor conditions involving repeated exposure to salt fog and drying. The study investigated the effect of cycles on the toughness of the FFRCs. To achieve this, the composites were exposed to humidity (salt fog) for 10 days, followed by 18 days of drying in cycles. A total of up to 3 cycles, each lasting 4 weeks, were conducted over a 12-week period. Throughout this process, changes in the material's weight, water absorption, and mechanical properties were monitored by water uptake and three-point bending tests. The findings revealed the significant impact of these humid-dry cycles on the mechanical response of the FFRCs. When exposed to humid environments without drying, the composite's toughness increased significantly, due to a weakening effect more pronounced for stiffness, with strength reductions of about 20%. However, subsequent drying partially restored the material's performance. After 18 days of drying, the composite regained most of its initial performance.

Comparison of the Use of Excavated Soil Recycled Fine Aggregate as a Substitute for River Sand in Mortar Mixing

This study comparatively investigated the performance of mortar prepared using excavated soil recycled fine aggregate (ESRFA), which mainly included fine aggregate obtained by sediment separation equipment and sieving. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyse the size and shape of ESRFA particles. The particle size distribution of ESRFA was uneven and its sphericality was lower than that of river sand. Two series of rendering mortar mixes were prepared using identical water/cement and aggregate/cement ratios of 0.55 and 3, respectively, using river sand as fine aggregate. ESRFA was used to replace 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% of the river sand in each mixture. The experimental results showed that the flowability of the mortar prepared with ESRFA was lower than that of the aggregate-based mortar, but the porosity, water absorption, and mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and drying shrinkage) increased and then decreased upon increasing the ESRFA content. In conclusion, ESRFA shows potential as a partial replacement for river sand in mortar, particularly at lower substitution rates. Further research is needed to optimize the processing and application of ESRFA in concrete to enhance its performance and sustainability.

Analysis of the Influence and Mechanism of Diatomaceous Earth Internal Curing on the Autogenous Shrinkage and Early Crack Resistance of Cement-Based Materials with Low Water–Binder Ratio

Diatomaceous earth (DE), a kind of natural and environmentally friendly concrete admixture with good pozzolanic and water absorption properties, is a potential high-quality internal curing material. DE internal curing agent was prepared by calcining excavated diatomaceous earth and applied in cement-based materials with a low water–binder ratio of 0.35 to study its effects on the autogenous shrinkage and early crack resistance of the materials. The results showed that DE was a kind of microfine powder with a unique and orderly microporous structure, and its main component was SiO2, which had good water-holding and -releasing properties. Pre-absorbed DE could effectively improve the internal relative humidity of cement-based materials with a low water–binder ratio. Under the standard of not reducing the 28 d compressive strength of mortar, compared to the benchmark group without DE, when 1% of cement is replaced by DE of equal mass, DE could effectively reduce the 7 d autogenous shrinkage of mortar by about 36.7% and delay the initial cracking time of mortar under the restraint condition of the ring by 10.7%. Therefore, it is an internal curing material with excellent performance.

A novel biological antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/polyionic liquid hydrogel for wound dressing.

The release of antibiotics or anions by traditional bacteriostatic agents led to the development of bacterial drug resistance and environmental pollution. Ionic liquids (ILs) have become important choices for antibacterial agents because of their excellent physical, chemical and biological properties. In this paper, the bioactivities of 1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride ([VBIM]Cl, IL) and poly (1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride) (P[VBIM]Cl, PIL) were evaluated, and the potential antibacterial material was used to synthesize hydrogels. Using the colony formation assay and the Oxford cup method, antibacterial effect of IL and PIL were tested. Cell-Counting-Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments were used to study the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values of IL and showed 1.47mg/mL, 0.35mg/mL and 0.33mg/mL at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The IC50 value of PIL were 12.15μg/mL, 12.06μg/mL and 11.76μg/mL at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The PIL is further crosslinked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form a novel hydrogel through freeze-thaw cycles. The newly fabricated hydrogel exhibited a high water content, excellent water absorption properties and outstanding mechanical performance. Using the colony formation assay and the inhibition zone assay, the hydrogels exhibited favorable antibacterial effects (against E.coli and S.aureus) such that nearly 100% of the bacteria were killed in liquid medium while cultivating with H4 (synthesized by 0.5g PIL and 1g PVA). In addition, the cytotoxicity of PIL was significantly reduced through hydrogen bond crosslinking. H4 showed the highest antibacterial activity and a good biocompatibility. The results indicated that the PVA&PIL hydrogels had great potential for wound dressing.

Development of silane-treated corn husk fiber and agro-waste biofiller-reinforced epoxy composite: effects on wear, mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties

Development of silane-treated corn husk fiber and agro-waste biofiller-reinforced epoxy composite: effects on wear, mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties