X-ray Diffraction Research Articles

Investigation of high-temperature wear behavior of TiN and TiAlN PVD-coated low alloy steel AISI 4140

Purpose AISI 4140 is a versatile, low alloy steel often used in various applications in mechanical systems and manufacturing processes. To mention a few in processes such as friction stir welding tooling and in engine components, temperatures above 700°C coupled with wear. Despite its versatility, it is still susceptible to wear and corrosion. A common method to address this shortcoming is physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating. This study aims to experimentally investigate the wear performance of AISI 4140 PVD coated with titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) at room and elevated temperatures. Design/methodology/approach Two sets of three samples were prepared. Where one sample was uncoated AISI 4140, TiN and TiAlN PVD coated, one set was tested at room temperature and the other set at 780°C for comparison purposes. The average coating thicknesses were measured, and the adhesion properties were assessed using a scratch test. Their tribological wear scars were further characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and confocal microscopy, and the results were furnished in the paper. Findings With the scratch test, the first critical load (Lc) on the TiAlN coating was 15% higher than that of the TiN coating. At room temperature, TiN had the highest coefficient at 0.61, while TiAlN was 0.39. After 1,500 s, samples showed run-in and stability. At elevated temperatures, TiAlN started with the highest friction but stabilized later than TiN and uncoated samples, which stabilized after 200 s due to titanium oxide formation. This was due to the formation of an oxidation layer caused by the thermal environment. Hence, the opposite is observed at room temperature. The findings were supported by the Raman, XRD, SEM EDS and areal topography analysis. Originality/value The results presented in the study are valuable to design engineers and researchers anticipating wear in high temperature applications. Therefore, with these results, reasonable, informed decisions can be made about specific design requirements. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0354/

Methodology for evaluation of lithium-ion black-mass battery recycling

Abstract In response to the growing demand for critical raw materials, the European Commission is actively pursuing strategies to recycle these materials from various sources, including disused batteries. One of the significant challenges in this endeavor is the heterogeneous nature of the materials arriving at recycling plants, necessitating effective process evaluation. In this study, crushed scooter batteries were utilized, and a range of analytical techniques were employed to initially characterize the composition of the raw material and subsequently evaluate previous physical separation processes efficiently, effectively, and economically. The analytical methods utilized included scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), loss of ignition (LOI), and differential scan calorimetry (DSC). In addition, two separation techniques were conducted: froth flotation and sink-and-float tests. The cathode's oxide type was identified through XRD analysis, and statistical methods were applied to all XRF analyses. Furthermore, the other analytical methods facilitated the determination of flux compositions, enabling the assessment of process performance. Regarding the robustness of the presented method, as is well known, performing a complete characterization of a material, including XRD, AAS, XRF, DSC, and SEM, could comprise a relatively high time if it is to identify the efficiency of a process (we estimate in several days, and even weeks). However, by reducing the analytical methods to LOI, XRF, and stream sampling, it is possible to conduct process efficiency evaluation in a few hours. This methodology would give the opportunity to achieve effective verifications in a short time and reduce possible efficiency problems in a treatment plant of this type of material.

Salt Crystallization and Heritage Materials: Improving Durability by Understanding Porosity and Mineral Composition

ABSTRACT The current research examines the role of salt crystallization, a major factor in atmospheric pollution in coastal regions, on the degradation of biocalcarenite stones used in monuments in the Rabat-Salé area of Morocco. Focusing on Bouknadel and Bouskoura stones samples, the study conducted seven cycles of imbibition and desiccation with Na2SO4 and NaCl solutions (70 g/L and 100 g/L) to simulate marine aerosol effects. Additionally, capillary absorption was measured, and mass changes were documented after immersion in distilled water. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to evaluate the chemical, mineralogical, and textural properties of the stones. The findings revealed that Bouknadel stone, despite its higher porosity (38 ± 9%), exhibited greater resistance to salt damage than Bouskoura stone (25 ± 5% porosity). This variation in response is attributed to differences in mineral composition, notably the presence of quartz in Bouknadel stone and sulfur in Bouskoura stone. Bouskoura stones faced significant deterioration, especially with Na2SO4, linked to the crystallization of thenardite. In contrast, Bouknadel stones maintained structural integrity despite halite crystal formation. These results underscore the importance of mineralogical composition and porosity in assessing stone susceptibility to salt degradation, offering critical insights for the conservation of cultural heritage in coastal ecosystems.

Insights into the Morphological Effects of 1D, 2D, and 3D CoV-Layered Double Hydroxides on Their Electrochemical Performance in Supercapacitors.

In this study, bimetallic cobalt-vanadium-based layered double hydroxide (CoV-LDH) systems were developed by varying the Co/V molar ratios (1:1 and 2:1) and hydrothermal temperatures (120 and 180 °C). Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the successful formation of CoV-LDH with a unique structure and lattice distortions, reflecting the influence of both the metal concentrations and temperature on the crystal and chemical structures of the developed bimetallic systems. Similarly, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images revealed a flaky 2D nanosheet-like structure for the bimetallic CoV-LDH with a 1:1 ratio prepared at 120 °C (CVL1-120), whereas one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) morphologies were observed for other bimetallic CoV-LDH systems prepared with a different molar ratio (2:1) and/or temperature (180 °C). Electrochemical analysis performed in a three-electrode setup demonstrated a specific capacitance of 314.4 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density for CVL1-120, which is ∼4.5 and 5.2 times higher than those of monometallic Co and V-LDH, respectively. In addition, CVL1-120 exhibited an excellent capacitance retention of ∼97% over 5000 charge-discharge cycles with 100% Coulombic efficiency at 10 A g-1. Furthermore, the developed asymmetric device delivered an energy density of 36.5 Wh kg-1 and a power density of 1208.2 W kg-1. This enhanced performance of CVL1-120 was attributed to its two-dimensional (2D) flaky structures, with rich intercalated ions serving as electroactive sites, facilitating enhanced charge storage efficiency and improved stability, making it suitable as an electrode material for sustainable supercapacitors.

Physicochemical and structural characterization of novel praseodymium and neodymium-incorporated TiO2 for photocatalytic application

Abstract Novel photocatalytic metal–organic framework (MOF) materials are an exciting research topic. However, the lack of investigating rare-earth doped semiconductor as well as understanding their physicochemical and structural characterization will prevent commercial or industrial applications. To overcome this obstacle, this study investigates the physicochemical and structural characterization of novel applied Titania-based materials synthesized via MOF strategy for photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). The studied materials are TiO2, Pr-doped TiO2 (Pr@TiO2), and Nd-TiO2 (Nd@TiO2) and applied as promising photocatalysts. The synthesized photocatalysts were prepared via metal–organic framework strategy and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). SEM analysis revealed that only Nd resulted in smaller, more uniform particle sizes. XRD patterns confirmed the retention of the anatase phase in the case of Nd-modification, indicating successful lattice distortions. XPS results showed the chemical existence of Pr and Nd, increased oxygen vacancies, and surface hydroxyl groups, essential for enhanced photocatalytic activity. Photodegradation studies demonstrated that both Pr-TiO2 and Nd-TiO2 exhibited better performance compared to TiO2 without Pr or Nd, following pseudo-first-order kinetics. These findings highlight the potential of Pr and Nd modification in the TiO2 photocatalysts for efficient environmental remediation, particularly in the treatment of dye-containing wastewater.

Acentric Order-Disorder Zn3Sb4CO6F6: Crystal Structure, Dye Degradation, Cr(VI) Removal, Antibacterial Activity, and Catalytic C-C Bond Formation.

Acentric Zn3Sb4CO6F6 has been synthesized by a hydrothermal technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that it crystallizes in cubic symmetry with a = 8.1480 (5) Å and Z = 2 (I4̅3 m). The carbon atom has tetrahedral coordination by Sb, either as an ordered structure at the center of the tetrahedron or as a disordered structure with carbon displaced toward three Sb atoms; the latter model leads to more acceptable Sb-C interatomic distances. Zn3Sb4CO6F6 has been established as the first multifunctional [M-L-C-O-F] compound, with exceptional properties, i.e., photocatalyst, adsorbent, catalyst for organic reactions, and antibacterial agent. This compound successfully degraded 89.5% of 50 mg/L methylene blue dye under solar illumination. It was also proved to be a proficient adsorbent toward Cr(VI) removal with qmax of 47.18 mg/g. The antibacterial activity was investigated by "agar cup assay" against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Zn3Sb4CO6F6 also functions as an excellent catalyst for the solvent-free Knoevenagel condensation reaction, with more than 90% yield. Theoretical investigations further proved that Zn3Sb4CO6F6 exhibits a direct band gap energy of 1.76 eV, which is consistent with the experimental findings. The synthesized compound was also characterized through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction study.

Band-Gap Engineering of High-Entropy Fluorite Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Facilitated by Pr3+ Incorporation by Gel Combustion Synthesis

Tailoring the bandgap of a material is necessary for improving its optical properties. Here, the optical bandgap of high-entropy oxide Ce0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2Y0.2Zr0.2O2-δ (HEO) nanoparticles was modified using Pr3+. Various concentrations of Pr3+ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.15) were incorporated into the host high-entropy oxide using a gel combustion synthesis. After the gel combustion step, the powders were heat-treated at various temperatures (650 °C, 800 °C, 950 °C) for 2 h. The obtained Pr3+-incorporated HEO powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The results indicate that, when the samples are calcined at 950 °C, a single-phase cubic fluorite structure is obtained without any phase separation or impurity. The optical absorbance red-shifts to higher wavelengths when the concentration of Pr3+ is increased. This reduces the bandgap of the material from 3.15 eV to 1.87 eV for Pr3+ concentrations of x = 0 (HEO-0) and x = 0.15 (HEO-6), respectively. The obtained HEOs can be suitable candidates for photocatalytic applications due to their absorbance in the visible region.

Investigation and evaluation of the efficiency of palm kernel oil extract for corrosion inhibition of brass artifacts

Abstract Brass (Cu–Zn alloy) used in the crescent of the Al-Maradani Mosque pulpit is subjected to corrosion under certain conditions, such as exposure to polluted air, oxidizing acids, and compounds containing sulphur or ammonia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of palm kernel oil extract (PKO) as a green corrosion inhibitor for protecting brass artifacts. The crescent was analyzed using metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify its alloy composition, microstructure and corrosion products. The analyses confirmed the crescent was made of a brass alloy (Cu–Zn) and formed by hammering, with corrosion layers composed primarily of cuprite and clinoatacamite, covered by dust containing calcite and quartz. The corrosion protection efficiency of the PKO was evaluated using brass coupons, simulating the artifact of the alloy. Electrochemical methods, including the open circuit potential (OCP), Tafel, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were used to assess the performance of palm kernel oil on brass coupons at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7%). Electrochemical tests showed that corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with higher palm kernel oil concentrations, with the 7% concentration exhibiting the highest corrosion protection, up to 99.7%.

Synthesis of MnS thin film: investigation of thickness-dependent physical properties

Abstract Herein, manganese sulfide (MnS) thin films are grown on glass substrates using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. SILAR is simple and inexpensive, does not require a high-quality substrate or vacuum environment, has no limitation on the size of the substrate material, has the ability to obtain materials at room temperature, shows easier doping process relative to other methods, and has the ability to control the growth rate and thickness of films. MnS with different thicknesses is coated on a glass surface, and various analyses are performed to examine the effect of the thickness on the film properties. Ultraviolet–visible analysis is used to examine the optical properties of the film, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometry to examine its structural properties, and scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine its morphological properties. XRD results indicate that the obtained MnS thin films have a cubic structure and achieve the highest peak intensity at 2θ = 32.87°. With increasing film thickness, the grain size increases from 9.20 to 13.36 nm and the energy band gap decreases from 3.32 to 3.02 eV. AFM results demonstrate that with increasing film thickness, the surface roughness value decreases from 84 to 53 nm. Moreover, increasing thickness improves the optical, structural, and morphological properties of the film.

Crystallization Kinetics of Oleogels Prepared with Essential Oils from Thirteen Spices

In this study, corn oil and essential oils from thirteen spices were used as the oil phase, with glyceryl monostearate (GMS) serving as the gelling agent to prepare the oleogels. The effects of varying the concentrations of the gel additives (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) on the texture, oil retention, and rheological properties of the oleogels were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that GMS concentration markedly influenced the structure and properties of the gel. Positive correlations were observed between GMS concentration and the results of texture analysis, oil binding capacity, and microscopic morphology of the oleogels. Analyses via DSC and XRD demonstrated that gel formation was attributable to the crystalline network induced by GMS. Rheological assessments revealed that the oleogels exhibited pseudoplastic behavior and commendable thermal sensitivity.

Pyrochlore NaYbO2: A Potential Quantum Spin Liquid Candidate.

The search for quantum spin liquids (QSL) and chemical doping in such materials to explore superconductivity have continuously attracted intense interest. Here, we report the discovery of a potential QSL candidate, pyrochlore-lattice β-NaYbO2. Colorless and transparent NaYbO2 single crystals, layered α-NaYbO2 (∼250 μm on edge) and octahedral β-NaYbO2 (∼50 μm on edge), were grown for the first time. Synchrotron X-ray single-crystal diffraction unambiguously determined that the newfound β-NaYbO2 belongs to the three-dimensional pyrochlore structure characterized by the R3̅m space group, corroborated by synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction and pair distribution function. Magnetic measurements revealed no long-range magnetic order or spin glass behavior down to 0.4 K with a low boundary spin frustration factor of 17.5, suggesting a potential QSL ground state. Under high magnetic fields, the potential QSL state was broken and spins order. Our findings reveal that NaYbO2 is a fertile playground for studying novel quantum states.

2D surface optical reflectance for use in harsh reactive environments.

In recent years, studies of surfaces at more realistic conditions has advanced significantly, leading to an increased understanding of surface dynamics under reaction conditions. The development has mainly been due to the development of new experimental techniques or new experimental approaches. Techniques such as High Pressure Scanning Tunneling/Force Microscopy, Ambient Pressure x-ray Photo emission Spectroscopy, Surface x-ray Diffraction, Polarization-Modulation InfraRed Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence at semi-realistic conditions has been used to study planar model catalysts or industrial materials under operating conditions. 2D-Surface Optical Reflectance has recently received attention as a useful experimental tool used in gaseous and liquid harsh conditions by providing complementary experimental information on planar model samples as well as being a powerful experimental tool on its own. The simplicity of the approach and the cost of the equipment makes it an attractive alternative and useful tool for surface science studies under reaction conditions. In this topical review, we review some recent studies that have been promoted by the technical development in optical components, image acquisition and computational image analysis.

Diaminotriazinyl-Substituted N-Heterotriangulene: Hydrogen Bonding-Driven Self-Assembly in the Solid State, in the Gas Phase and on Surfaces.

We report the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a dimethylmethylene-bridged N-heterotriangulene (N-HTA) with diaminotriazinyl groups to guide the self-assembly through directional hydrogen bonding. Mass spectrometry collision-induced dissociation experiments indicated the formation of multiply charged clusters in the gas phase. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the solid state packing is governed by an interplay between the hydrogen bonding and the solvent system used for crystallization. The self-assembly on both semiconducting and insulating surfaces upon simple drop-casting was disclosed by atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. The strong hydrogen bonding leads to robust self-assembly on surfaces, which can be conveniently achieved by simple solution processing techniques under ambient conditions.

The total energy from X-ray electron density?

This approach to quantum crystallography ensures the satisfaction of three quantum conditions, namely, idempotency, hermiticity, and normalization of the one-body density matrix, simultaneously as the X-ray diffraction problem is solved to reproduce the observed structure factors. The variational theorem used to optimize energy will only hold true if the density matrices used for such purpose are N-representable. The point of N-representability is to ensure the mapping of a density matrix to an N-body antisymmetric wavefunction. The antisymmetry is consistent with the experimental indistinguishability of fermions.This article develops a procedure for the fast and accurate application of quantum crystallography to large systems while guaranteeing that the results are N-representable. For large molecules, it is advantageous to have the one-body density matrix assembled from sub-matrices of fragments within a scheme known as the kernel energy method (KEM). KEM accounts for up to two-body interactions between all fragments and ignores higher order interactions, an approximation that proved accurate through extensive past numerical testing. Since this approach to quantum crystallography rests on a single-determinant description, an explicit form of the corresponding N-representable two-body density matrix, which is determined by its one-body counterpart, is also given along with its use to calculate the total energy. This approach can be applied to extract conceptual density functional theory properties, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) properties, etc. from experimental structure factors.

Synthesis of FeSiAl/SrFe12O19 soft magnetic composite materials with low magnetic loss

AbstractFeSiAl/SrFe12O19 soft magnetic composite material was prepared by mechanically crushing FeSiAl powder and M‐type permanent magnet hexagonal ferrite powder according to a certain quality. Their structures, morphologies, and magnetic properties were studied using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), SQUID, and B−H analyzers. Compared to organic and other inorganic composite materials, SrFe12O19 has a higher thermal decomposition temperature. The x‐ray diffraction pattern indicates that SrFe12O19 phase was detected in the sample. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) images show that powdered SrFe12O19 is dispersed on the surfaces and gaps of particles of different sizes. The magnetic analysis results indicate that although SrFe12O19 increases the hysteresis loss of the material, its good insulation reduces eddy current loss. When the content of SrFe12O19 is 2 wt.‐%, the magnetic loss is the lowest. The lower magnetic loss and higher thermal decomposition temperature of this composite material make it have a wider range of application prospects.

Superior Flame Retardancy, Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Epoxy Resin Composites Based on Molybdenum Disulfide‐Melamine Trimetaphosphate Crystallite Composites

ABSTRACTTo improve the flame retardancy, mechanical and dielectric properties of epoxy resin (EP), promoting the application in aeronautic industry and other fields, molybdenum disulfide‐melamine trimetaphosphate (MoS2‐MAP) crystallite composites are synthesized. The chemical, crystalline structure and thermal stabilities of MoS2‐MAPs are thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques, respectively. The morphologies of EP/MoS2‐MAP composites are assessed by SEM, thermal stability by TGA, fire retardancy by limiting oxygen index test (LOI), vertical burning standard test (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter tests, mechanical properties by stress strain tests, and dielectric properties by impedance analyzer. Compared with pure EP, the mechanical, dielectrical properties, thermal stabilities and flame retardancy of EP/MoS2‐MAP composites can be significantly improved due to the good dispersibility of MoS2 and MAP in matrix. While, the properties of EP/MoS2‐MAP composites can be further adjusted by controlling the mass raito of MoS2 and MAP in MoS2‐MAP crystallite. EP with 4 wt% of MoS2‐MAP‐50% (P content: 0.30%) shows the lowest dielectric constant and dielectric loss values on the basis of good flame retardancy and mechanical properties. The results show that the MoS2‐MAP crystallite composites can promote the application of EP composites in aeronautical devices, radar detection and other fields.

Tailoring P2/P3‐Intergrowth in Manganese‐Based Layered Transition Metal Oxide Positive Electrodes via Sodium Content for Na‐Ion Batteries

AbstractHigh‐manganese content sodium‐ion positive electrodes have received heightened interest as an alternative to contemporary Li‐ion chemistries due to their high abundance, low toxicity, and even geographical distribution. However, these materials typically suffer from poor capacity, unstable cycling performance, and sluggish Na+ kinetics. Herein, we explore a manganese‐based layered transition metal oxide (NaxN0.25Mn0.75O2) and show by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) that careful variation of the sodium content can instigate the formation of a biphasic intergrowth. This intergrown P2/P3 material offered a higher capacity than its monophasic P2 counterpart due to the P3 structure having greater low‐voltage Mn3+/4+ redox. Further, the intergrowth material offers greatly enhanced kinetics and cycling stability when compared to single‐phase P3 material, due to the stabilizing nature of the P2 structure, elucidated by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. These results highlight the beneficial effect that the intergrowth structure has on the electrochemical performance of high‐manganese content positive electrode for future sodium‐ion batteries.

In Situ Growth of Iron‐Based MOFs on Carboxylated Cotton Fabrics for Removal of Rhodamine B by Photocatalysis

ABSTRACTThere are tremendous potential in utilizing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for enhancing the removal of organic dyes from wastewater. However, the recovery of powdered catalysts poses a significant challenge. In this study, four different iron‐based metal–organic frameworks (Fe‐MOFs) were synthesized by growing them in situ on carboxylated cotton fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to conduct a comprehensive characterization of the Fe‐MOFs. The dye removal rate of Fe‐MOF@Cotton was meticulously determined by comprehensively investigating various factors including the concentration of the dye and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the pH value of the solution, and the temperature. Extensive catalytic degradation experiments were conducted to assess the performance of Fe‐MOF@Cotton. The results vividly demonstrated that Rhodamine B (RhB) was photocatalytically degraded by Fe‐MOF@Cotton with remarkable efficiency in the presence of H2O2. Notably, the four MOF fabric composites were capable of degrading over 97% of RhB with a concentration of 20 mg/L. Moreover, these composites exhibited excellent reusability, strongly indicating their significant potential for application in the dye wastewater treatment industry. This not only highlights the effectiveness of Fe‐MOF@Cotton in dye removal but also offers a promising avenue for addressing the challenges associated with dye‐contaminated wastewater treatment.

Enhancing Cassava Starch Bioplastics with Vismia guianensis Alcoholic Extract: Characterization with Potential Applications

This work investigates the incorporation of Vismia guianensis alcoholic extract (EAVG) into cassava starch, with the aim of improving its bioplastic properties. Cassava starch was dissolved into distilled water and doped with 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% EAVG under a temperature controlled at the gelatinization point (∼70 °C) and then cast to form bioplastics. The resulting samples were characterized via attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and mechanical essays, providing insights into chemical composition, thermal stability, crystallinity, surface morphology, and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that EAVG played an effective role, enhancing the flexibility and stability of the bioplastic with potential use in biomedical applications. Moreover, the results also showed significant improvements in mechanical and thermal properties, suggesting that EAVG is a valuable addition to bioplastics. Therefore, EAVG presents a pathway for advancing bioplastics with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and functional characteristics, with the potential for further advancements in these fields.

Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiurease activities of green-synthesized Zn, Se, and ZnSe nanoparticles against Streptococcus salivarius and Proteus mirabilis.

This study assesses the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiurease properties of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanoparticles (NPs) against clinically pathogenic strains of Streptococcus salivarius and Proteus mirabilis. The Se, Zn, and ZnSe NPs, synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa OG1, were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealing average sizes of approximately 30 ± 10nm, 30 ± 15nm, and 40 ± 10 nm, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine the morphological and topological characteristics of the NPs. The structural and crystal characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Among the evaluated NPs, Zn NPs at a concentration of 200mg/mL exhibited the most substantial growth inhibition zone against S. salivarius. Conversely, the highest antibiofilm activity was observed against P. mirabilis, notably with 200µg/mL Zn NPs. In the context of antiurease activity, both 100μg Zn and ZnSe NPs caused complete urease inhibition (100%) in P. mirabilis within the initial 5h, with notable inhibition rates of 94% and 80%, respectively, observed against S. salivarius. Significantly, in the current landscape of NP research primarily focused on antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, our study stands out due to its pioneering exploration of antiurease activities with these NPs. This distinctive emphasis on antiurease effects contributes original and unique value to our study, offering novel insights into the broader spectrum of NP applications, and paving the way for potential therapeutic advancements.